Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-03-11
APPEAL TO THE COURT
OUTCOME OF TROUBLE BETWEEN
TWO LABOR BODIES.
Expanded Metal Company Seeks an
Injunction Against August +.
-.
Getx and Others.

As an outcome OF the existing controversy
between the American Federation Of Labor
and the Knights of Labor, the Southern
Expanded Metal Company this afternoon
instituted proceedings in equity for injunc-
don In the Supreme Court of the District
Of Columbia against August F. Getz, Henry
F. Getz and Robert Portner
It is explained that August F. Getz and
Henry F. Getz are building contractors,
and that October II last the Southern Ex-
banded Metal Company made contract
with them to furnish certain material and
to do certain work upon the third addition
to the Portner apartment house. owned by
Robert Portner
The specifications forming a part OF the
contract, called for the doing OF all work
upon the addition to the Portner by local
union labor" The complainant says that
Its work was stopped March by the firm
the work had been and was being perform
ed by "local union labor" the workmen
employed were not in afiliation with the
American Federation Of Labor, and were
therefore Objectionable to Mr.. Portner, who
declined to permit them to continue work
upon his building.
Metal company's Contention.
The Southern Expanded Metal Company
contends that 1t did not contract for use
than 'local union labor" It's worixmen, it
says, are AFFILIATED with the knights of
Labor. but not with the American Fedora
ton Of Labor. Further. the complainant
sets forth that II the American Federation
OF Labor shall succeed In establishing its
claim to prevent other local union labor
from working on buildings wherein
members OF the Knights of Labor.
are employed, and to declare and publish
as unfair to union labor" such owners,
superintendent OF construction and con-
tractors as may employ or permit the en-
ployment Of members OF the American Fed
Grafton OF Labor, the complainant, SO II
maintains. will be stopped from the further
execution Of many large contracts under
way and barred from receiving, obtaining or
competing for future contracts with con-
sequences absolutely ruinous to the COM
plainant, land to the good and lawful citi
gems and faithful workmen dependent upon
their right and opportunity to properly pur-
sue their calling for the means Of support
for themselves and their families"
The complainant expresses the belief that
Mr.. Portner has no objection whatever to
the work or workmen of the complainant
other than that he regards and admits him
Labor to permit no other kind Of local
union labor to be employed In any building
work under his control than such as may
be in afiliation with the Federation.
Restraining Order Wanted.
The court Is asked to issue restraining
order to prevent the defendants from fur
Their interference with the complainant and
its workmen, belonging to local union la
Dor, in ana about the execution Of the
Portner contract
Attorneys w. NICK. Clayton and Charles
F. Benjamin. represent the complainant,
while Attorney Alexander H. Bell will APP
pear for the defendants.
When the matter was called to the atten-
ton Of Justice Hagner, in Equity Court No.
l. late this afternoon, the court, without
going into the merits Of the question at is
sue, declined to sign temporary restrain
ing order, owing to an error in the form OF
the bill. Counsel was given permission to
withdraw the same in order to amend 1t.