Jasper County Democrat, Volume 22, Number 52, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 27 September 1919 — STRIKERS FAIL TO MAKE GAINS [ARTICLE]

STRIKERS FAIL TO MAKE GAINS

Steel Strike Appears to Have Reached Its Maximum in East. MEN GO BACK AT CHiCAGG Operations In District on Larger Seal Than at Any Time Since the Walkout—Slight Disturbance at Waukegan. Pittsburgh, Pa., Sept. 26.—-The steel strike appears to have reached its maximum in this district. The unions are lighting to hold what gains thej have made. The operators are not\ assuming the offensive, after recover Ing from the first shock of the walkout For the first time since the strikt was called the national committee foi organizing the Iron apd steel workers claimed no new recruits to the union ranks. On the other hand, the operators reopened at least one plant the Runkin mill of the American Steel and Wire company, and asserted all others in operation were drawing back their employees. The Bethlehem Steel company was reported to have rejected the demand for a conference made by the union, and It is regarded as likely that the threatened strike will take place there Monday morning. Receipt ol the company’s answer to its ultima-' turn has been acknowledged by union officials.

Men Going Back at Chicago. Chicago, jfept. 26. —Striking steel workers in the Chicago district are re turning to their employment In in creased numbers and operations are on a larger scale. While the strike is by no means broken department heads at the mills say the outlook is more encouraging. They decline, however. to give out detailed figures as tc the number of men that have returned Leaders of the strikers claim to be satisfied with the situation and that while there had been a slight deflection from their ranks they had gained recruits that more than made up for the loss. At the Illinois Steel company’s plant 4,000 men were reported at work operating the rolling mill And two Besse mer furnaces. The plate mill and ar electric furnate were also put in op eration during the day. Disturbance at Waukegan. The first shot in the steel strike ii the Chicago district was fired las' night at Waufegjfn. John McShane foreman for the American Steel anC Wire company, fired a revolver at a crowd of 2,000 strikers when thej stoned his automobile. The bullet tore the heel off the shoe of a small boj and bruised kis foot, but did not draw blood.