Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-05-01
AN IRON no..DEns, STRIKE.
They Go Out Of All the foundries IN the
City Except Three.

NO DEMAND ron sronrra xorns. But rurr
WAIT YIyrr cnxrs A DAT noRs-wuar
nAsrnR wonxnAH rArxs sArs uPox TEE
roryr At IssrR-
May day was celebrated in this city by the
molders in all the foundries but three going
out on q strike. The demand the men made
was for better pay. Heretofore they have been
getting ease day. Nov they want %, and
because their request was not granted they re-
fused to 20 10 work this morning. These men
are all member Of the Knights Of Labor. The
men that did not go out are either non-union
men or are member Of the Molders' Union
Of North America
= The three foundriss not affected are those Of
Petit Drips. c. A. schneider's Sons and Jno.
B. Daughton. Their men have made no formal
demand as yet and apparently do not intend
to 60 out
The employers are making arm stand and
say that it 10 out OF the question for them 10
accede to the strikers demands They cannot
AFFORD IL. As Il ia now they say they have 70
compete with the Baltimore and Alexandria
foundries, where wages are less and hours
longer, and any concessions on their part would
be ruinous.
NO DEMAND ron snoRrKl aouRs-
No demand is made here for shorter hours,
simply for An increase Of 50 cents a day. The
molders at the navy yard now receive IS and no
trouble will be made there. II is understood
that last January the molders gave notice 10
the employers that they demanded an in
crease Of wages, in order that II possible
the matter might be settled by arbitration
and thus AVOID strike. Three months
notice was given in order TO give time TO finish
all work on hand so that estimates on new con-
-, ID L. =. -. - -
after May 1. No answer was given the notice
until April II, the date Of the last meeting Of
the molders prior to the LIST Of May, when the
demand was TO 60 into effect This answer
was signed by every employing founder in the
city, and while they did not positively refuse
see how they could AFFORD to concede it. for the
following reasons:
First The proximity Of Baltimore and Alex
sndria compelled them TO compets with Arms
In those cities where the hours were longer
and the wages less than here.
Second They did not believe the citizens Of
this city would be willing to meet the increased
labor cost
Third. They found considerable fault with
the molders because they did not rate their
men, as they say some men are worth more
than others.
WHAT MASTER WORKMAN GATES SAYS.
Mr.. John Gates, the master workman of LA
5549, otherwise known As the Columbia Mold
ers. said to STAR reporter today: Baltimore
is nearer the foundries of this city than IL is
to the tin shops. carpenter shops and in fact,
all the trades in this city where labor receives
not less than % per day Of nine hours, not
withstanding Baltimore competition"
The fact is IL 10 not the difference paid the
workman in the two cities that secures success
TO Baltimore firms. But it is owing to the en-
terprise of the iron founders. who spare neither
- n. -
most modern machinery, that lessons the cost
Of production and gives them decided adj
vantage over their less progressive competi-
tors.
The second clause in the employers answer
10 q libel on Washington citizens, who have
realized long ago that it is far better economy
to have their work done at home even if the
labor cost is a little more than to send il out Of
the city, with no hope Of the money paid for it
returning to them again. The money that is
spent here is sure to return to them through
the ordinary business channels and il is under
men receive the more they will spend for the
necesseries of life.
"The increased cost to the bosses is by no
means large. There are now nine foundries in
this city employing at present thirty-one men,
who, IL the demand were conceded, would
total increase per day would be $3.50
"In answer 70 the statement as to the rating
OF the men, would say that we have always
had two rates Of pay, but the bosses have
entirely ignored the highest rate and paid all
the lowest rate, Notwithstanding the fact that
they themselves admit that some Of us are
worth more than Others Moreover,
the cost Of living in this city is
much higher than in Baltimore; 80 much SO. in
fact, that molders from that city employed
here find it more economical to live in that
city and work here rather than take mp their
residence here, where rents and everything
else are high.
I'VE hope that the employers win meet MS In
spirit of fairness and discuss the situation in
teligenty. with view to an amicable adjust
ment Of the present trouble. Ours is q danger
Gus profession, handling molten metal, and we
are in danger at all times Of being cooked alive.
Our demands are by no means exorpitant and
trust that the public will sympathize with us In
our efforts.
THE EMPLOYERS WILL NOT YIELD.
The proprietor Of one Of the large estab-
lishments told Q STAB reporter today that the
employers had no intention Of yielding TO this
demand. He said that the present rate of
wages is higher than in other places and az
soon as IL il known that the men were out that
the present the foundries have the vags and
other employees TO attend to such work as il to
be done. The employers do not anticipate that
the strike will last long.
So far there has been no effort made BY other
trades to obtain a reduction in hours or an in
crease in pay. The Bricklayers' Union will hold
a meeting next Tuesday to consider the eight
hour question. 1t lie, Of course not known
what their action win be- At present the
day.