Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-05-24
NO WAGE REDUCTION.
Window Glass Manufacturers and
Workers May Agree to Continue
THE PRESENT SCALE OF PRICES
The Western Glass Association Hold Meet
ing in This City.
TRADE FAIR AND PROSPECTS BRIGHT

One of the largest meetings Of the West
ern Window Glass Manufacturers held
since the big strike occurred yesterday at
the Monongahels House. Almost every
member of the association was present, and
all the important factories were repre-
sented. The object of the meeting was to
discuss the condition of trade, wages for the
next fire, shut down and the appointment
of wage committee.
Thomas D. Catlin, of Ottawa, Ill, Pres
ident of the Association, was in the chair,
and William Loeffler, of this city, was
Secretary. The meeting was secret one,
as usual, and the members had but little to
say about the proceedings. The morning
was occupied in an informal discussion on
the condition of affairs. At o'clock the
convention adjourned for dinner. In the
afternoon
THE WAGE COMMITTEE
was appointed, and is as follows: James
Chambers, C. W. Phillips and William
Loeffier, of Pittsburg; Thomas D. Catlin, of
Ottawa, ILL.,; W. T. Gray, of GAINESVILLE, O.,
and D. Z. Goldman, of Ravenna, o. These
men, with but one or two exceptions, have
handled the wage question for years. They
were given full power to act, and the commit
tee will meet the workers wage committee
some time in July, and discuss and arrange. II
possible, a scale of wages satisfactory to both
sides for the next fire.
At the close of the convention last evening,
several members were asked what had been
done, and all said that they had merely held an
informal discussion and appointed wage COM
mittee. They denied that there had been any
discussion of the tank system, the importation
of foreign blowers, or wages for the coming
year
Mr. Chambers was present, and at the close
came downstairs smiling as If he was perfectly
satisfied with the result. He is the only mem
mace. 1t has been stated that he might pull
out of the association, but this is not at all
likely. Every person present seemed to be
pleased over the result of the gathering.
President Catlin, in speaking of the condition
Of trade and the prospects to DISPATCH re-
porter last evening, said: ''The trade is very
fair at present, and the outlook for the next
fire is bright,
NO EARLIER SHUT DOWN.
"The convention did not decide to close the
factories earlier than usual, and most of them
will continue in operation until June 3d. There
are no indications of trouble on the wage
question. The tank process was not discussed
in the convention, and do not care to say any
thing on that subject"
Notwithstanding the encouraging reports of
the window glass trade, it was learned last
night that more glass was sold during the pres
ent fire than ever before, and prices are fair.
Another fight will likely be made on the manu-
facturers who are not in the association, and an
effort will be made to close up the mushroom"
factories; that is factories that have sprung up
during the past year or two, where the pro-
prietors paid nothing for the land and were
furnished with free fuel.
Two years ago, when the workers received
an advance in wages it was given on condition
fhafr of ho ornQr NJ a or mr.
ganization would work for any manufacturer
who did not belong TO the association. The
agreement had the effect of forcing almost all
into the organization, when prices were main
tanned Last year the wages were continued,
but the agreement was not, and there are sew
eral manufacturers outside of the fold selling
their product at whatever prices they choose to
accept. This
LED TO CUTTING %
of rates, and, although the sales this year have
been larger than ever before, prices have not
been as good. =
1t was said yesterday that, at the next con-
ference, the manufacturers will agree to con-
tinue present wages if the workers will refuse
to make glass for any man not in the manufae-
turers' association. This will bring them all
in, uniform prices can be established and main-
tanned. Tho workers, it is reported, will de-
mand small advance in wages. and this may
be agreed to if the manufacturers are assured
that they can obtain good price for their pro-
duce.
No strike or trouble of any kind is expected
in the window glass trade this year, as it is be-
lieved everything will be satisfactorily ar
ranged during the two months shut down this
summer.
The workers will hold convention in this
city next month, the first one held for several
years. Some important matters will likely be
considered, but the officials of the organiza-
ton have nothing to say on the subject as yet.