The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1919-06-11
Says Only 1855 Out of 10000
w. U. Employees Out.
Conflicting Reports Cast Doubt
on Actual Situation.
PREDICT 60, 600 OUT BY NIGHT
c. T. L. Head Says Late Re-
ports Will Swell Ranks.
Postal Company Appears Hard
est Hit by WalkOut.

CcG 1AlI ny w dAhOuts
New York, June 11.-Only 166 per-
sons, including 121 operators out of
a total of 10000 employed by the
Western Union thruout the country
were absent from duty at noon today,
Newcomb Carlton, the company's
president. announced in a statement
terming a complete failure the
strike called by the Commercial
Telegraphers' union.
Chicago, June 11.-Commenting on
President Cartons statement that
only 166 persans were absent from
duty at noon today thruout the coun-
try. Mr.. Konenkamp said:
such figures are ridiculous and in
line with the Western Unions atti-
tude If only 166 persons are out that
number can be counted at the West
ern Union office in Chicago"
Chicago, June IL. - Conflicting
claims of union leaders and officers
of the commercial telegraph compan-
les made uncertain at noon today the
extent of the nationwide strike of
telegraph operators, but representa-
tives of the workers confidently main
tanned that the number of strikers
would reach sixty thousand by night
fall.
I'VE are operating 100 per cent"
declared an official of the Western
Union Telegraph company, after re-
ceiving reports from points in this dis
trict which include Illinois, Wiscon-
sin, Michigan, Indiana and Ohio.
"Our proof is the fact that we are
ready to accept all business offered"
Two thousand seven hundred
workers will be on the streets by night
in this district" said S. ]. Konen-
llamp, international president of the
c. 7. U. A.
10000 by NightfalI.
1.-The number of strikers in the en-
tire country will be $4,000 by night.
Reports are most encouraging. In
Chicago alone 500 are already on
strike. The number will be nearly
doubled by night"
He exhibited kilograms from vari-
Gus widespread points indicating that
the strike response had been general
but failing to show the exact number
of strikers.
First reports to the Associated
Press from a score of central west
cities and towns failed to show that
the strike had brought serious results.
Both sides admitted that the central
west. and especially Chicago, is the
storm center of the strike.
The Postal Telegraph company here
was most seriously affected by the
strike. E. w Collins. general super
intendent. said that only about 80 per
cent of the operators quit while union
officials asserted 80 per cent of them
had gone out.
1--WE can operate on a normal basis
when the police have cleared away
the agitators about our building and
thus permit men to come to work, -
Mr.. Collins said.
Messenger Boys Out.
iOiDa6 the Postal Sfrik-
ers. A number of slight disturbances
occurred about the Western Union and
Postal offices when pickets and work
ers clashed. The Western Union re-
quested police protection after num-
Der of these outbreaks.
Postal operators were entirely alb
sent from the board of trade here
today and the Western Union force
there was reduced to about one-half
normal
Mr.. Konenkamp declared it uncer-
tain whether electrical workers thru
out the country would be called upon
to join in the strike for what he terms
the right of the commercial operators
to organize and bargain collectively
The electrical workers already are un-
der strike call, effective June 16.
Headquarters in Chicago.
President Konenkamp established
headquarters here and announced he
would direct the strike from this city
morning peaceful picketing' was de-
cided upon and at o'clock pickets
were placed around the general Of
fices of the companies in this city.
All w. U. Force On.
One hundred per cent of the West
ern Union working force reported for
duty today, according ito E. T. Jones
Chicago chief operator No trouble OF
delay of service is anticipated, said
Jones.
Officials of the Postal declined to
make a statement as to the number
of men out, saying all information will
be issued from the New York office.
President 5. ]. Konenkamp of the
telegraphers' union, at 8 a. m. issued
the following statement:
The full extent of the strike will
not be known for couple of days
and will increase in force thruout the
country. The telegraph workers have
been forced to make a test of strength
to determine whether an avenue of ad.
Justment is open to them. 1t is only
when the strength lies on the side Of
the workers that arbitration is pointed
to as the way out. We were willinl
to have our case adjusted by a fail
tribunal before the strike was de.
clared. Now we feel confident tn,
result will be in our favor"
Reports as to the progress of the
strike received at the office of Presi
dent Konenkamp showed:
Memphis, 40 of so men out; Jack
sonville, Fla. 125 out; Tampa, 80 out
Wilmington. n. c., out of out
Augusta. Ga, out of out; Charlotte
n. c., 100 men out; Charleston. s. c.
"a out of 35 men; New Orleans, 14O
Atlanta, Ga. 450 out of 500: Norfolk
Va. 40 out; Columbia n. c., 20 out
Montgomery, Ala, IA out of 16; Birm