The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1890-08-05
M. J. FLAVIN'S GIFT.
Acknowledged by the President
of the Iron. holders Union.

A few days since NJ. J. Flavin & Co. of
this city donated the sum of 500 to the
fund in aid Of the striking iron-m0lders,
accompanying the gift with a letter of
which the following is q copy:
SAN FRANCISCO July 81, 1890.
Jos. II. Vatentine, President Iron-nlolders'
Unton-DEAR SIR: Recognizing the difficulties
and probable priyations under which some OF
the families of the men belonging 10 The union
(Of which you are PresideDD are suffering, which
Is caused by the ''lockour' from the different
foundries where they had been employed. we
take pleasure In sending you the inclosed cheek
for 500 as small contribution to them In their
necessities
Regretting very greatly the existing state Of
affairs between your union and your former EN-.
ployers, and believing that fair and impartial
arbitration OF the merits OF the questions In dis
pute between yourselves and the propretors
OF the several f0undries would result IN an
amcable and satisfactory settlement OF all the
matters in controversy. would earnestly
recommend that such a course be adopted.
We believe the business prosperity OF our city
and State Is being greatly damaged by the exist
ing state OF things, and that some speedy method
should be taken 10 bring Labor and capitaW
into healthy and mutual accord.
With our best wishes that an early and mutual
settlement may be reached, we remain very truly
yours. NJ. j. FLAvIN Il Co.
President Valentine in acknowledging
the generous donation, made reply as fol-
lows:
SAN FRANCISCO, August 2. 1890.
IT. J. FlaUin EsQ.-DEAR SIR: We have re-
ceiyed your check Tor one hundred (SlOU) DOL
lars and the accompanying letter, which was
read at our meeting last evening and was Ie-
cefyed with applause. We heartily thank you
for both, and in future We will remember you as
one OF our best friends In this our time OF trial.
we acknowledge the force Of your reasoning and
admit that for the general good settlement OF
the existing dispute should be had. Ever since
the adoption OF the wage system similar disputes
. and strikes have occurred between employers
and employees, and so 1t Is likely TO continue
while the system is in force. We realize The fact
that II either party TO The present dispute should
eventually force the other 10 the wall the ques-
ton of right would still be unsettled and the In
jured party would be looking for an opportunity
number of labor disputes have been settled, both
In England and America, by boards OF con-
Citation and arbitration. full account OF this
method and It's results will be found III all article
written by s. b. Boulton, Chairman OF the Con-
ciliation Committee of the London Chamber OF
Commerce, and is published in the June number
of the Nineteenth Century and appendix thereto.
Realizing the senselessness OF keeping up this
quarrel we have. from the beginning, been will
ing and have repeatedly offered 10 confer win
lie employers with view 10 arranging an
amcable settlement on any basis, or by any
method that might be agreed upon; but The
firms positively refused each time 10 meet US,
and have resolved to crush US out OF eKistance
rs q union. This Is made clear now by their own
declaration made recently In the rooms OF the
Board OF Supervisors-that II we would give
them one OF the six points In dispute. namely,
that we consent to work with n0n-uniOn men,
they would give all the rest. IL their pam
phlet the firms have made great fuss over the ap-
prentice system the Limitation OF work, the stand
ard wages, SIS 90 per day; tue right TO run their
shops shorter hours in dull winter months, and
that The foreman should not be compelled 10 join
our union. Now they are willing 10 throw all
these overheard II we Will consent TO work with
non-union men, This they know we cannot con-
cede, because our existence as union rests upon
II. Take this IRON us and there Is no protection
for us-we will become the abiect slaves OF eapi-
tai, and wages will be cut down by degrees
until we receive little more for our labor Than Is
paid 10 Cbinaman, which means that we VIII
have TO live like one. We are sorry that the
business interests OF The city and State are being
injured by the continuance OF the strike, Dut we
feel sure that 10 reasonable business man Will
blame us for contending against tile tyranny and
OF the profits OF our Industry and are
now using their Accommodations to destroy US.
We are not the attacking party. We have been
attacked. We did not ask for an advance in
wages or adopt any new rules to the detrlment
Of the firms. We struck In defense OF Iules and
conditions that have been in operation for years {;
rules that are now being observed by fourteen
firms IN this city. all OF which are doing good
and profitable business. No, Mr.. Flayfn, we are
not to blame for commencing or continuing this
fight. We have a grievance yet we have oneTed
10 meet these firms aud submit 10 any fair and
equitable settlement that might be arranged, and
our offer is still open. Thanking you again for
your liberal donation and Kind words, We re-
main respectfully yours, by order Executive
Committee, Iron-molders Union, No. l64
JOSEPH L. VALENTINE, President.
Il. BURNETT, Secretary.