The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1893-09-05

yali Rivss MnI Operatives Hesitate "a

FALL RIVER Mass, Sep. 5.-It now
seems very probable that the city will be
spared another strike Of mill operatives
On Saturday Secretary Howard sent .
letter to tho Manufacturers Association,
asking for q conference between q COM
mittee OF the spinners and committee
OF tho manufacturers. Yesterday Secre-
tary Rounseville answered 10, saying the
manufacturers were willing to meet a
representative delegation of their spinners
next Wednesday. Yesterday q united ex-
cursion Of weavers and spinners was held
to Crescent Park, q point on Narragan-
sett Bay On the way down several lead
ers and members OF the union were spoken
to regarding their feelings about the sit
uation. 1t is quite evident that the lead
ers of the union do not deem strike
wise or prudent at this time, but they
are being urged along by members who
have not been receiving any wages dur
ing the past four weeks.
There is another portion Of tho men,
bers OF both the large unions who want
to resist the manufacturers' ultimatum,
because it was given out SO quickly after
the publication of statistics showing very
large earnings In the mills during the
quarter ending in July. These men, it is
thought, can be made :to comprehend the
situation from the manufacturers stand
point This view, rs has been previously
stated, shows that manufacturers were
enjoying a profitable season, but now they
cannot renew contracts at prices anything
near as favorable as those ofthree months
ago. An instance cited by Secretary
Rounseviile will illustrate this point. He
says a large corporation, whose mills
have been kept running, will have large
contracts expiring next week. Offers Of
renewals have been made, but IL they are
accepted even on the basis of "a cents
for "a GAS with reduction of 10 per
cent in the present wage schedule the
mills would still lose money by running.
Whether they would lose most by running
or remaining idle would be determined
later, but as the figures now show, the
mills would havo hard scratching to come
out whole by running. Consequently the
Secretary of the manufacturers asssocia-
tion says 1t Is q matter for the operatives
to say whether they wish to bear a part OF
the burden of the unexpected and extra
ordinary times.
This view is held privately by the more
conservative leaders, but they will have
great difficulty in impressing it on the hot
headed members Of the union. The weav-
ers now evidence disposition to act inde-
pcndently Of the spinnevs In deciding to
strike. 1t cannot be judged from conver-
sations with members just what move
will be made at their meeting tonight.
1t Is quite certain that the rank and file Of
workers who have homes and property,
want to join with business men In prevent
ing strike, which bids fair to be unsuc-
cessful at this time. Whether their infiu-
ence has had an effect on the spinners can
only be speculated upon, but it Is more
than probable that the Wednesday meeting
of the committees on conference will be
called ON to deal with matters never be-
fore asked by trades unionists in this city.
1t Is generally conceded that the leaders
will try to prevent the members from strik-
Ing provided the manufacturers viii agree
to make some concessions.