The Labor Agitation

This selection of articles from the July 24, 1877 issue of the Pittsburgh Daily Post looks at the events surrounding railroad strikes in cities around the United States and notes the crime and violence taking place.

THE LABOR AGITATION. Strikers Gain Many Accessions to their Ranks. Terrible State of Affairs at Reading. SOLDIERS ATTACKED BY THE CROWD And Return the Fire. The Police Receive the Full Fire of the Military. Five Persons Killed and Twenty three Wounded. The Mob Threaten Vengeance on the Military.

PENNSYLVANIA.

INTERCEPTING MILITARY AT HARRISBURG.

HARRISBURG, July 23-It is reported that a portion of the Philadelphia city troops en route from Altoona to Philadelphia, disembarked from the cars a few miles west of Harrisburg, and are now working their way towards Philadelphia, avoiding Harrisburg. Immense crowds will remain about the depots. About six hundred strikers have passed out Market street, for the purpose of intercepting the body of military reported coming towards Harrisburg on the other side of the river.

The mob tonight forced an entrance into [Alsymyre's] gun store, Second street, a few minutes ago, and seized a quantity of firearms. Mayor Patterson addressed the crowd, and induced them to return a part of the plunder.

STRIKERS TREAT PHILADELPHIA WELL.

The crowd which crossed the river in search of the Philadelphia militia returned to the city about 7 P.M. with twenty-three men of the First and Second Regiments. The captives were well fed and treated by by [sic] the strikers. Captain Snowden and thirty-two men of city troops, Philadelphia, were found a mile outside of the city, and were conducted to the State arsenal.

A DETERMINED SHERIFF.

At 11:30 to-night an armed mob took possession of the Western Union Telegraph in this city and drove out the operators. Subsequently the sheriff, at the head of 1,000 citizens, reinstated the operators, promised them protection and communication was restored.

WILKESBARRE, July 23.-Lehigh Valley men expect to strike to-night. If they go out the miners will also make common cause. The entire Third division rendezvous here. The Ninth Regiment is camped at Lee Park. There is grees [sic] excitement in the city.

READING, July 23.-The mob which has been tearing up the track here to-day came in contact with a portion of the Fourth Regiment shortly after seven o'clock this afternoon. The soldiers fired into the crowd, killing four and wounding several others.

LEBANON, July 23.-The militia have all left for Harrisburg. Several fights took place, one this evening between the militia and citizens. Freight trains have arrived here from Reading via Auburn and Pine Grove. Excitement is abating.

STRIKES' DEPRECATE VIOLENCE.

HARRISBURG, July 23.-The Pennsylvania railroad strikers in a meeting deprecate violence, and ask the dismissal of Frank Thompson as general manager, and appointed a committee to inform Superintendent McCrea that they are willing to compromise on honorable terms and would use every effort to protect the company's property.

A LABOR STRIKE AT BETHLEHEM.

BETHELEHEM, Pa., July 23.-Considerable excitement is manifested throughout the establishment of the Bethlehem Iron Company. The men are determined in the event of a strike by the Lehigh Valley to join them. As the mill employs between 2,000 and 3,000 hands, serious trouble may result.

STRIKE ON THE LACKAWANNA RAILROAD.

SCRANTON, July 23.-The military companies under the command of Col. Lewis left here for Wilkesbarre this afternoon. The third division of the Ninth regiment is concentrating there to be ready for an emergency. The firemen along the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railway will make a demand to-morrow, and if refused will strike.

TRAINS ABANDONED AT ERIE.

ERIE, Pa., July 23.-The strikers at this point refuse to let any but mail trains pass, and in consequence all express trains have been abandoned. The day express on the Erie & Pittsburgh left on time, but the strikers assert that it will be stopped at Sharon. The train men on the E. & P. struck this morning. The Lake Shore and the Philadelphia & Erie men are also out. The strikers compelled the men in the railroad shops to quit work this morning.

TROUBLE AT READING.

