The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1901-09-26
SHAFFER EXPLAINS
Head Of Amalgamated Associa'
tion Tells Why Strike Failed.
A HOT ROAST FOR GOMPERS
American Federation OF Labor, Do
clares Shaffer, Refused to Donate
One Cent to Support
the Strike.

A Pittsburg special says: The AS
sociated Press has secured an advance
copy of the statement by President
Shaffer, Of the Amalgamated associa-
ton, giving a history of the late Iron,
steel and tin workers strike from It's
inception, and the terms Of its settle
ment. The circular will be mailed to
all departments at once. In part, the
circular is as follows:
1--WE we're in fairly good condition
to win without help, but looked for
aid from other labor bodies, some OF
which were pledged, and to the gen.
eral public, but especially relied upon
the American Federation Of Labor,
with which body we have been afilla-
ted ever since its inception and toward
whose support we have never failed 10
contribute.
Our strike advanced and we were
confident of winning until the neWsp%
pers deliberately and maliciously pub
Nshed statements which were replete
with lies. Our people began to doubt
and upbraid; some, who had been Of
ficials. deserted us, and afterwards,
like ]. D. Hickey, Of Milwaukee, &C.
cepted the terms of the trust ano scas-
bed. Hundreds who dared not sleep
at home. went to other places, and in
nearly every mill the trust tried to run
were many Amalgamated association
men from striking mills. We knew our
cause would be lost, but proceeded,
feeling sure We could win If support
could be secured for the faithful strik-
ers. The American Federation gave
us not one cent. The report that finan
cial support came from the national
lodge of the mine workers is absolute
" false-we received nothing.
"Perceiving that lack Of money, loss
of public approval, desertion by hun
dreds of our own people and neglect
by other organizations would render
it impossible to gain decisive victory,
we endeavored to save what we could.
I arranged for Mr.. Gompers, OF the
American Federation of Labor, to meet
Mr.. Morgan to effect settlement. Mr..
Morgan gave up his vacation. went to
New York and waited for Mr.. Com
pers, who failed to appear, nor has not
since explained why he neglected our
interests. We were called upon at the
national office by John Mitchell, Of the
United Mine Workers.; Mr.. Easley, OF
the civic federation; Mr.. Henry White,
of the garment workers, and Profess
sor jerks, of the Cornell university.
These gentlemen inquired carefully
into our strike, and Mr.. Mitchell stat
ed that If we would present PROPOSE
ton which he outlined, he would de-
mand acceptance by the trust or call
out the miners, and he said he felt
sure Mr.. Sargent would call out the
trainmen to strike also. We sent the
proposition to the members Of the ex-
ecutive board, which voted Ia favor
Of the proposition. This proposition
was rejected"
Then President Shaffer says he walt
cd for the coal miners and railroad
men to be called out. But they were
not, and President Shaffer settled the
strike on September IA on the best
terms he could get, which were in
substance as follows:
The scale shall be the price agreed
upon at Cleveland and found in the
scale book.
The company reserves the right to
discharge any employee who shall, by
interference or abuse, constrain to pre-
vent another peaceably following his
avocation without reference to connec-
ton with labor organizations.
Non-union mills shall be represented
as such-no attempts made to organ
he, no charters granted; old charters
retained by men if they desire.
Individual agreements shall be made
for mills of improved character until
they are developed, when scales shall
be made to govern.
Agreed that the company shall not
hold prejudice against employees by
reason of their membership with the
Amalgamated association.
This agreement to remain in force
three years from July 1, 1901, but ter
minable at ninety days notice from
either party on or after October 1,
1902.
Mr. Shatfer closes by saying he Is
willing to resign II the members think
he is inefficient and incapable.