The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1919-08-28
Gompers Is With Delega-
tiOn That Goes to Plead
With President.
OPEN SHOP SAYS GARY
Steel Corporation Chairman
Asserts Unions Can't Be
Recognized.
STRIKE THREATS HEARD
Letters Exchanged Make Issue
A. +. of L. Conferences
Follow New Refusal.
STRIKE THREATS HEARD

Judge Elbert H. Gary, chairman Of
the board of the United States Steel
Corporation, refused fatty yesterday
to treat with the steel and iron
workers committee as representatives
Of organized labor.
Immediately after learning the atti-
tude Of the corporation, the members
OF the committee went into confer
ence with Samuel Gompers, president
OF the American Federation of Labor.
A reply to Judge Gary was drafted.
but the text withheld. At midnight
the committee, with Mr.. Gompers.
started for Washington with the an
nounced intention of enlisting Presi-
dent Wilson's aid toward arbitration.
John Fitzpatrick, chairman of the
steel and iron workers COMMITTEES.
announced that the situation in the
industries would be laid before a
special meeting Of the executive board
of the American Federation OF Labor,
which will begin this morning In
Washington.
Judge Gary made known his stand and
that of the other officers of the corpora
ton In a letter containing an unqualified
declhation to discuss hours. wages,
working conditions or any other demands
with union emissaries.
Only Hope Is Seen In Wilson.
This unequivocal attitude appeared to
leave the workers delegates with no
other recourse than Presidential inter-
vention before carrying out their threat
ened strike movement which they de-
care would paralyze the nations trans
portation lines as well as the steel and
iron industries and the industries de-
pendent upon these two.
! While they would not commit them
selves on the question of the probability
of a strike, the union leaders were openly
pessimistic after their conferences with
Mr.. Gompers which lasted several hours
at their headquarters in the Hotel Con-
tinental. At its conclusion they an
nounced simply that another communica-
ton to Judge Gary had been drafted.
The text and substance of this letter
they refused to disclose.
In declaring the corporations unwill-
ingness to recognize the union OF steel
and iron workers or to receive their rep
resentatives as union leaders. Judge Gary
denied that the union is of sufficient size
10 be representative OF the majority opln-
/ ion among the men.
Letter sent by Judge Gary.
Here is Chairman Garv's letter, as sent
to Chairman Fitzpatrick
} 't,f Of
munication OF August 26 is aclSnowl-
edged.
We do not think you are authorized
to represent the sentiment of a majority
of the employees OF the United States
Steel Corporation and its subsidiaries.
We express no opinion concerning any
other members of the iron and steel in
dustry
"As heretofore publicly stated and re-
peated. our corporation and subsidiaries.
although they do not combat labor
unions as such, decline to discuss bull
ness with them. The corporation and
subsidiaries are opposed to the CLOSED
shop They stand for the open shop
which permits one to engage in any line
of employment, whether one does or
does not belong to a labor union. This
best promotes the welfare of both en-
ployees and employers.
In view Of the well known attitude as
above expressed the officers of the cor
poration respectfully decline to discuss
with you as representatives OF a leSor
union any matter relating to employees.
In doing so no personal discourtesy Is
intended.
"In all decisions and acts of the cor
poration and subsidiaries pertaining to
employees and employment their inter
ests are OF highest Importance. In wage
rates. living and working conditions.
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 corporation and sub
sidiaries have endeavored to occupy a
leading and advanced position amongst
, employers.
1T will be the object of the corpora
tion and subsidiaries to give such con-
slderation 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.
"E II. GARY, Chairman"
] At midnight the union representatives
I and Mr.. Gompers started for Wash
! ington and concluded their two days
| OF Intellectual entreSty a. Judge Gary's
, door here. The attitude OF the steel
company official was Indicated first
1 when the committee attempted to see
| him In person Tuesday. At that time
| Judge Gary said he would consider their
business II it was reduced to writing.
: Committees Letter to Judge Gary
In compliance with this suggestion the
! following letter was despatched 70
! Judge Gary soon afterwards
/ DEAR SIR During a general cant
! paign of organization and education
! conducted under the auspices of the
! American Federation of Labor many
! thousands OF men employed in the iron
/ and steel industry made application and
were enrolled as members OF the vari-
Gus organizations to which they were
f, assigned.
This work has been carried on to