Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1893-11-15

| Made by the Employees OF ohe WnksAAer
Mil to the Management.
Probably in no industrial establish
ment Of any magnitude in the country
does better feeling exist between the
management and employees, than at the
Whitaker Iron Works, which was de-
stroyed by fire Sunday morning. This
fact was clearly proven yesterday al
terpoon when the employees met, and
unanimously resolved to offer their
services gratuitously TO Mr.. Whitaker,
| in clearing away the debris. preparato-
nv to commencing the work OF rebuild
| ing the plant.
The meeting yesterday afternoon at
Trades Assembly Hall was remarks
Div we'll attended. between $50 and 500
employees of the mill crowdinE the hall
and adjoining committee rooms. Presl-
dent Fred Williams, Of Crescent Lodge
A. A. of 1. & s. W., called the meeting
to order. After the object OF the meet
ing had been stated, Mr.. Harry Hook
ing arose and 0ffeerd the following:
WHEREAS. We learn with sincere regret
of the destruction Of the Whitaker iron
Works by fire on the morning OF SUNDAY,
the 18th inst, and
WHEREAS, The relations existing between
the Whitaker Company and their employees
have at all times been friendly, and De-
Iiaviup that as we have shared the pros
perity Of the company, we also snoulo
snare in its adversely; therefore be it
Resolved, That we, the employees, do
hereby tender our assistance in clearing
away the ruins, and that the Mil Commit
tee of Crescent Lodge be instructed 70
communicate the same TO Mr. Whitaker:
Speaking to the resolutions, Mr..
Hooking eulogiZed the management OF
the mill, referred to the fairness and
consideration which was always accord
ed the workingmeu, and hoped al! would
be willing to pull off their coats ana go
to work in clearing away the ruins OF
the plant. Mr.. Hooking was spplauded
when he took his seat. John Holman,
William Ault and others followed In
short addresses, each relating instances
showing the kind feeling for the en-
Moves on the part. Of Mr.. Whitaker.
When the question was put on the adop-
ton OF the resolution, there was storm
of saves" and not a dissenting voice
heard.
The following gentlemen, members
of the Mill Committee OF the Lodge,
at once left to call upon Mr.. Whitaker,
and to acouaint him with the action
taken: Harry Hooking, Jos. Purcell,
VIM. Marquis, Chas. Bruner, Robert
| McColloch, John Rodgers, b. u. Jacquay,
VIM. Hilton, and Frank Donaldson.
A little later tbs Committee met Mr..
Whitaker at the mill Office, and stated
the purpose OF their call, formally ten
dering the services OF the men la clearing
up the ruins Mr.. Whitaker was deeply
moved by this manifestation OF good
feeling. He replied that nothing in his
| life had ever affected him so deeply as
the generous offer OF his employees, not
in a pecuniary sense, but because OF the
evidence of kindness on the part OF the
men. He stated that the rumors that
the plant would not be rebnlit were en-
tirely without foundation, and that the
work OF erecting new plant WILL be
| com menced as soon as the insurance. Is
adjusted, and prosecuted with. All pos
sible vlgor. Owing TO the uncertainty
as to when the insurance men will
| finish their work, he could not say
when he would want the men. He
asked for the copy OF the resolutions,
and said he desired to reply in writing.
The mill committee reported to The
meeting about four o'clock, j recess
having been taken until that hour II
was then arranged that the men be
ready to report for work as soon as
notified, each to clear away the debris
in the department In which he is en-
ployed, and all to be subject TO the or
ders of Mr.. Whitaker or those ap-
pointed by him.
1t is understood that sufficient
number OF orders have been received at
the mill to enable it to remain in con-
tinuous operation for several months.
These orders will probably be filled by
other local plants, while the Crescent
is rebuilding.