Jasper County Democrat, Volume 12, Number 17, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 2 June 1909 — MAKE THREAT OF GENERAL STRIKE [ARTICLE]

MAKE THREAT OF GENERAL STRIKE

Philadelphia Car Men Hare Support of Other Unions. MAYOR TAKES FIRM STAND Declares That Wheels Must Be Kept Moving If He le Forced to Bwear In Army of Policemen and Place Bluecoata and Fire Laddies at the Motors Five Shota Fired Into Crowd of Sympathizers by NonUnionist Who Had Been Attacked. Philadelphia, June 1. —Incensed at the importation of strike breakers, sympathizers with the striking street car men made demonstrations at the barns whete the new men are quartered and many arrests were made. Most of the prisoners were charged with nothing more serious than calling the motormen and conductors names. One of the chief demonstrations was made at one of the West Philadelphia barns when the strike breakers, under heavy police guard, began taking out cars. A squad of mounted police had to charge the crowd repeatedly before it dispersed. Mayor Reyburn stated today that he would swear in 10,000 extra policemen. If necessary, and keep the cars running for the convenience of the public. The public will be accommodated, the mayor said, If the “city has to take over the transit company’s lines and run them Itself with the firemen, the police and the extra police.” John J. Murphy, president of the Central Labor union, pledged the support of his organization to the trolley men. "If the Rapid Transit company fails to come to time by Thursday,” he said, “there will be a general strike declared by Friday. We will parade Broad street on Saturday and show them our strength.” A crowd attacked Leslie Snow, a motorman. He drew a revolver and fired five bullets, but no one was seriously injured. The police rescued Snow In time to save him from serious Injury. All saloons are closed between 6 In the evening and 6 in the morning.