Chicago Streetcar Strike of 1885

The Chicago Streetcar Strike of 1885 was an event that will forever rock the history of Chicago Transportation. Because of the heated feelings and actions taken by the men of this event, it can be easily understood in a day-to-day format. By telling through the eyes of Chicago Chief of Police Doyle there is a perspective on all the major events of the strike.

A PERSONAL DAILY ACCOUNT OF THE STREETCAR MEN'S STRIKE

BY: CHICAGO CHIEF OF POLICE DOYLE

The past week has been a most grueling and exhausting one for me. As I look back I realize that perhaps these past several days will be the most trying for me in my role as the Police Chief of the great city of Chicago. Thus, I found myself in the middle of the great conflict needing to collect my thoughts into a journal. The streetcar strike was one of the many influential aspects of labor in Chicago history. By placing my thoughts into this account of the days, many others can recollect the event as I saw it take place.

June 30, 1885:

Many thousands of people living in the West Division of Chicago who have been accustomed to riding to and from their homes were forced to walk today. The strike of the West Side streetcar conductors began as a result of the discharge of several employees from the company. ("The Street-Car Men Strike," 1.)

Some weeks ago the West Side drivers and conductors requested through a committee better hours, equalization of pay, and the discharge of an official who the workers disliked. The employees received a great deal of public sympathy with these requests and the company agreed to their demands. ("The Street-Car Men Strike," 1.) It appears this is where the trouble should have ended. Reasonable requests were made, and granted. This is what I am told and it appears to be factual, but beyond that, many of the matters at hand are disputed.

Shortly after the agreement, the company discharged a number of employees, several of whom had been on the committee that had previously submitted the grievances and others were officers in The Association of Streetcar Employees. The company claims these employees were discharged because they were unfit for their work. But the strikers insist they were ousted because they had represented their fellow workers in presenting the demands. The employees threatened the company that unless the discharged men were re-hired by a certain time they would all quit, which they did today. ("The Street-Car Men Strike," 1.)

I believe the dispute between these two parties represents a legal right on one side and a moral feeling on the other. The company has every right to employ and discharge who they see fit. The employees also have a right to stand up for their fellow workers. Yet the workers have taken a risk as well. By refusing to work the men have chosen to terminate their employment and the company has the right to fill those positions as soon as possible. If the men try to prevent this by force they will be breaking the law. They no longer have a contract with the company and so far as the law is concerned, the employees have terminated the rights or duties they once had with their employer.

The strike has commenced and I can only imagine what chaos will come of it.

July 1, 1885:

Today the attempts to run the streetcars on West Madison and Lake Streets were a disaster. Although there were not a great number of strikers on Madison Street, the crowd was enormous. Most were there for curiosity purposes. But because the crowds were so great, we were unable to see and apprehend the strikers who were throwing stones at the cars, smashing the windows and injuring the passengers. One of my men said he was at the corner of Halsted and Madison Streets, and although he could see fifty stones in the air, he couldn't tell where they were coming from. The people were packed in the streets and the stones came from all angles. My men had no chance of picking out the offenders. ("A Lively Time," 2.)

Several attempts were made to run cars on different lines throughout the city. We were forced to arrest several men. One of the most exciting events occurred on West Madison Street about half past twelve today. Officer M.W. O'Brien arrested Mr. John Sullivan for throwing stones. Mr. Sullivan resisted arrest and the crowd began to yell, "rescue him" and "kill the copper!" I am very concerned about this growing public sympathy for the strikers and disorderly conduct. ("A Lively Time," 2.)

As a result of today's events, Mayor Carter H. Harrison called a three-hour secret conference with Superintendent Lake of the West Division Street-Railway Company and myself. Mayor Harrison made if very clear it was not his intent, nor his duty to decide which party was in the right. He believes strongly that public sentiment will cause the side in the right to prevail. ("A Lively Time," 2.) He suggested, in an effort to protect the public, that the company stop running the cars and lock them in the barns. But he also went on to say that was not his decision to make, and if the company decided to run the cars, it was my absolute duty, and that of the Police Department, to protect the line against violence as best we are able to. ("A Lively Time," 2.) I assured both the Mayor and Mr. Lake that the company would receive all available protection. Later today in an interview with the Chicago Tribune Mayor Harrison explained it is the duty of the police to prevent congregations along the line, and he appealed to the citizens not to collect in crowds. He warned them if they did, there may be violence, and no one can tell what the consequences will be. ("A Lively Time," 2.)

