Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1903-11-04
Purpose is to Not Antaeonize But to
Work in Harmony With the Unions
Sympathetic Strikes, However,
Will be Opposed and Conservative
Plan Pursued.

of which David NJ Parry OF Indian
apolis is the head, the cardinal princi-
pie of the proposed association is joint
trade agreements with trade unions
when practicable. Cancellation. CO.
operation, and arbitration are the
watchwolds upon which the promoters
of this new association hope to build
up a system that Will establish indus
trial peace in the building trades, and
thereby promote confidence and re-
newed prosperity.
The call has been sanctioned by
twenty-four leading associations of
contractors in as many big cities. The
first meeting is to be held in Chica-
go Thursday, Dec. 10. The call for the
convention was issued yesterday by
E. NJ. Craig, secretary of the Building
Contractors council of Chicago.
While the Citizens Industrial Asso-
citation of America. launched last week
at the kimball hall meeting, takes un-
der its protection the nonunion work.
man and makes him eligible to Its
membership, the proposed National AS
ISOLATION of Building Contractors ex-
tends helping hand to the trade I'M
ionist In a letter which accompanies
the call it is clearly stated that the
promoters of the proposed associations
appreciate the fact that trade unions
have rights that are to be respected,
and 1t is asserted that the contractors
who hope to be q part of the national
body expect to treat with these UNI
ions.
Conditions Increase Interest.
The proposed organization is of es-f
pecial interest at this time on account
of the activity among the building
trades unions III an effort to centralize
the building trades into a gigantic in
dus.rial organization This movement
on the part of the contractors will place
in the field an association of employers
as wide in scope as that proposed by
the trade unionists.
In the letter accompanying the call
the present depression in the building
industry is in a measure credited to the
unusual activity of organized labor in
all branches of industry. Continuing,
the letter reads:
while more or less general in the
building line. the attitude of organized
labor in our manufacturing industries
has had a depressing effect upon the
building public, causing many build
ing operations to be either deferred or
abandoned. Proper steps should al
once be taken to inspire the confidence
OF the building public. and insure to
them the continuation Of work. We be-
lieve thSt only thru the medium of
strong national association can this
be accomplished. The fact alone of
having a national association will have
a salutary effect upon any body of men,
and before any attempt is made to dis
turb industrial conditions In the build
ing line in any part of the country they
will consider the matter more carefully
than If such an organization did not
exist
I'VE believe that the objects of the
organization should be:
ITO advance and protect the inter-
ests of the contractor.
ITO secure equitable treatment in
their dealings with their employees.
ITO encourage Organization and the
formation of associations of contrac-
tors.
ITO regulate conditions among build
ing contractors.
ITO devise means for the better adj
vance1nent of the interest of the con-
tractor.
'.We believe that the policy OF the
organization respecting its attitude
toward organized labor. should be:
ITO maintain peace and harmony
between the employer and the en-
ploye.
'gfhat the basis of the settlement of
as. Il l,a
arbitration.
That the sympathetic strike should
be absolutely prohibited.
That where conditions are proper
and employers associations exist,
agreements be made with them.
That uniform form of agreement
be adopted and used in making joint
agreements, wages being adjusted ac
cording TO local conditions.
No Restrictions in Machinery.
"That in all agreements embody the
following principles:
That there shall be no restriction OF
the use of machinery or tools.
That there SHALL be no restriction of
ahe use Of any manufactured material
except prison made.
That no person Shall have the right
to interfere with the workmen during
working hours.
That all worlamen are at liberty to
work for whomsoyer they see fit
That all employers are at liberty to
employ and discharge whomsoever they
see fit"
The call has been issued to central
organizations of Building Employers
associations. individual trade associa-
lions, builders exchanges and leagues.
all of which are invited to cooperate
and send delegates to this meeting.
Representation will be two delegates
for every association. Where central
associations exist. two delegates have
been allotted for each trade organiza.-
ton represented by such central body.
Where Call Is Signed.
The associa tons OF contractors that
have signed the call embrace the fol-
lowing cities: New York. P4ttsburg,
Pa. Cincinnati Ohio; Reading, Pa;
Minneapolis. Mimi, and st. Louis.
Among the cities. which have already
slgniAed their intention Of sending
delegates from their associations are
the following: PittSburg Pa; C1ncan-