Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-12-20
PEACEFUL PROPOSALS
Of the Knights of Labor Rejected,
and Counter 0vertures Made
BY TIE FEDERATION OF LABOR.
Each Union Is Independent of the Central
Organization.
A FIGHT AGAINST TRADE ASSEMBLIES

BIRMINGHAM, ALA, Dec. 49, - The
American Federation of Labor adjourned
at 2o'clock this afternoon, to meet next
year in Philadelphia.
At the morning session w. A. Carney,
yesterday elected Second Vice President
rendered his resignation. He did not get
a majority of the whole vote and the ballot
was, therefore, illegal. To avoid any ques-
tion he stepped down and out. Mr.. Carney
was then unanimously reelected.
The boycott on Milwaukee beer was
raised. A resolution was adopted that the
struggle for an eight-hour day be renewed
in 1892, and that some affiliated organiza-
tion be chosen to make the fight. The fol-
lowing is the text of the agreement unani-
mously adopted in reference to the knights
of Labor:
The Old Quarrel With the knights.
Address to the Working People of America-Greet-
ings:
The record shows that much time and
money have been spent in efforts to secure
a peaceful settlement of difficulties between
the American Federation of Labor ana the
Knights of Labor since 1886. Conferences
have been held at intervals, and the Ameri-
can Federation of Labor has used every
effort to end the useless and wasteful
struggle. 1t has submitted propositions for
settling all real or alleged differences; but
these are at all times rejected by the Knights
of Labor.
The trade union movement OF America
has neither time nor inclinat ion to deviate
from its mission by seeking quarrels with
other organizations. Experience proves
that the wage-earner is the natural and
proper guardian of his inhel ent rights,
hence the trade union becomes the neces-
sary outgrowth of existing conditions in the
industrial world. History justifies the trade
union movement in its present form, and
teaches that permanent industrial progress
can only be achieved by organization.on
craft lines. 1t thus becomes imperative that
the autonomy of the trade union be carefully
guarded and defended.
The American Federation of Labor is or
ganiEed to maintain and strengthen the
prestige, authority and autonomy of its af-
filiated bodies. Any proposition from an
organization conducted upon an entirely
different plan must be carefully considered
as to its bearing on the component parts Of
the American Federation of Labor.
Each Union Perfectly Inder yndent.
Each organization attached to the Ameri-
can Federation of Labor is guaranteed free
dom from dictation or interference in man.
aging its own affairs. Hence, any agree
ment with another organization, even if
satisfactory to the American Federation of
D to its sa animated Gs '9 6odes they are entirely
free to adopt or to reject it.
As proof of the independence and free
dom of action obtaining among its affiliated
bodies, the American Federation of Labor
has never denied their right to recognize
such cards and labels as they may deem
proper, nor can it, under anv circumstances,
deviate from the policy of allowing self-gov-
ernment to its federated bodies.
The platform of the knights Of Labor
shows clearly that it was never intended to
he other than an educational organization.
Thus, it can have no legitimate place in the
field occupied by trade-unions. Wishing,
however, to bring to an end any cause for
divisions or discord in the ranks of organ
lied labor. we submit the following basis
for an amicable adjustment of differences
between the American Federation of Labor
and the Knights of Labor:
The Federation's Three Propositions
First-That the Knights of Labor shall re-
woke and issue no more charters to the local
trade assemblies or national trade assem-
blies.
Second-In return, the American Fedora
tion of Labor shall revoke and issue no
more charters to mixed Federation unions.
Third-The American Federation of Labor
will recommend to affiliated unions that
they urge their members to become men,
bers of mixed assemblies Of Knights Of
Labor.
The acceptance of these conditions will
necessarily obviate any future conflict re-
lations of expelled or suspended members.
The conveotion then non-concurred in
proposition that the National Council shall
issue charter to local unions without first
consulting other affiliated organizations in
that locality. The convention then returned
hearty thanks to Birmingham and the local
unions and adjourned.