The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-03-18
WOLFE Is OBSTACLE,
STRIKE CRISIS NEAR
Refuses to Reinstate Men
and Settle Strife.
ONE POINT ONLY AT ISSUE
Statewide Strike VIII Come IL He
Maintains Attitude Against I73
Men Dismissed for s1ntOxieasiOn,
Knocking Down Fares, and for
Good of the Service"

Philadelphia. March 1T.-Settlement OF
the car strike and the return to work of
the union men who struck In sympathy
with the car men turns upon the condi-
ton OF the reinstatement, without preju-
dice. OF the 173 motormen and conductors
who were discharged by the Rapid Tran
sit Company for "intoXicauOn. knocking
down fares. and the good OF the service, I"
with the further guarantee OF the com
pany that these men viii be given hear
ing individually and that causes VIII be
produced in each case.
This condition betokens an agreement
to-day between the company and its men,
Vice President Wolfe, OF the p. r. T.,
who represents a majority Of the board
Of directors. refused to grant the terms
offered by Clarence o. Pratt, leader OF
the strikers. Mr. Wolfe maintains firmly
that the company shall not be challenged
in the right to hire or discharge work
men. Pratt contends that the right to
hire or discharge is not attacked, but
that the companys abuse of the right is
the point at issue.
Appeals 10 Wolfe ineffective.
There were conferences this afternoon
and this evening. At times the settlement
seemed certain But Mr.. Wolfe remained
unmoved by appeals, and insisted that
the company could not suultify itself by
re-employing the 173. Pratt. having been
Informed by z. E Greenwalt. president Of
the State Federation of Labor. that
Statewide strike would be expected for
Monday. March q, in case the company
remains obdurate, pressed his demand
with confidence. No other issue remained
between the company and the men. but
the one mentioned could not be settled.
AS soon as Greenwalt was told that
agreement seemed unlikely ne teleRraphed
orders TO all unions affiliated with the
Federation Of Labor to 90 on strike on
Monday next The order advances the
State sympathetic strike four days. The
call originally named March -
The situation tonight is briefly that
unless 8Ir. Wolfe is moved by strong in
fuenees he viii stick to his colors and
the Statewide strike will come.
Brings Message from PenrOse.
State Senator MeNichol returned to
Philadelphia to-day. after talking things
over in Washington with Senator Pen
rose. Mr.. McNichol brought a message
from Senator PenrOse, but the word was
kept secret. There is a story that a spe-
cial session OF the Pennsylvania legisla-
ture is 20 be called by Gov Stewart, In
case the ?. r T. and the men do not
come together In the next day or two for
the purpose Of enacung a compulsory
arbitration law. There is no doubt that
the leaders OF the Republican party are
much exercised over the unpleasant pos
sibilities of strike that would cover the
entire State.
There will be more conferences to-mor-
row between representatives of the car
men and those who are now acting for
the Rapid Transit Company. One Of the
suggestions for mediation that is now
proposed is that Pratt, for the carmen,
agree to the elimination of all motormen
and conductors against whom intoxication
or dishonesty can be proved and that the
company, through Mr.. Wolfe, agree to
take back such men as were discharged
for the good Of the service" That
phrase, the union men say. covers car
men who had been TOO active IN union
affairs TO suit the company.