The copper era and Morenci leader., 1917-08-24
STRIKERS VOTE AT MOREnC| ON
 SETTLEMENT>
\ Big Majority of Membership of Mo- renci Mine & SmeIter Union Vote
 To Continue Strike Indefinitely, If Necessary Until Demands are Met.

BE Majority of Membership or MO- renci Mine G SmeIter Union Vote To Continue Strike Indefinitely, If Necessary Until Demands are Met. Situation Appears to Be a Deadlock Hundreds of Employees Leaving the District-Business at Stand still.
 At the end of seven weeks the strike of the employees of the three large operating companies of the district is still to be continued if the result of a ballot taken among the employees at Morenci on Tusday last may be taken as true indication of the spirit of the men on strike. With Federal Investigator Joseph $. My CTS present the result of ballot taken Tuesday noon in the Union Hall showed 1863 in favor of continu- ing the strike, indefinitely if neces- sary, and 230 in favor of declaring the strike at an end.
 In response to a telegram from the State Federation of Labor Conven- tion, which was in session here dur ing the week from Aug. to l5, Secretary of Labor Wilson instructed MT Myers to return to the district. Tn the telegram sent the Department
  return of MT. Myers to the district night result in settlement of the strike. The Federal Conciliator ar rived in the district the first of last week but discovered upon his ar rival that the mine managers were out of town. He got in touch with them by wire and they agreed to return to the district as soon as pos sible.
 In the meantime MT. Myers pro- . ceeded to gather the sentiment of the men on the question of returning to work and, on more than one occas- ion, was told by individual employees that if secret ballot was taken it would show that large percentage of the strikers were desirous of re- turning to work.
 On the other hand he was also told that unless the companies acceded to the demands of the men, especially as regards the abolition of the con. tract system and an increase Tn wages, they were prepared to stay out indefinitely.
 The mine managers returned to the district on Sunday evening last and on Monday morning went into ses- siou with MT. Myers. In the mean time Mexican Consul Garcia, of Ell
  terested spectator and held frequent interviews with the representative of the Department of Labor.
 As a result of the conference with the managers statement Of the position of the companies was secured iu writing In brief the position of the companies was that the strike had been hastily called, and i'll ad- vised, and should the men see fit to end the strike the companies would prepare to resume operations and to continue the old agreement in effect and discuss all grievances with the district committee as heretofore in an attempt to arrive at fair and equitable adjustment of same. At the same time the mine managers made it plain that some of the em- pIoyees who had instigated the pres ent strike would not be re instated. With the attitude of the companies stated in writing MT. Myers proceed ed to arrange for a meeting of the employees of the Morenci district on Tuesday. Approximately sixteen hundred were present and listened to the Federal conciliator as he outlined to them the position of the managers. He then called for vote of all the employees of the Phelps Dodge and Arizona Copper company employees n Morenci There was objection bn the part of the union leaders to permit non-unipn employees to vote but this was finally agreed to as it vas then evident that the proposition o return to work would be defeated The prominent union leaders were ac i've in opposition to the proposition nd found various ways to acquaint he rank and file present with their Ra1lntC assed out with the instruction that hose who desired to return to work hculd mark a cross: those who de fred to continue the strike should lake the circle. The ballot box las in charge of MT. Myers. Consul arcia and a representative of the heriffs office. When the ballot was Rbulated it showed that great ma brity had recorded their votes in hvor of continuing the strike
 Judging from the information he q previously gathered, regarding Ie sentiment in the district, MT. yers appeared to be surprised al be result and immediately left for Hilton. It had been planned to hold milar meetings in Metcalf and orenci but these were later aban bned and MT. Myers left the district le following morning considering the tuat1on here a hopeless deadlock IT the present.
 The likelihood of an early settle. ent is not bright. It is plainly ap- rent to all concerned that the con, nuation of the strike, or it's settle ent, so far as the employees is con rned. rests solely with the Morenci inc and Shelter Union. This or. nization dominates and controls
 other organizations in the district d it may be fairly judged that the embership is not even considering