American Federationist.

OFFICIAL MONTHLY MAGAZINE

DEVOTED TO THE INTERESTS AND VOICING THE DEMANDS OF THE TRADE UNION MOVEMENT.

PUBLISHED BY

THE AMERICAN FEDERATION OF LABOR

-AT

WASHINGTON, D. C.

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Entered at Washington, D. C., post-office as second-class matter.

Once more in the course of revolving seasons the period approaches whose chief festival is dedicated to the mighty and beneficent source of all wealth and human progress. This important holiday, whose observance is now general throughout the length and breadth of this vast continent, is too often devoted to mere revelry or else droned away, so that the great majority of those in whose honor it was established are in grave danger of losing sight of its deep significance. If this special day was set apart to convey no greater idea than that of a day's relaxation from toil, then its title of "labor day" would be a most ridiculous misnomer; but we, the founders of this festival, know that it has been well and truly named, and that its title is full-fraught with meaning, sense and import. It therefore be hooves us at this time to call the attention of our fellow-workers to the fundamental object which inspired our action in this regard, and to use our best efforts to have this red letter day of the toilers observed in a manner harmonizing with its truly sacred character.

Labor Day has been instituted to afford the workers an opportunity to review their past efforts; to rekindle the enthusiasm of those grown weary and worn in labor's struggles; and to strengthen the aspirations of all who strive for a truer social future. On this great day, without prejudice of race or creed, we direct our loving thoughts to our brothers who work at the bench, the loom, or the plow; we extend fraternal greetings to all who toil, whether high upon the reeling mast or deep down in darkest mine; whether on the fastspeeding train or the dim and fetid den of the cheap clothier. Especially in hope and faith of a brighter future, we direct our thoughts to our toiling brothers, wherever they may be, who are organized in trade unions and are struggling to hasten the day when the might shall be with the right, and when each willing worker shall sit in comfort and security by his own hearthstone with none to make him afraid.

The day we are now called on to celebrate will not be lacking in important subjects for congratulation and for discussion. The springing into life of a host of new unions located in the most remote regions as well as in the denserpeopled districts of our country; the steady and continuous growth in membership of the national and international unions; the extension and more vigorous working of the central bodies whose rule is ever more and more dominating the industrial life of every town and city; the considerable gains in wages and other conditions often won without serious struggle; and the comparative ease with which strikes have been gained wherever they have been supported by adequate organization; all of these facts are subjects of deep congratulation. But, this cheering prospect is not without its somber shadows; the growth of trusts squeezing the workers out from their employments faster than new occupations can be found; the increasing determination of the legal fraternity to declare our written constitutions more inflexible than the laws of the Medes and Persians, whenever the workers resort to legislation for protection; the violation of long-established constitutional rights by a brutalized soldiery; and the military subjuga tion of friendly peoples by our once respected Government. These are some of the considerations that will make the forthcoming festival one of more than usual interest.

Therefore, it is highly desirable that every industrial center should take immediate and energetic measures to commemorate this day in the most worthy manner within its means. To impress upon the organized no less than the yet unorganized workers of our land the necessity of more extensive organization; to warn them of the need of a still greater solidarity of the forces of labor in order to cope more effectually with the fast-growing solid

arity of capital; and to mold public opinion concerning the great issues now before the country; these are not the least important of the duties now devolving upon the local unions and central bodies throughout the land, and also upon the orators whom they may select for Labor Day.

A CURSORY REVIEW.

From time to time it has been customary to briefly review the situation of our movement, and we now gladly follow the precedent. The present rapid development of industry, the intense concentration of wealth, and the immense power which this development and concentration confer upon its directors and possessors is, without doubt, a matter of grave importance to the toiling millions. But that which immediately concerns us is to know that every effort is being made by the wealthpossessors of our country to curb the power of our ever growing movement, and to circumvent the success which our organizations have secured. The attempt of the courts to decide adversely the rights which labor has secured, and the unwarranted military usurpation of civil rights in the far West, are sufficient evidences of the impotent rage of the capitalist class, and of the futile efforts of its representatives to force back the march of the organized hosts of labor.

