New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-08-04
Shonts and Hedley Rally
Workers at Lawn Party

A committee Of subway and elevated
employees TO be the recognized repre-
sentatives of the men in all dealings
with the company was urged last night
by Theodore P. Shonts, president of the
Interborough Rapid Transit Company
and the New York Railways Company,
in a speech to 1900 subway I'D ele-
waited men at a lawn party in the
grounds OF Hedley Hall, at Broadway
and 240th Street.
THE one weakness Of our organiza-
ton has been the lack of such COM
mttee," said Mr. Shonts. at VII give
us the means of cooperation that we
need. | suggest that you name this
committee at once by secret ballot"
Mr. Shonts' suggestion was greeted
By cheers, and from every part of
the big crowd came shouts Of We're
loyal" They'll never drive US of
our cars"
Hardly less enthusiastic were the
cheers which greeted the assertion of
Frank Hedley, vice president and gem
eral manager Of the Interborough and
New York Railways systems, that Will
lam D. Mahon, president Of the car
mems union, which is attempting to
organize the subway and elevated men,
was n "piker and should be sent kiting
back to the West with his carpet bag
"His purpose is TO get you to give
him share OF your earnings for the
support of himself and his friends.
said Mr. Hedley. at would be better
for you TO leave your affairs in the
hands of men like Mr.. Shonts and my
self than in the hands of man who
deserted you in 1905. when you lost
out. On the stand the other day this
man, Mahon, said he had been dream
ing for forty years Of this, and ! say
the piker is dreaming now. ] gave him
a run for his money in 1905, and he'll
find me just as strong now"
During his speech Mr. Shonts read a
letter which Mr.. Hedley has received
from 100 guards and conductors Of the
Broadway and West Farms divisions Of
the subway system. The letter declared
that these 100 men represented the
sentiment of all the trainmen Of the
entire subway system and asked the
company to make it public. The letter
follows:
Mr.. Frank Hedley.
Vice-President and General Manager.
1--WE. the undersigned conductors OF
the Broadway and LenOX Avenue divi-
sion Of the subway. do solemnly de-
clare that il is not our desire to in
lure any street car organization. and
our company can rely upon our loyalty
We will cooperate with the company
in maintaining the standard Of efficient
service given 10 the public, and will do
everything possible 10 protect the in
terest and safety of the company, and
maintain our loyalty and courtesy TO
the patrons of the subway
"The public can depend upon US and
we assure also the ]. r. 7. Company
that the subway employees will never
be the prey OF or obey orders given
us by any prejudiced organization, but
we will continue to obey such orders
as are given us by the officers Of our
company.
Intimidation and threats will never
induce us to abandon our work and
our positions, no matter what they
may be.
I'VE express our thanks TO the l. K.
T. Company for the voluntary increase
in salary given us on the LIST Of August.
"The above statement is the subway
employees stand throughout the strike
and unionizing crisis. and the public
can be assured that il can travel in
safety upon the lines OF the subway
division and that il will have continued
service from an army Of loyal, efficient
conductors and trainmen."