New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1890-04-23
PREPARING FOR THE FIGHT.
TWO CIRCULARS ON THE EIGHTHOUR
MOVEMENT.
FOREIGN CARPENTERS WARNED Net TO COME
TO AMERICA UNTIL THE TROUBLE Is
sErTLED-AN APPEAL FOR AID.

sETTLED-AN APPEAL FOR AID.
circular letter addressed to - the carpenters and
mechanics Of Europe" has been sent TO all trades
unions in England and Germany by the United Brother
hood Of Carpenters and JOners warning wOfhmcn
against coming to this country until the struggle for
worhday Of eight hours has ended Continuing
the United brotherhood assert, that the
carpenters OF America by means 50 well Oil or
so we'll paid as these capitalists and their agents would
have European workmen believe. Work here Is al
was unsteady-at best will average eight months a
year, and the general rule is ten hours day Men
shift frequently from employer TO another for
want Of steady work. Competition il keen and in
tense, aud big days work is expected from each
man. Machinery and inventions constantly re
duce the demand for labor, and with the incoming
flow Of immigration only add to the large glut Of idle
men in this country"
The American Federation OF Labor has mailed 10
ali affiliated unions in this country the following cir
cuar letter relative u the movement for a work
day Of eight hours which will soon be practically
astated in this state:
To the Wage Workers and sympathizers with Progress
Greeting: As you are well aware, in accordance
,'n x nac ,esouton VI the Boston convention oi .'o
american Federation Of Labor 10 select trade to MAKE
vc Senand Tor the enforcement Of the elght i9'f
H., ,I .1ay 1, thc Executive 'oullcl nave ueSlucu
si tle United Brotherhood OF Carpenters and Joiners
slsll make the demand
We had reason " hope from the calm, deliberate
anu educational manner Ia which the agitation for the
movement has been conducted from the timely notice
"ih'h We gave of our Intended movement, So that
.Onudcls and arrangements could be made III ac-
sOuance with the shorter hours work; and, further,
ifOm the decision Of the It. Paul convention Of the
erpr!ihe builders, that the reduction OF the hours
oi labor 10 eight per day would have been gracefully
CONCEDED Nee "a without cessation Of work or dispu,,ee e
termination on the part OF the employing builders to
SSnssonas by every means IN their power ,ie nitro
suction oi ts most absolutely necessary reduction OF
h.c Ho't. OF labor We call upon you TO witness te
~ llf
May /.
No quarter is to be given to labor We Will have to
conquer by force Of numbers organzatiOn dcterInna
uOn ana discipline, what is not only our Just and
reasonable right but even the slightest concession
aHi.Aoiatc u'e condition Of the tOllng masses.
- IL appears that the wealth, power and influence OF
ue employing and corporate classes Of the country
YSens nVt ohIy 70 improve the condition OF the en-
loyn, but winch Will md employment and cOnsc-
XcentN save from poverty. degradation and despair
women. ~
- In view Of this situation it will be necessary for
M, ana Their frends of America 10 rally
70 concentrate all their efforts 10 counteract and over
come the action Of enemies
nose OF our Fellow toers who contemplate taking
W secure concessions In their several trades and
e.nhgs, we ask TO defer action until this first great
essie mas been won If We are successful In TINS
Nyh'cst-Which we shall be with your aid and co.
Refstion-concessions will be easier obtained by all
nnolm y0u on the other hand dIlruse your efforts
Kn various movements, 1t viii but mean defeat for
vii, even though an advantage be gained by you IL
Won T G tut temporary IL will surely be taken from
ia and leave the wage workers OF the whole country
time uemorai'zed ana hopeless condition for quite a
labor meet the combined opposition the enemies OF
must N friends must rally and stand united. They
the ,soluntarliy contribute their mites TO place az
aim NxPosa OF the American Federation of Labor a
Ps,s.M PEN M money sufficient to meet ali contingencies
-'"sn's'. that though the funds Of the federation