Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1899-09-28
HEARINGS RESUMED.
Industrial Commission Listens to
Testimony Of Eaton and Allen.
The RESTRICTION OF IMMIGRATION.
4 Coal Famine IL Likely 70 Strike the
Central West This Winter, According
to the Chicago Record Meat
Going Up In Chicago.


commission resumed its hearings yes
terday and Horace NJ. Eaton, general
secretary and treasurer of the Boot and
Shoe Workers Union Of America was
the witness. Speaking OF the condi-
tions among the boot and shoe laborers
he said work was plentiful but wages
were poor. Eleven years ago he would
be able to earn from SIS to S35 week
lasting shoes; now he could not earn
more than SIS. In explanation he said
that the reduction in earning capacity
in this branch of the trade was due to
the change in conditions. Competition
in the shoe trade was fierce and the
manufacturers were confronted with
the alternative of raising prices or low
ering the quality
Mr.. Eaton expressed the opinion that
alien labor had broken down wages in
New England, although in the shoe
business the proportion Of foreign born
workers is not over ID per cent. He
would feel more interested in restric.
tive legislation, he said, II he had any
confidence that immigration laws
would be enforced He was in favor Of
the Stone bill which provided for con-
sular inspection abroad. Mr., Eaton
thought the provision OF the constitu-
ton Of Massachusetts, requiring towns
TO support, maintain and employ those
unable to support themselves should
be enforced He opposed convict labor
made shoes.
William II. Allen, Of Brooklyn,
member Of the Knights OF Labor, testi-
fed that he had been instrumental in
the organization Of the protective la
Dor which favored restriction of i'm
migration. He favors restriction on
economic grounds. Most Of the aliens
underbid American labor and did not
assimilate with the people of this coun-
try. lie produced some figures to
show that foreigners returning home
or sending money bone took ont Of the
country Slls,O0O, 900 each year. The
Lodge bill was not severe enough. He
favored complete exclusion and II he
could have his way would even expel
s0me OF those who were here.
A COAL FAMINE THIS WINTER.
Chicago Sept. 2s.-The Record to-day
says: According to present indica-
tions, the central west this winter will
experience n coal famine, the like OF
which never before has been known in
this section OF the country. Prosperity,
1t is said, will be the primary cause of
the famine. Ordinarily at this season
Of the year the railroad companies, es.
pecially those whose lines connect the
east and the central west, derive their
greatest benefit from the transporta-
ton Of coal from the eastern fields OF
this section, but under the present con.
ditions they are unable to provide cars
for the hauling Of the fuel, owing to
the unprecedented handling Of other
and more profitable commodities At
present, when under ordinary circum
stances the winter supply of coal
would be in the market bins there is
comparatively little to be had on short
notice. The inability Of coal miners to
get their wares on the markets and the
general advance in freight rates will
serve to make the fuel much dearer
this winter than ever before, according
to coal yard operator.
MEAT GOING UP IN CHICAGO.
Chicago, Sept. - -Porterhouse, sir
loin and tenderloin steaks went up two
cents pound in Chicago yesterday
and rounds and other cuts advanced
from one to two cents. Choice steaks
ranged from 30 to % cents n pound, !
medium 10 to ~, and common y to Is
cents, The cause Of the last rise in
beef is the prices ruling for cattle on
the hoof at the stock Yards.