New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-09-07

street, however. where a score Of uni
formed patrolmen and detectives were
stationed
The next three speakers raised the
enthusiasm OF the motormen and con-
ductors 20 fever pitch. George Mitch
ell a member II the committee, told
the men they were facing a crisis that
they never faced before and that the
showdown was coming within two
hours His words Of condemnation for
the action Of the company's officials
and ms exhortation that the union men
hang together like grim death" were
greeted with q storm OF applause.
So great was the enthusiasm OF the
men that u became necessary 20 open
d hall on the floor below 20 accommo-
date the overflow crowd. The speakers
alternsted between the two meetings.
Shea Assails Hedley.
?. J. Shea. one Of the unions gen
eral organizers, stirred the meeting 20
a further fury OF resentment against
the company by telling them that II he
were one Of them Mr. Hedley would
not be handing me one OF MS indi-
vidual contracts tomorrow. but would
be offering It 20 the scum OF the earth,
the strikebreakers.
Nike Stafford, mOtorman on the
Twenty-third Street line, told his
brother unionists that he believed He'd
lev and Shonts we're trying 10 sweep
the union of the earth. He then called
upon the audience ITO chase those two
men out Of town
When Stafford concluded pandemo-
mum reigned. Soon police Lieutenant
shouldered his way into the hall and
called COnway's attention 20 the fact
that at least one hundred men were
perched on the IRE escapes outside
the windows IN violation Of city ordl-
nsnces.
While the men were being driven
from the FIRE escapes the audience
learned the story OF d motorman who
had received a $40 bonus from the
company. had promptly turned IL into
the union treasury and had been
handed back the blood money" as soon
as the union officials discovered is
source.
Walking 70 the front Of the stage,
with big black cigar IN ms mouth,
threw of his coat when he
began ms short TRADE against the New
York Railways Company, which so
quickly resulted in a strike call.
1--WE Just left the elevated and sub
way men. and q strike has been de
clSred.' ne said, amid cheers. Il want
to place myself and my position before
you men fairly. Since the settlement
Of the last trouble the spirit Of the
union has been one Of good faith. but
Of Hedlev and Shonts Il mas not been.
uavu proLap Aoraeranf
Why. since the very day they made
that settlement. u has not been lived
I'D 10. They have done nothing but try
TO prevent the progress Of the Anal
Association men. ! am speak
.ng now more with my heart than with
my mind. I want 20 leave u 70 you.
" hstever action you take here tonight,
you have my hearty approval, coopera-
ton and support. Let US review what
the company has not done in keeping
faith with US.
"Hedley Won't Win"
Quiet was restored with difficulty by
President Conway rspping on a table
with a bunC starter. Fitzgerald told
the men he wanted their confidence.
and LOYALTY. My personal opinion. W
ne continued Is lldL IfA-te mas ~
whip the Amalgamated Employees be
fore he viii have any peace in this
city.
Il don't think he will" he added.
The conductor who started the men
on d strike vote before arose again.
81 make motion 20 declare a strike, "
he shouted.
Fitzgerald, surrounded by detectives
and friends. smiled at the crowd and
remarked 20 President Conway:
Let ne get out OF here before the
vote is taken
$50 far as throwing the City OF New
York into confusion Is concerned
we'll. done know. In 1861 the whole
country was thrown into confusion 90
rec a lot OF black men. Il ] can throw
ne State o. New York into confusion
and thereby free a lot OF white men.
.hen. by God. am going 70 do II.
"Oh. the towards, with their gigan-
tic wealth and power, who attempt 20
assassinate the characters Of men.
Oh. the towards. the pirates and brig
ands. 20 accuse me OF being bully
when l have come here 70 aid the men
10 CO. what -hev are entitled 70.