Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1883-06-08
JARRETT WILL RESIGN
As President Of the Amalgamated
Association.
AsPIRANTs FOR THE POSITION.
c. D. Thompson, Vice President Of the Wheel
ing District, Mentioned as His Sue
cessor-The Cause Of Presi-
dent Jarrett's Action.

PITTSBURGH, June 1T is now generally
known and q positive fact that Mr.. John J.
Jarrett, President Of the Amalgamated
Association of Iron and Steel Workers,
who has engineered the late labor difficult
ties so successfully, will resign as Presi-
dent of that organization at the Philadel-
phia Convention on August eth, when the
annual election occurs. The fact of his
intending % resign has been known for
some time past among the lodges, and
there is much opposition within the body
to accept the alternativ
Mr. Jarrett
has been closely identified with the asso-
citation since its organization and with the
Sons OF Vulcan, its honored predecessor
He served as a vice president from the
Sixth district at the time Joseph Bishop
was president, and at the time Of his cleo
tion to that position in January, 1850, was
a deputy vice president. He has been sue.
cessiyely reelected each success We year
since, but has now informed the organiza-
tion that he will not be candidate for re.
election under any circumstances. He will
remain member OF the association, how
ever. but will not take a prominent part
in their affairs after his retirement. The
causes assigned for his contemplate action
are various, one among which reports that
Mr.. Jarrett's opposition to the strikes Of
the past two years has not made him too
many friends.
Rumored Causes.
II is a well-knOwn fact that he has op-
posed these strikes in both words and &C
lions. but in spite Of his advice the great
strike of last year occurred, as did the
strikes at Cincinnati and Newburg all of
which resulted disastrOusly to the AssOCi-
alton. He was in favor of resisting the
proposed reduction this year, and his
strong personal stand is believed to have
had considerable TO do toward the happy
termination OF the negotiations. Another
rumOr says that Mr.. Jarrett has been over
worked: that the constant strain upon his
energies has been too much for him 10
stand, and has caused serious illness at
times, although apparently he was in the
best of health; ana still another says that
he has not worked sufficiently for the well
fare of the Association. He has been ac-
Cused at times of even working ia the in.
terest of the manufacturers, while the real
fact remains that he had labored mainly
for the general good OF all.
Former Presidents.
This last rumor is strongly believed by
not few members of the Association.
y
issued before the great strike is said to
have favored the man nufacturers. Another
thing which is said to to have influenced a
feeling within the organization is the fact
that while Mr.. Jarrett has acted as it's
head, he has never favored any liberties
with himself and acted in all things on his
own responsibility.
The Amalgamated Association was
formed from the old SOCS Of NuiCan in
$50. at which time David Harris Was
president. They took in the inishers
which made the ama,gamatiOn. Miles
HUmphrieS was the first president OF the
sons OF Vulcan. ana was succeeded by
John .. Edwards, then Hugh Mclaughlin
and David Harris. Joseph Bishop being
the first president of the AmaIganlated
I union. The power and influence OF the
/ organization has grown to enormous pro-
portions since then, and now controls the
/ iron trade Of the country.
His Successor.
There is considerable talk among the la
, boring classes as to who will succeed Mr..
Jarrett to the presidency of the Amalga.
mated Association. Wheeling seems to be
ahead inasmuCh as a gentleman from that
district is mentioned in connection with
the position. T.. ID. Thompson, now vice
president Of the Wheeling district, is the
gentleman alluded to, and from present
. indications it looks as though Mr.. Thomp-
/ son is the preference of the men in the
/ event Of Mr.. Jarrett'S resignation, which 1t
/ is evident will take effect on August Itn.
| The name of Hon. William Weihe, who is
! q puddler and a trustee OF the association,
! is also mentioned in connection with the
/ position. There will be a vigorous fight
I for the place, however.
President JarI ~tt interviewed.
When Mr.. Jarrett was approached as to
| the truth OF the rumOr concerning his res
| ignstion he said:
Il did not know that the matter had
| gained publicity, but it is true. intend
| 10 resign. will not be a candidate for re-
| election
What is the cause OF your resignation
in the first place my health is bad. The
| position requires man of strong executive
| ability. and one who will execute the du-
| ties nObly and manfully. 1t is the worry
| that hurts me most. | shall ever be a
strong friend of the Association, bow sver,
| for firmly believe the workingmen OF this
country need protective associations, and
their salvation depends on organized Ell
| forts.
What do you intend to DO in The fu-
| ture?"
That csnnot answer. have nothing
| in view at present, but ii | cam do better
shall probably go back TO my old ;rade.