The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1895-02-25
The Cisarmakers. Statement.

To the Editor of the Indianapolis Journal:
Through published interviews with that
gentleman the public has been made ac-
quainted With the fact that trouble exists
between the cigarmalsers and MIR. A. Steffen,
of 30 East Washington street We have re-
Trained from replying in the hope that lie
would recede from his position. But as the
days go by there is no indication of u
change of heart on Mr. Steffen's part. Be-
ing all citizens, and for the most part men
of families, and DESTROYS Of retaining the
respect of our fellow citizens, we are COM
PEELED, in self-defense, to lay side of
the case before you. In doing SO we will
deal only with facts.
We first wish ii to be thoroughly UNDER
stood that the cigarmakers are working
under a scale of prices mutually agreed
upon between the union and manufacturers
In fact, the existing scale was drawn up
by the manufacturers, among whom Mr..
Steffen was a leading spirit. Affairs were
proceeding smoothly until Jan. 3 when the
union received communication from Mr..
Steffen, requesting the appointment of Il
committee to confer with the manufactur-
ers and arrange new scale, which request
was promptly complied with. When the
committee met the manufacturers it was
Informed that reduction of from 81 to Sc
per thousand on existing rates had been
ton that our already low wages would be
brought to a level below that of street la
borerS-abOut 80 per week. After discussion
and conferences the manufacturers with
drew this proposition and requested the
appointment of a committee with power to
act. This was denied, for the reason that
trades unions are based on the theory of
majority rule, and it is repugnant TO their
customs and practices to surrender author
ity into the hands of few men. The
union is composed of the members, and not
few with delegated authority
While these negotiations were pending Mr..
Steffen increased his force. but on being in
formed of the unions action in refusing to
grant committee with such great powers
he discharged his shippers, worked up the
stock and informed his men that they
could come to work the following week pro-
thousand. This was refused, whereupon he
submitted a scale formerly in vogue in this
city, which was tantamount TO Il reduction
OF 50 cents to 81. As. at this time, Mr..
Steffen was the only one desiring a reduc-
ton this last proposition was rejected. Be
fore leaving this phase of the subject we
wish to ask II a reduction Is an absolute
necessity, was commended on the presen-
tation of the first proposition 10 the union,
why did the requirement huctuate from 81
and IS to 50 cents in the space of one
month? But reduction is not necessary.
The recent reduction Of duty Sumatra
tobacco is equivalent To saving of SIS q
thousand. all of which has. up to date,
gone into the pockets of the manufacturers,
for the consumer does not puff more frag-
FAINT smoker or the employee receive more
wages than formerly.
Finding the other manufacturers had de-
serted him Mr. Steffen desired to engage
three or four men at prevailing rates. on
the plea that he had not work for more.
II this We're true II wouldS END the contro-