The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1901-08-02

Pittsburg Aug 2.-The situation in the
Amalgamated Steel strike this morning
is anything but favorable to an amicable
adjustment Of the dispute between the as
sociation and the United States Steel
corporation. AS far as can be learned,
President Shaffer of the Amalgamated has
not received a reply from the New York
officials of the company regarding fur
ther conference except the telegram
which it is said arrived last night and
which declined further discussion of the
questions at issue between the labor
leaders and the company. This telegram
gave the substance of letter which had
been mailed and which was expected to
arrive in the first mail there.
Only Two Ways.
The refusal Of the steel company off,
cials to enter into another conference, if
adhered to, leaves only two ways open
to the Amalgamated association. One is
to order the striking workmen back to
work under the best terms obtainable and
the other is to proceed with the strike in
the hope of involving all the union men
employed in the constituent concerns Of
the United States Steel corporation. The
first course certainly holds little promise
for the workmen, since the strike has
abrogated all the union scales in force
before the trouble started, leaving them
entirely at the mercy OF the manufacture
ers. The second course means struggle
to the death for the association, as the
announcement has been made on good au-
thority that the mills will be started next
week with nonunion men If the strikers
do not resume work.
Most Critical Period.
To-day's meeting of the executive board
is expected to tell the story and it is ac-
knowledged that this is the most critical
period of the strike. The board went
secretary of the labor bureau Of the Re-
public Iron and Steel company, and Jo-
seph Bishop, secretary of the Ohio board
of arbitration, were present. No infor-
nation was given out. but a statement is
anticipated later in the day. 1t is re-
mated association before proceeding with
the strike will be to bring every influence
to bear towards arranging for another
conference with the company officials.
rumor was current that the Amalga-
mated association at its executive board
meeting to-day will withdraw from po-
sition which was thought to be untenable
and sign an agreement with the combina-
tion. Prominent association men denied
this and declared that unless peace can
be secured with honor and credit to the
association, the strike will be continued.
Nothing can be learned from President
Shaffer or the leaders of the organiza-
tion on this matter however, as they say
whatever they have for the public will
be given out in the form of a statement
This statement may not be given out be-
fore adjournment this evening.
Will Grant the Combine Time.
1t is said that before general strike is
ordered the officers of the United States
Steel corporation will be fully informed
of the intention of the Amalgamated AS
sociation officials if more favorable terms
are not promptly presented for the con-
sideration of the board. A reasonable
time will then be given before the extreme
measures are resoEted to by the associa-
ton.
1t seems almost certain that If the re-
quest OF the Amalgamated Association for
another conference is refused, the strike
will be extended to all the plants con-
trolled by the big steel corporation where
the Amalgamated Association has foot
hold and that it will be the bitterest strug-
gle between capital and labor ever seen
in this country. In the big plants of the
Federal Steel company, the National Steel
company and the National Tube company,
all the organized men will be called out
and every effort made to close the mills.
"The Strike Is Too Young"
At Wellsville, Ohio, the feeling is grow
ing that there will not be an early settle
ment.
II do not believe there will be a settle
ment," asserted Organizer Harry Grifiths
to-day in discussing the situation at Pitts
burg. 1.-THE strike is too young
That statement, frank and open, reflects
the feelings of the great majority Of the
strikers.
The strikers are not relaxing one iota
of their vigilance. Every avenue of en-
trance to the town is being closely guard
ed. It is expected that an attempt may
be made Saturday to bring In men while
the strikers are pickntcking at Chester
Park They viii not be caught mapping
| here If this Is done. The strikers say the