Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1897-12-21
FALL RIVER SITUATION.
Labor Leaders ard Manufacturers Rect The
Former Make a Proposition.

Fan River, Mass, Dec. 20.-The con-
ference of labor leaders and manu-
facturers which has been looked for
ward to as a factor in the situation
which might overcome the actual facts
was held, this afternoon, in the rooms
of the Manufacturers Association
The representatives of the labor union;
submitted three propositions and each
of the delegates made some common.
thereon. At the conclusion of this, the
manufacturers decided to take them
under consideration and will give g
written answer before o'clock, to-
morrow afternoon. These propositions
We're formulated at the meeting of the
representatives of the various labor
unions held last week, and are as
follows:
"First-It being the general opinion
that there will be an Improvement dur
ing the ensuing year and that the man
ufacturing will be in a far more pros
porous condition than at present, we
request our manufacturers to postpone
the present reduction until the LIST of
March. If there is no improvement at
that time, we will hold another confer
ence at that time with view of set :
Ting the wage question
'Second-Believing that reducing
wages is not remedy for an over
stocked market, we respectfully request
our manufacturers to work four days
per week until the first of March. If
there is no improvement at that time
we will hold another conference.
y, irJ a,tlx
ositions are not accepted and we can
not settle the questions satisfactorily
we are willing to submit our case to
the state board of arbitration, wages
to remain as at present, until the state
board makes it's report"
The report of the meeting of the labor
union delegates also states that at their
meeting: THE question of overtime run
ming with two sets of help was discussed.
also the recovery of lost time. The dele
gates were of the opinion that efforts
should be made to put stop to it. as it
is causing great deal of satisfaction.
After the submittal of their propositions
the present condition of trade, the causes
which have led up to them and the mat
ter of Southern competition were dis
cussed at great length. and il was after
over two hours of elaboration that the
conference adjourned The manufac turers
which have led up to their action and
they answered all questions with equal
freedom.
Secretaries O'Donnell and Whitehead
expressed themselves after the confer
ence as being in every way satisfied with
the meeting, and said that they felt that
they had made a strong impression on the
manufacturers and hoped that their
would lead to postponement
of action at present.
After the adjournment of the conference
the manufacturers listened TO a delega-
ton of the Slasher Tenders Union. who
asked a special hearing on their agree
ment with the manufacturers They will
receive an answer tomorrow.
The position of the Fall River Iron
Works Co. which employs 1900 operatives,
in the wage question. is determined by
the announcement of the owner. NJ 9. u.
Borden OF New York. who says be will
abde by the decisions ana recommended
lions of the manufacturers committee
having no desire to oppose them in any
action which they may think for the hem
eft of the cotton industry in FAN River.
He is willing to reduce wages to a point
20 per cent. below the present basis if the
should so decide and therefore
the reduction. if not changed by the con-
ference. will affect his employees