Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1919-09-04
BATTLE Line IS
DRAWN IN FIGHT
ON PHONE TIEUP
Representatives Of Both Factions
Expected Here as Decision OF
Commission Awaited.

The line is now being drawn for
what is predicted will be a battle
royal between officials and strikers
Of the Central Union Telephone
company in Rock Island. Repre-
sentatives of both factions are ex-
pected in the city, awaiting events
following an expected decision OF
the utilities commission.
Action now depends upon steps
taken by the state public utilities
commission in giving decision or
dering the telephone company to
furnish adequate service in Rock
Island, Moline and East Moline.
City officials. who wired an ap-
peal for a decision Tuesday after
noon, expect one any moment.
In view of circumstances which
may arise when the company is ex-
pected TO bring in strike breakers
from outside in order to furnish the
service, the state manager OF the
telephone company himself, c. II.
Roltger, is ready to be here for. ac-
ton. Word las been received BE-
city officials that the manager will
arrive at any moment. possibly to-
the state headquarters of the Inter-
national Brotherhood Of Electrical
Workers at Springfield is expected
here. The state president of the
union organization is unable to
come at present. he says, but 10
sending a representative.
The strikers in Rock Island are
also awaiting a decision, only DEM
constructions against the so-called
"scabs" marking their strike meas
ures at present. District Manager
Thomas S. Brown said this morn
ing that he had nothing to an
nounce.
Trouble Expected.
The general opinion is being
voiced that there will be consider
able trouble when the telephone
officials attempt to bring in strike
breakers following a decision of the
state commission The 200 girl OPP
orators, who have been out demand
ing a raise of $50 per month for
some time, are at high tension. A
few have become discouraged, hav-
ing sought new positions. The ma
jority, however, are still as firm
in their fight as ever and more en-
angered every day The Hnemen,
who were the first to walk out, say
they see no immediate end to the
strike, but do not intend to accept |
any propositions made so lar by !
the. telephone officials.
Just what will take place when |
a decision is given is doubtful The !
telephone officials have said that |
they would have to bring in strike
breakers, which they claim can be |
done in two or three days. Even
now demonstrations are being made |
by the strikers and it is probable |
that serious trouble would develop /
although the strikers themselves |
say they are determined to carry
on their fight without violence.
Another demonstration of strik-
ing telephone operators against !
three girls still working for the
Union company was staged
afternoon outside the |
Robinson building.
AS in former cases, no violence !
was shown, although the working
girls were much embarrassed by |
the hooting of the several strikers.
City detectives were called to es-
cort the girls from the building, /
where they had gone to have den
tistry work done.
The strikers are now at high ten
sion. having been out of employ
ment for about six weeks. 1t is re
ported that a few have sought new
positions.