Evening Star Newspaper, December 13, 1897, Page 11

THE EVENING STAR, MOND A DECEMBER 13, 1897-16 PAGES. EVENINGS UNTIL XMAS.<2 OCCIDENTALLY The BIG BARGAIN STORE is a bewildering success. From the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same the PEOPLE flock here in great numbers, showing that we are in closer touch with the popular heart than any OTHER house in the District. BLACK SHACK OVERCOATS. A new weave, not the best obtainable, nor yet the worst; good is the 4,9. $5.98 word that best expresses it, and they are good... § i, a5 0) demands of the wheelmen are met. These garments fill ‘The answer't! be found in the departments of MEN'S FURNISHINGS, HATS, CAPS, UMBRELLAS. MEN ALL-WOOL SUITS. We don’t want the bill. The values are the talk of the trade, the won- lay us open to the charge of exaggeration, but the prob- lem of the day is solved with marked emphasis when we quote them at. coc ceeccees KERSEY OVERCOATS, BLUE AND BLACK. ASTRAKHAN OVERCOATS, BLACK ONLY. Trot the circuit—take in all the stores of good repute and of bad repute; you'll fail in your errand if you ex- pect to find the likes of these for a less price than $15... CLAY WORSTED SUITS. We tell you em- phatically that ours are genuine, and as there are so few of them on the market would caution you to be careful. Know your man. Sacks and cutaways........ MEN’S REEFERS, STORM COLLARS. The 98c. | Boys’ Short Pants| $1.25 Pantaloons. | Shee Suits. $1.98 The laborer, the mechanic, the | i If we could pour into your ears $2.48 ce a mere ae | SEO Se | ses the statesman, or any other man, $2.50 | we possess regarding this stock $2.98 = - eee slo here | $2.78 | you'd vote us either a knave or $3.00 when in need of a pair of Panta- | os ve we is tam. “Weve i “em. tnd we | $2.98 | ir mareat that you arp ines | $3.50 always have them to suit th lool rel ae Seee cee | 80S ee eee | ee fit when a MISFIT would act as | 33.75 | | ¥ou'll find the suggestion a happy $4.50 = Eo | $4.00 | one $5.00 ‘Boys’ Stormers from $3. 50! ‘Boys’ Reefers from $1.48 WHAT SHALL I GIVE FOR CHRISTIIAS? vem, to be so extravagant in our praise of these Suits as to _der of the town. Moving rapidly. Come quickly... .... $3.98 ‘Ten Per Cent Siete House, 223, 925, 927, 929 7th St. N. W. edetetetetetececeeeetentetetes % ommencing Monday, Dec. 13, Open Evenings till Christmas. Seteteinedtetnteteted Sresestentondendentead> Seeteoten Perel OOOO AAA AAALAC ELLEEESSSE EES ods bought now will be delivered at any time desired. We are the only complete Housefurnishers in town. Carpets made, laid and lined free. Don’t Miss This Week: At House & Herrmann’s, what- ever you do. The biggest sale of the season is going on. We're making a Christmas gift of the greatest small price—rich value sale that was ever held in Washington. We want you to enjoy the privilege. Among the bargain features are hosts of articles suitable for presents, and you will appreciate the sav- ing this will be to you. Onyx Tables, Lamps, Clocks, Desks, Fancy Rockers, China Clos- ets, Dinner and Tea Sets, Dining Tables, Sideboards, Music Cabi- nets, Roll Top Desks, Rugs, Car- pets, Couches at DRY ECIAL HOLIDAY PRICES. CASH OR CRED ; House & Herrmann, Re Furnishers, 7th and I Sts. N. W. Sie R ARENA tei AS Se RR eR By PAA RS RA AAA A AAR re ntertentontoegente Hoego i = Sedeetetetestete sot oO Soeeatondont Seateetontne < vase 2 2 RAUL. % “Quality” &E : Fur “Gift” Low Price - Novelties! —are combined in Coke. Always first to show the new- RO OL TO TIL Spenarusceeroeera J 32 kama sent tes Beatie 2361 F est fur novelties. at con ban ceom 2 All the stylish and pretty styles in 40 bu. Coke (erese...§2.90 } sitt ma peenee ete oer eee “Ee 2Ba aaans S705 “Washington Gaslight Co. os ees 413 1oth St. N. W. B. H Stinemetz & Son, 's Appliance Exchange, 1424 N. 4 Purrigrs and Hatters, 1237 Pa: ave. LLL AR RGA AAIARS SAH ERE M EH ERE MERE aE WONDERS FOR CHILDREN! 421 9TH ST. CONSTIPATION ? ag en paceipeem mi ween peacoat 2 Fur Capes, Collarettes, Coats, Neck 40 bu. Coke ™"-----$3.70} Exquleite Long Mink Cape, Cape, size 36, $100 Or 12th and sts. s.e. 26th and G sts. dell-28d DR FRANCK’S i. I i ese 3 a Tors, ‘Tree Ornaments, Scrap Book Pt uuie Fo EOMCESTION __ BER Ponder, Paley, Seba, Pass wus BEADACHE — Teugh | Belts anon wonder Fackeew” is. Etude E. FOUGERA & CO., New York, materials for making pape: oe: a wonders © fancy work. Wonders Ww end retail. n020-1m* Gel-m.52t,14 for Christmas! A.F. OF L. IN SESSION President Gompers Submits His An- nual Report to Convention. COVERS THE ENTIRE LABOR FIELD Year's Work Has Been Eminently Satisfactory to the Officials. SEC’Y MORRISON’S REPORT Speeial Dispatch to The Evening Star. NASHVILLE, Tenn., December 13.