The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1897-12-21
FALL RIVERS WAGE FURRY.
COTTON MANUFACTURERS AND EN-
PLoYES CONFER.

Representatives of the Labor Union
submit Three PrOpOsitiOns-Thc
manufacturers Take Them Under
Consideration and viii Give
Written Answer TO-day-FirSt, the
Employees Request a POstpOnement.
of the Proposed Reduction Untn
March-Wage Troubles at other
Points.
Fall River, Mass, Dec. ga conference
of representatives. of the cotton manufac-
turers and their employees on the wage
question was held to-day. The represen-
tatives of the laboFsu union submitted three
propositions and each of the delegates
made some comment thereon. The manu-
facturers decided to take the matter I'M
der consideration, and will give them a
written answer tomorrow. These propo-
sitlons are:
First 1t being the general opinion that
there would be an Improvement during the
ensuing year and that the manufacturers
will be in far more prosperous condition
than at present, we request the manufac-
turers to postpone the proposed reduction
until March 1. If there is no Improvement
at that time we will hold another confer
ence with view of settling the wage
question.
second. Believing that reducing wages
is not a remedy for an over-stocked mar
ket we respectfully request the manufac-
urers to work four days per week until
the first of March. If there is no improve
ment at that time we will hold another
conference.
Third. If neither of the above PROPOSE
s1 l.,
either satisfactorily, we will submit our
case to the state board of arbitration,
wages to remain as a present, until the
state board makes its report"
After the submittal of their propositions,
the present conditions of trade, the causes
which have led up to them and the mat
ter of southern competition at great
length, and over two hours of delibera-
ton the conference adjourned.
There was nothing about the conference
that either side'will regret, as perfect har-
mony prevailed at all times. Secretaries
Whitehead and O'Donnell both expressed
themselves as being in every way satisfied
with the meeting, and felt, that they mad
made a strong impression on the manu-
facturers. They hoped that their PROPOSE
tons would lead to a postponement of &C
ton.
The attitude of the big plant of the
Fall River iron works, which employs
about 5000 operatives, and which has been
questioned by some. was settled to-day by
Owner NJ c. Borden of New York. He
announces his willingness to reduce wages
10 a point 20 per cent. below the present
basis, if the committee so desires.
New York, Dec. 20.-Fifty broad silk
weavers in the employ of the Modine
Manufacturing Company at Paterson,
went on strike to-day for an increase in
wages of 10 per cent.
New York, Dec. 2O.-The weavers at the
looms at the Strang Companys mills in
Paterson. N. j., are on strike against re-
duction in wages.
Sun Cook. N. H., Dec. 2O-Notices have
been posted at the China and Wooster cot
ton mills, makers of print cloths announc-
ing a reduction of wages of about 10 per
cent. on Jan. /. The cut will affect super
intendents and overseers, and all employ
ees, including nearly 1,500 operatives The
monthly pay roll amounts to $4,000. 1t is
probable that the cut will be accepted.
Manchester, N. H, Dec. 20-Notices of
a 10 per cent. reduction in wages on Jan.
l have been posted at the Amoria Stark
and jefferson cotton mills in this city. The
Amoskeag mills, employing 5000 hands,
posted similar notices last week. The
Amora, Stark, and Jefferson mills employ
IL 900 operatives.