St. Paul daily globe., 1891-06-18
NEITHER WILL BUDGE.
The lockout Among the Paint
ers Still in Force.

The lockout Among the Paint
ers Still in Force.
The burden of the talk among the
painters, locked out by the master
painters because of the difference of
opinion concerning the proposed short
day labor, was the. cooperative scheme
outlined in these columns yesterday.
There is no excitement at labor head
quarters. The locked-out men take
matters coolly and philosophically
They are apparently deeply imbued
with the faith that their cause is just.
None seem to anticipate an adjustment
of matters between them and the en-
hold of the cooperative plan with spirit
and determination.
1--WE are nearly all supplied with such tools
as we need" observed a member to a GLOBE
reporter Hence the actual capital that will
be required is merely nominal. There are
many pretty important contracts yet to be
awarded, and it is our purpose to actively
enter into open competition with the master
painters association. 1t is our honest opin-
ion that we can get the best of it. too. We
believe we can outbid them and still do work
at greater profit than they. Let me tell YOU
our reasons for this theory. 1t is surely fair
to presume that men will work little harder
for themselves than for others, isn't it? This
is true,s seven with the most conscientious
workmen. Now, couple this fact with the
aspect that the masters have to confront.
The sympathy Of all laboring people
is with u.s.. because of the square
back-down the masters made from
the agreement they entered into with us. 1t
was rock-ribbed agreement, and they
posted signs in all their shops that they
would inaugurate the ne-hour-a- day sys-
tenn. That alone shows that they agreed to
our rights in the premises. Now. however,
10 oiu rlo -
tions for rigid enforcement of the ten-hour
regime as in the past. There are many paint
ers in the employ Of these painters, who are
in full sympathy with our grievances. al
though they feel compelled to accept the
terms of the employers. We have the best
painters in the city in our project and build
ers will naturally place confidence in our
contracts, and We have no fear that we will
not secure plenty Of work up to the time the
season closes"
1t was reported at the Headquarters
yesterday that one of the master paint
ers held conference with several of
the men that are locked out. They re-
iterated the philosophy indulged in at
the meeting TueSduy night-that they
could not grant nine hour rule because
the carpenters were working ten.~I 1t
would breed discomfort among the car
penterS.
In reply the painters urged that the
object of shortening the hours is, pri-
marily, to give employment to a large
number of men who are now unable to
secure work.
''Why don't you demand an increase in
wages?' asked the master painter.
THAT would do no good. 1t is doubtful if
1t would be granted; and, even If it was, it
wouldn't help out the poor fellows who are
ont of job Besides, the masters would at
once demand more work in the ten hours,
and the effect would be to decrease the num-
Der employed"
The painters have bulletin posted at
labor headquarters to the effect that
they will hold meeting at 10 a. m. each
day during the lockout.