The Salt Lake tribune. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1890-current, 1909-12-01
SWITCHMEN STRIKE
IN THE NORTHWEST
Continued from Page One.

the switchmen of thirteen Of the
northwest railroads to cease work at s
p. m, November 30, In the event that
their full demands had not been con-
ceded
"This violation of good faith so en-
barrassed the negotiations that sue
cessful mediation became impossible
and led to the demand by Mcssrs
Knapp and NELL. addressed 10 both the
managers committee and the switch
men, that the controversy be submitted
to arbitration under the terms of the
Erdman act. To this proposal the man
ayers committee gave its willing CON
sent, but the switchmen absolutely de-
clined it.
"The managers committee believes
that the public interest should not suf-
fer because of the disagreement where
proper method to settle the differ
ences is offered through the decision
of disinterested third party under
the terms of federal law
The Switchmen's s Side.
Speaking for the switchmen tonight,
President Hawley said:
1--WE have had no further communica-
lion from the railroad officials. The
switchmcn have been fair In their re-
quests.
I'VE want an advance of cents an
hour in pay and the elimination of over
bic. and the request for double pay for
overtime is In the nature OF a penalty
more than anything else, as we want TO
discourage overtime, Sunday and holi
day work
we also ask for modification of the
physical requirements and age-umit rules.
Examinations for employment on rail-
roads now arc as rigid as those required
Tor service in the regular army.
Ready for Battle.
have ftY1.
men were so thoroughly organized and
ready for concerted action as In the pres
ent instance. This strike will result In
the most complete tie-up of railroad traf-
iic In the territory affected that has ever
been known, NOT even excepting the great
strike OF 1894. From now on not switch
engine will move in the territory be-
tween the head of the lakes and the Pa
cihc coast,
THE switchmen greatly regret the
action that they have been forced 10 take.
We did not wish strike and used every
reasonable means 10 avoid one And 1
am quite positive that II We had 10 deal
only with the officials OF the northwest
ern railroads Instead OF with the general
amicable agreement. We realize the in
convenience which strike at this time
VIII wi cause to the public. but the respon-
as they only asked for that which was
justly theirs "
After the strike had been inaugurated.
fIeeidenl i1h"lSy gave out this state
meDt:
No Violence Likely.
eve have advised every member that
from the moment the strike began he
must Keep away from the companies
property obey the law. commit no act
OF violence nor do anything that Will
reflect diScredt upon himself or upon
the conduct OF the strike.
we also Insist upon the strikers strict
~ apstainlng from any IntoXicants: and
while this, In a great sense may seem
unnecessary. owing TO the remarkable
degree OF sobriety observed By members
OF The switchmens union, yet we feel that
IL * their duty to have clear heads at
such time
General Tie-Up.
Early reports received by switcbmen
indicate that all the men have walked
out. and that there has been n general
ueup OF traffic In all the Yards heard
from In st. Paul and Minneapolis the
men are all out. and reports from Brain
erd and Fargo are that all switchmen
there struck.
=, George. II. Slade. general manager of
the Northern Pacific. said tonight he had
only meager reports OF effects of the
strike He said local traffic had been
delayed but that railroads have a scheme
py which they hope 10 facilitate handling
traffic. Just enough switching has been
done in the Twin Cities yards To keep
passenger trains moving. This switching
has been done mostly by train crews.
Conflicting Statements.
Conflicting statements were issued to-
mittcc OF the railways and by officers
OF the Switchmcns Union OF North Amer
lea. as 10 the effect Of the strike ordrr
President HuwlcY oil the Switehrncn's