Railroad Strike Paralyzes the Northwest

A strike of switchmen on the Great Northern and Northern Pacific Railways has paralyzed freight traffic on both lines, from Duluth, Minn., to the Pacific coast. The strike went into effect at 6 o'clock Tuesday evening. At Spokane 200 men walked out and the only switching done Tuesday night was of an emergency character and was performed by officials of the operating departments of the roads. The switchmen are asking an increase of six cents an hour in their pay and new working rules. Unless settled the strike will ultimately affect thousands of men and seriously handicap business. The strike situation is not greatly improved to-day. At Hillyard the Great Northern closed its shops, putting more than 500 men out of work. But little freight is being handled and unless a settlement is arrived at soon, numerous industries throughout the Northwest will be compelled to suspend operations. Agent Jaynes, of the Great Northern, has posted a notice to the effect that no freight of any description will be accepted until further notice.