Indianapolis Journal, Indianapolis, Marion County, 23 April 1886 — Page 2

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•trike shall be confined to the Third-avenue road, tinless in case of a combination of ail the toads against the strikers. The other roads are warned by the strikers to keep away from the Third avenue. During the strike the men will be paid from the funds of the association as though they were at work. The question of a General tie-up will be held in abeyance. A drunken man tried to raise a disturoanne with a conductor, about noon to-day, on a Thirdavenne car. A crowd gathered about him. The Colice used their clubs to quell the row. and ustled the drunken fellow off to the station bouse. Another man —an old driver—was arrested and locked up for assaulting drivers and conductors in the employ of the road. The cars stopped running and the stables were closed at 7:30 to-night, in order that the police might gain more rest. Twenty officers were left on guard at the depot Daring the day fiftyeight cars were running. To morrow the superintendent intends to run seventy-five carson the Third avenue road, and will begin running cars ion the One-hundred-and-twer.ty-fifth-street line, and possibly some cable cars. The newly hired 'men are lodged and fed by the company in the depot building, where there are accommodations •for nearly 1,000 men. To-night the pickets of the strikers fare on doty all along Third avenue. The strikers had a large meeting to-night, and afterward the representative of the executive board detailed the 'avstem of organization for enforcing the strike. ■He said: “All of our men are with us. Not one has gone back since the strike began. All our men who have asked have received their full daily pay. Twenty of the company’s new men have left * to-day, and most of them have joined the organization. More will come out in the morning. Over twenty horges have died in the stables for want of proper care since the strike began, And a number of them 'have been in the yard since Saturday. Seventeen dead horses were lying there to-day. The company have no horse-sboers, and have been sending out horses without shoes, and this has called for Mr. Bergb’s interference. The citizens of New York need fear no violence from our men. None but our pickets will be allowed on Third avenue until ail trouble is settled. Pickets will be on duty day and night from the City Hall to Harlem bridge, and will report to headquarters every, hour. About 300 pickets are on duty at one time, under command of a most reliable man, with fifteen assistants, and they •re relieved every five hours. The picket who finds one of our men on the avenue will take him in charge, and pass him on from one to the other until he reaches the halL” All was quiet at midnight Baltimore Street-Car Strike Broken. Baltimore, Md.. April 22.— The strike of cardrivers was broken to-day, and all the tied-up lines had their cars running. On some of the lines the full number of cars have not yet been sent out, but it is expected that all of them will be run full to-morrow. A considerable number of the old drivers have lost their employment, :he companies refusing to dismiss those who aided them in their necessity. THE GOULD LINES. Employes of tbe Missouri Car and Poandry Company Cease Work. St. Louis. April 22. —Another step in the aggressive warfare of the striking Knights of Labor upon the Missouri Pacific Railroad was taken this morning at 10 o’clock, when the 500 employes of the Missouri Car and Foundry Company stopped work and joined the strike in obedience to an order of District Assembly No. 17. This move has been contemplated ever since the Knights found that the company were supplying repair material for the Missouri Pacific and Iron Mountain shops, where, it is claimed by the strikers, the new men are not sufficiently skilled to make their material. A committee from the Knights called upon the vice-president of the company, and informed him that unless they ceased furnishing repair material to the Missouri Pacific and Iron Mountain companies their men will be ordered out. The vice-presi-dent replied that these two companies were among tbeir best customers, and that they would continue as long as they were able to fill all of their orders. The committee then retired, and issued an order to the Knights of Labor employed by the company to quit work this morning. This ordsr was afterward sent to the executive board, who indorsed it, and the men struck. President McMillan, who was seen by a reporter, in reply to a question as to his future plans, said: '‘We shall try to run our works with anew force of men. but if we fail, we shall open our works at Cambridge, Ind., which have been closed for some time. If we can’t run our business there as we see fit we will go out of busiaess altogether. I would rather see the works idle for five years than to accede to any demands like those made by the Knights of Labor.”

: PRESIDENT CLEVELAND, A Message Suggesting the Creation of a National Arbitration Commission. Washington, April 22.—The President today sent the following message to Congress on the subject of the labor troubles: "To the Senate and House of Representatives: •‘The Constitution imposes on the President the duty of recommending to the consideration ,f Congress, from time to time, such measures *3 he shall judge necessary and expedient. lam o deeply impressed with the importance of imediately and thoughtfully meeting the emergcy which recent events have thrust upon us, volving the settlement of disputes arising bei reen our laboring men and tbeir employers '.bat I am constrained to recommend to Congress legislation upon this serious and pressing subject. "Under our form of government, the value of labor as an element of national prosperity should be distinctly recognized, and the welfare of the laboring man shonld be regarded as especially entitled to leeislative care. In a country which offers to all its citizens the highest attainment of social and political distinction, its "workingmen cannot justly or safely be considirrevocably consigned to the limits ot a class entitled to no attention and allowed no pari,. While the real interests of labor V, Kv a resort to threats aud vioam' "'hil* those who, Unlent manifestations, anu .. . , - ’ - der the pretext of an advocacy Ot 6 a , labor, wantonly attack the rights of capita,. , ana for selfish purposes, or the love of disorder, sow seeds of violence and discontent, should neither be encouraged nor conciliated, all legislation on the subject should be calmly and deliberately undertaken, with no purpose of satisfying un reasonable demands or gaining partisan ad-

