Chapter III: Introduction (3)

On Friday, May 13th, the idle army was largely increased. Of bricklayers, stonemasons, hodcarriers, laborers, teamsters, helpers, carpenters, and a few in other trades, there were fifteen thousand out of employment. Many of these were willing to work, but they were forced to be idle because of the strike of the bricklayers.

The strikers threatened to bring into the city building material from Michigan, thinking by such a proceeding they could force the bosses to give in. The proposition was laughed at.

In support of the Master Masons the North and Northwest Brick Manufacturers' association met and resolved that from May 14th no brick should be delivered from any of the yards in the association until the strike was ended, and that the yards would stop manufacturing brick May 18th. The association yards had a capacity of 1,250,000 brick per day, and employed 1,300 men.

The bricklayers attempted to hold a meeting at Greenebaum's hall Friday night to discuss what they termed "the bosses' lockout." Every member of the union was on hand, and at least half of them were prepared to express their views on the subject. Over five hundred men were unable to gain entrance to the hall owing to its crowded condition, and finding themselves thus cut off from debate proceeded to interrupt those who were inside, so that it was impossible for anyone to hear what was said. A good many who were on the floor were determined to express disapprobation at the trivial demand that had precipitated the trouble, and to request that something be done to settle the dispute, but finding that the malcontents outside were bent on stopping all discussion it was determined to close the meeting. Upon a motion to this effect another noisy faction began to oppose it, and the shouting and stamping of feet became deafening. The floor quivered under the tumultuous mob, and many left the hall for fear it would give way. President Vorkeller could not control the men, and after two hours' labor to bring order out of chaos he made a proposition that battery D, or the cavalry armory, be secured, and thus obtain room for all. This met with favor, and the meeting adjourned with the understanding that the men assemble at battery D at 10 o'clock Saturday morning, May 14th.

REVOLUTIONARY TALK.

In order to inflame the strikers and keep them together they were frequently regaled by such poisonous talk as the following:

"In a week the men will begin to get uneasy. They will assemble on
the streets. The Internationalists [red-flag bandits] will be among
them, notwithstanding the fact that they are alleged to have
disbanded. Do you suppose that 50,000 or 100,000 men are going to
starve and allow their families to die before their eyes without
lifting a hand? It is against human nature. I am going to leave
Chicago. It is not safe for men of my views to be around in times
like these. If the lockout is continued, the people will arise and
overthrow a system which permits a few men to starve the vast
majority into slavery."

It was of little use to point out to angry and ignorant men the absurdity of these revolutionary predictions of their worst enemies. It availed nothing to tell them that Capital had not refused to give them employment; that Capital was ready and more than willing to employ them, and was suffering loss every day and hour of their idleness; that Capital was the best friend they have in the world, a friend that respected their rights and required of them only that they should have equal respect for its rights; and that to maintain its rights against their annoying and persistent attacks was its sole aim in meeting them on their own ground and fighting them in their own fashion. Their blatant demagogues asserted the contrary, and they continued to listen to their blatant demagogues.

PECULIAR METHODS.

The Bricklayers' union was such a close corporation that it not only failed and refused to affiliate with bricklayers who were members of the International union, but proposed to debar every other mechanic from earning a living and force them to assist in securing a benefit for its own members. It was attempting to oust from employment all other building trades in order to carry a trivial point for its own benefit. A meeting of the Amalgamated Trades' Council was held May 14th, at which the action of the Bricklayers was discussed. Expressions of sympathy were made for the Hodcarriers--who were represented in the Council--and condemnation of the Bricklayers,--who were not represented,--and the following resolution was unanimously adopted:

_Resolved_, That the Bricklayers' union be requested to send a
delegation to this Council and take part in its work, and failing
so to do that this Council consider itself purposely ignored, and
at liberty to support such members of the International Union of
Bricklayers as may seek work in Chicago, and that the hodcarriers
may supply said International men.

A committee was appointed to convey the resolution to the president of the Bricklayers' union.

When asked if he had received the resolution President Vorkeller at first emphatically denied it. But when James Brennock, Secretary of the Council, exhibited a reply to it from Vorkeller, he changed his manner of expression, and admitted that he had decided to send a committee to meet the members of the Council, but the union would not send delegates. He said he would have nothing to do with amalgamation, as the union was independent, and able to take care of itself. He afterwards changed his mind, however, and the Bricklayers' union, which was so independent, so powerful, so well organized--under a threat by the Hodcarriers to bring International bricklayers to Chicago--sent delegates to the Council and amalgamated.

WALLING THE STRIKERS IN.

The executive committee of the Master Masons' association busied itself in securing signatures to the agreement to not sell or deliver any building material pending the strike, and they were eminently successful. It divided the city into districts and appointed sub-committees to visit each job to see who were working and if any disposition was shown to violate the agreement. They daily added signatures to the document, fully realizing that by procuring a hearty co-operation from the material men they could build a wall so high that there would be no question of success in combatting the tyrannical acts of the union. The question of individual liberty was brought home to them in such a manner that they could not ignore it.

A NEW PROPOSITION.

