The Washington herald., 1907-08-03

There will be no conference between
the Employers Association of the Build
ing Trades and the convention Of inter
national officers, and local trades repre-
santatives. in session IN this city.
Grand President Huber, Of the United
brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners.
who was the first signeT Of the request
for a conference sent 10 the Employers
Association by the convention on Wednes-
day. received a reply yesterday afternoon
70 the effect that the Employers Associa-
tion saw no reason for conference, and
consequently could not name a date.
This is practically the same reply sent
10 the Bricklayers' Union several days
ego when that body requested a con-
ference.
Predict Strike by Monday.
In view Of this fact it was stated unoffi-
cia!ly last night that d general strike
would be declared by the convention of
local and International officers this morn
ing. 10 become effective Monday morning.
This prediction was made after mature
thought, L being pointed out that this was
all that was left the trades. The strike, IT
was declared. would be carried to every
other city where members Of the En-
plOyers' Association and the Master
Builders Association have work.
Action was taken upon the request at
the meeting OF the board OF governors Of
the Employers Association yesterday
afternoon, as the reply was received be
fore 8 O'Clock. The Employers Associa-
ton held its regular meeting, in the en-
plOyers' hail. on G street, last evening,
but the matter was not considered or dis
cussed at that time. At least this is the
statement made by z. c. Graham, presi-
dent of the board of governors, after the
meeting. He declined TO state what action
had been taken on the letter from the
trades. conhning himself 10 the statement
that action had been taken and that a
reply was in the hands of the trades rep
resentatives. and that the association held
a receipt for it, Several others who at
tended the meetings, with the usual
secrecy marking all meetings Of the En-
ployers' Association, made similar state
ments.
Views of Labor Leaders.
Action upon the employers reply will
be taken this morning at the session Of
the trades convention in Typographical
Temple Every indication points to the
declaration Of a general strike against all
unfavorable builders VINO are members
Of the Employers Association, and who
are fighting for the open shop in the
building trades. It was stated by sew
eral Of the international presidents last
night that they came % Washington to
settle the difficulty peaceably and in any
honorable manner. and desired con-
ference. to reach some basis of an adjust
ment without further trouble. either
strike or lockout. but that now they were
without means and possibly would have
to resort TO drastic action and force the
matter 10 a favorable conclusion.
This view is concurred IN by the local
leaders, some OF whom state that they
have no other recourse. When asked 10
outline the form Of procedure, they de-
clined TO do so. the international Off
GERS stating that the situation would in
all probability be left In the hands Of
the local unions to do as they see fit.
This means that the bricklayers at least
will strike, the building trades being al
ready out. They have on popular vote
gone out twice before. only 10 be ordered
back by their international officers
Advertised for NOnuniOn Men.
Should a general strike be declared the
fight will in all probability be a bitter
one. It Is claimed by members Of the
Employers Association and the Master
Builders Association that they have
enough nonunion men TO carry on all the
building in the city. 1t is known that
they have been advertising in all the
Eastern cities for nonunion men, and in
view of this fact and the statement that
If the local trouble was not settled by
August Is nonunion men would be
brought 10 Washington in large num-
bers. the two associations will make i'm
mediate efforts to supply the place Of
every striker. Both sides are we'll forti-
fed for a clash
The trades viii have the support Of
their international organizations, and VIII
not want for funds. Every striker Will
receive his weekly wage from the union,
and, on the other hand according to the
claims Of the employers, their work will
not suffer in the least, as they have
enough nonuniOn men TO proceed jmme-
diately on all work.
International President Bowen. of the
Bricklayers and Stonemasons' Union. left
the city at 1870 o'clock last night for New
York. He has turned the local situation
over entirely 10 Vice President Preece.
who will keep IN touch with him in New
York. MI. Bowen will return Thursday
and deliver farewell address TO the local
union. he having announced his intention
10 retire, refusing to again accept an in
ternational Office.
No business Of Importance was trans
acted at yesterday mornings session of
the trades convention. At the afternoon
session several independent and out-of-
Town builders appeared before the con-
venUOn TO give their views on the situa-
lion for the benefit of the international
officers. 1t was the consensus Of opinion
among them that the master plumbers
violated the arbitration award, and that
The old contract was still in force, as
Interpreted by the journeymen. They also
elaborated upon the conditions arising
from the importation of nonunion men as
strike breakers. They cited cases in other
,ities. saying that these men We're inferior
Workmen, inefficient. and that as a rule
they were Objectionable characters and
had bad effect upon the community and
rs morals
GOmpers Very, Very Sorry.
President Gompers, of the American
Federation OF Labor. when acquainted
with the action OF the Employers Asso-
.iatfon last night, stated that he is very,
very sorry that they had refused a con-
ference. He said that the international
Jfficers had come here as peacemakers "a
each an adjustment Of the difficulty, and
was to be regretted that they would
act be able 10 use their good offices. He