The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-03-28
WEAvERS
STRIKE OF
SYMPATHY
Operatives in Fltchhurg Mills
Of American Wooden Company
Left Their Looms Today.

Fitchburg, Mass. March 2s.-Thc entire
force OF weavers IN the Fitchburg wor-
sted mills and Beou mills OF the Ameri-
can Wooden company struck this morning
in sympathy with the Rhode Island en-
ployes OF the combine. The plants have
not yet been shut down.
The strike was decided upon last night
after many days spent in deliberatiou
and correspondence with tho union leaders
I'm Olneyville, who had been cndeavoring
for several weeks 10 extend the trouble
10 other centres whore there are mills
of the company.
In a measure the decision of the Fitch
burg weavers was surprise, as in tho
absence of grievances there II was
thought the weavers would steadfastly
adhere 70 their previous decisions and re-
main at work. thus being In position
to contribute 10 the support OF the weav-
ers who had struck earlier In the season.
The vote last night was not unanimous.
but all who attended the meeting agreed
TO abide by the decision of the majority.
A number of weavers who did not at
tend the meeting, will it is thought
stand with those who were foremost I'm
advocating a strike, for short time at
| least.
| Several Olneyville men had been i'm tho
| city at different times during the past
| two weeks, and I'm order to thoroughly
! satisfy themselves that conditions were
| as bad there as represented, the Fitch
burg employees dispatched committee 10
] Rhode Island. 1t was also decided TO sec
| the agent Of the local mills.
The committee which went to Rhode
Island reported last night, and following
! their statements, vote in favor or q
strike was put to the meeting and car-
| ried
The local agent was asked this week by
! a committee of weavers IL he could as
sure them that the obnoxious two loom
| system would not be introduced here. The
agent. II Is understood. informed his IN
terrogators that he had no authority TO
make promises as the affairs OF the AM
ercan Woolen company were directeo
from the head office In Boston.
This statement, while not unexpected
did not satisfy the weavers, who strongly
Influenced by the fight being made In
Rhode Island and elsewhere against the
company, decided to join issues In sym-
pathy.
Many Of the citizens regret that they
took the action they did, especially IN
view OF the fact that there mas seidon
vbeen friction in this city
The officials of the mills were greatly
surprised when informed OF the acuon
decided upon, as the relations petWeei
them and the weavers We're OF the mos'
cordial nature The agent OF one plan
been ordered, and the other agent wal
informed officially this morning. It be
came apparent at once that the cessauof
of work i'm the weaving department woult
paralyze that In other departments. 50
that although the employees of the otne'
rooms did not strike, there was little fol
them 10 do. IL is not known whether Al
attempt will be made TO engage new
hands or not but IL IL thought Dotr
! sides will await deveopments for time
The Fitchburg and BeoL mihs were TOT
, merly owned by James Phillips. Jr., Wns
when the American company became tu'
possessor was made a director OF the con
cern. The Beoi mills employ - r.ss
; | ers and a total OF zoo persons. The Fitcn
: burg worsted mills have on tneir pa, pr,
, rolls about go hands of whom lS arr
Roth nIants were started az usual thi
Z | morning, with all hands In their places
/ | When the hour of o'clock arrived vi
| entire force of weavers in each leIt tnSi
looms. The strikers were Joined by IN
| loom fxers. The other departments nav
some work ON hand. but as this Is Krad
mills mills will be closed by degrees, unless
, settlement is reached or new hands en-
{ gagged: About half , Of me worh'nx nx,ecte ecte
! | that the strikers will arrange TO hol
! meetings and receive reports on develop
i ments and in the situation at large.
y sARANAC wEAvERs QUIT
blackstone Mass. March 2s.--The weav
= ers i'm the Saranac mill, who voted yes
q terday To hold "A meeting this morning {
decide whether they should return I
4 work. decided to remain out after hearin
o | OF the decision OF the weavers In tn
v Fitchburg (Mass.) and Beoh mills TO q
| out on strike.
The majority of the weavers. about 15'
). | declared for strike yesterday. and whe
q they stopped work the minority. 81, lei
with them. but were undecided as 10 re
n ! naming out.
Museum 0f Bnrated Boilers.