Jasper County Democrat, Volume 15, Number 7, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 27 April 1912 — FIREMEN HOLD FIRM [ARTICLE]

FIREMEN HOLD FIRM

WALKOUT ON LINER OLYMPIC LEADS TO A DEADLOCK. Pemand That Men Who Would Not Strike be Dismissed Is Refused by Company. Southampton, England, April 26. The situation in connection with the White Star liner Oiympir was complicated by a sudden demand of the British Seafarers’ union that the White Star company dismiss 18 firemen belonging to the union who remained on the Olympic. OtheYwise the seafarers’ union declares the firemen and* cilers who left the ship would not return. The demand was made by a deputation of strikers and other I members of the seafarers’ unipn, who went cn beard the liner to test the ■ new collapsible lifeboats installed since the disaster to the Titanic. The company has refused to consider the men's demands, and \ declares it prefers to take the liner back to Southampton and lay her up. Matters seem, therelore, to have reached a deadlock. The 300 striking engine room hands are on the quay Eide with their kit bags awaiting the return of the deputation in readiness to embark if the dispute is settled. The Olympic is still lying off Hyde, Isle of Wight, the officers having Succeeded jmpbtaining only a fifth of the necessary firemen to work the ship.

I A number of officials of the hoard l of trade went aboard the liner and the vessel's enforced stay was utilized for the carrying out of lifeboat drills. All the wooden lifeboats were lowered and the crew also practiced with the collapsible craft. One thousand four hundred passengers are aboard the Olympic.