Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-12-14
Appropriations Made by the Federation of
Labor.

Appropriations Made by the Federation of
Labor.
Immediately after the reading Of the minutes
at the convention Of the Federation Of Labor
at Philadelphia yesterday the committee ap-
pointed for the purpose reported on the special
order for the afternoon, the celebration OF
Homestead day. II was recommended that
81 900 be appropriated from the funds of the
federation for the defense Of accused employees
Of the Carnegie works now awaiting trial.
Several delegates opposed the appropriation
on the ground that that amount could be used
to the better advantage of Homestead people if
contributed for some other purpose. 1t was
also argued that the call for assistance was re-
quest for individual donations A substitute
was offered in accordance with a suggestion in
the presidents report that a collection be
taken from the delegates present for the pur-
pose in Wow.
After some discussion ex-President weihe Of
the Amalgamated Association of Iron and Steel
Workers was called on to enlighten the del
egates on the situation at Homestead and recited
the result Of the fight up to the present time
In conclusion he said that the association would
make every effort in defense of its accused
members
The substitute was finally defeated and the re-
port adopted unanimously.
A proposition to contribute $500 additional
for the non-union men who struck in sympathy
with the Homestead members of the Amalga-
mated Association caused some discussion. 1t
was argued that the first duty Of the Amaga-
mated Association was TO these supporters and
that every cent for thoir relief should be contri-
buted through the hands OF the malgamated off,
ctals. One of these who was present Delegate Car
ney, made a vigorous defense of his organize
ton and its liberal treatment of the non-union
laborers who assisted in the struggle. He de-
hat had
mense sums in this cause and were only COM
PEELED to ask for aid through the desertion of
some of its members, who had been guilty Of
the basest ingratitude and who had caused the
Amalgamated men loss Of 100000.
An amendment was offered to place the $500
in the hands of the Homestead general relief
committee of the Amalgamated Association.
but a motion to indefinitely postpone the ques-
ton prevailed by vote of 20 to IS. Reconsid-
Grafton was moved and carried by a large ma
jority. On second ballot a heavier vote was
polled, but the postponement was again carried
by vote of IS to SO. Roll call was then de-
manded. Amid considerable excitement the
names OF the delegates were called As on the
yeas and nays the members votes we're counted
according to a unit basis proportioned to their
representation the motion to postpone was de-
feated by vote Of LOSS to 946, and the $500
appropriation passed unanimously, az all those
In the minority decided to change their votes
when they found their proposition defeated.
Another appropriation of $500 was granted
for the defense Of the Ceur d'Alene miners
and $500 more to the Tennessee miners de-
Tense, despite protests that the treasury could
not stand these repeated demands.
President Gompers and others contended
that a wrong course had been pursued in I'M
dertaking to make donations for which there
was no financial provision. At the close of
this discussion the convention adjourned until
today.