New-York tribune., 1919-08-28
Steel Strike
Now Regarded
As Unlikely
Fitzgerald's Reply to Refusal
of Judge Gary 10 Meet
Union Leaders l. Con-
CT iatory i'll Tenor

John Fitzpatrick, chairman Of the
conference committee of steel workers.
sent letter last night to Judge Ebert
II. Gary. of the United States Steel
Corporation, in reply 20 that of Mr.
Gary declining to deal with the unions.
Mr.. Fitzpatrick's letter, signed by his
associates or the committee, leaves the
door open to further negotiations and
is understood TO be conciliatory in
tone.
The letter: Mr. Fitzpatrick said, might
be made public to-day by Judge Gary.
but that as matter of courtesy. the
committee preferred to say nothing
I now.
You may quote me as saying. how
ever, that | am always hopeful of
aVertlne a STRIKE" he added.
- Alter completing the letter to Judge
Gsry MI. Fitzpatrick and his associates
lett Tor Washington, where they expect
10 confer IN the next few days with
members of the executive council OF
the American Federation Of Labor,
which meets IN that city tomorrow It
also IS probable that meeting of the
tull steel committee, made Up of repre-
sentatlves of twenty four trades en-
ployed IN the steel plants, may take
place. In any event. strike order is
deemed remote, and vii not issue until
after reply has been had from Judge
Gary to the letter he will receive this
morning and the executive council has
had an opportunity to consider the full
situation
Judge Gary's Letter
Mr.. Fitzpatrick received Judge Gary's
} lof. = al 1
shop policy of the Steel Corporation
carly yesterday afternoon. This letter
read follows:
I'VE do not think you are authorized
10 represent the sentiment of ma
jority Of the employees of the United
States Steel Corporation and its sub
sldlaries. We express no opinion con-
corning any other members of the iron
and steel Industry
As heretofore publicly stated, our
corporation and subsidiaries, although
they DO not combat labor unions as
such. decline TO discuss business with
them. The corporation and subsidiaries
arc opposed to the closed shop They
stand for the open shop which per
mits ono 70 engage in any line of en-
ployment whether Que does or does not
belong to labor union. This best
promote the welfare OF both employees
and employers. In view of the we'll
known attitude as above expressed. the
officers OF the corporation respectfully y
| decline to discuss with Nou, as repre-
sentatlves of a labor union. any mat
ters relating TO employees IN doing
so no personal discourtcsN is intended
Care for Employees Noted
an all decisions and act Of the cor
poratlon and subsidiaries pertaining to
employees and employment their inter
csts arc of highest importance. In
wage rates. living and working condi-
tions, conservation of life and health
care and comfort in times of sickness
or old age, and providing facilities for
the general welfare and happiness of
employees and their families, the com
poration and subsidiaries have endeav-
ored to occupy a leading and advanced
position among employers.
1T will be the object OF the CORPORA
tion and subsidiaries to give such con
slderatlon to employees as to show them
their loyal and efficient service in the
past is appreciated, and that they may
expect in the future fair treatment"
The letter to which the foregoing wa
the answer said:
During a general campaign Of or
gahization and education conducted un-
ut1 the pitSS VI INC <tliltfl ltdi1 L Gb-
GRAFTON of Labor many thousands Of
mon employed in the iron and steel
industry made application and were en-
rolled as members of the various or.
ganizations to which they were as.
signed
This work has been carried on tc
a great point where We feel justihed
III stating TO you that we represent the
sentiment of the vast majority Of the
employees of this industry. and acting
in behalf of them we solicit of YOU
that a hearing be given TO the under.
signed committee, who have been Sc
lected by the duly accredited represent
atiTes of the employees, TO place before
you matters that are OF vital coneerr
to them, and concerning hours of labor
wages, working conditions and the right
Of elective bargaining.
wherefore, we are submitting ~
brief the principal subjects that W,
desired to have q conference on. Tn.
committee has an important meetin,
in another city on Thursday next an,
will leave New York at o'clock o,
August II. May we respectfully re
quest that your answer be sent befor
that time to Mr.. John Eitzpatrlck, Con
: tnental Hotel, Broadway and Forty
first Street, New York Qjty7"