READING. Pa., July 23.-The railroad troubles, which have created intense excitement in this city, culminated in a serious outbreak last night. Shortly after ten o'clock, upon the arrival of the last passenger train from Philadelphia, about 1,000 men followed after the train, from Seventh and Penn streets to the new passenger depot. Night trains were prevented from leaving the depot, and several hundred persons commenced the obstruction of the tracks of the Lebanon Valley Railroad leading to Harrisburg. Two cabooses were set on fire and an alarm of fire having been struck; the entire fire department responded. The firemen were prevented, however, by the crowd from extinguishing the flames, attention having been directed to the burning cars. The work of destruction was continued at other points along the road tearing up tracks, turning and blocking switches, and burning freight cars. A train of freight cars on the main track on Second street crossing was set on fire and five cars were totally consumed. The Lebanon Valley Railroad bridge, a magnificent structure, across the Schuylkill, costing over fifty thousand dollars, was fired at the western end shortly before midnight, and totally destroyed. At 1:35 A.M. all the span[unclear] had fallen into the river. The object in destroying the bridge is believed to have been to prevent the passage of troops through this city to Harrisburg and points on the Pennsylvania Railroad.

QUIET EAST NIGHT AT HARRISBURG.

HARRISBURG, July 23.-The crowd thinned out considerably and the streets were very quiet last night. A small detachment of the Fourth Division arrived here about midnight and immediately proceeded to the State Arsenal. Several bars of iron were placed on the track of the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad last night, a short distance from this city, for the purpose of throwing off the track the train which brought the Schuylkill county company to Harrisburg. The obstruction was discovered in time to prevent the accident.

PHILADELPHIA, July 23.-By arrangement between Gen. Hancock and Mayor Stokely, policemen are doing duty about the Government buildings to-night. A revenue cutler is anchored in the Delaware river. Notices calling meetings of workingmen and sympathizers with strikers were torn down by police in citizens clothes.

Capt. Wells is preparing at League Island seventeen thousand rounds of ammunition for Springfield rifles. The policemen who have been on duty at the West Philadelphia Depot and yards for twenty-four hours were relieved by the Marines. Trains on the Pennsylvania Railroad arrived and departed from Camden regu'arly to-day.

THE MILITARY FIRE INTO THE CROWD.

READING, July 23.-Several thousand persons assembled along the Reading Railroad this afternoon and stopped freight, coal and passenger trains, only permitting mail trains to proceed. At eight o'clock this evening seven companies of the Fourth regiment, National Guard of Pennsylvania, arrived and proceeded along the railroad to Penn street. While in the depot, extending two squares from Walnut to Penn street, the soldiers were assailed with stones and immediately began firing, it is alleged without orders, doing bad work among an immense concourse of peoples in the vicinity, among whom were many respectable citizens, as well as ladies and children. The troops fired down Seventh and up and down Penn streets.

FIVE PERSONS KILLED AND MANY WOUNDED.

Five persons are known killed and from eighteen to twenty-five wounded, several mortally wounded. Among the wounded are seven policemen, some seriously. Chief Callen had a narrow escape, having been shot in the breast, but a thick recinorandum[unclear] book turned the ball. The police were stationed along the railroad tracks, to preserve order and received the full fire of the military. A number of soldiers were knocked down by large stones thrown at them. Great excitement prevails to-night. The mob broke into the armory of the Reading Rifles and captured all their guns and sacked the gun stores. They threaten vengeance upon the military. The mob is

2A.M. - The killed and wounded reported is thirty. Seven were instantly killed. Fourteen soldiers were wounded.

OHIO.

THE MAYOR OF CINCINNATI ISSUES A PROCLAMATION.

CINCINNATI, July 23.-Mayor Moore has issued a proclamation wherein, after reciting accounts of disturbances at Pittsburgh and other points, commends the example of the citizens of Cincinnati at the time as creditable to her people, and feels assured it will result to the general and individual good of all concerned.

The situation on the Ohio and Mississippi railroad has assumed a more serious aspect, all the trains, both passenger and freight, have been blocked, only local cars are allowed to leave the yard. The strikers are posted at Storr's station, a short distance from the city, and are determined no trains shall leave the city. Nine engines and freights have been abandoned thus far. It is evident that other roads centering here are preparing for a general strike to-night.

THE TRADE MOVEMENT SPREADING.

ZANESVILLE, O., July 23.-About nine o'clock this morning two thousand men assembled in front of the new hotel being built under contract of T.B. Townsend and demanded the men working on the building to quit. The men all quit, and assembled in front of the Court House, where the crowd was addressed by Henry Blandy, who counseled moderation, look to a Democratic Convention for consolation. After a speech large crowds marched to the different manufacturing places in the city, compelling the men to quit work. They also waited on Townsend and Burgess, proprietors of the railway, compelling them to haul off the street cars. Mayor McCowen has requested the saloons to close. No violence is anticipated. About fifty manufacturing establishments are idle this afternoon

STRIKE ON THE "BEE LINE RAILROAD."

