The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1890-12-11

Federation Hall was packed last
night when J. II. Joyce called the pub
lie meeting of the Federation of Labor
to order, President Henderson being
absent.
He stated that the object of the meet
ing was to bring the attention OF work
ingmen to the Importance of organiza-
ton and for tho general discussion OF
the ways and means by which organized
labor could accomplish The desired re-
suits.
J. L. Curry, of tho CarpenSSes and
Joiners' Union, was the first ,speaker.
He said that tho present .wrapglings in
Congress over a strictly political meas
ure, when the country needed the pas
sage OF measures for the relief of tho
financial condition was sufficient proof
that the time has come when the labor
ing people OF the country can no longer
look to politicians for relief.
tie proceeded to show how strin-
gency in money matteEs affects tho
laboring classes more seriously than the
capitalist. s. 80
He closed with strong appeal to all
members of different trades to lend
their help and influence to the moro
perfect organization of labor.
Edward Donnelly, of the American
Builder, of Cleveland, Ohio, was next
introduced. He had asked members of
labor organizations what they knew of
the political history of this country
and oftentimcs met with tho reply that
they knew comparatively nothing. Tho
men who band themselves together for
the protection of their own interest and
for tho elevation of their classes should
realize tho value of that information;
that there was something intellectual
in tho organization rs well as tho man
lncss OF standing together for mutual
benefit. He also spoke at somo length
on the Importance or unity OF purpose
and concert OF action. and beloved that
The time was near at hand when this
movement of the present would he seen
to he prelude 10 the final accomplish
ment OF tho purposes of the organiza-
ton.
Chas. |. Stewart, of THE TIMES, was
introduced as the next speaker. lie
enlarged on Dir. Donnclly's platform OF
education-calling atten ton to the i'm
portance of tho members Of labor
organizations informing themselves on
the general topics OF tho day. He be-
neved that the recent movements of the
laboring men and farmers indicated q
political uphcaval, and that the people
were getting ready to rule the United
States. He was iii sympathy with tho
organization of labor, and believed that
II properly directed, without treSpassing
upon the rights of others, would result
in much good, not only to workingmen
but to all other classes.
\ nf
next speaker. lie was heartily in
sympathy with the organization of
labor, and believed that every follower
OF trade should unite under the ban
ner OF his respective union. In refer
ence to tho national meeting of the
FARMERS Alliance, he said that he
would rather enlist under the leader
ship OF I V. Powderly than l.. L. Polk,
the president of the Alliance. Polk, in
his opinion, was endcavoring to use his
position to get up R Presidential boom
for himself. He believed Polk to be u
demagogue.
Michael Driscel president of the
Boiler Makers Union; j. w. Canning, of
the Painters and Decora tors Union,
and Mr.. Wright, president of the
Amalgamated Association of Iron and
Steel Workers, made earnest and inter
esting SPEECHES, urging more thorough
organization.
President Joyce announced that
another public meeting will be held two
weeks from last night. and that promin-
emit members of the city bar were ex-
pected to address the meeting. He
stated further that it is the purpose of
the Federation to use its influence for
having the mechanics lion Law amended,
the adoption of an apprentice law, o
weekly payment law and the abolition
OF the contract labor law.
Before the meeting adjourned Mr.
Curry said that he wanted to express
his gratitude to the papers Of the city
for their favors, and urged the members
OF the Federation to subscribe for them
and read them carefully
The Northside n. Il. Church Matter.
The Northside building committee of
tho Methodist Church. with Il. r. Fish
bnrne as chairman, has purchased y lot
on Third avenue, for which the price
paid was S3, 800 The lot is back of the
Hotel Felix. Steps will now be taken
TO: the building Of the Northside
Methodist Church.
Methodist Church Property to be Sold.
An order was issued by Judge Robert
son in the Hastings Court yesterday
allowing the trustees of tho Methodist
Episcopal Church South, to sell their
lot back of the Campbellite Church.
The order also provided that an allcy.
ten feet wide be Oneped IN tha ,or,b