vantage. "The present condition of the relations between labor and capital are far from satisfactory. The discontent of the employes is due, to a large degree, to the grasping exactions of employers. and the alleged discrimini&on in favor of capital is an object of governmental solicitation. It must also be conceded that the laboring men are not always caroful to avoid causeless and unjustifiable disturbances. Though the importance of a better accord between these interests is apparent, it must be borne in mind that every effort in that direction by the federal government must be greatly limited by constitutional restrictions. There are many grievances which legislation by Congress cannot redress. and many conditions which cannot by such means be reformed. I am satisfied, however, that something maybe done, under federal authority, to prevent the disturbances which so often rise from disputes between employers and the employed, and which, at times, seriously threaten the business interests of Che country; and, in my opinion, the proper theory upon which to proceed is that of voluntary arbitration as the means of settling these difficulties. But I suggest that instead of arbitrators chosen in the heat of conflicting claims there ,hall be created a commission of labor, consistne of three members, who shall be regular (Beers of tbe government, charged, among ther duties, with the consideration and settlement, when possible, of all controversies between labor and capital. "A commission thus organized would have the advantage <4 being a stable body, and its mem bers, as they gained experience, would Constantly improve in their ability to deal intelligently and usefully with the questions which might be submitted to them. If arbitrators are chosec for temporary service as each case of dispute arises, experience and familiarity with thucli that is involved in the question will be lacking extreme partisanship and bias will be the quali fleations sought on either side, and frfquenl complaints of unfairness and partiality will bt Inevitable. The imposition upona federal cuuti

of a doty foreign to the judicial function, as the selection of an arbitrator in such cases, is, at least, of doubtful propriety. The establishment, by federal authority, of such a bureau would be a just and sensible recognition of the value of labor, and of its right to be represented in the departments of the government. “So far as its conciliatory offices shall have relation to disturbances which interfere with transit and commerce between the States, its existence would be justified under the provisions of the Constitution, which gives to Congress the power to regulate commerce with foreigh nations and among the States. In the frequent disputes that occur between the laboring men and their employers, of less extent, and the consequences of which are confined within State limits, and threaten domestic violence, the interposition of such a commission might be tendered upon the application of the legislature or executive of a State under a constitutional provision which requires the general government to ‘protect’ each of the States •against domestic violence.' If such a commission were fairly organized, the risk of a loss of popular support and sympathy resulting from a refusal to submit to so peaceful an instrumentality would constrain both parties to such disputes to invoke its interference and abide by its decisions. There would also be good reason to hope that the very existence of such an agency would invite application to in for advice and counsel, frequently resulting in the avoidance of contention and misunderstanding. “If the usefulness of such a commission is doubtful because it might lack power to enforce its decisions, much encouragement is derived from the conceded good that has been accomplished by the railroad commissions which have been organized in many of the States, which, having little more than advisory power, have exerted a most salutary influence in the settlement of disputes between conflicting interests. “In July, 1884, by a law of Congress, a Bureau of Labor was established and placed in charge of a Commissioner of Labor, who is required to collect information upon the subject of labor, its relations with capital, the hours of labor, and the earnings of laboring men and women, and the means of promoting their material, social, intellectual and moral prosperity. The commission which is suggested could easily be engrafted upon the bureau thus already organized, by the addition of two more commissioners, and by supplementing the duties now imposed upon it by such other powers and functions as would permit the commissioners to act as arbitrators, when necessary, between labor and capital, under such limitations and upon sucb occasions as should be deemed proper and useful. Power should also be distinctly conferred upon this bureau to investigate the causes of all disputes as they may occur, whether submitted for arbitration or not, so that information may always be at hand to aid legislation on the subject when necessary ami desirable. “Grover Cleveland. “Executive Mansion, April 22, 1886.”