Saturday, May 14th, a large meeting of representatives of the building trades met at the Builders' and Traders' exchange. The spacious rooms were crowded to their full capacity. George Tapper presided. The sentiments of the meeting were fully expressed in the following statement and resolutions, which were unanimously adopted:

The members of the Builders' and Traders' exchange of Chicago, in
special meeting assembled, in their capacity as citizens and as
employers of labor, believe the time ripe to protest against the
arrogant interference of labor organizations with business and the
rights of man as guaranteed by the constitution of the United
States. From year to year this evil of foreign importation has
grown worse and worse, because the people, whose duty as citizens
it is to uphold and enforce the laws, have not taken the time to
oppose actively the aggressions and outrages committed in the name
and by the instigation of the various labor organizations. We have
seen this evil brought to and planted in our soil; we have allowed
it to sprout and grow, and put forth new and stronger shoots every
year, until now it is plain that it must either be stamped out by
the active co-operation of all law-abiding citizens or it will
overwhelm and destroy our very form of government. The dividing
line between the permissible and objectionable, between right and
wrong, should be clearly and unmistakably drawn, and the voice of
the community should be heard with proper earnestness and
determination, saying to the ignorant as well as the vicious, "thus
far shall you go, but go no farther." We believe that the large
majority sin from ignorance. Others have seen the wrong exist and
tolerated, and wrong-doers prosper, until their moral perceptions
are dulled and blunted. Those who know better, whose opportunity
and education is superior, have neglected their duty to their
misled fellow-citizens full long enough. A crusade must be
inaugurated, and should be participated in by each and all who love
and desire the perpetuation of this government, founded, in the
words of the immortal Lincoln, "of the people, for the people, by
the people." Let all unite and stand shoulder to shoulder in solid
phalanx for the right and frown down the spirit of anarchy now
rampant, and ere long the rights of the individual shall again be
respected, and this country shall again and in fact become the
"home of the free."

_Whereas_, We recognize that the Master Masons' and Builders'
association has taken a proper stand in its opposition to the
arbitrary dictates of organized labor, and that its battle is our
battle, and in the belief that the more complete the cessation of
all building work during the present strike the shorter will be the
interference with business; now, therefore, be it

_Resolved_, That we indorse the action of said Master Masons'
association and make its position our own, and will actively aid
and assist it in and during this strike.

_Resolved_, That while we condemn and oppose improper actions by
trades unions, we still recognize that there are many opportunities
for good in associations of workmen, and shall aid and assist them
in all just and honorable purposes; that while upon fundamental
principles it would be useless to confer or arbitrate, there are
still many points upon which conference and arbitration are
perfectly right and proper, and that upon such points it is a
manifest duty to take advantage of the opportunities afforded by
associations to confer together to the end that strikes, lockouts,
and other disturbances may be prevented.

_Resolved_, That this exchange do, and it does hereby, call upon
all contractors and builders, be they members of this exchange or
not, for co-operation and active assistance; it calls upon all
architects; upon the owners of buildings in course of construction
or about to be started; upon the press and pulpit; upon each and
every citizen, and particularly upon all mechanics and laborers who
believe that absolute personal independence of the individual to
work or not to work, to employ or not to employ, is a fundamental
principle which should never be questioned or assailed; that upon
it depends the security of our whole social fabric and business
prosperity, and that employer and workman should be equally
interested in its defense and preservation.

Each association in the building trades, and the Illinois State
Association of Architects, and the Chicago Real Estate board were
requested to appoint three delegates to be present at a conference
of building trades on Monday, May 19th.

Mr. Prussing was asked to state the position of the Master Masons. In doing so he said: "It is no more walking delegate! [Cheers.] No more interference with the boy who wishes to learn a trade that he may earn an honest living. [Cheers.] But why ask for particulars? We ask that the wrongs and outrages perpetrated by the trades unions be wiped out, and we ask every minister in his pulpit and every editor in his chair to aid us. If we present a solid and united front the victory will soon be won. * * * * The spirit of anarchy is rampant and must be put down, or it will put you down." [Applause.]

Just as the meeting adjourned a telegram was received from Boston, signed by William H. Sayward, secretary of the National Association of Builders. The assembly waited to hear it. It read as follows:

We are watching your course with great sympathy and interest. Individual liberty must be preserved at any cost.

It was received with a burst of applause, followed by three cheers and a "tiger."

PRACTICAL WORK.

A meeting of the directors of the Chicago stone pool was held, at which there was a full attendance. The building situation was carefully and thoroughly discussed, and without a dissenting voice it was agreed to sustain the Master Masons in the action taken relative to the strike. A resolution was adopted not to sell or deliver stone to anybody pending a settlement of the labor troubles. It was also agreed to stop work at the twenty-two quarries controlled by the pool if it should become necessary.

The key to the situation was held by the stone pool, and when this action was taken the cause of the Master Masons was strengthened in a manner that caused a feeling of relief. Without stone building could not go on for any great length of time.

PERMITS--ARCHITECTS.

There was some work under contract which had to be done in order to protect it, or to avoid violating an agreement, and in such cases President Downey arranged for the issuance of permits for the sale of such material as was needed to complete the work.

The Architects met and expressed approval of the course of the Master Masons, and the following resolution, presented by W. L. B. Jenney, was unanimously adopted:

_Resolved_, That the secretary be and he is hereby instructed to
send to the Builders' and Traders' exchange, through its president,
the announcement of our sincere co-operation.

WHIPPING THE GERMANS INTO LINE.

A mass meeting of the Bricklayers was held on the same day at Battery D, ostensibly for the purpose of discussing the strike, but really for the purpose of anathematizing the employers and forcing into line the dissatisfied and discontented Germans who had been forced to strike against their will. There was a majority of the Germans present, and if they had not been frightened into following the leaders, they could have rescinded the resolution making Saturday the pay-day. But they were timid and unorganized. Mr. Richter spoke in favor of rescinding the resolution, but his own German friends were not brave enough to accord him a cheer, while the opposition howled him down.

