The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1919-10-02
LABOR STRIKE


Who would have thought, that Judge
Gary, the head of the u. s. Steel Cor
poratiOn, in these times of worlds I'M
rest and discomfort, of which he must
have been conscious, could not see,
that it would require the greatest tact
to prevent discord, and keep our in
dustrial machinery in motion,
But how contrary and autocratic was
his actions, when Fitzpatrick, repre-
senting Union Labor, asked for "A CON
ference with Judge Gary, he was CURLY
told mo-, that he did not represent his
employees. There is nothing more in
sulting when a person asking confer
ence, you answer, | will not listen to
you.
Now, supposing Judge Gary had
answered yes, am glad to meet you,
and when he entered grasped his hand
and said, "Ah, Mr., Fitzpatrick, | be
leye, take a seat and a smoke, now
what can | do for you?"
Whereupon Fitzpatrick replied that
he represented the Labor Unions, who
were discontinued, wanted to be more
respected and consulted on all matters
affecting their welfare, as they were the
main force, that kept the work in oper-
alton, without them It could not exist,
and therefore he was delegated to con
fer with you and see how these condi-
tons could be met.
TO which Judge Gary would reply:
Let me remind you that you are not
one q my employees. Would it not be
better, If the thousands of my en-
pl0yees, many of which own stock in
our company. would select a commit
tee from their own members to confer
with me?
TO this Fitzpatrick would not agree
to.
Well then, Judge Gary would say;
what is the main point you are con
tending for?
The main point is that the L. S. Steel
Corporation should recognize the
Labor Union and employ no other than
its members.
70 this he could reply; This | sur
missed and therefore have consulted
,r;4l Az ,JtrooI,ry and arI,r ,,yat nh Ii 4,
all sides of the question we feared that
If granted we would lose the control OF
the property, which would be calam-
ty to the employees, the stockholders
and the public in general, and there
fore regret to say, that as much as we
should like to please our employees and
labors generally, whom | recognize as
the life of industry yet so far / have
not found a method which will sat
isfy labor, capital and the public
Now you would please me, by con.
sultinR your members, and in case you
find a better way by which all interests
of labor can be better and more justly
protected, let me know, and in this way
we may arrive at an agreement,
You know what an awful condition
may arise IL we do not try our utmost
to peacefully adjust matters. And they
parted with the most friendly feeling
BY such conference Judge Gary
would in no way have committed him
self but showed his willingness to gran
any reasonable demand which woulC
improve the conditions Of labor. If a
the same time il would not destroy al
other interest in connection Herewith
lie would have gained the approva
and sympathy of all The people, thai
might have prevented strike, and i
not, would not have incurred the en-
nifty of the labor world.
But at the present hostile feeling
against him the prospect of a peaceful
settlement would be greatly enhanced
If he would resign and make place fol
one who has more tact to deal will
such delicate problems.
JOHN ScHUETTE.