Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-03-24
REPORT NOCHANGE
IN STRIKE STATUS
Rumor That Differences Were
Near Adjustment Is Denied
by Both Sides.
NORMAL SERVICE CLAIMED

Vague rumors that a settlement of
the street car trouble was now mat
ter of only a few days formed the sub
ject of general talk among the striking
employees of the Washington Railway
and Electric Company today.
| One report which gave rise to this
talk was the rumor that Clarence P.
| King. president of the company, had
asked George A. Wilburt. president of
the local car mems union. to confer
with him. Denial of this, report was
made both by Mr.. King and by Mr.. Will
| burt
There is absolutely no change in the
| company's position" Mr.. King said to-
day. Our view is that the strike has
fzzled out. The company is standing
| by its loyal men. / have had no mes
sage from or communication with Mr..
! Wilburt, directly or indirectly.
| Mr.. Wilburt said he had received no
| invitation from Mr.. King. He said that
| it had been suggested to him that he
seek a conference with Mr.. King, but
| that the suggestion had come from a
"disintereSted source.
Hope for Action by Congress.
Union leaders are devoting strenuous
| efforts to have members of Congress
deluged with kilograms and letters when
| they return to Washington for an ex-
ira session, urging an investigation of
| the strike and the passage of the
Crosser measure for municipal owner
| ship of street railway lines.
THE Amalgamated Association of
Street Railway and Electric Workers
has more than 300 locals" said Mr.
Wilburt today THE locals represent
more than 10000 men. Every one of
those men. except those of the Wash
tutes a powerful appeal to begin with.
We have had assurances of support
| from scores of national labor bodies.
They will back such an appeal to Con-
gress."
Columbia Lodge, No 174, International
Association of Machinists. has ad-
dressed a letter to every clergyman in
Washington setting forth the strikers
case. The letter points to the wages of
| the men, alleged to be too low; of the
long hours. the refusal of the Wash
ington Railway and Electric Company
to recognize the union. in spite of
recognition by the Capital Traction
Company, and upholds the mems right
| of collective bargaining through the
union.
Counter Statement by Mr.. King.
In reply to these assertions Mr.. King
today sent similar letter to all Wash
ington clergymen. taking issue with
the machinists' statements.
Our management resents the impu-
| tation that its employees are down.
trodden and oppressed" the company
letter says. and it outlines the work of
| the relief association, conducted for
seventeen years.
| In respect to the Amalgamated Asso-
citation, Mr.. Kings letter says:
"A majority of our employees refused
to join (the union), and petitioned the
management to protect them against
| these coercive and intimidating prac-
| tices. and. therefore. at the outset Of
the trouble this year the company re-
| fused to make any contract or have
any dealings. direct or indirect, with
| said association"
| Denial is made that the employees are
| held subject to every whim and man
date" of company representatives.
In accordance with action taken by
| the board of representative of the Fed
eral Employees Union, held March 49, a
| committee made up ow ]. A. Dorney, E
J. Newmyer, ]. H. Hurley and H NJ Nc
| I.arin met with Mr.. Wlburt and Secre-
terday afternoon to ascertain in what
way the Federal Employees Union could
aid the strikers.
Not Fighting for "Closed Shop"
In a statement from Mr. McLarin re-
earding this meeting. it is said. Presi-
dent Wilbur stated that a total of only
twelve union men, to date. have gone
hack to work for the company. The
union, Mr. McLarin says. is not fighting
for the closed shop.
what it wants." the statement con-
! +inues. 'is recognition of the union,
hetter wages and shorter hours.
| at is charged by President King that
the Amalgamated Union is a foreign
organization. 1t is not so far as local
| arfairs are concerned. 1t is composed
| entirely of employees of the Capital
| traction Company and the Washington
| hallway and Electric Company
| Federal Unions Position.
| In outlining the federal union plan of
campaign it is stated: The committee