Spark of the Great Strike
On July 16th several firemen and brakemen on The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad refused to work the trains and caused a massive buildup of train traffic in Camden Junction just outside of Baltimore. The strikers gave their reason for striking; a 10 percent wage cut taking affect that day. (NY Times) The strikers overtook trains and there was even a report of a beating taking place of a fireman who continued to work. The company had been prepared for a strike and a force of 40 police officers was sent to disperse the strikers. Strikers refusing to go back to work were quickly replaced and the trains were quickly running again after the delay. The town of Martinsburg, Maryland was to be the focus of many train workers in the area to make a stand. (Bruce) The town was basically built around the railroad. Most of the residents worked for the railroad and were upset that wages were not higher. Residents of the town had resentment for the leaders of the railroad. They believed that the few leaders had too much pay for themselves. This growing dissatisfaction was fueled by the new wage cut. Martinsbu
rg's police force was very small making it the optimal spot for resistance. By nightfall the yard was surrendered to the strikers. After deliberating the strikers decided to continue the strike. The New York Times released an article on July 17th dismissing the strikers, saying they were wasting their time as well as the country's time and money. News of the strike was now reaching every major newspaper in the country. Hayes gave until 12:00 noon the next day. The Times released an article on the 19th which told of several companies of troops were on their way to Martinsburg to disperse and if necessary fight the strikers. Eventually those who had been striking against the railroads took a political stand against the leaders of the industry and eventually made an impact. The strikers now had more of a reason than any to oppose the company and the militia. The strikebreakers gave up and went home, the troops were dismissed. At this point the Trainsmen's Union was considering joining the strike with the Connersville and Pittsburgh branches of the railroad. The mayor of the town ordered the ringleaders of the strike to be arrested. When morning came a few strikebreakers were found, they attempted to move the cattle train out of the yard, they were immediately met with confrontation and were stopped.
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