The New York herald., 1921-05-23
Business Life Affected.

The strike has become q vital factor
IN every phase OF life In Albany. Polit-
ically 1t has caused a serious split In the
hitherto alright Barnes Albany county
Republican organization Business men
fear to ride on the trolley cars, which
the company is running with non-union
crews Albany Is a strong labor union
town. and they believe their business
will be ruined IL they show any sympa-
thy for the company. They admit, how
ever. that the strike IS hurting business
generally IN the city. The courts are
filed with test cases growing out Of
the traction trouble, and the public
has divided itself into two classes,
trolley car riders and jitney riders. The
latter far outnumber the former. the
great majority Of the poople being bitter
In their opposition TO the company. But
for the support OF the public the men
would undoubtedly have had TO give in
long ago. Only on one or two lines,
which go into the residential districts,
containing the homes Of the wealther
and State office holding class, are the
trolleys patronized TO any extent
For years the company has had inter-
nnlttent strikes. but has never let them
go beyond day or two. When the
present strike went iDto tho second wees
the people knew that the company had
NtLsTHllnelu 10 nRNt IL out 10 the eNU
Crews OF strike breakers and special
guards we're brought in to man the cars.
When the first cars appeared on The
street they were stoned by strike sym
psthizers and the disorders became ~
violent that State troopers had to be
caFled upon and Policeman had to ride
IN every car For weeks no passengers
rode in them AZ all The few who de-
aired 10 ride dared not FOR fear OF the
Break In Politics.
Jhneys and omnibusos then poured
into the Ave cities from miles around
and did a rushing business. For a long
time they provided practically all or
the transportation facilities OF the entire
section and were the cause not only Of
? long legal fight but OF the break In
the Republican organization. william
Barnes, the Albany county Republican
leader. at a Republican dinner in Feb
ruary. urged the public TO support the
company. He said that II could not
continue TO pay the increased wages of
tho men because OF its financial condi-
ton and that Il was TO the best interest
of the employees 10 accept the reduction
and the public 10 prevent tho company
from going into bankruptcy. Organized
Effort to drive the jitneys orr the
ttfeeta followed. The people would not
ride IN the trolley cars when they could
ret automobiles.
Pressure was brought 10 bear on
Mayor James r.. Watt by those close to
Mr. Barnes TO get him 10 order the tit
neys out or business. He refused The
company then secured mandamua
order from Supreme Court Justice Har-
old. J. Hinman directing him TO stop the
Itncys from running on the ground that
they violated tho law prohibiting buses
from operating on tho same streets with
trolley lines. That order has just been
upheld by tho Appellate Division. and
tho police are now erresting all jtney
drivers and bus owners who are not
licensed 10 run. As there are not enough
" these 10 supply anywhere near ade-
auste transportation facilities. the great
majority ~ the reluctant public VIII
x.oon either have to ride in trolley cars