It is not our purpose, at this time, to discuss the details of the methods by which this antagonism to labor's rights may be nullified. Time, circumstances, and opportunity will. best demonstrate how this antagonism may be permanently defeated, as defeated it ultimately must be. Many of the now current reform notions and social theories may have to be abandoned, but of the final realization of the workers' best aspirations by the trade union methods there is no doubt in the minds of rational men. Of this, however, we may all be assured, that in the same measure that our fellow-workers of every calling organize in their unions and become thoroughly federated under the banner of the American Federation of Labor, in that same measure will we hasten our march for shorter hours, higher wages, better general conditions, and the final emancipation of every laborer from the thraldom of injustice and wrong. As we become better and more thoroughly organized and federated, we shall instil in our fellow-workers sterling unionism, which always means independence, progress and success.

Within the past six months our organizations report a vast increase of membership. More charters have been issued to local unions, and more unions organized within this brief period, than within twice that length of time in the history of the labor movement of our country.

The workers all through the land, wherever they have been organized, have been the beneficiaries of trade union effort, and if we all do our duty to the utmost, the immediate future is full of hope and promise of success. With more unions formed and more members in the unions, with more earnestness, aggressiveness and grit, we shall increase our organized numbers in a greater ratio than ever; and our movement for less hours, higher wages, and better conditions-in short, for full justicewill become accelerated in its speed, and its achievement be more thoroughly assured.

This work of organization is not an easy task, we all admit; but the duty of the hour demands that we put forth the very best efforts of which we are capable, and help give the movement an impetus which no power on earth can withstand or swerve from the full achievement of its just, noble and humane purposes.

We count, as we have ever counted, in our already glorious past, upon the earnest and active co-operation of all in the realization of these aims.

TO BECOME MORE EFFECTIVE.

The recent convention of the Boot and Shoe Workers' Union, held at Rochester, N. Y., was a decided success in every way. The organization has learned by bitter experience the necessity in time of comparative industrial peace to prepare for war, and that such preparation is the greatest preventative for many unnecessary battles.

By a unanimous vote the delegates to the convention increased the dues of members from 10 to 25 cents per week, and inaugurated a system of benefits, both protective and benevolent, that will, beyond doubt, work wonderful changes in the organization.

The boot and shoe workers have determined that they will no longer lag in the rear among the organized labor forces of the country; that when they may be engaged in any contest for improved conditions for their members, or may be required to protest against an imposition, it will not be necessary for them to immediately appeal to the workers to "pass around the hat" for voluntary contributions and sympathetic aid.

The boot and shoe workers have turned their back upon that past, and propose to organize their craft thoroughly, upon the basis which experience has proven to be the best means for the success aud permanency of the trade union and the most potent factor to secure improvements and advantages for the craft.

It may appear strange to many, but the history of the labor movement demonstrates that those unions which most completely provide themselves with substantial treasuries are those in which the members are the more highly respected, whose wages constantly increase,

whose hours of labor tend always lower, and whose general conditions of employment are most reasonable and fair, while their requests are more generally heeded. In the same degree that the unions provide themselves with substantial treasuries, there is a constant lessening of the number of strikes to either redress grievances or to obtain improved conditions, yet at the same time grievances are redressed and conditions are improved.

High dues and beneficial features in trade unions have proven conclusively the most important factors to hold the membership intact under most adverse conditions of industrial depression, thus successfully withstanding reductions in wages and other inroads which employers may otherwise seek to impose. Wages, hours, trade rules, are maintained, substantial improvements secured, and the permanency, growth, and success of the organization always assured.

We congratulate the Boot and Shoe Workers' Union upon this splendid departure, and trust the example set by it, and several other of our powerful national and international unions, may be emulated by all, and thus render labor more effective to hasten the day when absolute justice to labor will be achieved.

The sect of communists known as Perfectionists, which, under the leadership of Mr. Noyes, acquired world wide notoriety by its consistency in pushing the theory of communism to its logical conclusion in making women as well as things common property, has recently displayed its "perfection" by discharging the members of the Metal Polishers' Union employed in its factory at Niagara Falls, and hiring non-union men from Canada in their stead. This action is another proof that, no matter whatever ideal state of society may be advocated or established, strong trade unions will be necessary in order to protect the workers against oppression from pretended friends as well as open foes.

In New York it is said that another Daniel has come to judgment, a Daniel whose other name is Loeb, alias De Leon. In this case, however, Daniel was judged instead of judg ing; and his judges, so it is reported, threw beer glasses and whiskey bottles at him.

Labor's Advance.

