davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1919-08-01

There were stirring scenes in the
Eagles hall at 2 o'clock this morn
ing when 400 street railway train
men voted to tie up trolley trans
portation in the tri-cities.
James Kinsley, for many years
president of Division 313, a veteran
motorman who has led his fellow
employees in many a successful
fight for increased wages, ex-
pressed the sentiment of the men
when he spoke:
Boys, we've either got to
shimmy or get of the floor"
Wild scenes followed. Men tossed
their hats in the air There were
yells, cat calls as the chairman
Yainly raped for order.
The strike vote was taken at
2:25 this morning at a joint meet
ing of Rock Island-Moline Division
313 and Davenport Division 312.
Charles Rogers, president of the
Davenport division presided. He
told of events of the week before
the Illinois public utilities commits
sion. John T. Bauer, president OF
the Rock Island-Moline division,
discussed the matter as it devel-
oped in Chicago:~ j. b. Lawson, in
ternational vice president and
executive committee member, re-
ported on conferences between
representative of the trainmen.
the street car company officials and
the utilities commission.
men had been informed in advance
of the company's attitude through
the newspapers. They had decided
their course. The officers called
for a discussion on rejection of the
wage contract and enforcement Of
the strike. Responses from less
than half dozen members fol-
lowed
Then Mr. Kinsley voiced the SEN
timent of the men: Boys, we've
either got to shimmy or get off the
floor"
Not Seeking Fares.
There were shouts and cat calls
from all over the room. Hats went
up in the air and as Kinsley waited
for the crowd to quiet, the chair
man raped vainly for order.
Then Mr.. Kinsley continued.
We've only got one thing to con-
sider-that's our wages. We're not
out after any fare for the COM
pany."
He moved TO reject the COM
pany's offer of a S0-cent scale to
be void if a 7-cent fare is not
granted before Sept. l. The mo-
ton carried without a dissenting
vote.
President Rogers said, Then the
next order of business is to decide
whether or not we will go on
strike. called by US at our last
joint meeting and set for 4 o'clock
this morning, authority for which
has been granted by our interna-
tional officers and which is now in
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1919-08-01
POSTOFFICE IS
READY FOR JOB

Due to advance preparations, the
shutting down of transportation
accommodations in the tri-cities,
did not materially disturb the car
rier service at the Rock Island
Npostoffice, although the service IL,
outlying territory will be limited
to one delivery day for the pres
ent at least. or until plans may be
worked out to perfect it.
In anticipation of the strike,
Postmaster Simpson and Assistant
Postmaster Olson and their as
sistants, completed schemes yes
terday which will insure little in
terruption in the regular sched-
ules. In all these plans, those in
charge of the office had the ready
and cheerful cooperation of the
carrier force. and a spirit of will
lingness to submit to any hardship,
and lend their best efforts in the
face of unusual conditions, that
was inspiring.
The street cars have been a big
help TO the carriers in getting to
their routes with heavy mail es-
pecially on the early trip, and in
giving them a lift as they go
aEOuS- 1 he CdEIlGIS III luE 1OOp anu
in the residential sections lying
close to the postoffice, walked TO
their routes this morning, and
The split loads were taken out to
them by the parcel post trucks, and
placed in the big storage boxes
erected for that purpose.
Ten of the carriers serving dis
tricts in the outskirts, were con-
Feyed in the trucks to the starting
points of their various routes, but
It will be impossible for these car
riers to complete their tours and
get out on a second trip. They will
have all they can do. as it is, and
the postmaster in discussing this
subject this morning, made the
suggestion: "If any one with a car
happens to see one of our carriers
trudging along and happens to be
going the same way, if he will pick
the carrier up and give him lift.
he will be doing a good turn for
of the government |
who is doing his best under ad-
rerse circumstances to serve the
public"
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1919-08-01
CAR LINES ARE
PARALYzED BY
TRI-CITY TIEUP

