The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1869-10-02

O0c"ming unpopular with the maesess, an
are condemned by the best thinking mind
ln the ranks of labor. And no wonder th,
members Of local unions are beginning t.
inquire what benefit we are deriving from
tne support of our National Union. To thi
We can only answer, that by our system ol
GORE spondence and secret work, travelling
DrctAers are aided in finding friends anC
procuring employment. True, the design o.
this arrangement is noble one, bus th,
little interest taken by officers and member
OF local unions, and the meagre correspon-
uence with or recording secretary, render:
even TINS feature Of our work Of but little
practical importance. Hence the necessity
OF reconstruction.
y, Inc PRESIDENT next proceeds 70 point ou;
tne necessity Tor this steJ. s'Ours," be
says, Is not an exception to other Trades
Unions. Take, for instance, the Iron Moal-
ders, the boasted model organization of the
country, notwithstanding the whole time Of
the iamented Sylvis was for years devoted
20 It's organization. In my own CITY, where
years ago two large and powerful Unions
were prospering, to day they have no exis-
tence. This, l learn, ia the cause in many
other localities throughout the country
Then, it is conclusive that We cannot trus,
1 - OA0 ouINCy5 anu O1u CudfI9s w . mUoi
break new grounds, We must open new chan
nels IN the great and noble work Of eievat-
ing our trade" Speaking of CO. operation
As one OF the means for bringing about
this desired result the President says: "Co-
operation Is looked upon by the great ma.
Jority OF the members as something more
visionary than practical. Then permit me to
use other terms-to recommend what con-
slider will breathe perpetuity and life into
every new Union we may hereafter charter,
as well as to infuse vitality into expiring
ones. Now, | propose, and strongly recon-
mend, that our e.Ational Union take the
pioneer step in this great movement, and
make every local Union q business firm, with
every individual member a stockholder,
where be has fund accommodating directIyfor
his own personal bene6t and that of bis
family. Think you he would lose his inter-
est in such a Union, or subject himself 70
suspension for nonpayment OF dues Never.
The small pittance required for weekly in
stall would never be missed, but
saved, perhaps, from the self-denial Of some
luxury. In concluding his remarks on this
subject, the President says predict that
should this national body establish q uniform
system Of co operation among all its mem
oefs OF local unions, its prosperity the COM
ing year would astonish the friends Of the
labor reform. and every dollar paid an eff
clent travelling agent would bring two into
the treasury. Permit me to urge and strong
ly recommend that this be the great bushes
OF the Convention now assembled. Let an
able committee be appointed to prepare some
uniform plan, based upon all the knowledge
and experience within our reach, and pros
perity will surely attend our efforts. The
President next proceeded to recommend that
no increase of taxes be made, and concluded
by congratulating the members on the s0c-
cess already attained relative to the eight
hour system.
REPORT OF TIE SECRETARY
Mr. Rosemon, Recording Secretary. next
submitted his report. From this document
it appears that during the year toe National
Union has granted charters to thirteen local
Unions; that the number Of Unious in ac-
tual membership is lorty-six; new Unions,
thirteen; withdrawn, -four. Speaking OF
employment and wages, the Secretary said :
Trade being dull throughout the jurisdiction,
il has bad the tendency for employers to
attempt to reduce wages, but in most cases
khs- -sttempt has failad- Mach interference
exists in New York and Boston by emigrants
from Canada and Nova Scotia, who food
the above named cities, and in most cases
work under Union prices. They have no in
terest in our cause or country. They are no I
citizens, nor do they intend to be. Still
those men are often employed in preference
to actual residents. While our eympathies
should extend to the oppressed Of all nations,
and the right land Of fellowship be given to
those who come among US with the inten-
tlOn Of adopting our country as their home,
on the other hand be who comes among US
for the purpose Of taking his earnings to
foreign cline is a moth to society, and
should be scouted from our midst" After
expressing bis regrets that so much hardness
should be shown by some unions in forward
ing the per capita tax, the Secretary touches
upon the eight hour question. "There has
been little accomdlished," he says, under
this head, outside of Goyernment employ
Dent. Ourselves and our employers are
equally guilty of breaking laws that have
been enacted in many States Of the Union,
D. the agitation is still on the increase, and
WILL continue TO increase until the great g.
form Is accomplished. The Secretary recon-
mends the creation by the Convention of the
ONCE Organizer, +" the duty Of which officer
shall be to travel wherever the Executive
otheer shall from time to time direct, to form
new Unions, revive old ones, and deliver lee
lures to our craftsmen In every village and
hamlet where seven men can be found to as
oist in the good work." He also recommend
cd that a part Of the monthly dues Of mem
bers be set apart for the purpose of cooper
alton in business; also, that stated place
OF meeting Of the National Union b adopted;
also the adOpa aon of a system of mileage,
which would insure full attendance Of de-
legates in the National Council. Consider
able discussion arose during the delivery of
the report, as to whether the doings Of the
committee appointed BY the Labor Congress
to visit Peter Cooper, should be read as
portion of the report. 1t was finally de-
cided that the action Of the committee should
be read.
The Convention then adjourned until 9
A NJ. tomorrow.
SECOND DAY.