Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1898-03-28

The most important matter under
consideration at the regular meeting
of the Ohio Valley Trades Assembly,
held yesterday afternoon, was the re-
port of the Arbitration Committee
upon the controversy between Seamon
& Son, of Moundsville, and Garfield
Assembly Of Cigarmakers.
This is matter which the Assem-
bly, has but recently taken steps to ad-
just. Seamon & Son conducted a
cigar factory in Wheeling for many
years. About two years ago they de-
cided to introduce machines for the
manufacture of stogies, to enable them
to meet competition Of machine made
goods They were unable to come to
an amicable agreement with the local
union, and subsequently removed their
plant to Moundsville, where they have
since been operating. The Assembly
placed a boycott on the product Of the
Moundsville factory, but has not
pushed it very vigorously.
The report of the Arbitration Com
mittee. which was presented yesterday,
is very fair and reasonable review
of the case. The committee held a
conference with Mr.. Henry Seamon
Mr. Seamon stated that he had not
been fairly treated by the representa-
tives of Garfield Assembly, and blamed
that organization for the course which
he took He stated that his employees
make as much or more money per day
on machine goods, than the Wheeling
cigarmakers. He offered to unionize
his factory il the stogiemakers would
unionize the factories of his competi-
tors, in which event he is willing to
pay any price which may be agreed
upon. If he were permitted to work
at a $3.50 and 1915 rate, he would I'M
ionize his factory now. He could not
afford to pay greater wages than his
competitors.
The Arbitration Committee recon-
mended that the National Stogiemak
ers Union take action in the matter,
and if possible. adopt specific price
list for machine work.
The Arbitration Committee took the
view OF the case that, inasmuch as the
stogiemakers refuse to recognize the
machine product and have not fixed
union wage scale for the work, they
cannot substantiate the claim that Sea-
mon & Son are not paying full price.
The whole question narrows itself
down to a recognition, or refusal to
recognize, the machine made stogie.
The Assembly adopted the recon-
mendation of the Committee, after
short discussion.
The roll call by Secretary Salisbury
showed a fair attendance Of delegates.
John Schwendler presented credentials
as a delegate from Crescent Lodge
No. s. A. A. of l. & S. W., vice JOS. H.
Purcell. Delegate Fisher stated that
musicians union elected G. Kurner as
a delegate. Kurner did not present
credentials, but was admitted to seat
upon the floor.
A communication was read and filed,
stating that booklets will be sent here
for distribution, in connection with
the boycott on bicycles of certain fac
tories.
Mr.. S. Hartman presented several
books which were placed in the book
case. and a vote of thanks rendered.
w. c. Thomas was placed on the
Organization Committee, to succeed
Carl Seidler.
The irrepressible Mr.. Fischer arose
to refer to the Opera House band con-
troversy, but was promptly ruled out
OF order He took an appeal, but the
chair was unanimously sustained.
On account Of the food, Secretary
Salisbury will not send out absence
notices.
Adjourned