New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-08-02
Simultaneous Call Out
of Car Men, Plan of
Leaders.
10000 MILITIA
MAY GUARD CITY
Mayors Parley Fails; P. S.
c. Tries To-day-"Gre
Car" Crews Restive.

The failure Of Mayor Mitchel's
conference with the streetcar strike
leaders and the Third Avenue Rail-
way officials emphasized yesterday
the fact that the travelling millions
in the metropolitan district have
slim chances of avoiding a city-wide
transportation tie-up that menaces
their comfort, convenience and
safety. City and state authorities
realize that the two seemingly ir-
reconcilable forces-the transit COM
panies and the labor leaders-are
determined TO fight out their differ.
ences at any cost. Peaceful adjust
ment of tbs situation appears 10 be
almost hopeless.
The seriousness Of the deadlock
was evident from the following de-
velopments:
At the Mayors conference it was
apparent that as far as the railroad
companies are concerned they intend
TO oppose organization of their en-
ployes. The union officials, on the
other hand, are determined to union
ize every streetcar line, surface, SUBJ
way and elevated, in the greater city.
Neither will consent to arbitrate that
fundamental issue in spite Of what
the consequences mean TO those who
must use the city's transportation
lines every day.
Labor Leaders 10 Fight On.
Labor leaders now intend to de-
liver their ultimatum-organiz
or strike-to every transit company
in the entire city at the same time.
The New York Railways men, en-
ployes of the second big surface sys-
tenn in Manhattan, have formulated
demands ready 70 present them TO
the company. Organization of the
Interborough subway and elevated
lines, the B. R. T., Hudson tubes and
other lines is progressing rapidly, so
that the union will be ready when
their ultimatum is turned down to
hit the city hard by general walk
out.
Governor Whitman and Police Com
missioner Arthur Woods have con-
ferred on the threatened crisis for the
last two days. Governor Whitman as
sured Commissioner Woods yesterday
that in the event OF trouble militiamen
now in the state, three infantry organ
izations and three coast artillery corps,
would be mustered in to assist the po-
lice in maintaining order and protect
ing property. There are 10000 avail
able.
The New York Railways Company,
operator Of the green cars" in Man
haitian. with the Interborough subway
and elevated officials, made clear their
fighting mood in no uncertain terms.
The msnagements are prepared TO es-
tablish dormitories and enlarge restau-
rant facilities so that il adequate po-
lice protection is afforded, in the event
that the labor leaders carry out their
threat to cripple the city's transporta-
tion lines. the companies may continue
to serve the public.
Public Service Seeks Peace.
Another effort TO compose the differ
ences between the strikers and their
employers will be begun this afternoon.
The Public Service Commission decided
yesterday afternoon 10 conduct a series
Of hearings TO get at the underlying
facts of the controversy.
Representatives Of both sides have
been called 20 the Commissions Offices
so that the board NAV render an opin-
ion on the situation and perhaps recon-
mend a remedy. The hearings will
probably last a week and the Commits
sion expects that there will be no
extension Of the present difficulties
pending the conclusion Of its inquiry.
New York gets little consolation out
Of the whole tangle. Labor realizes
that it is taking advantage OF an op-
portunity awaited for years. The com
panies know that they must break the
incipient organization with a powerful