Police Win Again
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Camden Trolley Company's Latest Attempt at Track-Laying Easily Stopped — Trolley Men Arrested — Mayor Hatch Rushed Out and Ordered Police to Clear the Street — Strategy That Was Not Successful
The Camden and Suburban Railway Company's latest attempt to lay an additional track on Haddon avenue, Camden, was not a success. Their men were easily routed by the police yesterday. George Danks, foreman of a gang of laborers, and Willis Godfrey, colored, took picks and attempted to tear up the concrete foundation on the street, but were arrested and held for further hearings next Thursday. It is probable that the courts will be appealed to before the attempt to lay tracks on Haddon avenue is renewed.
During the clash with the city authorities yesterday General Manager Walter E. Harrington, of the trolley company, was present with a stenographer, and the latter made notes of all that was said and done. Mr. Harrington admitted that this was for the purpose of commencing legal proceedings.
Nearly 1600 people collected along Haddon avenue early yesterday morning in anticipation of a clash between the police and trolley employes. Mayor Hatch and Chief of Police Foster were on the scene by 6 o'clock. They had a large detail of policemen on hand to prevent any attempt to lay rails on the street. About a square away over 100 laborers and as many carts were gathered at the trolley company's car barn.
Strategy
The opposing leaders looked over the ground carefully and mapped out plans of action. Everybody was on the qui vive for an outbreak of hostilities. The police guard, however, looked so formidable that the trolley forces had recourse to strategy. Picking out about fifty of the old employes of the company they were sent into the car barn under cover. The rest of the laborers were told to hand in their time cards and were then dismissed for the day. They were told that work would not be begun until to-day.
The ruse worked well. Scouts for the police reported that operations had been suspended and no work would be done until to-day. Mayor Hatch and Chief Foster returned to their offices at the City Hall, some of the policemen were sent back to their beats in the different wards, which had been left unprotected while they were on duty on Haddon avenue. The crowd of spectators dispersed.
About a half hour later, when everything was quiet, about 50 men and carts sallied from the car barn. The men had picks, shovels and railroad ties. A rush was made for Haddon and Newton avenues. A watchful police saw the trolley company's flying force and quickly passed the word along the line. A messenger was dispatched to City Hall to rout out Mayor Hatch and Chief Foster. They came rushing from the building and were quickly on the scene of action.
When the laborers arrived they found a platoon of police drawn up ready to receive them. The laborers were accompanied by General Manager Harrington, who had Stenographer Berry by his side. Wherever the general manager went the stenographer was with him taking notes of all that was said. Police Captain Stanley ordered the men to disperse.
"Captain," said Mr. Harrington, "we propose to lay a double track on this street, in accordance with an ordinance granting a franchise to the West Jersey Traction Company."
"Well, I'm here to stop you," said the doughty little captain.
"Under whose orders?" was asked.
"Under orders from my superior," replied the captain.
"Very well," said Mr. Harrington, and turning to one of his foremen he ordered him to take the men back to the barn.
Defeat
While this colloquy was going on Foreman Danks and Willis Godfrey got their work in. Taking picks they drove them into the concrete foundation for the asphalt pavement. Before a second stroke could be made two policemen walked up and arrested the pick wielders.
"I protest against the illegal arrest of those men," exclaimed Manager Harrington to Mayor Hatch. He repeated this several times before the Mayor paid any attention to him. Finally, turning to the general manager Mayor Hatch asked:
"Have you a permit to tear up this street?"
"No, sir," answered Mr. Harrington.
"Then, Chief, clear the street," ordered the Mayor, addressing Chief of Police Foster.
A charge was made on the crowd and General Manager Harrington and his stenographer were hustled to the sidewalk together with the laborers.
Foreman Danks and Godfrey were taken before Recorder Nowrey and held in $50 bail for a further hearing next Thursday.
The trolley company's next move will probably be made in the courts.