Continued from Page One.)
rangements to get their men to
work by providing motor truck car
riers. This was the case with prac-
ticaIiv all of the Moline shops
which employ Rock Island people.
The Rock Island factories had
trucks on hand stopping at various
prominent corners in the city,
where they collected their employees
and carried them to the shop, the
Office and the store. The concerns
had prepared for the emergency and
each had force of men on the job
early this morning ready for action.
Of course there were others who
were not greatly inconvenienced by
the strike. Persons living within
easy walking distance from their
place of employment found no
trouble in getting to work, but
there were thousands who lived at a
great distance from the scene OF
their daily task who had to hoof 1t.
1t is generally figured that Rock
Island arose earlier this morning
than at any other time in its his
tory sun time, to get an early start.
and walked more miles than any
other time in its history.
Loop business houses will prob
ably be more hard hit than other
concerns in the city as a result of
the strike While many shoppers
who have no other means Of trans
portation will walk, there are some
who live at long distances from the
loop who will give up the idea OF
getting down town" until the
strike is passed. However, business
is going as usual in Chicago during
the car strike there, it is reported.
so it is thought that business here
will not be seriously affected.
Taxi Lines Rushed.
Taxi cab lines were ready TO reap
a harvest as a result of the strike.
Many individuals with cars turned
their machines into the taxi game
today. City officials prepared to
suspend the ordinance requiring a
taxi license in order to give free
rein to all persons desiring to pro-
vide motor transportation at nom
inaI fee. There is no question but
that the automobile saved the day.
Public Opinion With Men.
Public opinion is with the men.
There was comment on all sides to-
day supporting the trainmen in
their strike. The carmen received
the assurances from many that the
public is with them. Much comment
was made on the refusal of the
company to divorce wages from
fares.
The company offered the men a
10-month contract In this contract
a wage of "a, 81 and go cents was
guaranteed for the month OF Aug
ust and after Sept. l, if the COM
pany got a 7-cent fare the 60-cent
maximum scale would be paid until
June 1, 1920. The contract Of course
hung on the increased fare.
Train Service to Moline.
Train service may be established
to Moline. While transportation to
Davenport is cared for by the
ferry, Moline was cut of from Rock
Island by any regular rail trans
portation and the Rock Island lines
that it is possible Rock
Island-Moline service may be es-
tablished between the Twentieth
street station in Rock Island to Mo-
lin and perhaps East Moline.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1919-08-01

pend on street cars. It is said 80
per cent of them live within close
walking distance OF the plant.
No One Late.
The employees of the Modern
Woodmen offices were all on the
job at O'Clock as usual. Those
coming from Davenport reported
autoistS only too willing to give a
lift. A Burlington train which
leaves Moline at 1882 in the morn
ing carried a large number from
that city.
At Rock Island arsenal it was
stated most OF the 1000 employees
walked to their jobs. All machines
to the shops were packed to full
capacity and in many instances
more than capacity, with strug-
Cling humanity. No army trucks
we're used to carry the men. 1t is
believed that this course will not
have to be followed. The work
train to the arsenal was pulled OFF
recently and it is thought improba
BILE that it will be put on again for
this emergency.
Use boats.
A large number of arsenal en-
ployes camping on Campbells is
land pressed launches and row.
boats into service and rode to work
on the Mississippi.
The smaller factories in the low
er end Of the city were in no way
disturbed by the strike The ma
jority of these workers live within
walking distance.
Freight trains leaving the Silvis
yards were delayed to some extent
during the day. Members of the
crews living in Rock Island, Dav-
export and Moline, a long distance
to go, found difficulty in reaching
their waiting trains.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1919-08-01
LAWSON STATES
STRIKE is NOT
MERE FRAMEUP
No Excitement Attends Cessation
of Car Service and Leaders
Hold Firm Reins.

Doubt as to whether or not
union and street car company offic-
ials are acting in conjunction to
obtain both the fare raise and the
increased wage for the men was
dispelled by J. P. Lawson, interna-
tional vice president OF the
Brotherhood of Railway Trainmen,
this morning.
President ]. T. Bauer, upon
being asked for a statement as To
the truth of this accusation, which
is being publicly made by many Cit
liens, referring the questioner to
Mr.. Lawson, as now having com
plete charge of the situation.
Such a rumor is not only false
but absurd" said Mr.. Lawson. THE
action in refusing to enter into a
contract based upon anything be-
sides a living wage for the men
should prove it. We were called
to Chicago by the government of
this state in order to testify for
the men, which we did in their
name and using their demands as
our sole argument"
Caution On Actions.
The men have been cautioned
and ordered by the union heads to
make no public demonstrations
This was made a special point in
the meeting this morning, and So
far the strikers have obeyed. To-
day there was none of the rioting.
parading or other demonstration
which have in other cities been a
menace. Orderliness prevailed,
and not great many trainmen
were seen upon the streets in uni
form.
A meeting OF the joint board,
composed OF IL members, from the
executive boards of the three To-
calls. was held in Industrial hall
this morning at 1890. Tomorrow
morning has been named as tho
data for Q meeting OF al the strfk-
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1919-08-01
ONLY THING DRY
HERE is HUMOR
Some Think the Guy Who Said ~It
Never Rains But What 1t
POursz Said a joyful.

