Chapter IV: Introduction (4)

Some of the functions of this officer (if he may be so designated),
as explained by members of the Union, are perfectly harmless, and
possibly quite a convenience; but if proper relations were
permitted to exist between employer and workman these functions
could be equally well sustained by the foreman on the job. There
are other powers, however, with which he is invested, which are so
arbitrary in their character, which deprive the employer so
completely of that control of workmen necessary to the prosecution
of his work, that it is simply ridiculous to submit to it. For
instance, "He shall be empowered to use his personal judgment on
all points of disagreement between employer and employe, between
regular meetings."--ARTICLE V., SEC 4.

The simplest mind can readily see how little control the employer
has left him, when a man not in his employ is permitted to come
upon his work and "use his personal judgment" in questions of
disagreement, the workman being obliged to then obey his orders.
The employer seems to be a mere cipher under this arrangement, and
can only fold his hands and wait till the "regular meeting" (at
which he has no opportunity to be heard) settles whether the
"personal judgment" exercised be just and fair. The result can be
imagined. In the hands of an exceptionally honest and discreet
person such a power would be dangerous enough, but in the control
of a man who may not possess these qualities, or possess one of
them without the other, the chances of stoppage of work under his
orders, the constant annoyances to which employers, architects and
owners may be subjected, makes this infliction too grievous to be
borne. The thousands of unnecessary strikes, stoppages and
obstructions to work for every conceivable cause, or no cause,
which have occurred in all parts of the country in the name of
justice and the walking delegate, are evidence enough that to
owner, architect, employer and workman, he is an abomination not to
be tolerated. As an adjunct to the walking delegate comes the
"steward," who, like him, has some functions perfectly
unobjectionable, but who in other ways is empowered to assume
certain direction and control which surely is not consistent with
the duties of a workman, that is, if the workman is considered to
have any duty to his employer. It is noticeable that in the
description of the duties of these two gentlemen, it is the
"interests of the Union" only that they are directed to observe; it
is true that the walking delegate is not an employe, but he is to
have free access to the work, can interfere and obstruct as he
pleases, but the interest of the employer seems to have been
omitted in the recital of his duties. When it is considered how
much is taken off the hands of the employer by these two persons,
it is somewhat a matter of surprise that owner and architect burden
themselves with the useless middle man, the nominal employer, when
they can have the whole matter handled by the Union and its agents.

The rules in relation to apprentices are peculiarly restrictive and
leave nothing whatever that is worth possessing in the hands of the
employer. We cannot imagine why any contractor would care to have
apprentices at all, if their direction and control is to be so
completely out of his hands.

These rules declare that "no contractor shall be allowed to have
more than two apprentices at a time;" "he will not be allowed to
have any more until their time is completed;" "he may then replace
them."

The contractor must sign such indentures as are prepared by the
Union without consultation with him. "No contractor will be allowed
to have an apprentice over eighteen years of age unless he be the
son of a journeyman who is a member of the Union." Apprentices must
also be members. The contractor is thus debarred from putting his
own son at apprenticeship if he happens to be eighteen years of
age. This appears to be most emphatic special legislation. In fact
the whole management and control of apprentices is virtually in the
hands of the Union, and we submit again that such action as this is
most indefensive and pernicious. It has already caused a tremendous
reduction in the number of young men learning the trade, and, if
practiced in other branches of business, would create a state of
revolt among the people, and would be denounced throughout the
length and breadth of the land as a violation of rights heretofore
supposed to be secured when this country became a Republic.

Foremen upon the work must be members of the Union. Inspectors upon
public buildings must be practical bricklayers in the opinion of
the Union, and members of it; in fact there are so many points that
demonstrate the development of this one-sided power of the Union,
and showing abuse of their place and mission that we cannot take
time or space to enlarge upon them.

To our mind the Constitution of this Union, and many others, is
framed upon the assumption that all employers are dishonest and bad
men, so all are to suffer alike.

The Union seem to have come to the conclusion that the laws of the
land are not sufficient, and they propose to be not only a law unto
themselves but a law unto all others who come in contact with them.

This assumption, if permitted to stand and grow, will tend to
disintegrate the whole social and political fabric upon which
citizens of this country depend for protection; and we believe it
to be our duty to call upon all good citizens to deny it in
unequivocal terms.

We submit that these "rules" which we have quoted, and other
customs which have naturally grown from such development of power
(which are neither written or admitted by the Union, but which
nevertheless exist), are distinctly an encroachment upon the
province of the employer; that under them he is robbed of that
control and authority absolutely essential to the proper conduct of
his business.

Submission to such dictation as this simply opens the door wider
for interference, and the employer is not secure from day to day
from new and harassing demands, so that eventually he will have
practically nothing left to him but the "privilege" of paying the
bills.

The crisis here in Chicago is of tremendous importance and
significance to every builder and every business man, not alone in
this great and rapidly growing city, but in every city of the
country, for here is seen a demonstration of the tyranny which
becomes possible when improper methods are submitted to; a tyranny
which holds the workman in its grasp quite as surely as the
employer, and this experience and demonstration should be a timely
warning to all.

