The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-09-27
THE NATIONAL LABOR CONGRESS.


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Sixth and Lust Days SessiOn-Pittsburg Sc
lected for Holding the Next Congress-The
Presidents Salary Increased-The New York
Herald Argument Against the Emf.
grant Aid Company.
The National Labor Congress brought its proceed
ings to close at noon yesterday. Whatever est
mate may be made of the benefits it is likely to bring
to the great body Of workingmen throughout the
country, doubt can be entertained about its earn
of purpose to elevate the tone of the working
classes to nfuse q spirit Of independence and SELF
reliance, to encourage inquiry into the best means
OF securingsthat depth and breadth OF unity among
those who labor, that the schemes OF capital, where
they encroach upon the domain OF labor, will
be ittingy counteracted and above all IN the e *
councils. II is true, this Congress was not in all re-
spects as national as 1t might have been; other
divisions OF labor. not represented in its body,
might have well been present; but 1t should be borne
in mind this is but the pioneer of an enterprise
which, In the course Of very few years, will become
great controlling powers OF the country 1t will, II
properly combined and held strictly neutral between
political parties, command an overwhelming nfiu-
ence In directing legislation In its favor. The
other half OF creation, which Is no despicabe
element of this great republic has been formally in
corporated in its ranks. The prospect may now be
said to enter on phase equally novel and bewilder
ing. The women have been admitted to member
What will be the result when In place OF a few hun
dred females being represented half million send
their delegates to speak in their behafr The pressure
will be tremendous in favor Of woman suffrage and
in all likelihood the next Congress Will declare itself
emphstically in favor Of that which this Congress,
with only the influence Of few women brought to
bear upon It, came very near endorsing.
The Congress met at nine O'Clock yesterday morn
ing at Germania Hall, BOwery Mr.. VIM. II. Sylvis
presiding. After the reading Of the minutes Mr..
+. II. Tucker moved TO go into informal ballot for
shall be held formal ballot was then taken. Total
votes Sin favor OF Pittsburg, 49, Washington, 8.
Pitsburg was then declared chosen as the place
where the next session oil the Congress shall be
Mr.. CAMERON moved that the salary Of the presi-
dent be $1,000 per annum. He thought that sum was
little enough for competent person, really able
executive officer such as they had.
Mr.. LUCKER was willing to give 81 900, and thought
il should be more; but where was the money to come
from! The late president had heavy claim against
Mrs MACDONALD inquired what amount of mans
time was occupied In the faithful performance of
Mr.. Cameron, in reply to Mr. Tucker, said that he
understood that Mr.. Sylvis would not make claim
for a cent unless the revenue afforded it.
Mr.. Syfvis (the preSident) said unless he was paid
at least $1,000 he proposed that some one else should
hold the Office.
Miss ANTHONY approved OF the position taken by
the president. She saw that an attempt was made
TO place the president III the position In which she
was placed for twenty years, during which she was
engaged In refornatory movements--dO all the
drudgery and foot all the bills and was now without
$500 TO her name.
Considerable debate occurred upon the best means
OF raising revenue TO meet the salary.
Mr.. TRoUP said there were 100000 working men,
who, taxed at cent each, would produce 5000.
Miss ANTHONY said that as the Congress had now
admitted women there would be 600, 900 working wo-
men paving one cent at the next Congress.
Mrs. CADY STANTON took the moor in favor OF pay
ing liberal salary TO the president.
Mr.. GAUL moved as an amendment that the salary
be $1,000 in addition TO all necessary expenses that
Mr.. MuLBALL thought the Congress was now in a
very ridiculous position after resolving itself into
national labor party and yet unable to pay Its pres
q Ill
The amendment to pay the president $500 was
agreed to by a vote OF - to 10.
Mr.. SYLvIs, the president, took the floor In ex-
PLANTATION OF q resolution passed at previous stage
Of the deliberations OF the Congress, In reference to
emigration. II might be supposed by some that this
resolution aimed at throwing obstacles In the way of
foreign emigration and impeding the employment OF
mechanics from other countries but In truth 1t was
intended to expose the true character OF institu
ton under the name OF the Emigrant Aid Company.
started under the auspices Of the Congress at Wash
ngton, ostensibly TO promote the welfare OF those
who sought a refuge and field for labor In this
country, but having for its real object the en-
thralment OF unsuspecting foreigners, for the
purpose OF undermining the interests OF
native workmen and promoting those OF certain
large capitalists and manufacturers. Mr. sylvs
here read letter which appeared In the New York
HERALD OF July 2, from its Washington correspond
ent exposing the entire scheme OF this Emigration
Aid Company, and detailing the manner In which 1t
was engineered through Congress, together with
showing In clear coors the nefarous character OF
the enterprise. lie then showed how the resolutions
~ which some OF the delegates objected. were aimed
wholly at this scheme and not intended TO prevent
IN any way the emigration or employment oil Foreign
artisan labor.
several minor resolutions were then presented and
approved.
Mrs. STANTON said In the resolutions 10 which the
president alluded reference was made, she thought
nnkndly and invdiousiy 70 the "unsKilled abor OF
other countries" 10 the only Objectionable
au-ion that struck her ear IN all the proceedings Of
the Congress. she believed there could he no obec.
ton In leaving the expression out.
Mr. PrErr moved that the words be eNpungcd.
which was agreed TO- the president stating that
their erason from the minutes would uc done.
Before adiourning Tire PRESIDENT stated mat a. the
working women were now incorporated in their or
ganiIatUn their strength aud influence would be
very apprcciaDly increased at their next annual
meeting
After few scattering remarks from several dele
gates the Congress wa, declared by the president
a0 ourue1 Site Ofe.