Evening star., 1901-08-07
President Shafer Calls on Steel
Workers to Quit Work,
MANUFACTURERS NOT UNEASY
Next Saturday the Day Set for the
Walk Out.
1NCID NTS OF TODAY

dent Shaffer. the tension which kept every
body in suspense last week as to what
would be the outcome of the dilly-dallying
conferences and meetings has now been re-
hevcd. The suspense Is over, and. although
while the immediate effec: is deplorable,
those directly interested are not so much af-
fected the grayeness of their position
would warrant.
The text of President Shaffers call,
which was issued last night. follows:
Brethren: The officials of the United
States Steel Trust have refused to recog-
nize union men those who are now striv-
ing for the right to organize. The execu-
tive board has authorized me to issue call
upon all Amalgamated and other union men
in name and heart to join in the movement
to fight for labor's rights.
I'VE must fight or give up forever our
personal liberties.
You will be told that you have signed
contracts, but you never agreed to sur
render those contracts to the United States
Steel Corporation. Its officers think you
were sold to them just as the mills were,
contracts and all.
Obligation Before Contract.
"Remeber. before you agreed to any con-
tract you took an obligation to the Anal
help in this hour of need.
Unless the trouble is settled on or before
Saturday. August 10, 1901, the mills will
close when the last turn is made on that
day.
Brethren, this is the call to preserve our
organization. We trust you and need you.
Come and help US, and may right come to
just cause.
"Fraternally yours,
IT. ]. SHAFFER."
1t Is now generally accepted as fact that
the struggle is on ''for good''-as it were
and 1t will not be terminated until either
the one or the other of the contending par
ties is defeated. Who this will be is yet a
subject of speculation Still there are some,
endowed with more hopefuness than most
people, who express the opinion that the
order of President Shaffer will not go into
effect, and that compromise will be made
before the week is out
AS far as Pittsburg is concerned, although
it is the headquarters of the Amalgamated
Association, few men are Immediately in
volved in the strike in comparison with
other sections, the total number throughout
the country being almost 100000 men.
VIII Start Up the Mills.
There is no question that the various COM
pSliilSS VI the SEllCu States steer cOTpOTd-
ton will make efforts to start up some of
the idle plants Immediately, and thus pre-
vent the strike, if possible, before its incep-
ton. Such a move was made at Clark's
plant in this city this morning and con-
sternation reigned among the strikers in
the Lawrenceville district when they
learned that Capt. Louis T. Brown, general
superintendent OF the mill, had stolen a
march on them and started up the ten and
twelve-inch mills. A few of the strikers
were around the plant early, and when they
saw the two mills in operation they were
speechless with surprise and hurried away
to inform their companions. Soon many of
them were seen flocking to the works to
witness the sight for themselves, as they
could hardly believe their fellows. 1t was
true, nevertheless. The mills started at the
regular hour this morning with about 100
men and boys, and Capt. Brown says the
entire plant will be running before the end
of the week. When interviewed this morn
ing Capt. Brown said:
I'VE had no trouble whatever in getting
men. OF those that went to work this
morning, some are old men and some new
men. We have many applications on hand
and will send out word today to those to
whom We can give employment. just when
has been running steadily since the strike
began. the men operating this one refus-
ing to go out with the strikers. Every
thing is running along smoothly and we
expect no trouble whatever
Men Seeking Work.
About the entrance many men were
found who said they were seeking work.
In regard to the upper and lower union
mills Of thp Carnegie cd 1T
33d and 29th streets. Capt. Brown, who
has these mills also under his supervision,
said they were running along quietly and
he does not expect the men TO go out on
Saturday, when President Shaners order
goes into effect. He said the lower mil
was not organized by the Amalgamated
and at neither of the mills has there been
any Indication that the men would strike.
Everything Is very quiet around all the
mills. The strikers around Clark mill are
very orderly and say they will make no at
tempt TO get the men out that went to
work this morning, nor will they molest
them in any way.
A report was circulating in Lawranceville
this morning that two detectives were
watching for any trouble about tie Clark
mill, but it could not be verified.
At Painters mill the soutl. side, and
the Lindsay y-McCutcheon mill in Allegheny
everything was very quiet. Only a few
strikers were around to watch for any at
tempt to start the works.
At the Pennsylvania tube works, I'd ave-
nue., which, IL is said, will be affected by
the strike order, everything was running
along smoothly and the management said
there was not the least indication that the
men would strike. They have heard no
talk among the men and expect no trouble.
Manufacturers Not Alarmed.
The steel manufacturers generally do not
view the strike order with alarm. The
combine officials preserved the same reti-
cence shown from the beginning of the
trouble, but privately commented upon it,
refusing to be quoted. One prominent man.
ufacturer said that he was very sorry that
President Shaffer had taken the step. He
said that he felt sorry for the men, but
that he believed the strike would speedily
end and that at its conclusion there would
be no Amalgamated Association to worry
the manufacturers in the future He said
that there was no tension In the mills on
the part OF the company.
Another said 1t would be q fight to the