The times and democrat. [volume] (Orangeburg, S.C.) 1881-current, 1909-05-29
CAN'T AGREE
The Firemen's Strike Causes
Great Tension.
TRYING TO SETTLE

biles, Mule Carts and Hand Cars.
All Anxious to End Strike and Lay
Ugly Spectre of Race Conflict.
A dispatch from Atlanta says the
tension in the Georgia railroad fire.
mems strike is increasing with each
hours delay ir settling the race ques-
ton involved. This was the at
titude in which negotiations for ter
minating the strike were conducted
Wednesday in Atlanta. United States
mails held up since the beginning OF
the week, dozen counties facing
decentralization of business, and the
race issue brought continually into
unwholesome prominence were the
factors which spurred the negotia-
tions through hours of discussion.
Although no statements were made
as to the ground covered, it was
learned that very quick settlement
is looked for, provided any agree
ment can be reached.
1t was learned that feeling of
nervousness exists on both sides in
the controversy over the gravity OF
further delay. This was taken to
indicate the possible approach of
an agreement despite report that
Mr.. Scott has practically refused to
consider any basis of settlement that
does not permit recognition of the
seniority of certain negro firemen.
Mr.. Scott, however, has not refused
outright to enter into arbitration.
That Mr.. Scott urged Gov. Smith
to issue law and order proclama-
ton, in the communities bordering
the railroad was reported. Gov.
Smith maintained his previous an
nounced attitude that until there
have appeared some definite danger
that property will be destroyed or
lives Jeopardized no such proclama-
tion should be issued.
Gov. Smith and General Manager
Scott of the Georgia railroad had a
long conference, at which was dis
cussed the feasibility Of submitting
the trouble to board made up Of
men conversant with local conditions
along the railroad United States
Commissioner of Labor Neill called
on Gov Smith.
vi NJ
ferred again and there were several
meetings of the representatives of
the opposing interests.
Various towns in the strike dis
trict took inventory of their visible
supply of food Madison reported at
least Is days of plenty in prospect.
Washington reported shortage in
yeast and prices rising.
At Lithonia Mayor Brand said:
"If supplies should run short and it
becomes necessary | shall simply con-
denim the train load Of perishable
goods now on the siding at Lithonia
and tell the citizens TO help them
selves"
There are II cars of provisions
at Lithonia and ice has been sup
piled to maintain the perishable por-
ton of their contents in good con-
dition.
In addition to the visible supplies,
the towns have their visible means
of transportation, headed by trac-
ton engine travelling nearly mile
and a half per hour, automobiles
with daring drivers and dangerous
roads, mule teams with darkey driV-
ers and cracking whips-altogethe a
| combination which had furnished a
bright side to the strike and many
holiday prank for rural commune"
ties.
This good nature of the country
along the silent railroad was reas-
suring feature during the negotia-
tiOns in Atlanta for one of the Srav-
est aspects of the strike has been
uncompromising sympathy which has
backed it all along the line.
An offer of aid in moving the
mails was sent to Washington by
Vice President Ball, who is conduct
ing the strike, and who wired the
postmaster general as follows:
1T is currently reported that an
effort is being made to charge the
brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen
and Enginemen with responsibility
for interference with the United
States mails on the Georgia rail
road. So far from this being true,
we stand prepared 70 aid you in get
ting the mails through. ! should
be glad to confer with any represen-
tative OF the postottice department
designated by you and to aid you
in accomplishing this result
The hand car which is carrying
mail out of Atlanta went nearly ~
miles to Union Point
Six strikebreakers who left the
employment of the Georgia railroad
Saturday complained to the Atlanta
police commission charging that
they had been brought here by mis-
representations and had been prac-
tically prisoners for several days in
hotel, finally getting into COM
munication with strikers by notes
| dropped from the windows. a detec
| tIvu agency which has had cha rye