Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1884-12-04
LABOR CIRCLES.
The Effects Of Hard Times Slowly
Cropping Out.
Reductions in Tine, Labor and Wages m
the Pittsburg Mills and
Railroads.

The following iniormhuou SS
from the Pittsburg TidIks:
There are indications that some OF the
extentire industrial establishments in this
vicinity, instead of the reducing wages or
running on half time, will meet the trade
depression by suspendng operations ea-
tirely for long or short period, as occasion
may require. Carnegie Bros, L Co., who
give employment to nearly. 5000 men at
their Union Iron Mills and their blast fur
naces and mines, are among the hrms cred
tied with this intention. Ii was said yes
terdsy afternoon that they had already or
dered werk to stop at their limestone quar-
RES, and that the order for general sus-
pension might be expected in few days.
When the report was repeated TO Mr. ID. A.
Stewart a member Of the firm, he said:
"All can say as presen; is that
woRE WAS STOPPED
at the ouarries some time ago, because we
ha all The limestone We needed. How long
our mills and furnaces will coatinue in OPP
Grafton is uncertain. We may know more
in few days live DO decide upon gen
eral suspension ample notice will be gwen
to all interested"
Mr.. Stewart could not be induced to say
ANYTHING in addition. His manner indi.
Gated, however, that the prospects are in
favor of general suspension. If 1t is or
dered it will be the FIRST TO be ordered since
the formation of the present firm. The
wages paid are among the highest in the
district and the firm has never had any dis
putes with its employees on this score.
The work of decapitation on the Pennsyl.
yania Company's lines was completed yes
terday. The whole number Of men whose
heads have fallen into the basket is l,l059.
OF this number 59l are clerks, 73 station
men in yards, including lsborers, "a train
men, 225 shop men, 60 track men and 10
others. This will be reduction of ii!
per cent The total monthly saving will
amount to $40 900 in round numbers. One
man. who comes under the head of clerk,
will be reduced to half time, which explains
the statement Of l,l05i men.
SUBMISSION NECESSITY.
Mr.. Agnew, who is one Of the psopfietors
OF the Hutton flint glass factory, states that
the reduction in wages has not been con-
fined to the Hamilton and Liddell factories,
Sc was supposed yesterday, but that 1t ap-
plies to all the factories of that class in the
district Hamiltons men were working
Yesterday and no trouble is anticipated in
the other factories. Their is talk among
the manufacturers Of recognizing their
trade association, which regulated prices
and product There has been no meeting
for year.
The meters at Hussey, Howe 4 Co.'S
and Singer, NimiGk Zoos have no. yet
taken action against the Is cents per ton
reduction in wages, which is intended 10 60
into effect next Monday. The employees Of
Jones 4 Laughlin and Park Bros. are also
holding of The probabilities are that
they will accept the half loaf as an express
sion of their beliefin the time honored Law,
which says that quantity Of breads better
than none.
TEN FIR CENT.
The ten per cent reduction in wages Of
which Jones & Laughlins employees were
apprised on Monday, caused meeting OF
the men last evening, at which the matter
was fully discussed. While no definite &C.
ton was taken, the general sentiment az
pressed indicated that there is no danger Of
a strike. The machinists feel very sore
over the prospect OF working at reduced
rales, but rather than BE- thrown out Of work
concluded they would submit to the newt
able. All other classes of labor repre-
sented felt likewise. One Of the workmen
seen after the meeting adjourned stated the
situation had been carefully and cooly dis.
cussed I'VE cant afford TO rush into a
strike in the beginning Of winter" he said.
The firm has assured US that they reluc.
family made the offer, and explained it was
the result Of a continued depression in the
iron trade. Under the circumstances be-
leye we are acting very wisely. tits better
for US to work at the proposed wages than
take our chances OF remaining idle perhaps
for the half of the winter. That is exactly
the view taken of the matter.
The reduction goes into effect on Mon
day, and affects upwards OF 600 men.
Another meeting will be held on Friday
evening.