—The Seventeenth annual convention of the American Federation of Labor began th:s morning at 10 o'clock in the hall of the house of representatives. The convention was called to order by President Samuel Gompers. An address of welcome was delivered by President Will- fam Aimison of the Nashville Typograph- ical Union. The response was by Presi- dent Gompers. Short speecnes were also made by Gov. Taylor and Mayor Dudley of Nashville, the latter extending to the dete- gates the freedom of tke city. The report of the committee on creden- tials, which had held a session previous to the formal assembling cf the convention, was adopted, after which President Gom- pers delivered his annual address as fol- lows: Following is the report of President Gom- pers in part: In the call for this convention I took occasion to say that we have had many important gatherings, but, perhaps, none which have been called upon to deal with ‘more momentous questicns than confront the workers of today. That the wrongs from which the workers suffer have not been righted; the injustice imposed upon our people remains unremedied; the over- worked large mass and the unemployed many are still testimony to the folly of our age; the employment of children in our factories and work shops, though mod- ified, lingers with us still, and the spec- tacle is witnessed of idle men and labori- ously busy children; legisiatures more con- cerned with the privileges to the few than the rights of the many; with public as- semblage and free specch invaded, threat- ened or forbidden, and the modern judiciat weapon of injunction utilized in the effort to crush labor. These rights and wrongs and others of equal importance, but too numerous for reference here, must of ne- cessity be considered by the forthcoming convention, and such action devised as shall tend to attain the one and set aside the other. At no time have the legitimate and natn- ral organizations of the wage-earners—the trade unions—been more merciless'y as- ailed, subtly attacked and unjustly an- tagonized; in no previous era have they more zealously safeguarded, protected and promoted the true interests of the work- ers of our country, and a decade may pass before more absorbing problems confront them; these now before us require the com- bined intelligence, earnestness, energy and honesty of purpose of all in the effort to truly and faithfully solve. ‘There is a world of injustice to eradicate; there is a universe filled with wails of sorrow and grief awaiting the hosts of inteliigent, progressive and aggressive or- xanized workers to never falter the in contest for alleviation and emancipation. Keeping the goal of our movement guiding star, organizing, fede! ing, educating and contesting on every field, yielding fruitful results, we shall, as the hours of the day, advance from the deepest gloom to the full mid-day glory of light—the light of hope, happiness and humanity. To this noble work; to this splendid convention; to this beautiful city in the name of the grand army of labor, L bid you welcome. Growth of Organisation, We started off in the year with newly- formed national unions from the isolated locals of a number of trades. That is: The Bicycle Workers’ International Union, the Engineers’ National Union, Core Makers’ International Union, Brotherhood of Paper Makers and the Meat Cutters and Butcher Workmen's National Unton, charters to each of which have been issued. These unions are making excellent progress, they having, respectively, forty, sixteen and twenty-seven local unions attached. During the year the following national unions became affiliated with our federa- tion, and to which charters were issue The International Brotherhood of Blz smiths, the Plumbers, Gas Fitters, St Fitters and Steam Fitters’ Helpers’ ‘Association of America; the United Brotherhood of Paper Makers of America and the Gold Beaters’ National Union. A number of local trade unions and federal labor unions were organized and chartered during the year. New central bodies were organized, and old ones, which had become defunct revived. Charters to 18 central bodies, 189 local unions and 8 national unions were issued. With but two exceptions, all our affiliated national unions report a large increase of local unions and in membership. There is an increase of about 34,000 members in the organizations affiliated, and for whom per capita tax is paid, ovr the number at the end of the last fiscal year. I have called a convention of delegates ef the various tile layers’ unions to be held ‘simultaneously with our convention for the purpose of forming a national union of the trade, and I suggest that a delegate to this convention be directed to aid the delegates in the work before them. Unskilled Labor, F. L. U’s and Dues. It has been the constant aim of the trade union movement to exercise its power and influnce to organize our fellow-workers en- gaged in unskilled labor. With the inven- tion of new machines and the applications of new forces, the division and subdivision of labor, many workers who have been em- ployed at skilled trades find themselves with their occupations gone, and to which they have devoted long terms of years to acquire. Thus we see the artisan of yes- terday the unskilled laborer of today. One of the difficulties experienced in the transfer of isolated local trade unions to the national unions of their trade has been that the per capita tax the local unions are required te pay the A. F. of L. is much lower than that naturally required to be paid to the headquarters of a national union. Our newly organized local irade unions do not seem to under- stand the benefits and advantages result- ant from their connection with the na- tional trade unions, hence demur, in some cases, against the transfer, und it is only after the matier is fully arguei out ahd every effort made urging them to this ac- tion that compliance is had, and then often quite reluctantly. For these reasons, and for the further reason that for every cent forwarded to headquarters practical and tangible results are achieved in the in- terest of all, the question is submitted