Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-10-22
LAWS FOR TOILERS.
The Pennsylvania Federation of La
Dor Unions Organizes to
ADVANCE TRADE LEGISLATION.
Resolutions Are Adopted Favoring Eight.
Hour Working Days.
AN ADDRESS BY PRESIDENT GOMPERS
ESPECIAL TELEGRAM TO THE DISPATCH,

ESPECIAL TELEGRAM TO THE DIsPATcH.I
HARRISBURG, October M.-The Pennsyl.
vania Federation o Labor to-day adopted a
constitution for its government, the pre-
amble of which sets forth the necessity oi
union tor mutual protection and benefit,
and declares in iavor of the formation of a
thorough federation, embracing every trade
and labor organization in Pennsylvania,
organized under the trade union system oi
organization.
The object of the federation is to further
legislation in the interests OF the wage
workers and to influence public opinion by
peaceful and legal methods in favor of or
ganized labor. The convention of the Fed
Grafton is to be held on the third Monday Of
August annually at place to be fixed BY
the delegates at the preceding convention.
The basis of representation in the conyen-
tion is as follows: Central bodies of cities,
one delegate; trades and labor unions hav-
ing a membership of 100 or less, one dele
gate; from 100 to 200 members, two dele
gates; from 800 to 600, three delegates; and
one additional delegate for over 600 MEM
bers. ..
UNION OF ORGANIZATIONS.
The Executive Council, consisting of the
president, vice president, secretary and
treasurer are directed to use all possible
means to organize new national and inter-
national trades unions and local trades
unions One of its duties is to secure the
unl6cation of all labor organizations.
Local unions are required to furnish the
necessary revenue for the fund by imposing
per capita tax of one-fourth cent per month
for each member in good standing. Each
central body is to pay S. FER annum in
monthly payments. Local unions attached
to national body shall pay one-tourth cent
per capita monthly, Quarterly reports are
to be made to the president of the Fedora
tion, and that official shall receive So a day
when travelling in the interest OF the
organization. The treasurer is required 10
bank the funds monthly, and TO give bond
of $500. The constitution will go into effect
on the LIST of next January.
Resolutions were adopted as follows:
Calling on labor organizations to petition
Congress to enact eight-hour laws; pledging
the Federation to assist in the organization
of marble cutters and other trade organiza-
tions; asking the Legislature to pass a law
lIOuH CUAp pCliihS GILL
ployes to sign anv obligation t. Withdraw
from any lawful labor organization under
penalty of 500 in each case.
LEGISLATORS CENsURED.
Resolutions were also passed censuring
members of the last Legislature who failed
to support labor measures; recommending
building trades to establish councils in
their respective localities; recommending
the use OF a standard label on hats; favoring
a constitutional amendment abolishing the
State printing contract system and estab-
fishing State printing Office; demanding
the en- orcement the fire escape law; ap-
pointing a committee of five to cooperate
with Philadelphia Typographical Union to
uniouize the Press; demanding the repeal of
that portion OF the conspiracy law which
bear injuriously on labor organizations; de-
manding the abolition of the PinkertoD and
other private detective systems; demanding
the passage Of an amendment to the semi
monthly pay law and the factory inspection
law providing penalties; recommending the
passage OF a law changing the present
method of taxation BY compelling all to con-
tribute to the public revenue in proportion
to the natural opportunities and the benefits
President Gompers, of the American Fed
Grafton, addressed the convention this after
noon, and this evening made speech at a
mass meeting. The Federation Will adjourn
to- morrow. -..-.