Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1892-12-17
LABOR And MILITIA.
Their Relations Discussed by the
Federalism Of Labor.
THE RADICAL RECOMMENDATIONS
Of the Committee Turned Down
by the Body-All Members OF
the Federation Urged to Alb
stain From Belonging to Mill
tary Organizations.

PHILADELPHIA, PA, December 10
At to-day's session OF the Federation OF
Labor convention the proposition to
hold a Labor Congress during the
Worlds fair came up In the nature OF
unfinished business. The proposition
for the Federation to take any action
toward assisting in Worlds Fair Con-
gress was then defeated by an over
whelming vote.
Recommendation in the Presidents
report were approved, including the
clauses relating TO the woman orgaRlz-
er, whose work was mpllmented, and
relating TO labor day. The committee
recommended an appeal for the estao-
ment of a National Labor Day In the
Districts and Territories.
1t was voted to notify the President Of
the United States OF the action con-
demning the employment Of Chinese
sailors by the Pacific Mail Steamship
Company.
A resolution was recommended that
stirred up a lively debate. II related
to the action of the President and Ex-
ecutive Council requesting conferences
with the Knights of Labor Unions. The
many attacks Of the Knights OF Labor
against trades unions, especially on the
coal miners and shOemakers was de-
plored. 1t is said that all efforts TO heal
the breach while they were on the at
tack and the Federation on the defen-
sive would only be a waste OF time.
| The committee recommended THAT
the highest duty Of the Federation was
to defend the unions selected by the
Knights Of Labor for attack, and that
the Executive Committee take such
action as will enforce this idea"
The recommendation OF the commit
tee was finally adopted. The special
committee Of nine on militia In strikes
then reported. They said: sunless a
halt is called 1t will not be long until
liberty gives way to despotism. Since
the recent uses to which troops have
been subjected has been brought about
by allowing the people unchailenged to
surrender their power, we therefore be-
leve that herein is the vital point OF
our grievances
The following resolutions were then
proposed: THAT the American Fedora
tion Of Labor and affiliated bodies de-
mand OF their respective legislatures the
enactment Of laws mbraciEg one Of the
following propositions:
"First-They shall create a Board of
Commissioners, selected by the people,
and to consist Of as many members as
there are Congressional districts In the
State. The committee only shah have
power to call out the militia after In
vestigation OF the labor difficulties In
conjunction with the Governor.
"Second-That in cases OF labor DIFF
fculties It shall be unlawful for the
Governor to call out the militia for the
suppression OF the same except upon
petition signed by at least one fourth OF
the qualified voters Of the county where
in the trouble may exist.
1--WE further recommend as remedy
for the employment OF Plnkerton or
other armed forces, that we demand en-
actment of laws by the several States OF
the Union prohibiting non-resdents
| from serving as peace officers"
1t was also recommended that the
Federation refuse under any circum-
stances to serve In the National Guard,
and that the members now enlisted
withdraw as soon as they can lawfully
do so unless one or the other OF the
propositions herein proposed be en-
bodied In the State laws.
After considerable discussion the rec
concentrations OF the committee were
stricken out and a clause adopted in
stead. favoring the support Of labor rep
resentation in the administrative and
legislative departments OF the national
and State governments, aud advising
members of the Federation to see that
the friends Of labor command the mill.
tia, rather than the friends OF capital.
The convention. then adjourned for
| the day.