Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-11-20
MADE FOUR !. APPEALS.
A Belgian Minister Defends the I'm
ported Glass Blowers.
THE CASE STILL Undecided
River Operators Aroused Over the Building
Of Q New bike.
CURRENT EVENTS IN LABOR CIRCLES

Immigrant Inspector Robert D. Layton
he had been taking evidence against the
alleged imported Belgian elassworkers. He
was greatly pleased with the result of his
work, as be had won every, point made
against the glass men. He has been max
ing q hard fight, and used every means
possible to establish his case, though the
evidence was entirely circumstantiaL
Mr.. Layton, in speaking of the work,
said last evening: 'I arrived at Ellis
Island last Saturday morning, and at once
began taking testimony. This was con-
steamer Friesland sailed for Europe
Wednesday morning, we wanted to get a
decision rendered and if possible have the
men returned. But before the result was
known, the Belgian Government took
hand and message was received from the
Belgian Minister demanding a rehearing.
Now. this is something unusual, for Min
lister is never known to have interfered in
this way before. You can have some idea
of how much Importance is attached to this
case and how hard I was pushing it
Won the Case Three Times.
Meanwhile verdict had been rendered,
and won. But rehearing was given, and
1 won again. The case was then referred to
Superintendent Owens at Washington, and
he decided the case against the Belgians.
The ship had already aailed, and the men
are still at Ellis Island. OF satisfied with
having lost the case three times they ap-
1o6 N ia in
his hands, / don't know who, will win
next, but am perfectly satisfied with the
progress made SO far, -, -
"whsn do you think q final verdict will
be reached?' - -
"It will have to be soon, as the expense
of keeping the men where they are will
have to be borne by the steamship COM
pany, and they have already entered
protest. The Government from the first re-
fused to have anything to do with them
further than having the law enforced"
"Where does the importance of the pres
ent case lie?" was asked. "Just in the
fact that it is a new scheme to eyade the
law. I have no direct evidence against
single manufacturer, but the evidence
brought out some very peculiar facts.
There were 80 glass blowers in all, vet
each and every one swore that they. we're
perfect strangers; had not talked as to their
destination while on board the vessel, and
did not know that they were coming here
for common purpose.
Looked Like Set-Up Job.
IT produced an affidavit that men on
the ship had coached them before landing
and, all in all, 1 think had a very strong
case. More than this, they knew exactly
where they were going and could get work
at once. 1t looks like a set-up job, but the
trouble is to prove it from circumstantial
evidence. 'e s'- -
"If these men are allowed to land trouble
with immigrants can be looked for in the
future, as it is an easy way of getting con-
tract labor into this country. ALI trades
are concerned In it, and they should see
that such loop in the immigration law is
not allowed. The window glass workers are
thoroughly aroused and 1 must say L. A.
800 has fought this fight as hard as L''
President John P. Eberhart. of the Win
dow Glass Workers, was seen soon after ar
irving from New York. He had been with
Mr.. Layton while taking the testimony at
Ellis Island, and has taken very active
part in the case against the Belgian glass
workers. He said the case was of great
moment to L. A. 300. He said it was en-
tirely satisfactory to the association as far
as it had gone and thought the men would
be returned to the old country, though a
desperate effort was being made by the Bel
gian Government to keep them here. He
dismissed the case by stating that it was
entirely in the hands of Inspector Layton