Labor Unions have gone too far.

They have mistaken their functions and over-stepped their
boundaries.

The time has come to "call a halt," and to demand a surrender of
that which has been improperly obtained.

To do this will require some patience and some sacrifice, but the
end to be gained is but justice and right, and worth all that it
may cost.

Better that not another brick be laid or another nail be driven in
Chicago for a year than this opportunity be lost to regain the
rights and prerogatives which make it possible for employer and
workman to be independent and successful.

Let nothing be done to injure the Union in the prosecution of their
rightful purposes; they have a most important mission and a great
field for usefulness. Aid and assist them in these things by every
means in your power, but for their own good, as well as your own
safety, stand constantly and steadfastly opposed to any and every
attempt to take away that which makes you an employer, or from the
workman himself the right to work.

Trade Unionism in theory, and as it may be consistently and
intelligently carried out, can be a most useful aid to all
concerned; but, as at present managed, clinging fast as it does to
the cardinal principle of the right to prevent any and every man
from working who does not happen to belong to the order, it is a
bane to society and a curse to its members. We approve of the
position taken by the builders of Chicago in this emergency, and we
congratulate them that other branches of business, whose interests
are so closely interwoven with theirs, have had the courage and
willingness to make common cause with them, recognizing, as they
evidently do, that if this sort of dictation is permitted to grow,
that their own position will become undermined and security vanish.
We congratulate them also that general business interests have
given them such hearty co-operation and support, and we feel
assured that will continue until the victory is won.

We recommend all filial associations of this body to assume the
same attitude in the event of an issue being forced upon them by
further encroachments, and we suggest to them, as well as to the
Builders' and Traders' exchange of Chicago, that, in order to
encourage all workmen who wish to have an opportunity to freely
work, untrammelled by the improper requirements and rules of
voluntary associations (membership in which, as far as most workmen
are concerned, have become involuntary), and be protected in their
work, it will be wise to create and establish at once a Bureau of
Record in connection with their associations, where any and all
workmen may put themselves on record as assenting to the principles
of individual liberty, announced here in Chicago, and by and
through which the workmen so assenting will be kept at work, and
protected in it, in preference to those who deny these principles.

Let steps be taken, after a certain time given to develop the
honest purpose, good character, skill and ability of the workmen,
to make them members of your own associations, and so institute,
for the first time, a union wherein employer and employe shall be
joined, and their interests considered in common, as they properly
should be. We believe this would be a step in the right direction,
and the dawn of the day when the two branches of workmen--the
directing workman and the manual workman--will not be arrayed
against each other, but will consider and act in concert for their
mutual benefit.

Closing now our report to filial associations, we wish to address a
few words to the public at large, whose servants we are.

We believe that the builders of this country stand to-day in a
position which commands the attention of all kinds and classes of
business men everywhere.

We wish to do only that which is right and in accordance with the
principles upon which this Republic was founded.

Individual liberty is the dearest possession of the American
people; we intend to stand by it and protect it in every emergency,
and, to our mind, there has never been before presented an occasion
more significant and decisive than the present, and in doing all we
can to sustain it we feel that we are fighting not for our selfish
ends alone, but for the welfare and protection of every individual
in the land.

Individual liberty is not incompatible with associations, and
associations are not incompatible with individual liberty; on the
contrary, they should go hand in hand.

We call upon all to sustain us in maintaining all that is good and
in defeating all that is bad in this difficult problem of labor.

Liberty is our watchword, and this struggle is but a continuation
of that endeavor which began a hundred years ago, when a little
band of patriots, at Concord Bridge, "fired that shot heard round
the world," which was the first blow in establishing American
independence.

Signed,
J. M. BLAIR,
JOHN S. STEVENS,
EDWARD E. SCRIBNER,
WM. H. SAYWARD,
JOHN J. TUCKER,
Executive Board of the National Association of Builders.

PERMISSION TO RESUME.

It having been decided by the conference of building trades that work might be resumed by any contractor on or before June 1st, and the Master Masons' association having approved of the platform of principles and adopted rules for the government of its members, the executive committee of the Master Masons' association adopted the following form of notification for its members of their readiness to resume work and their willingness to adhere to the principles approved by the association at its last meeting:

JOSEPH DOWNEY, President Master Masons' Association
--_Sir:_ We are ready to start work, and hereby agree on our
honor to abide by the rules and platform adopted by the Master
Masons' association.

____________________________

In pursuance of this action a number of contracting masons notified President Downey of their readiness to resume work, and they were given permits for the purchase of building material, the following form being used:

PERMIT, No. ______ | PERMIT.
|
| EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE,
_Granted_ ______________ |
| Master Masons' and Builders' Association,
_to deliver_ ___________ |______________________
|
_to_ ___________________ | _You are hereby requested_
| _to deliver to_ ____________________
_at No._ _______________ | ____________________________________
|
_Purpose_ ______________ | _No_ ________________
|
_________________________| _for the purpose of_ _______________
| ______________________

This form of permit was continued in use to contractors who were not members of the Master Masons' association. A different course was pursued with members, who were required to sign a request for a general permit, the form of the request being as follows:

Chicago, May 24th, 1887.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MASTER MASONS' ASSOCIATION.

