The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1889-11-17

as they do the successors OF the Oldest or
ganization existing on anything ike par
aliel lines to-day in the civilized world.
Yes; older than the Catholic church. The
ancient trades unions ante-iate the Chris
tian era and IN limited way were formed
for much the same purposes as they now
are The guilds of later times succeeded
them and the order Of Free Masonry perpet-
yates many of their forms even to this
dav. But we also have the simon-pure
trades unions.
Formally they sought to limit their
numbers TO accepted apprentices, and
strikes were INDUCED in to enforce the
rule.
This is perpetuated in their insisting on
the employment of union men only. More
recently the b, ycott was devised, and
a terrible weapon it has proved. Its falling
into disrepute to some extent IS tribute TO
| the wider intelligence-to the recognition
of the injustice Of holding innocent parties
responsible. The labor distur Dances OF
few years ago brought out the "Sympa-
thetic Strike''-the strike in one trade TO
aid the enforcing demand by totally
i different branch of industry. This TOO mas
| fallen into ''lnnocuous desuetude" with re-
peated failure.
With the reports or decimated ranks IN
the Knights of La or, ma ~ have been en-
colraeed to believe that the struggle OF
| Labor VS.. Capital of 1SS6-S7 was not
| likely soon to be repeated. Ol the contrary,
| the past year or two has been one of reor-
| ganization and recuperation, and the order
! to advance has been given. The time SET
is May l, 1890. 4s.Te.r
The eight-hour day is the war-cry, and the
/ outlook is for another contest between the
/ concentrated forces of capital and the con-
| solidated ranks Of labor -
| The trusts were evolved to avoid the
| competition resulting from too many con
| Germs in the same line of business. Inc
| Railway Traffic Association failed con-
| fessedly because there were too many
roads" And the labor unions demanded
an eight-hour day because as they aueg e.
there are too many men and women De
| manding work to be supplied WIN tne
hours Of labor as at present. -,
Here you see like causes leading TO IKE
results. both at the top and the bottom OF
the industrial world. The evolution at the
top increased profits by eliminating LABOR
and therefore cost. Meanwhile those at the
other end of the indus rial structure are 70
struggle to 80 decrease the amount Oh WORK
to be done by each laborer daily tnat more
may have co be employed
Now look at this: The American Fedora
ton of Labor, larger organization tnan
the Knights of Labor, have made terms
with the latter, the KING ITS agreeing &c
consider pro position at their next anLual
meeting to unite with the late Federation
in demandi ,g an eight-hour day, beginning
on May l, 1890.
Those who are informed OF the Inner
workings of various labor organizations
including those named, assure me tnae
National Labor party in politics is not fal
off; that their eight-hour day movement L
designed to lead up to it. Several OF them
talk freely of it but declined at this Tune &c
permit the use of their names MI; row
DERBY himself, the head Of the knights, re-
fused to express himself.
Samuel Gompers, president OF the Amer,
lean Federation of Labor, on being asked
what provision if any his party proposed
to make for unskilled labor, or whether II
was to be a fight for labor as unit, thus
permitting the evolution Of an aristocracy
of labor, as it were, replied:
sit is tho purpose of the American FED
GRAFTON of Laoor to erdeavor to organic
the workiugmen and women of our country
regardless of the skill or lack OF skill re
ouired 10 their work"
That he believes first in organization, pre-
ferring to permit other points to adJus
themsel yes later may be inferred from TN
awe believe very little, If any improve
rnent in the condition of skilled or un
skilled labor can occur without the sell
ASSERTION begotten from organization.
In order to accomplish this MIR. Gomper
added: