Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1912-10-04
CITIZENS APPEAL TO
RAIL ROAD BOARD
TO SETTLE STRIKE
But Chairman Gambler Replies
That Commission Is Without
Jurisdiction to Interfere I'm
der the Law

der the Law
Developments Thursday in the strike
Of the Georgia railway conductors ard
trainmen show tendency on the part of z
both sides to arbitrate; an earnest ap-
peal from non-partisans residing on the
road for the state's interference. ana the
determination of the railroad to operate
its trains with strikebreakers until set
Element can be reached.
The railroad Thursday sent out pas
senger trains from both Augusta and At
lanta The trains were operated by
strikebreakers, and there was no indi-
cation that they would be interfered
with. There was a display of friendllness
between strikers and strikebreakers that
indicated a number Of the latter had
gone over to the union side.
Georgia train No /, which left Au-
gusta at 1:5O o'clock Thursday morning,
arrived in Atlanta at 1:5O. on schedule
Train officials reported that the train had
come through without interference or
mishap. 1t brought about dozen pas
sengers, including several ladies.
1t is announced that No. Is, due to
leave Atlanta at s:25. will leave on
schedule, but no attempt will be made
to operate No. q. due to leave at l2:le
Thursday night.
A large crowd of strikers and curious
people were at the depot when No.
came in. and the whitehall street viaduct
was crowded. There was no demonstra-
ton
Citizens of Sparta, one of the towns iso-
lated by the strike. appealed to the rail-
road commission to interfere. declaring
that should the strike be prolonged it s
would entail great losses in their BUSH
ness. However. Chairman Gambler ruled
that the commission had no Jurisdiction
in the matter.
The developments indicating an early
settlement were responses from both
sides to Commissioner Of Labor H NJ.
stanIey's offer of his services. both
sides expressing thanks for his offer 10
help them toward an agreement.
APPEAL FROM SPARTANS
Both the mayor of Sparta. on the part
OF the city. and John /. D. Walker, a
banker of that city. appealed to the
railroad commission to interfere in the
strike.
Mayor G. W. Rivers telegraphed: Our
people hope something can be done by
you Immediately. Force Georgia rail-
road to give US freight service so that
cotton can be moved, otherwise great
loss will follow. Business conditions
warrant our asking you to give this
matter vigorous attention.
Mr.. Walker declared that an extended
strike would mean the loss of thousands
Of dollars and urged an immediate in
reference.
However, after a conference with Judge
Hines and thorough examination Of the
law. the opinion of Chairman C. NJ.
Gambler was that the commission has no
jurisdiction in the matter.
WITHOUT JURISDICTION.
Chairman Gamblers letter to the mayor
and Mr.. Walker stated:
Atlanta, Oct p. 1912
After a conference with Judge
a
somewhat careful examination into the
law. our tentative opinion that we were
without jurisdiction and power in the
matter has been strengthened and con-
flrmed. OF course, in a case like this
where there is entire or partial sus-
pension of service we could issue a
rule nisi against the Georgia railroad
calling upon it to show cause why ii is
not performing its duties as a common
carrier. And it is just as true that it
would answer that its expert help with
hich it has been carrying on its busi--
ness had WITHDRAW from its service
that they ere doing their utmost to re-
place these men with other expert en-
ployes, and would resume service as
soon as this could be done. / presume
that 1t may be taken that this could be
truthful answer, and upon that as
sumption 1 do not see what we could
| then do but dismiss the rule without
the accomplishment of anything at all
The commission has no power or au-
thortty under the law of its creation to
investigate or inquire as to the cause
of the strike or to render any judg-
ment OF opinion thereon, and therefore
1 regret that we have been unable to
see how We can at this time be instrD-
mental in a resumption of service"
OFFERS APPRECIATED.
kilograms from officials of both
sides to Commissioner of Labor Stan
ley, in response to his offer of serv-
ices, indicate that the Intervention Of
the commissioner would be welcomed
T. a. Gresg, vice president of the Co.
BY all parties.
der of Railway Conductors, and James
Murdoch, vice president of the Broth
erhood of Railway Trainmen, replied
to Commissioner Stanley as follows:
Your telegram received. We are
just in receipt of advice from United
States Commissioner of Labor Charles
2. Neill to the effect that the situa-
tion in Washington il such that neith-
er Judge Knapp or himself can Leave
there at present, but that it is barely
possible that he, Mr. Neill, may be III
Augusta Friday morning. We. of
course. appreciate fully the offer of
your friendly services and will be glad
should you decide to come to Augusta
TO meet you and give any information
possible relative to the employees con
tentions in this situation"
Superintendent Brand, of the Georgia
railroad, said:
0orho44 lhIilI Cot MILL