The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1921-05-04
WAGE MAIN ISSUE
Working Conditions Adjusted to
Suit Striking Sailors.
Slash of Fifteen Per Cent Now
Bar to Peace.
BOTH SIDES STAND FIRM
Little Prospect for Immediate
Settlement, Say Officials.
Port Arthur, Texas, Only Z. S.
Port Now Operating.
BOTH SIDES STAND FIRM

Washington, May with differ
ences over working conditions prac-
tically adjusted. the wage controversy
today threatened to defeat efforts to
mediate the seamen's strike.
The men are holding out against
any reduction of wages and the ship
owners and Admiral Benson, chairman
of the shipping board, also refuse to
yield.
Prospects Not Bright.
Prospects for an immediate settle
ment of the shipping wage contro-
versy were said to be anything but
bright after a conference today be-
tween Secretaries Davis and Hooper,
and representatives of the shipping
board and steamship owners. Davis,
however. had not given up hope and
arranged to meet later in the day
with spokesmen for the unions.
The shipping men were reported to
have refused to yield on wage cuts and
other questions 1t was said also that
the shipping board would insist on the
1 5 per cent wage reduction ordered by
Chairman Benson last Saturday.
Steamship owners expressed conf
dence that they would be able to
MAINTAIN Sailing SCHeuuleS
Port Arthur Still Open
Port Arthur. Tex, May 4-Four
American steamers left this port yes
terday, all with parts of their old
crews at their places, according to a
statement by the agent of the marine
1 firemen's unien here. The vessels
were the Gulf of Mexico, Gulf Stream
and j. NJ. Guffey of the Gulf company
! fleet and the Texas company steamer
Aryan.
/ According to the same authority, the
I Gulf Stream and the Legionier, which
departed Monday, are laying by in the
stream near Sabine Pass awaiting full
crews. The others are reported to
! have gone on their way with full crews
of union men.
New York Piers Pickcted.
New York. May 4-Picketins OF
steamship piers was continued today
/ by union marine workers in an effort
TO prevent the signing of non-union
crews on vessels scheduled for early
salllngs. A launch patrol of the har-
Dor was maintained by the workers
Clash at Charleston. S. C.
| Charleston, S. c.. May A mum.
/ Der of marine strikers were injured
here today when they clashed with
negro strikebreakers from Savannah
| Police answered a riot call but the
!
! The injured seamen were found by the
1 police. None is said to be seriously
! hurt. No arrests were made.
Baltimore Police on Guard.
/ Baltimore, May 4.-With police
{ aboard nearly all ships in the harbor
| police reserves concentrated in water
| front districts, and with an additiona
patrol boat in commission today, the
authorities believe they can handle the
situation resulting from the marins
workers strike here, and prevent
! repetition of yesterdays serious dis
| turbances. Governor Ritchie may cal
| the state police or national guard ii
| further serious trouble occurs.
| No steamship company contemplates
asking the federal court for an in
| junction restraining the strikers from
; picketing.
Gulf Officers Quit Ship.
! Galveston. Tex. May 4-The ma
, rine strike here spread yesterday tc
vessels in the Mexican oil carrying
trade when all but licensed deck of
ficers left the tanker, Topila. Sea
, men and engineroom forces of sea
! going tugs, according to union leaders
began leaving their vessels during the
daN