Rock Islanders are Of the firm
opinion that the guy who said 1T
never rains but what it pours
said jugful.
Bone dry cusses, emitted through
scattering rain drops by a few
thousand of the city's merry-go-
round OF toll, marked Rock Islands
first wet" night and morning
since July l. And through the
sprinkle of the night and early
hours of the morning the fearless
public rolled and skidded.
Had the weather man or the
head of the street car union been
running for popular prize, both
would have had less than one
half of l per cent OF votes to di-
vide between them.
For those who were fortunate
enough to find nesting places I'M
der covered autos and wagons the
ordeal was a merry one, because
they could cast dry witticisms to
their wet neighbors on foot or in
air-topped canOpies.
Many Hats Ruined.
1t was a big night for the tailors
and milliners. Several fancy bon
nets of both sexes were warped
and more than one palm beach suit
lost its wire crease.
An observer would have seen the
lanes that led to the loop damned
with a mass of moving humber
shoots. In some cases the rain
sticks protected as many as four
refugees.
AS the night wore on and the
"owl cars" stopped in accordance
with the strike call at 4 o'clock
this morning the straggIers yet on
the streets were left with the OPP
ton of going to a hotel. getting a
taxi or walking home through the
rain.
"NeVer Rains But What 1t POurs."
As the rain switched into a slight
drizzle this morning Rock Island
ers arose-earlier than usual-and
took stock of the situation. 1t was
this: Here it hadn't rained for
weeks and when the street carmen
finally decided to tie up the car
service with a strike, old J. Plu-
vius chose to make his debut at
the same time.
And so it was that hundreds
yes, thousands-of 'em started out
hiking through the light drizzIe
for their respective places of en-
ployment with sober thoughts and
bone dry cuSseS.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1919-08-01
KNIGHTS OF GRIP
HIT PURSE HARD
TO SEE BUSINESS

Travelling statesmen in Rock
land today found their purses hit
hard in paying taxi fares to call on
their trade.
As a general rule, a great many
street car passengers are travel
ing statesmen. Opinion of some folks
is that most statesmen are in the
habit OF using taxis in their bust
ness. This is not true, or their
position today would not have been
more discomforting
As it appeared this morning
many statesmen were Handicapped
at being unable to secure the facil-
tiles of street railway transpOrta-
ton. Naturally, they we're forced 90
use taxis today, whether or not il is
their custom 10 do so
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1919-08-01
CAR BARNS ARE
NOT CENTER OF
ACTIVITY TODAY

Scenes at the car barn in this
city this morning, where cars OF
Rock Island and Moline are held.
proved that the strike had been
executed without agitation.
The usual work about the shop,
repairing cars and changing shifts.
was stopped without disturbance.
No attempts have been reported so
far to fight the strike, and it is be
lieved that as far as the company
is concerned the actions Of the
men in striking will not be agitat-
ed.
Today work and service was sim
ply shut of The men quietly left
their positions and duties without
demonstrations and the officials OF
the company made no attempts. as
far as is known, to persuade them
to return to work.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1919-08-01
Mayor Shows Final Plan
Made to Get 7-Cent Fare
Defeated by City Heads

