Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-07-04


boards be formed to conduct local affairs,
which boards shall work under the direction
of the State Board. The speaker said that
in Pittsburg the association included all the
boiler shops but two. The motion was SO
amended that local boards are only recon-
mended to be put into operation. 1t does
not matter whether the boilermakers are
members of the association or not. They are
recommended to hold advisory meetings to
come to some amicable arrangement when
ever any trouble is thought to be coming on.
Mr.. Rohan, OF st. Louis, said the associa-
ton should show the Brotherhood that they
wanted to conciliate and affiliate with the
workingmen. He believed the time had ar
rived when these shops should be made Co
operative, and if pro6t-sharing was INDUCED
in the labor problem would be solved.
Mr.. MacCormack. of Albany, referred to
idled away their dinner hour, but to-day
they spend their leisure time in reading the
newspapers and storing away knowledge.
He spoke about the duties of the local board
and claimed that they were absolutely nec-
essary for the maintenance of the associa-
ton, and would materially help the manu-
facturers by their advice.
THE STRIKE SITUATION.
In regard to the strike now on in Pitts
burg, Secretary Douthett said that Just
prior to their leaving for this city meeting
was held, at which it was decided that if the
men wanted to strike they could do So
The matter has been discussed quietly
among the members of the convention, but
no definite action has been taken, and prob
ably will not be until they return to Pitts
burg. The President of the Boilermakers'
Union, learning OF the hostile action of the
convention, sent the following letter to
President Lappan. 1t was read to-day and
Secretary Douthett wired Mr.. Curran to
come and explain:
No. 30 SPRING STREET,
NEW YORK, July z 1890 J
To Mr.. James Lappan, President of the Boiler
makers Association:
DEAR SIR see in the papers an account of
your convention, and in 1t you state that the
Brotherhood International Bollermakers) is
arrayed against your association. Now, sir.
Boilermakers and Iron Shipbuilders of the
United States and Canada is organized to ele-
vate and bring about better understanding
should deem it advisable, 1 will appear before
you and explain the difference.
am, respectfully,
THOMAS J. CURRAN.
President National Union.
Upon motion Mr.. Curran was given the
courtesy of the floor. He was greeted with
applause and said that the brotherhood was
willing at any time to arbitrate all griev-
ances. It was not based upon the theory
that they could better themselves by strikes.
The order was organized for an educational
purpose He said that the manufacturer
had only to look back few years and see
the improvement in the trade of boiler
maker. Speaking of the uniform rate of
wages, Mr.. Curran said the Brotherhood
had wanted such q state of affairs for many
years.
NO BLACK LIST WANTED.
He hoped that the association would not
carry out their intention OF "black list"
He said that if such thing was done it
would be the death of the organization.
The workmen would fight it to the death.
In regard to the short work day the speaker
said that the repair work around this city
was ten. and for new work, nine hours. The
brotherhood proposed to reduce each by one
hour, and the wages to remain the same.
He referred to the strike now on in Pitts
burg, and said it was due to the arrogance
of the manufacturers, who have been urged
to meet the demands OF the men. He claimed
that the men would win in few days, as
overtures were now being carried on that
would end the strike. The brotherhood has
not made any demand on the Pittsbulg
Locomotive works, and it is said that if such
a demand is made it will be refused.
President Lappan said that the idea that
the men cannot win their demands are ab-
surd. He believed, however, that the
strike would very likely be referred to
arbitrators. He had no fear of the result.
The resolution to recommend the appoint
ment of local boards was put and carried.
Secretary Douthett then read his exhaustive
report on insurance, which was carried
NEXT MEETING IN ST. LOUIS.
The next order of business was that of
time and place where the sssocia-
tion will hold Its next annual convention.
After spirited contest. during which the
of San Francisco, Chicago,
St. Louis and Baltimore made speeches, in
viting the delegates to their respective
cities, the city of St. Louis was chosen. The
time named was the first Tuesday in May,
1891.
The report of the Committee on Appren-
ticeship was then taken up and discussed.
Mr.. Curran, of the brotherhood, was invited
to speak on the subject. Mr.. Hammond
made a very friendly motion that was
greeted with applause. He asked that
committee of the association meet a commit
confer on the apprenticeship system. Mr..
Dundon opposed the motion, claiming that
it would necessitate the appointment of
in different parts of the country,
and he moved that the original report only
should be adopted. 1t was decided, how
ever that the report be not adopted now, but
the whole apprenticeship system be referred
back to the committee of the association,
and for them to meet a committee of the
Brotherhood. The conven-
ton then took recess at 1 o'clock and
wended their way to the Brooklyn Navy
Yard,
THE APPRENTICE SYSTEM.
Only about one-half OF the delegates had
returned from their visit to the Brooklyn
Navy Yard in time to attend the evening
session, which began with discussion Of
the merits of the Torrey bankruptcy act,
now before Congress. The law was ex.
planned by delegates familiar with it, and
was then laid over until the next meet
ing. The report of the committee on the
State inspection law was received and
adopted, and it was voted that mem bers use
a particular brand or stamp to designate
association manufacturers The report on
was then taken mp and dis
cussed for an hour. There was some objec-
tion to the age prescribed for taking appreu-