The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1869-08-21

the IractlcnDl1bV OF the Undertaking, ana
as Secretary of the Union opened an extern
sive corr espondence with the molders in the
several large cities; which eventually cul-
minated in a meeting Of delegates from the
several Unions, in the city Of Philadelphia
on the 5th Of July, 1859, and the formation
Of what was known as the National Union
of Iron Molders." Mr.. 5. was one Of the
committee to prepare, and was also the
author of the address that from that date to
this has formed the preamble to the cOnsti-
tuition of that organization. The conven-
ZION adjourned to meet in the city Of Albany,
n. Y, on the 10th Of January, 1860, to
which be was again elected delegate, and
became a prominent candidate for the presi-
dency The choice, however, fell on Isaac
J. Neal, though the treasurship was allotted
to Mr.. Sylvis.
The next convention was held in Cincin-
natl, Ohio, commencing on the Sth of JAN
uaIy, 1861. Being Treasurer Of the Nation
al Labor Union be was not elected as a del
egate, but was admitted to the floor, with
full privileges. He was again placed in
nomination for the presidency, but was de-
cared ineligible. Norman Van Alstyne was
elected Shortly after the adjournment the
war broke out, and Mr.. Sylvis abandoned
the peaceful avocatiOns Of life for those of
the tented field. During his absence the
! TTz.o,,s boo.Yno thorouuh1y domnra1i zad. ~ a
officers Of the "Iron Molders' Union OF
America failed to DO their duty many Of
the local organizations were suspended, and
when the time came for the meeting of the
convention no effort or preparation had been
made for holding il, and none was held
IL was then that the pertInacity of Mr.. s
gave him such prominence ia the organiza-
ton. The trials and troubles Of 1857 and
1858 were repeated; ard after great exer
tons, and throwing the whole force Of hi,
character into the enterprise, be succeeded
in having a convention held in Pittsburg
commencin! Jan. 6tb 1868, of which be wal
unanimously elected president. The name o
the organization was also changed to that o
the "Irun Molders International Union
lie was then authorized by that body t,
travel over the country ID the interest Of tn
craft, though required to collect bis expense
on his route.
Upon his return to Philadelpbia he imme
, diately made preparations for the expert
ment aud on the 80 Of February started on
{ with one hundred dollars ia his pocket. II
J bad given up tie POSITION Of foreman in one Q
the largest establishments in the city, s.
that an ipjIsp utable evidence of his honest
and earnestness had been afforded. lie trav
eled all through the vest, north and east an
at the convention held in Buffalo, in Janua
r. 1864, be reported the organizations Of 1
} new Unions, and the re-organiz alton Of lG
making a total Of 76 Unions in the Nationo
( body. lie received during that year {
; self denial $500 Sc for travelling and Othe
exrenses. The convention donated hi
: $3.50 and after re-electing him presiden
by vote Of 80 to 6, fixed bis salary at 500
per year. IL VAS at this convention he de
livered the fret of bis addresses which show
ed to the world the cahbre OF the man. w
/ hope at some future day to reprint il.
Ia January, 1865, the onventIon met
4 Chicago, and Mr.. 5. reported for the yes
AZ new Unions all in working order, maxim
a total of 122 Unions. lie was for a thir
time elected president, BY a twO-thirt
, vote. In 1866 the convention met in Ne
/ York, when be was again, by an almo
' unanimous vote, re elected to the poetic
!. which be had filled with SO much credit