The sun., 1919-09-20
CONFIDENCE ON BOTH
SIDES IN THE STRIKE
Neither Workers Nor Employ
ers Will Glue Figures.

PrTrsBuRG, Sept. 1s-Preparation for
the test of strength between organized
labor and capital in the steel industry
throughout the United States, to begin
Monday, went forward to-day with both
sides apparently confident Of the out
come.
Representatives of steel companies in
the Pittsburg district let the impression
&c out that they do not look for as
large q walkout as the union leaders as
sert will take place. Organized labor
expects a big turnout OF men and pre-
dicted that the employers will receive
the surprise of their lives.
Neither side will venture figures.
Both frankly confess they do not know
how many men will remain at work or
fail to answer the whistle. Monday only
can tell, they said.
Steel companies in many cases are I'M
derstood to have canVassed their men to
get an idea Of the number of men who
will strike. Union leaders said that from
their experiences these canva sses usually
prove to be inaccurate and pointed to
past strikes where many men in plant
had signed up not to strike and then
quit when the time came.
1t was said tonight that in number
and sought work in other places. It was
expected by union leaders here that
many men on the night shifts tonight
will take their personal belongings out
of the mills at quitting time tomorrow
morning, as they do not work Satur-
day and Sunday nights.
All the national leaders of unions in
Yolved in the strike had left the city to-
night for their respective headquarters
TO make final plans for the strike.
1t was given out here that an impor-
tant meeting of the executive council OF
the American Federation Of Labor and
representatives OF the unions in the
strike would be held probably in Pitts
burg within two weeks. Questions of
financing the contest. II was said, would
be taken up. According to the letter adj
dressed to President Wilson last night
by the national committee the unions CO.
operating in the strike have a total menu
bership of 100000. Members of these
unions not involved in the strike will be
expected to assist fellow members
NJ F. Tighe, international president of
the Amalgapated Association of Iron,
Steel and Tin Workers, said to-day that
his organization, which is the largest
numerically In the steel industry, has
many agreements with employers and
that none will be affected by the walkout.
MAnulacturers ldentlned with the West
ern Bar Iron Association and employers
In the Western Sheet and Tin Plate
Manufacturers Association scattered
around the country will not be affected
because they have working agreements
with the amalgamated association
Mr.. Iighe. speaking of the issues in
volved in the strike. said the twelve de-
mands voted upon by the steel workers
are not stumbling blocks to a settlement
He said that the United States Steel
Corporation is oloudlng the issue when
II asserts that the unions are fighting
for CLOSED shop"
"All we want is a conference" he
said. '"rhey haven't even given US a
chance to ask them II they are satisfied
TO have q closed shop"
Some OF the communities In the Pitts
burg district arc quietly preparing to
maintain peace during the strike. In
MoKsesport the Mayor, In connection
with business men, has a volunteer force
to assist the police. Plants that are
not shut down will be picketed by strik-
ers It was said. and local police Will
endeavor to prevent clashes between men
going to work and those who quit