This evening I met with the Police Captains of the five precincts, Lts. Shea of the Detective Force and Hubbard of the Central Detail. We decided that if the company decided to run the cars, the police department would not supply conductors and drivers, but we would do everything in our power to protect the railway property and preserve the peace of the city. I firmly believe the railway company is entitled to protection and we shall provide it. I ordered the Central Detail to report at 6:30 a.m. tomorrow morning. ("A Lively Time," 2.)

July 2, 1885:

Many of the strikers were in very bitter and ugly moods today. They were determined to attack any man who attempted to go to work, and, unfortunately there were several attacks. We were able to rescue Mr. Patrick O'Kane who was attacked and cut in the head with a beer glass on Madison Street near California Avenue. We were also able to rescue Mr. B.D. Barlow who was knocked down twice by strikers after being hired by the company. But, unfortunately, Conductor Miller, one of the men who had charge of a car yesterday morning was beaten by the mob and is in very serious condition. ("The Strike, 1.)

I understand President Jones of the West Division Rail-Street Company was asked by Mayor Harrison last night to consider arbitration over this matter. But he refused to consider the option. In fact, he said "if we consent to arbitrate that question, it is an admission that we think it debatable whether we have the right to discharge men or not. I don't think it is debatable at all." ("The Strike, 1.)

Tonight six or seven thousand people congregated for an open meeting in the square on Randolph Street. Mr. B. Higginson ("an old-conductor") was the first speaker who fired up the crowd to stand by the strikers. There were several other speakers who built on the excitement, but the man who really inspired the masses was Congressman Frank Lawler. He gave a powerful and convincing speech demanding sympathy and support for the strikers. ("The Strike, 1.)

I don't see an end in sight for this time of turmoil and I fear there will be more violence tomorrow. Yet I must stand for the principal of protecting the company and its rights for protection.

July 3, 1885:

The West Division Company succeeded in running Madison Street cars at various times during the day today. At 5:00 a.m. this morning 400 policemen from various stations reported at the DesPlaines Street Station. I commanded them to fulfill their duty and stated "whatever your private views may be, property must be defended; the law must be upheld, and you are its defenders." ("The Cars Were Run," 1) We faced considerable resistance in the morning hours, but my men sent a message early on that we meant business. Most of the cars that did run were primarily occupied by my men. Violators of the law were dealt with swiftly.

Many complaints were made at Police Headquarters throughout the day. Some citizens are claiming we have attacked innocent people, and yet others feel we have been too lenient. I have continued to support my forces and have held by the standard that when people are ordered to move on and do not, they will be moved by force. No one has been clubbed for the fun of it however, something must be done to maintain law and order in this city. We have asked the citizens over and over again not to obstruct street corners or any other public place in the city. If they choose to disobey the law they must suffer the consequences. Any person refusing to move after being requested to do so by a police officer is subject to the penalty of not less than $5 for each offense. ("The Cars Were Run," 2)

At half past 4:00 in the afternoon I met with President Jones and the Mayor in the Mayor's office. I advised the two men that because of the holiday tomorrow (and the large number of fires and accidents we face every Fourth of July) I would not have the manpower needed to protect the company and I urged them not to make any runs. President Jones agreed with my proposition. ("The Cars Were Run," 2)

July 4, 1885:

Today was a quiet day concerning the West Division Company strike. No cars ran and no incidents occurred.

