Evening star., 1901-07-03
Drivers and Stablemen Make Demand
for More Wages.
BEER And ice FAMINE 4 POSSIBILITY
Employers Say They Will Not Ac-
cede to Demands.
MAY DISCHARGE STRIKERS

Washington went on a strike early this
morning. The total number Of men af-
fected comprises about the entire strength
of the brewery workers Of the city, so that
the establishments are seriously handi-
capped and there is every prospect that
Washington will experience a beer famine
for few days at least.
The bone of contention between the brew
ers and their employees is the wage ques
ton. The strikers demand an Increase in
various scales. The brewers say they are
determined to entirely ignore the demands
of their employees, and in view of the fact
that the strikers are equally as obstinate
there Is every prospect of a prolonged
struggle between the contending factions.
Incidental to the beer famine the citys
Ice supply is also liable to suffer a consid-
cradle depletion. In accordance with an
arrangement between the brewers and the
saloon keepers. which has been in effect for
several years, the former have been supply
ing the latter with all the ice necessary for
daily use in bar rooms. 1t is probable now,
however, that the saloon keepers to
great extent, will be obliged to rely upon
the various local ice companies for their
supply so that the general demand will be
greatly increased
succeeded In delivering beer to many of
their customers today, but it was found
impossible to fill all the regular orders
In the absence of the regular drivers the
managers of the breweries impressed
clerks. collectors and other Office en-
ployes of their establishments into service
as drivers of delivery wagons, but the
force available was not large enough to
meet the demand so that the trade suffer-
ed to a considerable extent. Some of the
saloons of the city today had no beer On
sale while others We're able to dispense
small quantities left over from yesterday
q h9rrOpmS however
were able to secure supply, shorter than
usual. but in many cases this was soon
exhausted
Demands of the Strikers.
The strikers have communicated their de-
mands to the brewers. These demands in
clude raises in wages and commissions
for three classes of workmen. They are
as follows: Regular drivers, an increase
from $50 to S23 a week; stablemen, an
increase from so to S12 week; stable
bosses, an increase from S13 to Sl5 a week.
To drivers. an increase of one cent per
box in the present commission of five cents
for every box of empty bottles collected
The % per cent increase for drivers Is
regarded as a large one but it Is claimed
by the strikers that every driver employed
is obliged to pay out of his own salary
the weekly wage of his helper upon the
wagon. This it is declared, amounts to
from 81 to So a week, SO that the drivers
in almost every instance only receive Sl3
net.
The drivers on strike belong to Beer
Drivers Union, No. 234, of the American
Federation of Labor, and the brewery
workers to No. l1S of the same organiza-
ton. The strike of the workers was taken
in accordance with orders received last
night from national headquarters at Gin
cinnati. It is understood the American
Of Labor will back the men to
the limit in their strike The strike proper
Is declared by the drivers and stable men.
The brewery workers have struck as a mat
ter of sympathy with members of those
branches Of the service.
The strike began this morning about 4
o clock, the hour when the employees usu
ally start work. Those who are participant
Ing did not put in an appearance at their
working places at that hour, and
the managers of the breweries were at first
at loss to understand why their hands did
not show up. Upon investigation it was
found that most of the men employed at
the following named breweries were abb
sent: National Capital Brewing Company,
Christian Heurich Brewing Company. the
Abner-Drury Brewing Company, the Con-
sumers' Brewing Company and the Wash
lngton Brewing Company The drivers at
the Washington Brewing Company did not
participate in the strike.
Strikers in Conference.
About 8 o'clock this morning the disaf-
fected men gathered at the Hotel Royal,
7th and N streets northwest, and held a
meeting to consider the subject of the tie
up. About $50 were present. Michael
Weissmuller, president Of Beer Drivers
Union, No. 234, called the meeting to order
The sessions were held behind closed doors,
and none of the proceedings was allowed
to be made public formally. 1t was learned,
however, that President Weissmueller ad-
dressed the meeting, explaining the cause
Of the strike. 1t was stated that the
brewers had upon seven or eight occasions
during the past year two been impor-
tuned to make the increase now demanded,
but they had declined to do 50. The opin-
lon was also expressed that If the employees
held out they would score a victory
over the employers. Several speeches were
delivered, expressing the justice Of the de-
mands made and predicting victory for the
all Of which were enthusiastically
No committee was appointed to wait
upon the employers, however, copy of
contract containing the demands of the
men having been communicated to the
brewers some time ago. The strikers gath
cred in groups about the hotel, discussing
the situation informally while awaiting a
reply.
In the meantime representatives of the
four breweries affected were holding a
meeting in the law offices of Mr.. Leon To-
briner, on Az streets near the city hall.
There were about a dozen gentlemen pres
ent at this meeting, which was called early
this morning, as soon as the strike was
for the purpose of considering
the situation.
Operators Make a Statement.
After lengthy consultation one Of the
present gave to Star re-
porter the following authoritative state
ment Of their side of the case which had
been prepared:
notwithstanding the fact that no en-
ploye Of the various local brewing COM
panies of this District reported for work
this morning, there was very little delay
occasioned in the brewing companies get
ting out their teams and supplying their
customers with the ordinary orders for
beer. The putting on Of new men was oo-
casioned by the calling out of all the brew
cry employees. About a month ago the va
rious brewing companies were informed
that beer drivers union had been formed
and were furnished with a copy Of con-
tract for their signature. Upon considera-
tion Of the contract the Brewers Union
adopted a greater portion of the same, but
certain notifications.
"This was met by an entirely new propo-
sition by the Drivers Union, and while
the brewing companies were considering
the new contract proposed the same was
Withdrawn by the Drivers Union and
still different contract proposed. The last
contract was taken up by the brewing