Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1905-02-20
SHINGLE MANUFACTURERS IN
need OF AN ASSOCIATION.
An Organization Is Absolutely NeCeS.
Sary for Success of the Trade,
and It's Lack Is Due Solely to the
Apathy of the Manufacturers
Themselves.

The manufacturers of red cedar shin.
giles in the state of Washington are sadly
in need of an association. With yearly
output of nearly 100000, 900 shingles
the industry is absolutely at the mercy
Of every dishonest man in the country,
and without recourse. Last year num-
ber of rerai associations in the East
placed ooycott on red cedar shingles,
and as consequence good deal of busi-
ness was lost. In the absence of an or
ganization the manufacturers were forced
to accept the boycott without an oppor.
tunity of having their side heard. Some
Of the grievances OF the retailers were
undoubtedly justifed, but the majority
were not. The question of grades is one
that was involved, but in the absence Of
an organization the shingle manufactur.
ers conform, in many instances, to the
grades established by their employees,
and in this way the manufacturers Of
good shingles suffer from the errors and
omission of those who manufacture poor
shingles. thus it is in all other respects.
The railroads running out OF Minneapolis
exact rate 3 cents higher than that OBJ.
tanned for competing shingles. This is
contrary to the interstate commerce law +,
as it consti utes discrimination, yet the
red cedar meu have no recourse because
of lack of organization. Prices are at
all times unstable. because the manufac-
turers are in no position to ascertain true
market conditions and in questions affect.
ing wages, prices OF raw material, pay.
ments on bills Of lading and underweights
they are compelled to accept the word Of
interested parties. In the matter Of
legislation the lumbermen are compelled
to assist the shingle manufacturers, who,
if they had an organization, could paddle
their own canoe and d.insist on, measures
beneficial to an industry that employs
many thousands of men. ...
Tho lack of organized effort is due
solely to the apathy of the shingle manu-.
facturers themselves. Several good and
strong organizations have been formed
in the past, but the manufacturers did
not back them up properly and the re-.
suit was that they proved to be inopera.
tive. Tie active leaders among the
manufacturers who put up their money
and labored earnestly and faithfully for
the best interests of all finally lost heart,
and it is doubtful If they would devote as
much time to another organization.
Still, it is an undoubted fact that the
present deplorable condition of the
shingle industry is not due to a lack of
demand, but to lack OF organization. Or.
ganization will come when all the shingle
manufacturers see the error of their
ways and are willing to come in and
stick to it through thick and thin, giving
it their undivided moral and financial
support. An organization is needed
today. but the manufacturers will have
to show better appreciation and more
sincerity than in the past before a suc-
cessful organization can be launched and
perfected. At the same time it seems q
pity that such large industry should
be so utterly neglected and at the mercy
Of every harpy in the country.-Pacific
Lumber Trade Journal.