THE HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE. Jay Gould Tells What He Knows Concerning the Missouri Pacific Strike. Washington, April 22. —A bar erected across the corridor and several watchmen excluded the general public from the room occupied by the select committee investigating the labor troubles in the Southwest. The adoption of this precaution had been rendered necessary by the limited accommodations afforded by the small room and the large crowd of curious spectators that filled the room yesterday. Mr. Jay Gould was in attendance about half an hour before the committee met, and was accompanied by A. L. Hopkins, vice-president of the Missouri Pacific Railroad Company, and by General Swayne, its counsel. The resolution under which the committee is proceeding was read to Mr. Gould, and he was invited to give hi views upon the subject of strikes. In a rather low voice Mr. Gould read a statement showing in detail the number of men employed by the Missouri Pacific system. He said he was away on a west Indian cruise when the strike occurred, and such information as he had had reached him through official reports. He would be glad to tell the committee everything he knew, but deemed it proper to say that the facts were not within his own knowledge. He went on to recite the story of his interview with Mr. Powderly and the committee prior to his West Indian cruise, during which he said the Knights declared that the Missouri Pacific had lived up to its agreement* and agreed not to strike again, but to come to him “mau-fashion,” and settle any further grievances they might have. Then the strike came after his departure. “Yet,” said Mr. Gould,, “our men told Mr. Hoxie that they had no grievances, and were told to strike.” He then produced and read the telegrams passing between Messrs. Powderly, Hoxie and Hopkins. At the date of the strike he had 14,315 employes, while the strikers numbered only 3,717 men, principally employed in the machine shops, along the tracks and generally in the lower branches. “What followed the strike?” asked Mr. Gould, showing signs of deep feeling. “They seized St, Louis, Kansas City, Sedalia, TexaYkana and our terminal facilities; they took possession, and said no roan shall ran a train over that road. That is what they said,” exclaimed Mr. Gould, in a voice exhibiting traces of strong agitation. “Our loyal employes could not run a train, and were deprived of the power to earn their wages. That was what followed the strike —forcible possession—l can’t call it anything else; something the Czar of Russia would hesitate to do with his millions of soldiers behind him.”

Mr. Hoxie’S statement of the position assumed by the Missouri Pacific, in which it. is stated tho strike had grown out of the discharge of Hall by the receiver of the Texas Pacific, was read by General Swayne. The chairman inquired why Hall had been discharged. Re would like to know what the man had done. In answer Mr. Gould requested General Swayne to read Receiver Brown’s statement, to the effoet that Hall had been guilty of absenting himself from duty without leave. The letters of governors Marmakuke and Martin were also Mr. Gouki interrupted the reading to remark that he thought the correspondence showed pretty clearly that they had led the horses up to the watering trough, but could not make thorn drink; that the shops were open, but the men refused to go to work. He said that when he returned to New York he had agreed to meet Messrs. Powderly and McDowell as individuals. "My motive was to brace him up,” said the witness, "because the sentiments which he (Powderly! expressed in his circular were so different from the acts of the association that I thought he needed bracing up." Mr. Powderly, he said, had told him that the' men were in rebellion against the order; that they had struck without cause, and he had it in contemplation to vindicate himself by taking away their charter. As he wished to be equally frank, witness had showed Mr. Powderly the dispatch he intended to send to Mr. Hoxie next morning, in which he stated that he saw no objection to arbitration. He declared that Messrs. Powderly and McDowell had no right to make public that dispatch. Yet they had changed their plans upon seeing the telegram, and in the morning it had been published broadcast that Gould had consented to their (Powderly and McDowell’s) plan of arbitration. “This was untrue, utterly untrue," said tbe witness. The question of arbitration had been broached before that, he said, aud had always been a sort of a hobby with him. Mr. Gould next read Mr. Powderly’s dispatch annonneing that Mr. Gould had recognized him officially as General Master Workman, and saving it was a pleasant termination of an unpleasant business. That had been telegraphed to him by Mr. Hoxie, and he had received it when he f:ot down town in the morning. Naturally he witness) was “mad” when he saw that Taking up the stenographic report of bis interview with Mr. Powderly, Mr. Gould read that gentleman’s denial when charged with the publication. He also read the circular ordering the resumption of work, and remarked, “that was the address they issued when everything' seemed to be lovely, and it was followed by this pronunciamento on April 8. In a tremulous voice, but showing symptoms of indignation, and emphasising such passages as "Gould, the giant fiend, is danoing over the graves of our order and the ruins of our homes,” Mr. Gould read Martin Irma's circular de-

THE INDIANAPOLIS JOURNAL, FRIDAY, APRIL 33, 1886.

