The great West. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1889-18??, 1889-10-25
ST. PAUL, MIMI, OCT.25 1889.

Slowly but surely the tOllers OF the
world are uniting for defensive and
progressive work. The Knights OF La
Dor were ushered into the field with
a hurrah and shout, but went
ahead of the possibilities of the times,
in the matter of preparation and
conference. But the recoil was health
full. They were almost decimated-
for their good, and are again pro-
crossing hopefully. Federations OF
labor have sprung into existence
with more or less strength, and the
various organizations of railway
employees have grown to great
power.
But now, inasmuch as the infant
stage has passed-comes the real
work of coherent organization of
''fOrm" out of the chaos of Occupa-
tiOns. The various associations be-
gin to unite, notas one body, but as
delegate unions, having certain
bonds which no one body can sever
at will. This federation of associa-
tions is a part OF history. 1t is the
sure progress which Time Sits from
the struggles, and losses, and defeats
of individual conflicts. We take the
following from the papers in reference
to the railway employees and the
Knights:
Over 500 delegates are in the city
to attend the convention of the Ma
tional Brotherhood of Locomotive
Engineers. The gathering will be OF
an international character, Mexico
and Canada as we'll as the United
States being represented. Chief Ar
thur will preside, the proceedings be-
ing conducted with closed doors.
Should the convention indorse the
action of it's representatives in feder-
ating with the firemen, switchmen,
brakemen, Knights of Labor, the big
gest labor federation in the world
will have been brought into existence.
The secret agreement is as follows:
BASIS OF UNION.
/. Upon the system of the Union
Pacific railway there shall be organ
lied a board of federation to consist
of three members from each organic
alton represented.
q The Brotherhoods of Locomo-
tive Firemen, Locomotive En-
gineers and Railroad Brakemen, the
Knights of Labor and the Switch
mems Mutual Association shall re-
ceive and consider the application Of
any other organization on the sys-
tenn to Join the federated board: to
be accepted as the majority shall see
fit; and agree to these articles of fed
Grafton to govern our relations with
the management OF the systems up
onwhich we are employed
3. The members of the board of
federation shall be representatives of
the executive grievance committee or
boards of adjustment of their respec-
tive organizations.
4. In case of the executive or
grievance committee OF either organ
ization failing to effect a settlement
satisfactory to them, they shall COM
ply with the laws of organization re-
garding grievance and strikes, and if
their action in the matter receives the
Endorsement of their organization,
said grievance shall be submitted to
the fedefai board for final action.
*. Should the federated board
agree on the business of the alleged
grievance they shall proceed to ad-
just the same.
Sixth-The federated board failing
to satisfactorily adjust the difficulty,
shall notify the organization present
ing the grievance OF such failure, in
forming them that if they desire to
go beyond these peaceful measures
they shall have the entire moral and,
if necessary, financial support OF all
the organizations represented on the
board.
Seventh-Should the organization
where the grievance originated con-
clude that in order to obtain the JUS
tice demanded a strike is necessary,
the federated board shall have au-
thority, by two-thirds vote, if in
their Judgment they deem it advis-
able to do so, to order all other Or
CARNATIONS of the system represent
ed on the board to Join in the strug-
gle to bring about speedy settle
ment
8. The organizations represented
in this agreement mutually agree to
do all in their power to. build up and
strengthen each other by influencing
all persons to become members of the
? organization representing their trade
or calling.
9. An expelled member of either
organization shall be ineligible to
membership in any of the other or
carnations, unless by the consent OF