_Gents_:--I hereby make application for permit to resume work, and
I agree on my honor to adopt the rules and platform as passed by
the Master Masons' and Builders' Association, May 23d, 1887.

HERMANN MUELLER.

Upon the presentation of such an application to the executive committee a general permit was issued, which was in form as follows:

MASTER MASONS' AND BUILDERS' ASSOCIATION.
Chicago, May 24th, 1887.

HERMANN MUELLER.--In consideration of your signing an agreement to
adhere to the Platform and Code of Working Principles adopted by
the Master Masons' and Builders' Association May 23d, 1887, you are
hereby granted a permit to resume work.

JOSEPH DOWNEY, President.

In attempting to resume work the mason contractors were disposed to give preference to such bricklayers and stonemasons as had been working in Chicago, and who evinced a willingness to return to work under the code of principles and the rules of the association which had been adopted. A few workmen took advantage of the proposition at once, and went to work, but fear of fines by the union and assaults from the members of the union, deterred a great many from going to work who were perfectly willing to subscribe to the principles enunciated. The leaders of the strikers announced that under no conditions would the union accept the offer of 45 cents an hour and nine hours a day.

By May 25th more than one thousand of the union bricklayers had left the city and were working in outside towns ten hours a day for $2.50 to $3 pay, rather than accept the offer of the Master Masons.

Not being able to secure a large number of the home workmen the Master Masons' caused to be published in important towns in Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio and Missouri, a notice that there were wanted in Chicago one thousand bricklayers who would be given steady work at 45 cents an hour and would be guaranteed protection. They did not expect that the whole number would be secured, as it was the busy season for building everywhere, but they looked for a sufficient number of responses to meet the immediate demand.

In this they were disappointed. The experience of outside bricklayers in Chicago had been of an unsavory character, and they respectfully declined to advance upon the city in a body. A few bold fellows made their appearance, but they numbered less than one hundred. Many of those who went to work were put under police protection in order to keep the strikers from committing depredations.

DISCONTENTED LABORERS.

The Hodcarriers became disgusted. Their feeling against the Bricklayers was very strong, and they said if the Bricklayers were possessed of more sense all the employes in the building trades would be at work at good wages and the Hodcarriers would be getting all they asked for. They were out of work and out of means, and the funds of the union were so low that little or no relief could be obtained from that source. The union funds had been exhausted for some time, and the weekly assessments upon men employed did not average over $200, while there was a demand for more than $10,000 per week to pay the $5 weekly, which was guaranteed to every member of the Hodcarriers' union who was on strike and in need. The outcome to the most of the men looked bad, and serious trouble was expected. Men with starving families and no prospect of getting work were not likely to long keep quiet. Only a few men showed themselves at headquarters, but there was an undercurrent of discontent that could not be kept down. Fears were entertained that it might lead to riot, and efforts were put forth to keep the rougher element out of the way. There were good grounds for apprehension, and it required careful manipulation to keep the dangerous element subdued.

LISTING THE JOBS.

On Friday, May 27th, the executive committee of the Master Masons' association appointed a sub-committee to make a list of jobs in the city giving the names of all the contractors, the location of the work, the number of bricklayers, stonemasons and laborers required, and the number at work, and this sub-committee rapidly got its work in shape. It also kept a memoranda of the character of material needed, and the quantity supplied from time to time, with the names of the dealers from whom it was procured. It was empowered to designate members of the association to visit jobs as often as necessary for the purpose of rendering any service that would facilitate the work, and contractors who were resuming business were requested to report to the committee what progress was being made. The executive committee realized that it would take no little time to get the business in good running order, and the organization was put in such shape as to make it effective in a long or short campaign.

FALSE STATEMENTS.

In order to create a break in the ranks of the material dealers, who were bravely supporting the Master Masons, the strikers circulated a report that permits for the purchase of building materials would only be issued to members of the Master Masons' association. When the attention of President Downey was called to the fact he said with considerable earnestness:

"It is not so. I can not understand how such an impression got out,
as there has been no thought of making or enforcing such a rule.
There is no disposition on the part of the executive committee to
take such action and there never has been. The fact is that more
permits for material have been issued to builders who are not
members of the Master Masons' association than have been issued to
members. All that is required of an applicant for a permit is that
he will agree to abide by the code of principles and the rules
adopted and sign the card which has been prepared setting forth
these facts."

The only discrimination made by the executive committee was in its positive refusal to issue permits to small contractors or jobbers who were members of the Bricklayers' and Stonemasons' union. They were told that when they resigned from the union and brought evidence of the fact, and agreed to the code of principles and the rules, they could have all the material they wanted.

ANOTHER TELEGRAM.

