New-York tribune., 1901-08-19
TO START UP STEEL MILLS
CORPORATION WILL MAKE Eff
FORTS TO RESUME WORK.
MUCH INTEREST IN ACTION OF SKILLED
MEN AT DUQUESNE AND
HOMESTEAD.
IBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE.l

rthe Duquesne and Homestead plants of the
tCarnegie company in immediate danger of join
.ng the strike has decided the local officers Of
the steel corporation on new action The air
of indifference has been cast aside, and to-mor-
row energetic and bona fde attempts Will he
made to start the idle plants in and about
Pittsburg. While the strike seemed not to be
spreading, and tagging at spots in the az
fected districts, the steel corporation officials
rested easy, in the expectation that the end
might not be far of
The events of the last week hOwever-the
closing Of the National Tube Companys several
rolling plants and tube works including the
ealvanizing departments; the strike of the men
at Joliet and Bay View, and similar action de-
cided upon at Duquesne, with the indications
favoring the same steps at Homestead-have put
the steel corporation on its mette. Beginning
tomorrow the strength of the corporation Will
not be consumed in rustng. as heretofore since
the strike began, but in breaking down the de-
fences erected by the strikers.
Preparations have been made for starting
work at most of the idle plants. The superin-
fendent of police has been asked 10 supply
sufficient force TO protect the Lindsay & Nc
Cutcheon plant. and Inspector Bradley. OF the
Third District, has his men posted at the Painter
mill The Clark mill is surrounded by special
police and needs no further protection. The tin
in the week work is to be resumed at all the
other plants in and outside the city. Where
the local authorities refuse or are unable 10
supply police protection TO the new workers and
the property the corporation will make up the
deficiency from the coal and iron police.
THE REAL BATTLE JUST OPENING.
The local officers and mill managers of the
mills on strike now admit that there has been
no serious attempt at running the plants since
the strike began, but that from this time for
ward there will be a continuous fight TO win in
the shortest possible time. The plan decided
upon is the easiest that could be devised. Crews
OF men win be taken from the several mills not
on strike and distributed through the idle mills.
The men secured will not be sufficient TO man
all the plants completely. but there viii be
enough 10 produce material In quantities ap-
preaching the normal tonnage. As all the new
men sent TO the idle plants are skilled and
perienced hands, there VIII be no losses from
broken machinery and damaged rolls which viii
make a big difference in the results usually Sc
cured in strikes. At the largest plants the most
men VIII start for new posts, and their places
viii be filed by promotions in the mills which
they leave.
The chief interest attaches now TO the skilled
men At Duquesne and Homestead The action
Of the Duquesne men in deciding to strike, with
out naming a time has caused more excitement
locally than any other event Of the strike to
date The first attempt Of the steel corporation
10 man its idle plants has stirred up the men at
Homestead, and trouble may follow there at
any time. James McKeag the roller the
thirty-five-inch mill at Homestead. With his
crew, was selected TO go 20 the Painter plant to-
morrow. McKeag was TO be assistant superin-
tendent and the were 10 have the best
positions, with promises OF promotions McKeag
On, Thomas Riley and two Others refused to
leave Homestead.
Their action was Immediately reported, and
all have been discharged. Their removal has
stirred up al the other men at Homestead and
there signs OF trouble in case they are not
reinstated.
The Carnegie Company has refused to listen TO
appeals IN the case, however and IL may force
the issue at the Homestead plant. as the
make the claim that they are entitled TO retain
their positions at the Homestead plant regard
less OF how badly the steel corporation needs
men at other points
EFFECT on MEN AT HOMESTEAD.
The decision Of the Duquesne men to strike
has had its effect the men at Homestead
and the McKeag incident has simply accentu-
ated the feeling. 1t is probable that with more
diplomatic action The Homestead workers might
be kept at work hut in the present state Of the
public feeling they seem to be moving along
with the enthusiasm Of strikers. The Home
stead plant is not well organized but the dis
charge Of the crew Of the 35-inch mill has lent
an excitement to Homestead that has not been
seen since 1892.
From what is known Of the conditions AT
Homestead il seems improba bic that there will
be a strike. unless the discharge Of this crew
and possibly similar incidents bring it, There is
apprehension at all points tonight. With the
police at all places where work is 10 be done
Tomorrow. and all the plants lighted up as 81
ready 10 start in earnest. the general air con-
tains a thrill even 10 onlookers The Painter
plant for the first tirne was lighted M com
pletely tonight and from an inspection seemed
likely either to perform considera HE yvorl, he
ginning Tomorrow or 10 achieve gigantic false
alarm. ~
The strikers as a whole live close to the
plant, ana men, women and children are watch
ing every move IN and about the mill The
police guards. however. strung along cars
on the street IN both directions as protection
while the plant backs against the Panhandle
Railroad tracks on the rear which affords an
excellent route over which the new men could
enter the mills without being even seen by the
strikers.
Governor Stone has placed himself on record
as stating that under no conditions gill the
strike be permitted 10 enter the Republican con-
that the strike would be made an issue 10 COM
pei the Republicans 20 state their position.
SOCIALISTS WOULD AID STRIKERS.
statement given out late last night by the
executive committee OF the New-York section OF
the Socialist party that It's national executive COM
mittee. whose headquarters al 81. Louis Mo.
hao issued appeal 20 the members Of the party
for aio for the striking steel workers. The Socialist
party was formed lately by the amslgamation OF