The news scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 1920-07-21

compromise will be offered.
Rumors of strikes in isolated plants
are, continuing, but statements from
leaders Wednesday declared that there
would not be any action pending the
meeting of the council.
Charges were made by labor leaders
and committees of the firemen's union
Wednesday that settlement was Of
Tered to them through President Ellis
Of the Chamber of Commerce, on condi-
tion that the union would give up its
charter. This offer, according to the
leaders, was made at conference soon
after the calling OF the strike. 1t is not
denied by heads of the union organiza-
ton.
Secretary Hayley, in commenting on
the report, declared that no such offer
has been made and that he was sure
that President Ellis had made no such
proposition.
Another charge against the Chamber
of Commerce is that they have been
asking plants not to employ striking
firemen. In reply to this, Secretary
Hayley issued general denial and FUR
ther stated that all facilities of the
chamber are at the disposal of any and
all striking firemen to aid them in se-
curing other employment If they wish
it.
Ffremen held another meeting We'd
nesday morning for roll call.
Removal of the troops from the city
has lessened the tense situation to
some extent, but many criticisms on the
call of soldiers continue.
Denial is made by leaders of or
ganized labor and by the committees
of the firemen that any proposition
will be submitted to the city with re-
gard to having firemen reinstated or
asking that charges be preferred against
Their under the civil service rule. This
G'umor was circulated early Wednes-
day buk unqualified denial was prompt
ly made by the unions.
Circulation of recall petitions against
Mayor Paine and Commissioner Edgal
have been rumored. Thus far, the Ia
Dor men are taking no part in this. al
though they admit that some petitions
ARE in existence. However, 1t has been
declared that the unions will have nc
part in such a move and both In cir
cuation and in signing, the union men
win be acting on individual initiative
in such a move.
Determination of local unions to han
die the strike situation without outside
aid developed Wednesday, when 1t was
announced that kilograms had been sent
to Frank Morrison, secretary of the
American Federation of Labor, that
there was no need of his services here
at present. Morrison was to have been
present at, the council meeting Thurs
day night.
Conferences between union leaders
continued throughout the day Wednes-
udy. Inc executive DudIu vi liiC SoNH
Gil and the committees Of the. firemen
held special sessions, but no direct ac-
tion beyond discussion of matters was
taken.
Complaints Of the labor leaders
against the Chamber of Commerce IN
alleged use of it's influence to prevent
strikers from ohtaininGN sposllionsi
named the American Car and Foundry
Co; as one OF the. places where dis,
crimination was shown. Officials oi
u =
against firemen. saying that none had
applied. that they had no vacancies,
but il any should occur striking tire-
men would be employed should tney
measure up to qualifications Tor the
position sought.
facilities at disposal of the striking
fremen in securing new positions, sec :,
retary Hayley said every agency Woulo
be turned over to them. He cited the
record in the past where positions nave
been found for every man who was
looking for work and while admitting
that to find more than 200 openings at
6nce would be difficult, every possible
means would be eXerted to care 1or
all He invites any and all tlremen
seeking positions and wishing AID OF
the chamber to call and confer with
him. H. t.
Removal of troops from the city IS
freely discussed by the firemen. Whlle
some of the bitterness against those
instrumental in bringing the soidleIs
here Is dying out, there Is yet cofslo
cradle feeling against having them IN
view of no disorder nor any threat
ened outbreak. Arrival of the soldiers,
however, acted as posslDle culp
against the extreme radical element U ol
the unions which were on the verge
Of declaring strikes in the heat OF 1el,.-
per following the first walkout ana re-
ianttpn of pOnoDrOmiSp offers.