George W. Lovejoy was the next witness to take the stand. In answer to a question by Commissioner Wright, he said: "I am familiar with the history of the strike on the Rock Island road. Beside the order passed by the convention to refuse to handle Pullman cars, the men at La Salle had a special grievance that consisted of unjust treatment of the members of the American Railway Union which had a local lodge at that point. I for one was dismissed without any cause being assigned. Complaint was made to Supt. Dunlap and an explanation asked as to why the men were discharged. He refused to consider the grievance submitted to him so the men concluded to strike."
Commissioner Wright: "Was the grievance submitted in writing?"
Mr. Lovejoy: "It was. I have not a copy, but think I can get one from the local union."
Commissioner Wright: "What part did your local union take in the Pullman strike?"
Mr. Lovejoy: "It decided to sustain it."
Mr. Worthington: "Was there any violence at La Salle?" Mr. Lovejoy: "No, sir. None whatever."
Commissioner Kernan: "Have any of the old men been taken back?"
Mr. Lovejoy: "No, sir. And never will."
Mr. Worthington: "Is it on account of the strike that they cannot get back?"
Mr. Lovejoy: "I suppose it is."