Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-09-02
IDLE GLASS HOUSES.
The Conference Yesterday on the
Window Scale Adjourned.
BOTH SIDES WILLING TO FIGHT.
Protection Restores Long-Lost Industry
to Pittsburg.
THE ELBA IRON WORKS IN OPERATION

NearlV lU,UUU WlnQ0W-2ldSS WOfkeIs WIN
should have returned to work yesterday
after the usual two months rest, were dis
appointed, and as matters appear now,
there are no indications of single factory
in the United States starting up within the
next month at the earliest. The final con-
ference that might have settled all differ
ences between the manufacturers and the
men took place yesterday afternoon accord
ing to appointment, but it failed in bringing
about an understanding and the struggle
over the demands for 8 per cent increase
for the tending boys is now on.
The men say they will not withdraw their
demands; nor can they even though they
would, for the society has nodded their
policy and the conference committee has
nothing to do but insist on the per cent
advance and nothing else. The manufac-
turers are equally firm in their threat not
to operate a factory this year if they are
forced to increase the cost of production
further by advancing the wages of any por-
tion of their employees
COULDN'T COME TO TERMS.
They were willing to withdraw their de-
.
settle the wages question upon last years
terms, but this did not satisfy the men, and
the conference adjourned without date. The
men say the demands of the manufacturers
we're only made to be withdrawn for effect.
to gain public sympathy; but theirs were
made to be granted and they will stay out
nittee has not the power to withdraw their
demands, without a vote OF the association,
and the latter can only order it done by a
vote of the entire membership, which could
not be taken in much less time than six
weeks. Hence a settlement of the trouble
may not be expected earlier than October
10, ii then.
A STATEMENT BY MR. LoEFFLER
After the conference adjourned yesterday
Mr.. William Loeff1er furnished the follow
ing statement for publication:
"At.the wages conference held July 81, it
became apparent that the manufacturers
and workers were too far apart in their
views to reach q settlement. Therefore
subcommittee consisting of Messrs.
Chambers, Hart and Loeffier for the manu-
facturers and Eberhart, Winter and Swearer
tor the workers, was appointed for the pur-
pose of considering whether they could not
suggest a compromise basis, in which event
they were to call the general committee
together.
last week and adjourned to meet to-day.
They met in the office of r. c. SchmertZ &
Co., Limited, and after a comparatively
short session adjourned without date. At
the meeting last week the man ufacturers. in
spirit of harmony, withdrew their demand
last years wages, the workers having agreed
to recommend some changes in some OF the
rules and usages. At to-day's meeting the
workers committee was to report whether
they would withdraw rhe demand for the
gatherers' advance This they positively
refused to dc, and also recalled their con-
sent to the change of some of the rules
which had been agreed to by both parties at
the last meeting. The workers committee
CLAN that in former years they had author
ity to make the best. settlement they could,
but that this year their hands are tied. They
have arbitrary instructions from their asSo-
ciation to fight for the advance.
A MANUFACTURER VIEWS.
"The manufacturers stated that they have
all along cheerfully paid the high wages of
the workers, as was evidenced by the fact
that the manufacturers paid 5per cent ad-
vance in settlement of wages in the fall of
1887 and again per cent advance in 1889, but
that the limit OF cost has been reached and
that the situation does not permit another
increase. The manufacturers in the various
meetings pointed to the humiliating spec
tacle ofabout 200 600 boxes being imported
yearly, a disgrace to both manufacturers
and workers. and this condition of affairs
exists to a great extent through the in
ability of the American manufacturer to
make glass cheap enough. as both very high
wages and rules and usages combine to in
crease the cost of production in this country.
"The workers made no effort to contradict
the arguments, and simply stated that all
they had to say is, that they must insist on
the advance as per instructions. The manu-
facturers stated there would not be any
trouble to agree on rules If wages could be
agreed on. Had a settlement been made to-
day most of the factories in the country
would have been ready to start by the 10th
or 4th, but even if the workers will with
draw their demand eventually, no settle
workers committee states it takes that long
before a vote of the association could be
taken to reconsider the demand"
NOTHING NOW TO DO.
"well, what will the manufacturers dot"
was asked
Nothing" replied Mr.. Loeff1er There's
no reason why they should be in a hurry
about starting up, and they will simply
allow the factories to remain idle" q
''Will there be no effort TO operate with
non union men?"
"None whatever. 1t will be game of
freezeout and the side that can hold out the
remain idle longer than we can We deny
their statement, and it only remains to be
seen which can stand the pressure the long
est. There is not one of the manufacturers
thinking of starting up, nor will they until
this question is settled"
An effort was made last evening to see
either President Eberhardt or Secretary
Cake, but neither of them was at the work
ers headquarters ont Southside after the
conference last evening nor were they at
their homes until a late hour.
SOME HEAVY IMPROVEMENTS.