midnight
Within the hour and a half , four through and three local trains are due to leave , and the space within the iron grille that fences off the track platforms from the public part of the station is filled with hurrying throngs of train-takers . Down at the outer end of the train-shed the stuttering pop-valves of the locomotives , the thunderous trundling of the heavy baggage trucks , and the shrill , monotonous chant of the express messengers checking in their cargoes , lift a din harmonious to the seasoned traveler ; a medley softened and distance-diminished for those that crowd upon the gate-keepers at the iron grille . It was the evening of the last day in the month ; the day when the Federative Council of Railway Workers had sent its ultimatum to Receiver Guilford . The reduction in wages was to go into effect at midnight : if , by midnight , the order had not been rescinded , and the way opened for a joint conference touching the removal of certain obnoxious officials , a general strike and tie-up would be ordered . Trains in transit carrying passengers or United States mail would be run to their respective destinations ; trains carrying perishable freight would be run to division stations : with these exceptions all labor would cease promptly on the stroke of twelve . Such was the text of the ultimatum , a certified copy of which Engineer Scott had delivered in person into the hands of the receiver at noon . It was now eight forty-five P.M. .