nouncine him to the workmen of the world. “That is the response of the Knights of Labor made to the continuing bond of fellowship we had held out." The witness, after remarking that the business of the Missouri Pacific had now been fully resumed, said that for that reason it did not seem to him that the resolution under which the investigation is proceeding applied to the Missouri Pacific. In answer to Mr. Burnes, Mr. Gonld said that his telegram to Mr. Hoxie referring to arbitration was not even advisory in its nature; he meant to leave the entire matter in Mr. Hoxie’s hands, and hold him responsible for the result He remarked that employes of a railroad company were not like those of manufacturing companies or those engaged in any other business. He had always claimed that every employe, from the president down, clothed himself with certain public duties, and it was his duty to do his part toward operating the road. He [Mr. Gould] found that he had enough to do to manage the Missouri Pacific railroad, but his frieud there (Mr. Powderly) undertook a great deal more; he attempted to regulate all the railroads, all the shoemakers, all the bakers; every trade. That was too broad-shouldered, and he did not wonder that his friend had broken down under it As to arbitration, he believed that voluntary arbitration would be better, more sought for than compulsory arbitration. Mr. Burnes remarked that the voluntary conference between the witness and Mr. Powderly had not resulted in an arbitration, or at least that the witness's views did not seem to have been executed in St. Louis. The witness replied that on the contrary the company was always ready for arbitration. The point was that they refused to recognize the Knights ol Labor. There were 10,000 men employed on the Missouri Pacific who did not belong to that order. Mr. Burnes asked if the witness knew of the issue of the order of the road master forbidding the employment of Knights of Labor. Was that not a recognition of the order, he asked, and if so, why not recognize them for purposes of arbitration? Mr. Gould replied that it was a matter of precaution, and, with those threatening proclamations out, be did not wonder that Mr. Hoxie had taken the precaution—it was his duty. Mr. Burnesdid not think the answer was responsive, but would not press the question. At this point a recess was taken. The committee took a recess for a quarter of an hour and reassembled at 3 p ml , when the examination of Mr. Gould was resumed. He was inquired of by Mr. Crain as to the ways of construction companies in issuing stock to themselves out of proportion to the work done, but Mr. Gould denied any knowledge of such dark and questionable transactions. He was asked his opiniou as to the cause of strikes, and the only reason that occurred to him was the desire of some of the leaders to gain notoriety in consequence. He had never heard of and did not believe in such causes of complaint as Mr. Powderly alluded to in the first days’ testimony—such as the cheating of employes in the matter of hospital taxation, homesteads, and stores belonging to superintendents and foremen. Such statements were ridiculous, and he felt positive that there were no instances of the kind. He was inquired of by Mr. Outhwaite as to stock speculations growing out of the strike, and said that he knew of nothing of the kind, and that 60 far as he was himself concerned, he had not made a transaction in stocks, either long or short, since the Ist of January, and had no speculative interest in the market. He was sure that none of the directors of the Missouri Pacific had any dealings in the stock of the road on the days following his interview with Powderly. Mr. Outhwaite—Wherein would the public interest or the interests of the company have suffered by the representatives of the company accepting tho proposition of the Knights of Labor?

Mr. Gould—To arbitrate what? That was the question. Mr. Outhwaite—.You certainly know what you differed about? Mr. Gould—l do not know that we differed at all. i read ray proposition over to Mr. Powderly, and he said he agreed to every word of it. Mr. Outhwaite—l have reference to the difficulty which seemed to arise—if it-did not arise—on that Monday. First, the men were ordered to resume work, and were about to do so, and then the next information the country got was that the men had not resumed work, and that the trouble was still existing. Mr. Gould—They did not pay to the order. On the contrary, Martin Irons telegraphed to them “to hold the fort” They did not obey the order, and did not propose to. I did not understand that there was any agreement made with Powderly. There was not when he left my house. I did not know what he was going to do. After he went out I had a discussion with Mr. Hopkins, who remaiued. as to what Powderly would do, and I said he would do nothing: that he had not the courage. What he had said he would do was to issue an order declaring that the strike was without cause; that the men were in rebelliou, and taking away their oharter. It was on that statement that I gave him a copy of my dispatch to Hoxie. Next morning, when it came out in the papers, from him that there was an entirely different thing done, it was of that I complain, because I did not agree to it in that shape, and would not have agreed to it in that shape. Mr. Outhwaite —But what injury could have come to the company if it had accepted and acted upon Mr. Powderly’s view of the case? Mr. Gould—l do not know what subject their arbitration would cover. If it covered the question whether we should discharge men whom we had employed after the strike, we would not admit that to be a subject of arbitration. Mr. Outhwaite—Then you did not intend or want to have any arbitration or effort to settle anv difficulties with Knights of Labor who had struck, or were out of your employment at the time. Was that the understanding? Mr. Gould—That is it. distinctly. Mr. Burnes inquired as to the relations of the Missouri Pacific with the other railroads now incorporated in the system—as to the amount of stock and bonds issued, and as to other matters connected with the company, which information Mr. Gould promised to furnish hereafter. Mr. Burnes also inquired as to the general effect of the pooling system, and Mr. Gould replied that its general effect was beneficial to the public, because, without it, most, if not all, the railroads of the country would be in the hands of receivers.

