Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1892-07-08
FRICK MAKES A STATEMENT.
He Is interviewed by Philadelphia
"Press" Correspondent, and Explains
FxiGting Differences.

"Press" Correspondent, and Explains
Existing Differences.
PITTsBURG, PA, July III. C. Prick,
chairman of the Carnegie Steel Company,
was interviewed this evening as follows by
George Mccain, the correspondent OF the
Philadelphia Press:
What was the basis of the differences
existing at present between the Carnegie
company and their men, Mr.. Frickl"
There were three points upon which we
differed. The skilled workmen in the
Amalgamated Association work under what
is known as a sliding scale. As the price
of steel advances the earnings OF the men
advance: as the prices fall their earnings
decrease in proportion. While there is no
limit to an advance of earnings on the
scale. there is point at which the decline
stops. 1t is known as the minimum, and
the figure heretofore has been
s25 per ton for AKA BesSemer
billet. We believe that if earnings based
on the selling price Of steel can advance
without limit the workmen should be will
ing to follow the selling price down to
reasonable minimum, and so this figure
was finally fixed by the Carnegie company
at the rate Of S23 instead OF SIS. The reason
for asking this upon our part was that the
Carnegie company has spent large sums OF
money in the Introduction OF new machln-
cry in its Homestead plant, by means OF
which the workmen were enabled TO in
crease the daily output, thereby increasing
the amount Of their own earnings. we had
originally asked reduction TO 81, but sub
seauently agreed TO compromise the rate at
S23 The Amalgamated Association was
unwilling TO consider a reduction below
s24 on steel billets, Notwithstanding the
fact that the improved machinery would
enable their members even at S23 70 earn
more than is paid in other AmalRamated
mills. This was the first point at issue.
Under the present Amalgamated
system the date of the expiration
OF the sliding scale is June 3Oth.
We asked that this date be changed 10
December 3lst (the same as at the Edgar
Thomson works. for the reason that the
change would permit US to take our eStl-
mate on the wages that we must pay during
the year beginning January LIST, so that
we would be able to make contracts for the
year accordingly This point the Amalga-
mated Association refused TO accede
and demanded the old rate The third
proposition was the reduction OF tonnage
rates in those departments IN the mills
where the improvements have spoken
of have been made and which enable the
workingmen to- increase the output and
consequently their earnings. Where no
such improvements had been made there
was no request upon our part for reduc-
ton intonnage rates. In other words, 1--WE
asked no reduction in any department at
which the output had not been greatly in
creased bv reason of our expensive inn
provement since the scale of lsSs went into
effect. We are prepared 10 show that in
nearly every department, under our pro-
posed reductions in the tonnage
rates. the skilled workmen would
make more money than they
did when the scale Of 1889 went into effect
Asa rule the men who were making the
largest wages in the Homestead mills,
were the ones who most bitterly denounced
the proposed revision Of the scale, for
out OF the $500 men employed
in every department, only 80 were
directly affected by this reduction. Find
inc that IL was impossible to arrive at any
agreement with the Amalgamated officials
we decided to close our works at Home
stead"
,eWhv did the Carnegie Company
cafl on the Pinkertons for watchmen TO pro-
tect their property
1--WE did not see how else we would have
protection. We only wanted them for
watchmen TO protect our property aRd
the workmen we would take 10 Home
stead. and we have applications from many
men TO go there to work If they were not
interfered with"
ssDid YOU doubt the ability of the Sheriff
To enforce order al Homestead and protect
your property"
''Yes, sir; with local deputies"
"Why!n
"For the reason that three years ago our
concern had an. experience similar 10 this.
We felt the necessity Of a change at the
works; that a scale should be adopted
based on the adjusting, sliding price OF
billets. and we asked the county authori-
ties for protection. The workmen began
tactics similar TO those employed in the
nresent trouble. The sheriff assured the
members of the firm that there would be no
difficulty; that he would give
them ample protection and see
that men VINO were willing
TO work were not Interfered with. What
was the result. The posse taken up by
the Sherifi-something over 100 men-were
not permitted to land on our property;
we're driven OF with threats OF bodily
harm. and it looked as If there was going
10 be great destruction of life and property.
We don't propose this time to be plaeed in
that position
ssThe Pinkerton men, as general ytlder-
stood. had been summoned and all arrange
mepts de with them 70 be ouhand in
cas- IRE by the Sheriff to sford pro-
sshat fact or notip
concerning the engagement
hrton are these: sm past
ret only with thep & sher-
all others we found
sen unable e, rish
.nt number OF ties