When the orators thought they had the meeting in proper temper the following resolution was presented by George Childs:

_Resolved._ That we strictly abide by the resolution that was
passed by our Union as to a Saturday pay-day every two weeks, and
refuse to work on any other terms.

It was read in six different languages that it might be understood by the "congress of nations." President Vorkeller then requested those who favored its adoption to take a position on the right of the hall. A rush was made and but one man voted against the resolution. The objecting Germans had been intimidated to such an extent on that and previous occasions that they feared to vote against the edict of the leaders. A viva voce vote was then taken and the resolution was adopted without a dissenting voice.

When the result of the meeting at Battery D was announced in the committee-room of the Master Masons there was a significant smile on the faces of those present. President Downey stated that a rescinding of the Saturday pay-day resolution by the bricklayers was not expected, and if it had been done it would not have restored the building interests to their normal condition. The contractors had been forced into a fight which they had staved off for years by making concessions, but now that they were in it they would not stop short of a permanent settlement of every grievance which had been borne until they were no longer to be endured.

On Monday, May 16th, there were 18,000 mechanics locked out, and 1,100 laborers were being supported by the Hodcarriers' union. Four hundred bricklayers left the city to look for work.

A PLATFORM OF PRINCIPLES.

Tuesday evening, May 17th, the Master Masons' association met and unanimously adopted the following platform of principles:

Your committee does respectfully report in favor of the
reaffirmation of the following planks from the platform of the
National Association of Builders as fundamental principles upon
which must be based any and all efforts at settlement of the now
existing lockout in building trades:

We affirm that absolute personal independence of the individual to
work or not to work, to employ or not to employ, is a fundamental
principle which should never be questioned or assailed; that upon
it depends the security of our whole social fabric and business
prosperity, and that employers and workmen should be equally
interested in its defense and preservation.

We recognize that there are many opportunities for good in
associations of workmen, and, while condemning and opposing
improper action upon their part, we will aid and assist them in all
just and honorable purposes; that while upon fundamental principles
it would be useless to confer or arbitrate, there are still many
points on which conference and arbitrations are perfectly right and
proper, and that upon such points it is a manifest duty to take
advantage of the opportunities afforded by associations to confer
together to the end that strikes, lockouts, and other disturbances
may be prevented; or, in other language, that "the walking delegate
must go;" that the laws of the state shall prevail in regard to
apprentices and not the dictates of labor organizations; that
"stewards" in control of the men employed at buildings will not be
recognized, and that "foremen," as the agents of employers, shall
not be under the control of the union while serving in that
capacity.

We report in favor of the above, and believe that no time should be
wasted now in the discussion of details which can readily be
adjusted by arbitration when an association of workmen shall be in
existence which acknowledges the justice of the above principles.

With such association, questions of detail or policy, such as
minimum rate of wages to be paid, the hours of work per day, or any
complaints or grievances now existing or hereafter arising, can
readily be settled by a joint committee of arbitration, and we hold
ourselves ready and willing to do so.

The need of the day is a firm stand upon the question at
issue--namely, the constitution-guaranteed rights of the
individual.

In our efforts to maintain these we have received the unanimous and
hearty co-operation of the community, and we are sure of its
continued support. All other questions are trivial in comparison,
and the consideration thereof may well be postponed. And in this
connection we take pleasure in acknowledging the receipt of
sympathy and co-operation of the architects of this city, the
active support of the manufacturers of and dealers in building
materials, the uniform and readily-granted assistance of the
building public and the many letters of sympathy with the cause
received from people entirely disconnected with building interests,
who feel with us that it is the duty of the American people to
oppose this form of tyranny and crush it out now and forever.

It is time, indeed, that the men in charge of unions should learn
that they are not fighting this association, but run counter to the
sentiments of the entire people and the institutions of this free
country.

They must learn to distinguish between liberty and license, between
right and wrong. All who aid in this work deserve well by their
country.

In conclusion, we recommend the appointment of a committee of three
by the president to represent this association at a conference to
be held by representatives of all building trades at the Builders'
Exchange to-morrow, and until the present lockout is finally
settled.

GEORGE C. PRUSSING,
GEORGE TAPPER,
GEORGE H. FOX,
Committee.

When that portion was read stating that the "walking delegate must go" there was loud applause, and every section of the platform was cheered.

THE REAL ESTATE BOARD.

A special meeting of the Real Estate board was held at which the labor question was fully discussed by Messrs. W. D. Kerfoot, H. L. Turner, M. R. Barnard, E. S. Dreyer, Bryan Lathrop, W. L. Pierce and others. The following resolution was presented by M. R. Barnard and adopted by the board:

_Resolved_, That the Chicago Real Estate Board is in full sympathy
with the Builders' and Traders' exchange, the contractors,
architects, and owners in their efforts to check the evils of the
labor troubles, and that the Real Estate Board expresses a
willingness to co-operate with them in their efforts to devise such
means as will result in an equitable and final settlement of the
question.

SOMEBODY WAS HURT.

The Amalgamated Trades' Council held a meeting--which was attended by delegates from the Bricklayers' union--at which threats were made to prosecute Messrs. Downey, Prussing and other builders for "conspiracy" because they had been prominent in securing the co-operation of the dealers in building material, and a refusal to sell and deliver pending the strike. This movement had struck its mark. It hurt.