Mr. Burues—Why would that be the result? Mr. Gould—Because of low rates from excessive competition. Mr. Burnes—Then competition iv not the life of trade? Mr. Gjould—No, sir, and the result would be Mist wsiges would have to be cut down 50 per cent. Labor is a very large element in railroad expenses. Directly, it amounts to about 60 per cent., to say nothing of the labor in steel rails and other railroad materials. Mr. Burnes —If pooline is beneficial to the railroad companies, is it also beneficial to the people? Mr. Gould—l think it is. The public is interested in having strong, able roads, well equipped. I have always found that real estate sells higher, and the people would rather lire an the lines of railroads that are financially strong. Mr. Burnes inquired as to the general proportions between local earnings and through earnings of railroads, but Mr. Gould declared himself unable to give information on that point The chairman remarked that he would be very glad to have the scope of the committee’s examination enlarged so as to extend it to the mineral regionaabecanse, if the committee meant anything. It meant to quiet the unrest in the country and to provide a remedy for it Mr. Gould (good humcredly)—l shall be very clad to read the opinion of the committee when a formal report is arrived at; and I will keep any investments I may have to make in abeyance until then. The Chairman —I hardly think you will do that if you get a fair opportunity to have a shy at Wali street, and I would like to be in partner ship with yon. This closed Mr. Gould’s examination, which extended over four hours. He gave his testimony very briefly and in a low tone of voice, and did not volunteer any statement, confining himself merely to answering the questions asked him. Mr. Hopkins, vice-president of the Missouri Pacific, was then sworn and examined. He corroborated, generally, Mr. Gould’s account of the interviews with Mr. Powderly at which he was present He bad always believed in arbitration as a means of settlement, and he saw no objection even to compulsory arbitration, provided it was made compulsory on both sides. But such arbitration would have to be between tbe employes themselves actually At work and tbe company. That was the point in this whole matter. Railroad employes had no better friends than the managers of the roads. There were no an tagociatle interests between them. The man-

agrs wanted to accomplish the best results, and in order to do so they should have good men, and should be in accord with their men, and in friendly relations with them. He thonght it should be made a criminal offense to have a strike on a railroad. If before the days of railroads there was a strike of steamboat hands on the Mississippi river, and the strikers attempted to prevent the passage of boats, surely that would be such a case of interference with interstate commerce that the general government would disperse the strikers and say that traffic must not be interfered with. There was no objection to men quitting work; and if, in the present case, the strikers bad confined themselves to that, the company would never have stopped runnine trains. He was asked as to whether he had any knowledge of Wall-street speculations in connection with the strike, but all that he knew on that point was what he had been informed, that persons connected with the Knights of Labor had been noticed in brokers’ offices. He promised to give the names of such persons as had been mentioned to him in that connection. He closed by paying a high compliment to Mr. Hoxie for the manner in which he has administered the affairs of the company. The committee, at 5:30, adjourned until 11 o’clock to-morrow. OTHER LABOR AND STRIKE NEWS* A New York Grand Jury Considering the Boycotters—Crippled Boys Placed Under Ban. New York, April 22. —The grand jury spent the day in considering the caes of the Thirdavenue strikers who were arrested for rioting on Tuesday, and those who have been carrying on the bakery and other boycotts. It is understood that a number of indictments were found, and that on Monday investigation will be made into tho methods employed by the executive boards of the Empire Protective Association in ordering a general tie-up of the street-car lines. It is thought indictments can be found under the law against conspiracy to Intimidate. A boycott has been declared against a charita ble institution which furnishes work to a number of crippled boys in the manufacture of brushes. The boycott is declared by the Brushmakers’ Union, because the work comes into competition with that of the members of the union. The immediate result of the boycott has been to secure a large number of orders for the cripples' work. Incendiarism and Attempted Murder. Chicago, April 22. —According to published statements here, there is grave reason to believe that the fire on Tuesday last, at the residence of Mr. Charles S. Kitnbell, No. 175 Park avenue, was not only the work of an incendiary, but had direct connection with the actions of Mr. Kimbell’s firm in the labor agitation of the last year or two. Mr. Kimbell is the treasurer of the Singer & Talcott Stone Company, which firm had considerable trouble with its quarrymen at Lc-mont during the general strike there a year ago, when two men were shot dead in the streets by tho State militia, which bad been called ont to qnell the disturbances. Various attempts were made to induce Mr. Kimbell to discharge his non union men, but without result. A close investigation leads to the conclusion that a destructive bomb was thrown into the parlor of his residence, nearly causing the death of bis wife and son. The loss on the building is $6,000. Tho'entire matter is still one of great mystery.

