The sun., 1903-08-20
PRESIDENTS LABOR INQUIRY.
uOW THE UNIONS TRY TO EN-
CLyDE NON-LNTON MEN.
Attempts TO Cause Discharge OF Nom
Union Men by Complaints to Make
Places for Union Men--SHost Inter-

Acting Secretary OF the Navy Darling and
secretary Cortelvou of the Department Of
Commerce and Labor confirmed to-day
the story printed exclusively in THE SUN
this morning that an inquiry in regard to
tbe influence Of labor unions on Govern
men, work had been ordered by the Presi-
dent and was now In progress.
From official sources it was learned that
the purpose of the investigation is to deter
nina whether the labor unions are attempt
inp TO exercise any control over Govern
ment employees.
The reports sent to the Department Of
the Acting Secretary Of the Navy show
several instances in which labor organiza-
tons endeavored to dictate to the officials.
The report from the War Department dis
closed the fact that at several OF the
ordnance factories labor unions had inter-
fered with the policy OF the officers in
charge.
At Watertown arsenal the secretary Of
q labor organization protested against
the purchase Of material by contract from
contractors who, 1t was charged, worked
their men more than eight hours a day.
At another arsenal there was trouble be-
cause the union sought to influence the
services of workmen on piece work.
At the Brooklyn navy yard labor union
urged that only one ciess Of employees
should put into naval vessels the small
gas pipes through which electric wires are
carried AS explained at the Navy Depart
la. 10 xrh h.
workmen belonging TO the gasfitters' union
or the electrical union should do the work.
The question was settled however, without
any difficulty, because the officials Of the
Navy Department determined to do what
they pleased in the matter, and would not
be dictated to by the union.
An interesting feature OF the efforts OF
the labor unions to cause trouble for non
union men working in shops with union
report 1t is shown that while the unions
took no direct part in these efforts as labor
organizations, the union men sought to
prejudice the officials against non-union
men by charging that they were not capable
mechanics.
II was found that no discrimination was
practsed in the employment Of workmen.
A man presenting himself as a machinist
and Offering suitable credentials would get
work in the order Of his application, but
once installed in his place his trouble with
the union would begin. There would be
no open fight against him. but complaints
10 the commanding officer from union men
would be received. saying that the nom
union machinist was not a machinist at
all. In this way 1t would be sought Ia,
bring about his discharge, and make way
for the employment of union man who
might be next on the list of applicants
1t was apparent from some Of these
reports that the union men hoped by such
process OF elimination to dispose eventu-
ally Of all non-union worknen and bring
about the unionizing of the Government
shops. This condition is said to have been
noticed at times in the navy yards at Wash
ington. New York and Mare Island.
Acting Secretary Darling said this after
noon that there had been instances in which
representatives Of labor unions had come
TO him on labor questions, but in matters
affecting the workmen in Government
shops it was always made plain to the
officer Of the labor union that the Depart
ment could examine only into the indi-
vidual complaints Of its workmen. He
had also insisted that no discrimination
against non-union men would be tolerated
in any of the works under control OF the
Navy Department.
The result of the inquiry made by the
War Department indicated that there had
been less interference with the workmen in
the ordnance factories, armories and arsen-
ais than in the Navy Department. Secre-
tary Root called upon Gen. Crozier. Chief
of Ordnance, TO make complets investi-
CATION Of labor conditions In all the factories
under the control of the Ordnance Depart
ment, and an indication of the nature of
the Information desired by the President
s found in the questions sent out by Gen.
Crozier to the officers in charge of the
ordnance shops.
The following are few Of the questions
asked:
Have the employees in this arsenal formed
labor unions
Have questions arisen regarding the con-
troll OF the business of the arsenal?
Is there any refusal on the part OF the
union men to work with non-union nen2
Is any effort being made on the part OF the
union TO control the individual product Of
the men?
An officer of one OF the arsenals reported
that efforts had been made to dictate how
much piecework should be turned out.
Another officer replied that the secretary Of
labor union had complained to the Secre-
tary Of War that the commanding officer
oil the arsenal was violating the Eight
Hour law because he had obtained articles
under contract from contractors who
worked their men more than eight hours
1t was said at the War Department to-day
that the Government had experienced little
trouble with labor unions at arsenals.
one reason for this, it is said is that there
is IN existence an old statute making it
punishable offence to entice worlmen
from any arsenal or armory
ms old statute was brought TO light
some time ago by one Of tho officers Of the
ordnance Department. 1t Is Section 1893
OF the Revised Statutes, approved May 7,
iS0' and is as follows:
If any person procures or entices any
arlifc"r or workman retained or employed
W any arsenal or Hrmory to depart from
'"' SatnH during the continuance of his EN- |
S"Roh'ht, or TO avoid or break his contract |
"''h Va" United States. or II any person, |
""'''r dle notice OF the enga cement, retains |
""'s or IN any wise employs, harbors or |
,t'''pfhIA such artifiCer or workman, he shall /
w "h"u not more than $50 or be imprisoned d |
Ho' more than three months.
section 1900 provides for the punish |