The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1905-01-18
nuILpEKs ANp PUpLIo.
A Narrative and an Argument by Well
known Engineer OF New YORK.

To THE EDITOR OF HE SUN-oH' He-
ferring TO Mr.. Starretts recent statements
Of the building situation in this city, and
assuming that what he says Ia substantially
true, vhy should the employers associa-
ton DO called upon for defenoe7
The contractors and builders in tie enn-
poyers' association do not pose - phil
anthropists in the pursuit OF their lawful
occasions On the other hand probably
many OF them secretly admire and try to
emulate the character that has been as
signed by prominent writer 10 Mr. Henry
II. Rogers.
In the spring Of 1908, when the employers'
association was formed, the board OF walk
ing delegates controlled the building bust
moss In this city and was so strong that even
the strongest and most influential builders
were unable to conduct their business on
lines that were financially sound.
As purely defensive measure they held
a mass meeting and formulated plan OF
action which seemed best to the majority
for the protection Of, not the general pub
hos interests but their own.
1t was deemed inexpedient, II not fnan-
cially impossible. to try to get along without
the organized building trades or even to
stand for the open shop. It had been
clearly pointed out by able union repre-
sentatives that 1t was no business OF the
general contractors or Of any employers
in the building trades 70 fight unions for
greater return in work for the money they
disbursed In wages-an the employers had
20 do was TO add their percentage OF profit
10 a greater cost and benefit with the men
in maintaining high prices.
The only weak point then apparent was
the remote possibility of outside contrac-
tors with outside workmen coming into
the chosen territory and Offering 70 take
work at fraction OF the price demanded
by what might be termed the New York
building syndicate
The unions taoitly undertook to prevent
any outside workmen coming into the ter
ritory by methods which they had tried
and knew could be relied upon.
The employers association therefore
agreed to employ only union men under
union conditions, exacting in return only
that the workmen should not strike against
any members of the association, but should
submit all differences to arbitration. The
arbitration requirement the employers we're
willing to fight for. because strikes affected
their own pockets to a considerable extent.
From business point of view this arrange
ment needs no apology. Mr.. Starrett's
grievance really seems to be that the scheme
has worked so well in maintaining prices
that the misery public Is afraid to build as
literally as it should.
II Mr.. Starrett is correct In his fears that
the goose. II not yet killed is at least in
some danger Of its life. it Is logically up to
the general public Of the city Of New York
10 seek the remedy and not at all up TO the
employers association, unless they choose
to seek more business at lower profit.
Al the time the employers association
was formed though the building business
Of the city Of New York was veritahly in
purgatory. the general public was strictly
neutral They did not understand the
labor question: and did not want 10.
At that time an independent labor or
ganization sought a foothold in the city,
but II needed vigorous support from inside
in order to make IL prudent for its mem
bers 10 raise its banner. II not only needed
patronage in the way Of employment, but it
required the gift or loan Of a large sum OF
money in the beginning. while its member
ship was email. to secure the conviction OF
union sympathizers who should injure or
assault its members and 10 pay 10 the vic
tins Of such assaults or 20 the surviving
members Of their families substantial bene
N funds Though the financial plan OF this
organization made II IMPLY sclf-support-
ing when once fairly on its feet. il could not
hope to COPE with the forces OF organized
labor in this city al first without liberal
financial assistance from the public.
The writer busted himself somewhat in
the interests Of this new labor organization,
and among others he called on his landlords
agent. Mr.. George r. Read. as a prominent
representative Of that portion OF the public
acutely Interested in the building sitlla-
ton, for the purpose Of describing 10 him
the objects Of the new union and Of enlist
ing his assistance in bringing It's needs OF
financial support TO the attention of those
who might logically be expected TO CO.
operate,
Mr.. Read expressed exactly the attitude
of the general public, and Of the body OF
investors upon whom he in common with
others in the building trades depended for
a living by walking impatiently up and
down his Office during the interview, and
nervously brushing his clothes while he
rather uncourteousy explained TO the
writer that the scheme Of an independent
labor organization on any lines whatso-
ever was absolutely uninteresting TO him,
and thar while ne knew nothing about the
real causes OF difference between the
atosses' and the men, he did think that
.thev ought 20 get together somehow, and
that very soon
A Mr.. Starrett has pointed out they did
finally get together. but the employers asso-
citation would be impotent to bleed the
man who builds II it did not rely on the
union labor monopoly behind II. while the
union labor monopoly would be deprived Of
it's powers Of extortion if the general public
OF the city Of New York would wake up to
the desirability Of making this city abso-
lutely plaza where any man who obeys
the laws. even If he does not belong 10 a
labor union. can enjoy life liberty and the
pursuit Of happiness. AUGUSTUS SMITH.
NEW YORK. Jan. 10.
A Defence of spAts.