CLEVELAND, Ohio, July 23.-At noon today all the shop men and train men of the Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati & Indianapolis railway, this city, quit work. No disturbance of any kind occurred, nor is there any immediate prospect that any will occur. No mail trains on the Cleveland and Pittsburgh railway to-day. At Collinwood, the headquarters of the Lake Shore strikers, everything remains quiet.

There are no through trains on the Lake Shore or Cleveland & Pittsburgh railroads. Thirty shopmen of the Lake Shore and twenty freight housemen struck for a restoration of the last ten per cent reduction. The strikers had a conference with General Devereux. President of the Cincinnati & Cleveland, Columbus & Indianapolis railroads, who informed them officially that the wages of all employes of all grades on August 1st would be restored to the prices paid June 1st. The men will resume work to-morrow.

The strikers at Cottonwood have compelled all saloons to close and keep closed till the strike is over.

Cattle and sheep are unloaded and turned into pasture.

CLOSING THE PAN HANDLE SHOPS.

COLUMBUS, July 23.-General Manager Caldwell of the Pittsburgh, Cincinnati & St. Louis road, has ordered all the shops closed, and the suspension of all business, except such as is necessary to keep the passenger trains moving, no interference having been offered such trains. No passenger trains have left on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad since 10:45 P.M. on Saturday.

It is reported that the Hocking Valley track men quit work this morning. There are also rumors that the shops men will join in the strike this afternoon. Large crowds are about the yards and depot, but all is quiet.

Everything is comparatively quiet at Newark. The yards are in control of the troops. No attempt will be made to move trains to-day, owing to the blockaded condition of the tracks. Passenger trains are also delayed. The strikers are distributed at different points along the roads. The report that Governor Young would return to Columbus to-day is premature.

GENERAL UPRISING OF THE TRADES AT COLUMBUS.

About noon the railroad strikers, to the number of three hundred, went to the rolling mill and compelled the employes to suspend work. They also went to the pope works, Wassel Fire Clay Company's works, Patton's Pot works, Adams' planing mill, Franklin Machine works, Peters' works and other factories, the employes of which joined the strikers as they went along. The entire mob, who had their dinners with them, went to the Union Depot to the number of 2,000 and ate dinner. No violence was used.

THE MOB CLOSE NEARLY ALL THE MANUFACTURING ESTABLISHMENTS.

COLUMBUS, O., July 23.-The mob which raided on private establishments to-day, closed up nearly all the rolling mills, machine shops and factories on the west side of the river. Ths [sic] mob was not composed of railway men, but of tramps, miners and idle roughs who seem to have but recently came to the city. No violence was offered by the mob, as operatives quit work and shops suspended on the first demand in almost every case. In a few instances, protests were made, but invariably the reply was "shut up that shop or we will burn it." The striking Pennsylvania railroad men deny any connection with raids on shops and say they are not responsible for actions of the mob.

THERE IS MUCH EXCITEMENT IN THE CITY

and fears are entertained of an outbreak by the mob. Warrants were issued for the arrest of several of the leaders this afternoon. Railroad officials have ordered the shops to be closed and no freight to be received for the present and business is somewhat embarrassed in consequence. The Mayor has issued a proclamation calling on citizens to avoid forming crowds and warning all that rioters will be vigorously punished. Special policemen are being enrolled to the number of several hundred to set in case of an emergency. A large crowd at Goodall Park was being addressed by strikers about 4 o'clock.

When the report arrived that an attempt would be made to start freights west over the Indianapolis division of the Pan Handle road the crowd immediately rushed for the side tracks and yards where the train was supposed to be standing, and discovered that there was no intention to start the train. The crowd started then for the Union depot. The assemblage numbered several thousand people. It was feared at one time that the afternoon passenger train west would be stopped, but proved groundless. The mob stopped the regular freight for Springfield, C.S. & C.R.R. at 1 A.M. Several freight trains on various local roads went out to-day but non on the through lines.

ONE THOUSAND MINERS TO JOIN THE STRIKERS.

It is reported that large numbers of miners from Shawnee are on the way to Newark to join the strikers. A committee of citizens, headed by the Mayor, waited on General Manager Quincy for the purpose of securing a train to go out and intercept the miners. The train was refused for fear the miners would board it and run to Newark. The report of the miners coming has caused much excitement among the citizens of Newark. A committee has started to the miners, who left Shawnee at 4:15. It is reported that the miners number upwards of 1,000 men. No freight trains have gone out yet, and it is believed that any attempt to take trains, if hands can be found, will result in bloodshed. The tide of public opinion is changing since the outrages at Pittsburgh.