The following telegram was received at the Builders' and Traders' exchange:

ROCHESTER, N. Y., May 27.

JOSEPH DOWNEY, President Master Masons' Association, Chicago: On
behalf of the New York State Masons' association I wish you
Godspeed in your code of principles.

H. GORSLINE, President.

BLACKMAIL.

On Saturday, May 29th, the Master Masons' association met and talked over the situation, congratulating each other on the promised success of their movement for freedom.

At the request of Mr. Tapper Mr. Victor Falkenau made a statement to show the corrupt methods of the walking delegate. He said that in October, 1886, he was erecting a building on Astor street for Mr. Post, when Walking Delegate Healy appeared on the scene and objected to some pressed brick being put into arches that had been cut at the manufactory, insisting that they should be cut on the job. Healy insisted on calling the men off the job, but in consideration of $5, which was then paid to him, he let the work proceed. A committee from the Bricklayers' union had called on him to ascertain what had been done, and he had put it in possession of the facts in the case. The money was paid to Healy Oct. 21st. In the face of this statement, which was backed by ample proof, the walking delegate was not removed from his high position. Other members referred to similar cases in which walking delegates had shown themselves to be walking blackmailers.

When Delegate Healy heard of the statement of Mr. Falkenau he threatened to bring suit against him for $10,000 damages. Mr. Falkenau remarked that he was glad he was to be sued as a hearing of the cause in a court would bring out the facts under oath in a manner that would satisfy anyone as to the truth or falsity of the charge. A contractor who was familiar with the facts in the case said the statement of Mr. Falkenau would be supported by other testimony when the time came, but he was satisfied there would be no libel suit. And there was none.

METAL WORKERS.

The Association of Manufacturers in Metals met Saturday, May 28th, and unanimously adopted the following resolutions:

_Whereas_, We know there are organizations existing which deny the
rights of the individual as guaranteed by the constitution of the
United States; and

_Whereas_, We believe it our duty as citizens to range ourselves
with others in the assertion and defense of the rights of man, be
he employer or workman; now, therefore,

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 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 upon which conferences and arbitrations are perfectly right
and proper, and that upon such points it is a manifest duty to
avail ourselves of the opportunities afforded by associations to
confer together to the end that strikes, lockouts, and other
disturbances may be prevented.

We recognize that permanent harmony between employer and workman
can only exist when both agree on the justice and right of the
principles set forth. Now, therefore, be it

_Resolved_, That all members of the Association of Manufacturers
in Metals be, and they are hereby requested to display in office
and workshop, the above declaration and the following code of
principles:

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

"I recognize the right of the employer to decide for himself whom
he shall employ or cease to employ, and 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 and writing, or any other branch of
learning, which should be subject to regulations only by the laws
of the land.

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

_Resolved_, That full powers be and they are hereby granted to the
executive committee to take all steps by them deemed necessary to
carry into effect the principles heretofore set forth and to
express the concurrence of this association with the position taken
by the Master Masons' and Builders' Association.

This action, it was stated during the discussion of the resolutions, was not the outgrowth of sympathy only, but caused by the fact that Metal men were suffering just as much as anybody under the then existing trouble in the building trades. There were not cast seventy-five tons of building ironwork a day in the city when there ought to have been three hundred tons at least. The depression of trade was so marked that two foundries shut down, throwing 250 men out of work, and all the establishments were glad to have a pretext for closing.

DARK WAYS.

At the headquarters of the Bricklayers the statement was made that there had been an important meeting of the dealers in Building material, May 30th, at the Builders' and Traders' exchange, at which it was agreed that the material men would not wait longer than June 1st for the Master Masons to get to work, as their agreement to not sell and deliver building material only extended to that date. When asked about the meeting, Mr. Mulrany, of the Union, could not say how many attended, or give the names of any who were present. He insisted that the Bricklayers would break the backs of the Master Masons, and would make them give up for good. He was sure the lockout would not last long, because there was so much disaffection among the bosses. Diligent inquiry was made at the Exchange to learn if such a meeting had been held as the one mentioned by Mr. Mulrany, but assurance was given that none had been. A dozen dealers in building material protested that such a meeting had not been held and would not be. The agreement to not sell or deliver material was limited only by the duration of the strike. The statement was on a par with many that emanated from the strikers.

A LOST CAUSE.

The Hodcarriers' Union, as a body, seemed to have entirely collapsed. The funds of the Union having entirely run out, the men found no attraction to the headquarters on West Taylor street. A great portion of the men found work in other quarters, and those still out were ready to go to work at the first opportunity which might offer, regardless of the demands which were made when the men struck six weeks previously.

THE PLUMBERS.

May 31st the Chicago Master Plumbers' association met and adopted the following resolution, which was sent to the Council of Building Interests:

_Resolved_, That we, the Chicago Master Plumbers' association of
Chicago, recognizing the right of employers heretofore jeopardized
by the arbitrary interference of trades unions, do hereby tender
our hearty sympathy and support to the Master Masons in their
present struggle for the individual rights of employers.

