Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1923-03-24
REQUEST WITHDRAWAL

REQUEST WITHDRAWAL
Fall River, Mass. March 23-The
Cotton Manufacturers Association of
Fall River today requested the Tex
tile Council to withdraw its demand
for a wage increase of Is per cent. in
the II mills in this city. In a lengthy
report presented at three hour con-
ference between the two bodies the
manufacturers reviewed tn textile
situation in Fall River and presented
arguments tending to show that the
present time was inopportune for the
increase.
'The manufacturers requested the
unions to defer further action in the
wage negotiations until April 20,
when another conference would be
Held
The conference which had been re-
garded as vitality important to the
textile situation in Fall River and
elsewhere. lasted from go O'Clock
until after 5. The textile council pre-
sented its demand for a wage in
crease. and afterwards the manufac-
turers introduced their objection in
the form OF an exhaustive report on
local conditions. The council now
will report the results of the confer
enee to its six constituent unions
cardsrs. mule spinners, slasher ten
ders yarn finishers. weavers and
loom fixers which will pass on the
report individually.
In its statement the Manufacturers
association argued that the textile
situation in Fall River should be
considered by itself as differing from
conditions in other New England
mill centers. because of the charac-
ter Of goods manufactured here.
The great increase in the number
OF spindles in the south was cited in
contrast to the position here in that
respect. the number Of spindles in
this city showing little change over a
period of years. South Carolina
alone it was argued. has reached the
margin the number Of spindles in Fall
River.
The manufacturers asserted that
dividends paid by FAN River mills in
the past few years had been taken
from accumulated earnings during
the war period and that the great
majority OF the textile corporations
had lost money in the years cited.
In defense of their action in refus-
ing an increase the manufacturers
commended that last year. the mills in
Fan River had refused to be part
Of the movement almost general
throughout New England early last
year to reduce the wages of opera
tiyes elce and return to the 81 hour
week.
The report was discussed at length
By both sides with no definite re-
suits ard the conference adjourned.
In addition to members of the execu-
tive committee of the contton manu-
lecturers association and the textile
council. five citizens were present at
today's meeting. but took no part in
the deliberations and were selected
jointly by manufacturers and Coun-
Gil
While no official views were eX-
pressed tonight. pending the decision
Of the six unions on today's develop
! Eents il was the general view that
the events OF the day would serve to
eomplicate the local lobar situation.
The TIME limit Of the textile councils
demand for q Is per cent. increase is
April 2. A demand has been made
oy the United Textile Workers-con-
uotiing the doffers. sweepers. third
hands and number OF workers in
Other mill trades-for an increase Of
NV. which would restore wages to
the 1890 level. The members of the
United Textile Workers Union ans
wered the refusal Of the manutac-
tarers to negotiate with them by en-
powerins President Thomas F. Nc
Aahon TO declare strike at his dis
esetion. President McMahon to de-
care a strike at his discretion.
President Mcmahon announced Mon
cay night that he had set the day
ana hour" OF the strike call. but had
decided TO await the results OF to-
Gays conference between the manu-
tacsurers ard the textile council.
Spekesrien Of the council have said
nothing as yet about strike possibih-
ties.
Incidental TO the movement for a
saSe increase is a struggle between
us TWO rival union organizations for
soatroi Of the labor situation in Fall
Nser mills. Fer many years. the
.e4Cte council. composed largely OF
SsseSases from unions affiliated with
t0e American Federation Of Textile
,.perasives. has been the recognized
escer OF the organized workers. and
IAs proceeded towards wage adjust
.aeass or conferences with the manu-
,,.csurers President McMahon OF the
Snised Textile workers now has
snaiienged the numerical superiority
"a me councils unions and. with the
sapp'art Of the stationary frenen. a
sasoo affiliated with the American
oeration Of Labor. has claimed that
would be able TO close the mills in
TS CITY IN the event OF 8 strike OF
NGted Textile nra-a .fres