The sun., 1918-07-02
CARLTON STANDS
.: PAT ON KEY STRIKE
Western Unions Head Says
Wilson'S Step Doesn't Change
,COmpany's Attitude.
THOMAS SEES DODGING
Union Official Asserts Sur.
prise Will Come 'sBcfore
Many Days"

President Wilson's request for author
ny TO take over the operation OF all
telegraph and telephone lines. as the
result of the issuance OF general strike
call by the head OF the Commercial
Teegraphers Union OF America did not
bulge the officials OF the Western
Union Telegraph Company from the
stand they had taken In refusing to
recognize that orEa nization.
Newcomb Carlton. president of the
Western Union, said: ~.'
81 think 1t is perfectly proper for
the President to take such steps as he
deems necessary to secure from Con-
sress the power that would give him
the option of taking over the lines or
leaving them in the control of the COM
rany The company's attitude has not
changed in the least from its original
contention that It cannot operate
efficiently and for the highest public
good unless ante belium conditions are
continued.
. "of course If it becomes n matter of
choice whether the efficiency of the
company is 10 be disturbed by the dan
ger Of strike and the terrorizing
control the company would most GER
tainly prefer the latter. ....
Concrete situation.
The concrete situation is this: The
Western Union Telegraph Company has
90 far not declined to follow the in
structons Of the National War Labor
Board. There has been no decision by
that board with which We are at vari-
ance."
AN order has been issued to Western
Union employees to strike July S. There
will be no response to this order. for
the reason that our employees cannot be
msled at such a time as this and be-
cause they are not members of the union.
T. Is said that under the direction OF the
order OF Railway Telegraphers the Gov.
eminent employees handling commercial
messages at railway stations will de-
cline to handle such messages.
The Western Union has no differ
.nces with the Order of Railway Teleg-
raphers; they have worked freely for
years with our employees. The contracts
FOR handling commercial messages at
railway Offices are now with the United
States Government and we have no
doubt that they will be carried out
"lt would therefore appear that the
situation sums up about like this: A
union without membership in our forces
proposes to declare a strike in order that
Government employees handling COM
mercial messages may alphabetically
strike. This situation has no Importance
save in its novelty.
object OF Union.
Tho prime object which the union
seeks to accomplish Is the defeat Of the
plan of organization which Is now being
carried forward by Western Union en-
ployees. creating their own association
with unrestricted rights as to collective
bargaining. working conditions, compen-
sation, &C."
Representatives. OF the Commercial
Telegraphers Union of America said yes
terday that II President Wilson decides
to take over the operation Of Telegram pin
lines the union will have won a signal
victory. II was also apparent in organi-
saton quarters that the preparations for
strike will bring Government control
In the next few days.
Percy Thomas. deputy international
president Of the c. T. L. A, issued a
statement accusing Mr.. Carlton OF at
tempting to dodge the issue in the case.
He also promises the president Of the
Western Union a surprise in the next
few days. His statement reads
President Carlton would apparently
conceal the real issue-the right to or
ganize-under technicalities. 1t is an
American right and one which no up TO
date American should attempt to set
aside. He has declined to follow the
spirit OF President Wilson's proclama-
ton creating the War Labor Board. and
he has declined to follow the spirit of
Justice which governs the actions of a
majority OF the members of the board.
He has refused to permit telegra-
piers who work for his company to join
an organization for their own advance
ment-an organization which would not
he a Western Union union but body
In which all telegraphers enjoy equal
rights, untrammelled by official influence.
sinened for Fight.
'Mr Cartons attitude already has
stiffened the will Of thousands of West
ern Union employees to make fight
against his attempt to dominate them
as chattel slaves formerly were handled
Tho thousand men and women who were
discharged recently because or their
membership in the union should be re-
stored to their positions Immediately.
The position of the telegrapher is
that he should do good work while on
duty, and that IT is none of any officials
business what he does with his private
time, whom he receives at home or talks
10 on the street. In other words, he IL
responsible to the State and not to the
Western Union for his private actions.
Mr. Carlton will receive surprise
before many days"
In labor circles yesterday 1t was
rumored that il the matter is allowed to
come to head next week approximately
$4,000 men will walk out, but this esti-
mate was considered in more conserVa-
tive circles as greatly exaggerated.
Theodore n. Vail. president OF the
American Telephone and Telegraph Com
pany, said yesterday that his company
would offer no objection to Congress
granting the Presidents request.
Il believe" said Mr.. Vail, 'in giving
President Wilson all the power he wants
In the control OF the telegraph and teie-
phone lines I have no statement %
make at this time. This company VIII
he prepared to place it's position before