July 5, 1885:

There was very little activity today around the Western Avenue Barns. However, we anticipate there will be large crowds at the barns tomorrow morning when the cars begin to run. Tension continues to build as the strikers are livid with the company's refusal to participate in arbitration. Mayor Harrison was asked again about his feeling toward this refusal, and he admitted he felt Mr. Jones was making a mistake, especially considering the public's sympathy toward the strikers. ("Will Try It Again," 1)

Tonight Mayor Harrison issued a proclamation to the city of Chicago. This proclamation stated the cars will run tomorrow, and "Notice is further given that the police of Chicago must and will at all hazards protect the property of said company while in performance of its chartered rights, …" My men are prepared to fulfill this duty. ("Will Try It Again," 1)

July 6, 1885:

We had a very large police force on hand today yet they had very little to do. The West Division Rail-Street Company succeeded in running a total of 33 cars. Passenger attendance grew throughout the day. ("No Bloodshed," 2)

A committee headed by Mark Crawford and George Rodgers of the Trades Assembly called on Mayor Harrison today and asked him to urge the company to consider arbitration. The Mayor directed his secretary, Tom O'Neil to introduce the men to President Jones. However, Mr. Jones refused to see them, stating the issues were between the company and its employees, not outsiders. ("No Bloodshed," 2)

I am pleased with our progress in running so many cars today while keeping the peace in the streets. Yet I must admit I am growing impatient over Mr. Jones' refusal to talk through the issue.

July 7, 1885:

Breakthrough! A conference was held in the Mayor's office today. The Mayor, and representatives from both sides and I were in attendance. Mayor Harrison suggested the representatives go into the ante-room and talk their differences over. They did and within twenty minutes Mr. Kleckner, the President of the Union, indicated the differences could and would be settled. A special committee was formed and both sides were heard. President Jones conceded to a meeting with each discharged employee to discuss the matter of their reinstatement and agreed to conduct a thorough investigation of each employee's situation. Although he still would not agree to arbitration, this was seen as a victory by the employees and the strike was over. ("It Is Over," 1)

 

As I look back at this past week I am struck by how quickly the tides of peace can by overtaken by misunderstanding and anger. My department was forced into a precarious situation, yet we held to our standards throughout the most difficult times. Although we faced public criticism and even threats, I am proud of my men and our commitment to the law.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bibliography

"A Lively Time." The Chicago Tribune 2 July 1885: Front Page.

An article in The Chicago Tribune explaining the current status of the strike. The article explains present conditions of the strikers, the company, and the public.

Hayes, Dorsha B. Chicago Crossroads of American Enterprise. New York: Julian Messner Inc., 1944.

A book that takes you through many aspect of Chicago and its history. The book covers a general history of the city and how it has become what it is today.

Hilton, George W. The Cable Car In America. San Diego: Howell-North, 1982.

A history of the cable car in the United States. The book starts with the invention of the car and how it has changed the United States with its use.

"It Is Over." The Chicago Tribune 8 July 1885: Front Page.

An article in The Chicago Tribune explaining the current status of the strike. The article explains present conditions of the strikers, the company, and the public.

Johnson, James D. A Century of Chicago Streetcars 1858-1958. Wheaton: The Traction Orange Company, 1964.

A history of the streetcars and their effect in Chicago. The book has extensive pictures of the cars and memorabilia of the streetcars.

"No Bloodshed." The Chicago Tribune 7 July 1885: Front Page.

An article in The Chicago Tribune explaining the current status of the strike. The article explains present conditions of the strikers, the company, and the public.

"The Cars Were Run." The Chicago Tribune 4 July 1885: Front Page.

An article in The Chicago Tribune explaining the current status of the strike. The article explains present conditions of the strikers, the company, and the public.

"The Street-Car Men's Strike." The Chicago Tribune 1 July 1885: Front Page.

An article in The Chicago Tribune explaining the current status of the strike. The article explains present conditions of the strikers, the company, and the public.

"The Strike." The Chicago Tribune 3 July 1885: Front Page.

An article in The Chicago Tribune explaining the current status of the strike. The article explains present conditions of the strikers, the company, and the public.

"Will Try It Again." The Chicago Tribune 6 July 1885: Front Page.

An article in The Chicago Tribune explaining the current status of the strike. The article explains present conditions of the strikers, the company, and the public.