The daily journal. (Salem, Or.) 1899-1903, 1901-09-12
FRISCO
STRIKE
Intelligent Review, of the
Situation by an Eye Wit
ness and Participant.
What Organizer J. D. Pierce
of the Federation of Labor
Knows About il.

Regarding the Dan franClsco etflkoi
MIR. Pierce general organizer Of the
Federation Of Labor, who has spent
four months there, but lie now in Ore
gon, says he could tell volumes. He
knows and understands the situation
Thorougly from every point Of view
OF course, in discussing the matter,
his convictions crop out strongly for
the laboring side.
The fight now on in San Francisco is
one Of the most interesting ever saw
or heard of," said Mr.. Pierce today,
land l have been actively engaged in
furthering the cause OF labor for more
than 20 years. The fight is Of a most
peculiar nature. Employers and their
sympathizers. apparently arrayed on
one side, while opposite, stands the
forces Of $1,000 wage earners. There is
no mistake about the line drawn be-
tween the two powers. 1t is most dis
tinct.
"The Employers Association, against
which the fight is principally directed,
is secret organization, but we know
pretty nearly it's strength, although this
information has been kept in the dark
as much as possible. Jobbing- houses,
Wholesale firms and iron manufacturers
are the three principal elements in the
organization to eradicate the pFogress OF
unionism. Some OF the members have
money to throw away in fighting what
they concede TO be right, but there are
those, too, who frankly admit that they
cannot we'll afford the severe drain.
"a member OF the association stopped
me the other day on the street, saying,
when are you going to stop2' | said,
ITS up.to you. We have tried to meet
you, hut Without avail Unhesitatingly
he then told nae that they then had not
foot Of ground to stand on. But
continued he, we have got money, ifnot
justice. II we are able to starve you out
we shall win. II not, then you will win.
There you are, that is the fRht.'
"The strike Is progressing iavorably,
and lie by no means being given up by
the strikers. Out Of 10000 men that
went out In sympathy, do not believe
that more than % have suffered from
cold feet. Financial assistance is coming
in in quicker succession and in larger
quantities as the fght drAGs on, and
there is no suffering from want Of iands.
The international Unions and the A.F.
l.. are making weekly remittance now,
and regular trading posts have been es
tablished, making IL possible TO handle
supplies at the least possible cost And,
again, the fact that onr men know that
they are right makes them willing to |
sacrifice anything they can.
"Indications are that the trouble will
soon begin to work towards a close.
Conferences are being held now, and
this 10 an encouraging feature, for out
OF these conferences may be expected
the final adjustment Of the difficulties.
Many merchants acknowledge being
sick aud tired Of the trouble, and II a
soft spot can be found they are ready
and willing TO drop into ii.
"Notwithstanding the large number
Of idle men. everybody will acknowledge
that San Francisco u as free from dis
turbances rs under normal conditions.
In fact, great credit reflects upon the
unions for thus peacefully handling the
hght. shipping continues badly Grip
pied. Occasionally steamer gets away,
but that amounts 10 but a drop in the
bucket. According 10 estimates OF the
Association, 10 per cent Of
shipping is being done. While We
believe even this low figure is stretched,
We are willing 10 let il stand at that.
they figure that 80 per centoi the gener-
Il business is being transacted, but
admit that Il is not at all satisfactory.
AS far as the identity OF the En-
oloyers' Association is concerned, the
'ank and file have nothing to say regard
ng the transaction OF ito affairs. This
. all left with the executive committee.
al firmly believe that q settlement
hould be In sight within another week
" 10 days. The entire city wants a set :
lsment. We are ready 10 settle at any
ime on modest terms and with honor.
The Employers Association has dis
'layed signs Of loosening up by permit ,
ing the dairymen TO negotiate With
heir teamsters. Ninety-nine per cent
1 the draymen have stated that they
re willingto settle. z
"Noi il 10 not our desire 10 carry the 5
ght further on the Coast. We are not ,
rganized 10 create troubles We are !
1oking for peace. San Francisco, Oak
md and Port Costa are the only cities
irectly affected.
"Yea, II il true that tons upon tons Of
roduee goto uaste because Of the strike. .
ut the curse for this will not fall upon !
ne lab0ring men. This will clearly
stablish by citing a case sufficiently
ear 10 attach the blame where II be-
'ngs.
"a conference Was held some weeks A
90 At which were present represents
yes Of retail and wholesale merchants
nd the Employers Association. A rep.
Of California grain men was l
isTe 10 plead for the wheat in the state.
10 asked the representatives Of the Em-
lOyeTs' Association 10 confer with the