Status of the Strike

This article from the July 21, 1877 issue of the Pittsburgh Daily Post updates the status of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad strike.

STATUS OF THE STRIKE.

The railway strike inaugurated a few days ago on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad has assumed very large proportions, and is still extending rapidly. A bitter feeling is beginning to show itself among the strikers, and if not checked soon, will lead to serious results. So much sympathy is expressed for them by many, that they are becoming more determined.

The first sad result of the strike occurred yesterday on the streets of Baltimore, a full report of which is given in our telegraphic dispatches. The Sixth Maryland Regiment was attacked in front of their armory and on Baltimore street by excited crowds, who hurled stones, brickbats, etc. at them. This being repeated, the military fired into the crowd, by which eight person were killed and a number wounded. Several of the military were also wounded. Several companies of the regiment will remain in the city to prevent any further disturbance while others are now on their way to Cumberland.

The strike has extended to the Central division of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, and no frieght trians have been allowed to pass Newark, Ohio. Gov. Young called out the militia and several companies started last night for Newark to suppress the strikers. Employes on the Ohio and Mississippi, Cincinnati, Hamilton and Dayton railways are exptected to join in the strike early next week. The strike, however, is not confined to the West, but has extended to the East, all passenger and freight trains on the Erie Railroad, except on the Falls branch, have been abandoned.

In this city, the excitement ran high, but no serious results have taken place. Large crowds were congregated at the Outer Depot and Torrens station, wehre freight trains are still being detained, all day yesterday and last night. Several companies of military have gone to the scene of the troubles, but so far no freight trains have been moved through. To-day the military will be largely increased, and some express the hope that the difficulties will soon be ended, and that without any bloodshed. Others, however, are of a contrary opinion. Yesterday afternoon the firemen and brakemen of the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railway joined their fellow strikers. Their headquarters are at Woods Run station, wehre all freight trains are stopped. Taken all in all, the strike made great headway yesterday, and the men are greatly encouraged, owing the large accessions to their numbers. As will be seen, however, by our telegraphic and local reports, the authorities are alive to the situation, and are doing all in their power for the supression of the strikers. Militia have been called out in the several States where the strikes have occurred, and are hastening to the scenes of the troubles. To-day efforts will be made to move trains through points now blockaded, and it remains to be seen whether the strikers will come in conflict with the military.

About this Document

  • Source: The Daily Post
  • Date: July 21, 1877