Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1890-05-24

and put their names in the union and il
would be all right, but when Mr.. Long
made his report back 10 the meeting these
contractors gave us TO understand that they
would not advance them one cent TO come
in any union, but at the same time wanted
US TO take them in our union free gratis,
which we had no right TO do. AS the Ex-
change lets no man in their union unless he
pays and give bond, so we refused to do H.
then offered to take the men in If they came
in the same as any other person that came
here by paying their way IN, as all the rest
OF us had to do, but they refused to listen
TO it, so we adjourned again; but when we
met on the evening Of the 2lst II was my
understanding they were willing to let the
non-union 90 if we would settle and 60 10
work. That is why / called the meeting.
but when we came together ] found out
was mistaken, but when | found II out |
offered the following resolution:
That we hereby agree to work for the
brick and stone contractors OF the Builders
Exchange who employ union men and
pav the wages and hours demaned
by the Stonemasons' and Bricklayers'
Unions. This shall be binding
on both parties until February lst, 1891.
They voted this down, but Brooks did offer
an amendment to this that we hereby agree
TO work for brick and stone contractors OF
the Builders Exchange on all work they
are engaged on. This we refused TO do,
for these reasons, that they wanted us 10
go To work, the union men work on one job
aud the non-union men on another JOB, but
under the same contractors. This we re
fused to do. as Mr. Jackson has but four or
five men, and Brooks has but one journey
man, and he is not citizen OF the United
hau nat xaf il tom
ton TO become one.
Now, Mr.. Editor, want TO contradict
one Of the resolutions that was passed by
the Exchange, that we refuse 10 permit
young men and boys TO learn the trade nee
essary to the maintenance of a respectable
living. / wish the public TO know
that at the present time we have
on our roll book the names Of some ten or
twelve boys and young men who are learn
ing 10 be brcklayers. Anybody doubling
this can be convinced by asking our Secre-
tary, f. A. Furguson, who will show you
the names if you want 10 see them.
There is another thing wish the public
TO look into and that is in regard TO the
Trades Council not allowing freedom OF
opinion and action, guaranteed by the laws
of the United States.
II that is so, | will ask the Builders Ex-
tuduHc Nudl Oplllou, lItcuoui, anu utliOu
they give their members. Now | know
of the Exchange and get ii from
their own lips, who would employ union
men to-day and are willing 10 do il, but be-
cause two or three Of them have got non
union men they won't allow these men 10
employ union men and go 10 work. Now
get this from the committee that met me
that they would not allow these men
TO hire union men If they could not
have union men themselves. Now, will
ask the Exchange what kind Of freedom of
action, or opinion this is lit is guaranteed
by the laws Of the United States. Now, If
there is anyone who doubts what have
said, am ready at any time to give them
proof Of what | say.
With all due respect for the Builders.
Exchange, also the committee was sent 10
meet with, here state that il is my opinion
that there is no use of this committee meet
ing any more, as il now stands, as Messrs.
Brooks and Jackson who are on the COM
mittee TO settle the strike, have now in
their employ non-union men, and il seems
they are determined not 10 part with them,
or leave any other contractor OF the Ex-
change work union men when they want TO,
and as ! am a union man and with union
principles and am under an obligation
without bond 10 my union, as our
obligation is all we ask Of any
man who Joins US, and | think il would
therefore be useless for this same commit
tee TO meet us, as / am confident we would
never come any closer TO settlement.
Hoping you will publish this as d favor 10
me and my union, ! remain yours,
IoTIs y BHTT