ROBERT GRIFFITH, President.
J. R. ALCOCK, Secretary.

THE BRICK YARDS.

The Chicago Brickmakers' association, which represents all brick yards in the South and West Divisions of the city, met May 31st and adopted the following rules:

We the brick manufacturers of the South and West divisions, believe
the adoption of the following rules will tend to establish a system
that strikes may be avoided in the manufacturing of brick in our
divisions of the city:

1. By the appointment of a committee of three members from the
Brick Manufacturers' association and three from the Brick Laborers'
union, with full power to act in all matters pertaining to the
interests of those they represent.

2. To hold regular meetings on the second and fourth Tuesdays of
each month for the transaction of any business that may come before
them.

3. No member of the organization represented shall strike or cease
operation of their work for any individual grievance pending a
meeting of any committee.

4. Any question said committee fails to agree upon they shall call
in outside assistance and use all honorable means for a settlement
before ordering a strike or lockout.

5. When said committee, after due care, fails to agree, they shall,
before ordering a strike or lockout, give one week's notice.

6. All brick manufactured up to date of said strike or lockout
shall be cared for by the men before abandoning their work.

7. The committee shall in no way interfere in any difficulty
arising between the brick manufacturers and any other organization
other than the one from which they were appointed.

AN ADDRESS.

June 1st. The executive committee of the Master Masons' association issued an address to their former employes, as follows:

TO THE BRICKLAYERS AND STONEMASONS OF CHICAGO--_Gentlemen_: To
those of you who have families to support; who, by frugal saving,
have laid by a store for rainy days; who, perhaps, have invested
surplus earnings in a house and lot or made partial payments on a
piece of land for a future homestead, and thereby have acquired an
interest in Chicago--to you we speak.

To those of you who have joined the now existing union under
compulsion, and are to-day afraid of personal injury, should you in
any way assert your independence; to those of you who feel the
abuses practiced, who are not in accord with the ruling clique, who
have informed us time and again that you are not granted a hearing
when your opinion is not in harmony with that of "the gang," and
that you consequently do not attend the meeting of said "union"--to
you we appeal.

To those of you who believe in arbitration as a better mode of
redressing grievances or adjusting differences than the strike or
lockout; to those of you who are old enough to remember that the
members of our organization have all been journeymen bricklayers
and stonemasons, that there are none among us who may not be
compelled to take up tools again, nor any among you who may not at
any time become employers, and that, consequently, there are no
questions concerning one branch which are not of interest to the
other--to you we address ourselves.

This association, together with other associations of builders, has
issued a platform affirming our adherence to the fundamental
principle of individual liberty. Read it, discuss it, digest it. It
is right. It is guaranteed by the constitution of the United
States, and he who denies the rights of man is not an American
citizen, and by his denial affirms that he does not intend to
become such, although he may have gone through the form of
acquiring citizenship.

We are not opposed to all unions.

In the second paragraph of our platform we recognize the right of
organization among workmen for all just and honorable purposes. But
we are opposed to the methods employed by the present union. Brute
force is used in all directions to compel fellow-workmen to join
and keep them in line in support of any action taken, no matter how
unreasonable; to enforce the assumed control of the business of
employers; to arbitrarily keep boys from learning the trade; to
deny the right of mechanics to support their families by working at
their trade in this city, etc. In all directions brute force is the
foundation of the present union. This is wrong. Brute force can
only be opposed by brute force, the strike on the one hand opposed
by the lockout on the other, resulting in loss and suffering to
both, and without any permanent results, for no matter which side
is successful, the only thing proven is that it had the strongest
organization, not that its position is right. Strikes and lockouts,
with all the train of resulting evils, can only be prevented by
organizations among both workmen and employers, both recognizing
the same fundamental principles and agreeing to refer any question
of temporary policy, such as the amount of wages to be paid, number
of hours to be worked, pay-day, and others, or any grievances or
differences arising in the future, to a joint committee of
arbitration--work to continue without interruption, and questions
at issue to be decided definitely by the committee.

The "walking delegate" has proved himself an unmitigated nuisance.
To give into the hands of one man power so absolute will always be
dangerous and sure to be abused. Nor will the necessity exist for a
"walking delegate." His place will be filled by the arbitration
committee. That the laws of the state shall prevail in regard to
apprentices, as well as on other subjects by them covered, needs no
argument.

All must recognize that foremen are hired to be the agents and
representatives of the employer for the faithful and economic
performance of the work, and, as such, should be under his
exclusive control.

Of "stewards" we not treat here. Acting for an organization which
acknowledges as right and just the principles contained in our
platform, their duties can not interfere with the proper
prosecution of the work.

To sum up, form a union on the same platform we uphold and men will
join it because of the benefits to be derived--brute force will not
be necessary in any direction,--and whenever one hundred, yes,
fifty, members shall have enrolled themselves we will gladly
recognize it and appoint members to serve on a joint committee of
arbitration to have charge of all matters of mutual interests.

We mean what we say.