The Washington, D. C. Times, of July 3, publishes the following interview with Samuel Gompers, President of the American Federation of Labor : There is hardly any doubt but that the working classes, both industrial and agricultural, will take a more active interest in politics in the future than they have at any previous time, so far as organized labor is represented by the American Federation of Labor, which means by hundreds of thousands. The fight against trusts will also be

carried on and nothing will be left undone by the wage-earners of the country to wrest the power from what the workman calls "the rapacious captains of industry."

Samuel Gompers, President of the American Federation of Labor, who has just returned from an extended tour of the West, was seen yesterday, and he stated that the interests and influence of organized labor throughout the country are rapidly increasing; that the workingmen themselves know this fact, he said, is evidenced by the great addition to the ranks of organized labor during the last six months. During this time, over two hundred thousand wage-earners have been enrolled as members of trade unions. During his trip Mr. Gompers visited the industrial centers in West Virginia, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Utah, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri and Pennsylvania. In speaking of the part that the workingmen of the country will take in politics during the coming national election, Mr. Gompers said:

"Organized labor, as individual union men, is taking more interest in political affairs now than ever before. This is demonstrated by the number of members of organized labor chosen as representatives in the legislature in the various States in different parts of the country. In many States the number of labor men varies from two to seventeen. In Colorado the number of members of organized labor in the legislature is seventeen, in addition to which the Lieutenant Governor of the State is also a member of organized labor.

"The American Federation of Labor most firmly and unequivocally favors the independent use of the ballot by the trade unionists and workingmen, united regardless of party, that we may elect men from our own ranks to make new laws and administer them along the lines laid down in the legislative demands of the American Federation of Labor, and at the same time secure an impartial judiciary that will not govern us by arbitrary injunctions of the courts, nor act as the pliant tools of corporate wealth.

"That as our efforts are centred against all forms of industrial slavery and economic wrong, we must also direct our utmost energies to remove all forms of political servitude and party slavery, to the end that the working people may act as a unit at the polls at every election.

"The worst feature of our political life is the domination which party has over individual judgment. There are many who are opposed to certain political propositions, but when their party declares for them they fall into line and support them, though acknowledging to themselves that they are against their individual interests. It is our effort, therefore, to wean the individual from such servitude, so that he may be guided by principles and measures rather than implicitly following a party, no matter for what it declares.

"In the measure that we accomplish this shall we see independent judgment and independent voting, thus compelling parties to conform their declarations and principles to meet the improved judgments and demands of the people. The interests of all laborers, whether in factories or other industries or on the farms, are absolutely identical. Often the farmer is as inconsiderate of the farm laborer's welfare as is the most rapacious so-called captain of industry of the interests of his employes.

"It is therefore to the interests of organized labor to assist in the organization of the farm laborers so that they may be greater participants in the product of their own labor. In the same degree as the workers in the industrial pursuits, agriculture and commerce are organized we shall court and

expect the co-operation of all reform forces in society making for the material, political, social, and moral welfare of the whole people. As the result of a closer alliance between the organized industrial wage-earners and farm laborers there will be more happiness and less misery; better homes, fewer hoboes, more schools and lyceums, and fewer jails; more home comforts, and fewer saloons; more independence, economical and political, and less bossism and corruption; more love of country and humanity and less jingoism and political juggling, which now appeal to the ignorant and arouse prejudice; in a word it would make for all those things which make life worth living and make men regard themselves in duty bound to aid each other in bearing each other's burdens.

"The trust feature has indirectly been attacked by labor, particularly that feature of the trusts which reaches out to dominate the political parties, the legislatures, State and National, the executives of our municipal life, and has reached the judiciary, influenced its opinions, decisions, and decrees. The trusts, however, may have a legitimate function in the development of industry, but their invasion of our legislatures, and control of the executive and judicial functions of government is the greatest danger to the perpetuation of republican institutions and the freedom and independence of the citizen."

When asked if he thought the alleged oppression of the moneyed class has reached that stage which will cause a political revolution among the wageearners of the country, Mr. Gompers said: "That we are fast drifting toward that condition of affairs there is no question in my mind, but we hope that we are now witnessing an economic revolution in factory, workshop, mill, and mine, and we earnestly anticipate the same upon the farm, which will cause evolution rather than revolution. We can measure political advancement by the greater economic independence of the workers, and this economic independence can only be brought about by the more thorough organization of all wage

earners.

"It is most gratifying to us that within the past six months more than 200,000 workmen have joined the ranks of organized labor. We have now seventy-one national and international bodies affiliated with the American Federation of Labor, consisting of over 12,000 local unions with an aggregate membership of over 1,000,000 wage-earners.”

