At the age of 26, George Pullman was a hard-working young man with more ambition than money. His drive would eventually carry him to the top of American society as one of the most decadent and successful business men of his time. A rags to riches story, Pullman was the owner of a self-named town, Pullman, Illinois. He owned the houses (which he rented to his employees at a 6% profit to his investors), he owned the banks, the schools and even the church. At the height of his career, Pullman employed approximately 12,000 men and women. The Pullman Sleeper, which he manufactured, was a luxurious way for America’s upper crust to travel by train. At the same time he was catering to the wealthiest, he was driving most of his employees into poverty by reducing wages to a clearly non-sustainable level. Since Pullman owned the homes his employees lived in, he would take his share of the rent monies directly from their paychecks, leaving them but pennies to feed themselves and their families. It was during a state of despair and starvation that Pullman’s employees went on strike.
The Illinois Central Railroad Company was under contract to pull the Pullman Sleepers. Because of this, many railroad workers went on strike in the summer of 1894. Businesses that relied on trains to move inventory were hit especially hard as the movement of goods came to a halt. When the strike prevented the U.S. mail from moving, President Cleveland sent in national troops to patrol the railroads, especially those in Chicago where many cars had been overturned and set on fire. As many as 34 men were shot during the strike and countless others (and their families) starved waiting for intervention or relief from circumstances they could not overcome.
The following collection of letters were written by J.T. Harahan, the second vice-president of the Illinois Central Railroad Company, and transcribed by Lisa Bruce. His letters were sent by telegraph to all employees on a daily basis. Although Harahan held a high position at the railroad, it’s easy to see that he was a man caught between circumstances. His job required that he protect company assets and his tone remained matter-of-fact throughout his letters. However, upon examining other sources such as newspapers and personal accounts of the time period, it becomes obvious that Harahan was trying desperately to diffuse escalating tension by calmly reporting any and all news of employees who were refusing to go on strike. He must have hoped good news would influence others not to strike and certainly the circumstances were more intense than he suggested in his letters.
In the end, the railroad companies were able to hold out and employees returned to underpaid jobs. The strike failed, but it was the beginning of a new awareness in the United States. Two weeks after the strike was resolved, legislation was passed declaring Labor Day a national holiday.
It brings a new appreciation for the blue-collar workers who helped organize the first labor unions, often subjecting themselves to great personal risk. It also reminds us how important it is to support the concept of labor unions, even if we disagree with some of the politics.
The following 17 letters are printed below, unedited and in full. You may copy and reuse as you wish.
Illinois Central Railroad Company
Office of the Second Vice-President
Chicago, June 27th, 1894
No. 1
To the Employees of the Illinois Central R.R. Co.
At six o’clock last night, the night switchmen and switch tenders, excepting some of the passenger switchmen, employed on the Chicago Terminals of this company, which include all of the yards between Harvey and Randolph Street, quit work, without giving any notice to the Company, and without claiming any grievance against the Company.
This Company is not officially advised of the reason for this action on the part of its employees, but hears this morning that they were ordered to quit by the American Railway Union, as a sympathetic strike, on account of a controversy between the Pullman Company and its Shop employees, and not because of any complaint against this company.
The contract with the Pullman Company made June 1, 1891, requires this Company to haul Pullman cars on its trains for a team of years, and this Company would be responsible for any loss or damage sustained by the Pullman Company if the contract should not be carried out by this Company. The loss, therefore, would not be that of the Pullman Company, against which a grievance is claimed, but against this Company.
Moreover, we cannot legally refuse to furnish regular accommodations to the traveling public, who are dependant on this railroad for transportation: and arbitrary action on the part of the Company’s employees without previous notice to the Company or conference with its officers, is calculated to embarrass not only the Company, but the public, and can have no satisfactory result to any party concerned.
The management desires that all of its employees should know the facts stated above, as it feels that the action taken last night will not be approved or sustained by the old and tried employees.
In filling the positions abandoned by the men mentioned, the management will give preference to such Illinois Central men who have been laid off on account of light business, and to such men as are already employed by the Company but who may desire to earn the higher wages paid at Chicago, rather than to engage outsiders. The Company has confidence in its own employees and the management trusts that no further unfavorable action will be taken unless the usual means of conference and notice should fail to bring about a satisfactory understanding.
