The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1917-03-17
TO ENJOIN STRIKE
Members of 4 BrOtherhOOds File
Suit Against Leaders.
Chicago Court Grants Federal
Protection to Employees.

Philadelphia, March IA bill in
equity viii IN has for its purpose the
prevention of theS four railroad
brotherhoods from calling a strike of
railroad employees within the state of
Pennsylvania, was filed in the federal
district court at noon today by an
attorney representing members of the
four brotherhoods. No judge was in
the federal building at the time and
altho the bill is officially on file, it
will not have the effect of preventing
a walkout unless the papers are signed
by Judge and order issued enjoining
the men.
The attorney for the men who filed
the bill, said the action would take
it's usual course he apparently is
making no effort to find a judge.
Affects All in State.
The bill was filed by Leighton P.
Stradler of Philadelphia, attorney for
members for four brotherhoods. The
action is against the local chairmen
and chairman of their general griev-
ance committee. The action affects
the brotherhOods on all railroads
thruout Pennsylvania.
According to the petitioners. they
believe that not more than 10 per cent
are in favor of walking out. The bill
which the strike was called is not
in effect at this time, in as much as
it was obtained eight months ago
when times were not at the critical
stage they are today.
The strike ballot obtained eight
months ago was cancelled last fall
when the Adamson law was enacted,
the bill asserts.
Declare Strike Unconstitutional
Complainants in this action allege
that a refusal to arbitrate by the
grand chiefs is contrary to the con-
stitution and bylaws of the brother
hoods. The ballot was obtained last
summer. the bill of complaint says. by
arbitrary action of the chief executive
of the unions and without complying
with the bylaws.
The bills in equity are signed by one
member from each of the four broth
erhOods.
Ask Court for Protection.
Chicago. March 17.-Jacob NJ.
Dickinson, receiver of the Rock Is
land lines and VIM. J. Jackson, re-
railroad today applied to Judge
George A. Carpenter in the United
States district court here for protec-
ton of the respective properties and
of such employees of the roads as may
remain in service or shall be en-
ployed.
Judge Carpenter gave prompt as
surances that this would be done to
the full extent of the power of the
court. United States Marshal Brad
ley was called into the conference for
active cooperation. The receivers
planned to have all employees remain
ing in the service sworn in as deputy
marshals and furnished with official
badges.
Expect IS Per Cent to Stick.
Louisville, Ky, March 17.-Seven-
ty-five per cent of the Louisville &,
Nashville Railroad company en-
ployes are expected to remain loyal
to the company in the event of a ma
tion-wide railroad strike said a state
ment from general officers of the
road here today. Confidence that the
road would be able to continue prac
tically uninterrupted operation was
expressed.
Pull OF Fast Trains.
Boston, March 1.-THE New York,
New Haven Sc Hartford railroads
Knickerbocker limited. due to leave
for New York at l p. m. and the
Merchants limited scheduled for p.
m. were cancelled today on account
of the strike situation. The last par
lor from Boston for the present
was attached to the train leaving at