How did the injunction restrict Eugene V. Debs and other American Railway Union leaders?

During the 1894 Pullman Strike, the federal government utilized an injunction to effectively dismantle the leadership's ability to manage the strike and boycott. Issued by circuit court judges on July 2, 1894, the injunction prohibited American Railway Union (ARU) leaders from compelling or inducing railroad employees to refuse their duties.1

Crucially, the injunction also barred ARU leaders from communicating with their subordinates. This restriction severely hampered Eugene V. Debs and other leaders, as they were legally prevented from sending messages—including telegrams—to the workers. By cutting off communication, the injunction stripped Debs of his ability to exercise control over the strikers or provide guidance, even as he attempted to urge restraint and prevent the violence that eventually escalated.1

Because the leaders were legally silenced and unable to coordinate, they could not effectively manage the movement as federal troops moved in to force the resumption of rail traffic. Debs and other leaders were subsequently arrested and found in contempt of court for violating these terms.123