The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1907-02-07

The general executive board Of the In
ternational Association Of Machinists has
taken up the fight of Columbia Lodge for
the erection of a new foundry building
at the Naval Gun Factory in this city.
The board has been in session all the
week, and practically all its time has
been taken up with the consideration of
the request OF the local machinists that
II take up the fight.
4 subcommittee composed of 4ugh Do
ran, Of Chicago: +. L. Tucker. Of this
city, and James A. Reynolds, Of Cleve-
land, was appointed to consider the feast
bilty and justice of the matter, it being
represented by some Congressman that
the establishment Of new foundry at
the local navy yard would hurt private
and independent shops in other sections
Of the country The matter was investi-
gated and discussed from every angle
The subcommittee made a favorable re-
port. and yesterday the executive board
voted unanimously that this much-needed
appropriation be urged upon Congress.
Gun Factory Crippled.
1t was shown to the satisfaction Of the
board that the foundry was badly needed; .
that its lack at the present time has
placed the gun factory in a crippled con
diti0n, due TO it's not being able to get out
castings when they are needed. The board
was also convinced that the present
building does not allow Of any expan-
sion whatsoever II is OvercrOWded and
suffers for want of air, and on account Of
the fumes which are waited in whatever
direction the wind is blowing. is detri-
mental 10 work IN other shops.
10 cannot be cleaned and IS IN an iG-
sanitary condition. There has been con-
siderable expansion in the machine shops
but the old foundry has been in opera
ton az high pressure capacity for years
On account of the fumes, the crowded
condition Of the building and the lack Of
ventilation, the health Of the iron and
steel workers is impaired.
The board, most of whose members are
from other big cities, is entirely satisfied
that the making Of all gun castings at
the local yard would ia no way injure
the men employed in iron and steel works
in other cities. But on the other hand
would be a benefit to the trade.
Big Factor in Fight.
The taking up Of the fight by the ex-
ecutive board means a great deal for the
appropriation, as nearly every Congress
man win find his constituents deeply in
terested and urging upon him his support
for the item Of 100000 in the naval ap-
preparations bill for commencement of
work on the foundry building and ma
chinery.
1t IS not known yet Who viii offer the
amendment on the floor of the House in
sorting the foundry item, but it is proba-
BILE that it VIII be one Of the members
Of the Committee on Naval Affairs This
may not hold true, however, as the ma
chinists and other labor men swing big
vote in many OF the large cities and man
ufacturing towns. and a member not on
the committee may move its insertion.
All the members OF the board attended
the meeting Of Columbia Lodge last
night and made addresses. There was
universal jubilati0n and enthusiasm over
the prospects for the new foundry. IN
JenauOnal President James O'COnneU
spoke al some length. But little regular
business was transacted. most Of the
time being taken up with the compli-
mentary speeches. telling of conditions
and the great advance made in different
localities, and OF Columbia Lodges large
membership and attendance.