Fault has been found with the "working rules" adopted. These will
be subject to joint discussion and adjustment when a joint
committee of arbitration shall be in existence. Until then we have
agreed to nine hours as a working day, because that is the rule
adopted by other large cities, and Chicago should not be at a
disadvantage as a point for investment in comparison with them. We
believe the Saturday half-holiday has come to stay with us as one
of the recognized institutions of the country, and we have adopted
it freely and voluntarily. By agreeing to 45 cents per hour as a
minimum rate of wages we trust to have proved that we do not
desire to lower rates. A regular fortnightly pay-day has been
guaranteed.

These are our conditions. Discuss them as to their fairness, and if
you find them just come to work, and we shall be glad to employ you
as far as still in our power, for it is true that each day of
continued strike does lessen the chance for a busy season.

The situation in brief is as follows: The general public recognizes
the present necessity of coming to a fair understanding between
employer and workman--and thereby laying the foundation for future
harmonious action--by refusing to build under present
circumstances. Some work must be done, no matter what the
conditions. But there is not one-fourth of the work on hand now
there was last year at this time.

For its future growth and prosperity Chicago needs manufacturing
enterprises. In the selection of a site for such people with money
to invest look for security from violent and arbitrary interruption
to their business. Abolish the "walking delegates;" show that you
have profited by the lessons of the past, and establish
arbitration; lay the foundation for peace and harmony between
employer and workmen, and Chicago will be the place selected;
business, now dull and dragging, will revive, and steady employment
will reward both you and us for sense and moderation shown.
Fraternally yours,

THE CHICAGO MASTER MASONS' ASSOCIATION.
By Executive Committee.

THE CONFERENCE ADJOURNED.

A final meeting of the Conference Committee of the Building Trades was held June 1st. Reports were made showing that every organization represented had unqualifiedly endorsed the platform of principles which had been enunciated.

The cut-stone contractors, through Mr. T. C. Diener, made the following report, premising it by saying that the members of the association were in accord with the principles which had been enunciated by the conference committee:

TO THE CONFERENCE OF THE BUILDING TRADES: The Cut-Stone
Contractors' association has carefully considered the code of
principles adopted by your committee, and, although approving of
the principles laid down, we could not adopt them as a whole, and
therefore deem it not advisable to ask the assent of our employes
as a condition of further employment after June 1st for the reasons
hereafter mentioned:

Fully endorsing the right of an employe to work for whom he
chooses, we do not concede that individually he can regulate the
number of hours he desires to work, but in that respect must comply
with the established rule of number of hours per day.

In our trade eight hours per day for stone-cutters has been the
system for the last twenty years. It has been a success in every
respect, for to-day, with improved machinery, cut-stone is fully 50
to 100 per cent cheaper than during the ten hour time.

Conceding the right to each man for what wages he will work--we
maintain that it is to the interest of the building trade generally
that a rate of wages be adopted at the opening of the season, thus
making it a standard basis for contractors to estimate by.

In the matter of apprenticeship we also maintain that it is to the
interest of the boy and the employer of the same. For by employing
too many boys in our trade a foreman would not have the opportunity
to train the boy, and he would turn out a poor mechanic.

It is a rule and regulation similar to educational institutions. To
make these rules has been the motive which has prompted employes
and employers to organize. In the cut-stone trade we have an
association of stone-cutters and an association of cut-stone
contractors. These two bodies recognize each other, and at the
beginning of the season, as has been done heretofore for years,
they have agreed on a rate of wages, number of hours per day, and
number of apprentices to a yard (which is about one to six men),
and, therefore, we are in duty bound to abide by the same.

We have, furthermore, a written agreement between our two
organizations, of which article 1 is as follows:

"All disputes or misunderstandings of any kind that may arise shall
be submitted to committees, who shall report to their respective
associations before final action shall be taken."

And article 6 is as follows:

"These rules not to be changed or altered except by the consent of
each association, and in that case a thirty days' notice to be
given by the party desiring to terminate said agreement."

In our discussions and conclusions we have also been guided to a
certain extent by the press, to avoid, if possible, a general
lockout, and by that part of the platform of the National
Association of Builders, "that good may be derived from proper
organizations," and it is our aim that our associations shall not
only be a benefit to themselves, but to the general public.
Respectfully submitted.

T. C. DIENER, Secretary.

The conference then adjourned sine die.

CENTRAL COUNCIL OF BUILDERS.

Immediately after the adjournment of the Conference Committee the Central Council of Builders--which had been recommended by the Conference Committee--met, the various interests being represented as follows:

Metal-Workers, Robert Vierling.

Steam-Fitters, H. G. Savage.

Cut-Stone Contractors, T. C. Diener.

Master Plasterers, John Sutton.

Gravel Roofers, M. W. Powell.

Master Masons, George Tapper.

Master Painters, J. B. Sullivan.

Galvanized-Iron Cornice, Edward Kirk, Jr.

Carpenters and Builders, William Hearson.

North-Side Brick Manufacturers, A. J. Weckler.

