The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1891-12-20
FEDERATION AND KNIGHTS.
Proposition from the Former Looking to q
Settlement of Present Difficulties.

Proposition from the Former Looking to q
Settlement of Present Difficulties.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala, Dec. 19.-The Ameri-
can Federation of Labor adjourned at
O'Clock this afternoon to meet next year in
Philadelphia. At the morning session W.
A. Carney. yesterday elected second vice
president, rendered 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 unanimous
ly 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
organization be chosen to make the fight
Following is the text of the agreement
unanimously adopted in reference to the
knights of Labor:
Address to the workin P eople OF America:
The record shows that much time and money
have been spent in efforts 10 secure q peaceful
settlement OF difficulties between the American
Federation of Labor and the knights OF Labor
since 1886. Conferences have been held at ill.,
tervals and the American Federation OF Labor
has used every effort TO end a use
submitted propositions for settling all
real or alleged differences; but these are at ali
times rejected BY the Knights OF Labor. The
trade-union movement of America has neither
time nor inclination to deviate from it's mission
by seeking Quarrels with other Organizations
Experience proves that the wage-earner
OF his inherent rights. Hence the
trndennSn becomes o,, the T., nee
sa world Hstory ssies the ds
movement In its present form, and teaches that
permanent industrial progress can only be
Dacomaa lmneraTiVe N a
tradeunion be carefully guarded and defended.
The American Federation of Labor is organ
lied 10 maintain and strengthen the prestige,
authority and autonomy Of its affiliated bodies.
Any proposition from an organization conducted
upon an entirely different plan must be carefully
considered as to Its bearing upon the COM
ponent parts OF the American Federation
of labor. Each organization attached TO the
American Federation OF Labor Is guaranteed
aging its own affairs. Hence any agreement
With another organization. even II satisfactory
to the American Federation Of Labor, can only
come as n recommendation to its affiliated bodies.
They are entirely free to adopt or reject 1t.
As proof OF the Independence and freedom Of
American Federation of Labor has never denied
their right to recognize such cards and labels as
they may deem proper. Nor can il under any
ing self government TO Its federated hOdies The
platform OF the Knights of Labor shows
clearly that 1t was never intended
10 be other than an educational organiza-
ton. Thus il can have no legitimate place in
the field occupied by trade-unions. Wishing,
however, 10 bring TO an end any cause for diver
sion or discord in the ranks OF organized labor,
we submit the following basis for an amicable
adjustment OF differences between the American
Federation OF Labor and the knights OF Labor:
Firss-That the Knights OF Labor shall revoke
and isss,e more charters to the local trade
assemblies or national trade assemblies.
SecOnd-fn return the American Federation of
Labor shall revoke and issue no more charters to
mixed federation unions.
1hrd-The American Federation of Labor will
recommend To affiliated unions that they urge
their members TO become members OF mixed as
selnblies of Knights of Labor.
The acceptance OF these conditions Will neces-
sarily obyiate any futuIe conflict regarding tie
recognition OF labels, or relations OF expelled or
suspended members.
The convention then non-cOncurred in a
proposition that the international Union
shall Issue a charter to local union with
out first consulting other affiliated or.
CARNATIONS in that locality. The convcn.
tion then returned hearty thanks to Birm-
AT meeting OF the executive council of
the American Federation of Labor to-
night it was resolved to do all
they could to make the wor Id q
fair recognize the unions scale
of wages for employees and to protest
against reducing the wages of old employees
below this scale. The council will also Is.
sue circular calling OH workingmen not
To be allUred to Chicago, as the labor mar
/ ket there is now overcrowded.
Proposed Amalgamation of Four Orders
NEW YORK. Dec. 19.-There was a meeting In
this city this morning OF tho committee appoint
ed by Willard Division, No. 10l. and New Yorl
| City Division. No. ID. of the Order of Railway
| Conductors, to arrange for q convention OF rail
WAY employees to be held at the Academy O