The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1897-04-16
BARBERs' UNION STIRRED
Order Men Out of a .Wellknown Shop
Because of Violation of Rules.

The Journeyman BARRIERS union in
this city has ordered the Workmen out
of J. A. Nelson's shop at the southwest
corner of Sixth and Kansas avenue and
has also taken the union card away
from the proprietor. Thus far the bar
berS have refused to go out and it is
believed they viii remain in the shop,
although the officers of the union have
given them until next Monday to de-
termine what course they will pursue
Mr.. Nelson says the men have a per-
feet right to leave his employ if they
are disposed to do so but he added: 4
will fill their places and will continue
to do business despite the action of the
union. 1 do not consider that / have
been treated fairly and propose to con-
tinue my business without the sanction
of the union if necessary"
The men who are ordered out are Joe
CutSWOrth, William Nye and Matt
Langhart, the latter being financially
interested in the shop, although work
ing at the chair.
Early this year Matt Harmon, who
was working in the shop took out a re-
firing card which, as the officers and
members of the union interpret it,
practically severed his relations with
the organization. He retired in good
standing. Shortly after that he opened
q SO-called BARRIERS school on East
Fourth street and did considerable work
free of charge and at reduced prices,
taking business away from the union
shops. His action aroused the union
and Harmon was ordered to appear be-
fore the organization for trial. He re-
fused to do 50 and a fine of $50 was i'm
posed upon him.
A few weeks ago Harmon closed the
barber school and sought an oppOrtuni-
ty to engage in other business. Failing
to secure favorable inducements he ap-
preached J. A. Nelson, the owner of the
shop in which the men have been or
dered to quit work, with a proposition
to purchase an interest therein. Mr..
Nelson visited other members of the
union and received an understanding
that the union would take no action
against Harn9On'S purchase of an inter
est in the business as it was believed
that he would not work at the trade,
although the rules of the union do not
require that owners or bosses belong to
the organization. With this under
standing Nelson closed the deal with
Harmon.
Monday night the employees in Mel
sons shop attended the meeting Of the
union, remaining until the order of
new and unfinished business had been
passed, then departed, thinking that
nothing would be done with reference
to their case. However, after they left
the action against the shop was taken
and the executive committee was or
dered to take the union cards out of
the shop and notify the men to stop
work
The official notices We're served yes
terday afternoon, but not until after
Nelson had been notified that if Har-
mon would pay the fine of $50 imposed
against him, the union would not order
the men out But it was too late for
overtures from either side. Nelson and
Harmon had closed their contract, by
and permit the union to take whatever
action best suits the opinions of the
members. 1t is said the men employed
in the shop will stand by Nelson.