Los Angeles herald., 1891-03-12
LABOR'S LEADER.
SAMUEL GoMPERS' VISIT TO LOS
ANGELES.
Inc Local Trades to Receive Him-A Short
Sketch of the Great Trade Unionst.
Preparations for His Reception.

In these days OF industrial theorizing
and reform agitation the arrival in this
city OF the leader of the greatest labor
organization ever known to the world
commands more than a passing notice,
coming as he does in pursuit of knowl-
edge regarding the conditions of the
wageworkers of the Pacific coast. 1t
would be matter OF some surprise to
the citizens of California to realize the
distorted ideas prevalent in the east
upon the subject of wages, and the con-
ditions OF the mechanics in the occident.
Mr.. Gompers, in his official capacity,
has been made to forcibly feel the neces-
sity OF more thorough Knowledge Of
the wageworkers' demands in the west
in order to legislate for their benefit. A
second object held in view bv Mr.. Com
pers is to arouse the sympathy and se-
cure the support of the western unions
for the proposed attempt of the miners
to have an eight-hour day adopted on
May l, 1891. Mr.. Gompers' tour thus
meetings being held in each town
he visited. The Los Angeles unions are
sparng no effort to score success with
their meeting tonight.
Mr.. Gompers was born in London in
1850, and was apprenticed at the age of
10 years to the trade of shoemaking.
He soon took a dislike to his trade, and
turned his attention to cigarmaking.
He left England and came to America
in 1868, and two years after joined the
Cigarmakers' union. He has been a
delegate for sixteen years to the conven-
tion of the international cigarmakers
was elected president of his local union
six times. He was president of the
New York state workingmen's assem-
bly, twice, and vice-president of the
Cigarmakers' International union one
term. He served two terms as presi-
dent OF the old Federation OF Trades and
Labor unions, and in 1885 was elected
president of the American Federation of
Labor, since when he has occupied that
position. Governor Hill of New York
at one time offered him the place of
commissioner of labor of New York, but
he declined, fearing his acceptance
would decrease his influence with the
trade unions. He also declined NOM
ination to congress by the Democratic
party upon the same grounds.
The Los Angeles Council OF Labor met
last evening at its new headquarters,
corner OF First and Los Angeles streets.
Curiosity had doubtless something to
do with the large attendance, but the
expected arrival of Mr.. Gompers was
quite sufficient to draw all members to
the meeting. Little time was spent in
routine business before the report OF
! the arrangement committee was called
for. telegram was read stating that
President Gompers would arrive in this
city on the 7 :25 train this morning, and
committee of eight was appointed to
meet the gentleman at the train and
look after his comfort during his stay in
this city. The following form the COM
mittee: D. o. Freeman, M. McGlynn.
F. B. Colver, G. Fl. Zimmerman, A. B.
Lafrenier, G. s. Stewart, F. E. Cross
and j. Schaaf. All arrangements were
reported completed for holding mass
meeting this evening at Turn Verein
hall, at which Mr.. Gompers will be the
principal speaker. Chase A. Codori, of
the Typographical union, was selected
as chairman of the mass meeting, and
the presidents of local unions will act as
vice-presldents. A large attendance is
expected at the mass meeting, as Mr..
Gompers .ls reported to be most enter
tanning speaker and one unexcelled in
thorough Knowledge OF the industrial
phases of this country.
The next business of Importance was
assigning nights of meeting to the affil-
lated unions; BARRIERS meet on Monday
evenings; painters Tuesdays council OF
labor and the molders on alternate
Wednesdays; carpenters, Thursday
evenings; musicians on Thursday fore.
moons; cigarmakers, first Friday in each
month; tailors last Friday; bakers on
alternate Saturdays. The use of the hall
was rendered to the Typographical union
during the day. A letter was read from
Assemblyman Mathews, of this city,
expressing his doubts as to the passage
Of the reform ballot law, but promising
his utmost endeavors to aid its passage.
A motion was passed levying twenty
five-cent per capita tax on all members
OF affiliated unions, to replenish the
councils treasury.