In the meantime the poor Hodcarriers and Laborers were lost sight of. They had exhausted their treasury and were assessing members at work $1 a week to partially defray expenses of those who were idle. Very few were engaged in building, but were shoving lumber, working in ditches and sewers, and performing labor of any kind they could find to do. Their cause was lost.

AN IMPORTANT MOVEMENT.

The conference of Building Trades, which had been called by the Builders' and Traders' exchange, met Wednesday, May 18th. The various organizations were represented as follows:

Architectural Iron-Work--Robert Vierling, A. Vanderkloof, M.
Benner.

Plumbers--Robert Griffith, William Sims, J. J. Wade.

Steam-Fitters--H. G. Savage, L. H. Prentice, P. S. Hudson.

Stone-Cutters--F. V. Gindele, T. C. Diener, John Rawle.

Plasterers--J. N. Glover, A. Zander, John Sutton.

Roofers--M. W. Powell.

Master Masons--George C. Prussing, George Tapper, George H. Fox.

Painters--J. B. Sullivan, H. J. Milligan, J. G. McCarthy.

Galvanized-Iron-Work--Edward Kirk, Jr., F. A. E. Wolcott, W. B.
Maypole.

Carpenters--William Hearson, William Mavor, W. T. Waddell.

North Side Brick Manufacturers--A. J. Weckler, F. Zapell, A. Hahne.

Non-Union Stone-Cutters--C. B. Kimbell.

Real Estate Board--Henry L. Turner, W. L. Pierce, E. S. Dreyer.

Builders' and Traders' Exchange--F. E. Spooner, H. C. Hoyt, B. J.
Moore.

Architects--F. Bauman, J. W. Root, M. Pierce.

Hollow-Tile Manufacturers--P. B. Wight.

George Tapper was made president and F. C. Schoenthaler secretary.

The members discussed the situation, all agreeing that it was necessary to stand together, and that prompt action should be taken to settle the strike. On motion of F. E. Spooner the two sections of the platform of the Master Masons, which were taken from the declaration of principles of the National Association of Builders, were read and adopted without a dissenting voice.

The following committee was appointed to submit a plan for future action:

George C. Prussing, Henry L. Turner, William Hearson, J. B. Sullivan and Edward Kirk, Jr.

BRICK YARDS SHUT DOWN.

Wednesday, May 18th, nearly all of the brick manufacturers in and adjacent to the city shut down their yards to not resume the manufacture of brick until there was a settlement of the labor troubles. Their action threw out of employment six thousand brickmakers, helpers, yardmen, and teamsters. This action was precipitated by the fact that there was a supply of brick on hand which could not be delivered until building operations were resumed, and the manufacturers saw nothing in the situation that made it necessary for them to make brick when their product could not find a market. They did not desire to invest large sums of money in making brick to store at a large expense, and few of them had an outside demand for their product. In nearly every yard in the vicinity of Chicago there had been strikes, and others were threatened. The feeling of uncertainty and insecurity was so prevalent that the brick manufacturers were more ready than ever to co-operate with the movement of the Master Masons in order to be placed in a position to begin anew on whatever basis might be adopted for a settlement of the labor question. They wanted to run full time when they did run, and not be regulated by the "gang" rule as to what should constitute a day's work for a machine and the attendant man. When a machine was guaranteed to make 50,000 brick in a day they objected to shutting it off at 35,000, and calling that number a day's work. Such rules were regarded as too arbitrary, and as the brickmaking season was limited to from 120 to 150 days it necessarily shortened the crop and prevented a fair income on the capital invested in machinery and grounds.

A PLATFORM APPROVED.

Thursday, May 19th, the conference of the Building Trades held a second meeting, and the committee on platform submitted a report which was discussed by the members and slightly amended. As adopted it was as follows:

In order to carry into effect the platform adopted by us, your
committee recommend:

1. That from this time forth the signature to the following code of
principles by the employe be made a universal condition of
employment by all building interests of Chicago, viz:

I recognize the right of every man to decide for himself, without
dictation or interference, when he shall work or cease to work,
where he shall work, for whom he shall work, how many hours he
shall work, and for what wages he shall work.

I recognize the absolute right of the employer to decide for
himself, without interference from any source, whom he shall employ
or cease to employ; to regulate and manage his business with
perfect independence and freedom, provided, only, that he deal
lawfully, justly and honorable with all men.

I recognize the right of every father to have his son taught, and
of every son to learn, any lawful trade as on a plane with his
right to a knowledge of reading, writing, or any other branch of
learning, and should be subject to regulation only by the laws of
the land.

I hereby pledge myself, in all my relations and intercourse with my
employers and fellow-workmen, to maintain and live up to these
principles.

Your committee recommend, second, that the same code of principles
be presented for signature to every employer with the pledge
therein changed as follows:

I hereby pledge myself to maintain and live up to these principles
in the prosecution of my business, and to lend my aid to the full
extent of my influence and power for their maintenance and
protection among my fellow employers. I further pledge myself not
to employ any workmen except upon his signature of this code of
principles.

Your committee recommend, third, that this conference recommend to
our respective organizations to request of each of its members to
employ such workmen only who recognize the inalienable rights as
above set forth, and evidence their position by subscribing their
names thereto.