This Company know of no reason why its employees should injure it and benefit the Pullman Company by forcing it to violate its contract, made several years ago with the Pullman Company, to haul in its trains Pullman sleepers, and calls attention to the fact that if it refused or was prevented from hauling such cars it would have to pay the Pullman Company all that it would have gotten if the cars had been hauled as required by contract.
The Company also calls attention to Section 9 of the Charter of the Illinois Central Railroad Company, which reads as follows:
“If any person shall carelessly, willfully, maliciously, or wantonly delay, hinder, or obstruct the passage of any carriage on said road or branches, or shall place or cause to be placed, any material thereon or in any way trespass upon, spoil, injure, or destroy said road or branches, or any part thereof or anything belonging or pertaining thereto, or employed or used in connection with its location, survey, construction, or management, all persons committing or aiding and abetting in the commission of such trespasses, or offence shall forfeit and pay to the said company treble such damages as shall be proven before any court of competent jurisdiction; and further, such offenders shall be liable to indictment in the county within whose jurisdiction the offence may be committed, and to pay a fine of not less than thirty, nor more than one hundred dollars, to the use of the people of the State Illinois, or may be imprisoned in the penitentiary for a term of not exceeding five years, in the discretion of the court before whom the name shall be tried.”
The Company will keep its employees informed of any further developments in this matter.
J.T. Harahan
Second Vice-President
Illinois Central Railroad Company
Office of the Second Vice-President
Chicago, June 28th, 1894
No. 2
To the Employees of the Illinois Central R.R. Co.
Since my communication of yesterday morning, most of the workmen at the Burnside Shops and at Waldon and a portion of the force at Car Works, 27th Street, have stopped work, and in doing so have not seen fit to first notify the Company of their intention, nor of the reasons which influenced their action.
While the management deplores the fact that old and regular employees of the Machinery Department should be willing to treat the Company in this preemptory and unreasonable manner, the action taken in this instance does not impair the efficiency of the service, nor does it inflict any substantial loss on the Company, as, for sometime past special efforts have been necessary to keep those shops supplied with work.
The switchmen at Cairo and Mounds stopped work this morning, but there was practically no other change in the situation to-day.
J.T. Harahan
Second Vice-President
Illinois Central Railroad Company
Office of the Second Vice-President
Chicago, June 29th, 1894
No. 3
To the Employees of the Illinois Central R.R. Co.
As you have been advised, the switchmen at Cairo and Mounds have quit the Company’s service and the Company proposes to commence the operation of these yards with such men as it has secured, but in employing permanent men for this work, the Company will give preference to its employees who have heretofore been suspended without fault on their part on account of lack of business, and we will advise them when it is considered safe for them to go to work there.
As stated in my previous circular, the Company proposes to take care of its own men first. Those employees who desire to work there will please send their names to the undersigned.
J.T. Harahan
Second Vice-President
Illinois Central Railroad Company
Office of the Second Vice-President
Chicago, June 30th, 1894
No. 4
To the Employees of the Illinois Central R.R. Co.
Since my previous advices the switchmen at Kankakee have quit work, otherwise the situation is unchanged.
A number of applications for re-employment at various points have been received, and with those which may hereafter be received will have early consideration.
J.T. Harahan
Second Vice-President
Illinois Central Railroad Company
Office of the Second Vice-President
Chicago, July 1st, 1894
No. 5
To the Employees of the Illinois Central R.R. Co.
On arrival of train No. 4 at Dubuque last night, three of the night switchmen at that place quit work. Other employees and officers of the Company switched the train and it left at 11:42 P.M.
This morning at Freeport the day switchmen refused to work.
At several other points employees of the Company have announced their resolution not to participate in the existing troubles but that they will continue at their work.
J.T. Harahan
Second Vice-President
Illinois Central Railroad Company
Office of the Second Vice-President
Chicago, July 1, 1894
No. 6
To the Employees of the Illinois Central R.R. Co.
I am just in receipt of the following message, dated Cherokee, Iowa, July first, signed by C.K. Dixon, Superintendent; “The following message was received at Fort Dodge and Cherokee last night, the man sending it supposing he was sending it to friends: Chicago, June 30th. To all employees: All Chicago and Pacific lines have struck to enforce Pullman Boycott. Take same action and all men will be guaranteed full protection, irrespective of organization. Form a Committee and send Cahirman’s name to us. It is not necessary to have the money at present; they can settle when they get it. Signed E.V. Debs.”
