Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1883-05-05
THE IRON SITUATION.
The Outlook at Present Not En-
ccuraging.
BOTH FACTIONS ARE DETERMINED
To Hold 0ut-No Material Change in
the Mining Djstricts-The Miners
Confident They win Win.
the Day.


ment TO maintain 81 cents as the rate for
digging coal is evidently growing quieter.
1t seems that dissatisfied workers have set
tied down for protracted struggle and are
merely watching developments. Nothing
new is reported from either side further
than the following special which shows
that the men Of one pit have gone in:
MCDONALD, Pa, May THE miners OF
Brierhill all went TO work this morning at
the reduction. Rends mine is also work.
ing.
Secretary Flannery when given the con.
tents ofthe above dispatch said ave must
expect
Some OF the Pits TO Go In
at the reduction, as it would be hard to
hold - many in line. However q few
mines wCn'ta alter the situation, and enough
Will stay out TO insure a victory for the
men. When spoken to in reference to the
complaint made by 7. V. & c. operator,
that his men refused to work although
offered the full rate, Secretary Flannery
said: These operators who made that
proposition were among those who had
been most active in pushing the reduction.
That was no ordinary measure but made
etiectual by the Coal Exchange, which body
must Withdraw the reduction before work
will be resumed"
The Iron Age on the Situation.
This weeks issue OF the Iron Age in
long editorial upon the business outlook,
argues that there is no reason for predicting
disaster as the general business OF the
country is in good condition. Referring to
the iron interest il says
THE recent drop in iron has been inter
preted as sign Of collapse in this import
ant industry, but il seems to us in part the
result OF causes operating through a series
OF years, and only in part the outcome of
causes OF recent origin. The shrewd and
successful makers of iron are realising that,
in view OF the uncertainties attending the
future OF economic legislation, it is
the part of wisdom TO reduce cost
by every possible means to the lowest
point. FOR some years past the level Of
prices has been maintained at a point at
which all but the wholly obsolete and
worthless furnaces could make money.
Under adequate protection this has tended
TO promote the general prosperity, as il has
widened the area of profitable enterprise
but Congress has already removed por-
tiOn Of the duty which directly or indirect
ly protected pig iron, and further reduc-
tiOns, If not probable, are at least possible
Under existing conditions, it is neither
wise nor prudent for the iron makers
equipped for large and cheap production
to carry those who can only live under
high duties
No Definite Results.
In reference to the present status OF al
fairs between the manufacturers and work
men, it foretold that the conference of yes
terday would be productive of no result.
This prediction was in print before the
meeting was held. 1t then SAYS:
I'VE do not expect to see any result
reached until the latter part of May, and
what this result will be it is now impOs-
sible TO tell. 1t seems evident, however
that the manufacturers of the West are
preparing themselves for the worst, as, in
view OF the possibility OF a stOppage, they
are making few or no purchases of pig iron
for delivery beyond the lst of June,
and propose, if they go into the strike,
TO go in light fighting order. The
fUrnacemen are already complaining of
action on their part, while they admit it is
wisdom and it is probable that, if the first
Of June comes without a settlement of this
question, the stocks of pig iron at the
rolling mills and the engagement for sup
plies will be less than ever before at the
time of strike. 1t is an undoubted fact
that the manufacturers are in better con-
ditiOn to-day to stand a continued strike
than ever before, and the experience of last
wear shows that consumers will have no
trouble to get what iron they need for their
wants. However, We but voice the opinion
of the whole trade when we say that it is
the earnest hope of all that a lockout will
not be necessary, but that wise and pru-
dent counsels will prevail
Both Factions Speak.
PITTsEURGH, May 1.-THE manufacturers
say they cannot run the mills with profit
al the present wages, and prefer to shut
down rather than sign the scale presented
BY the Amalgamatel Association. In the
event of q strike. the manufacturers claim
that their strength will be greater, and that
of the workmen weaker than last year.
Trade is such that a suspension would ben
etit il, besides, since then non nnion plants
have started up all over the country and
are running successfully, and If strike &C.
ours these ceuld be reliea upon to supply
the pressing demands Tor an indefinite
time, unless
A Radical Improvement I'm Trade.
On the other hand the employees say that
trade is not in as bad condition as the iron
masters would have the public and them
10 believe, and instead of being weaker
they would be stronger than when the last
strike occurred, the reduction proposed
being so general as to cement the ranks ard
prevent diSsension.
An Unfortunate Failure.
TITTSNiLLE IA, May Gins morning
one of the most extensive machine shops
in northwestern Pennsylvania belonging to
Foster 4 Mckay, manufacturers of boilers
and engines, was closed by the Sheriff. Lii
abilities are estimated at from 100000 to
$3.50, 600. One hundred and forty mea are
thrown out of employment. The trade OF
the firm is large South and West. The
cause assigned is the tightness in the money
market and the failure OF Pittsburgh iron
manufacturers.