Fire-Proofers, P. B. Wight.

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

Builders' and Traders' Exchange, F. C. Schoenthaler.

Real Estate Board, Henry L. Turner.

A delegate from the Master Plumbers was not present, because none had yet been appointed.

On motion of William Hearson, George Tapper was elected chairman and F. C. Schoenthaler secretary. At the suggestion of Mr. Vierling a committee of three was appointed to prepare a plan of organization, with instructions to report at the next meeting. The committee was as follows: H. G. Savage, Edward Kirk, Jr., William Hearson.

A DOLLAR A BRICK.

A union bricklayer appeared in the corridor of the exchange and was boasting that he could buy all the brick he wanted of A. J. Weckler, a north-side manufacturer. The statement was denied by a contractor. About that time Mr. Weckler appeared on the scene and was informed of the statement that had been made. His reply was: "The only price I have had brick at my yard since the strike began was $1 a brick, and I think Mr. Downey would give a permit for me to sell every brick in the yard at that price. But, if a man thinks he can get any brick from me at the regular price, or for less than $1 a brick at present, he is very much mistaken." The bricklayer subsided and had no more statements to make.

"WE'LL NEVER GIVE IN."

Groups of idle bricklayers gathered in and around their headquarters, at Greenebaum's Hall, discussing the situation, and sometimes branching off into earnest conversation on the natural outcome of the labor movement. They claimed that they were a conservative body, seeking all reforms through the ballot, and all demands by legal and peaceful organization; yet it was plain that socialistic ideas were not uncommon to many of the talkers. All of them were determined to hold to their position to the end, and seemed confident that the bosses would have to give way, and that their combination was weakening and disintegrating. When it became known among them that the union had been called in to complete a large building at the corner of Chicago and Milwaukee avenues, and a four-story structure near the corner of Madison and Union streets, they became very jubilant and pointed them out as evidences that contractors were powerless. "They must come to our terms," was the general comment, "for they can not get men from abroad to fill our places." The opinion prevailed among them that they were the only bricklayers in the country that could work on a Chicago building.

NINE HOURS FOR CARPENTERS.

The Carpenters' and Builders' association met June 2d and adopted the following working rules:

We agree to begin on the 13th day of June to work nine hours in
each working day, beginning at 7 o'clock A. M. and ending at 5
o'clock P. M., with the usual hour at noon for dinner; under
payment by the hour.

All work done before 7 o'clock A. M. and after 5 o'clock P. M. to
be paid for as overtime at such price as may be agreed upon by the
workman and employer.

The above number of working hours per day applies only to workmen
engaged at buildings in course of construction or repair.

THE DIFFERENCE.

The consistency of the union bricklayers was exhibited in a case where a building was taken from a contractor and given to bricklayers to complete. The moment they became "bosses" they showed their regard for union principles by employing non-union hodcarriers and laborers. This action incensed the hodcarriers, and they forced the "union" bosses to discharge their non-union helpers and employ members of the laborers' union.

STUBBORN BRICKLAYERS.

June 3d the Bricklayers' union met at Berry's hall. An attempt was made to read a proposition to return to work, leaving the question of pay-day and hours to arbitration; but the proposition was howled down, and not even permitted to be read. The following resolutions were adopted:

_Whereas_, The Bricklayers' and Stonemasons' union of Chicago, on
May 11th, in special meeting assembled, adopted Saturday as their
regular pay-day, and

_Whereas_, The so-called Master Masons' union of this city have
refused to grant our reasonable request, and have entered into a
conspiracy with the Builders' and Traders' exchange, the object of
which is to disrupt our organization; therefore, be it

_Resolved_, That we, United Order of American Bricklayers and
Stonemasons, in regular meeting assembled, pledge our honor to
stand firmly by the resolutions adopted May 11th.

_Resolved_, That we condemn the Builders' and Traders' exchange for
their cowardly action in locking up the building materials and
forcing a lockout, thereby paralyzing the business interests of
this city, and causing loss and suffering among thousands of our
citizens who are in no way responsible for the differences existing
between our organization and the master masons, so-called.

THE CENTRAL COUNCIL ORGANIZED.

The Central Council of the Building Interests of Chicago met Friday, June 3d, for the purpose of hearing a report from the committee appointed to prepare a working plan for the Council. Mr. H. G. Savage, of the committee, submitted the report, which was considered by sections and adopted as follows:

1. This body shall be known as the Central Council of the Building
Interests of Chicago.

2. The object of this Council shall be to promote the building
interests of Chicago, harmonize the different branches, and adopt
such measures as from time to time may be found beneficial,
carrying out the following platform of principles, which has been
adopted by the various associations herein represented:

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 on 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 upon which conferences 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.

3. All associations of building-trade employers, the Real Estate
board, the Illinois Association of Architects, and the Builders'
and Traders' exchange shall be entitled to one representative each.

4. The officers shall be elected at the annual meeting, and shall
consist of a president, vice-president, and financial secretary, to
hold office for one year, or until their successors are duly
qualified.