Booming the Label in the Rockies. Michael Raphael, of New York, an organizer of the Cigar Makers' International Union, in response to a cordial invitation extended to him by the trade unionists of Butte, Montana, delivered an address on "the Use of the Union Label," in the hall of the Silver Bow Trades Assembly, on July 16, in which he said in part:

"If I may be permitted to say a word in behalf of the men who are now penned up under military rule, no nobler cause could be engaged in than to render moral and financial support to the victims of General Merriam's persecution, who in the Cœur d'Alenes, are suffering for a principle, for the maintenance of their manhood and loyalty to their union. Such union men are greater patriots than the men who bear the name of soldier and would Idrive honest union men into slavish conditions. While these conflicts are progressing it must be borne in mind that organized labor is not the aggressor. Our purpose, as I have already stated,

is to avert difficulties, and no more impressive fact could be stated than that when we are united and make the existence of such unity understood, very few conflicts arise, and the most stubborn employers of labor respect our wishes. The future will undoubtedly evolve new conditions, but the trade union may be safely trusted to deal with each new condition as it arises.

"While I have attempted to touch on the relations of the worker and employer, may I not also be permitted to offer a thought as to the obligations we owe to each other as union men and women? It is a known fact that employers protect each other at all times, and have their organizations for that purpose, especially as against members of trade unions. Whether they are right or wrong in this latter effort is not the issue at this moment. But can we not draw a lesson from their action? To be a union man, to maintain that principle, to show sympathy for our struggling fellow-workers is absolutely necessary, and thus it becomes an essential part of our duty to recognize the union product. To this end organized labor should work. To be a union member and support non-union workers, their employers and their product is, I feel, hardly consistent, and yet, I regret to say, that is what is going on in our midst today. Convict-made shoes, sweat-shop clothes, tenementhouse made cigars and child labor are encouraged; while the honest toilers are too often compelled to go hungry through enforced idleness and the children are consigned to degradation in sweat shops instead of going to school.

"This is a condition that can be speedily abolished by the exercise of a little consistency on the part of the workers. Let every worker demand goods bearing the union label; and nearly every trade of importance bears such a label on its product. The woman who sweeps the floor can buy a union broom as well as the man can wear a union suit of clothes, and even the product of my own tradecigars-they should bear the union label. May I plead with you, therefore, to give this matter your serious consideration and take such steps that will aid in procuring union articles in all we consume and wear? Nearly two hundred cigarmakers could be employed here, and yet only 12 are working. All the cigars that are used come chiefly from factories whose proprietors are opposed to union people and would not only injure the Cigarmakers' Union and consign every member to a felon's cell, but would also crush every other union and its members. What we ask for ourselves we must try to secure for every other trade.

"During my trip throughout the West I have found the newspaper press fairly disposed to aid in wiping out the evils of the sweat-shop and child labor, and promote the recognition of the union label. While this is a fact we should not fail to give room to papers specially devoted to the interests of labor and to the sacred obligation we each assume to our life partners. Let our union affiliation and our union card always remind us to demand the union label and subscribe for a labor paper that will help to make our lives happier, and establish the golden rule: 'Do unto others as you would be done unto.'"

In the Nutmeg State.

A ROUSING MEETING PREPARATORY TO ACTION.

It is long since a labor mass-meeting has been held in Ansonia, Conn., but the meeting that was held in the Opera House of that city on the evening of July 24, gave evidence that the spirit of unionism in that locality is by no means dormant. Notwithstanding the heated weather, the house

was filled by an appreciative audience that warmly applauded the many telling points made by the three speakers of the evening, Samuel Prince, President of the Central Federated Union of New York City; Daniel Harris, President of the New York State Federation; and Samuel Gompers, President of the American Federation of Labor.

When the Ansonia brass band had rendered a choice selection, Irving Whiting, President of the Roll Workers' Union, made a brief introductory speech and presented Mr. Prince, who, in the course of a brief and pointed speech, endeavored to prove that money invested as dues in a trade union brought vastly better results than in a savings bank.