EMPLOYES OF DAYTON'S SHORT LINE ROAD GAIN THEIR POINT.

CINCINNATI, July 23.-The strikers have been gaining in numbers here this afternoon and to night, chiefly from parties who claim to be working men, but really are idlers of the worst class. During the afternoon the yard engine of the Dayton Short Line was prevented from shifting cars by the strikers, and to-night it is said, the authorities of that road yielded to the demands of the men. An effort was made to stop the Marrietta & Cincinnati passenger train while going out to-night, but the engineer disregarded the signals and went through the crowd without stopping. The strikers, in large numbers, have thronged the vicinity of the Ohio & Mississippi depot this evening, tampering with switches and endeavoring by every means in their power to prevent any movement of cars. The authorities of that road have suspended the movement of all trains except an engine with a postal car till further orders. About eleven o'clock to-night the Ohio & Mississippi road bridge across Mill Creek was fired, but a prompt alarm and action of the firemen soon checked the threatened disaster. The police have been massed at the various station houses all the evening, prepared to respond to any alarm. Passenger trains on the Little Miami & Indianapolis railroads are running but no freights.

A band of music, followed by a crowd of so-called workmen, paraded the streets early in the evening, and finally halted at Court Market street space, and were addressed by the same speakers who appeared there yesterday and Mayor Moore. The speeches were chiefly moderate in tone, and at the close a call was read for a general meeting of all working men in the city at 7 A.M. to-morrow, but no place of meeting was named with the exception of the vicinity of the depots in the lower part of the city and the place where the meeting was held. The streets have been very quiet to-night, but there is quite a feeling of anxiety among the better classes over the situation, which does not improve.

NEW YORK.

NO TROUBLE EXPECTED ON VANDERBILT LINES.

NEW YORK, July 23,-Mr. Toucey, of the New York Central road, says that the officers of the company have no fears of any serious trouble. Vanderbilt is in constant communication with the authorities, and hopes to have sufficient protection for his employes. He says that his men are not in sympathy with the strikers, and will do their duty fearlessly and without favor.

THE TROUBLE IN WESTERN NEW YORK.

EAST BUFFALO, July 23.-There is no stock being shipped from here to-day. Shipments yesterday via New York Central railroad to eastern points, were 122 head of cattle, two hogs and five sheep.

A mob from the Erie & Lake Shore roads took the firemen and brakemen from the New York Central trains and unloaded the stock and warned the employes from further work. A disposition is shown on the part of the New York Central employes to join the strikers. The Lake Shore & Erie yards and shops are closed. The mob is in quiet possession and undemonstrative. The Lake Shore line stock trains were stopped off at Collinwood and unloaded there indiscriminately. Stock has been received regularly thus far by the Canada roads. The markets here are at a stand still.

ERIE STRIKERS PROPOSE TERMS OF SETTLEMENT.

HORNELLSVILLE, July 23.-A committee of strikers to-day called upon the railroad officials to state their grievances, and propose terms of settlement. Their principal grievance was the discharge of the committees who they sent to New York to confer with Receiver Jewett. Following were their terms. Brakemen to go to work at the reduced wages of ten per cent., and the company to pay for the extra hours they work. Switchmen the same, if ten hours constitute a day. Firemen to be paid as follows, according to years of service, $1 60, $1 92, $2 03 and $2 14, substantially a reduction of ten per cent., the firemen to be promoted according to merit and years of service. The trackmen in the Hornellsville yard to receive $1 50 and on sections $1 40 per day, with free rental of the company's land along the track, unless there is or may be an agreement otherwise. Passes to be issued as heretofore, and all committees of men discharged to be reinstated.

THE TERMS REJECTED.

The Erie officials replied that they could not accept the terms and had no new ones to offer, that there were two alternatives open to the strikers. To quietly go to work trusting to the [?] and magnanimity of the receiver, or to continue in their lawless cause. The conference was characterized by frank and gentlemanly deportment on both sides. Governor Robinson has issued a proclamation calling upon the civil and military authorities to aid in suppressing the conspiracy. The following notice has been received and published:

ERIE RAILWAY COMPANY. Receiver's office - General Order - The receiver fully appreciates the fidelity of his officers agents and men who have remained true to their duty in the present emergency and such fidelity will not fail to be properly recognized.