Engineers and Firemen of this division immediately sent Mr. Debs the following reply: Cherokee, Iowa, July 1st. To E.V. Debs, Chicago. At a meeting of the Engineers and Firemen of the Cherokee Division of the Illinois Central R.R., held at Cherokee, July 1st, it was resolved that the Engineers and Firemen of this division have no grievance against said Company. To have always been well treated by the Company. When grievances existed, we have had them adjusted to our entire satisfaction. We do not work for the Pullman Company and think this strike unjust and uncalled for on the Illinois Central System. We propose to remain with our engines and the Company and will do our utmost to protect the Company’s property when called on to do so.
Signed D.J. Culton, J.H. Fox, Chas H. Dunamore, S.N. Packard, C.J. Harrison, E.P. McCune, S.B. Chapman, G.C. Thompson, C.A. Smith, D.M. Flickenger, D.H. Hinman, T.A. Hill, C.D. Craig, C.P. Nelson, C. Lindsey, M.O’Neil, W.A. Wallace, S.D. Bristow, E.A. Taylor, W.G. Wright, A.A. Chapman, C.B. Debolt.
Illinois Central Railroad Company
Office of the Second Vice-President
Chicago, July 1st, 1894
No. 7
To the Employees of the Illinois Central R.R. Co.
I am just in receipt of the following telegram from F.B. Harriman, Superintendent, Freeport: At a meeting of B. of R.T. held at Freeport this P.M., it was unanimously decided that inasmuch as that Order had no grievance of any kind against this company, they would perform their accustomed duties, regardless of any trouble caused by other Orders.”
J.T. Harahan
Second Vice President
Illinois Central Railroad Company
Office of the Second Vice-President
Chicago, July 2nd, 1894
No. 8
To the Employees of the Illinois Central R.R. Co.
The action of the O.R.C. at Jackson, Tenn., of the B.R.T. at Freeport and of the Engineers and Firemen at Cherokee, as referred to in previous bulletins, is extremely gratifying to the management, and the assurances made by these employees have also been made by large numbers of employees at all points on the line, including Engineers and Firemen on Centralia and Cairo Districts.
There has been no material change in the situation, except that some of the firemen in the Chicago Terminals, acting as individuals, are declining to work, most of them evidently acting under misapprehension as to the condition of affairs and some apparently fearing violence from lawless individuals.
Passenger trains are now moving freely in and out of Cairo.
- A. Jones, Chairman Cherokee Division of B.R.T., has telegraphed R.V. Debs that they cannot consistently comply with his wishes, as they have no grievances against the Illinois Central.
J.T. Harahan
Illinois Central Railroad Company
Office of the Second Vice President
Chicago, July 3rd, 1894
No. 9
To the Employees of the Illinois Central R.R.Co.
Yesterday at 2:45 P.M., three of this Company’s switchmen at Sioux City quit work, evidently acting under pressure from switchmen and other employees of other lines, acting in concert with a riotous mob in that city.
At midnight the night force of switchmen, some of the freight house men and one car inspector at Clinton quit work. The night shop force, however, all continued at work, and most of the day force is now at work.
So far as observed white ribbons are worn by very few people in Chicago.
Circuit Court of United States has issued injunction restraining all persons from in any way or manner interfering with, hindering, obstructing, or stopping any of the business of the railroads entering Chicago, or with any of their mail, express, or other trains, whether freight or passenger, engaged in Inter-State Commerce or carrying passengers or freight between or among the States, or from interfering with, hindering, or stopping any trains carrying the mail, or with any engines, care, or rolling stock of any company engaged in Inter-State Commerce, or engaged in carrying passengers or freight between or among the States, or from interfering with, injuring, or destroying any of the property of said railroads, or from entering upon the grounds or premises of any of said railroads for purpose of interfering with, hindering, obstructing, or stopping any of said trains, or from interfering with, injuring, or destroying any of said property. The injunction goes on further in the same broad lines, the full lines of which it is not practical to set out in this telegraphed bulletin, and a special injunction is made against compelling or inducing or attempting to compel or induce by threats, intimidation, force or violence, any of the employees of said railroads to leave their service.
The employees of this Company have been fully advised of the laws, both State and Federal, and I trust that the men employed by the Illinois Central Railroad will follow a conservative course, pay due regard to the laws, and thereby sub-serve their own interests, as well as those of the Company and of the community at large.
