Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1904-12-19
ARBITRATION.
CONTINUED from page II

thought. after this long struggle and
the changed conditions because OF the
drop in cotton, that something could be
accomplished.
"These men want to make us believe
there is no change IN conditions We
think since cotton has descended from
IL to II cents a pound to less than
eight cents, conditions have chansed
some, and there is also the fact that
there are 5000, 900 pieces of clotn left in
the market.
eve believe, in view Of these facts,
that something ought to have come of
the conference. We know our people
are just as determined to resist this
reduction as ever, and in offering the
proposition of 81 percent. we only did
so to show that we were willing to
make some sacrifice.
perhaps our organizations would
have turned it down. as there is still a
strong feeling against any reduction
under present conditions. We believe
our people would be justified in stand
ing out for a taking down of the notices
but we were willing to urge sacrifice
u eiiu tIle strike.
I'm regard to the proposition or arbi-
tratiOn, we used that as last resort.
Although we should have sooner settled
the matter ourselves, we are so con-
WINGED that we are right that we ex-
pressed our Willingness to have the dis
pute adjudicated by an impartial
board"
Sec. HILBERT of the U. T. w. says:
1.-The manufacturers have undOubted-
ly come to the conclusion that they will
get down to a lower basis and in JUS
| tice to ourselves we are cOmDelied t.
make fight against any such program
| After hearing the statements made by
the captains Of industry. SO called. al
the annual meeting of the Civic FEEDER
alton, and having witnessed the con-
ciliatOry spirit shown toward organized
labor, 1 thought it might have some eff
feet upon the Fall River manufacture
ers. but the opposite has been the re-
suit.
| after announcing that one of the
chief causes of the proposed reduction
in wages was the extremely high price
of cotton, which compelled them to Cut
down the labor cost, it came in bad
grace. to say the least for them, to
make the statement that cotton drop
ping three cents a pound made nc
change in conditions.
Il think the propositions submitted
were eminently fair. 1t appears to me
| that this contest has now resolved it.
self into a fight to the finish and no
argument we can make can induce the
manufacturers to come to any other
conclusion. We are very much disap-
| pointed at the outcome and I trust the
attituce taken by the manufacturers
will be forced to change to more fav-
| orable one to the operatives"
Sec. O'Domel of the Spinners' Associa.
| ton. said:
The change in tie cotton market since
our last conference. which increased the
margin for the manufacturers made us
| expect a compromise if nothing else We
have demonstrated to the public that we
| desired to be, fair in this matter in on,
proposition to meet the manufacturers
| half way. If they thought it was humil-
iatins to give the whole 12ls per cent. al
| humiliation was removed by our offer t.
| accept reduction of 81 per cent"
Sec. Tansey Of the Carders' ASSOCIATE ton
| said:
II regret very much that we have not
| been able to accomplish something to enc
the strike. The manufacturers refuse alb.
solutely to recede from their proposition
and adhere to their determination to keel
| the notices of reduction posted. Their re.
plies to our question, today. remove al
| doubt of the position of the manufactur,
ers' association, and this strike will be
continued"
Sec. Whitehead of the Weavers' Asso-
citation, said
1.-The manufacturers are bound by al
irOn-clad agreement and will not break it
| There is no proposition to be submitted
| to my association. and the weavers will
stay out and fight as long as they possibly
can. ] cannot understand why cloth does
not 60 up. We wish it was Fourth OF
July was coming instead of Christmas.
| News that the conference had failed
caused great deal of disappointment in
the city. as the idca had gained that a
settlement or compromise was about to
| be effected
The feeling now is that there is little
hope Of an Immediate settlement. al
| though it is believed in some quarters
! that another conference may be brought
| about before the fight settles down to a
| finish battle.
| Pres. Golden of the United Textile
Workers. has sent a telegram to Pres
Gompers of the A. +. of L., notifying
him of the result of the conference
| telegram was received from the A.
f. of l.. stating that $1,000 more is on the
| way, which will make about $4,000 of the
A. F. of L. assessment paid in. Treas
| O'DOnnell received donation of 500 from
| the Spinners' Union of Taftville. CT,
where the union has only 60 members.