Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-03-05
WATCHING FOR WAR.
Wire Manufacturers Preparing a
Series of struggles Against
WEIHE AND HIS ORGANIZATION
Wage-Workers' Wrath Stirred Up by ". ].
Rainey's Recent Action.
WHY THE RAILROAD MEN BACKED DOWN

There is more back of the strike at the
Braddock Wire Company's works than has
been generally known since that struggle
was inaugurated.
1t leaked out yesterday that this is only
the first of series Of similar fights which
may take place between the Amalgamated
Association and the owners of wire mills
The statement was made that in case the
Amalgamated Association loses the present
struggle with the Braddock Wire Company,
which is the recognized head of the pro-
posed wire trust, its strength will be consid-
erably weakened, and others included in
the combination will institute the same kind
of fight with view to breaking up the
association.
When the strike occurred at the Brad
dock Wire Mills it was openly admitted
that the firm was opposing the Amalga-
mated Association, as the workmen were
discharged for participating in the organi-
zation of new lodge at that place. Since
that time the bitter feeling between the firm
and the Association has increased.
No Union Men Employed.
The firm takes care to employ no union
men. and the officials OF the association keep q
watchful eye over their men to see that none Of
them 60 near the works. The company has
force Of men at work, and claims to be keeping
the establishment in full operation. Aside
from the men who are at work, the company
has access to any number of men necessary co
fill up the ranks in the event of the association
capturing any OF those now In the mill.
Other wire manufacturers IN various parts OF
the country who give employment TO Amalga-
mated workmen are putting themselves IN a
position by which they will be enabled 10 re-
place the men with other workmen in short
time, and are only waiting for the end OF the
Braddock struggle before making the move.
There are seven firms in The United States
whose employees are organized in the Amalga-
mated Association. All seven are interested
in the alleged wire trust, and opposition. to
organized labor seems to be one OF the princi-
Piles upon which the combination res s.
President Weihe, of tho Amalgamated As
socation, was spoken to yesterday in relation
to the matter. He had not known of the an
ticipated movement, of the other manufac-
turers but he was told of It.
A Natural Course to Pursue.
ut would be very natural" he said, "for
them to pursue such course The manutac-
turers are continually aiming their blows at
our organization. However. we are not max
ing the present fight with the understanding
that anything else depends upon its result. We
pany for recognition of our organization, and
1 have no fear of the result Our men are
staying away from the works and are behaving
themselves in a quiet, orderly manner"
Secretary Rowe, of the company, was not in
the office when the reporter called there. An
other representative OF the firm was seen, but
he declined to say anything about the strike.
He smiled complacently when asked Ii he had
heard Of an agreement among the manufac-
turers to fight the Amalgamated Association.
A workman who was seen said it was his
understanding that IL the Braddock Company
won the present fight, the manner in which the
others would make their war would be by re-
fusing TO sign next years scale. In the mean
time they will engage full forces of men to put
to work Iustead OF ASSOCIATION men. Should
this course be pursued it will make one Of the
most important contests the association has
ever had with the manufacturers.
1t was reported at Amalgamated headquart-
ers that the Braddock Wire Mill was shut down
yesterday. but this was denied at the company's
Office. where 1t was stated thar all departments
were In operation and the work was going on as
usual.