Mr. Gompers, rising amid loud and long-continued applause, then proceeded to say: "He had had the opportunity of visiting the city before to address one particular union, but it was the first time that he had been invited to speak in public here, which privilege he acknowledged with pleasure. He believed that when workingmen met each other each should tell the other some wholesome truths and it was for that purpose that he was present. He intended to speak without fear or favor. The workingmen of Ansonia and vicinity were slow in grasping the oportunity of organizing; it was simply neglect, but the workmen and those dependent on them had been the sufferers thereby. Workingmen had much to blame themselves for, as every delinquency could not be laid at the door of the capitalist. Much of the evil complained of was due to their own ignorance and shortcomings, for, were it not for the shortcomings of the workingmen, how could they see women and children in factories while able-bodied men walked the streets in idleness until it had come to such a pass that the condition was-busy children and idle men. Such a condition was not to the credit of the workingman. No person could say that the work of children in factories was necessary to success or progress. To make such a claim would be to deny the fact that the human race had made any real progress.

"The mission of organized labor was to assist the laboring classes, to bring them to a realization of their duties, and take from the factories the children and place them in the school-rooms. Its mission was to instill manhood and independence into the hearts and minds of people.

"He referred to the workmen who, when asked to join unions, refused on the plea that as they were married men they could not afford to pay the small monthly dues, yet such men who were the ones who protested loudest in paying dues, were also the ones who were the readiest to accept a reduction of wages."

The remarks of Mr. Harris were centered altogether on the fact that the workingmen of the city should organize, and to those now organized he gave words of encouragement to keep on in the good work.

"Many say," said the speaker, "that labor organizations are promulgators of dissension. Organized labor is not such a promulgator, and I hurl the infamous lie back in the teeth of the ones who make it. The trade unions were formed to maintain the standard of living; to reduce the hours of labor; to protect and assist men out of employment: to provide for the sick, bury the dead and to make provision for the widow and orphans of the workmen." The meeting was brought to a close amid hearty applause.

If the people are to respect the law, the law must be respectable.

Inaugural Session of the British Federation of Trade Unions.

Thanks to the courtesy of Reynolds' Newspaper we are enabled to present thus early to our readers the following interesting details of a meeting undoubtedly destined to exercise an immense influence on the trade union movement in all countries and for all time to come.

The newly-formed Federation of Trade Unions met for the first time on Wednesday at the Westminster Palace Hotel, when forty-six delegates were present, representing forty-four trade unions, with a membership of 310,437. The delegates formed the General Council of the Federation and their business was mostly of a routine character. Mr. W. J. Davis (Brass workers), the chairman of the Parliamentary Committee of the Trade Union Congress, presided, and told the delegates about the work which the Parliamentary Committee had done as a consequence of the instructions given them at the Manchester meeting in January, when the Federation was formed.

The Council then elected officers. Mr. P. Curran (Gas Workers) was elected Chairman and Mr. A. Gee (Yorkshire Weavers), Vice-chairman. Mr. Isaac Mitchell, of one of the Glasgow branches of the Amalgamated Engineers, who represents that union on the Parliamentary Committee, was appointed Secretary, and Mr. J. Maddison (the Secretary of the Friendly Society of Ironfounders), Treasurer; Messrs. A. Wilkie (Associated Shipwrights), J. Holmes (Leicester Hosiers), and B. Tillet (London Dockers), Trustees.

The Management Committee will consist of the foregoing names and the following: Messrs. T. Ashton (Cotton Spinners), W. J. Davis (Brass Workers), W. B. Hornidge (Boot and Shoe Operatives), M. Arrandale (United Machine Workers), C. Gregory (Carters' Association), J. N. Bell (National Union of Labor), T. Mallalieu (Felt Hatters) and F. Newall (Painters and Decorators).

All these appointments were for twelve months until the annual meeting of the Federation. It was decided that the next meeting of the General Council should be held in January of next year. London was chosen as the location of the head office, receiving 162,860 votes, against 142,979, in favor of Manchester. The annual meeting was fixed for August, 1900, and the rules drawn up at Manchester were adopted and ordered to come into force as from July 1, 1899.

Thus was launched on its way an organization which may have great influence on the future of the labor movement. The proceedings were of the most satisfactory character. The discussions were confined to matters of organization. The Federation has secured an excellent Secretary in the person of Mr. Mitchell, who may be counted on to do his best to bring all the forces of labor into line. Now that the Federation has been started, other large unions may be expected to join. The Management Committee has large powers and will have many opportunities of rendering great serviIt is satisfactory to find on it such names as those of Mr. Maddison, Mr. Wilkie, Mr. Alan Gee, Mr. Hornidge and Mr. Arrandale, whose past experiences in trade union work will be of the utmost value.

ces.

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