Your committee recommend, fourth, that public announcement be made
at once that business will be resumed on or before June 1, with
this code of principles as a basis.

Your committee recommend, fifth, that a standing committee of one
member from each of the building trades, Real-Estate Board, and the
Illinois State Association of Architects, to be known as the
central council of the building interests of Chicago be appointed,
whose duty it shall be to see to the carrying out of these
principles; that it shall have a sub-committee of safety, whose
province it shall be to see that ample protection to all is
afforded; with sub-committees on grievances, strikes, arbitrations,
and such as may be found necessary, but that it work always and
solely for the maintenance and protection of the principles herein
laid down.

Your committee recommend, sixth, that an address to the workingmen
of the building trades and to the general public be prepared,
setting forth your action and your reasons therefor; that fifty
thousand copies be printed and immediately distributed.

Your committee recommend, seventh, that the declaration of
principles be printed at once and circulated for signatures.

Your committee recommend, eighth, that a fund be created to defray
the expenses of this central council, and that we request each
association here represented to transmit to the order of George
Tapper, chairman, the sum of 25 cents for each of their members,
and that individual contributions of people interested in this work
be accepted.

The committee was instructed to have the report printed in six different languages for general distribution.

A meeting of the Master Masons' association was held the same day at which objections were made to that portion of the platform which require the employe to _sign_ an agreement to abide by what had been laid down as the principles of the employers. It was regarded as impracticable and the association refused to approve it, deferring action until there was a full meeting.

The Carpenters' and Builders' association met in the evening and unanimously approved the platform presented by the Conference of Builders, although some objection was offered to the clause requiring the employe to sign his name.

SOME OBJECTIONS.

At the rooms of the Builders' and Traders' exchange the members congregated in large number and earnestly discussed the situation and platform of principles adopted by the conference committee of the building trades. Everyone seemed to be loaded with an opinion which he wanted to shoot off at everybody else. The burden of the discussion was upon the proposition to require employers and employes to append their signatures to the declaration of principles. There was no disagreement as to the correctness of the principles, but a great many questioned the ability of the employers to put the first section into practice-- requiring the employe to sign before going to work. It was generally stated that this proposition was impracticable with the building trades, because many of the men were constantly moving about from one job to another, and unless they were known to have previously signed a new signature would be required on each job, to which the men would object. Masons generally favored a proposition to require the employes to assent to the principles enunciated, and if they did not want to work then they could remain idle. Some of the bosses, however, insisted that they would not only vote against the signing clause, but would refuse to put it into execution if it should be indorsed by a full meeting. It was suggested that an arrangement could be made for opening the doors and inviting the men to go to work. Each applicant for a job could be asked if he knew the principles which had been adopted, and under which work was to be resumed. If not, he could have a copy delivered to him to read, or have them read to him, and if he was then willing to resume work, all right. If not, he could reconsign himself to idleness. It was thought this would not antagonize the unions, and that a large majority of the men would return to work within a week.

AN OFFICIAL VISIT.

Notice having been received by the president of the Builders' and Traders' exchange that the officers of the National Association of Builders were to be in Chicago, the board of directors of the exchange met and appointed the following committee to receive them: George Tapper, Joseph Downey, George II. Fox, James John, M. Benner, Charles A. Moses, William E. Frost, F. C. Schoenthaler, and James C. Beeks.

The officials were met and were fully informed by the committee of what had occurred in Chicago from the inception of the labor trouble which had paralyzed the building trades, and were furnished with a copy of the platform of principles adopted by the Conference committee of the building trades. The situation was informally discussed by the officers of the National Association and the reception committee, in order to put the visitors in a position to fully understand the ground upon which action had been taken. They were apprised of the demands which had been made from time to time for years, and of the fact that these demands had been generally acceded to until they had become almost unbearable, and that the builders of Chicago thought the time had arrived when decisive action should be taken in order to insure a permanent settlement of the troubles which had disrupted the employers and the employes.

Referring to the situation William H. Sayward said it was not alone Chicago builders who were affected by the movement, but the whole country was interested in it. The builders of Chicago and those of other cities could see the benefits which were expected to be derived from a national association. Before that, when there had been a strike of any magnitude in any city, the builders engaged in the complications received not even a word of sympathy from their associates in other parts of the country. In their troubles the Chicago builders had received messages of sympathy and approval from almost every part of the country, because all felt and had a common interest in the questions at issue.

A LITTLE SYMPATHY.

The Central Labor union men met Sunday, May 22d, and compassed the situation by the passage of the following sympathetic resolution:

_Resolved_, That the present lockout of the bosses is in every way
unjustified; that the Central Labor union declares that it is a
conspiracy against the rights of the working people, and extends to
the locked out workmen hearty sympathy and financial as well as
moral aid.

ANOTHER THREAT.

The Trade and Labor assembly met the same day and threatened to prosecute the Master Masons for "conspiracy" and agreed that they should be boycotted. The proposition to prosecute the bosses did not materialize, as wiser counsel prevailed, and showed that there was no foundation upon which to build the charge.

OVER THE WIRE.

Telegrams were received as follows:

BOSTON, Mass., May 19, 1887.

