Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1911-06-01
RAILWAY MEN DECLARE
STRIKE IS IMPROBABLE
Engineer Deny That They
Contemplate Sympathe-
tic Strike. Negotiations
With Firemen Still
Underway.

notwithstanding the mauy reports
sent from Washington TO the effect that
a colossal strife is imminent on the
Southern Railway, conditions III and
around the depot in this city sho@ no
change from the normal, Railroad
men interviewed today say that . st,ike
is improbable and that the negotia-
tions nov il progress among the otsiz
Gals Of the road and representatives cf
the fremen's union will result in an
amicable settlement The iremen NAV
not get all they are contending for, but
that the company will grant concessions
which will be generally approved rs be.
lieved.
The engineers deny emphaticaIly
that they contemplate sympathetic
strike. those who would talk saying that
thu company would grant the increase
asked by them. 1t was moreover
stated by representative engineers that
they have invariably found the present
management OF the road ready to meet
reasonable requests made by them, and
that the best relations exist between the
officials aud the men.
The statement sent out from Wash
ington that the railway company is
fitting up bunk cars for strikebreake~s
Is denied by railway employees. They
say these cars are for floating employees
who are engaged in double-tracking
and other Improvements TO the road.
The reports from Washington this
morning we're alarming and were to
the effect that 5000 men would walk
out before six O'Clock this evening.
1t vas said that the company has all
but refused to grant its fremen the 20
per cent increase in wages they ask.for,
Such a refusal is expected today. Fire
men on the affiliated lines have de-
clared their willingness to strike with
the Southern men.
Vice President II. 0. Teat, of the
Brotherhood OF Firemen, in charge OF
the controversy for the trainman, Is
ready to call tie strike. He declares
the men are firm in their stand for 90
per cent iDCTtdSS.
I'VE have advices that the Southern
is building bunk cars at Alexandria
Va, Knoxville, Tenn. and Spencer,
n. c., with which it intends to ac
commodste strikebreakers," said Mr.
.Isa7 !asI night 4 deem This is
breech OF Iaith. The company haS
not lived up TO the rules Of meditation
We have acted fairly in the matter.
Mr. Teat also charges that the rail
road officials have already discharged
several tiremen at Alexandria who
were employed about month ago be-
cause they have expressed sympathy
with the Brotherhood in their demaud
for al increase Of 20 per cent in wages.
He said when asked ifthey would strike
with the other fremen they replied III
the affirmative, whereupon they were
told their services we're no longer re-
quircd.
The trackInen and trainmen have re-
celyed 10 per cent raise, and it is eX
pected the engineers controversy will
he amicably settled.
Officials Of the Southern decline 70
make a statement President Finley
when asked regarding the box-cars at
Alexandria and other points, refused
10 discuss the matter
Washington, d. c., June Gov
ernment Mediators Knapp and NelIl
are confident today that the strike of
the tiremen OF the Southern Railroad
has been averted Following confer
ences extending through three days.
under the Erdruan act. it wa> today re-
ported that the differences between the
railroad and It's employees would prob
ably be compromised h. the road agree
ing TO cbauge some OF IfS rules. and
giving the man 10 per cent increase in
salary The firemen originally de-
manded revision OF all the rules, and
a 20 per cent increase.