Waterbury Democrat., 1901-05-22

The striking machinists were in hlgh glee last evening because of the glad tidings from New York that the craft had won the day in that city, all of the factories excepting two acceeding to their request for nine-hour work day with the other concomitants. But some expressed surprise that the Gar vim Machine Co, which to them ap- peared to be a progressive concern, was one of the two that did not yield. However. it was in their estimation a great step forward and they were ac- cordingly the happiest crowd of men to be found anywhere.
 Organizer Donahue returned from New ssayen on the o'clock train, and after receiving the congratulations of the men over the fortunes of the day, all gathered into the main hall and a meeting was held which was in session until after 10 o'clock. MT Donahue addfessed the men and from the echoes of the applause that greeted his re- marks he must have made to them a happy address. Men by the score passed into the room, but not one passed out until after 10 o'clock. MT Donahue presented himself about that time. He appeared to be in better humor than when he left the city at noon. still he looked as though he had had a hard afternoon. He was quite reticent, however. Between him and almost every man that passed out to go to his home a word or two about a future meeting was passed, indfcat- ing that while the organizer pretended 10 have nothing to say for publication, a great deal had transpired at the meeting that just closed.
 One of the many rumors that were afioat last evening was that the ma chinists of the Waterbury Manufac- turing Co had been granted the nine hour work day and all that goes with It. Another report was to the effect that this company had entered into special contracts with the machinists whereby the latter were To be em- ployed for four years at a rate not less than $2.50 a day. Each of these reports were of such an interesting na- ture, and having survived comment for the past few days, inquiry was made at the concern and it was found that both reports were utterly without any foundation whatever.
 All eyes seem to be directed toward the Scovill Manufacturing Co, and somehow, the feeling grows stronger every day that the special meeting of the directors of this concern to be held this evening or tomorrow, will settle
 
 the officials of the machinists. Among all circles this feeling pertains.
 The impression that the officials of the strikers would interfere with the employers to the extent even of direct ing the movements of the men after a settlement would be effected is be- coming weaker every day. The present standing of the manufacturers is not attributed to obstinacy or a determina- ti0n to fight to the last, but principally to lack of knowledge in handling such a condition. The apparent smoothness with which factory affairs have been conducted here is the cause of this dearth. of knowledge on the part of the manufacturers. In Dan- bury where big industrial dis turbance took place some time ago, the request of the machinists was acceded to with out any hesitation.
 A cure for the condition of affairs in the clock factory has been suggest ed. It is that the manufacturers hold a conference and by agreement that the price of their products be increased a percentage that they may decide upon, a way out of the difficulty is at once apparent. In any event, however, agreement or not between the manu- TnatnFnrl if 1S fho I,oI pay It is frequently the case that even in instances where an increase in the price of goods is not warranted the price goes up just the same. Take the price of coal for the next two sea- sons. 1t will, so the dealers say, so increase in price that 1t will be diff cult for some families to reach it at all. A dealer was asked the cause yesterday and he replied that the syn dfcafe had so ordered and that settled it. Here is an instance where increase in the price is not warranted.
 z A man of long acquaintance with trades unions said last night that if the manufacturers knew the real value a union of labor would be to them they would not discourage such organiza- fion- In New York, he said. one of the most prosperous organizations is the OEdSc AulcucIS- IL IS ueGtSSdfl to De a good mechanic before admittance to this society can be gained. And, when manufacturers need first-class hands they procure them through the agency of the Brass Finishers' union without any charge or bother. The union knows what factories are dull and what are not and at a minutes notice help can always be had.
 The Marine Engineers association is another organization of this character: so is the railroad engineers. All of these. instead of hampering or annoy ing the manufacturers or employers, assist them greatly.
 It transpired this afternoon that al the meeting held last evening 1t was voted to hasten the end by voting that the factory trades should turn out to their assistance by leaving their re-