The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1889-06-07
POLITICIANS KEEP OUT
THE NEW CENTRAL LABOR ASSEM-.
BLY, rs DOWN ON THEM.

THE NEW CENTRAL LABOR ASSEM-
BLY, rs DOWN ON THEM.
Representatives of Fifteen Unions Meet
in Coopers' Hall to Discuss the Or
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. and Knights
of Labor Bury the Hatchet.
Delegates representing fifteen labor or
ganizations gathered in Coopers' Hall last
evening for the purpose of organizing a
representative central body, the need of
such an organization having been severely
felt during the past year.
John Callahan, of the Tin and Sheet
Iron Workers, called the meeting to
order, and Thomas Flanagan, of the
Painters acted as secretary. In opening
the meeting Chairman Callahan said
''The pressing need of a central body that
shall be actually representative has
dawned with great force upon the labor
and trades organizations of Hudson
county. And this gathering of delegates,
gotten together on very short notice, is
conclusive evidence that they will have
one. 1 will not monopolize your time by
making speech, as we are here for busi-
ness. will say, however, that l am very
deeply gratified at the large attendance.
What is your further pleasure?"
Delegate Jackway then said that he,
too, was pleased with the gathering, and
he hoped that it's presence was an omen of
successful organization.
Delegate Burke, of the Printers Union,
made few remarks in the same strain,
ond nlndah hxy no
of the meeting 'that this body deems the
organization of a central body vital me-
cessity and that the secretary be directed
to communicate with all labor organiZa-
tions in Hudson county, inviting them to
be represented by three delegates at a
meeting to be held on next Thursday
evening for the purpose of forming per-
manent central body" This motion was
seconded in short address by Delegate
Stuart, of the Painters, and was carried
unanimously.
Then there was an informal discussion
of the aims and objects of the organiza-
tion by a number of the delegates. Ap-
plause greeted the sentiment voiced by
Delegate Flanagan, of the Painters, that
the Painters had de cided that they would
have no part in the organization il it were
allowed to deteriorate into a mere ma
chine for the advancement of professional
labor politicians.
Delegate Duff, of the Plumbers, vigor-
ously endorsed the sentiments of Mr.
Flanagan. He said that the introduction
of politics or politicians into labor organi-
cations inevitably led to disintegration.
Delegate Jackway, of the Jersey
Association, said that he perfectly agreed
with the preceding speakers, but that he
was in favor of this body's furthering all
bills in the Legislature in the interest of
the working people. Several other dele
gates gave their views, which all coin
~ lo1 rxyit of fhn ions o1ra.
1t can be set down as positive fact that
the new central body "has no use" for
politicians, and will not be used by them.
Delegate Trapper of the Cigarmakers,
waXed enthusiastic, and in a neat speech
advocated permanent organization then
and there. Delegate Burke called atten-
tion to the fact that two-thirds of the del
egates were there as delegates to con-
ference, and could not act if such Il mo
tion were passed, He also wished to
defer action until sufficient time had been
given all labor organization to be repre-
sented. Thereupon Delegate Trapper
withdrew his motion.
Delegate Fackert, of the Newsdeolers
was then called upon to make a few re-
marks. He recounted the history of the
fight made by the newsdealers against
the New York Newspaper Combine"
and said that the newsdealers would ex-
pect the sympathy and support of all
workingmen in their struggle. He closed
by predicting that the neWsdealers were
bound to win. Mr.. Fackert's speech was
loudly applauded, and from the remarks
made after the meeting by many dele
gates it is evident that the newsmen
will be heartily suppored.
A motion was then made that COM
mittee on organization be appointed, to
report at the next meeting, and that it
consist of one delegate from each organ
ization represented. This was carried.
Then congratulatory speeches were made
by Delegates Moran, Callahan, Desmond
and Stuart, and the meeting adjourned.
The Committee on Organization con-
vened as soon as the meeting adjourned,
and appointed a subcommittee to prepare
an address to all the labor organizations
of Hudson county.
An incident of the meeting that was
favorably commented upon was the
speech OF Delegate Trapper, in which he
said:-"The time for fighting between
labor organizations is past. Let us turn
our backs upon our late differences. Let
us Join hands as brothers from now on and
/ am sure that Hudson county will have
central labor body of which it will be
proud"
The Significance of these remarks will
be better appreciated when it is under
stood that MIR Trapper is member of
that puissant body, the Cigarmakers In
ternational Union of North America, be-
which and the Knights of Labor fierce
battle has been fought, resulting in no
benefit to either side, Mr., TrapPer's re-
marks were responded TO by a delegate
from the Jersey Association, who coun-
selled that bygones should be bygones,
and that in future the work ers Of Hud-
son county should work in harmony.
Both speakers were loudly applauded,
proving clearly that the delegates present
were of one opinion.