The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1919-08-06
Union Predicts Borough
Tieup, While Company
Denies Claims.
PLAN I. r. 7. WALKOUT
Brooklyn Move Is Joined
by $50 Signal and
TOwermen.
THREATS IN RICHMOND
Garrison Refuses Demands for
Recognition and Pay Raise
of Kings Carmen.
THREATS IN RICHMOND

Following the fat refusal Of Lindley
M. Garrison, receiver, to recognize
their organization. 5000 union en-
ployees Of the Brooklyn Rapid Transit
Company voted last night for a gen.
ersI strike, effective at o'clock this
morning.
Whether Brooklyn walks or rides
TO work this morning depends upon a
much disputed point, for while the
union claimed yesterday more than
5000 members. officials of the com.
pany said that the figure was nearer
5000. Instead Of almost so per cent.
they said the union had enlisted less
than 25 per cent. OF the carmen. and
that an attempt to tie up the system
would fail utterly.
II the boast Of the union has
sound foundation, however, Brooklyn
ties are in for 1t, because in addressing
last nights gathering at the Brooklyn
Labor Lyceum, Willoughby and Myrtle
avenues. Brooklyn. Edward Smith.
chairman of the executive committee
Of the organization, declared that there
would be a complete tie-up.
Men Ordered to Stay Away.
According to the plans laid at the
meeting Brooklyn was to get good
sample this morning. for orders were
issued prohibiting members of the
union from going to work to-day.
Those on night duty received instruc-
tons TO finish their shifts, which 1t
was said would all be finished by
o'clock this morning.
Louis Fridiger, counsel to the anal.
gamated association. addressing the
men after the strike vote had been
taken, said: "If you men maintain
the spirit you have shown here to-
night the transit lines from Coney ISL
and TO Yonkers will be tied up by Fri
day.
Your calling a strike tonight does
not win 1t. You all know what picket
ing means. All Of you men who do
not go on picket duty tomorrow
might just as well have voted No
tonight
Don't stand for any brow beating
or bulldozing on the part of the police
or tho men hired by the company.
You have the right to speak to your
fellow workmen IL you do it quietly
and orderly. Stick until Garrison says
'y Iii ,,,aat q ooy,npn{ttaa of the ANAL
gamated association
In addition to the car men that are
called out. 1t was announced that $50
signal and tower men had signified their
intention of joining In a sympathetic
strike.
The decision to strike was made very
quickly by the car men. Hours OF de-
bate had been looked for, but the men
had scarcely gathered when they began
to shout Strike Strike Strike" On
q rising vote they were unanimous for
immediate action.
In urging their men to quit the union
heads expressed themselves as opposed
10 violence or any action that might
bring dlscredit upon their organization.
They said that the safety of the public
must not be impaired.
oh - ~
Another strike was said by union
heads to be impending on the INTERIOR
ough Rapid Transit Company. An Of
fetal Of the American Federation OF
Labor at the Hotel Continental stated
10 representative of THE SUN that op-
orators of street, elevated and subway
cars in Manhattan. The Bronx and West
chester county are preparing demands.
Nharr x.VlM aV.Hx. III hA
few days, and that they will be ready
to walk out in the event OF a refusal.
The proposed action Of the New York
men and that taken by the BROOKLYN
union. II was stated. was entirely inde-
pendent Of each other.
Col Timothy 8. Williams. president
Of the B. r T., said last night he could
not tell how many men would go out
and that the company would be in the
dark regarding this phase OF the situa-
ton until o'clock this morning.
Col Williams received the news of
the decision on the part of the union
while he was in conference at the COM
pany's Offices at Clinton and Remsen
streets with John ]. Dempsey, vice.
president in charge OF the elevated and
subway lines William Siebert. superin-
tendent Of the surface lines, and four
other officials
Mr.. Dempsey told reporters after the
meeting that the company had 1000
men ready to take the place OF the
strikers
We have about $4,000 employees al
together" said he. About 5000 are not
anected by the strike. including TOO
imotormen on the subway and elevated
Ihes train despatchers. supervisors and
lower meT. This leaves 10000 who may
be affected, and we have replacements.
numbering 20 per cent. We have always
mad them In reserve"
, Nill you use women as strike break
sTs' he was asked.
Women ON Reserve Force.
We have women on our reserve force
ana employ them now" he answered.
Col Williams said that Mr. Garrison
notified the Mayor yesterday afternoon
mat strike seemed imminent and that
me Mayor had notified the Police De-
partment Mr.. Dempsey added that
cO"i'saed .. EieaiS Fses.