The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1909-06-03
BACK TO WORK.
Agreement Reached in Fireman's
Strike on Georgia Railroad.

ARISSucuG kSckaCuCN III IACAAoA .
Strike on Georgia Railroad.
The strike of the firemen on the
Georgia railroad was officially de-
clared off at 2 p. m. Saturday. An
hour and a half later the first train
alter the resumption of service was
sent out of Augusta with negro
fireman in the cab.
The terms of the settlement were
not officially given out, but it was
learned that they are substantialIy
as follows:
The men to return to work under
conditions existing at the time the
strike began, until final adjustment
is made.
All negro firemen at the terminal
station will be dispensed with. ..
All discharged brotherhood fire.
men will be reinstated.
Three other points are yet to be
decided, as follow
First, whether negro firemen shall
be eliminated from the road.
Second, if not eliminated, what
percentage of negroes there shall
be.
Seniority of negro firemen over
white firemen.
These other questions are to be
discussed and if they are not ad-
justed are to be settled by arbitra-
tion under the Eardman act.
The exact terms of the settle
ment have not been disclosed, but
the statement is made that the con-
ditions are eminently satisfactory to
both sides. The settlement was an
nounced in a statement by Martin
A. Knapp, chairman of the inter-
state commerce commission, and
Charles P. Neill, United States labor
commissioner. 1t said:
"An amicable adjustment of the
differences between the Georgia
railroad and its employees who have
been on strike has been reached on
a basis eminently satisfactory to
both sides. The strike has been
called of and complete train service
is to be resumed Immediately.
This statement was the result Of
la conference between Chairman
Knapp, Commissioner Neill, General
Manager Scott, of the Georgia rail-
road, and Vice President Ball, of the
firemen's organization. The confer
ence lasted from II a. m. until 2 p.
m. and every point of issue between
the railroad and it's employees was
carefully discussed.
Commissioner Neill said that both
sides made concessions. He added
further that ne did not believe a
complete statement would be made
before next week. 1t is generally un-
derstood that the railroad agrees to
recognize the seniority of white
firemen and that the employment of
negro firemen who have been with
the road many years will be continu-
ed. After they are retired no other
blacks will be permitted to fire.
Had there not been a settlement
of the strike Saturday afternoon it
can be stated that federal interfer-
ence was imminent. 1t is stated that
both sides were notified that some
adjustment must be reached by s
O'Clock Saturday or the federal
courts would take cognizance of the
situation. This propably would
have meant injunctions, which in the
present temper of the residents of
the strike district almost certainly
meant resistance and possible viola
tions of the Injunction and speedily
thereafter the arrival of United
States troops.
The strike commenced May II and
lasted 13 days. 1t was caused by
the attempt of the company to put
negro firemen on the best runs in
the place of white firemen, who
were given inferior runs or made
substitutes. The men presented an
agreement to General Manager
Scott, demanding that he recognize
the seniority of white firemen over
blacks and thus practically do away
with the negroes in the cabs. Scott
refused, claiming that he had no au-
thority to sign such an agreement.
The men looked in vain for some
official who had authority, and fail
ing to find one, struck. General Man.
ager Scott retaliated by practically
annuling all trains and thus tying
up traffic. After few days the sit
uation became grave in some COM
munities. Food supplies ran low
and no new stocks could be secured.
The necessities of life were hauled
in wagons and automobiles. No mails
were sent or received.