Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-06-04
EOLD SCALEIS0.K
So Say the Amalgamated Men on the
Eve of the Big Convention,
WILL THE MANUFACTURERS SIGN9
Strikes Promised if They Don't, Though
Proceedings Are Sub-ROsa.
WHY PRESIDENT WElHE is RETIRING

The Wage Committee of the Amalgamat-
ed Association completed their work at'7
o'cloclz last evening, and the Secretary was
instructed to put the report in shape
for presentation at the convention,
which assemblies to-day. He was busi-
lv engaged on the report last evening;
but although there will be a number of
changes, there will not be material change
in the scale or the base. 1t was decided to
submit change of base in the scale to the
convention; but the scale, as it was was
last year, or as it is at present, is the same,
S. so for boiling on 2-cent bar-iron card.
A number of changes were made in the
extras: but none of them can be construed
as an advance in wages. In fact many of
the clauses In the agreement, that were
Objectionable to the manufacturers, have
been eliminated, and others have been con-
siderably modified
THEY PREFER SECRESY.
The members of the committee do not want
the scale made public until it has been con-
sidered and adopted by the delegates to the
convention. Some changes may then be made;
but it is safe to say that no reduction or ad-
vance will be agreed to or accepted by the
Amalgamated Association.
One of the delegates said: I'VE will ask for
a continuance of the present scale; some Of
the extras may be cut out; some may be added;
but we will fight for the scale, and not do
stroke of work until our terms have been
granted. We will not deal with any Manufac-
turers' Committee this year; but any firm that
IL 11wr- 20
their mill closed until they do sign"
A prominent member of the Wage Commit
tee was seen last night who said they had COM
pleted their work, but that the members had all
given pledge not to divulge anything that had
been done until the convention had acted upon
the report. He admitted, however, that no
changes Of great Importance had been made in
the scale. The differences between the rough
srs and catchers occupied portion of the
time, and it is believed that they will be better
paid in the future.
mittee met yesterday afternoon. One was from
the iron workers and the other was manufac-
turer. They
SHOOK HANDS VERY CORDIALLY,
as they had not met for a year, and the CONVEX
sation that followed was on the scale for the
coming year. Neither Of them seemed to care
how it went, and when a represen-
tative of this paper spoke to them
the manufacturer said: "We have not made
worker said: I'VE have not asked them to do
anything, but will ask that the present scale be
continued, and believe it will be signed be-
fore many days after it is presented. Some of
the firm may refuse to sign, and strike will
be the result. Our men are determined to
stick for a just scale, and they will have fat
treasury to assist them. if necessary,
Some of the mills are Stacking up IN antici-
patton of trouble, but the men are not worry
ingsbout it They believe that the scale will
be signed and that everything will move along
very smoothly during the year. Some of the
mills may be closed for a month or two, but the
workers are not anxious to work during the
hot months.
One of the delegates to the convention. who
stands very close to President Weihe, asked
him yesterday what he intended to do when he
retired from the Presidency. He replied that
he intended to go back into the mill and boil
iron, as he did before he accepted the position
of President. He may go into business in a
year or two, but will stick to his trade for a
while.
HE HAD BEEN CRITICISED.
fWhen asked why he wanted to retire from
Nle Presidency a friend of Mr. Weihe said:
NSome of his actions have been severely crit,
cised by some Of the members of the organiza-
tion. This has evidently worried him. although
there was no occasion for 1t He always did
his duty and none of the members 1 believe if
it were left to a vote, would find any fault with
any of his actions. He is the best President
the Amalgamated Association ever had and
we are very sorry that we will have to lose
him"
Almost all the delegates who will attend the
Amalgamated Association Convention arrived
yesterday and last night, and are stopping at
the Central, st. Charles and Home Hotels
There will be about 90 delegates compared
with l75 last year, showing an increase in the
men bership of the organization of fully 5000
After the delegates have been seated the
convention will get down to work, and the arst
business will be the report Of the Wage Com.
mittee As soon as it is adopted it will be