The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1913-08-08

lanXlous tor the proposition TO be
drought to a vote as quickly as possi-
/ Bile. Aid Reinhardt. after holding a
whispered consultation with Edward
| Fitzgerald mayors secretary. an
nounCed that IL would not be- neces-
sary Ia "cinch" the resolution, 50
/ long as il was passed. There were
murmurs OF approval when the alder
man made this statement. Then
somebody happened 70 think that the
whole compromise agreement might
| be thrown in the air II left over
| until next Tuesday for nnal conhrma-
/ ton. Fitzgerald made dash Tor
/ Reinhardt. whispered again, and the
alderman jumped 10 his feet explain
! ing that what he intended 20 say was
that the council had the power at any
time TO rescind its action on the rental
resolution. The bone came near
losing the day for the mayor
Previous 10 the council meeting the
mayor was visited by delegations
from the street car mems union ana
the Detroit Federation OF Labor and
asked TO have the confirmation OF the
agreement with the ID. L. Il, held up
until some provision could be made
for lettering the hours and wages OF
the men employed on the ears. The
mayor refused TO do this. explaining
that the lower fares would be for the
good or the entire city and that the
street car men could take up their
grievance with the council committee
IL the company was working the men
longer hours than provided in their
franchises. The mayor asked the men
10 stand with him In his effort Ia get
lower fares and municipal ownership,
and said he In turn would help them
the best be could.
What will you do for the men ?"
he was asked by r. l.. Reeves, an OF
fetal of the car mems union.
u do not know" frankly confessed
theNmayor. but If you viii help me
secure municipal ownership. can as
sure you that the wage question will
be properly taken care OF, This
agreement with the street car com
pany is a step toward municipal own
ership."
The delegation of street car men
was headed by William ID. Mahon, in
ternational president, and q member
OF Mayor Marks municipal street rail
way commission.
He presented an appeal TO the
mayor and the council, asking that
no settlement be made with the d.
L. r. until the wage question was
taken up with the company by the
city. The communication was read
to the aldermen in the special meet
ing
The men are no working as long
as Is hours day in defiance OF the
provisions of the companys fran
chises, President Mahon told the
mayor. I'VE feel that our troubles
ought TO be adjusted at the same time
that the fare question is settled. The
men have been vainly trying for two
months 10 secure arbitration Of the
wage question. Their patience is
about worn out. meeting will be
held Saturday night. The men are
in an angry mood. If settlement is
made without regard for the street
car employees. then the men making
ii will be responsible for the results.
The mayor attempted 10 argue with
Mr. NOLAN that the proposed settle
ment would bring municipal owner
ship nearer, and that he had appoint
ed Mr.. Mahon on the street railway
commission 10 look after the interests
of the men.
But this agreement is a continu-
ing one. and | don't know that NUM-
cipal ownership is the only thing that
can take its place" protested Mr..
tn. dr
something now. | don't find anything
in rhe agreement that affects the
street railway commission and mum
cipal ownership. | do not think ii
hastenG the day Remember | am not
opposing the agreement, but ] think
that the men who operate the cars
should be taken care of as we'll as
the general public.
Something must be done for the
+ en---or look out. | am not making
idle threats when | say this. We don't
want q strike II it can possibly be
avoided"
-, suggets that you make your de-
mands 10 the common council IL the
company is violating its franchise
agreement" said the mayor. IF you
stand with me you VIII get munlclpal
ownership and better wage conditions
more quickly than If you fight
But | don't want the men TO have
to hold their breath until they get
municipal ownership insisted Mr.
Mahon. I'VE want the law carried
out no was to hours and wages II
we have to settle the question our
selves, We will settle il in a rough
way and probably Inconvenience the
community " ehave tried every
means to bring about peaceful arbi'
tratinu -