The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1910-03-14
Some Strikers in PhiIadelphfs
Return to Work
While Additional Unions Arr
Joining the WalkOut.
THEY HAVE NEW PLAN
Leaders Ask Workmen to With
draw Their Deposits.
Financial Interests Regard This
as a Dangerous Move.

Philadelphia, Pa, March 14.-Inter-
est in the general strike today CEN
tered on the ability of the labor unions
to hold the striking workmen together
and prevent break. as predicted by
employers and the city authorities.
Early reports show that while some
men did return to work after a weeks
idleness. there as no indication of a
general break, but on the other hand,
some unions which had hesitated
about joining the sympathetic strike in
aid of the trolley men cast their lot
today with the strikers.
The calling out by the Central Labor
Union OF all union men employed in
the supplying of milk, bread and other
necessities of life had no serious ef-
feet. Union men declare that the ac-
tion of the Central Labor Union yes
terday did not become generally
known until today and that all union
men engaged in the handling of food
products will eventually obey the strike
order. Large milk dealers and Others
however, assert the strike will not Sc
riously affect the food supply of the
city, as men employed in these lines
of trade are not strongly organized.
The strike declared against the
banks is a new wrinkle in labor war
fare. The new move of the labor
leaders in calling upon all working
men and women not only in this city.
but throughout the country. to with
institutions and thus deprive capital
lists, they say, of one weapon with
which they fight organized labor, is be-
ing watched with great interest.
This action was taken by the Central
Labor Union. which is conducting the
general strike, because the local bank
ing interests are disinclined to inter
fere between the trolley men and the
Philadelphia Rapid Transit company.
A Dangerous Move.
Bankers seen today admitted that
this latest move would be a danger
Gus one if it was to be unanimously
carried out, but they do not believe
that the unions will succeed in caus-
ing a very general withdrawal of de-
posits, No apprehension is felt in
banking circles because the greater
amount of workfngmen's deposits are
in saving fund institutions, which re-
quire at least two weeks notice of
withdrawal of money
The declaration of Central Labor
union leaders of intention to use every
weapon to win the present fight may
involve many unions with their en-
ployers. When the general strike was
ordered the unions as a rule were at
peace with their employers, but the
action of the central body in calling
or not to seize the present opportunity
to demand higher wages or better
working conditions may bring about
an extended labor struggle in other in
dustries. Several large industrial
establishments scentirg trouble have
made concessions to their employees and
have thus prevented strikes on specific
grievances. Whether the unions will
follow UP the action of the central
body can not at this time be predicted.
The printers, musicians and several
other unions that decided not to join
the strike last week, it is believed, will
hot f-f- wA<. -
obey the orders of the Central Labor
union.
The Philadelphia Rapid Transit
company operated almost its regular
the company said tnev have $500 men
available to run the cars and that ad-
ditions to their force of experienced
motormen and conductors are arriving
daily from other sections of the coun-
try. The cars are being more general
ly patronized than at any time since
the strike was declared.
There Was No Stampede.
The Rapid Transit company an
nounced today that it had employed
company declares it now has 5000
conductors and motormen at work and
needs 1000 more to bring its service
up to the standard.
Early reports that there was no
stampede to return to work were con-
flrmed later III the day and strike lead
ers declared themselves as pleased
with the conduct of the men out. The
of working people of all classes
idle because of the strike is still a
matter of dispute. The city authorities
have not given out any statistics since
those issued by Director of Public
Safety Clay. indicating that only 10000
men and women struck. Neither have
the labor leaders revised their figures
of $4,000. About 200 men out of the
8 900 on strike at the Baldwin Loco
motive works returned to work today.
The Baldwin strikers held a meeting
this morning at Labor Lyceum hall
and formed a union with temporary
officers. A permanent organization will
be effected later.
The union leaders say a delegation
of the men called upon superintendent
Vaclain of the Baldwin plant today
and asked permission to unionize the
works. The union leaders state that
if this permission is granted all the
strikers will return to work. The Su-
perintendent has not given his answer.
The committee of ten of the general
strike movement announced there
would be no sudden withdrawal of
union funds from the financial institu-
tions. The deposits. it was further
stated, would be gradually withdrawn.
Commenting on the strikers move to
withdraw funds from the banks, a high
official of the clearing house said: ''It
is all buncombe and won't cause a
ripple