New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-12-18
STRIKE STILL UNSETTLED.
OUertnres by Fall RiUer Operatives
Rejected by Manufacturers.

Fall. River Mass. Dec. IA conference last
ing for more than four hours held in this
city to-day between representatives of the cot
ton manufacturers and their striking operatives
but no agreement was reached. and a settlement
of the strike. involving 10000 mill hands. ap-
pears as distant ever. The conference was
brought about the result of a trip made by
the leaders of the strike this week to New
York. where they discussed the situation with
President Gompers of the American Fedora
tion Of Labor. who is vice-president of the Ma
tional Civic Federation: President John Mitch
eli OF the United Mine Workers and other MEM
bers of the executive committee of the Civic
Federation.
No proposition looking toward a settlement
was submitted by the manufacturers. The
strike leaders suggested an arrangement where
by the operatives should go back to work at a
reduction Of ga per cent, or one-haf the re-
duction voted last July by the manufacturers,
and that the mill hands should work at this
reduction for at least three months. 1t was
also suggested that at the end OF that time
another conference be held, with view to re
storing the old rate Of wages. This proposition
was quickly rejected by the manufacturers.
The textile representatives then expressed their
Willingness in case all other plans were re-
1ected, to recommend TO the other unions that
the matter be submitted TO arbitration by a
committee of the executive board Of the Ma
tional Civic Federation this decision TO be
final The idea was discussed at some length,
but 10 action was taken it. The confer
ence ended without any further plans being
presented.
The conference was begun at 10 o'clock this
forenoon, and lasted until o'clock in the af-
ternoon. The manufacturers were represented
by President Nathaniel 3. Borden of the Manu-
facturers' Association, David A Brayton, George
H. Hills, James Z. Osborn. Simeon B. Chase, w.
Frank Shove and Charles NJ Shove. The repre-
sentatives Of the operatives were John Golden
and Albert Hilbert president and secretary. re-
spectively. Of the United Textile Workers of
America ana Secretaries Thomas Taylor. James
Tansey. Joseph @. Jackson, James Whitehead
and Thomas ODonnen, Of the various unions
represented in the textile council. President
Golden and Secretary HILBERT were the princi-
pal spokesman for the strikers.
4 special meeting Of the textile council will
be held tomorrow. when the matter OF submit
ting the dispute TO arbitration will be discussed.
If the general sentiment appears TO be decidedly
in favor Of the plan, it will be submitted TO
the manufacturers in writing. Members Of the
textile council who were present at the confer
urers appeared TO be determined TO enforce the
l21z per cent reduction without any conditions
or reservations The strike leaders expressed
great disappointment over the result of the con-
ference, they had hoped that some basis of
settlement might be arranged.
The manufacturers who were seen tonight
expressed little confidence in the arbitration
plan. President Borden said he did not see that
the conference had changed the strike situation
in any respect. He said the mills would open on
Monday and continue in operation as they have
during the last few weeks. He did not see any
chance OF a settlement Of the strike at present.