The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-02-14
STRIKE TO SPREAD.
Operatives in Every Cotton Mill in
New England To lie Called out.


Boston, Feb. 1S-At a meeting to-day in
this city of the ffty-nve representatives
of textile unions of New England, 1t was
unanimously voted to recommend that all
unions caJl out the operatives in every cot
ton mill N New England.
The meeting was practically the out
come of the recommendation which Pres
ident Gompers made TO the Federation of
Labor last Sunday, in which he urged the
different unions to unite on some settled
policy regarding the mill situation In New
England. At that meeting committee
of three was appointed 90 take charge of
the matter and after a conference this
committee recommended that a general
meeting be held to take definite action.
To-day the representatives of the varl-
GUS national textile associations assem-
bled In the Wells Memorial hall, ana for
four hours discussed the situation from
every standpoint. The primary
object of the meeting was to devise some
method OF rendering assistance TO the New
Bedford strikers II was pointed out to-
day that II the strikers at New Bedford
could hold out for four weeks without
receiving more than 20 cents per operative
per week in the way of outside assistance,
other mill operatives could stand a SINH
lar strain, and that " all went out in would
met within a short time by the manufac-
turers, 1t was also shown that the mule
spinners were in excellent condition Ms re-
CARDS funds; that the United Textile
Workers and the New England Federation
of Weavers were also In good shape, but
that the rest were short of funds. Other
questions were also discussed and at
length the matter was put to a vote, no
one being registered against the motion
that the different unions should order a
general strike in every cotton mill m New
England, until a satisfactory adjustment
of wages could be arranged.
1t now remains for the various unions
to take action on the recommendation, but
what this action win be IS a matter of
conjecture If all should acquiesce and
vote to strike li7,000 operatives would un-
doubtedly cease work, and the manufac-
ture OF cotton goods throughout New
England would be at n standstill
IT, on the other hand, only a few I'M
ions should vote to strike, the refusal Of
the others would stlll keep large portion
of the mills in operation.
Inasmuch, however as the meeting was
the outcome of President Gompers sug-
gestion, and as he admonished the mem7
bors of the Federation of Labor to join
hands and assist the New Bedford strik-
ers it seems probable nearly every union
will carry out the recommendations and
that one of the greatest strikes ever seen
in this country Is impending.
New Bedford. Mass. Feb. 18.-From the
point of view of the New Bedford strikers,
the action taken by the conference Of tex
tile unions in Boston to-day Is scarcely
likely to be received with joy, iuasmuch
as It Is against the policy adopted at the
meetings OF the executive committee Of the
g
New Bedford should be made the battle
ground, and until the conclusion OF the
strike here the other textile centers should
remain at work, thereby acquiring the
means TO assist the New Bedford operat-
ives In their struggle. Then, at the con-
cluslon of New Bedfcrd's fight, the plan
was, whether New Bedford won or lost,
the strike against the gem
eral reduction should be extend
cd in one district at time
until the whole OF New England had been
covered. In view of this plan, which at
the time of its adoption seemed to meet
general acquiescence, the action of the
conference II would seem, Is a direct
change Of tactics. The delegates 10 the
conference will report the new plan 10
their several unions for their consdera-
ton, and although the Boston conference
adjourned without date, it Is presumed
that after action is taken by the unions.
another conference will be called to take
action In accordance with the action OF
the unions.
Secretary Cunnane Of the general strike
council reports on the collection received
up to p. m. Saturday. The total amount
for the week was $l,475, as against 81 345
for the previous week,
Daniel de Leon, the Socialist organizer,
to-day closed the series Of meetings which
he has addressed in the interest of his
party. AS a result OF these meetings. a
branch Of the Socialist trade and labor
alliance has been formed in this city. This
Is the new trades union movement vouch-
ed for by the Socialists, and its funda-
mental principle Is the wiping out of the
capitalist class at the ballot box rather
than the settlement OF the differences be-
tween capital and labor by strikes.
Notwithstanding the attitude OF the
trade and labor alliance and the Socialists
generally toward strikes. they declare they
wish TO do nothing to injure the present
strike but after it Is over they want the
Socialists to exert their influence at the