Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1916-09-02
RAILROADS AND
EMPLOYEES READY
FOR GREAT STRIKE
INFORMATION 10 THAT PRACTl.
CALLY ALL PLANS HAVE BEEN
WORKED OUT.
ONE REPORT IS THAT ONLY THE
MAIL TRAINS WILL BE OPP.
GRATED.
COMPANIES BUSY lNSTRUCTING
NEW MEN IN THE HANDLING
OF TRAINS.

~ FhfNtNOs
According TO information practical
ly all details have been worked out
for the big railroad strike which is
scheduled to begin mex Monday
morninf at o'clock. Orders have
Oeen sent to all brotherhoods with in
structions that they be held for re-
lease, which will be as stated, pro-
viding there are no developments TO
the contrary.
1t was reported this morning in 10
cal railroad circles that in the event
of the strike that all trains will stop
except those carrying mails, which
means that no passengers will be car
ed for and those who may be unfortu-
nate enough TO be away from home at
the time the strike order is sent cut
will have to make other arrangements
to reach their destination.
Instructed for Work.
For weeks the Pennsylvania rail
road company has been obtaining the
signatures of its unorganized force to
help in such emergency. This force
has been receiving instructions in the
running of trains, and it is asserted
that a well-developed army of engi.
neers, firemen, conductors and brake
men has been assembled. Some of the
men have had past experience in the
work to which they will be assigned,
while others have been in the rail-
raod service so long they have acquir
ed knowledge of the work, and will
not tackle the new duties wholly be-
gipners. Regular schools of instruc-
ton have been held and the volun-
teer force thoroughly drilled in the
tasks expected of them, if the occa-
sion should arise.
B. g. o. Preparing Too.
While the Baltimore ard Ohio has
not, so far as can be learned, gone at
the matter in the same systematic
way Gum II ID odlu llldl tJilG OpCicIlHEs
force of the company would soon be
in shape to take care of the running
of the trains to meet emergency CON
ditions.
1t is known that the Baltimore and
Ohio, like all large railroad systems
has many men employed as station
agents, and in other station and main
tenance of way capacities, who have
bad experience in running of trains.
It will be a comparatively easy mat
ter to mobilize these, it is said and
while the trains may not be run as
regularly as with the existing train
crews, they can be manned so as to
prevent any. complete tie-up on any
part of the. system.
The repair shops. it is asserted, will
be able to furnish number of seapa-
BILE engineers and firemen and brake
men, while the ticket agents and 9TH
ers can soon be made into efficient
conductors. ~
Under these circumstances, it is be-
lieved,, this section will not suffer Sc
verely, if strike should come. The
strike would have to be prolonged and
result in other complications and dis
turbances before the roads would be
completely Frustrated.
Expects Loyalty of Employees.
1t was reported that the Pennsyl-
vania had given warning to those of
its force who have agreed to under
take this voluntary work that it looks
for entire loyalty in the matter, and
if any employees 35 years old and IN
der should shirk this work or leave
the service because of it they would
never again be taken back into the
company's service.
Another report current yesterday
was that some of the trainmen were
acting as scouts and were seeking
suitable meeting places for the strik-
ers and their sympathizers, if the
worst comes TO the worst. They want
a place in which to assemble and dis
cuss the issues as they come up. and
are on the lookout for large hall.
1t is said by grain merchants that
the western farmers are in fear OF
strike, and that this had much to do
with the weakness in wheat on Mon
Il 4
day and yesterday. 1t is urged that
the railroads operate their trains
without interruption during the grain.
moving period, because it is the early
wheat in market which usually brings
the best prices.