Advance in Prices of Furniture. Chicago, April 22.—One of the largest meetings of furniture manufacturers ever held in the United States was in session here to-day. Dele gates were present from Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, lowa, Indiana and Kentucky. Over 160 firms were represented. It was decided to inaugurate the eight hour law system, commencing May 1, and at the same time make an advance of 10 per cent, in the prices of all kinds of furniture. With the beginning of the eight-hour system the wages of workmen will be reduced in proportion as their hours are lessened. As soon as it can be determined whether the 10 per cent, advance iu prices can be maintained there will be a readjustment of wages paid employes, but the extent of the benefit, if any. that will then acerae to the workman was not definitely decided upon. Ministerial Boycott of Sunday Newspapers. Cleveland, 0., April 22.—City ministers, headed by Bishop Bedell, of the Episcopal Church, are preparing to boycott the Sunday secular newspapers. Confidential circulars have been issued to clergymen, and all have been urged to join the movement, and denounce Sunday newspapers from their pulpits ou May 24. Labor Notes. About a hundred employes of the Brunswick & Balke Manufacturing Company, at Cincinnati, engaged in making billiard tables, struck, yesterday, for 20 per cent, increase in wages. A large number of leading business men of New York city have signed a call for a special meeting of the Chamber of Commerce, with a view to taking action relative to the labor disturbances now iu existence there. Since the introduction of natural gas into Pittsburg the output of the mills and factories has been increased 20 per cent, a large number of new plants have been erected, and nearly 10, 000 additional men given employment. Two hundred and fifty men employed by the Lawen zinc works, at Pittsburg, Kan., quit work yesterday, demanding an increase of 10 to 25 cents per day. The company has closed the works, though the fires have not yet been banked. The executive board of the Knights of Laber, at Bt. Louis, received yesterday, up to noon, for the strikers’ fund. $2,000 in drafts, and a telegram from the East stating that $30,000 had been forwarded from sympathizers in that part of the country. The independent coke manufacturers, operatingnearly eight hundred ovens in the McConnellsville region, and employing six thousand men, have followed the example of the coke syndicate and advanced wages from 5 to 16 per cent., to take effect May 1.

Fifty molders at Palmer & Dcmoy’s foundry at Cleveland, who were out ou a strike for a week, returned to work yesterday. At Taylor & Boggis’s foundry ninety-five molders are still out They refuse to give their grievances to the public, and the firm declares they do not know why the men struck. Sixty men employed a© truckers. stowmen. receivers and checkers at the Missouri Pacific freight depot at Kansas City, struck last uight, demanding more pay. The strikers claim that it is a movement in their aid. They say it will seriously interfere with business unless new men are secured to fill the vacant p’aces. The labor demonstration to be held at Wilkesbarre on Saturday will be the largest gathering ever held in the coal fields. All the collieries will remain idle on that day. It is expected that ten thousand men will be in line. The meeting in the afternoon will be held in the River Park, and will be addressed by many prominent labor agitators. The chief object of the gathering will be to prepare for the enforcement of the eighthour demand to be made May L The members of the local stove-molders’union, at St. Louis, some time ago demanded of their employers an advance in wages of 15 per cent. Two of the foundries acceded to the demand and the management of the others succeeded in averting a strike of their employes. On Wednesday night, at a noting of the union, it was re solved to repeat the demand, and if it is not granted on or before the Ist of May the molders will strike. The members of the union number about 3,500. New York State 6. A. R. New York. April 22.—There was a spirited contest fer the position of department commander of the Department of New York, at the afternoon session of the Grand Army of the Republic, resulting, finally, in the election of J. I. Sayles, of Rome. For senior vice-commander Ohas. A. Orr, of Buffalo, was chosen. The dele gates to the national encampment, beaded by General Slocum, were inttructed to present to that body the name of John A. Reynolds, of Rochester, for the office of commander-in-chief. A resolution was passed rocotmnending the pas sage by Congress of a bill paying each soldier having an honorary discharge a pension of $8 per month. Gout in the feet will never trouble you after a rubbing with St Jacobs OU.

