The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1892-12-18
DEMANDS OF WORKINGMEN
Resolutions Adopted at the Closing Ses-
sion of the Federation of Labor.
Baron Hirsch's Scheme Condemned and Re-
s~triction of Immigration Asked-Waiters'
Mustaches Bsckset for Socialists.

PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 17.-At ro-dsy's ses-
sion of the twelfth annual convention OF
the American Federation of Labor resolu-
tlons were adopted calling on all trade
unions affiliated with the federation TO join
central labor bodies holding charters from
the federation; c~ondemning the Rock
Island railroad system for competing it's
telegraph operators TO withdraw from their
organization; asking that sailors DO includ-
ed under the provisions of the alien con-
tract law; condemning the system Of ad-
vance wages to sailors; favoring chan ges in
the patent laws, so that inventors will re-
ceive q direct reward: condemning the
Baron Hirsch fund and its charItaOly
assisted recipients. and demanding restric-
ton of immigration; condemning the sys-
tenn of compelling walters to shave of their
mustacnes. and favoring the eIght-hour
system for them.
A resolution was also adopted asking
clemency for the imprisoned Chicago
Anarchists, Neebe. Fielden and Schwab.
EmDoldened by their success, one of the
Socialists present, Delegate Morgan, of
Chicago. introduced q substitute for n
resolution favoriDg government control of
the telegraph and telephone lines. The
Socialist element wanted a resolution ask
ing that the government shall control all
means of communication. transportation
and production. Mr.. Morgan insisted on, q
roll-call to test the sense of the federation
on this proposition, and the results was a
defeat for the Socialists by q vote of 1.62S
TO 527. Some of tho delegates of pro-
nounced socIalistic views voted against
the resolution owing 20 the Indefinite
nature of the demand. The original reso-
luton was then passed, with an amend
ment asking government control of
railroads. Resolutions affirming the
previous conventions advocacy OF
woman suffrage. and asking for
State legislation to protect trade
union marks were adopted. and various
resolutions asking legislation against the
Chinese were favorably recommended to
the next exective council. DItferepces be-
tween the Socialists and autOnOmists were
aired. when q resolution was reported asR-
ing Congress either to pass legislation
compelling the adjustment of labor dis
putes by arbitration or the submission OF
a constitutional amendment permitting
such legislation. The socialistIc repre-
sentatives favored the measure as q step
toward government control of all produc-
ton, and characterized its opponents as
Anar hists. charging that they objected TO
IL as they objected to all government.
President Gompers and others argued that
compulsory arbitration might prove a dan
gerous weapon against. labor interests
should il fall into the hands of capital.
The question was finally settled by the adop-
ton OF a substitute which emphatically approved
the principle Of arbitration, but recognized its
impotency where the workers involved are not
fully organized. The president was instructed
TO visit the national convention OF mechanics.
for The purpose OF endeavOring TO harmonic the
two conflicting bodies. which are divided Dy the
recognition of a color line in one of them.
The election of officers was called for in the
afternoon as the regular Order. but the fedora
ton first decided TO vote on the amount OF sal
aries paid. President GompePs's salary was in
creased from 81 300 to $1.SOO per annum- Pro-
.ceeding further, resolutions were adopted recon-
mending that chiefs and superintendent OF gov
erhment bureaus be selected from the trade In
which the skilled workmen employed
In the bureau are employed; favor
ing municipal, State aud national civil-service
reform; fayoring free and compulsory education.
and lnstructing the executive council TO
prepare q bill to that effect The salary of the
secretary was increased from 81 200 TO 81 800,
and nominations were then opened. There was
no opposition TO President Gompers's reelection.
and the choice was unanimous. Christopher
Evans was In like manner reelected secretary;
John h.. Lennon Was reelected treasurer; 4. j.
Mcclure WAS reelected first vice-president. For
second vice-president, William A. Carney. OF
Pittsburg. who took an active part in the Home
stead troubles, was elected.
A large number of boycotts were recommended
by the committee 10 whom they had been re-
ferred. together with a recommendation that, as
the boycott was being made Ineffective by indis-
criminate use. that hereafter none he approved
unless requested under seal OF an affiliated body.
Chicago secured the convention for 1893 after q
luton favoring direct elections by the people
was passed unanimously. Other resolutions.
were cOncurred in favOring labor representation
in the inspection OF Chinese immigrants certiti-
Gates; 10 prohibit Japanese immigration. The
general adjournment was then announced.