Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-03-17
WITH BRITISH GOLD.
An English Syndicate Alleged to Be
Gobbling Westinghouse.
PRICES TO BE CUT AWAY DOWN.
More New Developments in the Switch and
Signal Troubles.
AN ELECTRICAL CLUB FOR PITTSBURG

Although Vice President Bannister denies
it, it was reported on good authority yester-
day shat an English syndicate is gaining
control of the Westinghouse interests. The
deal is said to be in progress, but has
not vet been consummated. It is claimed
that the syndicate is heavily backed, and
that when the deal is closed every branch
of the business will be placed on cash
basis, and cuts will be made in the prices of
electrical supplies and machinery that will
astonish the world. The syndicate expect
to force all competitors out of the trade or
compel them to unite with it. 1t is also
claimed that the Eastern stockholders are
working with the English capitalists, and
color is lent to the story by the fact that Mr.
Westinghouse left for the East last night on
secret mission.
Nothing more of the details could be
learned yesterday, and the officials, as a
rule, refused to talk. When Mr.. Bannister
was asked about the matter he denied that
there was any truth in the story, but sup
plemented his remarks with request that
nothing be said about the matter. Mystery
was all that vas given out.
What Rowand's Reward Was to Be.
However, another official of the company
was found who was willing to talk on the
trouble in the Union Switch and Signal
Company. He spoke of Mr.. Rowand as
being very far on the outside, and said:
"Mr. Westinghouse, in his investigations
into the recent election, has found that the
reward Mr.. Rowand was to receive for turn
ing over the control of the company was
$4,000 a year. This was to be voted to
him as his salary as President of the
company. The Eastern people talk OF
more economic measures, and then
intended voting away $4,000 year.
when Mr. Westinghouse served as
President without drawing a cent of salary.
Now that Mr.. Rowand has withdrawn, he
will not get anything. The only reason
can see for the Eastern people wanting to
get control Of the company was to get infor-
nation concerning its inside workings,
which the former management did not de-
sire to give up"
Another matter which came in for large
share of discussion among the electricians
yesterday was proposed electrical club for
the city. The organization is to be known
be made up of expert electricians.
A Meeting for Organization.
The call for meeting on Thursday night
was sent out yesterday by J. E. Hall. The
meeting is to be held on that evening in the
offices of the TT. Wayne Electric Company,
533 Wood street. At this meeting it is in
tended to complete the organization, discuss
bylaws and make arrangements to apply
for charter. There are already 100 mem-
bers enrolled, 25 of whom are from the
Westinghouse interests. One of the leading
spirits is Morris Meade, superintendent of
the City Bureau OF Electricity.
The club is to be of an educational as we'll
as social nature. 1t is proposed to hold
meetings as often as possible, at which pa
pers on scientific subjects will be read. 1t
is proposed TO rent a clubhouse for a time,
with the ultimate view of erecting build
ing OF their own, which is to be regular
home of electricity. Every electrical device
possible viii be used in the building, but
the line will be drawn at Jersey light
ning.o