THE FIRE RECORD. A Valuable Business Block Burned Out, Involving a Loss of About 9100,000. New York, April 22.—A few minutes before 7 o’clock this morning fire broke out in the upper floor of the six-story brick building running from No. 58 to 66 Crosb7 street, and from No. 512 to 516 Broadway. This is anew buildind, and is erected on the site of Harrigan & Hart’s old Theater Comique, which was burned some time ago. The fire broke out on the upper floor of No. 60. The fire mined one of the most valuable business blocks in the city. So fiercely and rapidly did the names gain headway that three alarms were sent out. These were supplemented by several special signals. The building was provided with a brick roof, and before this could be broken through to allow the firemen to get at the fire, the flames broke oat on the Broadway front. Getting thus a good draft, the fire licked up everything before it. The firemen battered in the roof and walls, and succeeded in directing a stream of water on the blazing mass. An opening once made, scores of streams began to play upon the roaring flames, and in less than an hour the firemen had gained the upper hand of the flames. The building is two hundred feet in ex tent, running from Broadway to Crosby street, and is practically a double building. The ground floor of the south side is occupied by A. Laufer & Cos., importers and dealers in hats; Plancky & Simon, manufacturers of neckwear, occupied the first floor; August Brothers, manufacturers of boys' clothing, occupied the remainder of this end of the building, front and back. The north end of the building accommodates only two firma J. W. Goddard & Sons, importers of silks and converters of cotton goods, have the ground floors and cellars, and Messrs. August, Bernheim, Bauer & Cos. occupy the remainder of this part of the building. * As the spring trade stock had all been received by each one of these firms, the aggregate loss is estimated at $750,000. The three upper floors only are burned out, but the entire bnilding was flooded with water. Messrs. Goddard & Sons carried a stock valued at $500,000, and August, Bernheim, Bauer & Cos. carried a line of like value. August Brothers estimate the value of their stock at $50,000, while the stocks of Plancky & Simon and A. Laufer & Cos. are placed nt $125,000 more. The origiu of the fire is unknown. Later reports state that the loss will not exceed SIOO,OOO. Burning Os a School Furniture Factory. Chicago, 111., April 22.— A. H. Andrews & Cos. suffered a great loss this morning by reason of fire. It occurred early this morning in the school furniture factory at Desplaines and Polk streets, and the loss is estimated at $100,000., At 4:45 o'clock the watchman discovered smoke issuing from the boiler-room. A hasty examination showed that the blaze had originated under the boiler. An alarm was turned in, immediately followed by a second. But the flames spread through the bnilding—a four story brick —with lightning-like rapidity. The whole stock was of such a character as to make the structure a blazing furnace inside of twenty minutes. Each floor was piled up with wood ready to be made into furniture, stock already constructed, oils, varnish and other such inflammable material. So the work of destruction was rapid. In one hour’s time nothing was left of the building but the walls and a mass of debris lying smoking in the basement. It was not until 7 o’clock that the fire was strock out, and two engines were left to play on the ruins. The firm has just been havine a controversy with its workmen regarding wages.

Business Block Burned. Danielson villk, Conn., April 22 —The Ely & Hyde Block burned this morning. Loss, $40,000. MINOR WASHINGTON NEWS. [Concluded from First Page.] designate not to exceed three officers of the United States to investigate and take the testimony of witnesses as to the nature and extent of the damage done to the persons and property of the Chinese, and in connection therewith they may consider the testimony already taken, and make reports, subject to the cross-examination of the witnesses, if deemed necessary, and such other proofs as may he submitted to them by the government of China. They are required to report the estimate of the damages sustained by each person and submit the testimony to the Secretary of State within six months, which time may be extended six months by the order of the President, and the same shall be examined by the Secretary of State, and" thereupon the President shall award to each person injured the sum that he shall consider to be just in view of the evidence and report presented to him. The aggregate amount so awarded bv the President, not exceeding $150,000, shall be paid by the Secretary of the Treasury to the Chinese minister at Washington, in full satisfaction and dis-.haree of the injuries to person and property inflicted upon subjects of the Chinese empire.

