Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1889-10-19
A TRADE TALK
Delivered to the Builders Exchange, Last
Evening.

Evening.
Last evening in response TO an invita-
tion, about twenty-five gentlemen, most of
whom sre members of the Builders Ex-
change, assembled at the Chamber OF Com
merce 10 listen to Mr. W. S. Shsren, Of
Pittsburg, editor of the Builders Gazette,
talk on the subject Of Builders Ex-
changes, their Advantages and Hopes"
Mr.. ShaTen's talk was quite interesting,
and after talking at some length on the
advantages of such exchanges, and giving
the Wheeling Exchange some valuable
suggestions, he read several sections from
the Constitution of the Ma
tional Builders Association, and
urged upon the Wheeling people
the sdyifability of becoming member OF
the National Association In reference to
the eight-hour-a-day movement, he read
one section from the National Consti-
tuition which stated that one Of the obj tcts
of the Association was to establish sys-
TEN Of paying by the hour except in cases
where the men worked by the piece or
stated salary.
He said : "The Knights Of Labor have
gone too far in its work, and every step
now adds to IFS fatigue. That oTganizs-
tiOn has lived its day and mus,
ultimately pass away. The rule
adopted by the Knights of Labor
in reference to apprentices is a
direct stab st the State Constitution and
the Constitution of the United States.
When the boys ale prevented from learn
ing trade, il they so desire, the time has
come when something must be done to
charge such state of affsirs. | believe
in every workingmsn having his rights,
and that organization is good and proper
thing for them, but If they keep on re-
stIicling boys from learning trades 1t is
time to call halt. They are on the
wrong track"
Mr. Sharon concluded his remarks with
some good advice TO the Exchange Presi-
dert w. A. Wilson thanked him for bis
talk and suggestions, end then made
few remarks on the apprenticeship
question himself, and cited an instance in
his own experience where bright boy
had been forced to abandon trade that he
desired to learn on account of the feeling
being against him. He thought that n
manual training school in this city would
bs great public blessing, and such an
institution We ehould have by all means.
Mr. Sharen make further remarks on
this subject, speaking OF the great benefits
of manual training school. He said If
the boys were kept from learning trades
by such restrictions ~ are placed upon
them by labor organizations, ii would not
be long until good mechanics in this coun-
try would be scarce article. He urged
upon his hearers the necessity Of taking
some steps 70 bring about a different state
of affairs.
Another point he emphasized WAS the
employment of poor workmen who were
placed on the same bssis IA skilled work
men. lie felt that as long as Builders were
compelled TO employ bOtoh wOrkmen on
the same plane With good men they will
reyer be working on the proper principle.
lie thought the exchange ought to stand
together on this matter and settle il once
for all.
NJ G. W. BAggs thought that something
ought to BE- done. His men had demanded
an advance for the first Of January which
he could not afford to give. He was ham
dicapped in sevsral ways and could not
carry ont his contracts, and he thought
there should be some remedy. Several
suggestion we're made, but the meeting sd-
journed without taking sny formal action.