New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-09-23
Avoids Contract
Breach by Calling
for Transportation.
100000 TO BE OUT,
LEADERS, CLAIM
Failure to Call General
Strike Cheers Those
Who Seek Peace.

Instead OF ordering the widely ad-
vertised general strike, which would
involve from 100000 up to 100000
workers, the allied labor organiza-
tions of Greater New York and VI
cinity yesterday declared a general
suspension of work, effective Wednes-
day. and affecting only those employ
ers who may be unable or unwilling
to provide union transportation for
their men.
This action, exclusively foretold in
The Tribune yesterday morning,
brings the desired pressure upon the
traction interests, in the opinion OF
the union men, and at the same time
keeps the unions clear Of any charge
of breaking contracts which would
be the case were a general strike or
dered.
Unions Pledge Support.
Last night at meeting In Labor
Temple, Eighty-fourth Street and
Second Avenue, one hundred and
fifty men and women, representing
the various unions having member
ship in the Central Federated Union,
whose total membership is $4,000,
approved the project. Enthusiastic
speeches we're made, and assurance
was given that union labor would
unite solidly in the movement.
Relief, that the less drastic expe-
dent had been adopted by the strike
leaders, was noticeable in labor cir
cles, and on the side of the employers
the apparent weakening led to the
belief that possibly not even cessa-
ton of work would actually occur
This and the postponement OF the
date set from Monday TO Wednesday
led to a distinct feeling of optimism
on the part Of those who are looking
for a speedy settlement of the car
strike.
Supervision of Work Urged.
The announcement Of the conference
committees decision made late yester-
day afternoon was read by Hugn
Frayne, chairman Of the COMMITTEES
and organizer Of the American Fedora
tion Of Labor, from a single sheet ot
notepaper. Here II is:
"yoted that a general suspension Oh
all work be declared in all trades ana
industries in Greater New YORK and
vicinity. the same to take effect
Wednesday, September 27.'
'Is that a general strike" MI
Frayne was asked.
"You have heard the motion read
he replied. at calls for general
suspension of work"
"Will work be suspended where
unions have contracts he was asked.
mere atc
agreements" Ernest Bohm, secretary
of the committee and the Central
Federated Union of New York, an
swered for Frayne, "the firms will be
told that their men cannot ride on
non-union cars and on cars guarded by
policemen. Nobody's going TO strike"
Ban Placed on Cars.
Would it be correct TO call this
sympathetic striker" he was asked.
Call it what you will" said Mr..
Bohm, a veteran in the labor move
ment. "As | understand il, strike
is a cessation OF work intended 10 in
force compliance with demands which
have been refused. No demands have
been MADE in this case. The men will
simply suspend work because no sde-
uuate facilities are afforded them to
get 10 their work.
"Union men feel that they cannot
be true 10 the cause OF organized labor
and maintain their self-respect II they
ride in scab cars. No other means OF
conveyance is available, so they must
stop home.
''In cases where contracts are now
in force. the shop chairmen will tell
the boss how things stand concerning
traffic and will ask II he is prepared
TO furnish transportation between the
homes of the men and the shops. IL
ne can do so, we'll and good; II he can
not. the men have no alternative than
to remain at home
Fitzgerald Refuses Comment.