Birmingham state herald., 1895-11-26
A LETTER.
Birmingham, Ala, Nov. 25. 1895.

Birmingham, Ala, Nov. 25 1895. To the State Herald.
 In a recent issue of the Labor Advo- cate an editorial making a certain line of charges against us appeared, and we take this method of setting ourselves right not only before the laboring peo- pie, but before all the people of Birming- ham and Jefferson county.
 1.-TWO or three weeks ago M. Veil & Bro, who keep dry goods store on First avenue, took down their sign which stated that they employed only union clerks, and sent it back to the clerks union with their compliments"
 M. Veil & Bro. did take the sign al- luded to down, but we did not send it back to the clerks union.
 'They keep their doors open now after o'clock. When two of their clerks, who belong to the association, objected they were told that they needn't come back after o'clock if they didn't like it.
 We keep our doors open after o'clock, as we advertised in the leading papers we would do for the convenience of our customers. None of our clerks ever ob- jected. Those who saw proper to sever their connection with our firm carry with them our best wishes.
 "The clerks took the hint and stayed away. Did M. Well & Bro. then hire union clerks in their stead? Oh, no. They just hired a non-union man to fill the vacancy"
 When we came to supply the places of the clerks who saw proper to leave us we made no inquiry as to whether the men applying for the positions were union or non-union men. We employed them because we thought they were com petent and efficient men. We learn, however, since employing them that they are union men.
 ''On Thursday last the grievance com mittee of the Trades Council waited upon M Well & Bro. The committee was in- formed that he firm had nothing against organized labor. but that they reserved the right to discharge an employe If he did not give satisfaction. They certainly have that right, but they need not em- ploy non-union labor to get satisfaction. There are plenty of union clerks to be had The committee were also told that M. Well & Bro. would not hang up the union sign, as they preferred to sell goods on their merits"
 The last above statments are correct, and M Well Bro. prefer to continue to sell goods on their merits.
 All very good, but the best goods can always be had where union labor is em- ployed. Experience has proven that, and the fact that M. Well & Bro. refuse to recognize union labor by their actions, which always tell better than anything else on what side person IS on. US enough to show the organized labor Of this district where this firm is at He who is not for us is against us.' Seer"
 If the best goods can always be had where union labor is employed, then M. Well & Bro. is the place to buy your goods We employ union labor, we sym pathize with organized labor-there is no question about where we are "at." We are still holding forth at 1915 and 1917 First avenue, and are not in the dry goods business. as above reported. but strictly in the clothing. furnishing and merchant tailoring business.
 We present to the public plain state ment of what we are and are doing, and hereby appeal to the fair minded people of Birmingham. Jefferson county and Alabama, be they working men or any thing else, to give the above a careful consideration, and if they conclude we are right, then to stand by us and give us a liberal share of patronage We are not fighting anything or anybody but simply claiming the right to treat every body fairly. respect all interest. and con- trol, manage and operate our own busi- ness. Respectfully,
 M. WEI. & BRO.
 P. S.-We trust genuine spirit of fair ness will induce the Labor Advocate to publish this letter. M. w. & B.