The evening times., 1899-11-29
War OF unions BITTER
No Cessation in the Fight Between
Masons and StOnecutterS.
The National Organization May BE
Called Upon to Settle the Matter.
Boycott Threatened Unless the
Trouble Is Adjusted-The Issue En-
pected TO Come to a Head Friday.

Relations between the members of the
local Bricklayers and Stonemasons'
Unions, and the Stonecutters' Union, are
20 badly strained that rumors of pro-
iected strike are in circulation. In ia it
is rumored that the strike was initiated
or precipitated by the brjcklayers ard
stonemasons on Monday, by their refusal
TO work with the local stonecutfers.
The trouble originated between the stone
cutters and the stonemasons, and the In
terest shown by the bricklayers is because
of their afiliation with the latter through
their national organization. Their action
in joining the stonemasons in their re-
fusal to work with the stonecutters is
entirely sympathetic. 1t is also said that
based on a resolution passed at a meeting
Of the Stonecutters some time ago, by
which 1t was declared unlawful for the
stonemasons to set any stone prepared for
laying by the local stonecutters.
Since trouble between these organiza-
tions has become imminent the mat
ter has been a subject of serious consid-
,ration by the Central Labor Union, the
Building Trades Council, and the local
Federation of Labor. central labor bodies
with which the unions referred to are al
tiliated.
VIII n Boycott Follow.
The stonecutters are represented by DEL
egates in the Building Trades Council and
the local Federation of Labor, and the
stonemasons and the bricklayers in the
Central Labor Union. The question which
presents itself therefore, is, VIII either
the Building Trades Council or the Central
Labor Union place a boycott against the
members of a union represented in either
of these central bodies? 1t is reported.
however that the Bricklayers' Union Will
take independent action, based on the laws
by which they are governed, through their
national organization, and make a night 10
a finish with the stonecutters. With this
purpose in view, it is said that the MEM
bers of the local Bricklayers' Union have
been notified Eot TO work with members OF
the Stonecutters' Union.
Orders to this effect, it is stated, were
Issued Monday. and two days were allowed
Tor the notification of the members. The
time limit will expire tomorrow, but that
being a holiday, ii is not known whether
The order will go into effect until Friday
morning.
Mr. NcHugh Predicts Strike.
James T. McHugh, for many years a
very prominent member of the Stonecut-
ters' Union. said today that he expected
that general strike will take place, be-
rause the Stonecutters do not intend to re-
rede a step from their position.
Last Friday night" said Mr.. McHugh.
"a delegation from the Masons attended
the meeting of the Building Trades Coun-
ell. and demanded that the Stonecut-
ters rescind a resolution adopted long
time ago. providing that the Stonecut-
tiers should set all the stone they cut
The reason alleged for this demand by the
Stonemasons and Bricklayers is because
the constitution of the Stonecutters pro-
vides that they shall cut all shoddies, in
cluding all broken ashlar, rock faced ash
lar, range or random ashlar in the rough,
lambs and corners, and lay the same. The
Stonecutters cannot permit such claim to
be enforced, for it is taking from them a
part of their trade.
The bricklayers and stonemasons said
at this meeting Friday night that they
would give the stonecutters until Monday
TO comply. and that if the stonecutters
then refused strike would be ordered.
When Monday came We refused to grant
the demands and the bricklayers took of
men from Mrs Townsend's house, the rail-
way offices at Thirteenth Street and the
Avenue, and the Hearst school-about a
dozen men in all. This, too, was done with
the knowledge of Milford Spohn, of the
Bricklayers' Union, notwithstanding that
Spohn declared Friday night at the Build
ing Trades Council that the bricklayers
were not on strike and would not go on
one.
1.-THE Bricklayers' Union in this city num-
bers over 1000 members, while the Stone
cutters have membership of about seven
ty-fve. Knowing their strength the brick
layers are trying TO force the unjust de-
mands of the stonemasons. They want to
get even for the defeat we gave them about
five years ago. Much Of the bitter feeling
that now exists has been brought about by
scab stonecutters employed at the Star"
building Curiously the bricklayers do not
object to work with these scabs. but they
are trying TO deprive union cutters of a
livelihood. j expect there will be strike. "
TELEPHONE GIRLS STRIKE.