The Strike

The T. A. A. & N. M. Ry, has been having an aggregation of difliculties this past week, with two large washonts, a deep sink hole and a big strike on its hands all at once. The strike centers at Owosso, and the Times of that city makes the following statement concerning the situation. "Briefly stated the case is as follows: The engineers and firemen have been required to work 14 hous before being entitled to receive extra compensation; this they claim is in excess of the rules of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. The men, however did not complain of this. They asked for an increase of wages amounting to about 15 per cent. which was denied. The company also issued an order, requiring the men to work i2 hours before any allowance would be made for extra time and required engineers to coal up their own engines. The real cause of the strike is the question whether 14 or 22 hours shall be considered as a day's work. The engineers sent a committee of men to Toledo to consult with the railroad management, and if possible to arrange for a settlement of the difflculties without a strike. The company said the earnings of theroad would not warrant any increase in wages, and that their orders in other ways must be acceded to. This the engineers refused to do, henee the strike. Charges and counter-charges enough to flll up several columns, have been made by both sides, which we do not deem of irnportance to our readers, henee this brief statement. " The places vacated by the strikers have been partly fllled by men from De. troit, Chicago and other places, and passenger trains are running about as usual. Yesterday freight trains were also run over the road both ways. The real fight will come when the employees on the connecting roads refuse to receive freight from the T. & A., when the Brotherhood will show its strength and may make it possible for the engineers to win their flght." Chief Arthur says that the Toledo road engineers are the poorest paid in Michigan. Engineers have regular runs usually and are paid by the mile, it beirig customary to give extra pay if they are kept out more than a certain number of hours, say fourteen, in a day. Strong efforts are being made to effect a compromise but the end is not yet.