New-York tribune., 1920-08-28
Both Sides Saw
B. r. T. Strike
Is Unavoidable
$4,000 Employees to Vote
on the Question Tonight;
Union Chiefs Dissatis-
fed With Courts Terms
Company Ready to Act
depleted Operation Prom
ised if Men Walk Out;
Mayer Accuses Workers

At the close Of q day replcte with
conferences, the possibility Of an
amicable adjustment of the differences
between the disgruntled employees of
the Brooklyn Rapid Transit Company
and Receiver Lindley M. Garrison ap-
peared last night more remote than
ever. At the Office of the receiver and
at the headquarters of the Amalga-
mated Association Of Street and Elec-
trio Railroad Employees, in Brooklyn,
it was said strike was virtually un-
avoidable.
Assurances that service of some sort
would be maintained even if the union
members were called out were given
last night by the management. 1t de-
clared itself prepared to continue "de-
pleted operation"
II cannot say just what proportion
of the service will be maintained at
the start" said one official, "but some
trains will certainly be operated and
we expect the condition to improve
as time progresses. We intend to fight
to finish and are prepared to do So"
Letter of Judge Mayer
In letter to John H. Delaney,
Transit Construction Commissioner,
written after a number Of futile con-
ferences between representatives Of
the receiver and union leaders yester-
day afternoon. Judge Julius M. Mayer
intimated that the union representa-
tives are attempting to befog the con-
troversy IN such a manner as to re-
introduce the "closed shop" issue for
arbitration. The letter, it is under
stood, constitutes the courts last in
structions concerning arbitration. 1t
says:
my Dear Commissioner: You have
handed to me the communication dated
August 27, 1920, addressed to you by
the committee. My letter to Judge
Garrison, dated August 25, made my
position entirely clear. l authorized
the receiver to agree to arbitration
upon the wage question, with only the
necessary limitation that the awards
must be such as are capable of being
met within the financial ability of the
Brooklyn receiverships.
II am unable to understand the pur-
pose which the committee actually has
in mind. Either the committee doubts
the good faith of the court, or the real
IeaSoi 1OI d StTlke mas not Deen dis
closed by them. This court will not
abdicate it's powers or duties If there
should be a strike, the responsibility
will be with those who advocate it, and
every one will clearly understand
where to place the responsibility.
"Appreciating very much your pa
tient and earnest efforts, my dear COM
missioner, l am sincerely yours,
JULIUS M. MAYER"
Unions Object to Terms
After a two-hour conference with Mr..
Delaney on the communication from
Judge Mayer, union leaders expressed
dissatisfaction with the terms stipu-
lated by the court and arranged meet
ing with Governor Smith at the Bilt-
more Hotel last night. At its conclu-
sion the Governor said he had agreed
to confer with Judge Mayer in an ef-
fort to effect some compromise.
The position taken by the union
leaders is that the agreement under
which the trouble last year was ter
minated provides for unqualified arbi-
tration, and they object to the reser-
CONTINUED on noxt pase)