NO COMPROMISE WILL BE MADE.

and no concessions will be made to those misguided men who are or have been or may be false to their trust and violators of the law, and all persons are warned that no person has the right to represent or speak to the receiver except his regular officers. Any other person pretending to do so is an imposter. The receiver is induced to believe that the large majority of the employes now neglecting their duty, are acting under the coercion and terror of lawless and desperate men most of whom are strangers and have never been in his service. All well disposed employes will be protected.

A.J. Jewets, Receiver.

Warrants have been issued for the arrest of some of the leaders. At 3 P.M, a train of box cars, baggage, mail and one passenger car and caboose arrived with a portion of the Twenty-third Regiment of Brooklyn. A mile east of the depot it was stopped by strikers, but upon a guard being sent there it was allowed to proceed to the depot.

MORE VIOLENCE BY THE MOB.

BUFFALO, July 23-7 P.M.-The mob reinforced by large numbers called at the car shops of the Lake Shore & Erie companies and ordered all workmen there to quit, which they did forthwith. About 4 o'clock in the afternoon a Buffalo and Jamestown train which leaves the Erie depot on arriving at Compromise crossing, two miles from the depot, had the passenger coach detached and stoned on the Central track and the fireman forcibly taken from the engine. Superintendent Doyle, who was on the train, remonstrated with the strikers, stating that there had been no reduction in wages on the road since its inauguration. The effect of this statement was the bringing back of the coach by the strikers who coupled it on and assured the superintendent that nothing would be done in any way to interfere with the working of his road.

RIOTERS DEFEAT THE MILITARY.

Early in the afternoon a raid was made by nearly two thousand rioters on about two hundred soldiers who were guarding the Lake Shore round house. The military were obliged to leave the building, which was barricaded by the mob, who placed cars in a position as a defense against attack. Col. Fleeck, of the Sixty-fifth regiment, with about thirty men and three officers, foolishly proceeded to the round house to re-take it from the mob, and were met with yells of derision from the crowd, and under a shower of stones, was obliged to retreat at a double quick and force his way through the yelling crowd at the point of the bayonet. Some soldiers were badly cut on the hands with knives and also clubbed. Four soldiers lost their muskets, which however were afterwards recovered. Col. Flack was badly clubbed, twice knocked down, forced across the canal, and forced to take refuge in a Lake Shore paint shop. The engineers of the Erie and Lake Shore roads have signed an agreement with the firemen not to run with green hands. It is expected the New York Central engineers will follow suit to-night.

GREAT EXCITEMENT. - INCENDIARY SPEECHES.

Midnight-The militia are arriving and great excitement prevails. A fight is just reported at the round house. The principal stores are guarded be [sic] employes and the City Guard. At a public meeting held to-night pursuant to a call fro the Mayor, about all the speaking was done by the mob element. Those who favored peaceable methods were hissed down. Word has been received that the track had been torn up; that a body of workmen under a guard from the Seventy-fourth Regiment, of Buffalo, restored the track. Several switches were found spiked, and a few rails torn up. At a meeting of the Erie men they were told that no other terms than those offered by the road would be made. [?] Livingstone, representing the English stockholders, was among the strikers, seeking to compromise.

UTICA, July 23.-There is no trouble on this division of the Central road and none expected. Nothing unusual on the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western road, divisions or other roads in this vicinity.

WATERTOWN, July 23.-A battery of United States artillery from Sackett's Harbor passed through to-day en route to Baltimore. A battalion of militia of Watertown have received orders to be in readiness to move.

EXORBITANT DEMANDS OF EMPLOYEES.

ALBANY, July 23.-At a meeting of the employes of the Central & Hudson River Railroads held to-night a resolution was adopted demanding a general increase of twenty-five per cent. on wages of the employes. A committee was appointed to communicate with Vanderbilt and in case the demand was not complied with they will strike to-morrow morning at eight o'clock. They then met again at ten o'clock and proceeded to West Albany shops and demand that the men shall strike.

The Governor has issued orders to have all the National Guards prepared for active service. At a meeting in Capitol Park to-night a committee was appointed to meet the Syracuse delegation expected in the morning to consult on future action. Some two hundred passenger cars at West Albany shops and yards were sent south and west to-night.

EMPLOYES OF THE NORTHEN [sic] CENTRAL STRIKE.

ELMIRA, N.Y., July 23.-The Northern Central Railroad shopmen, numbering two hundred. Struck this morning. The Erie trackmen on the Susquehanna Division struck at noon. The brakemen and firemen on the Northern Central join the shopmen. Gov. Robinson has left for Albany. Everything is orderly, but a deep feeling exists. It is reported this evening that the militia have driven the strikers out of Hornellsville.

