Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1890-03-10
The Present Building Trade Trouble.

The Present Building Trade Trouble.
To the Editor ofthe Register:
Please allow me space in your paper to
make statement Of the present troubles
in the building trades, showing that all Of
the blame does not rest on one side.
When the stonematon's strike had CON
tinued some few weeks, and there seemed
to be no possibility OF a settlement OF the
trouble, the planning mill owners threat
ened that, unless the matter was brought
to a speedy settlement, they would shut
down their mile, suspend all building
operations and throw all classes OF build
ing mechanics ont OF employment. Such
being the intentions Of the master build
era. il wss no more than natural for the
men to withdraw OF their own accord
in preference TO being locked out.
1t has been the policy OF the members OF
the Builders Exchange TO present their
different views Of the question 10 the pub
lie in such light that IT would appear ~
il ell OF the alleged blacklisting, boycott
ing aud all other measures, rested entirely
on the building mechanics. In regard 10
selling lumber they claim that it is right to
send lumber to blacksheep jobs that are
being done by non-union men, some OF
whom do not live in the city, or spend any
of their ill-gotten money here, TO the det-
rimen; of good, honest, upright tsxpsyiDg
citjzsns of Wheeling. Yet, at the same
time they refuse 10 sublet contracts 10
honest iaxpsyipg citizens Of the city
unless they join the Builders Exchange,
and give their certified bond that they will
do the bidding of the Exchange, "a little
boycotting and blscklisting on the ely"
Ia order 10 couirol the lumber trade O. the
city and make oil of the profit Themselves.
thsy saY to the wholesale lumber dealers:
III YOU cell lumber by the car or half car
lots 10 any Of the following citzsns OF
Wheeling (referring to several small con-
tractors who are unable 10 buy more than
one car load a. one iime) we will stop
dealing with you. Yet, at the
same time, these planning mill own
era dsbble in other trades, and
take agencies for glass, hardware and
otbes supplies 10 the detriment Of dealers
10 these lines in the city, and 10 that way
control the prices OF certain makes OF goods,
40 that the owner OF building cannot get
them at the market prices but must pay
such rates as these Master Builder agents
may dictate. They seek 20 control the en-
tire building trade, from the building OF
the foundation to tine painting OF the roof.
and any work man who is rssh enough to
differ with some Of their methods Is mis-
represented before the public. There is no
necessity for the present dsmsgipg sus-
pension Of the buildirg operations, nor has
there been any unjust demands made
on the contractors. II they will not 20
ahead and comply with their contracts and
complete their work, there are plenty Of
good, capable men in Wheeling who can
and will. and who will do all projected
work without any danger Of delay. This
ia not a strike Of q lot tf bomb.throwing
Anarchists, nor is it struggle OF lot Of
deceived and imported HuDgsrisns, but il
is fsht of all honest. upright workmen
in the building trades on one side and come
of those who do not believe ia Live and
let live" on the other. INVESTIGATOR.