Changes

As the lines continued to be run by strikebreakers, Florida Adjutant General Clifford Foster, Escambia County Solicitor [[Scott M. Loftin]], and other parties worked to bring the two sides together to mediate the dispute. Progress seemed to be made (Foster stated on April 15 that the prospects of a settlement were “very bright”),<ref>“The Prospects of a Settlement of the Strike Very Bright,” Pensacola Journal, April 15, 1908.</ref> and as a result, strike-related tension and violence tapered off, and state militia troops began to withdraw from the city, with only one reserve company remaining in the city by [[April 20]].  However, on [[April 21]], a crowd fired upon a streetcar on the West Hill line and fatally wounded the conductor, a Mr. [[G. Hoffman]].<ref>Flynt, 323.</ref> Mayor [[C. C. Goodman]] offered a $250 reward "for the apprehension and conviction of the paarty or parties who did the shooting."<ref>Minutes of Pensacola City Council, April 22, 1908.</ref> Two strikers were arrested in connection with the shooting, and, although the men were later released, the previously widespread support of the public at this point began to diminish. Stenographer [[W. L. Wittich, Jr.]] was also fired upon while boarding a streetcar.  On the evening of [[May 11]], a streetcar was dynamited on the [[East Hill]] line. Although there were no passengers on board, and the two operators were uninjured, and there was only minimal damage to the car, the act was vilified in the press. The ''Pensacola Journal'' called the act "dastardly". The union promptly denounced the act and denied that any of its members were responsible. A ''Union Bulletin'' of [[May 12]] noted, “It is to be regretted because whether or not a union man did the work, the company will so charge, and at least a portion of the public so believe.”