The evening light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1881-1883, 1882-01-24
The San Antonio Labor Union.

labor union was held last evening at Meyers
hall, on the Alamo plaza, the president, J. w.
Cartwright, occupying the chair.
The president said he was glad to see such
large number present, as it argued well Tor
the success of the organization. Before they
proceeded to the business of the evening he
regretted to be obliged to occupy their time by
statement on what might be personal mat
ter. AS many of them were aware, the Ex-
press had published an article about the union.
1t admitted that now was a favorable oppor-
tunity for forming such a society; that it might
be necessary, and do good service, but sneered
at it by remarking that it vas very strange that
a lawyer of few months standing in the city
should be elected its president, and that its
meetings should be held at a beer saloon.
They inferred that he had come among them
10 serve some private or political ends, and
said the members would be wrong to allow
themselves to be used for any such purpose
The allusion to the beer saloon was direct
insult to the members, as it contained the in
ference that they met there as beer drinkers
As far as he was concerned he had come
among them by invitation because he was told
and believed that he could materially assist
their organization, and when he was
elected temporary president he was re-
luctant to take office, for domestic reasons
and because it might lead to misconception OF
his position, but he had waived his objections,
believing that he could serve them in organic
ing the union. The Express protested their
willingness to assist good working mans
movement, but they knew that it was the Or
gan of protection, monopoly and rich men
Ichesrs] and knowing this, they could place
a proper value on what appeared in its COL
umns. He would not believe in its profession
until it took back what was said and acted in
a proper manner. The Express knew the OBJ
jects of the organization, because letter from
their secretary had appeared in its columns,
and yet they were silent. He had no political
purpose to serve, and as matter of fact had
not attended more than two political meetings
in fourteen years. He had never sought pub
lie Office and there was no office in the git Of
the people that he would seek. If men came
to him and asked him to serve them, he would
do SO to the best Of his ability, but he was not
an aspirant to offices, and would not seek
them. He had confessed great interest in the
association. 1t was formed upon just and
equitable principles and must succeed, and he
was prepared to do all he could to serve the
members and make the union success.
Cheers.
The committee on the constitution and by
laws (Messrs. West, DeViere and Kendall
presented their report, but it was found to be
in no way adapted to the opinions Of the
meeting or the practical working of the asso-
cation. The reading was interrupted by a
long discussion, raised by Alderman Cope
land, as to who were eligible for membership,
the bylaws only admitting two classes, viz:
'tradesmen and common laborers," by which
more than half the members present were ex.
cluded, and il was resolved that every person
intending to become a member should at
once sign the members roll and then be al
lowed TO vote on the proceedings. This va
done, and seventy-two Signatures were append
ed to the role.
On the motion of Mr.. Alderman Copeland
the bylaws and constitution were referred
back to the general committee, and subsequent
resolutions the following additions were made
to the original committee, viz: Messrs.
Beckmann, Copeland, McAlster, Heiligmann
and Ryder-Taylor.
Mr.. Kendall, Of the original committee, who
had explained that he had not seen the by
laws presented or taken any part in them.
asked leave to withdraw, and in his place Mr..
+. Z. Muench was selected.
The president, in view of the attack on part
of the Express, placed his Office at the disposal
of the meeting, and was unanimously con-
firmed in his office.
A vote of thanks to the president and officers
was unanimously agreed to.
A committee to arrange for holding the next
meeting, composed of Messrs. Zionb, Locker
and Hegmann was then nominated and
agreed to.
Mr.. DeViere moved collection for expenses
which was agreed 10 and 81 collected.
The meeting then adjou ned until Monday
next at the time and place to be announced by
the committee for that purpose.