Mayor H. NJ. SchriVer in a state
ment directed against the activity
Of the Tri-City Railway company in
its final plan to get a 7-cent fare
today pointed out the following:
kilograms from dozens Of
prominent men in the city
poured in to the public utilities
commission Offices in Chicago
yesterday urging a 7-cent fare.
The city took position that
the utilities commission had no
right to consider an increased
wage as an additional burden
of expense until the company
entered into an agreement with
the men.
The city commission has
never opposed an increased
wage for the men.
The city commission believes
the Tri-City Railway company
would be able TO pay increased
wages if it would return to its
old position as an independent
concern.
The mayors statement, which is
signed by members of the commits
sion as well as the executive, says:
The city officers had no notice
that a hearing on the increased
rates was in progress until We'd
nesday. We Immediately wired the
commission and the mayors and
city attorneys Of Rock Island and
Moline went to Chicago. There we
found the commission in the pro-
cess of taking evidence, on the
necessity of an increased fare to
the company. A committee Of the
street car employees was there; we
also found that the Tri-City Manu-
lecturers association had entered
their appearance in the case by
Cyrus F. Dietz, their attorney, and
was aiding the company in its fight
or the increased fare.
During the course of the day
kilograms began to pour in by the
lozens from Rock Island, Moline,
and Muscatine urging
he granting of 7-cent fare. Al
most invariably these kilograms
we're from the heads of corpora
ions or were from men who have
financial interests in the railway
property. About two dozen such
elegrams were sent from this city.
md among others the following
we're some who urged the commits
lion by wire to grant the increased
'ates: Gus Tegeler, B. G. Hartz, l.
). White, Rock Island Stove com
)any, Hartz & Bahnsen, T. B. Davis
md S. S. Davis, Young & McCombs,
4. S. Heagy, Spoon River Coal COM
,any. John Marion, C. A. Schoes-
eel, Union Ice & Coal company,
rock Island Pillow company. A. B.
)uVon, Rock Island Bridge and
ron works by w. A. Rosenfield and
he Retail Merchants association
" R. W. Lamont, president, and
George A Kingsbury. secretary.
THE city took the position that
he commission had no right to
onsider an increased wage as an
dditional burden of expense until
he company had actually entered
nto a binding agreement with its
zen to pay this increased wage. As
he matter stood when we reached
the company was trying to
orce the commission to grant I
ent fare on its promise that It
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1919-08-01
'Toi1ers Ride To Work
With Bikes, in Autos,
Boats and on Train S

The city's thousands of workers
reached Offices and factories this
morning on time despite the Erac-
ton tieup. Automobile owners
solved the problem for those living
far from the scene Of their labors.
No one accustomed to the street
car had to walk unless he elected
to do so. 1t was just a case of
hopping into the first machine with
an empty seat-not exactly seat,
but with breathing space. Invita-
lions to ride were not necessary.
Drivers of autos simply drove up
alongside the curb and their inten-
tions were understood.
The bicycle came into its own
again. The old two-wheeler, long
since tossed aside, was resurrect-
ed by old and young alike. Per-
haps the tires needed a patch here
and there, but it served the pur-
pose.
The morning was cool and pro-
vided the incentive that caused
many unaccustomed TO the exer-
else TO walk to work. 1t only
meant a little earlier start from
home
The various factories of the city
reported all hands on duty. Every
one, it appeared, managed to get
to work in one way or another.
At the Rock Island Pillow COM
pany the men had taken heed of
the impending strike to prepare for
this morning. The company press
ed two trucks into service for the
benefit of those living a great dis
lance from the factory. Majority
of the men, however. resided with
in walking distance.
Rock Island Sash and Door
works employees don't have to de
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1919-08-01
TT WAS BIG DAY
ALL AROUND FOR
FERRY BUSINESS

It's an i'll wind that blows no
one any good"
Thus reasoned Captain M. l.
Henderson in a philosophical mood
this morning as he watched the
large number of customers strain
ing to get on his ferry-boat.
1t was one OF the biggest days IN
the history of the service between
the cities. The boat travelled the dis
lance between the two docks in the
early morning hours packed to full
capacity.
The ferry service tends to relieve
greatly the transportation diff
culties between Rock Island and
Davenport, the situation being far
better than between Rock Island
and Moline.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1919-08-01

ers. This will be held in the EN-
pire skating rink at 10 O'Clock. The
business to be taken up at this
meeting was not divulged this
morning, but general policies 10
adhere to during the walkout prob
ably will be discussed. together
with plans for settlement. Beyond
these two meetings no official gath
erings have been authorized as yet
The board will hold daily meetings.
There are $50 men out, and the
average wage for that number is
30 cents per hour or $3.50 per day
at present" said Charles Rogers,
president of local 312 this morning.
And therefore there is a sum of
$3.50 per day involved by the
strike. $15,860 per week and
$57, APO in a month of 20 working
days"
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1919-08-01

ROCK ISLAND TO CLINTON
On steamer Sidney, Tuesday
Aug. 5. Leaves Sis q. m ONLY
35c round trip.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1919-08-01
50 MILES FOR $50.

