Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1883-09-05
GLASS TROUBLES.
The Importation of FOreiga Work.
men.
The Belgian Consulate Takes Measures to
Prevent Further Drafts on That
Country - Movements Of
Workmen.

PIrT>GURGH, September THE glass sit
uation grows in interest. Mr.. William T..
ClaxtOn, attorney to the Belgian Consulate,
at Philsdelphia. has issued a circular in
which he refers to the action of the Win
dow Glass Manufacturers Convention held
recently in Chicago, that foreign labor will
be imported if the men de not accept their
terms by the Goth OF September. Mr..
ClaXtOn is instructed by the Consul of
Belgium to state that, so far as Belgium is
concerned, steps have been taken by the
Government of that country to prevent the
emigration Of Belgian glassblowers to
SUBJECTS iroha tiG 0suhetnIgs' 71luut1u Uy
many of the unfortunate men who came
10 this country last year 10 take the places
OF striking American workmen.
AGame Of BIaE
It's question whether the committee
intended when the threat OF importation
was made to indulge in aught more serious
than a game of bluff, though 1t IS within
The possibilities that business was meant.
The experience of American glass manutac'
turers with labor specially imported to
break strikes has not been OF such CHAR
aCter as to reCOAmend a repetition OF the
alleged panacea. II was some two years
ago that number Of Belgisns was brought
over. Very lew Of them were found to be
mn 70 the standard of efficiency required,
and so unsatisfactory were they aS rule,
that when the difference between employ
ers and employees was settled the men from
abroad were turned adri!t. There have
been similar spurts made periodically since
with like results.
Imported workmen.
In New Jersey and Maryland last year
there was no success, and much bitterness
was engeudcred that no doubt prolonged
the strike. The American workmen assert
that there is little difficulty IN persuadlnS
the best imported worSmen to JON Tue
Union, for they are Just as keen as others
10 secure the highest remuneration posi-
bic. Those who are not thus spirited
off soon after arrival are usually god
enough Union men after their contracts
have expired In Ravenna and Kent o,
Rel-ianS were introduced some time
aco. snd after their engagements were
M they bad q hard time of it. the trouble
As To wsgpS having been settled, their em-
ploysrs die not want them. and they soon
became destitute. Finally the wOrkmen
whom hey had been used 10 suPplant Nu :
sCribsd fUr their relief, and enabled them
To leave the vicinity OF the works. lt was
the fate of these and other BeIgianS which
delphia TO take measures against the bring
ing OF more Of his countrymen to Amer
ia. of all the Belgians who have been
brought hither very few remain except a
number " hO are employed at a works which
uses natural gas for fuel in the oil regions.
Cooperative Factories
II is said that, independent of the impor-
tatlon phase of the disturbance in the glass
trade, should there be prolonged lockout,
new factories, co operative and otherWlse;
will spring up and damage the bu slnesS OIL
works nov erected. Glass manufacturing
is peculiar, and admits Of this interference
with the supply. A few workmen' at com
paratiyely small expense, may plant 8
few pots and produce glass. Many OF these
bush factories amount to good deal 10
CapaCity in the aggregate. Nor are the men
without capital. There are to be found
among them quite number who have the
means, the will and the skill to make
success of several cooperative establish
ment In view OF the prooa
/ bilities OF long period o.
/ idleness, Mr.. James Campbell, well
known window glass blower OF the South
J Side. has recently been to COunellsyllle OF
business looking to the erection OF FAC
/ tory there. The full, rock sand, pot clay
/ ire brick, etc, are all to be had IN the vi
Cinity-eyery thing except the required
| quality OF lime Perhsps-and the toWr
/ offers TO donate site. Whether the prop
| osition will be accepted has not transpfred
/ but the visit Of Mr.. Campbell is signltlcan
! Of what is uppermoSt in the minds OF th'
/ glass workers. Iu any ease il is evident n
I further supplies Of skilled labor can b'
} drsWn from Belgium, and il is prohao''
Germany will, IN this particular follow
the lead OF the smaller State.