The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1888-12-13
Federation OF LABOR
The Eight Hour Law to be Agi,
tated by the Organization
THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY.
Decided Sensation Caused by Presl'
dent Gomper's Manner of Hand
ling General Master Workman
Powdcrly OF the IL. OIL.

Federation OF Labor resumed it sessloi
at the Central Turner Hall at 0 o'clocl
this morning, President Gonpers in tn
chair. 1t was found that the banquet 0
last night, which was rather big affair
had kept many of the delegates from
appearing promptly, and caused della!
in committee work, none Of the com
mittees appointed yesterday being read!
to report. When the Secretary's repor
was called for that officer asked addi
tional time, which was granted. 0: X
Lake, of st. LOUIS, was then admitted ii
delegate from the International Typo
graphical Union, vice John Lawler. The
following were then appointed specia
committee to report on that section O
President Gompers' address referring K
the eight hour law:
JOHN +. Kirchner, William ]. Dillon
Henry Emerich, Frank Foster, William
Martin, Alexander johnson and W. H.
Kltiner.
The section OF President Gemper's
address the committee will report upon
is as follows:
SIN connection with the eight. hour
movement permit me to direct your ut,
tention to what | believe some OF the
actions of this convention should he
toward achieving success. We should
not content ourselves with the passage
OF resolution meaning nothing. II
this convention should decide to engage
the attention OF the working people 10
the adoption OF the cight-hOur law, it
should take such steps US would lead to
practical action and results. lbelieve
this subject should either be discussed
by the convention in the Committee OF
the Whole or referred to II special CON-
mittee for consideration and in connec-
ton with this, would suggest further
that we should encourage the forma-
ton Of eight-hour leagues in every
city and town through the entire
country, and that the trades
unions and labor unions SHOULD be rep.
resented in them-not to conflict with
the local central labor unions or trade
councils, but TO concentrate their efforts
upon the eight hour movement alone. |
suggest further that a certain day be set
apart. some holiday, probably February
%, 1889, on which mass meetings shall
be held simultaneously throughout the
entire country for the discussion OF this
subject, and resolutions OF similar
character be submitted TO each OF these
meetings. There are other matters OF
detail connected with the subject which
It's unnecessary now to refer to"
a motion to adjourn followed the ap-
pointment Of this committee, aud the
first warm debate OF the meeting fol-
lowed, a minority favoring the continu-
ance OF the work with reports OF the
committees and the secretary. Finally
recess was taken until Up. NJ.
A SENSATION.
That portion OF President Gompers'
address referring to the Knights of
Labor, in which he handles Master
Workman Powderly without gloves, has
created quite q sensation. President
Gompers says: or the Knights OF Labor,
their attitude towards the trade unions
within the past year has not improved.
It has seemed, whether by design OF
otherwise, to be their purpose that when
trades union has had dispute between
their employer and themselves to throw
the influence OF their organization
against the toilers. During the past year
they have had several successes when
trade disputes were in progress, but in
each instance it was on the side Of the
corporation or unfair employer.
While in Philadelphia few months
ago upon official business an intimation
was given me that an interview between
Mr.. fowderly and myself would be agree
able, for the, purpose of discussing the
question Of harmony or cooperation oi
effort of the American Federation O.
Labor and the Knights. With view o.
putting an end to the vexatious ques
lions that have estranged the two organ
izations, your President consented, ant
accompanied by Secretary Mcclure, the
interview took place. A general con
versation was INDUCED in and promise
made that we should meet again before
the Knights convention and endeavol
to arrive at some tangible conclusion OF
basis the next week. A letter was sub
sequently sent by us to Mr.. Powderly
stating the advisability OF conference
taking place the following day. Mr.
Powderiy answered that he would moi
be in the city at that time, but would re-
turn in about week, when further
conference would be agreeable to him
| am credibly informed that Mr.. Pow.
derly had not left Philadelphia on the
day named, and since then, | regret tc
say, have not heard from him.
The Committee on the Presidents re-
port, tonight reported in favor Of all his
recommendation in regard to the eight.
hour law; against the employment oi
children under Il years OF age; express;
ing sympathy for the unorganized
miners of Pennsylvania, &c.
A number OF important resolutions
were offered and referred TO committees