New-York tribune., 1920-04-12

and Lehigh Valley IA per cent each,
Jersey Central 8 per cent and the, Bal
timore & Ohio about per cent.
Chicago Situation
Reported Improved
Brotherh00ds Assert Cri-
sis Has Passed, but Out
Ia,us' Predict Success
CHICAGO, Apri! 11.-While officers
of the railroad brotherhoods, who united
with railroad heads to break the unau-
thorized strike of switchmen, which
started'in the Chicago terminal district,
announced tonight the situation was
steadily improving and that the crisis
of the walk-out was passed, John Cru
nau, president of the Chicago Yard
mems Association. who called the
strike, declared "the situation is un-
changed" The largest break among the
600 switchmen voted to return.
"The situation in the Chicago, dis
trict is distinctly improved tonight"
S. E. Heberling, president of the
Switchmen's Union of North America,
said. "More men are returning to work,
and we look for an early return to nor
NAL conditions"
Mr.. Heberling said brotherhood lead
ers were meeting with delegations of
strikers in an effort tc end the walk
out, and that satisfactory. progress was
being made.
Union heads are confident that if the
walk-out is broken in Chicago it will
mean the collapse Of the strike move
ment which has spread to many parts
Of the country.
Statement by Railroads
A noticeable Improvement in the
strike situation on every railroad in
the Chicago terminal district was an
nounced tonight, in statement made
public by the railroads.
"The situation with reference to the
strike in Chicago continues to i'm
prove" the statement said. Sin fact
there is noticeable Improvement on
every railroad in the district.
"The management Of the Grand
Trunk Railroad. advises that it's strik.
ing employees at Battle Greek anc
Durand, Mich, returned to work.
"The movement of livestock, coal ano
other commodities for Chicago proper
has improved, as we'll as the movement
of Chicago outbound freight
Through passenger and suburban
business in and out ST Chicago is main
tanned at 100 per cent:
"As the situation continues to i'm
prove the railroads are lifting theil
embargoes, although it will be some
time before freight will move nor
mally." n s.- g.. g..
1t was reported that several com
mittees representing the strikers were
canvassing the Individual workers
to work. Edward. Corrigap. assistant
grand chief of the Brotherhood OF
Locomotive Engineers, made public 6
communication addressed to. him by
one Of these committees. 1t read, ir
part: "a 't,o
eve, the undersigned edslocal commit
| tee, representing members of the
Brotherhood of LOGON olive Engineers
and Brotherhood of.Locomotive Fire
men and Enginemen, hereby request Of
Eyou that you request the General Man
ayers Associations to 'give fus the raise
in wages as demandsds' y -'.
"In returning to our work we Dc
so with the understanding athat oul
fseniority rights shall be protected"
/ II feel absolutely certain that the
men will be back at their work withir
forty eight hours" Mr.. Corrigan said
"Our plans appear to have the desired
effect. We are taking this action te
protect our old men,, They have beer
i'll advised, but they now see their mis-
take"
"Outlaws" in Secret Session
A secret meeting of trustees and off
GERS Of the Chicago Yardmen's Associa
tion was held to-day, but no informa
tlon was given out as to action taken
Officers said the session was to arrangt
plans for the coming week.
At an open meeting, of the strikers
element, predicted success for tn,
walk-out.
ave are going to w in,' he said. AM
one has returned to work and reports
have been received from all parts O.
the country that traffic is tied up.
have such kilograms and letters from
St. Louis. Kansas City, Columbus
Cleveland Detroit, San Francisco, Sal
Antonio and other rail centers. Man!
of these communications report tina
more men are going on strike.
There is no basis for rumors tha
we are going back. I have asked M
parley with the other side. There have
been no withdrawals from the strike
The demands we have made are not un
reasonable. For years the living cost.
have been advancing and the wages O.
other workers have risen, too, but WI
have not received enough to live on
When we decided to ask for 81 an hou
for foremen and 95 cents an hour fo1
switchmen We pared the demands al
low as we could.
There is talk Of the governmen
4 taking hand: If have to 20 to prison
for anything have done it Will be 70
action in a right cause. do not Sc,
how they could put me in prison
though. have not ordered YOU on
and haye no. power to order you back
You SIMPLY left your jobs because yo,
weren't getting enough to live on"
Grunau warned the men to avoid vic
lcnce. Other speakers also urged peace
full methods.
1--WE don't want any I. w. WIS in tn,
Chicago Yardmen's Associations" on,
said. you can gain nothing by disor
derly action"
Several speakers said the establishe,
unions we're not giving their member