CENTRAL RAILROAD AUTHORITIES TO STRIKE.

SYRACUSE, July 23.-At East Syracuse to-night the freight conductors, brakemen and firemen unanimously resolved that unless the Central Railroad authorities restored the wages paid prior to July 1st there would be a strike. Telegrams were sent to President Vanderbilt at Saratoga to this effect, none of which were replied to. Unless a favorable answer is received by 10 o'clock to-morrow morning the men will quit work.

NEW YORK, July 23.-The International Society have been granted leave to hold a meeting at Temperance Square, Wednesday, to express sympathy with the malcontents.

The Independent Bread Winners League have issued a call for the citizens in the Assembly District to organize upon a platform: First, That the government immediately take control of and operate the railroads, that labor laws are actually necessary; immediate resumption of labor on needed improvements with government funds and for people's benefit; repeal of all National Bank charters and the issue of greenbacks in their stead. The rioters are denounced as strengthening the cause of the monopolists and injuring the cause of the people.

The marines, sailors and government vessels here were forwarded to-day to Philadelphia.

MISSOURI.

MANY FALL INTO THE RANKS OF THE STRIKERS.

ST. LOUIS, July 23. - The Cairo Narrow Gauge road made three attempts to-day to start freights but were unsuccessful. The Chicago and Alton road made two attempts but also failed. The strikers then compelled all engines not in use for switching to go to the round house, since when no effort has been made to move freights. No stock has been allowed to leave the National stock yards and trains full of stock from St. Louis to Vincennes, a point on the river, about opposite the stock yards, have been stopped by the strikers. A large body of strikers visited the Cairo Short Line shops and induced the workmen to quit work. The men of the Missouri car works, numbering some five hundred, stopped work this afternoon and joined the strikers. The bolt and iron works of Mersenberg & Co., have stopped for the reason that they could not obtain coal by the stoppage of coal trains.

EFFORTS AT A COMPROMISE FAIL.

Mayor Bowman waited on several of the railroad officials in behalf of the strikers, and carried the following document with him: To the General Officers of Railroads Terminating in St. Louis: We, the employes of your company now on a strike, upon agreement to be made between a committee by you appointed for the purpose and a committee from amongst us representing each road, the agreement to include a uniform scale of prices to be paid by each road.

[Signed,] THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.

The Mayor returned and reported to the Executive Committee that the representatives of the various roads with whom he consulted were not disposed to enter into a compromise with the strikers, and certainly would not make an agreement which should depend upon general approval. Some of them might possibly confer with the employes of their own roads, but they would have nothing to do with a general arrangement to be defined on the notion of any other than their own. After Mr. Bowman reported to the committee the latter held a secret meeting, the chairman of which, after adjournment, stated that the strikers were more united and more determined to fight the issue to the bitter end than ever.

ANOTHER ORDER REDUCING WAGES RESCINDED.

ST. LOUIS, July 23. - The Transit Company rescinded the order for the reduction of ten per cent. on the wags last nigh, and notified the employes to that effect, but so far, the latter have taken no notice of it. So far all trains of the Missouri, Pacific & St. Louis, Kansas City and Northern roads, are going out and coming in as usual, there being no strike on those railroads yet, nor have the employes manifested any disposition to take any action in the matter.

The strikers across the river will not permit freight trains to pass. As the strikers do not extend to crew of passenger trains, the latter come and go as usual.

The St. Louis, Iron Mountain Southern does not connect with the Union Depot, but has its own depot in a southern part of the city. Everything is quiet on that road, and business is progressing in a regular way. At this writing no disturbance of any kind is reported from East St. Louis. No freight trains have been allowed to go out, and it is probable the companies will not attempt to move any.

THE STRIKERS GIVE A "SPECIAL PERMIT."

The strikers in East St. Louis have given a special permit to the National stock yard people to use their own locomotives to haul feed to the yards for the stock there. They have also permitted the Union Railway and Transit Company to select ten men to switch trains coming to the Relay depot destined for this city. The Chicago & Alton road attempted to move a train out of the yard, but it was stopped and taken back.

DRINK NO LIQUOR WHILE OFF WORK.

Employes on the Missouri Pacific Road have sent a request to the officers of the company to restore the wages paid them previous to January last. The men here on strike are quiet and orderly, and no violence is feared. The strikers have resolved to drink no liquor while off work.

ILLINOIS AND INDIANA.

NO FREIGHT EASTWARD FROM CHICAGO.

