The Helena independent., 1890-09-17
CARPENTER 'qOUBLES.
A Meeting Of the Trades and Labor
Assembly Held Last Night
at Morris Hall.
At Which the Carpenters Strike
is the Principal Topic
Discussed.
Resolutions Adopted and Speeches Made
Endorsing the Action of the
StrikerA


of organized labor in this city, met in Nor
was to consider and take some action in the
grievance of the carpenters, who went out
on strike on three buildings. President
Robinson, of the Carpenters union, pre-
sided, and simply stated that the object of
the meeting was known to all without any
further statement of the case. Nothing
was said in meeting as to the causes which
led to the trouble. Mr.. Robinson stated
that Messrs. Gray and Weisenhorn and Nc
Cortler, contractors, have shown a disposi-
tion to defy all unions, and it was thede =
sire of the Carpenters union to ascertain
the views of the other unions besides the
Carpenters.
In behalf of Cans & Klein one gentleman
who was in the employ of McCarder on
their building stated. they were perfectly
in accord with the union and it was their
desire to see union men employed, but they
had no connection with the present diff
Guilty and wish that only union men were
employed on their bnilding: They, let the
contract out to Grant d Whalen, who sub
let the carpentering job to Mr.. McCarder.
and from this it could also be seen that
Messrs. Grant & Whalen were not RESPONSE
BILE for the trouble. The speaker said that
will not discharge the non-union men and
now the object is to get at McCarder ana
bring him to time without doing any injury
to Grant d Whalen.
Mr.. Rose, of the Stone Cutters union.
being called upon started in by saving that
what concerns one union man concerns all,
and all organized labor in the city should
harmonize. He felt that it was the bounden
duty of every union man to stand by the
carpenters and suggested the appointments
of a. committee to confer with
the contractors and see if the trouble
sured the carpenters that the stone masons
would stand by them. Mr.. Hanley and Mr..
BRYAN, of the Stonecutters' union, seconded
this sentiment and MIR. Mclaughlin, of the
Piasterers' union favored all standing to-
gether. In view of the fact that this is the
Trades and Labor assembly it behooves
them to act promptly and set an end to it
without working hardspip. He felt conf
dent in saying that the plasterers would
lend their support and strength with
whole soul in not only going out but in any
brought out cheers and applause. He con-
tlnued by saying that great stress should be
laid upon what can be accomplished by this
movement. Not only the carpenters will
have to be contended with, but plasterers.
plumbers, stonecutters. painters, printers
of the hour is to act in unison.
It was moved, seconded and carried to
appoint committee to call upon the con-
tractors with a view to holding a
conference with them, but this was SO
amended and juggled with that it was lost
in the shuttle. In connection with sug-
gestion to appoint committee to draw up
resolutions, Mr.. Weaver, of the Typograph-
ical union, stated that the question to be
considered is to ascertain if all the unions
will endorse the movement. He said if Mr..
McCarder failed to comply with the wishes
of the unions, "a boycott should be insti-
tuted against him and the business houses
who give him any work." And we can
drive him out of town if we want to, - con-
cluded the speaker, whose sentiments were
loudly applauded.
President Robinson thought the union
men should be instructed to stop work on
the buildings affected by the strike until it
is settled. But no official record was made
of this, and unless the managers agree
among themselves, this will probably
not be done.
Messrs. John Campbell, Mclean and
to draft resolutions. and adjournment was
taken until this evening.
1t was announced that the Trades and
Labor assembly would then hold meeting,
and majority of those present left and
went oyer to the opera house to the demo-
CfaG1C T2G1QCNUlOu uO0Uluks
The following resolutions were adopted
by the meeting:
Whereas, 1t has heretofore been the pol
icy of certain contractors in Helena to sub
let contracts to irresponsible and incompe-
tent workmen, am at prices that compe-
tent carpenters could not make living
wages, and thus not only deprive the la
borer of his hire. but defraud the public by
doing bad work; and
Whereas, The Carpenters union was Or
ganized for the purpose of protecting both
the honest and competent mechanics In Sc
curing for them living wages, and the pub
lie from being defrauded by the bad work
of poor workmen; and
Whereas, The Carpenters union has sue
ceeded in most cases in abollshinR the in
iquitous and dishonest system, and there
being but few contractors who are not will
ing to enter into honest competition to do
honest work. and
Whereas, In the furtherance of the plan
of the Carpenters union to protect the me-
chanic and public. that organization has re-
fused and does refuse to allow its competent
and reliable mechanics to longer work with
scabs and thus make it possible for cut
throat contractors to compete with honest
ones, therefore,
Resolved. By this meeting of the organ
ICED workingmen of Helena, of all trades
and callings. that We heartily endorse the
action of the Carpenters union, and pledge
that we will use all honorable means to
further the success of this movement for
honest work and honest pay: and,
Resolved, That all persons who encour-
age the contractors who employ scab labor
are enemies of both organized labor and the
best interests of Helena, and it is the duty
of all persons who have the welfare of the
] CITY and citizens at heart to discourage, in
all ways, this class of contractors. and we
will in all cases find men who see to it that
their work is done by honest mechanics