Alexandria Gazette

STRIKE OF STREET CAR EMPLOYEES

Passenger traffic of the capital city of the nation was about brought to a standstill early last night, when the street cars ceased to be operated. Numbers of Alexandrians were caught far from home, in some cases out in the suburbs, and were compelled to hire automobiles in order to reach the electric car station. Others footed it in the city of magnificent distances in order to reach their objective point.

The trouble between the street car employees and the companies had been festering for some time. The men had long believed their pay per hour was not commensurate with their services, they alleging that their occupation virtually made automata of them in their struggle for existence. Their leaders pressed their claims, unsuccessfully, however, and a strike—what the great mass of people had hoped would be unnecessary—has followed.

So far there has been but a slight suspicion of disorder. It is reported that stones were hurled at some cars early last night before the tieup was ordered. These acts may have been committed by people not interested in the issue. In fact, it has been stated by the employees that all overt acts are repudiated by them and that they will conduct themselves orderly while negotiations are in progress.

This is proper and manifests a spirit far different from that often in evidence in other sections of the country under similar conditions.

We hope that an agreement will be reached speedily. If the employees are given a hearing. Railroad men are too often human machines to whom but few express words of sympathy and with whom so many are prone to find fault. Men operating street cars are kept on an incessant move. They meet spotters upon cars ready to report the slightest error that may be made, while disputes with passengers, often unreasonable, are daily occurrences. It not only requires nerve and industry but great patience in such occupations. But we deplore the necessity for strikes especially at this time, when other troubles far more momentous are facing the world, and while our own country is passing through a great crisis. It would, we think, have been better not to add to the anxieties of the capital city at this inopportune time.