The Christian Women of Utah. Washington, April 22. —The Utah Commission has addressed a letter to Representative Holman, asking him to use his influence with Congress to help a a number of Christian women in Utah Territory who have begun a movement to establish an industrial home for helpless and dependent w,men and their children, at or near Salt Lake City. At present, it is said, there is neither a hospital uor a charitable institution in the Territory Miscellaneous Notes. Special to the Indianapolis Journal. Washington, April 22—Senator Harrison presented in the Senate to-day, petitions largely signed by citizens af Grant, Henry and Whitley counties, in favor of a service pension, and from Knights ot Labor against the passage of the free ship bill. Hon. John C. Shoemaker, of Indianapolis, was at the Capitol to day, consulting Democratic members of the Indiana delegation about the approaching campaign. Commissions have been issued for the follow ing Indiana postmasters: Albert Clanp, at Bluff Poifit; Thomas L. Dailey, Paxton; Washington S. Lnrman, Pleasant Ridge; George Theurer, Salominia. After May 1, the time schedule on the star mail route from Bridgeton to Carbon, Ind., will he as follows: Leave Bridgeton daily, except Sundavs. at 7 A. M.; arrivo at Carbon by 10 A. M. Leave Carbon daily, except Sundays, at 11 A. M.; arrive a f Brideeton by 2P. M. The Solicitor of the Treasury has instructed the United States district attorney at San Francisco. Cal., to bring suit against the Sierra Lumber Company to recover about $2,218,000 dam ages arising from the conversion of timber and lumber taken from public lands. The special agents of the Land Office have been instructed to render the district attorney all possible aid iu prosecuting the suik The Western Export Association. Chicago. April 22 —The Western Export Association to day concluded its meeting here. Out of a total of ninety-one distillers seventy one were present The association, by unanimous vote, expelled the proprietor of the Enterprise distillery, at Pekin, liL. Edward Speelman. The charges against him were refusing to pay assessments, making up more bushels of grain than be was entitled to, and violating every written agreement made with the association. it was also resolved to sustain no business relations with his bouse, or with any house that purchased goods from him. The general plan of the proposed new corporated body, under the laws of Illinois, with $200,000 capital, was approved, and a committee of nine was appointed, consisting of Meesrs. Abel & Lynch, of Chicago; Hobart & . Gaff, of Cincinnati; Greenhnt & Woolner, of Peoria; Bovis, of Missouri, Fairbanks. of Indiana; and Ilor, of Nebraska, to put the proposed plan iu definite shape, filling out all details, and prepare it for the next meeting of the association, to be held In this citv in May. The object of the new organization, it ia said, is to deal with troublesome members within and those parties outside of the association contemplating erection ot new distilleries. The committee of bine went

into session upon the close of the regular session, bat did no special work, and will meet again next; week. telegraphic brevities. The pooling privileges of the Louisville Jockey Club wero let yesterday to White Si Simmons, of Lexington, Ky., for $30,600. The Louisville National tobacco works, employing 300 hands, voluntarily adopted the eighthour system yesterday, without reducing pay. At Franklin, 0., William and Thomas Tollett, brothers, quarreled, and the former stabbed the ; latter five times, inflicting fatal injuries. The murderer is in jail. The jury in the case of Melvin Butler, on trial at Louisville, returned a verdict of murder, and fixed the punishment at life sentence. Butler is charged with murdering John B. Macey, a well-known gambler, who was found dead in front of his honße, with a bullet-bole in his head, several months ago. Decree in the I*, E. & St. L Case. Chicago, April 22.— Judge Gfesham, in the United States Circuit Court, to day, settled the final decree of foreclosure and sale of the Louisville, Evansville & St Louis Railway Air-line Company, in the foreclosure suit of Bntler et al., trustees. The decree forecloses under first and second mortgages on the main line of $3,000,000 and $1,000,000 respectively. The road is to be sold June 9 next at New Albany, Ind., by W. P. Fishback, of Indianapolis, and Mr. Jones, of Springfield, as commissioners. An upset price of $750,000 is fixed on the main line from Louisville to New Albany. The branch from Huntingburg to Evansville is to be subject to a mortgage of $900,000, which is not in default The question of the amount and priority of the car trust claim is reserved by the decree. The road will be reorganized under the name of the Louisville, Evansville & St Louis Railroad Company. Messrs. W. T. Hart, I. T. Burr, Jonas EL French, John Goldthwaite, and W. S. Blanchard, of Boston, and J. M Felton and Judge R. P. Humphrey, of Louisville, are the committee of reorganization representing a pool made up of first and seeond and income mortgage bondholders and stockholders. Obituary. Louisville, April 23. Father Abram J. Ryan, the “poet-priest of the South,” died here to-night, after a brief illness from brain fever. Cincinnati. April 22.—Florus B. Plympton, who has been on the editorial staff of the Commercial Gazette since 1860, died to-night of a complication of diseases. He was fiftv five years old. Philadelphia, April 22.—Francis Wells, one of the proprietors and editors of the Evening Bulletin, of this city, died here of pneumonia this morning, after an illness of four or five days. He was sixty years of age. The Morning Dress. It is said that a lady’s standing in society can easily be determined by her dress at the breakfast table; an expensive, showy costume indicating that the wearer has not yet learned tha ' proprieties. But no one need be afraid of being called “shoddy” if her loveliness is as apparent by daylight as at the hops. Perfect beauty is never the attendant of disease; above all, of , those diseases peculiar to women, and which find a ready cure in Dr. Pierce’s “Favorite Prescription.” Price reduced to one dollar. By druggists. * Steamship News. New York, April 22, —Arrived: City of Chicago, City of Rome, from Liverpool; Salier, from Bremen; Hammonia. from Hamburg. Queenstown, April 22.— Arrived: America from New York. London, April 22.— Arrived: Persian Mon arch, from New York. Loaded with impurities, your blood needs th< cleansing and vitalizing energy of Ayer’s Sarsa parilla.

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