New-York tribune., 1919-03-05
Ferries TO Staten Island
and Brooklyn Running;
L. S. Mediator Hopeful
Two Weeks Food
Supply in Cit,
Railroad Boats Are Ont of
Service; Milk Delivery
Likely TO Be Delayed

In conforMsncc with orders Of the
Marine Workers Ariliation, 1000
harbor workers struck yesterday morn
ing for the cight-hour day and higher
pay. The strike paralyzed harbor traf.
1ic and last night was threatening 10
spread to the 'longshorcmcn and team
sters.
At tie same time James L. Hughes,
rated a the ablest mediator in the
service Of the United States Depart
nlent OF Labor, was seeking to bring
about an agreement between the
parties by which work might be re-
sumed at once. Early last evening he
declared peace was by no means in
sight, adding that he had hopes some
thing might develop this morning.
ut may be- said he, chat they will
have to fight it out But an, a
chronic optimist and hope something
will develop III the next few hours"
Unlike the strike of January 8, the
Staten Island and Brooklyn ferries
we're not affected, crews on these
boats remaining on duty. Faced by
threats of prosecution, the unions
made TO attempt to pull these men
out, though by vote OF the strike
committee yesterday morning the
right 10 call them out should the
committee deem this action necessary
was reserved.
OF these, according to Captain Will
lam A. Maher. of the strike committee,
the union line boats to Brooklyn Will
be struck this morning.
Ferries for Milk Refused
One unpleasant result Of the strike
to-day is expected to be late milk de
llveries IN Manhattan and The Bronx.
10 avoid this, presentatives of the
big milk companies and the Board of
Health asked the strikers to man four
Erie and Pennsylvania ferries. The
request, was refused. neccssitating
routing all milk coming TO New York
BY the Eric, Pcnnsylvania and Lchigh
Valley roads through the Pennsylvania
tubes TO Long Island City.
No shortage OF food is expected I'M
less the strike remains on for more
than fortnight, the city, according TO
food and railroad officials, having an
ample reserve supply for at least two
weeks, II not three. This reserve Is
largely due to the fact that low prices
FOR produce have led TO large increases
N the stocks Of stored goods, and the
additional TACT that for several days
food has been rushed to the city in
antcipation of strike.
No perishable food. other than that
coming In by way OF New York Central
or New Haven lines, will be accepted
for New York pending settlement of
the trouble, or If an acute situation as
sega.ds supplies should arise. Then, if
necessary, such freight Will be routed
over the Poughkeepsie bridge, as was
done in the first strike. This will not be
done now, 1t was explained in the Of
flces Of A. II. Smith, regional director
Of railroads, because 1t was thought
best not 10 have two branches Of the
government acting at cross purposes.
Bar to Settlement Evadcd
"Mr. Hughes, representing Secretary
OF Labor Wilson, is trying to arrange
an amicable settlement" it was ex-
planned. Now, if the railroad admins
tration should put Itself in the posi-
ton Of trying to force the strikers
hands the effect would be confusing
and might be bad"
Promptly at s O'Clock, the hour set
for the strike TO begin, crews OF varl-
Gus Classes Of boats that had been
at work during the night made for
their berths to tie up. Others, due to
start out az that time or later, re-
NAMED tied up, the crews taking care
to bank all fires and leave everything
secure. The only exceptions to this
we're the ferryboats.
On this clasg Of boats there was
some confusion. On the city lines
operating 10 Staten Island and Brook
iyn, John II. Delaney, Commissioner
q Plants and Structures, had been
ea,y large part Of the night trying
" induce the men TO remain at work.
"hefe pleasant words did not seem
sHectiYe the threat Of prosecution was
issortcd TO. Lacking definite orders
.as men On the city lines remained at
Railroad Ferries Hit Hard
The railroad lines we're not 80
.eft9nate. On the Lackawanna, which
sssssessfnlly operated during the
ssxznoary strike, the Twenty-third
essset boats continued 70 run. All
''nsr North Eiver boats were tied up.
.,ias ferry situation provoked the
- ,s.sn Which led 10 the report that
IRE was split in the union ranks.
W Iflctlon arote over motion of
-. FaceareW 10 exempt sil men on
sssnie'pal boats from the strike
.1t tney DC allowed 10 remain at
Icmttmrtcd an pure ei0ht