The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1891-09-29
PresidentGompers, of the American Fed
GRAFTON, Addresses Two Meetings.
Advantages Of the System Of Organization EX-
plained-Iaundry Girls Encouraged
Work Of the Cigar-Mskers.


OOdys no 10 tuO
that trade-unionism is narrow and
selfish. The unions, he said. are SO
taken up with their individual trade in
terests that 10 10 sometimes believed that
they forget about the interests Of others
But it Is mistake to imagine that unless
q union is deeply and devotedly interested
in It's own welfare il can have o proper
interest In unionism as whole. This
devotion to self is necessary to an
appreciation Of the fact that the
interests OF labOring men everywhere are
identical With such knowledge unionists
are pledged, he said, to advance the gen.
eral interests Of all wsge-workera If
unions are not thoroughly organized and
protected they are In poor condition to rem
der help to fellow age-earners IN other
trades. When most devoted to their
own unions they are then in con-
dition to render practical aid to
all other wage-laborers. In every city or
town where labor unions can exist IN q
heaIthful condition there are found trades
ing representatives of the differ
emit unions. who meet to discuss
and promote their common interests.
These men are primed all for one
purpose. and the general welfare of all 10
advanced. The delegate body can accom-
separate unions TO do. Central labor
unions are the local parliaments of labor.
The speaker said that trades-unionists are
also charged with being disturbers Of peace.
DIsTURBERs OF THE PEACE.
Sometimes We are" he said. but not in
the sense intended to be conveyed. We
arc the disturbers Of the peace of mind of
those who know themselves guilty of op-
preston and injustice. II these who seek
to tear down our liberties. 1t Is these
who are the real enemies OF public or
der, and who are menace TO the
welfare of our country. We shall continue
to disturb their peace of mind until con-
science begins TO hold authority IN their
breasts. and until they learn that wealth
does not entitle them TO strike liberty from
our homes. We propose to stand
as protest against the greed
which lives on the vitals of
the people. There are no con.
dtions IN onr land no o., inst, tnin OF OF
the Nation that We desire TO tear down. 1t
10 true we try to level things SO as to rem
edy inequalities. but not by tearing down.
We desire to level up. to raise
h Sr'; y to na ss psoso Mhspnsss
son to slacken effort. The victories of the
past only nerve us to attempt better things
and TO achieve all the rights TO which labor
is entitled. The hosts Of tradss:unions
last enemy is routed. What the
Central Labor Union is TO the
separate unions OF your city. so is the
American Federation to organized labor.
trade aud union. bnt it brings ali together
in sympathetic and powerful contact. We
move on az q phalanx. 1t is Idle to resist.
We may not progress as fast as we like, but
our failures only give US experience
and dIsunion, for we have the world to
conquer and to instruct. 10 it not strange
that we. with years spent in the factory.
at the bench, or in the mines.
should have the great mission to
teach the world new truths of humanity
and libertyf Is IL not strange the great
mass of wage-earners should be raised
to educate the educated, and yet We have
taught those supposed to know some things
address concluded with an appeal for faith
fulness and greater zeal in devotion TO the
principles Of unlonism. The speaker was
frequently interrupted with applause and
betrayed On earDestness which made
q deep impression upon his audience. A.
Strausser. presidents of the International
Cigar-makers' Union, followed in very
brief speech. conRratulating the delegates
upon the progress organized labor has
mado in the city.
A BOYCOTT LIFTED.
Proceeding to business the union received
and obligated new delegates from the
molders' unions. Nos. II and 200, and from
Typographical Union No. /. The griev-
ancs committee reported that the County
Commissioners had agreed to enforce the
eight-hour law in the Farrell contract for
the plumbing and gas-ttting 10
the new county jail: also that
that Herman Martens had refused to receive
the committees or give any satisfaction In
the matter of the paper hangers grievance:
also that the North-side laundry bad con-
scented to sign the agreement to pay for over
time. The boycott was therefore ordered
lifted from this laundry, but was placed
upon Hermans Marteu. A committee OF five
was appointed to act with q committee
eral observance OF the boycott. The
molders reported that all union made
stoves would be known by the blue
label, and reported a list of dealers
the timers was received, stating that San
ders q Rocker were employing non uni0n
timers in violation of a promise not to do
so. The communication was referred TO the
grievance committee. The Wells Manu-
' ~as inaorssd "'1 as EMPLOYING s'n1 only
union labor. John Conner is the dele
gate of the union at Greenfield. 1t
Is composed Of twenty-seyen men,
Mr.. Conner comes to the city every two
weeks TO attend the sessions of the Central
Labor Union. Louis Harmeier was ap-
pointed q member of the grievance CON-
mittee. A. ii. Rottruan gave report of
the trouble at Moore's desk factory.
whose manager had declared himself
bitter enemy of organized labor.
The Cabinet akers' Union, he said,
would resist the proposed cut in wages.
The factory is owned by an Eastern life
insurance company. Delegate BeiesenherZ
gave report of the work of the Musicians
Union In regard 10 the Cincinnati Orches-
trn concerts. The orchestra refused to
play under Dickson az Talbot. and not
until their connection was dissolved with
the performances were the concerts al
lowed To be- given. An announcement was
made that q mass-meeting of working
women had been called for Wednesday
night IN the Criminal Court room. Pres
ident Kennedy made a stirring ap-
peal for q large representation. saying
that wage-earners are too prone to allow
trivial things and useless amusements 10
claim their time. He urged that greater
gagged In 80 great struggle for a
better state of things. A. ri. Roft-
man announced that he would be
at the Signal Office Thursday
night to paw the dividend TO each union
remaining from the receipts of Labor day.
Many Of the unions announced that their
portion had been voted to tho committee
In charge of the celebration for next year.
Simon SchmalhOlz donated the sum due him
Federation Of Labor TO the treasury Of the
eentral uninn Hpfora ndiourniuv tho a ala