CHICAGO, July 23.-Hardly a train of freight has been sent east this morning over the railroads centering here. The policy of the agents here will go far to keep all trains just where they are and to prevent an aggregation of rolling stock at any point. All railroad employes are quietly at work wherever they have anything to do. Mr. Fotham, assistant general manager of the Pittsburgh Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad here, knows nothing of the road having acceded to the demands of the strikers.

THE VANDALIA LINE WILL RUN NO FREIGHT.

INDIANAPOLIS, July 23. noon.-The conference held this morning between a committee of employes and the President of the Vandalia road was broken off at 11:50 A.M., and the strike commenced at 12 o'clock. Passenger trains will run as usual, but no attempt will be made to run freight, trains. The strikers include all the shopmen, and the machine shops at Terree Haute have been closed, and the fires put out. The Indianapolis and St. Louis men have followed the Vandalia, and no freight trains will be moved after 12 o'clock, between Indianapolis and St. Louis. No violence or destruction of property is anticipated. There is no change on the other roads since last night.

THE STRIKE EXTENDS TO TWO MORE ROADS.

INDIANAPOLIS, July 23.-Up to nine o'clock to-night the only strikes reported are on the Vandalia, Indianapolis & St. Louis. No violence is reported. No decision has been reached by the employes as to whether all roads will strike or not. As a matter of prudence, the managers of the roads suspended all freight trains.

OFFICIALS OF THE MISSOURI & PACIFIC R.R. ACCEDE TO THE TERMS OF THEIR WORKMEN.

ST. LOUIS, July 23.-Three meetings were held this evening between employes of the Missouri & Pacific railroad, and Col. Talmadge, General Superintendent of the road, in relation to demands made on the company for wages paid them before the late reduction. The company agreed to restore wages prevailing prior o May 15th, but as this would only affect the engineers, the proposition was rejected. Another conference was held; and the company finally acceded to the full demands of employes, and they will be according to the schedule previous to January 1st.

MARYLAND.

GEN. FRENCH OF THE REGULARS SUSPENDED FOR DRUNKENNESS.

BALTIMORE, July 23.-Gen. French, commanding the regulars on the line of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, was to day suspended from duty from drunkenness, as charged by the Baltimore & Ohio authorities. Gen. French was ordered to Cumberland, and while there with his troops his private car was supplied in a period of twenty-four hours with three gallons of whisky, three dozen ale and other drinks. He had a personal collision with Col. Sharpe, Master of Transportation, in the Queen City Hotel, and demanded a train to convey his troops west. Not having been given intimation Col. Sharp refused, and the irate officer brought in a platoon of regulars and threatened him with arrest, when the former furnished the train under protest.

Mr. Sharpe refused the train owing to the absence of order at the time on the road and in the absence of instructions from the President or Vice President of the road. Col. Sharpe charged Gen. French with being drunk and this morning the latter was relieved and was ununiformed. Gen. Getty, of Fortress Monroe, was transferred to succeed him. General Barry, commandant at Fort McHenry, has his headquarters at Camden Station and is constantly on hand.

A STRIKE AT THE WATER WORKS.

It is learned from a good source that about 900 laborers on the Gunpowder water works, Baltimore county, strike to-day and threaten to attack Camden station to-night. They are a set of hardy, reckless and an extremely demoralized class, who continually fight among themselves and have had numerous bloody conflicts at the works. General Hancock goes to Philadelphia this evening.

KENTUCKY.

REDUCTION WITHDRAW ON SHORT LINE RAILROAD.

LOUISVILLE, July 23.-The following official message was telegraphed over the wires of the Cincinnati & Louisville short line this morning:

To all Agents and Employes of the L.C. & L.R.R: In the absence of Receiver McLeod, who cannot be reached by telegraph, Chancellor Bruce, this morning, in open court, on application of parties in interest, issued an order withdrawing the circular that announces a reduction in pay. The employes are congratulated on the happy results and their temperate and peaceful action in the premises.

[signed] J.E. REEVES,Master Transportation.

NO STRIKE APPREHENDED.

LOUISVILLE, July 23.-The indications, which pointed on Sunday to a probable strike on the roads leading out of Louisville, are now changed. Satisfaction is shown everywhere over Chancellor Bruce's order in rescinding Receiver MacLeod's reduction on the L., C & L Short Line, and the announcement that the L & N. G. S. management would not cut down met with universal satisfaction. Governor McCreary having been advised of the feeling among the men on Sunday, and after receiving and considering information from all quarters of the State where trouble might occur, gives to the Associated Press, as his opinion that there will be no strike. The military in the State will be ready in case they are needed, but he thinks there will be no trouble; the reduction order having been rescinded.

