The representative., 1901-05-23
LoCALSTATUS
Minneapolis machInIsts Who are
Striking Quietly Await
ing Results.

A Twentieth century strike Is evidently .
different proposition from what 1t was In
years past.
This is demonstrated by the action of
the machinists of Minneapolis and of the
concessions from their employers in the
matter of an increase in wages and q
shortening of the hours of labor.
So far as actual observation is concerned
but few people in Minneapolis are aware
that strike is in progress Absolute quiet
and orderly conduct marks the actions Of
the men who have abandoned their positions
In order to try and compel the granting OF
the concession they believe are due them.
NO CANCELLATION.
A visit to the headquarters Of the local
organization at Alexander's hall developed
the fact that there was nothing new so far
as conciliaticn was concerned.
On the desk of Secretary Whips five
signed agreements prepared by the union
were lying. He was willing they should be
looked at, only at the same time making
the request that in all fairness the names
of the employers who had consented should
not be published. Those who have signed
the agreements In question employ but a
small percentage Of the men who follow the
machinlsts' trade in the city.
Secrecy Is not maintained In the present
strike by the men who have been called out.
They are desirous that their true position
should be made public.
They are acting without the strife, heated
discussions and sometimes overt acts that
characterized the disputes between employer
and employe in the days gone by.
So far as Minneapolis is concerned this
strike is business proposition only For
months past the machinists Of the city have
been acting In concert with members OF
their trade throughout the country in regard
to certain interests they desired to protect.
Their employers have been cognizant of the
matter.
Finally it was decided to strike. No other
trades have been asked to assist. There ap-
pears to be no desire on the part of the
manufacturers' association or the members
OF the local machinists' union to precipi-
tate any serious conflict Both organiza-
tions believe they are right.
Each will endeavor to maintain its posi-
ton. but at the same time without conflict
or serious outbreaks.
WAITING FOR OUTSIDERS.
1t transpires that Minneapolis so far az
a settlement of the difficulty is concerned,
may have to await the action of the en-
plOyers Of machinists In Chicago and Mil
waukee. These cities in this respect appear
to control the Northwest. The strikers ad-
NIT this. The employers are silent. Yet
1t can be taken for granted that II Frazer
& Chalmers, Chicago, and E. P. Allis, Mil
waukee, agree to the proposition submitted
by the machinists the strike SO far as re-
CARDS this section of the country will be
settled.
1t Is possible that concessions on both
sides will result in an amicable adjustment
Of the difficulty. That sentiment was not
apparent in other struggles Of like char
acter.
Although the machinists' strike has SO far
confined itself to only the local lodge of
the International Association Of Machinists,
there is every reason to believe that they
will have as much direct and indirect as
sistance as can be rendered by the other
ama]gamated trades.
special meeting Of the International
Union Of Steam Engineers Local No. "a last
evening it was formally decided to patronize
only the shops which have signed the agree
ment.
The following resolution in favor of the
machinists was drawn up: