Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1882-05-23
THE SCALE TO Be REJECTED TO-DAY.

The mill situation yesterday took on q
new feature, which was, to those. viewing
it from the workers standpoint entirely
unexpected. The general belief was that
tbe modified scale would be certainly &c.
cepted, and q worker voiced the almost
universal sentiment when he said:
AZ believe the advance as it is now de.
manded will be acceded to. We have heard
from all western points during the past
week and we have been told that the iron
workers in all the western districts will
ask an advance, based, of course, upon the
course pursued in this district. Now, ii
the demand is not granted here and in
Pittsburgh, then the other districts will
continue working at present prices until
there is a settlement. In the meantime all
the trade of our home mills will go else
where. This they cannot afford, and there
fore they will will gracefully yield to the
inevitable
As a consequence, the announcement of
the unconditional rejection OF the scale
Yesterday, partook OF the character oil
ihunde, in a clear sky. Its bearing on to-
davis conference here could not but be felt,
and the effect on commercial circles was
NOT cheering. Those lines of business
dependent for their existence on the Gus
ON of the mill workers, found their hopes
of an amicable settlement dashed to the
ground, and the general feeling was not OF
the brightest.
Speaking generally OF the situation, a
milf owner said the men had made a mis-
take in giving so long a notice II they
really intended a strike. 1t has gwen
us" said he, 1.-The most ample time IN
which to prepare, and We have made the
most OF il. We have taken time by the
forelock and are prepared. All orders are
contingent on a strike and all contracts
similarly guarded. Now is as good a time
as another to test this matter, and the mills
are as flush as could be reasonably ex-
pected."
On the other hand, prominent members
of the Association here say the manufac-
turers at Pittsburgh made a grave mistake.
They believe that il these men, at the con-
ference, had simply demurred and agreed,
the Association would have continued the
modification until IN agreement was
reached. "As it is" they argue, this flat
footed rejection places as perforce on our
mettle and we are bound to fight"
How are you fixed financially for a
fight?'
are not able to live for four months, at the
end of that time the Association will be
able TO run lis for eight months more
MduuldCluItIo u NAiii 49,
r~eticent on the subject until after to.day's
conference. James r. McCortney abso-
lutely refused to say a word. Alexander
Laughlin positively stated that the same
course would be pursued here as in Pitts
burgh. .
Neal Thompson thought the action OF
the Pittsburgh manufacturers barred all
hopes of a composition of the difficulties.
In discussing the situation, last night, a
group of boilers said they were prepared
at any moment to go fishing. The River.
side and Belmont, they said, must both
shut down soon, for quite a time to make
necessary repairs, which they held would
of the conversation, a prominent La Belle
mailer said:
1T has been stated by the manufacturers
that the original demand would increase
the cost of nail making Is cents a keg.
We have figured on this carefully and we
know it will increase the cost but nine
cents"