NEW JERSEY.

MOVEMENTS OF MILITIA.

ELIZABETH, July 23.-The Third New Jersey regiment is concentrated here. A large crowd of men, women and children have collected in the streets around the armory, but are not riotous and there has been no disturbance.

At nine o'clock to-night the third alarm was rung on the fire bells and the regiment was marched to the bridge crossing the Hockensack. Crowds surrounded the Pennsylvania depot and Market Hall.

NEWARK, July 23.-The Mayor has issued a proclamation calling upon citizens to maintain the peace. At a meeting of the workingmen, peace and order were counseled. The troops are in possesion [sic] of the Pennsylvania bridg [sic] over the Hockensack River.

TRENTON, Zuly [sic] 23.-This evening seven companies of the Natioal [sic] Guard left this city to concentrate at New Brunswick. They number nearly three hundred men. Though a part go to Jersey City and a part remain at New Brunswick to guard the railroad bridge. Ammunition has been forwarded to Jersey City. Four guns and a battery from Fort Hamilton and a battery from New London, acting as infantry, passed through here en route to Philadelphia. Everything is quiet here although a large crowd of people are at the depot. Rumors prevail that there will be a rise of the strikets [sic] at Phillipsburg at midnight.

WEST VIRGINIA.

GEN. FRENCH DISSATISFIED.

CUMBERLAND, July 23.-Gen. French left here at two o'clock this afternoon in citizen's clothes for Washington, where he will report to the War Department. He was relieved of command here at his own request. He communicated in sharply worded dispatches to the War Department and General Hancock, in which he charged rudeness and improper assumption of authority road officials here. There is a large crowd and much excitement, but little real disorder. A drunken man was arrested for making an incendiary speech near the depot. There was little opposition to the arrest.

DEEP FEELING AMONG WHEELING STRIKERS.

WHEELING, W. Va., July 23.-One hundred machinists, blacksmiths, etc., struck and left the shops of the Baltimore & Ohio railroad in the city to-day. The east bound express train was stopped and the express car taken from the train before it was allowed to proceed. A large meeting was held here to-night in the interest of the strikers, about 3,000 persons being present. But little or no excitement prevailed and incendiary speeches were laughed down.

CALIFORNIA.

GREAT DISSATISFACTION AMONG WORKINGMEN.

SAN FRANCISCO, July 23. - This afternoon a man was arrested on Montgomery street for carrying a banner inscribed with a notice for workingmen this evening to give expression with eastern strikers. He was released on promising to discontinue the action: A deputation waited on the Mayor, and assured him that no violent counsels would be considered at the meeting. The regular specials and substitute police force are to be held in readiness to prevent any breach of the peace. The National Guard will also be held ready for action. Many unemployed men have hung around the bulletin boards during the day, some of them expressing themselves in favor of the eastern rioters' proceedings, but it is not believed any violence will follow. At the evening meeting the action of the Central Pacific Company in restoring wages was without reference to the eastern [new column] strikes, having been determined on last Wednesday after a conference with employes.

THE PACIFIC RAILROADS. ORDER REDUCING WAGES RESCINDED.

OMAHA, July 23.-The Union Pacific Company this morning rescinded the recent order reducing the wages, and no danger is apprehended.

GENERAL NOTES.

- The Coroner's jury to investigate the death of the ten men shot and killed by the soldiers of the Sixth regiment at Bellevue in Friday night's riot, after hearing a few witnesses has adjourned until July 30.

- The Adjutant General of Maryland has issued an order to General Howard authorizing him to immediately proceed to organize and recruit a regiment to be known as the Seventh Regiment of Infantry, Maryland National Guard. He will select ten officers as captains and authorize them to each raise a company. The men so raised will receive from the date of muster the same pay and emoluments as those of equal rank in the regular service. These measures were decided upon, not from any new development of danger, but to have the city prepared for any emergency that may arrive.

- The United States troops at Madison barracks, Sacket's Harbor, have been ordered to prepare for immediate departure for Pittsburgh by a special train.

- The Commissioners of Police of Baltimore have ordered all drinking saloons closed until further orders.

- The All the conductors and engineers on the Long Island railroads, New York, receiving $100 pay monthly are notified of a reduction of ten per cent after August the first.

- Battery F, Third Artillery, stationed at Ft. Ontario, Oswego, N.Y., have received orders to be in readiness to go to Pennsylvania.

About this Document

  • Source: The Daily Post
  • Date: July 24, 1877