The times., 1898-01-23
LABOR NOTES.

Tie members OF iOtdi vi SabiNcu NO.
irrespective or factionaI differences are
somewhat disturbed over the recent de-
reioprnents In the baking business, and
serious trouble is apprebended. From pres
ent appearances it is feared by the members
of the local organization of takers that
cut-rate bread war is pending; that re-
duction of wages will follow. and possibly
strike all along the line. AS matter
of fact, it is stated that one OF the lead
ing bakeries OF the city has already an
nouneed a reduction in the rate OF wages
OF its employees. Tie. reduction, il is said,
is made on account OF tte great increase
In the price OF flour since the present
rate OF pay was esta bIisiied- However true
this may be, il is feared by the jOurneylnen
bakers and confectioners tfat there will
be a horizontal cut ali along the line Tilsss
only anticipated in case OF a bread war
being started between the United states
Baking Company and other bread-ba king
interests OF the country. The United states
Baking Company, it is stated, has Tor q
long time been endeavoring to get foot
hold in Washington. In this il has failed
Recently however, il has, il is reported
gained holding in A Alexandra Va, where
Al mas established a business 1his- the
local bakers believe, means war between
the great bread trust and all others inter
ested in the baking business locally
Cheap bread viii be as gladly welcomed
by the nerubers OF organized labor as by
all others, but the conditions under which
il will come. they say. is anything but
encouraging. 1t will he cheap bread
without money to purchase it, and
that i'll he nearly a bad as no bread AT
all. The bread war. If inaugurs ted. the
labor men say, must necessarily result IN
a reduction OF wages There VIII also no
doubt be great reduction iB the price
of bread stuffs, but here the reduction nf
the necessities OF life VIII end. The cost
OF everything else W hich the working man
must purchase, such as wood. coal. clOt hing
and provisions, and even rents, viii retain
their present prices So il viii be seen that
where the rest OF the population OF the
cities would be benefited by bread war
the Iaioring man would be the only loser.
He would not only be compelled TO pay the
same price for the other necessities OF life, s
but would have less money to meet his
expenses. The bread war scare, however,
has had one good effect locally. 1t has
shown the members OF the baking trade
the necessity OF unity of action in all
matters concerning their craft. The force
of this was demonstrated in what may he
called a reconciliation OF the local differ
enees which RECENTLY existed between the
trict. For time, it viii be recalled. the
breach was 50 widened as to cause a disso-
Istion OF the Bakers Council, the local or
sanization OF represe Mt atives from all
unions and assemblies interested in the
baking trade-
The bread war, which win no doubt ne
ethereductionin wages. is however.
not the only difficulty which confronts
the local bakers and eonfectiOners. 1t
was stated some time ago that one Of the
large local bakeries had introduced i'm
proved machinery for the making OF bread.
This experiment has proved a practical
success, and the Iaboring men OF the Dis
.rict have reason to fear that improved
machinery viii be introduced into every
steam bakery in the city. The introduc-
tiOn of this ma chinery means La wing off
Of at least Gne-haIf OF the bakers now EN-
pIoyed at every bakery in the city where
Ii viii be used. No provision is made 10y
the baking companies for the eul-
ployment OF those who Will he laid off in
any other capacity wha tsoever. Under
circumstances, when only a few
Of the members Of any local labor organ
ization are without employment, these
few are supported out OF the general
fund of the unions to which they belong.
When, however. such a great number as
will necessarily be laid off by the intro
duction of improved machinery are to be
provided for it presents grave problem.
Tt is the Anticipation Of this condition OF
affairs which has been demanding the Sc
rious consideration, not only fthe members
1f the bakers craft, but Of organized labor
generally in the District.
So il viii ee seen that the condition which
confronts the members OF organized labor
in the District is serious; il means more
than a reduction Of wages; it means an
enforced idieness of perhaps more than one
lalf of the working force in each OF the
ocai bakeries. The subject is now being
considered by the local labor leaders, with
/ view OF presenting their side of the matter
10 the employing bakers OF the city. 1t
is extremely probable that conference
viii be arranged between the representa-
ives of all concerned. and that a satisfac-
,Ory agreement viii be reached.
In the meant irTle the leaders are keeping
4 close watch on all matters OF interest to
he Iaboring classes. In the way of IegiS-
alton the most important matter which is
fS
% the eight-hour law, which has been sug-
rested by the leaders in the national labor
Briefly, the amendment pro-
rides that the preparation OF all material
or Government use, no matter when the
work is done, shall be performed under the
PROVISIONS Of the eight hour law. II the
becomes Law it Will go long
ray to not only benefit workiaen gen
rally in all parts OF the country, but will
end to aIay troubles in labor circles as to
he conditions under which the menberS OF
rganiZed labor can vail themselves OF the
pportunity to seek employment on Gov
contracts
Conditions which will be provid ed gainSt
y this amendment recently occurred in
with the erection Of Federal
uildings in Chica 90. In this instance, il
vill be remembered, there was a sharp
between the stonecutters and
ranite-eutters of the country relating to
he prepa ratieR Of the material Co be used
the construction OF the buildings To
ring the work under the opera tion OF the
ight-hour la W, the eranite-cutterS of Chr
q go made a fight against the preparation
{ the material outside of the city. The
.one-cut tiers. on the other hand. contended
Bat il would make no difference where
ne work Of prepa ration was done. pro-