Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1891-12-20
THEIR PROPOSAL.
Terms Upon Which the Federation
viii Call a Halt
IN THE WAR ON THE K. OF L.
An Address EmbOdying the Proposed Agreement
Issued to the Working People OF America =
No Time to Quarrel With Working
Mems Organizations.

BIRMINGHAM, ALA, December TO-
The American Federation of Labor ad-
iourned at 2 o'clock this afternoon, TO
meet next year IN Philadelphia. At the
morning session w. A. Carney, yester-
day elected Second Vice President, ten
dered his resignation. 1t seems that he
did not get majority Of the whole vote,
and the ballot had been illegal. So to
avoid any question, 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 affili-
ated organization to be chosen make
the fight.
The following is the text of the agree
ment unanimously adopted in reference
to the Knights OF Labor:
"ADDREss TO THE WORKING PEOPLE OF
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.:
''The record shows that much time
and money have been spent in efforts TO
secure peaceful settlement of difficult
ties between the American Federation
of Labor and the Knights OF Labor
since 1856. The trade movement OF
America has neither time nor inclina-
tion to deviate from its mission by seek
ing quarrels with other organizations.
Experience proves that the wage
Garner is the natural and proper guar
dian OF his inherent rights. Hence the
trade union becomes the necessary out
growth of existing conditions in the
Industrial world. 1t becomes impera-
tive that the autonomy OF trade union
be carefully guarded and defended.
"The American Federation of Labor
is organized to maintain and strengthen
the prestige, authority and autonomy
OF its affiliated bodies. Each organiza-
tion attached to the American Fedora
tion OF Labor is guaranteed freedom
from dictation or interference in man
aging It's own affairs. Hence any agree
ment with another organization even IL
satisfactory to the American Federation
of Labor can only come as h recon-
mendation TO its affiliated bodies. They
are entirely free to adopt or reject II.
"As proof Of the independence and
freedom of action obtaining among its
affiliated bodies, the American Fedora
tiun Of Labor has never denied their
right to recognize such cards and labels
as they may deem proper, nor can II,
under any circumstances, deviate from
the policy Of allowing self government
to its federated bodies.
The platform Of the Knights of La
Dor shows clearly that it was never In
l. Lon nI tias ol n
ganization. Thus 1t can have no legiti-
mate place in the field occupied by
trades unions. Wishing, however TO
bring to an end any cause for division
or discord in the ranks OF organized
labor, we submit the following basis
for an amicable adjustment Of differ
ences between the American Fedora
tion OF Labor and the Knights OF Labor.
"FIRsT-That the Knights Of Labor
shall revoke and issue no more charters
to the local trade assemblies or national
trade assemblies.
"SECoND-In return, the American
Federation OF Labor shall revoke and
issue no more charters to mixed fedora
tion unions.
''THIgD-The American Federation
of Labor will recommend to affiliated
unions that they urge their members TO
become members OF mixed Assemblies
of Knights Of Labor.
THE acceptance Of these conditions
will necessarily obviate any future con-
flict regarding the recognition OF labels
or relations OF expelled or suspended
members"
The convention non-concurred in a
proposition that the National Council
shall issue a charter to the local union
without first consulting other affiliated
organizations IN that locality.
The convention then returned hearty
thanks to Birmingham and local unions
and adjourned.