J.T. Harahan
Illinois Central Railroad Company
Office of the Second Vice President
Chicago, July 4th, 1894
No. 10
To the Employees of the Illinois Central R.R.Co.
Some section laborers at Farley, Iowa, who stopped work at noon on the 2nd inst., returned to work later in the day; the reason for their quitting being that they were intimidated by strikers on a neighboring line.
An American Railway Union organizer, who visited Waterloo, Iowa, yesterday, met with no encouragement from Illinois Central train men. He expressed surprise that in a town of that importance there should be no organization of his Union, and so little interest manifested in its affairs. His trip to that place was unsuccessful.
Lawless individuals not in the employ of this Company continue to interfere with our employees at Sioux City, especially at and near the Union Depot. Passenger trains, however, have been made up and dispatched from what is known as the lower yard. Two engine dispatchers, three car cleaners and three car inspectors quit work there last night. Our men in all departments on that district have expressed themselves warmly as being in full sympathy with the Company, and against the objects of the A.R.U.
Yesterday P.M. six conductors and a number of brakemen on the Springfield Division deserted their posts, and this morning at Springfield strikers from another railroad by threats forced a fireman and two brakemen on train 518 to leave the train, but it is reported that these men are not in sympathy with the movement and would be glad to do their duty if not molested.
At a meeting in New Orleans of employees members of O.R.C. B.L.E., B.L.F., B.R.T., S.M.A.A., also freight handlers and other employees, resolutions were unanimously adopted deploring the strike as without sufficient cause or excuse so far as the railroad companies are concerned, expressing the fear that it would cause suffering and loss to many of their fellow train men and other employees, and that while in sympathy with working men engaged in a strike for just causes, the men assembled stated they had no grievance against their employers requiring such a remedy as that proposed by the A.R.U., and pledged to their employers loyalty and hearty support in their efforts to maintain unimpaired the train service in all its departments.
At a regular meeting of Division 93 B of L.R., held at Jackson, Tenn., yesterday, unanimously resolved that the engineer’s at Jackson are not in sympathy with the A.R.U., nor with the present strike, that they are not working for the Pullman Company, and have no grievance against the Illinois Central Company; that they have been well treated by the Company and will stand by it in the present emergency in the performance of their duties as engineers.
At 10:00 last night the switchmen and car repairers at Memphis quit work.
At a meeting held in Centralia this morning of O.R.C., B.L.E., and B.R.T., they all voted solid to remain at work.
An article appearing in a Chicago morning paper to the affect that this Company had changed its policy in regard to employment of men belonging to the recognized regular railroad unions is absolutely incorrect.
J.T. Harahan
Illinois Central Railroad Company
Offices of the Second Vice-President
Chicago, July 5th, 1894
No. 11
To the Employees of the Illinois Central R.R. Co.
I have just learned that in the copy of my bulletin of yesterday received at Mounds Station, the reference to the B.R.T., at Centralia, as having voted solid to remain at work was omitted by telegraphic error. The bulletin as sent from here was all right, but a few words and letters seem to have been dropped by the operator at Mounds in transcribing the message. In transmitting theses bulletins to all stations by telegraph, it is probable that some errors may be made, and I, therefore, desire all officers and agents to call my station to any omissions, or to statements of fact which they consider erroneous.
At a meeting of employees at Water Valley Shops yesterday resolutions were adopted denouncing the prevailing strike and the methods of conducting it, and promising to the Illinois Central Railroad Company from employees on Mississippi Division, the same prompt attention to business during this trouble that they have been accustomed to render at all times. The practice of inaugurating a strike and afterward sending agitators out on line endeavoring to organize lodges and to take advantage of the men by getting them to act before they have had opportunity to discuss the issues and act intelligently, is being universally denounced from all sections of the Illinois Central Lines. In addition to cases specifically mentioned in previous bulletins, we have reports of A.R.U. organizers making unsuccessful visits to various other points on our line.
From New Orleans I am advised that employees on other lines have held meetings and passed resolutions similar to those passed by employees of this line, and the agitators have met with no encouragement at this place. Some agitators have been working on the men at Centralia Shops trying to get them out, but are unsuccessful. The entire force at that shop is at work this morning and the men are ignoring the efforts of these agitators.
At Clinton twelve shopmen had previously gone out reported ready to return to work this morning.
At Chicago suburban train service has been resumed this morning; likewise the movement of freight business.