to your consideration whether the ver capita tax from local trade unions and local federal labor unions should not be in- creased so as to come nearer the sum usually required by national unions, thus removing a very large obstacle to the transfer of local trade unions to their proper jurisdiction. Employers Undesirable Members. With the growth and extension of our federal labor unions, we occastonally find a difficulty which is increasing and one which requires constant correspond- ence and attention. Through a false no- tion inculcated during the.existence of the Knights of Labor, it is difficult, in some instances, to convince our members of federal labor unicns of the absolute ne- cessity to maintain the clear-cut character of cur movement a8 a wase earnets’ move- ent. Often through expressions of kind- ly feelings, employers, superintendents, foremen and business men of the local- ities are accepted as. members. It has cecurred that when the enforcement of the laws and the policy of the federation has been insisted upon, it was assumed that am Injustice was practiced. The ex- perience gained that workmen are often reluctant in expressing thelr true senti- ments or are prevented from taking such action as would tend to protect them against any wrongs inflicted upon them by their employers, in a word, have been placed practicaliy in their unions in the same defenseless position as they are in their employment. Again, business men for the simple purpose of advancing ~ thelr own busines ests have join- ed the union a juently, creat- ed divisions and schisms and diverted the purpose of the organization. Of course, it does not necessarily follow that because a business . mar- in it is simply for the advancement of his own interests, but in order t>gavold the possibility of wrong in this line the laws and policy of our organization exelude them from mem- bership. If an employer, superintendent, foreman, busi ‘mam &c., is favorably inclined toward our fellow workers, and our movement;* are ample oppor- tunities for such manifestations without their memtershif?"! r unions. It has required consiant_vigilance and caused a good deul of annoyance to prevent a wider spread of the danger referred to, and it is Ecped that some expression of this con- vention will be rade ‘to more clearly set this matter forth © 9 High Dues ‘Hélp to Success. Your attention is again called to the nec- essity of impressing upon the minds of our felluw-unionists the establishment of the principle of high dues in their unions. Experience even of recent years has dem- onstrated the wisdom of this provision. These of our organizations which have e3- tabiished bigh dues -have experienced the greatest success and maintained or im- proved wages, decreased hours and ob- taired other concessions in the interests of their members. In like manner the question of the crea- tion of a defense fund in the A. F. of L. should receive your careful attention. I am confident that. if the matter is ap- proached with an earnest purpose to real- ize it, it can be accomplished with advan- tage to our movement. In my reports to previous conventions I have dealt with these subjects extensively, and they are, therefore, simply referred to here. I should add, however, that time has only con- vinced me of the necessity of their adop- tion. Among the most notable strikes of the year was that of the coal miners, involving nearly 140,000. At the time when the strike occurred there were few miners organized, and the national organization had no rreans with which either to support the men involved nor to conduct the affairs of the general office, nor had the organization the means to place in the field the organ- izers which experience demonstrated so necessary to attain success. Upon being advised as to the time when the strike would take plaee, immediate action was taken to enlist the whole body of organizcd labor in sympathetic accord and co-operation with the miners. It is gratifying to be cnabled to state that no act was done or left undone but which could tend to bring the very best possible results to the men and the organization engaged in the conflict. During the strike there were a number of persons who sought to disrupt our move- ment, bring disccrd upon our organization, and who saw no better means at their command than to attack its officers. Pe haps at no time were men more scathing! mendaciously and unjustly slandered then were thé officers of the American trade union movement during the miners’ strike. Some with particular hobbies, which they change as often as docs a kaleidoscope, but who yet had sufficient acumen to ob- serve that with success for the miners upon trade union lines their hobbies would be crippled and their theories proven unsound, have, while assuming the garb of friend- ship, preached and prophesied defeat, and declared that nothing but disaster wouid overtake the miners. Never having at- tained suce in any cause in which they were engaged, these apostles of failure realized that if the miners won the ground of opposition to trate, unions would be proven untenable.” ? For the first tirik We the history of our movement, representatives of different trades organizati i ctically conducted the contest in the! ‘fel | i the other to attni and each of thi comium of pr: ured: Tt nizat cwhife ey, to contfuct’ the contest aie S left ne hands of represenia- tives of the mine