5. Regular meetings shall be held the first Friday of each month at
2 o'clock P. M.

The first regular meeting in June shall be the annual meeting.
Special meetings may be called by the president or any three
members of the Council.

6. The following standing committees, consisting of three members
each, shall be appointed by the president at the annual meeting, to
hold office for one year, or until their successors are appointed:

Credentials--To whom shall be referred all applications for
membership.

Safety--Whose duty it shall be to see that ample protection to all
is afforded against unlawful interference.

Strikes and Grievances--Whose duty it shall be to investigate all
strikes and grievances and to report to the Council fully in regard
to the same, with such recommendations as they may deem necessary.

Arbitration--To whom shall be referred all questions of differences
between employers and employes.

7. Annual dues shall be 25 cents for each member of the various
associations belonging to the Council, and assessments may be made
upon the same basis of representation.

Officers were elected as follows:

President, George Tapper; Vice President, H. G. Savage; Financial Secretary, F. C. Schoenthaler.

Standing committees were appointed by the president as follows:

Credentials--J. B. Sullivan, T. C. Diener, A. J. Weckler.

Safety--H. L. Turner, C. B. Kimbell, Robert Vierling.

Strikes and Grievances--P. B. Wight, H. G. Savage, M. W. Powell.

Arbitration--Edward Kirk, Jr., William Hearson, John Sutton.

AID FROM THE ARCHITECTS.

Saturday, June 4th, the Illinois State Association of Architects met. In calling the meeting to order President D. Adler read a letter from the executive committee of the Builders' and Traders' exchange thanking the Association for the stand it had taken upon the labor troubles. He said that those present knew the demoralized condition of the building trades and the low character that they were drifting to in regard to the workmanship of mechanics engaged therein. It was becoming almost impossible to replace good men, because the trades-unions arbitrarily prevented the education of a sufficient number of apprentices to replace the good and competent mechanics, who appeared to be rapidly dying out. The difficulty was staring them in the face that soon they would not be able to secure competent mechanical skill at all. It was the architects' duty to assert the right of every American citizen to work at any trade he pleased, without interference from the walking delegate. It was the architects' duty to assist every young man who desired to learn a trade. There was more at stake in the contest than their own immediate interest as architects--more than the mere stoppage of work. The architects should strengthen the hands of those who were battling for the freedom of American citizens.

Mr. John W. Root offered the following resolution, which was adopted:

_Resolved_, That the Illinois State Association of Architects
heartily indorse the general principles set forth in the recently
published "platform and code of principles" adopted by the
Builders' association and the Real Estate board of Chicago, and
that we will use our utmost endeavors to see that these principles
prevail in all building operations in Chicago.

PROTECTION GUARANTEED.

The committee of safety of the Central Council of Building Interests met June 4th and issued the following document:

The Central Council of the Building Interests of Chicago having
appointed, among other committees, a committee of safety, whose
duty it is to "see that ample protection to all is afforded against
unlawful interference," the committee desires to announce to all
concerned in the building interests of the city that they are
prepared to follow up and prosecute all offenders unlawfully
interfering with or intimidating any workman or employer in the
legitimate performance of his business. This announcement is
hastened by the publication in the morning papers of an unlawful
and unprovoked attack upon peaceable workmen at a job at the corner
of Harrison street and Western avenue on Friday, June 3d. The
committee will promptly investigate any such case when reported to
Secretary Schoenthaler at the Builders' and Traders' exchange,
where the committee will be in daily session at 2 o'clock P. M.

MASS MEETING OF CARPENTERS.

Monday, June 6th, a mass meeting of carpenters was held to receive P. J. McGuire, of Philadelphia, grand secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America. Mr. McGuire made an inflammatory speech, in which he said he came to Chicago to throw down the gauntlet to the master builders and was ready to make Chicago the battle ground for the fight on the nine-hour question. He came to stand by the carpenters. J. Milton Blair, of Cincinnati; William H. Sayward, of Boston; George C. Prussing, of Chicago, and other leaders in the Carpenters' and Builders' association were attempting to stamp out the carpenters' organizations, but they would find they had a bigger job on hand than any contractor in this country ever undertook. The master builders combined for mutual protection, and yet they denied the carpenters the same right. The speaker then took occasion to abuse the master builders for assuming the title of "masters." The contractors, he asserted, had not brains enough to carry out their work without the assistance of the foreman, who did the actual work, and yet the master builders assumed to dictate to their employes in such a manner as to place them on the same level with the slaves who were freed by Abraham Lincoln. Workingmen in 1887 ought to receive some of the benefits which machinery had brought. They did not believe in socialistic theories, or that the property of railroad companies, for instance, should be divided up and each man given a tie; but workingmen wanted to be given some of the benefits which they produced but which were appropriated entirely by the employers. Every carpenter who applied for work in Chicago after Monday, June 13th, should ask for 35 cents an hour and an eight-hour day, and if that was refused he ought not to go to work.

STRIKES DEFINED.