The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1899-05-24
Clerks State Their Position.

Editor of The Tribune.
Sir: This mornings issue OF your pa
per contained a statement from w. f..
Smith to the effect that the action of mis-
former clerks in leaving his employment
was of an individual nature and in no
sense a combined protest against the
iniquitous conditions which were en-
forced against them. 1t is evident from
the tone of Mr.. Smiths statement that
he wishes to lead the public to believe
that 1t was necessary for him to compel
his employees to observe the principles
advocated by the American workman, q
shorter day for Il living wage He was
requested by a petition signed by the
help employed by him TO close his store
at p. m. Tuesday Wednesday, Thurs
day and Friday evenings of each week In
accordance with other stores. Mr.. Smith
said when the petition was submitted
that If il was for a 6 o'clock closing he
would dismiss every person who signed
it, However, Mr.. Smith agreed to dis
cuss the matter and if possible come TO
an understanding. After several days
deliberation Mr.. Smith informed his en-
ployes that ne would agree to close his
store on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thurs
day evenings at O'Clock, but that he
would have TO Law off one man to com
pete with other stores that closed at $50
y. IN. Should the stores business de-
crease $1,000 from the total for the month
of May he would have TO reduce their
wages 10 per cent, and if II decreased 500
from Mays business they would have to
suffer reduction Of 8 per cent. He alb
solutely refused to give his employees
any part or benefit of an increase If
business over May should such occur.
Mr.. Smiths concessions to the petition
had string attached to il in the nature
Of a provso which was that the door be
~ TUESDAY Wn1n ~.
and Thursday evenings and tho clerks
were to put up all orders after that
time. Mr.. Smith refused to concede an
early closing on Friday evening.
The clerks had made their demand af-
ter thorough discussion and under
standing of all the points involved. Mr..
Smiths concession 10 close the door at
=. m. would be of no benefit to the clerks.
1t was not the orders which came to
the store after that hour that compel
the clerks to work the long hours, it was
the orders taken during the day. When
refused an opportunity 10 place their
grievances before him for consideration
and met with a point blank refusal on
Mr.. Smiths part tn listen 10 what we
believe 10 be reasonable there was no
alternative for the clerks but to quit,
which we did and will remain antagonis-
tic to Mr.. Smiths cash store until he ac-
cords fair treatment 10 his en-
plOyes.
As an evidence Of the Justice OF our po-
siuon the Building Trades council Cen
tral Labor union and Car Builders asso-
citation adopted the following reso-
luton:
"Resolyed That we extend our sym
pathy and moral support to the
striking clerks of Smiths cash store
and that we use our influence to bring
about an amicable settlement of the diff
ficulties now pending and that we request
all members of labor unions to conduct
themselves accordingly
p. j. Murphy, president Car Builders
union; PURGE Purcell, recording secretary
| Car Builders union.
David Evans,
w. III. Walters,
Former Clerks of w. e. Smith.
Scranton, Pa, Nav 49,
Smoke The Pocono &C. Cigar. 70