New-York tribune., 1901-07-16

wing Of the association. He looked for general
response to his strike order the have
been awaiting just such a command since July l.
He declared that the men were prepared to
fight II out the original lines until dooms-
day."
In certain quarters quiet interest is mani
Tested In the effect the strike may have upon
the Carnegie industries especially the steel mills
at Homestead. These mills are generally sup
posed to be union. But the same was
thought of other mills. until they suddenly
popped out as pretty we'll unonized. There
have been recent visits of Amalgamated officials
to Homestead that at this time somewhat
suggestive. Many hint has been thrown out by
Amalgamated within the last few days
that when the association felt the need of show
ing its strength the steel combination men would
be amazed Aside from any interest the Anal
gamated people may have in Homestead, 1t may
be possible that the American Federation OF
Labor has intrenched itself there. OF course
there may be nothing in this talk. but OF
talk there certainly is more than little.
INTERESTS WHICH MAY SUFFER
Should the strike be prolonged many interests
would be sure to suffer. The strikers could
probably take good of themselves. Work is
plenty all sides. and besides the Amalgamated
Association has strike fund In bank which is
said to amount to between 100000 and $780,
Inc rdllTOdOS WOulO De the greatest SulIeIeIS,
as long strike would greatly decrease the
shipment of mill products. Building contractors
and others using iron and steel would also
come In for much loss. 1t is possible that
building operations might be seriously ham,
pered. The demand for coke and coal would
fall off. The possibilities Of the strike are start
ling.
At the headquarters OF the Amalgamated AS
sociation to-day 1t was said that the situation
was satisfactory. President Shaffer took per-
sonal charge of the strike campaign to-day.
The executive committee Of the Amalgamated
Association has placed the fight entirely in his
hands and he has been directed to plan his
campaign he thinks best.
He had this statement to make:
"AlI of our men out. and the condition
for which have been preparing these three
years and more. and against which we have
repeatedly warned the manufacturers. now con-
fronts the latter. The gratifying unanimity
with which our men assented to the strike
order is a vigorous and sufficient refutation of
the statements OF interested persons on the
other side of this controversy that the strike
is one of the officials of the Amalgamated AS
sociation, and not of the men. As showing
that the iron, steel and tin workers appreciate
the gravity of the present situation and the
imperative duty devolving upon them, there
some works that could not reach Satur-
day night In promulgating the strike order. and
yesterday and this morning we have been in
receipt of indignant protests from these lodges
inquiring why they were not ordered out. They
out now; in fact all our men are out, and
the works Of the three underlying companies
of the United States Steel Corporation are tied
up tight estate in an English chancery
court. And they will remain until the COM
panes concede the just demands of our men"
REASONS FOR THE STRIKE
Secretary Treasurer John Williams, of the
Amalgamated Association. says the action of
the men all over the country could not have
been more general. Continuing, he said:
In an interview in this mornings papers Mr..
Arms is reported saying that the manufact-
urers insisted on protecting the non-union men
in the non-union plants, many of whom do not
want TO become union men. 1 hardly think
that Mr.. Arms would make statement of this
kind, as his past record has always been one
of fair dealing with the Amalgamated Associa-
ton. No one knows better than Mr.. Arms him
self that If the barriers were torn down from
the non-nnion mills We could organize them all
inside of two days
This has been demonstrated by the voluntary
closing Of all plants OF the Americaa Steel Hoop
Company. The only reason that the manu-
facturers gave that the previous conditions
should exist was that they We're afraid the
Amalgamated Association would attain too
great a power. and 1t was necessary that they
themselves hold the balance of power.
THE manufacturers are refusing us the right
that they exercised themselves in forming the
combination. They used force in in
stances, it is believed. in securing some of the
plants now in their company. We do not pro-
pose to coerce men into Joining our organization,
but merely ask for recognition. and / am GER
tain the men now at work in non-union mills
will voluntarily and gladly join associa-
ton"