Evening journal. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1888-1932, 1916-09-22
WILL USE MILITIA
TO Crush Street
CAR STRIKE RIOTS
New York'S Trouble at
Critical Stage as General
Walk Out Threatens
Leaders SAY unions
Will NOT SURRENDER

labor troubles reached their most
critical stage today. Before night
fall there will be a break either one
way or the other. Facing the warn
ing OF Mayor Mitchell, that he will
call out the militia in the event Of
general strike in sympathy with
the striking street railway men.
labor leaders went in session TO
finally consider whether 100000 or
ganized workers shall be called Que.
Undaunted by the warning OF the
Mayor. Hugh Frayne. national or
ganizer OF the American Federation
OF Labor, said today:
Trade unionists will not sur
render their rights TO organize In
this city"
This was Fiayne's parting shot as
he went into the conference which
which will decide whether a general
strike Will be called
I'VE have made no threats OF dis
order" Frayne said. "and we can
not be held responsible for disorder.
We have advised against it and shall
so continue 30 advise"
Characterizlng a sympathetic strike
as grossly violative OF the laws,
Mayor Mitchell has warned the labor
leaders that he will use all Of the
military and civil power vested in
the Mayor" to cope with such sit
uation.
Backed by Samuel Gompers, presi-
dent OF the American Federation OF
Labor, labor leaders stoutly maintain
ed that they will stick by their fight
for the right 20 organize and claim
that the struggle is on trade unionisnl
and Is vital to the welfare OF all or
gsnized labor.
Gompers, In conference with Mayor
Mitchell, gave unmistakable evidence
that he viii support the local leaders
in whatever action they deStde TO FOL
low.
While the consideration OF a general
strike was under way II was learned
that fIany labor leaders suggested
general boycott on street railways as
a more effective weapon. The plan OF
these leaders Is 10 order all union men
to stay away from their work until
"prope- transportation" is provided
They maintain that this will be more
peaceful and effective method Of set-
Ting the difficulties than general
strike.
The State Industrial Commission
has entered the fight and exercising
its legal rights has issued subpoenas
for the traction officials and strike
leaders to appear before 1t on Monday
The bureau OF mediation of the In
dustrial Commission will argue the
adoption of a compromise and Will use
its powers to the fullest extent TO en-
force the compromise which prvides
for the immediate calling off OF the
strike by the labor leaders, the re-em-
ployment of strikers by traction lines
the reduction OF the time OF operation
of the Interborough's individual con-
tracts from two years 10 one year.
Meanwhile normal operation OF
subway and elevated lines has been
maintained.
Ten persons we're seriously Injured
today when a taxicah in which they
we're being carried 10 work collided
with a coal truck on Avenue A and
Twentieth street and was demolished.
This accident increased the number
Of injured in smash-ups resulting
from the strike 70 nearly 100. Four
persons have been killed. and, with
plans for general sympathetic
strike hanging in the balance. an even
greater toll is threatened.
The ten occupants of the taXi-cab
were packed into the machine owing
to { suspension of operation of sur.
face cars The car was travelling at a
khigh rate of speed and three of the
passengers were hurled under the
truck when the crash came. They are
in a critical condition. Philip Colener,
the chauffeur. was arrested. charged
with exceeding the speed limit. Should
any of the victims die, charge OF
manslaughtcr may be placed against
him
The New York Railways Company
announced il will attempt to run full
service tonight, despite threats Of q
general strike.