Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1898-02-04
A SERIOUS SPLIT
Between New Bedford Union
lists and NOn-Unionists.
Stampede to the Mills May Be Ex-
pected at Any Day.
The Situation at Other PLACES Remains lust
About III, SAM.

New Bedford Mass. Feb 3.-Thc
principal talk of the day here on the
strike situation. is the difference that
has arisen between the union and the
union operatives. This difference
promises to end in open rupture and AS
many cases Of restitution are actually
union operatives would take the first
chance TO make break from the strik-
ers and return to work. The with
these nom union, claim that the money
collected outside the union, has been
paid to union operatives to the exclu-
sion OF the non union help.
Such a feeling has been created
among the non-union strikers that a
meeting was called for this afternoon
at > O'Clock, at the north end strikers
Headquarters. This news was given
broad circulation. AT the headquarters
in Dayton's hall this morning, non
union striker mounted the platform to
make the announcement of the meet
ing. He talked but moment, when
Sorle of the crowd set upon him.
dragged him from the platform and
put him out of the building There
was no sympathy for any man or
woman in that gathering for any per
son who desired to return to work
Under these circumstances. even the
men who had threatened to advise the
non-unipnists to vote Ia return to work
unless the unions promised them aid.
were not present ut the appointed time.
tins afternoon, to call meeting. but the
di$afectinn had become sufficiently wide
spread to cause II feeling of uncaSness.
and fears are expressed that unless some
measure is taken right away the nom
unioniStS Will make trouble which may
cause Il stampede TO the mills. The nom
union help have become impressed with
the idea that they are not receiving fair
play. and this has resulted in a move
ment to depose Secretary Matthew Hart
from his position in the Viewers Union
They claim that Mr.. Hart has been com
blamed Of as not using the best judgment
in the conduct of the strike
This charge of the iion-unon operatives
about not receiving proper aid has caused
an unusual amount of bitterness, among
the union men and women in charge Of
the collections. They are inclined to look
upon this talk as very abusive. and many
of the most prominent labor men are in
clincd to urge the strike council to drop
the whole enterprise and let the non
unionsts assume the task for themselves.
Others argue that 1t is better to help
those who cannot help themselves and
that the only way to make Il success Of
the strike is to care for the whole body
of operatives. They say that the dissat-
isfaction among the non-union weavcrs is
not likely to cause any serious disturb
ance of the programme as laid out BY
the leaders Of the strike. since the mill
treasurers would not think of opening the
gates until after some communication
had been received by the unions To
open the gates without even an effort at
settlement. would create serious conflicts
among the help which the mill treas
urers would not care to see.
Mrs. Pickering, The strike leader. held
q meeting IN city hail, this afternoon. In
spite OF the protests of the unions. The
meeting was crowded and Mrs. Pickering
expressed her contempt at the manner
in which the labor leaders were conduct
ing the whole affair
Mrs Harriet A. Pickering. the weaver
labor leader held her mass meeting in
CITY haL. this afternoon. without the
slightest mOlcstation The audience num-
pered about 80 persons, good share of
whom Were women. ]. H Cook treas
Ircr and organizer OF the Abraham Lin
coin Liberty League. presided and COL
mas. g. Baylor. its president. was one
Of the speakers.
Mrs Pickering presented a resolution
1r rather agreement on the fines issue
10 be adopted by the organized wcavers
and manufacturers. under which the
WcaNers should return 10 work and the
lining system to be discontinued and =,
Uniform schedule Of weavers prices
tdopted by all the mills In this city. No
action was taken on the resolution. 1t
Was moved that a committee be appoint
ri - wait on the manufacturers to see'if
'ome adjustment cannot be made
wrangle cnsued as to whether the
'nmmittee should be composed Of union
members and the motion was finally lost
motion to endorse the national eight
lour day was carried. During the meet
ny Mrs. Pickering declared that Mat
hew Hart. secretary Of the wcavers, was
eadine The operatives into a ditch.
I nc Idle hours movement to provide
ecreatipn for the strikers and keep Chem
M Of bar rooms. was inaugurated, to-
iisht. ana proved a great success.