The San Francisco call., 1908-08-29
Taylor Quits Room When Citi-
zens' Alliance Manager At
tacks Trades Bodies
James ROIph Jr. Joins in Snub
of Captain McKinary for
Unwarranted Breach
Meeting of California Metal
Trades Association Stirred by
Dragging in Outside Issues

That man is an agitator. He is try
ing to stir up an industrial war in San
Francisco which have strived to pre-
vent since I have been in Office. His
TRADE was an insult to any man who
has worked for San Francisco's best
interests. Had I but known that he
was to have touched upon the indus
trial question in such an uncalled for
manner I would have never attended
the meeting. repeat that man is an
sgitator."
The scsthing outburst came from
Mayor Taylor as he left the meeting
Of the California metal trades associa-
tion last night and was brought about
by an arraignment delivered by Cap
tain J. McKinary. general manager Of
the Citizens Alliance, against the trade
unions. McKinary had made an effort
20 veil his remarks. but his closing
words were so pointed that Mayor
Taylor Jumped from his seat and
started for the door, accompanied by
James RoIph- Jr.. president Of the Mer-
chants Exchange. Both men were ex-
tremely indignant.
The purpose of the meeting was to
discuss the best methods of how to
help the iron and steel structural in
5ustries of the city, particularly in the
matter Of rates. Instead of keeping
10 the question Captain McKinary
broke into an argument against unions
The most needed change which will
9
is a thorough understanding of the
labor question in this city The con-
stitution Of this country clearly states
that every man has right to work
as he pleases, regardless Of his creed
or his Affiliations. What we want TO
do is to leave out the question of
unions and let everybody work. Creeds
should count for nothing with the Ia
boring man. Let the work be open."
AS hfs speech progressed Mayor Tay-
lor picked UP his hat and moved un-
easily in his chair. James Rolph Jr.,
seated not far from him, noticing his
agitation Joined him and few words
passed between them With what
calmness they could muster they rose
IN their seats and begged in formal
manner 10 be excused Few guessed at
the impending storm, but it was palp-
able to all that Mayor Taylor, with his
strong views on Industrial peace, was
ofended and one look at Rolph's face
showed that he was no less indignant
than the mayor.
In an effort TO allay the trouble H.
". Kerrigan, manager of the metal
trades association, moved toward them,
murmuring apologies.
why did you bring this man up
here2" said Rolph angrily. Did 1 not
say that nothing Of this sort should be
permitted 10 take part In the meeting2"
Kerrigan attempted to continue his
apologies, but he was swept down by
the mayor >who was thoroughly beside
himself at the unwarrantable intrusion
Of q mooted question into a meeting Of
that character
THAT man is an agitator," said he.
Kerrigan again attempted an apology,
but the mayor paid no heed.
1T is an outrage" he continued. The
man is an aEitator."
He drove the words out forcefullv
and then, flushing and angry, left the
room.
This man has upset the whole pur-
pose OF this meeting" stormed Rolph
He IS q common agitator and I am
greatly displeased at his action"
NcKinary was within earshot of the
conversation and made a distinct effort
10 obtain the sympathy of those around
him by his comments. For a time it
seemed as II the meeting would break
up IN disorder, but the incident was
smoothed over by Frederick J. White.
president of the association. who be-
gan TO call upon other speakers The
remainder OF the speeches kept to the
question. It was strongly moved that
cheaper railroad rates should be Sc
cured in order TO give local dealers an
equal opportunity to comSete with
those of the east.
Mayor Taylor's speech. delivered be-
fore 8dcKinary spoke was along this
line and he concurred with the other
speakers in that a differentiaI rate
should be secured TO protect the local
steel and iron industries