r3,’thé officers of ilicir or- ation. “a ‘The Lattimer Masnacre. An incident contfecté@ with the miner: strike requires spéclal mention here. Whil a body cf unarmed sm defenseless m were marching upon.'the public high from Hazelton to Lattifher, Pa., they were met’ by ‘the ‘shérift ofthe county with a posse of armed mercenaries, whe, without cause cr provocation, and in violation of the constitutional and natural rights of men, turned upon’ them and in cold blood murdered twenty-two and maimed and crippled as many more of them. Ail re- ports agree that the men attacked were violating no. law, guilty of no wrong. many of them shot to death while fleeing from their malignant pursuers. This crime against our laws, this brutality against in- offensive men, the wail of widows and or- phans, the wounded pride of American citi- zenship and common humanity cry out not only that justice shall be meted out to these modern hyenas, but that never again shall so great a wrong be inflicted upon y of our people. An attempt has been made to becloud the judgment of our peo- ple under the cry that the men killed and wounded are “foreigners,” but even though this be true, these foreigners were lured here by the cupidity of mercenary corpora- tions. It is submitted that, though a man be a foreigner, there are some rights, some protection to which he is entitled, which even corporations and their hirelings are bound to respect. Union Label Agitation. It is interesting to note the constantly in- creasing demand for union labeled prod- ucts. Every union formed or educated to demand’ union labeled products is the best promoter of the principle of solidarity and the sentiment of fraternity among °the workers. Since thé publicatfon in the American Federationist of the group of union labels, we haye had a very large number of trade papers and labor papers follow the example. These have been splendid means of agitating and advertis- ing the ufion label question. ‘Then, again, a number of clubs amd. associations, aux- iliary to the labor .movement, are being constantly formed, and which are alding in the general education of the people as to the economic, moral and sanitary advan- tages resulting from encouragement and purchase of union labeled products. At the last convention it was reported that a label league -had been formea be- tween the representatives of the national and ipternational unions affillated with the A. F. of L. having union labels, and the request made for thg appropriation of quite a sum of money. The entire matter was referred to the executive council with power to act, but inasmuch as the large expenditures of the year for purposes which could not be avoided:and-a cemparative in- sufficiency of funds at our command, no direct financial -assistance: could be given the project. Eight-Hour Movement. ‘The movement to reduce the hours of la- ‘bor is-alwaysone, which. commands the first attention of, ogggnized labor. The daily epee A ‘jp. machinery,” in methods of production gad distribution, the extension and appjjcation of the forces of steam and electridfly, the improvement in the tools of labor!?theWivision and subdi- vision of laber afid tthe intense desire of the employing clayg; tawtilize machines to their fullest pos: gxtent; that is, the longest number cit hout per day, must, of necessity, unless t another counter- furn ] actirg inftuénce, téfd’tddsupplant labor and throw numbers ofifourt fellow workers out of employment. Tpig qpunteracting influ- ence is logically aad. 9& necessity the or- ganized effort ee workers in trade unions. 9v> 3h It is not the dimipution of the productive power of labor whirkgrompts our course, us it is to give pensar sure and larger Gpportunities to thpse who are employed, raking of all a graaterdonsumptive power, thus giving an impetus te and creating the opportunities for émployment of those who are now yatnly ‘seeking it. We hold that no condition is satisfactory nor any solu- tion complete which ‘fails to eliminate the curse and degrading influences of non-em- ployment, and, so long as this evil shall be with us, our best ‘efforts will be concen- trated to the reduction ef the hours of |, bor of all, until the desired end is attained. With this object ip view the last conven- tion decided that.a, renewed effort should be made for the general enforcement of the eight-hour woclstay: May 1, 1898. Early in the year.a letter was-written to every: affiliated national: and. international organization, urgently nequesting it. at its cone entien to take affirmative action, if it in position t¢ poe the r in the exetuiiee tite a 1 he organization to inaugurate or seotttadal in the move- ment. Some of the affiliated unions have mot béeh ‘in a position to’ take definite af- firmative action, but-all have, without ex: ception, declared tn-its favor or pledged its unqualified « support: ‘to ‘those who migtt therein, - Articles Rave been written in-our official publications. Men in public affairs have ded to the re- quest to make the subject of eight hours, or the shorter workday, a special theme for their discussions, lectures or sermons. The question vas almost universally discussed at the demonstrations last Labor day. The assessment of 1 cent per member levied by the last convention, has been utilized for the general agitation and education upon this question. Nothing remains now but fcr the final decision of this convention