New-York tribune., 1897-06-11
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING.
THE TRUTH AS TO AN INCIDENT AT TIE WEST
INGHOUsE COMPANY'S WORKS

TO the Editor Of The I>lbune.
Sir We take this opportunity OF explaining the
circumstances connected with the suspension CT
Of our workmen, exaggerated and untruthfIl
reports of which have been printed In many Demo
cratic newspapers of the country. accompanied in
some cases by editorial comments. AS Is usually
the case, the foundation for the story a tri-
fling incident. the facts Of which substan-
TALLY follows:
A Mr.. Jacobs, one Of workmen had over his
beEch q campaign poster with which you are prob
ably familiar. II represented two mills-one ap
pareutly IN idleness and one with smoke coming
out Of tho chimnoys indicating that It was in OPP
Grafton After the announcement made TO our men
that IL was necessary 10 suspend OF them
this Joster was taken down by couple of young
men and IN taking It down Il was torn The act
was intended joke at Jaoobss expense (who
was also suspendcd). as he was secretary Of the
poljtical club formed here last fall which visited
Canton and made the address for his club TO
Major Mckinley. Since then he has been more or
less OF target for remarks by those who did not
agree with him in politics. At tie time the poster
was taken down not more than nur or hve OF our
men were present and there was no gathering or
meeting either angry or otherwise. connected with
their leaving the works
The above statement. we believe. Is an accurate
account Of absolutely everything that has taken
place in Wilmcrdng that was in any way connect
AS "A matter of fact, we laid of about two hun
ana ecVtuty-.iVo men, out o. thirteen hundftu.
and these men. amos; without exception. we're
unmarried as we took particular pains 10 G*-
crllninate H. favor OF those who had fainincS.
FroIn The most careful inquiry we cannot learn
that there was any unfaVorabe comment among
Inc men as to the course We were compelled 10
take. but, on the contrary they expressed an ap-
probation OF the cOmpanys treatment IN Keeping
Them al work during the winter, when they were
perfoCtly well aware that We were not IN heed Oh
inCir services the product they WcreTHaklng DclhS
stcrcd In plain sight In a ware house specially con
siructed to receive it, There has been ne pafticu-
lar change in business that lea US 10 make
This move at the time did. except that our
storing facilities now fully utilized, and as u
is now warm weather. and the hardship connected
with the discharge OF workmen Will therefore be
inc least we have considered 1t prudent not 10
accumulate any more stock. ,
so far as we ste. this affair has merely
moved an annoyance 10 ". and II IL were not for
ihe fact that are led TO believe that there are
Indications OF a conspiracy on foot 10 make use of
every unfaVorable circumstance TO dlscIedt tllc
nrescnt Administration, and to cause Il delay IN
ihe return of prosperity We should rct give the
subicct further consideration; but. in view Of the
vide and untrutlfui publicity that has been given
fhe incident. cannot help thinking that II -
our duty 70 place the facts in the posscsson Of
those who interested In scoing that public senii-
meut il not unfaVo:aby affected By faisc reports.
THE WEsTlNGHouSE AIR BRAKE Co
~ H. Wcstingl,ousc General Manager.
pittsbura. Penn, Jupc 3. 1881.