The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1919-09-21
EVE OF NATIONAL
STRIKE FINDS EACH
SIDE PREPARED FOR
TEST OF STRENGTH
Corporations Rush Prepare
tons for Guarding Prop
erty, While Union Lead
ers Work to UniOniZe
More of Men

Pittsburg September 20.
The eve of the nationwide
strike in the steel industry finds
both sides in the contest APP
parently prepared for the bat
tie. Final arrangements were
rushed today, corporations
paying much attention to plans
for guarding their intensive
campaign to unionize morgan
lied men and urging others to
stand by the workers.
Tonight there seemed TO be nothing
to do but wait for the test of strength
Monday when the strike will officially
begin
Expressing confidence that the unions
have not the power to compel gem
eral shutdown, officials of the United
states Steel corporation, the main Oh
iect of the attack of labor, and of otner
steel companies, said they will try 10
operate their plants as usual MONDAY.
They frankly admit If sufficient men 40
rot report which they do not concede'
tney will shut down until such time as
they can command enough men to make
il worth while to start up again.
There is no talk of bringing strike
breakers into this district in the event
the unions cripple or close down the
plants.
200. 1000 AFFECTED
The strike order affects approximately
zoe 600 iron and steel workers in the inner
and outer Pittsburg district between
Jamestown. Pa, on the east, and 4oungs-
Town. O.. on the west Union leaders
claim that a majority OF these men Will
follow the request of the steel workers
national committee and refuse 10 go 10
work Monday. They assert that MOI
only union men will be in the walk out
but that they will be Joined by tnou-
sands who are not aI1lilateu "i'n "'s
labor organization.
M,ricipaI and borough officials in
y,any narts OF the Pittsburg district TO-
day also prepared to meet the sltuatio oa
and have taken precautions TO in'tiHtailR
law and order in their comm ulil .
Mayor George p. Lysle OF Meheespor.,
,.ho union leaders complain, has reiasea
sso-,,,it labor organizers to hold pubic
meetings in that city, issued iofs pioe
1smation. calling upon citizens TO sup
mort the constituted authorities IN tneh
efforts to maintain peace
a number of organizers have been ar
rastad in McKeesport in recent weeks
far holding meetings without permits.
+. ahor leaders say they tried TO get per
-,its but we're refused mass meeuhs
l. scheduled for McKeesport tomorrow.
rrbe mayor said it cannot be heid. w
" Coaster. secretary of the steel WORKER
national committee, said it would tahe
Mace as scheduled, but he would not say
where in NICK eesport 1t would De nelu'
POLICE LAY PLANS
p;++shure police authorities have also
,.id Mans to maintain order around the
80 ana steel mills within the city limits
4 renort was circulated today that inc
Tyn;+ed states Steel corporation was
swea ring in 10000 of its loyal emloyes
az snecial guards to protect properly.
rs,rnoration officials. following tnelr
custom, refused to divulge what ponce
arrangements they are making.
Revond the coming and going OF Or
eanizers preparing for the hoiding Oh
mass meetings in all steel communities
tomorrow. there was little information
~ he had at national labor headquar-
tors from points outside the Plttspurg
district. Secretary Foster said he had no
renorts from other parts of the country.
Despite all the preparations Tor the
etrike nv both sides, there was sun d
foirt hone in some quarters that the con
fl;ct NAV Vet be averted. When th's
u,ss brought to MT Fosters attention,
he shook his head and said there was
not chance of stopping the waik-out.
PRESIDENT Wilson'S name is still ire
ouently heard in the talk OF possible IN
tervention.