The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1895-09-05
THE TWO RIVERS STRIKE.

II
| Rivers that city has strike. The en-
! ployes of the Two Rivers Manufacturing
| Company are out, and thus far no accom-
modalion OF the difficulties is in Immedi-
ate prospect. The strike is not for higher
wages or for any fault other than the
system which prevails IN paying the la
| borers. There are no labOrers in the
state who have been mora steady, less in
cined to find fault or apparently more
| devoted 10 the interests Of their employ
ers than those Of Two Rivers. Most OF
| them own their own homes and are iu-
dQstrious, law abiding aud temperate.
The troublsJ arises from the operation
OF the Company store and the practice
which prevails OF paying in store pay.
This system has been IN vogue more CT
less since the factories haze been il oper-
alton, but TO q greater extent than usual.
during tha last two years. than for any
preceding period. Some cash is paid but
there is d taclt understanding that the
employees are to trade out what is due
than In tha company's store. This has
caused dlssa tisfaction which eliminated
LAST Thursday in the employees Of the
oaIl factory and saw mill walking out to
the number of 800. Later in the day
they were joined by the employees Of the
char factory. The demands OF the men
are monthly pay in cash with the privi-
lege OF trading where they please without
prejudice to them. They have presented
their claims to Henry Mann Of MilWau-
kee, but have thus far received no salts
factory response. It is said that con-
ference is to be held to-day between the
company officials and The men and & sat
Isfactory outcome Is expected.
The strike is q very orderly one. Bar
ring parades there is no demonstration
and the whole city is policed by the
strikers who have fifty men in service.
All are urged to keep away from saloons
and to avoid everything which would
make them amenable to the laws or de-
prive them of the sympathy of the public,
which they now have. There is an ap-
parent determination to prevent outsid-
ers from taking the places OF the strikers
but it IS said the company has no pur-
pose to import men, and indeed, it would
be difficult to secure the services of skilt-
ed employees. A proposition to pay
greater proportion of wages in cash made
by the company has been rejected by the
men who insist upon receiving their pay
IN money.
On Monday last, Labor Day, the en-
ployes of all the factories, several trades
men and farmers Joined IN the parade.
It was understood that it was not a strike
demonstration bat labor day celebra-
zion, though all il lire we're IN sympathy
with the strikers. Yoshardt's Hall was
crowded after the procession and speech
IS we're made by Messrs. Whitman and
Kress Of this city and Mr.. Davidson 81
Two Rivers. All counsaled moderation
int expressed sympathy with the posi-
ton taken by the strikers.
The Pilot knows nothing OF the merits
Of the strike and is inclined to dlssuade
men from this means Of redress. But
there seems to be nothing unreasonable
IL the demands OF the employees of the
Two Rulers Manufacturing Co. When
man earns his wages he is entitled TO
his pay in legal tender, and be free to
trade where he chooses. All that an en-
ployer should ask is tabor performed ac-
captably and we'll and this should receive
it's compensation in form satisfactory
10 him who does the labor. 1t IS but
matter of justice between man and man
and there is 40 favor on either side. \
company store is often 4 convenience bnt
there should be no coercion in securing
it trade. Il tbs facts are such as are
stated the company should Gccede at
once TO the dsmaGds Of the men who are
asking nothing more than their due. If
some OK the employees are unable to earn
in cash what is PAID them in store pay.
they should be discharged or have tneig
wages reduced.
It is said that the company is unable
To pay cash; tha5 .he factories have not
been paying much more than expenses
since 1898; and that shutting down would !
ba preferable TO yielding to the demands
OF the men. The Company's plants in
Two Rivers are u.Crtgaged for S250,000, |
which mortgage is on record al the regis !
tei's office in this city. The payment OF
interest on this obligation is sufficient to
eat up large share Of profits and it is
possible the factories are running at a
loss. These facts the men would doubt
lees, consider if presented to them.
The Two Rivers Manufacturing Go.
ms done q great deal for Two Rivers, It
has for years practically been the city
and has enjoyed the good viii Of all It's
employees and the peopie os that sec
ton generally. 1t Is source OF regtet
that there should be any misunderstood
Ing now ana it is hoped it will not be Of
long continuance.
ENETy TON