Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-08-22
STRIKE
HELD IN AbEYANCE
Workers Order WaIkout, But
Agree to Await Effort at
Cancellation.
U. S. INTERESTS INVOLVED

NEW YORK. August 22-Although
the shipyard workers voted to make
the strike in the shipbulding plants
in the New York district general today
the men have agreed to delay their ac-
ton pending the effort of United States
mediators to bring about settlement
between the strikers and the ship
builders. Charles Hughes. n mediator
of the Department of Labor. was here
today, and, it was said. would make s.n
effort to have the differences OF the
men adjusted. Labor leaders estimate
that about 1900 men employed at the
various yards already are out on the
strike. and this number would have
been increased by many thousands had
the general strike order been put into
effect.
1t was further said that nothing
would be done to interfere with the
operations of the navy yard until after the
meeting of the navy yard employees
called for tonight.
The marine trades council. in charge
of the strike. was expected to meet TINS
afternoon with representatives or the
Department of Labor. when EFFORTS 10
arrange a settlement Will be made
Includes Brooklyn Navy Yard.
A general strike of machinsts. boiler
makers and blacksmiths engaged in ma
rine work in the port OF New YORK ana
vicinity including the navy yard In
Brooklyn, was ordered at a mass meet
ing of representatives OF marine metal
workers yesterday. The strike was called
TO enforce settlement of a demand made
six weeks ago for minimum wage scale
of $3.50 day While no official action
was taken to make the strike nationwide.
apparently unanimous sentiment express
ed by the men indicated that such was
their desire. provided the issue was not
quickly adjusted.
The meeting was called by the Marine
Trades Council of the Port of New York
and was attended by men representing
80. 1000 union workers. il was announced.
and involved directly all shipbullding
plants in this vicinity. the majority OF
which now are engaged almost exclusive
" on government work.
The resolution. adopted unanimously,
called out not only workers in plants
which have not vet agreed to the de-
mands of the men, but also those when
have already done so, 1t being desired,
as one of the speakers asserted, TO
show the employers that We are united
in our demands.
The date for the strike was not fixed.
but it was reported the men had been
instructed TO go out Immediately.
william Dickson, president of the
marine trades council. presided ct the
meeting. On the platform with him
were officials representing local and
national union organizations of the
three trades involved. the majority of
whom made speeches urging the men
not to take immediate action.
A counter resolution presented by
j. j. Keppler. vice president of the
international Association of Machinists,
proposed that navy yard employees be
asked to meet and formulate action
in accord with men of the private
yards to enforce the demands. 1t was
not put to a vote.
German influence Charged.
PHILADELPHIA. Pa. August 22-
ers employed in seven shipbuilding plants
along the Delaware river front went on
strike yesterday for increased pay and
shorter hours. The journeymen now re-
ceive 40 cents an hour and their helpers
80 cents. They demand so and 37i- cents.
respectively. Robert 4. Rutherford
manager of the John Bailey iron works,
one of the largest plants affected. declared
German propagandsts We're responsible
for the walkout.
There is no question that German
money is back of the strike" Mr.. Ruther-
ford said. THE whole thing is a delib-
crate conspiracy. which | shall bring to
the attention of the United States author
tiles. Our men did not even state a
grievance before they went out"