Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-12-14
ESPECIAL TELEeRAn TO THE DISPATCH j

rgPECIAL TELEGRAE TO THE D1SFATCH.1
BOSTON, December 1S--The preliminary
steps in what will be the greatest labor
movement in the history of the world were
taken in the City Hall in this city to-day,
and if the workingmen of the country sus-
tain the action of their representatives to the
Federation of Labor Convention. millions will
demand reduction in the hours of labor,
so that eight hours shall constitute days
work. If their demand is not successful,
the industries of the country will be par
alyzed by strike OF huge proportions. This
does not apply to any one or two branches
of trade, but includes every department Of
labor.
The delegates representing all these
varied channels of industry to-day declared
in favor of demanding the adoption of an
eight-hour day. This is what the working
men of the country have been waiting for;
it is what their delegates were instructed
to formulate. 1t was the chief object for
the consideration of the convention.
AN EXHAUSTIVE ADDRESS.
The address of the committee presenting
this report was exhaustive. The committee
did not feel disposed to commit all the
trades to the movement They reported
that the existing conditions would not
Justify the hope that at this time
all the crafts are prepared to
successfully enforce the eight-hour system
on May 1, 1890, although many of the trades
are now ready and many more will be by the
time specified for the Inauguration of this,
the greatest of industrial reforms. The
scope of the great strike is contained in the
following:
We therefore recommend that the Executive
Council shall have power to select such trade
or trades from those affiliated with the Amerl-
can Federation CT Labor as shall, In their judg-
ment. be best prepared to achieve success, and
that each union in the federation be requested
TO assess its members 10 cents per week, for
as many weeks as shall be necessary to secure
the short-hour day, payment upon such assess
rnent TO commence not later than March ], 1890
That all trades affiliated with the American
Federation of Labor not now working the
eight-hOur day, or between whom and their
employers existing contracts may pre-
vent shall appoint committees to confer
with their employers, and if possible, secure
reduction of the hours of labor to eight per
dav and that the Executive Committee shall
appropriate for their use, if needed, such sum
or sums as can be spared from the money re-
ceived for the trade or trades selected by the
Executive Council.
ADOPTED WITH CHEERS.
When the committees report had been
read the delegates jumped to their feet and
adopted it with ringing cheers. 1t was a
moment of intense excitement 1t was de-
cided to send copy of the address to the
trades unions and labor organizations in
England.
Another feature of this days proceedings
was a red-hot debate over this resolution:
WHEREAS 1t is known that certain employ
ers of labor in the various parts of our country
are forcing their employees to sign away their
rights as American citizens,
Resolved, That the American Federation of
Labor demand of the various Legislatures that
they enact laws to make such methods as
practiced IN North Adams unlawful.
Anarchist Joseph A. Labadie started the
fun. He objected to the resolution on the
ground that it was an infringement on the
right of private contract and would have
che tendency of appropriating private
capital. If the convention wished to
declare that the present holders of property
had no right, he would go with them; but
be did not care to see law passed which
could be turned against the workers in the
trade organizations. After an exciting de-
bate, the resolution was adopted by vote
of 80 to 25, with Is absentees.
WITH THE BROTHERHOOD.
Great applause was raised when a resolu-
ton was introduced to urge all union men
to give their support to the Brother
hood of ball players, which increased when
it was referred to the Committee on Labels
and Boycotts.
The rest of the days work is summarized
as follows: Resolutions in favor of forbid
ding children under IA to work in mills; in
favor of petitioning Congress to restore rates
OF wages in the Government printing Office,
which were reduced in 1877, and in favor of
petitioning Congress to remedy defects in
the alien contract labor law were adopted.
The work of the convention closes to-
morrow.