The times and democrat. [volume] (Orangeburg, S.C.) 1881-current, 1909-06-01
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An Agreement Reached in Fire
mans Strike on
GEORGIA RAILROAD

Temporary Agreement Reached FOL
lowing Conference Between Gen
eral Manager Scott, Fireman Ball
and the United States Govern.
ment's Agents-Trains Running.
The strike of the firemen on the
Georgia railroad was officially de-
clared off at p. m. Saturday. An
hour and a half later the first train
after the resumption of service was
sent out of Augusta with a negro
fireman in the cab.
The terms of the settlement were
not officially given out, but it was
learned that they are substantially
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 follows:
First, whether negro firemen shall
be eliminated from the road.
Second, if not eliminated, what
percentage of negroes there shall
be.
Seniority of negro fremen 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 condi-
tions are eminently satisfactory to
both sides. The settlement was an
nounced in statement by Martin A.
! Knapp, chairman of the interstate
commerce commission, and Charles
P. Neill, United States labor COM
missioner. 1t said:
can amicable adjustment of the
differences between the Georgia rail
road and it's employees who have been
on strike has been reached on basis
eminently satisfactory to both sides.
The strike has been called off and
complete train service is to be re-
sumed Immediately"
This statement was the result of
conference between Chairman
Knapp, Commissioner Neill, General
Manager Scott OF the Georgia rail
road, 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 be-
tween the railroad and its employees
was carefully discussed.
Commissioner Neill said that both
sides made concessions. He added
further that he did not believe a
complete statement would be made
before next week. 1t is generally
understood 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 contin-
ued. After they are retired no other
blacks will be permitted to fire.
Had there not been a settlement
of the strike Saturday afternoon ii
can be stated that federal interfer-
ence was imminent. 1t is stated that
both sides were notified that some
adjustment must be reached by G
o'clock Saturday or the federal
courts would take cognizance Of the
situation. This probably would have
meant injunctions, which in the pres
ent temper of the residents of the
strike district almost certainly meant
resistance and possible violations OF
the injunction and speedily thereaf-
ter the arrival of United States
troops.
The strike commenced May II and
lasted 13 days. 1t was caused b!
the attempt of the company to put
negro firemen on the best runs ir
the place of white fremen, who were
given inferior runs or made sub
stitutes. The men presented al
agreement to General Manager
Scott, demanding that he recognize
the seniority Of white tiremen over
blacks and thus practically do away
with the negroes in the cabs. Scot
refsued, claiming that he had nc
authority to sign such an agreement
The men looked in vain for some
official who had authority, and fail
ing to find one, struck. Genera
Manager Scott retaliated by prac
tically annuling all trains and thu!
tying up traffic. After a few day:
the situation became grave in some
communities. Food supplies ran low
and no new stocks could be secured
The necessities of life were hauled
in wagons and automobiles. No mail
were sent or received.