GEORGE TAPPER, President Builders' and Traders' exchange--The
executive board of the National Association of Builders to
Builders' and Traders' exchange of Chicago, Greeting: We have
carefully examined the position you have taken, and the conditions
which have led to your action, and hereby extend to you our most
hearty approval and indorsement. Your position is entirely in
accord with the principles of the National association. Opportunity
should always be given for amicable settlement of differences that
come within the rightful province of associations on either side.
But when the line of right and justice is crossed, the prerogative
of employers disregarded, and attempts made to coerce and force
them from the exercise of their rights in the conduct of their
business, then all lovers of law and order, all believers in
individual liberty, will stand together with unbroken ranks until
the recognition of this fundamental principle is thoroughly
acknowledged.

J. MILTON BLAIR, President.
WILLIAM H. SAYWARD, Secretary.

BOSTON, Mass., May 19, 1887.

GEORGE TAPPER, President of the Builders' and Traders' exchange of
Chicago: The Master Builders' association of Boston, in convention
assembled, have unanimously adopted the following resolutions, and
have ordered them sent to the Builders' and Traders' exchange of
Chicago, as follows:

While we acknowledge that in Boston the situation is fortunately
harmonious between the employers and employes in the building
trades, owing to the fact that reason has prevailed, the proper
rights of the workmen having been recognized and the distinctive
rights of the employers recognized by the workmen, and as a result
thereof no organized attempt has been made in this city to overstep
the bounds of proper jurisdiction by either party, we can not
ignore the fact that our brother builders in Chicago have had
forced upon them a problem which can only be solved by a firm
denial of the assumed right of voluntary associations to disregard
the rights of others, trample upon individual liberty, and blockade
the progress of business thereby. We therefore hereby approve of
the course taken by the Builders' and Traders' exchange, and assure
them of our constant support upon that line. Let the principles for
which we are all fighting be clearly defined, then stand. We are
with you in behalf of right and justice for all and for the
untrammeled liberty of every American citizen.

WILLIAM H. SAYWARD, Secretary.

CINCINNATI, May 19, 1887.

GEORGE TAPPER, President Builders' and Traders' exchange: The
Cincinnati Builders' exchange has just passed strong resolutions
heartily commending your action and guaranteeing practical support.
Stand by your colors.

JAMES H. FINNEGAN, President.

CINCINNATI, O., May 20.

BUILDERS' AND TRADERS' EXCHANGE, Chicago: The Builders' exchange of
Cincinnati again indorse you, and if necessary will follow suit.
Stand by your colors. Your cause is right.

J. H. FINNEGAN, President.

PHILADELPHIA, May 20.

BUILDERS' AND TRADERS' EXCHANGE, Chicago: At a special meeting of
the corporation held this day at noon the preamble and resolution
adopted by the Builders' and Traders' exchange of Chicago, together
with the code of principles, was unanimously approved.

WILLIAM HARKINS, JR.,
GEORGE WATSON,
F. M. HARRIS,
Committee.

NEW YORK, May 20.

BUILDERS' AND TRADERS' EXCHANGE, Chicago: At a special meeting of
the Mechanics' and Traders' exchange it was resolved that we tender
you our sympathy in your present difficulties and assure you of our
cordial support in the position assumed.

D. C. WEEKS, President.
E. A. VAUGHAN, Secretary.

WORCESTER, Mass., May 20.

BUILDERS' AND TRADERS' EXCHANGE, Chicago: We heartily indorse your
efforts to crush out unwarrantable dictation and exalt labor to
that position of dignity to which it belongs and which is truly
expressed only in individual and personal liberty.

E. B. CRANE,
President Worcester Mechanics' Exchange.

PROVIDENCE, R. I., May 20.

TO BUILDERS' AND TRADERS' EXCHANGE, Chicago: The Mechanics'
exchange heartily approve your action, and are in full sympathy
with you.

WILLIAM F. CADY, Secretary.

ST. PAUL, Minn., May 20.

MR. F. C. SCHOENTHALER, Secretary Builders' and Traders' Exchange,
Chicago: At a meeting of the board, held yesterday, the following
resolution was unanimously adopted:

_Resolved_, That the Contractors' and Builders' Board of Trade of
St. Paul, Minn., heartily and unreservedly approve of the stand
taken by the Builders' and Traders' exchange of Chicago in
determining to transact their business in their own way and time.
Respectfully,

J. H. HANSON, Secretary.

ALBANY, N. Y., May 21, 1887.--BUILDERS' AND TRADERS' EXCHANGE,
Chicago: The Master Builders' exchange, of Albany, N. Y., in
meeting assembled, heartily endorse the action taken by you and
trust you will manfully stand together.

EDWARD A. WALSH,
DAVID M. ALEXANDER,
MORTON HAVENS,
Committee.

BALTIMORE, Md., May 21, 1887.--GEORGE C. PRUSSING: Maryland Trades
exchange express their formal approval of your position in present
labor troubles, and wish you success.

WILLIAM F. BEVAN,
Secretary.

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., May 21.

BUILDERS' AND TRADERS' EXCHANGE, Chicago: The Builders' exchange of
Indianapolis at its meeting to-night endorses and approves of the
action of the Chicago Builders' and Traders' exchange in their
existing difficulty.

WILLIAM JUNGCLAUS,
Secretary.

CINCINNATI, Ohio, May 21.

GEORGE TAPPER, President Builders' and Traders' exchange, Chicago:
Every true American will indorse the sentiments promulgated in your
code of principles.

JAMES ALLISON,
President National Association Master Plumbers.

MILWAUKEE, Wis., May 23.

GEORGE C. PRUSSING: The Milwaukee association wishes to convey to
the Chicago exchange the fact of its full concurrent sympathy in
the position it has assumed, as it believes the battle must be
fought just on this line.

