Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1884-10-09
LAB0R'S AMELIORATION.
MATTERS FOR LEGISLATIVE AT
TENTION FORMULATED

Eight Hours as Days Toll One of the
Reforms which the Federation Asks
to Have EnfOroed-ChiId Labor's Alb
olitiOn also Demanded-Strikes De-
clared Beneficial.
CHICAGO, Oct. S.-The federation Of
trades and labor unions continued its ses-
sion this morning. A telegram from the
New Jersey Eight Hour League, urging
| the confederation to consider the S-hour
day question was read and reply re-
turned that decided action would be taken
on the subject. The Legislative Commit
tee made an extensive report, in which it
was cOntended that strikes, when based
on justice and conducted with discretion.
secured good ends, although beneficial
results might not be Immediately felt by
those who engaged in them. The
statistics for the last four months showed
that the strikes numbered in the United
States SO, affecting $4,000 employees. OF
the number 90 had been against reduc-
tion of wages and for an Increase of
wages.
The committee reported in connection
with the S-hour question that il had adj
dressed the National Committees of both
Republican and Democratic parties, but
had received no response from either.
The committee believed that it was use
less to wait for legislation, and that the
desired result was only to be attained by
thorough organization among the work
ingmen. A recess was then taken.
The afternoon session of the federation
of trades and labor unions was almost en-
tirely taken up with the presentation and
discussion of resolutions for the anchor
alton of the condition of the working
classes. The following are among the
more important resolutions presented,
most of them looking TO the presentation to
various State Legislatures, with view of
their enactment into laws, except in cases
otherwise noted. They We're referred to
the Committee on Resolutions. For the
establishment of labor exchange, under
the direction of labor unions in every inn
pOrtant city in the country, to fill the
place of an intelligence office and guard
against the iDjustices practiced by en-
ployment agents.
For uniting kindred trades, such
as building trades, in large cities to
secure them against imported cheap labor.
For the enforcement of the eight-hour
Jaw on all government work and the abo-
litiOn of contract labor in penitentiaries,
iails ana refOrmat0ries.
For the appointment of boards of arbi-
tratiOn by the State to decide between em-
ployer and employees whenever a strike is
threatened.
For the appointment of a committee of
five on statistics on child labor, with
view to ascertaining the best means for
its abolition.
For the appointment of a guardian of
apprentices in each county. whose dusy it
will be TO hear all complaints of appren-
tices, and if wrong is being done saem TO
report the facts to the County Judge, who
is to be given power to punish by impris-
Onment.
For legislation giving County Commits
sioners power to regulate i'll ventilated
and filthy workshops, including imprisOn-
ment as penalty for their maintenance.
Protesting against the Presidents neg
lect to appoint committee on labor sta
tistics under the law passed by the last
Congress. This caused considerable dis
cussion, its opponents holding it ill-ad-
vised as Congress would probably recon-
mend man for that position. The resOlu-
tiOn finally passed.
For the appointment of State mine in
spectors.
For putting into effect by all trades and
branches of labor an eight-hour law on
May l, 1856, throughout the United States
and Canada. This caused extended dis
cussion. Those opposing it made the
point that it was too soon to pass such
resolutions, because a majority of the la
DOTeTb Ol Tue country were not members
of any trades union and could not there
fore be relied upon to stand by the move
ment. When it was put to a vote, how
ever, it was carried by heavy majority.
The union then adjourned.
LONG STRIKE ENDS IN DEFEAT.
PITTSBURG, Oct. S.-The strike of the
stove moulders, which was inaugurated
nine months ago, has been declared off,
and all who can get work will return at a
reduction of 10 per cent. The manufac-
turers have agreed to take the strikers
back, provided they make application as
individuals and not as members of the
union.
The employees of Oliver Bros. e. Phillips
lower mill met this morning and decided
not to return to work for less than 81 %
per day. This is 1917 cents per day more
than the men were receiving.
MILLS ORDERED TO SHUT DOWN.
READING, PA, Oct. S.-Orders have
been received to close the Reading cotton
mills for one month, owing to oVer-produc-
tion and slow sales. The mills nave been
working in agreement with the Eastern
mills. When in full operation the mills
employ $50 hands.
RELIEF FOR THE LYONS WoRKATEN.
PARIS, Oct. S.-Presideut Grevy has is
sued decree granting $4,000 francs for
the relief of the unemployed workmen Of
Lyons.