The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1919-09-14

Bostt =, Sept. i3.-kal eidoscopic
changes in today's development OF
the~st rike situation SO bewildered
the people OF this city that at
midnight they we're prepared to
face any definite result from
peace TO general disorder.
For an hour this morning the
police strike appeared on the
point of settlement Then word
came Of tbs shooting of a man
ana the accidental shooting of q
woman by a gusrdsman In the
center of the shopping crow ds.
Before that excitement was over
Governor Coolidge had sent a
reply to Samuel Gompers, presi-
dent OF the American Federation
OF Labor. by tetegraphing that
the deserving policemen would not
be restored to duty.
Police Commissioner Curtis, echo.
ug the governors announcement
ieclared the strikers positions vacar,
and made ready TO recruit a ne"
force. He refused fatty to meet a
committee OF the men in the interests
Of Cancellation
Forthwith the American Federation
Of Labor and the poiicsnsen's union
began TO clear the decks FOR action
and the threat of a general strike re-
sounded with increasing vehemenco
But while this scene was setting for
the big third act OF the drama, Gov
srnor Coolidge again thrust his hand
Into the plot and arranged peace
conference for Monday ..,.,.,..
Between the time Of the governor
.etusel, TO permit the strikers TO SUI
render without even the honors oi
war and the announcement Of the nev
conference, Mr. Gonpers had spoken
GoMPERs SPEAKS
He spoke mildly m commenting OF
the governors refusal to let the po-
sicen1en return. saying simply;
II suppose he is willing TO assume
the responsibility Tor the consequences
OF his action
That was all, but labor leaders
here interpreted II as meaning thai
the entire strength and resources ol
the federation would be thrown i'm
nediately to their aid. They con-
strued IL. in plain words. to mean that
general strike in the city would be
sanctioned.
Sensing that Commissioner Curtis
through hasty speech had slam M &C
the door to amicabie settlement. Gov
amor Coolidge brought his diplomacy
to bear, He sent word through HI:
secretary. II. r, Long. that the com
missioner would meet the striker.
Monday morning. The
message, addressed to John F, Nc
Innes, president OF the policemen.
union and P. Fl. jennings Of the Cen
trail Labor Union, was colched ir
language TO save Commissioner Cur
tbs feelings. II read
II am authorized to say for Mr.
Curtis that he is willing TO confer or
his own behalf with Mr.. o'Donnall
Mr.. Mccarthy and Mr.. McInnes. AM
that an appointment may be made fol
that purpose on Monday morning a.
he has engagements which take ur
ais time until that date. This ha.
beer, secured for you in place of the
conference which you requested from
he governor this morning.
Prior to his injection OF diplomacy
INTO the situation, Governor Coolidge
had sent the following telegram tc
Sampel Gompers in response to tbs
iatters reoues. thar the police return
10 duty and that both sides abandon
she strike pending future settlement
COOLIDGE REPLIES.
aITnder the law the suggestion.
rontained in your telegram are not
within the authority of the governor
~ Massa chusetts. nut only Of the
commissioner of police of the city u
Boston. With the maintenance 81
discipline in his department have ne
authority to interfere. He has de.
cided that the men have abandoned
their sworn duty and has according.
~ declared their places vacant.
hall support the commissioner In ths
execution of law and the maintenance
81 order"
With no desire to make desperate
enenies of beaten men, the governor
evidently expected that Commissioner
curtis would rise to the situation and
treat e, them at least with courtesy
when Gompers ominous statemen,
vas received anG apprehension came
anew. the governor quickly adjusted
matters by arranging the conference
Tor Monday. Whether the voice o,
the chief OF the American Federation
Of Labor prompted the movement IA
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