O. H. ULBRICHT,
Secretary.

These telegrams were read in the exchange and were received with rounds of applause.

THE PLATFORM MODIFIED.

On Monday, May 23d, the Conference of the Building Trades met and modified the platform of principles which had been adopted May 19th. The principle change was in eliminating the clause requiring employes to _sign_ the code of principles, and making it necessary only for them to "_assent to_" them. The platform as amended was as follows:

1. From this time forth the assent to the following code of
principles by the employe be made a universal condition of
employment by all building interests of Chicago--viz.:

I recognize the right of every man to decide for himself, when he
shall work or cease to work, where he shall work, for whom he shall
work, how many hours he shall work, and for what wages he shall
work.

I recognize the right of every employer to decide for himself, whom
he shall employ or cease to employ; to regulate and manage his
business with perfect independence, provided only that he deal
lawfully, justly and honorably with all men.

I recognize the right of every father to have his son taught, and
of every son to learn, any lawful trade, to be the same as his
right to a knowledge of reading, writing, or any other branch of
learning, which should be subject to regulation only by the laws of
the land.

By accepting of employment I agree in all my relations and
intercourse with my employers and fellow workmen, to maintain and
live up to these principles.

2. That this conference recommend to our respective organizations
to request each of its members to employ such workmen only who
recognize the inalienable rights as above set forth.

3. That public announcement be made at once that business will be
resumed on or before June 1, 1887, with this code of principles as
a basis.

4. That a standing committee of one member from each of the
building trades, the Chicago Real Estate board, and the Illinois
State Association of Architects, to be known as the Central Council
of the Building Interests of Chicago, be appointed, whose duty it
shall be to see to the carrying out of these principles; that it
shall have a sub-committee of safety, whose province it shall be to
see that ample protection to all is afforded; with sub-committees
on grievances, strikes, arbitrations and such as may be found
necessary, but that it work always and solely for the maintenance
and protection of the principles herein laid down.

5. That an address to the working men of the building trades and to
the general public be prepared, setting forth your action and your
reasons therefor; that fifty thousand copies be printed and
immediately distributed.

6. That a fund be created to defray the expenses of this Central
Council, and that we request each association here represented to
transmit to the order of George Tapper, chairman, the sum of 25
cents for each of their members, and that individual contributions
of people interested in this work be accepted.

The officers of the National Association of Builders were present, and through Mr. Sayward congratulated the builders of Chicago for the noble stand that had been taken in the cause of individual liberty, adding that the whole country was looking to Chicago for a solution of the question of labor.

NINE HOURS FOR BRICKLAYERS.

In the evening the Master Masons met and by a rising vote unanimously adopted the amended code of principles. Working rules were adopted as follows:

The following shall be the working rules for workmen employed by
members of this association:

Nine hours to constitute a day's work, except on Saturdays, when
all work shall be suspended at 12 o'clock noon.

Work to start at 7 o'clock A. M. Minimum wages for bricklayers and
stonemasons to be 45 cents per hour.

Pay-day to be regularly every two weeks on either Monday or
Tuesday.

OFFICIAL ACTION.

The officers of the National Association of Builders invited the Bricklayers to meet them and to state their grievances. The invitation was accepted, and on Monday, May 23d, A. E. Vorkeller, president, and William Householder, C. J. Lindgren, James Sedlak and John Pierson, called upon the officials. After a session of three hours, during which the committee ventilated its opinions on almost every subject of grievance known to mortar-spreading humanity, the issue was finally reduced to the vexed question of a Saturday pay-day. Interrogated upon all subjects, the protesting committee acknowledged itself perfectly satisfied with every existing condition except that of being paid on Monday or Tuesday, instead of Saturday. This the committee claimed was an encroachment upon their Sabbatarian rights which no honest and industrious bricklayer would submit to with obedience or patient humility.

Bankers, merchants, architects, builders, and all classes of citizens responded to an invitation to confer with the officers of the National Association, and offered suggestions in regard to the troubles which were prostrating business and unnecessarily causing losses to employer and employe which could never be recovered. After carefully considering the situation the Executive Board of the National Association made a comprehensive report, which is as follows:

CHICAGO, May 24th, 1887.

_To the Builders' and Traders' Exchange of Chicago and all filial
bodies of the National Association of Builders, and to the general
public_:--

In view of the serious disturbance to building interests in the
City of Chicago, and the widespread influence likely to flow from
it to other localities, affecting not only the building trades, but
all branches of industry in the United States, it has been thought
wise to call the Executive Board of the National Association of
Builders to this city, to carefully examine the situation,
investigate the causes which have produced the existing conditions,
and report thereon to all filial bodies for their information,
together with such suggestions for their future action as may seem
wise and best. All interested parties (and every business has
interests more or less directly involved in this question) should
thoroughly understand that the National Association of Builders
assumes no powers of a dictatorial character; it simply acts as an
advisory body, and communicates its conclusions only in the form of
recommendations, which its affiliated associations may or may not
adopt or follow, as the circumstances by which they are surrounded
demand. But it should also be borne in mind that the National
Association endeavors to confine its expressions of advice and
recommendation to the general principles that underlie and affect
conditions in all localities, and in this especial issue and crisis
which has arrived in one of the most important business centers in
this country, the Executive Board intends to be particularly
careful, while considering the facts that exist in this city, to
avoid as much as possible in its advice or recommendations, all
local or superficial issues, and deal largely with the problem that
is rapidly demanding solution in every city and town in the land.

