The Washington times., 1907-08-07
UNIONS FAIL APPARENTLY
TO WIN BUILDERS
CONTINUED from FIRST PAGE

CCOntnued from First Page-)
that work reported progress, out in no
single instance would they point out
anyone that had signed the agreement
II has been claimed by members OF the
joint conference that there were many
members Of the Employers Association
and among the master builders who arc
displeased with the action Of the En-
p!oyers' Association in the conduct Of
the lockout strike Of the building trades
who were willing and anxious 10 break
away from that organization and sign
agreements with the unions. 1t was
upon these representations that the na-
tional executive officers decided to can
vass this element Of the master builders
hoping TO have but few buildings on
which to strike.
That big disappointment confronted
the canvassing committee is the Opin-
lon or The rank and file Of subordinate
members or the building trades
Masters Say They're United.
At headquarters Of the Employers As
ISOLATION it was stated this morning
that the assumption by the union lead
ers that there were a large number
of the members of that organization
or any OF them. who were ready to de-
sert and Join the union side Of the con-
troversy. was ridiculous. and that their
ranks are solid and will remain SO
against any effort to control the labor
market Of Washington or dictate terms
employ mechanics.
The fact that the 1000 carpenters
making up the Brotherhood Of Carpen-
ters and Joiners and the Carpanfere'
AmalBamated Union in joint session
mass meeting last night in Armory
Hall decided to join the other building
trades should a strike be called. carries
encouragement with Il to the other
nh L.
and who have not heretofore had the
support Of the carpenters
Carpenters Not Unanimous.
II the bricklayers at their specially
called meeting to act on the strike dues-
tion follow with an Endorsement of the
strike, it would appear that the building
trades were sure of success. But il has
been pointed out this morning by car
penters that there is danger OF a split
in their ranks as that unanimity for a
strike reported TO have prevailed at last
nights meeting did not exist
on the other hand there exists much
doubt as to whether the bTiCklayers will
vote to Join the strike. II the brick
layers and carpenters can be held In
line the strike will be ordered, but
81 the bricklayers fail to line up there
will be no such step taken.
Hold Key to Situation.
III admit that the carpenters AID
bFfcklayers are the key to the situation.
and that unless both fail in line ii would
be folly to order a strike II the brick
layers come out tonight the strike order
of the last weeks convention may be
put in force tomorrow morning.
The Employers Association has plans
matured for the establishment OF a
central labor employment bureau in tho
downtown section that will be in the
hands OF an expert, should the strike
come. 1t is said that they have have
arranged 10 bring to Washington all the
non-Union skilled labor that they may
need. and are prepared to do so on
twelve hours notice of strike or less
time. as they have organized their forces
in nearby cities, principally PhiladeI-
phia.
Z. K. Hall. secretary Of the Employ
ers' Association, late this afternoon is
sued statement in which he calls at
tention to the form Of contract now
being circulated by the building trades
and which was published in The Times
yesterday. Mr.. Hall says in his state
ment that his contract shows the hand
of the union TO be fight for the closed
shop.
Mr.. Hail expresses the belief that none
Of the employees will be so ''cowardIy as
10 permit the trades unions TO scare
them into signing" the contract.