New-York tribune., 1919-09-23

oeht wilson does not lend ms prestige
to the strikers. Moreover, they say
that so far as the Monongahela Val
ley is concerned, with an even break
on the luck and tickle psychology Of
| the situation, the end fthis week
will probably show that they have the
upper hand and one that will be pro-
grcssively stronger.
Strong Arm Is Respected
Many Of the foreigners respect moth
ing so much as the strong hand in
government. If they perceive, it is eX-
plained that, come what may, the au
thorities are able not only to deal
ctfectually with mobs but to protect
the individual worker, they will reveal
themselves as absentees instead of
strikers. Nobody can tell what pro-
portion of the men failing to report
to-day are voluntary strikers or fear
full absentees This proportion will,
il is said by the employers. rapidly de-
cline if order is maintained
SO far the authorities have been
forehanGed with the situation, but it
is believed that the real teast Of their
precautions and their vigor will not
come until the strike has been running
for a week or more, while it is as
serted in some quarters that the per
| omptory way in which the mounted
state police dealt with the meeting at
1Ciairtton, and McKeessport Yesterday
the employers to-day. 1t is contended,
on the other hand, that the ultimate
effect viii be excellent, as those Incl
dents have been in the way of service
! Of notice on the dsorderly inclined
that the forces of the law. will toll
crate 70 foolshncss.
Little Disorders So Far
Il is conceded that there has been
little disorder and little resort to
strong-arm tactics the frst day of the
strike, considering the magnitude of
the social disturbance. The strikers,
however, went into the strike poorly
supplied with aggressive local leaders
and pickots. They were overawed by
the police. But by tomorrow they
plan to have pickets in place. to have
their local representatives more encr-
getc and 10 bring in organizers from
outside. All this may have the effect
Of putting more aggressiveness into
the men.
Realizing that their chance Of win
ming is in long and grucling strug-
gle. the strike leaders have called the
committee of twenyt-foU representa-
tives of "a many international unions
to meet again in Pittsburgh Wednes-
day morning TO consider ways and
means Of financing and other factors
of successful management Of the
strike. 1t is hoped that many OF the
International presidents, as we'll as
their delegated representatives on the
committee viii attend.
The strikers hope that Samuel Com
pers will attend this meeting as we'll as
| other members Of the executive coun-
! I'oIo 0f
Labor, and unequivocally align himself
with the strike. The time has arrived,
| it is talked in strike circles here, when
"thc old man. must fish or cut bait.
Gompers S out and out declaration is
wanted for IFS supposed moral effect
on trade unionlsm generally and OH the
general public. The meeting is also
expected TO raise the temperature of
! the lukcwarm international presidents
and stimulated them to the provision
Of strike benefits in more enthusiastic
some Of them.
A sample of this lukcwarmness is
found in the following excerpt from a
circular letter issued by E. c. Dawson,
! general secretary of the international
/ Association Of Machinists, to the mem
! bcrs o. that organizations:
I'VE axe informed that the other
i large trades entering into this strike,
if strike is called, will not be able
son our organization preferred to as
sumo the position of opposing a strike
at this time and waiting until all
trades were better organized in all
parts of the industry, and then seek to
obtain recognition, by peaceful means
If possible, or by a strike if necessary:
but those in charge Of the work seem
to feel that strike is necessary at
this time to secure recognition, and
while as an organization we have OPP
posed this policy, our members will re-
ceive our moral support in joining in
the struggle with other trades, and
such financial support to relieve the
needy cases as we are able to give"
The circular points out that to pay
regular strike benefits 10 its members
involved in the steel strike would cost
more than 100000 month, which is
described as financial impossibility.
Secretary Fosters Figures
Secretary Fosters presentation Of
the statistics of the strike estimates
the number Of men out or striking
through the country as follows: In the
Chicago district, 10000; Cleveland dis
trict, 10000; Youngs 35 900; Buff
falo, 10000; Johnstown, 10000; Home
stead, 5000; Braddock, 5000; Rankin,
5000; Monssen and Donora, $4,000;
Wheeling, $4,000; Steubenville. 5000;
Pueblo Col, 5000; Coatcsvile. 1000:
McKeesport and Duquesne, 10000;
Vandergrift 1000; Leechburg, 1000;
breckenridge. 5000.
In addition there are number of
steel centres, such as Bethlehem, whe re
the situation has not yet crystaliized
and others where figures are not given.
/ ppl ntQ Ii ,It nf H..
above figures, but it WAS admitted that
oungstown was tied up tight" Mons
sen and Donora are also considered
down and out for the time being
From Sharon, Penn, it was reported
in news dispatches that 5000 men were
out, though all but 1000 were incl
dentally jobless, and the Carnegie
plants worrying through, with four OF
the American Sheet and Tin Plate S
thlrty mills operating and Che wire
plant virtually closed
n