Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-11-14
PREPARING TO FIGHT.
The Builders Exchange Takes an
Early Stand Against Eight Hours.
A LIVELY MEETING LAST NIGHT.
Negotiations on the Allegheny Bessemer
Plant Still Pending.
ONE OPINION OF THE ADAMS PROCESS

The Builders Exchange held a signif-
cant meeting last night. Notices had been
sent to over 800 builders and contractors in
the two cities, asking them to attend the
meeting, as business of special Importance
to them was on the programme for consid-
Grafton. The notices were not confined to
members of the association, as they only
number about 15O.
About $50 were at the meeting last night,
distasteful one to the gentlemen affected, oc-
Cured at the opening of the meeting. A.
j. Hdrnack, of E. Magee & Co., dealers in
builders supplies. offered resolution ex-
Guiding the representative of certain trade
paper. There was lively discussion, and
the interest was made more intense by the
effort made on the part of some to allow the
representative of rival paper to remain.
Thomas w. Irwin. the timer, supported
the resolution and the discussion lasted for
some time. When the vote vas taken the
resolution was defeated by vote Of Ga to 81,
large number refraining from voting. But
the representatives of the daily papers were
not allowed to remain on the same floor of
the building on which the association met.
OBJECTS OF THE MEETING
1t was given out in the afternoon by
Secretary McAfee that the meeting was
called for the purpose of working up an inter-
est in the organization and to increase it's men,
bership. This was correct in a measure but 1t
so happened that Mr.. McAfee did not tell all he
knew For, after the reporters had been
'tired," pa resolution was passed by which every
contractor and builder present was pledged to
stand against any reduction of hours next
spring for which any of the trades may make
demand.
1t is well known that the carpenters intend to
demand that eight hours shall constitute
days work. next year. The Builders Exchange
is simply taking this early opportunity of head
ing off the movement. The resolution passed
without any opposition.
In addition a committee of IA was appointed
representing every branch of the build
ing trade from the foundation to
the decorations for the purpose Of
reporting resolutions at a future meeting. set
ting forth the objects of the association and
suggesting new name for it. This action also
means something unexpected. 1t is nothing
less than that the purpose of the Exchange IS
to spread out and enlarge itself. 1t is proposed
to proceed on the plan that has been followed
by the Exchanges in Philadelphia, New York,
Washington. Baltimore and other large cities.
The leading contractors are now members OF
the Exchange. But it is desired to include
two cities so that the Exchange cannot only
resent any movement that may be made on the
part of the workmen, but that the other
scheme can be carried to a successful consum-
nation.
ATAL X WITH THE SECRETARY.
Secretary McAfee said last evening: pitts
burg is about the only large city in the country
where the Builders Exchange does not own its
building and where the work of the Exchange
Is not carried on on more extensive scale.
In Philadelphia the Exchange has a building
containing exhibit rooms, where samples of all
kinds of work can be seen at all times; an
architects room where plans for all kinds of
buildings are on exhibitions; committee rooms
and an assembly room. A restaurant IS also in
connection with it and members of the associa-
tion can be found at the Exchange at stated
intervals during each day.
"The Baltimore Exchange will soon have its
own building, which will include an Exchange
bank. The Washington people are building
and Kansas City has hers finished"
A member of the Exchange said after the
meeting: I'VE may be somewhat premature in
taking this action tonight referring to the de-
mands for shorter hours. But we were given
to understand that the carpenters and others
were to ask for eight hours in the spring, and
we are opposed to it. that is ALL"