The San Francisco call., 1910-03-04
Philadelphia Councils Behind
: Closed Doors Decide to
Keep Hands Off
Under Statute of 1893 Either
FL Side May Demand Board
&. 3. of Arbitration
Union Asks Company TO Join in
Request for a Board of
Arbitration

nHILADELPHIA, March 3.-The
first step toward settling the diff
ferences between the striking
streetcsr men and the Philadelphia
rapid transit company under the au-
thority OF the courts. and thus pre-
venting the impenoing sympathetic
strike, was taken tonight by the car
men
An attorney representing the ANAL
gamated association OF street and cleo
trio railway employees wrote TO Pres
ident Krueger Of the Philadelphia rapid
transit company. asking that he join
in application to the courts under the
act of 1898 for the appointment Of 8
board OF arbitration to decide between
the strikers and the transit company.
A reply is requested before noon to-
morrow.
Before the receipt OF the communi-
cation President Kruger was shown q
cupy Of the law by representatives of
the united businessmen's assoeia tion.
who asked him il the officials of the
company would abide by it. He re:
piled: Certainly the company will sub
nit 10 law"
Provides Arbitration
The act provides for board OF ar
bitration Of nine persons. three OF
whom chosen by each side and three
by the court. While a penalty is pro-
vided for the punishment OF any one
that refuses 10 testify before II, no dis
tinct method is set forth for the en-
forcement OF its decree.
President Kruger would not say
whether he intended TO make a reply
TO the request OF the carmen.
During a riot at Richmond and Bris-
tol streets tonight two cars on the
Bridgesburg side were badly dana ged
by bricks and stones thrown by the
mob. Squads Of police finally dispersed
the rioters.
The carpenters and 5oiners' union,
with membership of 5000. voted to-
night TO strike tomorrow at midnight
if the street car men have not reached
a settlement at that time.
Crowd Denied Admission
PHILADELPHIA. March 3.-For the
drst time in FIVE years the citizens Of
PhiIadelphia were excluded from the
sessions OF the select and common
councils this afternoon. A vast crowd
had gathered on the floor of the city
hsn. but policemen kept all except the
counoilmen, reporters and a few privi-
leged persons outside the gallery that
leads 10 the council chambers.
The strike was practica IIy ignored
by both bodies. A message from Nay
or Reyburn reviewed the situation
briefly and stated his policy of non
Interference in these words
1t is not the city's duty, nor yours
nor mine. to interfere between the
Philadelphia rapid transit company and
its employees. The courts Of law are
available for the redress Of any real
grievance which either may have. No
reason exists. nor can exist. in proper
cases. why they and all other disput-
ants should not submit their differences
70 the courts or adjust their disputes
between themselves.
Should Not Interfere
1T is Of the utmost Importance, how
ever, for the good name of our city
and for the safety of its citizens. that
10 step should be taken by your hon
orsbie bodies or by any others which
would undo or in any way or manner
interfere with that which has already
been done or lead any person 10 be-
lieve that he can, by the aid Of the
machinery of the executive or legis-
lstive branches Of the municipal GOV
eminent, enforce any demand not cog
nizsble in the courts or voluntarily ad
Unstable between the parties.
Amy attempt, however honest it may
be. which tends to draw away from the
parties themselves or from the judi
ciary. the determination. of disputes
which under the constitution and laws
of the commonwealth are entrusted to
them. necessarily weakens and impa irs
our form OF government. and in the
present case could but tend to proIong
the agitation ! confidently believe BY
the continuance Of present peaceful
conditions that full service by the com
psny viii soon be restored. In bring
ing about peace and good order I rely
on the cooperation and aid Of the
councils and the support of all law
abiding citizens"
in Accord With Mayor
That the councils were in entire ac-
cord with the views of the mayor was
made evident by the absence of action
or discussion on the crisis Several
petitions from businessmen's associa-
fions and from trade organizations
bearing on the strike were heard with
out comment. resolution from the
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