It is one of the purposes of the National Association to keep
watchful guard over the interests of builders everywhere throughout
the country, giving its advice and assistance to all its members
when difficulties arise, using its influence with them to secure
and maintain just relations either in their contact with each other
or in their relations to owners, architects or workmen, and prevent
the encroachment of other interests upon ground that belongs to
them.

The exact circumstances that have brought about the present
blockade of business in Chicago may not be absolutely identical
with the issues that have caused similar disturbances in other
cities, and they may not be exactly reproduced in the future in any
other locality; but the root from which they spring has been
planted everywhere, and while the plant may be good and worthy, it
is a matter of the greatest concern to all that the growth from it
be carefully watched and held in check, lest it assume such rank
and oppressive proportions that other interests, equally valuable
and necessary, be overgrown and choked. It is sometimes necessary
to prune a vine of rank and unhealthy growth, in order that it may
bear good fruit. We apprehend that the experience of the builders
of Chicago in this crisis will be of great importance to builders
in other cities, and we hope to utilize their experience in such a
way that general business interests will be better protected and
preserved in the future, the proper purposes, opportunities and
interests of organizations of workmen maintained and encouraged,
and that the individual workman himself, whether he be connected
with organizations or independent of them, may be placed in a
position where he may exercise unquestioned his rights as an
American citizen.

In this endeavor we ask the co-operation of all business men,
particularly those whose affairs bring them into direct contact
with the difficult and perplexing questions incident to the
employment of labor, and the community generally, for the public as
a whole has an immense stake in this question of individual
liberty. We have endeavored to make our inquiries in a
disinterested spirit, and, in pursuance of this purpose, have given
hearings to the employing builders, the Bricklayers' Union,
non-union workmen, manufacturers, merchants, bankers, architects
and business men generally, believing that we could only consider
the question fairly by listening to all sides and opinions.

The result of our investigation leads us to report as follows:

The demand for pay-day on Saturday by the Bricklayers' Union, which
precipitated the present blockade of business in the building
trades in Chicago, was in itself inconsequent and trivial, and a
concession or denial of it, on its merits, would have been
immaterial; but it was presented in such a manner, at a time when
the hodcarriers' strike, in progress, had been supported by the
Amalgamated Building Trades, and had been preceded by such
concessions on the part of the employers, that they felt this to
be the "last straw," and that their duty to themselves and others
compelled them to make a stand and demand a surrender of the rights
which had been previously abrogated. In this course, and in the
manner in which the builders have presented their convictions and
method of future action, we believe that nothing has been done
beyond what the situation imperatively demanded, and the safe and
proper conduct of business required; we are only astonished that
the crisis has not been sooner reached. It seems to us that this
strike or lockout was not caused by a demand that it was impossible
to grant, but was the direct result of the assumption by
organizations of workmen, for a number of years, of rights not
properly within their jurisdiction, and the demand coming, as it
did, under such aggravating circumstances, occasion was properly
taken, in our opinion, for a complete cessation of business, in
order that it might finally be decided and settled whether the
employer should for the future be free from further encroachments,
and that he might recover those rights and prerogatives which
properly belong to him. It is worthy of note that this issue or
demand was not made in the dull season, when it might have been
more easily arranged, or at least considered, but after the busy
season was reached, and in addition to and in support of existing
strikes. The Union making it did not seek to consult the employers
in regard to its feasibility, although after it was promulgated
(the employers requesting a re-consideration), a slight alteration
was made in one of the details.

It appears, according to the testimony of the Bricklayers' Union,
that there has been no general strike in their trade for the last
four years, but they admit that during that period they have been
successful in enforcing certain rules and regulations in regard to
control of journeyman and apprentices (which are set forth in their
printed Constitution and By-laws), and that the enforcement of
these rules has caused strikes or stoppages of work in many cases,
upon certain jobs.

It is in the rules or regulations referred to that conditions are
imposed which the builders claim are an encroachment on their
peculiar rights as well as the rights of independent workmen, and
that in submitting to them they have made concessions which they
can no longer endure.

In this opinion we entirely and heartily concur.

We will cite a few of these rules, calling attention to the fact
that although the employers have at least an equal interest in the
matters treated, they have never been even consulted in their
formulation, but have been expected to comply with them as
presented, and have so complied, for the reason, as they claim,
that they could not help themselves.

The first rule, or regulation, or custom, which demands notice is
that which prevents workmen, not members of the Union, from
obtaining work. This is excused by the declaration of the Union
that they do not claim that the non-union man shall not work--they
simply will not work with him; but this explanation is purely a
clever evasion of the point at issue, for the workman is by force
of circumstances deprived of opportunity to labor, and the position
taken by the Union is manifestly a conspiracy against the rights of
the individual.

It may truly be considered the first step towards setting up an
oligarchy in the midst of a free people.

This assumed right is most tenaciously held and is one of the most
dangerous expedients ever adopted by a voluntary association. We
believe it to be a direct attack upon individual liberty, and an
evil that will re-act upon those who attempt to establish it. We
also believe it to be entirely unnecessary for the welfare of
Unions--that all the ends they wish to gain can be secured by
legitimate measures, and that not until they cut out this cancer
will harmony be restored and reforms established. This custom
should be constantly and absolutely denied.

The next rule which we wish to consider is that establishing a
"walking delegate."