Waterbury Democrat., 1901-05-29
NO BACKING DOWN
Federation of Labor Will Stand
 By Rule Seven.
VICTORY ON THOSE LINES

What They Expect-organizer Don ahue Regrets That Members Not Au-
 thorized Are Trying to Settle Strike
 on Behalf of Machinists-Turners
 Laid Of at Clock Factory-Ingerson
 Watch Tools Are Badly in Need of
 Repair.
 The State Federation of Labor have decided to leave unchanged section seven of the proposal which the Inter national Association of Machlnists have left with all the manufacturers in the country, and which many of them claim is the obstacle to their signing it on account of its strong and clear meaning favorable to the ma chinists. The local body of striking machinists, when informed last even ing of the action of the State Ferera- ton as above told. literally threw their hats in the air. They all expressed the greatest pleasure and said the clause or section in question if changed or moderated would deprive the men of all protection and the federation without substantially any foundation. Thus it appears that while everybody is hoping and anxious that the strike may be declared off to the satisfaction of all every day, the complications eem to gather and cloud the prospect with Instructions.
 It is evident, nevertheless, that the nachinists are fully acquainted with every step taken and the impending consequences. Last evening when State Organizer Donahue appeared among them he was received with eh, thusiasm- MT Donahue had passed the day between the legislature, of which body he is a member, and meeting of the State Federation of Labor and labor leaders of the state Yes. MT DOnahue was received WlIn an enthusiasm which showed clearly the trust the men have in him. One would imagine he had been away on long tour. Practically there was no change in the local situation up to noon today. Outside the state the prospect is clearing. while within it appears to begrowing dark. MT Donahue was asked if he had an opinion to state on the reported organization of the manufac- turers of the state. He replied that while. of course he had an opinion, 1t would not do for him to state it, be- cause then it might be said that he was really interfering with the business of the manufacturers. 1t is becoming more evident every day that the main battle of the strike in-this state will be fought out in this city. Every where the manufacturers are taking some action, encouraging or otherwise, whereas locally the manufacturers ap- peared to be dazed or wrapped in apa- thy.
 This apparent condition is attributed to the absence of labor interruptions here in the past and the attendant lack of Knowledge on the part of the manu- lecturers to handle the causes of the present condition. It is at once evi- dent that they are not aware of the power they are contending against It is impossible for them to win without making concessions and have their fac tories be as productive as they have been If they Starye out the men, as has been intimated at a meeting of the manufacturers held in Hartford, they will have to depend upon lot of men who are not in sympathy with them any longer; who while taking their funds every pay day upon the pretense of having honestly earned it, will in 
 without any return.
 This is what the men say, and they are full of what appears to be reason able argument for their side of the question. They say that if the manu- facturer can afford to close his factory they can afford to lose their days wages; the loss is as much felt upon one side as the other. If the manu- facturers would only mingle with the for nd fCtn n hnif conversation and arguments. they would at once assist in bringing the strike to a speedy close.
 In Hartford the clergymen and laity have interested themselves in the mat ter. President Sullivan of the Central Labor union, the Rev w. J. Shanley of St Joseph's cathedral and the Rev Frank Dixon of the First Baptist church have approached the manufac- turers with view to bringing about a conference with the striking machin- ists. and favorable answer is hourly expected.
 In this city, Organizer Donahue states. Is a man who has gone among the manufacturers and made repre- sentations to them which he was not privileged to make. They were miS- leading and productive of nothing but explanations, which, had he minded
 
 made necessary. MT Donahue is au- thority for the statement that no one is authorized to negotiate for the ma chinists except the committee of each factory and himself Any one else who attempts anything in this respect is a sower of more trouble than now exists. He has already misled some manufacturers, raised false hopes either wilfully or mistakenly, but at all events he is not to be considered a party to the contention. MT Donahue will gladly speak to any one on the matter, provided he can assist in ad justing affairs. In fact, he has al- ready done so, sometimes at the sug- gesticn of the other party, sometimes upon recommendation or invitation of persons. but no one is entitled to dis cuss the matter with any employer in his name.
 Almost all of the factories closed to- day. They will remain closed until Friday. At the clock factory the tool makers and the few machinists who did not quit with the association men, will remain at work. It is said by the men working in all the departments that the tools used in the construction of fha .an-QaIIod TnCprSO1I watch need