Omaha daily bee., 1889-10-02
The SOCIALIST LABOR PARTY
Proceedings of the National Con-
vention at Chicago.
ITS POSITION TOWARD UNIONS.
One OF the Biatants Thinks That His
Followers should Join For
the Purpose OF Stir.
ring Up Strife.
selrstyled workers in Convention

Sth-Stftcu Workers III convention.
CHICAGO, Oct. 1.-fSpecial Telegram to
TIE BEE. 1.-THE national convention of the
socialist labor party spent most of the day
discussing resolutions declaring the position
of the party towards labor unions.
W. L. Rosenberg, of New York. general
secretary OF the socialist labor party, and
editor of Der Socialist, took ground against
compelling laboring men earning, perhaps,
but S4 or s. II week to Join trades unions ut
an expense of so cents week He said /:
"They ought not TO be called on to do this.
They need the 80 cents for the support Of
their families. They should not be asked TO
feed lot of secretaries"
A Dalbert Hamilton, the Chicago lawyer,
said he believed it to be the duty of the So
ciaiists to join trades unions If for no other
reason than the opportunity such connection
would give for agitation. He wanted the
socialist labor party to hold out both
hands to the trades unions. Reforms
must come through political action and
every means should be utilized for strength
ening the reform party.
After long discussion the following
resolutions were finally adopted:
Whereas, Through msre presentations
trade unionists have been led TO believe that
| tut ssuClhllSlS are dHldpODlSJlC W tUtlT OTEaH-
zations and are opposed to all efforts to
reduce the hours of labor or to prevent the
further degradation of the workers through
reduction of wages, and imposition by en-
ployers of conditions that tend to deprive the
workers Of what little independence that
still remains in them; therefore.
Resolved, That the socialist labor party of
the United States recognize the trades
union as a natural effort of the workers to
resist the encroachments of the employing
class upon their means OF existence,
endorse all the methods employed
by the trades unionists to accomplish their
purposes we have the kindest feeling and
sympathy for their objects and we pledge
our support to their every effort that can
lieve it is the duty of all wage workers to be
members of trade unions or labor organiza
tions for these purposes:
1. OF securing the highest possible wages
under the present conditions.
2. OF aiding the best possible plans and
working for the reduction of the hours OF
labor and other necessary and practicable
improvements in the present conditions of
employment.
8. OF aiding in the educational work that
should form the most important func-
tion of the trades union movement
of economic conditions and laws tend to the
formation of correct ideas that must result
in successful action.
A clause was subsequently added inviting
| the trades unionists to act in politics with
| the socialist labor party.
No reference was made to-day to the
| factional fight which developed in New
York, resulting in the expulsion of four
| members of the national executive commit
| tee ana their election from the headquarters
| of the party. These four are w. l.. Rosen-
| berg, general secretary; A. Gerecke, w.
HintZ and Joseph Sauter.