Special rate excursion on steam
er Sidney, Tuesday. Aug. 5. 70
Clinton Leaves Rock Island S:15
a. N.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1919-08-01
Mr.. AUTOIST:BE
ON LOOKOUT FOR
FLAGCINC AR I'M
This is Time to Show Your Spirit
by Giving Y0ur Less FOrtuR-
ate Brothers q Lift.
Pick the walker up!

PICK the walker up!
The campaign is on in full blast.
Show your spirit. you auto owners.
by giving your less fortunate
brothers a lift in that bus wagon
of yours. Don't be skurrying past
on your way to and from your
labors with your automobile con-
spicuOus with its absence of pas
sengers.
1t is up to Rock Island to meet
this unparalleled situation The
good fellows were much in evil
dence the first thing this morning
when it was learned that the
strike was on. Persons reluctant
to start on a long tedious walk to
work found themselves overwhelm-
ed with proffers of rides. Few
empty seats were noted in machines
hurrying by In most cases pas
sengers were assembled in close
order formation.
Don't Fret!
So, people. don't fret over the
thought that you may have to
pound the pavement. Anchor your
self along the main drag and make
good use OF your arms. Just flash
the high sign to any autoist that
may chance to be passing by with
space TO spare, and it is pretty GER
tain that you will not be disap-
pointed.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1919-08-01
Don't Fret!

See the beautiful scenery on the
trip to Clinton Saturday, Aug 2, on
Steamer G. ". Hill. Only 35c-
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1919-08-01

Continued from Page one.)
The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1919-02-01

were Mr.. and Mrs. Horace Hunt and
daughter Helen, Mr.. and Mrs. Charles
Meyers, Mr.. and Mrs. Henry Horney,
Mr.. and Mrs. Arthur Lundy and child
rem, Opal, Clarence, Lucille and Ivan.
Mr.. and Mrs. T. Snyder and daughter.
Mary, Mr. and Mrs. Will Horney and
children, Kenneth, John and Raymond,
Mr.. and Mrs. Emory Bowman, Harry
Hurst, Mrs. Kate Chessman. Mr.. and
Mrs. Oscar Lundy. Dainty refresh
ments were served. Marion Meyers
and daughter Mary, motored to Indi-
annapolis Tuesday. Mrs. Will Nc
Farland Is waiting on her daughter,
Mrs. Robbie Hobbs. who is quarantined
with influenza, at Hagerstown.. Mrs.
Allie Miller, who has been at the bed
side Of her brother Lem McNutt at
Olive Hill, returned to her home We'd
nesday for a short stay. Frank Jay
was in Richmond Wednesday. :. Mr..
and Mrs. Charles Meyers and Mr.. and
Mrs. NJ. G.. Harvey were Richmond
visitors Wednesday,. Paul Hunt has
moved from the Parrish farm to a
farm south of Richmond. {. . Steven
Parrish, who has been living near Web
ster, has moved to his farm west of
Webster. Miss Hatfeld's room will
be closed Thursday on account of the
death of her grandmother. Mr.. John
Penney. Mrs. Howard Harris is on
the sick list, also Miss Abbie Marshall
is quite ILL.,. jess Gibson was Rich
mond visitor Tuesday. The revival
at the M. E. church is progressing.
Large crowds have been attending and
much interest is being shown.
The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1919-02-01
ID n n e r
StOr / e 8

Parson Miles was q rather dry
speaker. but occasionally he proved
that he had a ready wit.
One evening he was addressing his
congregation on the beauty OF leading
an upright life when he suddenly
paused, glanced around the church
and beckoned to the sexton.
Brown" said he in clear, dis
tinct tone of voice as the sexton ap-
preached the pulpit, "open a couple
of windows on each side OF the church,
please"
BEG your pardon, sir!" exclaimed
the sexton with look Of great sur
prise. did ] understand you to say
Open the windows? 1t is a very bit
ter cold night, sir"
Eyes, l am very we'll aware OF that,
Brown" was the cold. hard reply OF
the minister as he gazed around the
church, "but it is not healthy to sleep
with the windows shut"