The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1919-09-23
UNION CHIEFS WILL
GATHER TOMORROW
Plan to Finance a Long and
Bitter Struggle.


the opening day OF economic war be-
tween organized labor and the greater
part of the iron and steel industry of
the country, both sides rested tonight,
apparently satisfied with reports re-
ceived from the far flung battle line,
reaching into twenty states and Affect
ing directly or indirectly half million
workers.
After the first test OF strength, in
dustrial leaders and commanders Of
labors legions we're willing to admin
that they faced struggle which might
prove long and bitter. Grim evidence
Of preparations made for the Industrial
conflict were seen in the armed guards
surrounding all the mills. but the first
day of the strike ended with no signs
of serious disorder, except i'm New
castle and Farrell, Pa.
Until the first smoke of battle rolls
away, an accurate estimate of the num-
Der of workers who marched out in
obedience to the strike order and the
number who remained at their posts is
not obtainable.
The Steel Corporation, against which
the main offensive is directed, was able
TO operate most Of its plants in the
Pittsburg district, according to company
officials. In the Chicago steel centre,
some of the largest plants were forced to
close down. but others operated on a re-
duced scale.
1t was in the Mahoning Valley that
the strikers seemed to make the most
Roadway.
In the Cleveland district, too, tho
strikers apparently made a successful
attack.
Telegraph wires leading into head
quarters of both capital and labor were
kept warm. as report followed report on
conditions at 145 plants affected by the
strike order. AS II became evident that
neither the corporation hade been able to
keep all it's plants in operation nor the
strikers had been able to produce a
complete tieup of the industry, leaders
began to settle down to the prospect
Of n long fight.
In this connection Il was announced
that an important parley OF union labor
chiefs would be held wednesd when. 1t
is understood, the question Of financing
the strike will be considered.
Differences in Estimates.
An example OF the wide difference be-
tween estimates made by labor leaders
and corporation officials concerning the
number of strikers Is found in Pittsburg.
According to William z. Foster. secretary
of the National Committee of Steel
Workers, 1900 men are out. while in
opposing quarters the number was set
at $1,000.
In the Chicago district company Off
cials estimated that from 20 to 90 per
cent OF their Workers had remained
loyal, while at strike headquarters in
that city 1t was asserted $1,000 had
obeyed the strike call.
Labor leaders in the youngstown dis
trict said $4,000 men were out in the
entire district. which includes sharon
and New Castle. Pa. Company estimates
were much less.
Disorders. SO much feared by police
authorities in the steel strike zone, were
in evidence tonight In several places
in the Pittsburg district when night
shifts were going on duty.
During a melee in front of the zinc
plant OF the American Steel and Wire
Company at Donora early this evening
one man was shot and slightly wounded.
Several other persons suffered minor
bruises.
I Crowd After Strike Breakers.
The trouble started when the crowd
attempted to stop an automobile carry
AHb altktu DTtdkeTS. Inc crowd
rushed for the car when II failed to
halt, but was driven back when mill
guards opened fire. Donora police and
guards succeeded in dispensing the
crowd
Riding into a crowd at the Fourth
street entrance of the Carnegie Com
pany's plant at Homestead, after Il had
refused to disperse. State troopers to-
night arrested eleven men.
Another outbreak occurred Soon after
ward at Dickson street and Fourth ave-
nue., Homestead, where a large crowd
assembled. The State police charged
and, 1t is alleged. used their sticks freely
Several men suffered bruises, but none
was seriously hurt
At Clarion tonight State troopers
were called to break up a gathering OF
steel workers near a steel plant. Two
arrests were made and the crowd was
dispersed.
Earlier in the day troopers ard a
crowd were In clash, in which four
teen persons were arrested for alleged
rioting. In all forty-eight men were ar
rested in Clarion.
Two men were slightly injured In an
outbreak which occurred at the entrance
to the Farrell, Pa, plant OF the Ameri-
can Steel and Wire Company this eve
ming during the change of shifts
The two men were attacked by a
crowd of about two thousand persons
while entering the plant. The trouble