St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1890-03-16
SELECTED At STILL WATER.
Labor Circles Are a Trifie Agi-
tated.
THRESHER COMPANY STRIKE
The Eoilermakers and Molders Lay
Down Their Tools and
Omit.

A little stir in labor circles was occa-
stoned yesterday by the strike OF the
boilermakers and mOlders of the
thresher company's shops at the prison,
though the action OF each body was en-
tireIy independent Of the other. Each
alleged an entirely different grievance,
and, in fact, when the boilermakers
concluded to go out they were entirely
unacQuainted with any such contem-
plated action on the part of the mold
ers. The complaint of the boilermak-
ers. as stated by one of the men eSpe-
cially deputized to talk with the GLOBE
reporter, is that in building the new
shop the company failed to provide for
yentilators in the building, and, more
over, laid no floors; that there are six
open fires, similar to FORCES, in the
room. and that by reason of no ventila-
ton, or inadequate ventilation, the room
becomes at times so full of smoke that
the men are practically hid
den from each other. 1t is
also claimed that the floor of
earth, as it now begins to thaw, is in
bad and unhealthful condition. A ven-
tilator or two of some description were
recently put in. but the device is said
to be inadequate, and several requests
have been made that the company pro-
vide ventilation and dry floor. Gin
derS have been spread upon the dirt
floor, but that does not remedy the evil
complained of. The foregoing subStan-
TALLY comprises. the statement OF the
boilermakers and they yesterday quit
work: at the same time notifying the
company that the latter would be given
until next Tuesday in which to place a
floor in the shop. This the company
has intended to do as soon as possible,
but with the extensive building and re-
building done since shutting down last
September. it has been impossible as
vet to do all requiring attention. In the
case OF the moders. it is more difficult
to get from them statement OF the
trouble. As near as can be learned,
there seems to have been a feeling
on the part of the men that they were
not accorded their full rights, but eX-
actIy what they want is not definitely
given out. Friday evening the superin-
tendent of the Thurber company, K. II.
Dixon. called them in and informed the
men he would be glad to continue them
all in his employ, but only on the CON
ditlon that he be allowed to run the
foundry according to his own policy,
without dictatiOn from the employees.
AT this interview there was little dis
cuSsion. but no exhibition OF lll-teellng
whatever. The men. however. coll
cluded on the following morning to
strike, and all went out. 1t is under
stood, or stated in some quarters, at
least. that the mems complaints include
the discharge of one or two men, also
the employment in the shop, OF certain
other workers, and also failure OIL the
part of the management to re-
Store last years prices for work,
as agreed upon. Mr.. Dixon says
that the entire trouble arises from the
disposition on the part Of one or two to
intimidate certain workmen and to die
tate the management's course. He adds
that he has the best possible feeling
towards the men who went out yester-
day, and that he hopes to see them back
nnder a mutually agreeable and salts
factory arrangement. The mOulders
held meeting at B. & l.. hall yester-
dav afternoon, but accomplished nothing
to change the situation. 1t is generally
believed, however, that nearly all those
now out will go back to work next
week.
Church services announced for to-day