Freight trains are also being dispatched in and out of Mounds. The men who struck at Cairo and Mounds have been notified that they are dismissed from the services and to call for their time.
At Sioux City this morning train No. 4 was started from the Union Depot and got out all right.
- T. Harahan
Illinois Central Railroad Company
Office of the Second Vice-President
Chicago, July 6th, 1894
No. 12
To the Employees of the Illinois Central R.R. Co.
In bulletin of yesterday remarks as to Clinton shopmen were based on telegram received here, but which turns out to be erroneous. It should have been stated that twelve additional workmen had failed to report and six of those who had previously quit had returned and reported ready for work.
I referred yesterday to the unsuccessful efforts of agitators in Centralia Shops and on previous day referred to the loyal notion of all engine and train men at the same place. Have since received certified copy of resolutions unanimously adopted by Division 24, B.L.E., Centralia, at a special meeting held on the 3rd, reciting the fair and honorable relations heretofore existing between the Company at this time and making strong expressions of loyalty to the Company and readiness to perform duties in accordance with the contract made in good faith between the Brotherhood and the Company. Also at a regular meeting of Lodge 37, B.L.F., at Centralia, similar resolutions unanimously adopted and certified copy forwarded to this office, all of which is very gratifying to the management, and is concurred in by all the sensible and conservative employees of the Company who have had opportunity to express themselves thereon.
At Chicago yesterday the suburban service between Randolph Street and Grand Crossing was operated without interruption throughout the day. Freight business also was resumed in the Chicago Terminals and 98 cars dispatched from the Terminal District. Eight switch engines working on the Terminals. During last night several lawless and incendiary acts were committed on and near the premises of this Company, but nothing has occurred which will cause interruption to the Company’s business, and the sentiment of the authorities and the public is such that those who are guilty of these and similar acts are meeting and will continue to meet the punishments prescribed by law. It is gratifying to know, however, that a very small percentage of the lawless persons referred to are employees of this Company. A number of freight handlers in the Chicago freight house quit during yesterday, but caused no serious interruption to work.
At Freeport yesterday the switchmen who had quit work on Sunday last applied in a body for re-employment, stating that they were ready to resume work immediately. As these men had not been guilty of acts of violence and had not directly disturbed the Company’s business or injured its property, they were permitted to return to work.
Full trains of freight were moved in both directions during the day from Mounds, the freight accumulated at that place having now cleared out.
At Champaign yesterday at a joint meeting composed of B.R.T., O.R.C, B.L.E., and B.L.F, members, the following resolution was adopted: That we stand ready to continue in the service of the Illinois Central as engineers, conductors, firemen and train men to go out on our respective districts the same as we were previous to the existing trouble.
J.T. Harahan
Illinois Central Railroad Company
Offices of the Second Vice-President
Chicago, July 7th, 1894
No. 1
To the Employees of the Illinois Central R.R. Co.
The lawless and incendiary acts referred to in bulletin of yesterday were continued during the day and last night: something over 100 cars of them loaded with freight, having been destroyed on the line of this Company in the Terminal District of Chicago. The overturning of cars on the tracks near Kensington and Wildwood having blocked main tracks, passenger service for the South out of Chicago was discontinued yesterday, but resumed this morning. It is believed that ample forces have now been placed to insure protection of employees at work in this district and to prevent further acts of the kind referred to. Train work between Chicago and Grand Crossing, however, was continued throughout the day and is in full operation this morning.
Passenger services through Cairo was maintained and freight service in and out of Mounds, and we commenced this morning handling freight out of Cairo.
All Illinois Central freight and passenger trains are moving in and out of Memphis all right.
At Dubuque yesterday morning, one Car Repairer quit work and joined the strikers.
Telegram received from Lee Merritt, representing Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen at Jackson, Tenn., stating they had resolved that they had no grievance against the Illinois Central and would remain on their engines and perform their duties. To which telegram suitable acknowledgement has been made. It is unnecessary for me to repeat that such assurances are highly appreciated by the Company’s officers and loyal employees.
Agitators visiting McComb City failed to make any impression on employees there. I am informed that two of them, named Hurley and Sperry, were arrested on Louisiana Division train No. 4 at Amite, by order of United States authorities and are charged with criminal conspiracy.
Notwithstanding the defection of a portion of the train men on Springfield Division, freight and passenger trains are running regularly on the Division. The faithful action of the employees who have remained with the Company is appreciated and commended.
