Year: 1879

are several mills that could not keep up
in the best times, when others were
running full turn, and know of mill
in this very Western Association that
made $4,000 clear last wear and expects
to do more this. And in regard e the
low prices paid boilers in the east, am
satisfied that with their anthracite coal
they can turn out fully one-third more
iron"


In speaking of the result, this gentle
man said: "SOme people seem to
imagine that We are an ignorant set and
not informed thoroughly upon
the subject. But they are mis-
taken. There are many of Us who
know as much of the iron business
As the best, and that information leads
US to believe that this reduction would
he of no permanent benefit to owners
But we think it will be useless and un-
just. SO far il is merely a request and
no attempt is made to cOerce us, but let
them put on the screws and attempt to
force il, and you will see as bitter a
struggle as the iron business ever
knew"


In answer to an inquiry as to whether
he had cOnversed much upon the sub
ject, he replied: "Why, nothing else
has been talked of all day, and | never
saw so much feeling manifested upon
any subject, not even upon the sliding
scale of prices. The approach OF sum-
mer is another thing that will be taken
advantage of, as many OF our men are
perfectly willing to shut down during
the hot months and 20 atishing.'


In reply TO a question, a Sixth ward
mailer said: 81 don't deny, that if the
worst comes, there will he many suffer
ers. Many nailers in this ward have
purchased property which is not all paid
for, the balances being secured by mort
cages and deeds of trust, and a stop in
the supply of money will be severely
felt. But the men are so thoroughly in
earnest on this question, that many of
them would prefer to have their proper
" 90 under the hammer than to submit
10 this reduction"


So earnestly was this spoken that it
bore conviction at once.


The above is about a statement of
the case "a given by numerous nailers,
feeders, boilers and two managers.
That they are well informed upon the
subject, no one can doubt. They have
a ready answer TO any question and a
quick rebuttal to every argument. The
older and more intelligent men have
thOughtiully examined the outlook and
from them the younger ones have
taken their cue.


The case was summed up this way in a
group yesterday evening: 1--WE know
trade is stagnant and that owners are
losing money, but this step is not the
right one. We sympathize with them
and have common interests with
them, but this reduction will not
benefit trade. We are pleased with
the way they have laid the matter
before Us, as it credits us with
sense and judgment, but their argu-
ments are not sound. We are entitled
To higher wages than Eastern labor"
liOr reasons given abOvel, "and fuel Is
cheaper here too. so, believing as We
do, we will resist the proposed reduc-
ton and hope for better times, recon-
mending to owners 10 pursue different
policy among themselves and the neces-
sity for a reduction will be Obviated."


We have endeavOred to present, as
correctly as possible, the views of both
sides, and having given yesterday the
prOprietOrs' views, direct from them,
now present them from u labor stand
point, as expressed clearly and unequiv-
Ocally by the employees Of our various
p,illg