as to the ways and means by which the pro- ject shall be carried into effect, or whether the judgment of the convention is that the time stated is, in view of industrial condi- tions, a practical one, or whether it would be advisable to await the full floed tide of an industrial revival for its-general and simultaneous enforcement. This question must, of necessity, receive your carefui consideration Nothing, perhaps, would be more hurtful than an unwise decision. Of course, we do not anticipate that at one given moment the general eigtit-hour day will be achieved, but there can be no doubt but what a con- centration of thought and effort to attain this and the designation of a particular day to endeavor to secure it will largely attract the attention of all and succeed in accom- Plishing much. If the judgment of this convention is that May 1, 1898, is the one upon which the bugle call for labor shall be sounded, none will enter it with greater enthusiasm and undaunted spirit than we. Yet, if the deliberate conclusion of this convention is that the simultaneous effort should be deferred until a more opportune time, say the postponement of it for one year, that should prevail. Labor Legistation. The legislative ccmmittee clected by the Cincinnati convention proceeded to the capital and immediately pressed for the passage of legislation resolved upon by the convention. Our success, however, bas been largely negative, since much legislation vicious and inimical to the interests of labor in general was defeated. In an interview with the President he expressed himself in favor of the labor organizations and equally so in favor of legislation in the interest of labor. It was suggested that he might use his great office to recommend this legislation to Congress. He expressed regret that his first. annual message would contain so much important and pressing matters as would preclude the probability of his be- ing able to touch upon labor’s interest, Lut if this was omitted in his first mes- sage it would be made a subject of a special message to Congress. Municipal: Ownership. Municipal ownership of public works, a bugaboo of a decade ago, when first de- manded by laber, is now fast becoming popular. It is safe to say that there is now a more extensive municipal owner- ship and control of water works, gas and eiectric hgit systems and other features which, in their natures, are monozolies, than is extant elsewhere in the world. Our fellow unionists should urge, with renew- ed vigor, the extension and practical ap- plication of this princtple, so conducive to our general well-being. legislation antag- to the inte! the labor movenr been y in national Congress legislatures. It should bi that quite a degree of succe 2 in the progress of state le .tion in the interest of the worke! As already ini onistic progres tate |, too, are but few legislatures which during the past year passed 1: beneficial character, ameliorativ cordiuons of labor, granting gr egnition of and guaranteeing better pro- tection to the erganizations of A. skillfully drawn bill in tie House, ostensibiy spi nong employers employes, but upon close scrutiny it w nparent that if enacted it would react upon organized labor in any to enforce union rules and | in an establishment. We - orous protest against it and it failed of Di Postal Telegraph and Savings Banks. ge. The estaolishment of a postal say: bank system so a postal telegraph anded by organized ms nearer accomplishment than at any previous time. Powerful allies have been won to ovr side of these de- mands, and public opinion has undergone Mauch of a change in their favor. A well- directed effort on our part will beyand doubt soon result in suce Compulsory Arbitration. It is submitted to you whether it would not be wise to modify our position in so far as to interpose no objection to the passage of a law providing for compulsory arbitra- tion in disputes between the organized em- ployes of the railroads and the railroad companies, and the giving of an award by such ,lawful arbitrators; but we should he tate to give cur tndorsement to any legislation, state or national, empowering the compulsory enforcement of an award and the specific enforcement of a contract to labor. labor, Enlisted Musicians. As a result of correspondence and inter- views with department officers, an order has been issued which will in a large meas- ure prevent musicians in the government service competing with civilian musicians. Although all that is desired is not accom- plished, some progress on this line has been made. ‘With this matter properiy and per- sistently presented, there is no doubt but what the desired end will be achieved, and thus aid our working musicians from the unfair competition of enlisted men, who are supported by the taxation upon our people. Convict Labor. The evils of the convict labor system as conducted in many of our penal institutions of the several states are only moditied to a very slight degree. However, the system now in the state of New York has proven the best solution thus far attained. That system proviies that convicts be employed cnly at such work as to provide the neces- sities for the maintenance of themselves and the eleemosynary institutions of the state. It is urged that this system be ex- tended to all other states as one of the best means to solve the problem. In the mean- time we should endeavor to secure