The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1896-08-10
FIRES STARTED AGAIN
THE OLD ROLLIyG-MILL PLANT TO
RESUME THIS MORNING.
No DISCRIMINATION Between Union
and Nonunion Men-From 200 to
225 to BE Employed.

The old rolling mill plant, more recently
known as the Premier steel works is again
In operation. Fires were started last night.
and il the lessees continue the full term of
their lease they will continue TO burn for
two years TO come.
The plant has been leased by the Ameri-
can Steel Company which has tin-p,ate
mandatory at Elwood and a wire-nail
works at Anderson. This plant Is to be
operated chiefly to supply those two plants
with rough material. The deal by which
the plant her comes into the possession of
the American Steel Company was closed
about three months ago. and since that
time the company has been putting the
place In repair to begin operations at this
time. The old plant here stood idle for
four years. and there was much work 10 be
done In the way of improvement and re-
pair
Electric lights have been put into the
buildings and on the grounds so that work
can be carried on day and night Nearly
all hand tools had to be supplied, and a
force Of blacksmiths has been at work
manufacturing these. There was also need
or some improved machinery, chief among
which was the roller. operated by rever-
sible engine. and with which alone the work
old sysetm could be accomplished
The work of putting this roller in, of
making all the needed repairs and additions
was completed last week, and yesterday it
only remained to line the furnaces and ves-
sells ia which molten metal is handled with
the composition of granite paste which is
used. This work was finished yesterday
and last night the first fires were started.
Inc instructions were that the blast should
be turned on in the main furnaces at
O'Clock this morning. The furnaces have
already been filled, and it will not be long
ul the metal Is ready for the converter
The converters were. heated up early last
evening, and by the time the metal is ready
Tor them they will be In condition to trans
form the molten iron into steel ready for
the rollers.
The plant will employ from 200 to 225 men,
and Will run day and night six days in the
week 1t is necessary for the furnaces to
cool once week, In order that the Innings
may be replaced. 1t is not now contem-
d To plant sha pc es1y
atfd by the American Steel Company
From this mill billets of steel will be
turned out In shape that they can be used
for tin plates or for manufacturing into
wire nails.
UNION AND NoNUNIoN.
1t has been reported that only nonunion
workmen would be employed in the mill.
This was denied yesterday by Charles
Pettigrew. who is here to assume charge
as superintendent of the mill. He said that
nearly all the men employed are residents
OF this city. Some OF the old mill hands,
including q few OF the skilled workmen,
had been secured. Other skilled workmen
had to be brought from Anderson and FL
wood, and few had come from Pittsburg
There were also a few men picked up in
various other quarters, but Mr. Pettigrew
stated that all the laborers, and in fact
as many men as possible, had been hired
i'm this city.
Regarding the report that it was to be
a nonunion MILL Mr.. Pettigrew said that
the point had not been considered at all
No man was asked whether he did or did
not belong to a union. He did not know
whether the majority were members of
unions or not. He estimated that about
seventy-five per cent. of the employees
would belong to the class known as skilled
laborers, and would be paid accordingly
He claims that whether the men belong to
labor organizations or not they will receive
just as much pay members of the
unions. They will receive from two to five
dollars n day.
G.. Z. Carver, one OF the largest STOCK
holders In the American steel works has
taken up his residence In this city. and
is now living at the Denison House He
acts as general manager for the company
and Will give his personal supervision 10
the work in this city. The company has
leased the plant here for two years through
J. T.: McGettfgan. receiver for the Premier
Steel Company.