Up to last night only four men at New Orleans had quit work.
At Sioux City business has been fully resumed and everything quiet on our line there.
J.T.Harahan
Illinois Central Railroad Company
Office of Second Vice-President
Chicago, July 8, 1894
No. 14
To Employees of the Illinois Central R.R.Co.
Everything quiet in the Chicago Terminal District yesterday, last night and this morning. The presence of the Military and Civil Officers has prevented any further demonstrations and this company’s employees are now able to perform their duties without molestation.
The main tracks near Kensington and Wildwood were cleared and Passenger train service for the South out of Chicago was resumed yesterday morning. All incoming and outgoing Passenger trains have moved freely since that time. Several Freight trains were also started out of Chicago this morning.
Suburban train services between Chicago and Grand Crossing was continued yesterday and is in full operation this morning.
Passenger train service has been maintained through Cairo; also Freight train service in and out of Mounds.
All Passenger and Freight trains in and out of Memphis are reported on time this morning Everything quiet there and over the entire Southern Lines. Everything is also reported to be quiet at Sioux City, and passenger and freight services is being maintained.
Superintendent Dunn reports from New Orleans that the third agitator, Harrison, has been arrested, charged with conspiracy.
Passenger and Freight service moved freely on Amboy Division yesterday and everything reported quiet on Springfield Division.
Citizens held meeting at Jackson, Tenn., yesterday and condemned the strike.
The citizens of Water Valley, Miss., also held a mass meeting on the fifth instant, passed resolutions heartily endorsing the action of the employees of this company in declining to participate in the present strike.
A meeting of the American Railway Union was to be held at Waterloo, Iowa, last night, but Mayor of that City forbade the use of any City building for that purpose, and instructed the Policemen not to allow an gathering or demonstration. The meeting was not held.
At a meeting held by the Yardmaster and Switchmen at Decatur, Illinois, it was unanimously agreed that they would stand by this company to a man and would use their best efforts to promise its interests in every way possible. It is needless to add that this action is highly appreciated by the management of the Company.
At a special meeting of Centralia Division No. 112, Order of Railway Conductors, held July 4th, 1894, the following resolution was unanimously adopted: The Conductors of Centralia Division No. 112, O.R.C., in the employ of the Illinois Central R.R. Co., have no grievance against said Company and in matters of grievance between us we have always been treated fairly and honorably, therefore be it resolved that we will faithfully perform our duties as Conductors. Be it further resolved that it is our opinion that the present strike is uncalled for and unreasonable, so far as the Illinois Central R.R. is concerned.
This action is also highly appreciated by the officers of the Company and further confirms the confidence they have in its employees.
J.T. Harahan
Illinois Central Railroad Company
Office of Second Vice-President
Chicago, July 9, 1894
No. 15
To Employees of the Illinois Central R.R.Co.
In the Chicago Terminal District matters remain unchanged excepting that the movement of freight business has been more fully established. A large number of offenders against the law, and those who have committed assaults upon this company’s employees have been arrested and will be tried by the civil authorities. Danger of bodily injury to the Company’s employees here is not now to be feared. Last night on the spur leading to the Hawthorne Race Track near Chicago, an empty box car was destroyed by fire.
At Sioux City matters have practically reached their normal status. The military have been withdrawn and the spirit evinced by Illinois Central employees at that point in carrying on the Company’s work is commendable in the highest degree. Striking employees of other lines there are reported as flocking back looking for their jobs.
Passenger and freight trains continue to be regularly handled in and out of Mounds and Cairo.
On Springfield Division everything reported quiet and passenger and mixed trains in operation. Several train men who had quit work on that Division have applied for re-instatement.
At New Orleans everything reported quiet and no additional men have quit work. The Legislature of Louisiana on Saturday passed a resolution commending the railroad operatives in that state for their manly and patriotic refusal to join in the movement so fraught with danger and disaster to the state and condemning the attempts of all agitators foreign and domestic to disturb the public peace of the State and discouraging all such agitators.
This resolution coming from so high source only confirms what has heretofore been asserted in these bulletin, that public opinion, which under our institutions is the great controlling element of the country, is solidly arrayed on the side of the railroad companies and of their loyal employees and of all other sensible and thoughtful people in the war that is now being waged against the business interests of the country.
All trains in and out of Memphis reported on this time.