the passage of the bill known as the O'Neill bill, which, with slight changes, would be of great advantage. Railroad Safety Applances. A little more than four years ago our federation co-operated with the railroad employes’ brotherhoods to secure the pas- age of a law known as the “Safety appli- ance act,” passed March 2, 1893. Under the the railroads were re- terms of the law, quired to equip all their cars with uniform couplers and train brakes by January 1, 1898. A provision of the law gave the in- terstate commerce commission power to grant a reasonable extension, should that be necessary. The commission gave a hear- ing upon applications made. The compa- nies asked for an extension of five years. The railroad brotherhoods’ representatives, realizing under the circumstances the im- possibility of immediate enforcement, con- sented to one year. While conceding the practicability of our fellow workers’ propo- sition, I acquiesced in their views, but’ fook occasion to enter a protest against the failure of the railroad companies to com- ply with the law, and against any undue extension of time within which they should be required to comply with its terms. An extension of two years has been granted by the commission, with the proviso that the railroads be required to make quarterly reports of the progress they are making. Immigration Question. Inasmuch as there is no doubt that Con- gress will, at an early day, take up this subject of immigration, our convention should define the attitude which our in- coming officers shali take in regard thereto, For years our movement has been claimed to side with these who favored or opposed restriction or exclusion of immigration. There should be no equivocation as to our position on any question, much less one of such fmportance. + Inasmuch as our convention opens almost at the same time with the beginning of a new Congress, we should formulate and earty press our demands for legislative re- Left. There is no doubt, if good judgment prevails in the selection of such demands as we may make, and they are persistently brought home to the attention of Congress, we shall be more successful in our efforts. Judicial Injunctions. Several bills were introduced in Congress dealing with the evil which has grown up in recent years by the issuance of writs of injunction In labor disputes restraining officers and members of labor organizations trom performing those lawful functions To be sure, any gift is appreciated, but serviceabie ones are doubly so. Read this list--every one of these gifts is serviceable =-and will be a continual reminder of the donor. Follow these gift suggestions: Penknives—aA ny boy would go “wild” Xmas morn- ing with a gift of one of our grand Penknives. A. splendid line of Penk with buckbone, pew Cutle -y—Rest assured, could not give any housekeeper © a better or more acceptable gitt Ps) than Table Cutler: Fine Carving Sets, ebony and 3 other stsle handles—50 different gerregtiond prsarsig ¥ styles from which to choose, and oO grand Carving Sets, in cases, up but... 25c. to #15, » Better Penkniver for 5 from Fee Net Fite, Sa cane. Ber Behe @ that price up to the finest made at $10. moe of = Somm Dut Fiche, S8c. SS Finer Steel Nut Picks, ‘in cases, with nut crackers, $1 up. Immense assortment ‘Table elaborate Kattes Skates —IceSkatesfor both sexes. They'll come in handy and Forks, suitable for gift. giving 2 ie Set of @ Kut i 6 Fork: leon when the river freezes. Give ee eles camsiaia ‘i Splen Sets of © White Cel. these: luieid Table Knives for O1.7S F) S00 different styles and sizes Scissors from the inexpensive 25e. ones to the nest and largest that come. Razors-—Here’s a useful, acceptable “gift” for the men. Al) the leading makes of Razors, tnclud- ing the celebrated Star Safety Wade & Butcher, Rodgers, Worstenbeltm, ete, “$1 . Pipe Steel Razors, choice of for in Russia leatber Barney & Berry's All-clamp toe @ @ ® ® Roller Skates, with hardwood wheels, to fit any foot, ‘as low ax Buc. ana armae Roller’ Extension Skates for Tool Chests—Delight the boy with a “‘gift” of one of these grand Tool Ckests—it’ll make him industrious. © @ o © & ers’ or Wade & Bute Star Safety Razors, 3 s Oak ‘Tool Chests, containing 16 Ge Beige ek ooceioes ie Reindeer @ pieces, for. . see variety at ple prices. <. Other Chests, containteg larger and more cee tools, up to $10; and a. special Itne of For the Xmas Tree you'll need one of Tool Chests, containing 31 large, strong tools, at $13, $15 and $25. Barber & Ross, 11th & G Sts. 8 SSCS SSSee SS60S' SSOOFOS 388 pated that better success will be attained these grand Tree Holden we're showing. Different sizes, at 4%, 50, G9 and 7 OE GO OE SOSCSESOOSTe @ which have been recognized as within the rights of the workers. Of these bills, deal- | on this line in the near future. ing with various phases of the subject, one zi passed the Senate providing for trial by Sitapiime ens ae Secretary Frank Morrison's part was as follows: The receipts show an increase of $2,349.74 report in jury in contempt proceedings for violation of the injunction. This bill failed in the House, it is alleged, for want of time. Within the p: r the evil of these in- | oy, 7 y over thos evious year. Ded) has been more fully demonstrat- | Vet those of the previous year. Deducting e miners’ strike injunctions were | the I-cent assessment collected, there still Sued made returnable fully seven weeks | Temains an increase, while the balance on after the writ was issued, evidently with the purpese of crippling the efforts of the hand is $473.4 less. An extra amount ex- pended in organizing readily explains the Shy Se Say ee | Peduction of the balance on hand, aim as a that by the time the writ was made return. | TeSult of said expenditure the increase of able t strike would @e ended. Though |] membership during the past year is en- the injunctions were frequently ignored | CoUraging, 34,280 new members having been and lated the companies or the courts | 2dded to the grand total—the greater por- tion of this increase occurring during the last four months. The reports from our or- ganizations point to even better and great- er results for the ensuing year. The heaviest items of expense incurred, deem d it prudent to avoid arresting the for contempt. the di ate, if enacted into reat wrong (name! si the Sen- would obviate a by providing for a trial by jury), yet it is deemed entirely | @mounting to $3.3 were naturally for a mee we ¥ | the purpose for which the American Fed- Gensna tke Hiehtct Marsal ay, Jury, or eration of Labor exists—organization. Of Repay pa that amount $3,004.45 was used in sending offense charged, and titiscsas shall not be restrained in | OfEanizers among the miners during their the cise of our iawful and 7 great and successful stri pone Gauris Oe Or Gand eine Other appropriations were: Fraternal del- injunctions restraining persons from com- | ©Sates to the British trade union @on 2 SST Sear a Sd anors and | United Mine Workers of Americ - istative committce, for the defense of the eight-hour law in Utah, engin pumpmen and mir should not when there is another compiete firemen, orthern tx and Court Decisions. Mineral Mi one of the branc of the | Wood Workers: tonal Unio , s decided by a majority vote weyers cetan es ees thatl the boycult is amecal” Whether ee, ee ee decision rendered is applic all ca eit REL or simply to the one immediately under | An effort was made to secure definite in- Se eA ey ge ee nspired, | formation as to the gains and losses unions ained by strikes. While the informa- tion obtained does not cover all the and lockouts, yet the results achieved by those reported are more than favorabl the strike as a weapon to be used wh is manifest that’ the’ workers should the same right which other citi the right which neither constitu- the right It enjoy ons grant nor courts can deny n all our friends, patronize our r 1 co-onerators, and to | Other methods fail to procure proper award ir patronage from those who | for labor. oatstiente oe and Cae eau: ‘A careful cempiling of the reporis show the further right to aint our that 276 strikes were officially noticed, in- PItht Gis’ peeleeenesa Malle. there “l volving W472 workers, and that out of this number 189 were won, 31 compromised here to argue in favor of our rights, ae we should demand the change of any law | and 33 lost. The number of persons bene- which curbs the privilege and the right | ted was 165.407. and 940 did not receive cf the workers to exercise their normal | # Substantial benefit. . and natural preferences. In the m Label. ee OA Jee etnies eo ia and | The use of the unfon label to assist in Loan baa ee = S yage earn s rapidly restraining any of our fellow workers from anizing wage a ers is rapidly on placing a concern hostile to labor's in- | the iner Label leagues 2 being terest on our unfair list; enjoining the | formed in all the cities containiug unions workers frcm issuing notices of this char-| that have adopted a label. The agila- acter, the further suggestion Iv made that | tion is being pressed persistently and with upon any letter or circular issued upon ik wees a matter of this character, after stating | Dosults | poche cadyy he Suture. the name of the unfair firm and the grie = labels are: Cigarmak- ‘s joe workers, hatters, print- ence complained of, the words: “We have been enjoined by the courts from boycot- cagdamiand tigi 7 — ——_ and ting this concern” could be added with ad- et se gold beaters, horse vantage. makers, sardine packers, salmon fisier- In connection with this subject it is well |™en, tobacco workers, — molders, to bear in mind that this weapon of labor | W00d workers, cracker bakers, coopers, is most potent, and one which should | our mill employ brewery workers, he cxercized with the greatest degree of | Mattress makers, broom makers, iaundry care, and with an intense purpose to be | Workers, teamsters; the clerks, barbers absolutely just. An unjust or inconsider- and waiters have cards, and the agents ate boycatt does more to injure the cause | Mave @ bad: The indications are that the ensuing year will see several national of labor than a nundred victories achieved through its agency. Whenever an appli- cation has been submitted to headquarters an investigation was instituted, and the concern complained against given an. op- portunity to state its version of the mat- ters in dispute. In no case has a concern placed upon our “We Don’t Patron- list until it has had an opportuni to be heard in its own defense. In each of the letters to employers upon these subjects it was accompanied by the sug- gestion of an adjvstment mutually honor- organizations with a label or Dp to assist the public to discriminate in favor of the products of their members. Organizing. ‘During the year 217 charters have been issued to