Morning journal and courier., 1892-11-01
TO ADVANCE WAGES.

| nm ANoA " a "41Ss
Cotton Manufacturers Consider a Vol
untary Raise OF Wages to Theil
1 KmpIOyes-Nota Political Move
| but the Outcome of the PrOsperou nj
Condition OF the Cotton Industry.
| FALL RIVER, Oct. 31.-There was gen
uine surprise here to day when 1t beosm.
known that some manufacturers were seri
ously considering the question of advanc.
| ing wages regardless of an expected re-
quest for such action from members of the
mule spinners' association. On Saturday
afternoon notices of meeting of the Man.
ufacturers' association were sent to the
various treasurers and to-day meeting
was held. It was thought that general
discussion of the wage situation would fol-
low, but much to the displeasure of small
coterie of manufacturers it was voted-16
to ito adjourn.
The calling and result of the meeting
have caused no end of comment and given
rise to all forms of discussion in all local
manufacturing and political circles. Some
few of the treasurers who voted for ad-
journment are known to be in favor of a
voluntary increase of wages, but by far
the greater number do not want the i'm
preston to go forth to the country that
an advance in Fall River wages was made
before the presidential election at the sug-
gestion of men who are known to be ad
vocates of the policy of protective tariff
on cotton goods and are not advocates of
reduction of duties on mill machinery.
Other manufacturers want to act on the
wage question on purely business princi-
pies, regardless Of the operations of the
tariff or any other laws and con-
tend most forcibly that no
advance should be given in
Fall River until advances are given in
Lowell, Lawrence, New Bedford and other
Massachusetts cotton manufacturing
centers. These men do not attribute the
past years phenomenal profits to tariff
laws, but to the business law of supply
and demand, backed up by plentiful cot
ton crops distributed at the lowest prices
ever known. Even some of them are not
averse to increasing wages, but they say
they must be given opportunity for learn
ing what labor is worth in the open market
before making gratuitous gifts in an un-
buainesslike way. Most have in mind the
fact that they once thought for some time
that the mule spinners were working under
q system known as a sliding scale, by
which to reduce the cost of labor, 1t would |
only be necessary to prove that the |
margin between cotton and cloth was |
less than a certain figure. When |
these manufacturers attempted to |
reduce wages in conformity to this system |
hey were met with strong remonstrance |
from members of the spinners' union who |
,ontended that no such system was in /
:orce. Attempts to reduce under that /
frniflaoa f1xz fhnaa
say now is the time to have /
IN understanding, regardless of the politi- /
'al forces operating in other parts of the
Manufacturers will not be quoted /
~ name in relation to to-day's meeting, al
hough some gave their views freely for |
with the understanding that |
heir identity should not be divulged.
)ne said: 81 think to-day's meet
ng had too much political flavor
o suit my business tastes. For
hat reason voted to postpone until
aim consideration of the conditions of the
markets could be allowed. I am in favor
f increasing wages and believe majori-
y of my directors feel as 1 do, at the same
ceilings on the part of our help. 1 think
is poor piece of business to give any
hing when a trade can be made. In fact,
see no good reason to treat with the men
ntil they want to treat with you"
Another said: 1.-THE meeting may or
nay not be said to have had political
avor, according to the different points of
lew from which men look at things. We
vent there to discuss the wage question,
o advance wages If we could secure
majority of treasurers to coincide with
ur views. We did not lose anything by
he voluntary advance we granted q few
,onths ago. To-day our help are in a
etter frame of mind than they ever were
efore. We are making good profits and
an afford an advance. When we cannot
ford 1t we can reduce again. do not
now as am republican or democrat in
his election. I do not know much about
be tariff anyway"
The general feeling here tonight is that
mother meeting will be held this week.
7hen the question of an increase will be
arder pressed and more fully discussed.
The weavers' executive committee will
,eet tomorrow night to discuss the wage
uestion. Secretary Whitehead says the
resent situation is not care manufsotur-
rs able to grant an advanced" but "can't
hey be compelled to give it,"
His union asked for an advance some
me ago, but received no answer to the
,tter