Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-05-16
DECIDED NOT GUILTY.
Sudden Ending of the Famous jean
nette Glass Workers Case.
THE JUDGE CHARGES THE JURY
In Such q Manner That They Render an
Immediate Verdict.
he DOESN'T BELIEVE THE CASE PROVED

A large crowd was in attendance in The
United States Court yesterday when the
case of the Chambers and Mckee Glass Com
pany, James Campbell and William H.
Slicker, chargen with importing labor un-
der contract was called. At 4:3O o'clock,
without leaving their seats, the jury rem
dered verdict of not guilty.
1t was charged that As glassworkers were
brought here by the defendants under con-
tract made in England, and given work at
the works of the Chambers-Mckee Com
pany, at Jeannette. The penalty for so
bringing workmen into this country is
81, 900 for each man, and the amount OF the
penalty sued for was the full amount. This
case was test case, and involved only the
bringing to this country of Charles P. Ford
under contract made in Sunderland, En-
gland.
The prosecution was represented by United
States District Attorney Lyon, Assistant
District Attorney Alcorn, General Will
liam Blakely and W. J. Bremen, ESQ.
The defense was represented by Messrs.
Kennedy, Doty, Cotton and Holman Dis
trict Attorney Lyon opened the case and laid
down the law on the importation OF foreign
workmen.
DEFENDANTS ON THE STAND.
James Chambers, of Chambers & Mckee.
was the first witness called He was placed
under the care of the Court as to questions
that would make him liable for any penalty.
He stated that between 700 and 500 men
were employed about the works. They
came from all parts of the country;
some were from England. but he
never asked them where they were from. He
days when be was discharged. When their
works opened they could not get enough men
in the United States, and advertised for some
The men from England arrived in April The
witness had a talk with James Campbell about
the works and what attitude the Glassworkers
Association would take about their tank works.
The witness did not know who paid for the
transportation OF the English workmen, but
was certain his firm had not and no money was
advanced by the company to pay for the trans
poriation OF 6he men.
James Campbell testified concerning the
governing of assemblies OF glassworkers in this
country and Europe. He had talked with Mr..
Chambers, relative TO starting the works at
Jeannette. The statement that he procured all
the men In this country he could was true.
Al meeting OF the Executive Council, after
the iacts rs TO the shortage OF workmen had
been presented, he was instructed to notify all
branches OF the Federation of the fact He
notified Mr.. Siicker to notify the assemblies
Al TINS time only 30 men had been obtained for
the Jeanette works.
THE LETTERS WRITTEN.
william II. Slicker, President of the National
Federation OF Window Glass Workers, was
called He corresponded with Secretary
Brown, Of tho assembly OF glass workers nc
Sunderland. England, and told him there was
room here for % glass blowers. Hc did not
know how the men came TO know men were
wanted at Jeanette. lie did not know who
paid the fare OF the men 90 Jeannette. Moth
ing was said about compensation. Mr.. Cham
bCrs had never employed him TO do anything
aHd he acted as President of his association.
Several Of the English wOrkmen testified
a. at they came 10 Jeanette upon hearing that
workmen were wanted there but all said they
paid their own fare.
The District Attorney then picked up the
copy Of the contract labor law. and read differ
,,nt sections of IL. He said the law was a very
broad one, and could be interpreted 50 that any
lnducement TO foreign labor would bo viola
ton, and that formal or written contract was
not necessary. He said that the theory Of the
prosecution was that the defendants did not
directly enter INTO the contract but did so in
directly through the associations which acted
rs agents.
The Judges charge to the jury was soon
given, and, as stated above. the Jury rendered
its verdict without leaving the room.