Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-09-17
FROM OVER THE SEA.
Window Glass Manufacturers Con-
template Importing Workers
if 1t Is Found
A LONG STRIKE Is UNAVOIDABLE.
Secretary Francis, of the Master Bricklay-
erS' Association, Says 1t
Is True That
THE MEN ASKED FOR A CONFERENCE.
They Sent a Representative to the Exchange for the
Purpose.

The window glass manufacturers have
been considering a new departure in con-
nection with the wage question, viz: the
wholesale importation of glass workers
from Europe To be sure, the foreigners
were not to be introduced into this country
like conquering army and headed by brass
bands, but they were 10 present themselves
at the different glass working centers just
as surely as they might, at home, travel
from Liverpool to London. Whether this
plan will ever go into effect will depend on
what developments the next few days may
bring forth Then it will be definitely set
tied whether strike of large dimensions
will really be entered upon, or work re-
sumed on or about the first of the month.
What the workers will do can only be sur
missed, what the manufacturers propose is
known.
WILL IMPORT FOREIGN WORKERS
The intention of the window glass men to
fight their employees with foreign labor in
the event of the workers insisting on higher
wages and the continuance of certain GUS
toms obnoxious to their employers, has been
understood among certain of the leaders for
Layton admitted yesterday that he had
heard of the scheme, and Western manu-
facturer acknowledged about week ago
that this plan had been considered at meet
ings of the manufacturers. He said that
nothing definite had been decided upon, for
the reason that the plan might not have to
be applied. This is stated in anticipation OF
the customary denial which follows the
publication of story supposed to be safely
corked. In fact a DISPATCH reporter was
asked more than once not to say anything
about it, as it might jeopardfZe the settle
ment of the wage question.
1t was ascertained yesterday that the
manufacturers are not averse to struggle
with the men. They know that If the fight
which is admitted to be inevitable, does not
come off now, it must next year. The con-
ditions are more favorable now for q length
ened tusSle than they are likely to be next
year, and if the trade was involved in a
strike now the manufacturers would not by
any means object. Color is given to this
view by the attitude of the manufacturers
toward the workers at Tuesdays meeting.
The workers came there instructed to make
concessions which would bring both parties
so close together that an amicable under
standing could hardly be avoided, if such
were desired. These oyertures from the
workers side were rejected, and the meet
ing adjourned indefinitely.
WHAT THE NEXT STEP WILL BE-
The next step will be the laying of the
matter before the whole committee. What
buo ISSull may De can only De COnJ6CGuTeu
The workers have evinced a desire for
peace, the manufacturers are -? J. F.
Harr, of Muncie, returned West on Tuesday
night. He is expected in town again this
morning. presumably with the sentiments
of the West buttoned up in his breast. Fac
tories out there are reported as calmly
awaiting the result of these many confer
ences, with no great desire for an immediate
resumption. The next day or two will wit
ness the matter brought to point. That
turns on whether the manufacturers will
precipitate tussle with their men this year.
Regarding the projected importation of
workers Immigrant Inspector Layton said
he had heard oft he could hardly credit
he said, that the manufacturers would re-
sort to such a measure in face of the new
laws regulating the importation of labor
DISPATCH reporter, however, outlined to Mr..
Layton the manner in which the laws were
to be evaded, under the manufacturers
plan. There were to be no contracts, no
advertisements, nor publicity in any way
given to the fact that men were needed over
here. An agent, neither a citizen of this
country nor, in fact, owing allegiance to
any, was to go among foreign glass workers
and in very casual way allude to such
country as America having a place on the
map and insinuate quietly but very effectu-
ally that glass workers were earning very
good wages in certain localities easily
reached, ETC., etc.
Mr.. Layton's comment on this was that 1t
might be done, but he would have a say in
the matter if it was attempted.