The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1889-02-23
EIGHT HOURS VORKADAY
A Mass Meeting in the Interest
Of the Desired Reform
AT TRADES ASSEMBLY HALL
Last Evening, at Which u Number
of Earnest Speeches Are Made.
Ringing Resolutions Adopted.
Down on Immigration,

An interesting open meeting Of tn
Ohio Valley Trades and Labor Assembl!
was held in their hall last evening, Thu
meeting was called by the American
Federation Of Labor, to discuss the ques
tion Of making q demand for eight hour
day on May |, 1890, Vice President
Charles Parrish was in the chair and
Secretary W, W, Wood kept the min
utes,
After reading the call for the meeting
the resolutions were read and the dis
cusslon was opened by Richard Robert
son, who favored the adoption OF the
resolutions and made strong speech in
advocacy Of eight hours constituting q
days work,
William A. Clark, Of Wellsburg, fol-
lowed In a short speech in favor Of the
resolutions.
Mr.. NJ. A. Chew then took tho floor
and in q lengthy address stated his
views, which were that II was too great a
step 10 try land demand make eight hours
days work, when at present there was
no uniform number OF hours, and though
in favor OF the movement thought that
they would be unable to accomplish the
desired effect, He stated that perhaps
the trades unions were strong enough TO
accomplish the result, but that 1t would
not assist tho laborer that.was not in the
assemblies to have their hours shortened,
He wanted the labor unions to devote
their energy 10 restricting immigration,
and in that way reduce the demand for
labor so that the balance could dictate
the hours Of working to the capitalist,
Secretary Woods made a few remarks,
and showed how the carpenters had, by
a united effort, reduced the number OF
hours and increased their wages. Vice
President Parrish read an interesting
article from The Carpenter on the ques'
ton under discussion. Osborn Gray
spoke for the Hod Carriers Union and
showed how they had reduced their
working hours by making a united
stand.
The motion was then put as to the
adoption OF the following resolutions:
WHEREAS, The application ofscientitic
genius to theinvention and development
OF machinery has most marvelouSly in
creased the productive capacity Of the
human race, making 1t possible to sup.
ply all the material wants Of man and
Danish every necessary cause for the
poverty Of n single human being;
WHEREAS, In consequence otdeteCtive,
but renediable industrial regulations,
the application OF machinery and the
minute subdivision OF the processes Of
industry arc continually throwing large
numbers OF the working class out OF en-
ployment, visibly swelling the ranks OF
the permanently unemployed class, and
dooming each year larger and larger
proportion Of the population OF this vast
and rich continent TO a fate fruitful oil
moral, mental and physical degradation;
WHEREAS, The existence Of an idle
class or classes is a standing menace to
the Republic, and an insult to human
ityi therefore, bO 1t
ResOlred, That in the light OF the fore
going and undeniable facts, 1t becomes
our solemn duty 10 use all means con-
sistent with human dignity to reduce
the hours Of labor to such point as
would afford to all tho opportunity to
labor-to earn their daily bread; and be
it further
Resolved, That we, the people Of Wheel
ing, State Of West Virginia, in mass
meeting assembled, do heartily endorse
the action OF the st. Louis Convention
OF the American Federation Of Labor in
fixing tho date for the final Inauguration
Of the Eight-hour Workday at May J.,
1890; and, be 1t further
Resolved, That we pledge ourselves, in
dividually and collectively, 10 aid to the
full extent Of our ability regardless Of
all minor considerations, this grand and
determined movement OF the American
people for the Eight.hour Workday, and
10 conquer, in spite OF all opposition.
Eight hours for work Eight hours for
rest Eight hours for what we will
These were adopted.
The following resolution was then in.
troduCed by Mr.. Chew, and adopted
without discussion:
ResOi,ed, That while we welcome to
our shores all who come with the honest
intention Of becoming lawful citizens,
we at the same time condemn the pres.
ent system, which allows the importa.
ton Of destitute laborers, and we urge
organized labor everywhere TO endeayor
to secure the enactment OF more strin-
gent immigration laws.
Resolved, That We most severely cen.
sure the course OF the Canadian govern.
ment in approprinting moneys TO assist
immigration, as IL ia to the detriment not
only Of the citizens Of the provinces, but
to the workingmeu OF America at large,
After passing motion that all mem
bors Of the Assembly do all In their
power TO create public feeling In favor
Of the hour movement, tue meeting
adjourned,