The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1899-09-29
THE STRIKE AT CRAMPS.
IT IS CAUSING SERIOUS DELAY WITH
FOREIGN CONTRACTS.
The Delivery of the Russian warships Held
Back-Contracts Given Here to Insure
Prompt Standardization Market Also

The Delivery of the Russian warshipa Hold
Back-Contracts Given Here to Insure
Prompt Completion-Iron Market Also
Causes Delay-No General Strike.
PHILADELPHIA. Sept. 2S.-Although the
Cramp Ship Building Company is protected
against monetary loss In its contracts with the
Russian Government for which IL Is building
two warships for delay caused by a strike OF
the employees of its yards. there 10 no doubt
that they are placed In an embarrassing posi-
ton by the detection OF their workmen.
It was learned to-day from goodnauthority
that the Cramps have been sounding the Rus
sian officers stationed here to learn just what
idea the Russian Government has OF q COM
pleted chip. II this idea is that a com pleted
ship is one fully equipped to put out to sea
they will be forcedto request an extension OF
time.
There was close comoetltion with the ship
builders OF England and France for the
contracts for the construction Of the Rus
sian vessels. but the Cramps secured the
work by convincing the Cars officials that
they could build the ships in one-half the time
required by the European builders. and as
their previous performances had shown them to
be able to accomplish such a feat. they secured
the contracts. The Russian Government had
serious intentions Of awarding the contracts to
French builders. both for business and senti
m ental reasons. but five years was the mini
mum time in which they could do the work
whereas the Cramps guaranteed to finish
the ships In less than three years
The prospect OF having this early addition to
tho navy In such short time. and the known
excellence OF the work done at the Cramps
yards decided the matter and the contracts
| came here.
Work on the vessels was progressing fairly
we'll the only back wardness being that due to
A. ptn. -
| deliver plates. which. OF course was a
and for which the company, could not be d.
6ff1s HSS sFs s
to tho great demand The ds s,P,as OF
es en- pIoysd ed by the firm and The
strike is what is causing the most serious EN-.
and although the firm VII not
| will in all probability have to ask for an extern
An instance OF the back wardness OF the work
tn! the com! co%ple'o n Of Of the RussIsn cruiser
should M5l have been launched several weeks az ).
but the date for her entrance into the waters
Tines aes and S"s sa"S time posi- and there
little prospect that she will be launched for
seveTa weeks The agHy on this gssf
Two weeks work on their part, It is said.
would put the vessel in condition to 60 into tho
unfinished. 50 that some inside work could be
completed. Back or these plates the anglo
no men at the yards who can do this necessary
| work.
prevent a general strike. To-day II was an
nounced that tho pay OF the carpenters had
| been increased from 81. 10 to 50 day. and
similar increases have been made in other de-
| partments.
The key to the situation. it is generally ad
mitted now. Is in tho handslof the boiler
makers. riveters. caukers. and trades allied
with them. They are ORGANIZING and are
and under tho advice OF conservative men. and
| will not strike unless they are sure that their
| action will force a settlement on the part OF the
| firm