national,. state, central, local and federal labor unions. Of this number eight were granted to the following naticnal and international unions: International Union of Bicyele Workers, Coremakers’ International Union, ble vantageous, and tendering, if Sane ne eye eaed offices to accomplish | Meat Cutters and Butcher Workmen of TAA RS North America, National Union of Steam Engineers, Unlied Brotherhood of Paper Elect Officers by Referendum. Inasmuch as one of the aims of our or- ganization is to place the largest degree of responsibility upon all our workers, that is, to have our movement of the workers, for the workers, and by the workers in its full- est sense, and since the initiative and ref- Makers of America, National Gold Beaters’ Union, International Brotherhood of Black- smiths, United Association of Plumbers, Gas Fitters, Steam Fitters and Steam Fit- ters’ Helpers. Two charters for state federations were issued to Ohio and iMissouri. Eighieen to central labor unions, as fol- islati a .. | lows: Alton, Il; Asheville, N. C.; Bing- eréndum, both in legislation and in the ele aston: Blue Island, Ml.; Chatta- tion of officers, has been successfully inurd- chicane, Oe duced in 2 number of our largest and most Rapids. Mich. extensive affiliated unions, the suggestion fs made that the officers of the American Federation of Labor might be elected by | mouth, Ohio: Semepa; the referendum. I am not unmindful of | yo; Paul, Minn., and aan ille Ohio. the many difficulties ‘to be overcome, but | Over 500 applications for unions have it seems that a measure can be devised by] peen forwarued by ov which, at least, a beginning may be made to the more general introduction of the sys- tem. Perhaps some expense may be in- volved in carrying out its provision, but with experience obstacles now apparently unsurmountable will be easily overcome. Grievances to Be Considered. There are a number of matters which will require your careful attention; contro- versies which have arisen during the year and which are simply referred to here. The respective claims of jurisdiction by the na- tional organizations of the Meat Cutters and Butchers agt. National Organization of Clerks; the Machinists agt. the Typograph- ical Unions; the Tailors agt. Garment Workers; the Sprinkler Fitters’ Unions agt. the Steam Fitters’ Unions; the Tile Layers’ Union of Washington agt. the Tile Layers’ Unions of New York; the Musicians’ Union agt. the ‘Fort Wayne central body; the painters’ dispute; the application for a charter from the “Brotherhood of Paper Hangers; the application for a charter from the Uniform Police Association of Cleve- land; the Steam Engineers of Boston agt. the National Engineers’ Union; the Chica- go Central Body agt. Musicians’ Union, and a number of other cases which will be laid before this convention or before its com- mittee. Headguarters Changed. In pursuance to your direction the head- quarters of-the A. F. of L. were promptly transferred to Washington, D. C., where the work of our movement has been vig- orously prosecuted. In no way has ize lo- cation of headquarters in that city inter- fered with the full performance of duties on the industrial field. While,onthe other hand, it has largely aided. many of our affiliated organizations to promptly prevent hostile action on the part of Congress and depart- ment officers. Many an injury to our fel- low workers has been prevented by the op- portunity presented of being at the seat of government. ‘The advantages of pressing different affiliated nati: The number of organizers the werk is larger than ever history of the A. F. of L. them have done nga before and many uch good work in their the ot in arate jurisdictions that it could not be exceeded if they devoted their entire time under pay. The wage earners are under many obli- gations to the organizers, whg sacrifice lime, money and social pleasures to t in bettering the condition of their fetlow- workers. Per Capita Tax. Prompt financial assistance would be of great assistance to sustain and strength- en isolated local unions. The. per canita tax received by the A. F. of L. is inade- quate to meet very many of the urgent de- mands received. For that reason, it would appear that an increase of per capita tax from affiiiated organizations should be carefully considered. In many instances local unions affiliated with the A. F. of L. evince a reluctance to join the national of their craft, giving as a reason the increas- ed cost in per capita tax. I there recom- mend that the per capita tax for local and federal Imbor unions to the A. F. of L. be increased frem one cent to five cents per member per month. ——>—_ Church Women and Mincemeat. From the Indianapolis News. A new way to raise money for church and charitable purposes was discoverea by the women of Wall.Strect Methodist Church of Jeffersonville, which has one of the largest congregations in that city. As soon as the cool weather comes they hold a weekly meeting, and there they prepare mincemeat. Each one of them has her Special duty assigned. They have mamged to establish such a reputation for Wall street mincemeat that they can hardly sup- ply the market, and profits flow into their coffers from the sales. The grocers are {ion nave tad litle or no’ opportunity for = coe it, and many private tion fa me for | families supplied oy orers ali winter comneiretien, but it is confidently antici-! long. Pes =