The following resolution was unanimously adopted at regular meeting of O.R.C. Freeport, yesterday: That we have no grievance with the Illinois Central Railroad and that we will perform our respective duties as usual until otherwise ordered by our Grand Officer of our Grand Division at Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Copy of this to be sent Superintendent Harrison at Freeport, Illinois and I requested Mr. Harriman to express to the O.R.C at Freeport, the thanks of the management of this Company and of myself personally.
J.T. Harahan
Illinois Central Railroad Company
Office of Second Vice-President
Chicago, July 10, 1894
No. 16
To Employees of the Illinois Central R.R.Co.
At Chicago freight and passenger business continues to be freely moved without interruption. Freight house opened yesterday morning for receipt of freight, except perishable, for all points. This Company has been in position to lend its wrecking car to connecting lines at Chicago. An attempt was made to burn another care near the Hawthorne Race Track, but the Car Inspector chased the offender off the premises. Some empty cars took fire near Burnside last night, having ignited from smoldering coal piles remaining from fire of Thursday last. No new acts of insendiariam have been committed on this line.
Boiler makers at Clinton yesterday applied for re-employment, stating that they would abandon the A.R.U., and the Mechanical Department there now has all the men it needs.
At Mounds and Cairo business still being handled with satisfaction. At a meeting yesterday of the Cairo Hardwood Lumber Exchange resolutions were unanimously adopted that the strike new in progress throughout the country has become an open rebellion and insurrection against the laws of both the State and Union and is worthy of nothing but severest condemnation of all honest and law abiding citizens; that it is working a serious injury to cause of labor throughout the United States and is a blow against right and interests of those who have always been friendly to the laboring classes, and the meeting commended the action of the President of the United States in sending Federal Troops to maintain the majesty of the law. On the same evening a mass meeting of the citizens of Cairo was held and resolutions adopted characterizing the present movement as a tyrannical and brutal interference with individual labor, denouncing the action as hostile to the established government and law and therefore in opposition to the interest of every law abiding member of society and the meeting extended its encouragement to the railroads in their efforts to carry on transportation business, believing that the strike so far as it pertains to the railroads, was inaugurated not in the best interest of labor but in direct opposition to every citizen’s welfare, whether laborer, mechanic, manufacturer, or merchant, and especially antagonistic to the interests of those who work for wages, as the effect of such a strike, which is without precedent in this country, will cause investments to be withdrawn, contemplated enterprises abandoned and opportunities for labor greatly lessoned. The also condemn intimidation or interference with persons who desire to labor and pledge themselves to uphold and protest the business against which this intimidation and interference is directed and to see that those guilty of such interference are punished according to law. This meeting also commended the President and Cabinet for their prompt action and pledged support. The also commend the course of the Mayor of Cairo in restraining lawlessness and pledged their support to him in enforcing the law and promised to cheerfully respond to any call he may make for moral, financial or personal aid. These strong assurances from a community which has had the best possible means of observing the effect of the A.R.U. strike, are interesting and instructive to all who are paying attention to these matters.
All classes of freight moving from Sioux city without interruption. Strike at that point is at an end.
At Kankakee six switchmen and all other employees who quit work several days ago returned to work this morning and everything reported quiet at that point.
Arrests continue to be made of persons who have been guilty of breaking law or disregarding the injunctions of the courts.
At Memphis freight and passenger tracks on Illinois Central and Y. & M.V. Lines arriving and departing on time.
On the Springfield Division matters same as reported yesterday, except that in addition to passenger and mixed trains, four freight trains were run over Springfield District.
J.T. Harahan
Illinois Central Railroad Company
Office of Second Vice-President
Chicago, July 11, 1894
No. 17
To Employees of the Illinois Central R.R.Co.
The facility in handling both freight and passenger business at Chicago is still increasing; there is not interruption of any kind and all classes of business are being freely moved over both divisions which connect with the Chicago Terminals.
Freight and passenger business continues to be handled without interruption at Mounds and Cairo.
The officers of the Yazoo and Mississippi Valley Railroad report that unsuccessful efforts are being made by agitators to call out shopmen and other employees on that road.
At Sioux City everything is quiet and not interference being attempted with the yard crews or train men.
Nothing has been accomplished by agitators who have visited New Orleans and McComb. All Illinois Central passenger and freight trains moving in and out of Memphis on time, and matters generally on Southern Lines in good shape.
J.T. Harahan
Second Vice-President
