New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1892-10-16
TIA DIES UNIONS IN THE FAR EAST.
HOW AsILK WEAVER OF DAMASCUS is RAIsEr
TO THE RANK OF MASTER WORKMAN.

INV AtSlLh w rAN Els Of DAMAStUS 10 hhlSLb
TO THE RANK OF MASTER WORKMAN.
The labor leaders OF the present day have. as .
rule little II any conception OF the antiquity OF or
CARNATIONS similar TO their own. similar in that they
sought to improve and elevate their members yet dis
similar in the adopted accomplish The desired
end. In the making OF silk and silk embr0lderies the
workmcn OF Damascus have for many decades held q
reputation only surpassed by that OF the Damascene
steel workers. and the excellence OF the Damascus
steel Is matter OF historical fact The average
American may be surprised at learning OF the existence
OF trades unions among these artisans OF the Orient
II is nevertheless fact that the workngmen Of that
Did and historic city no, only up In such matters
With tAelr brethren of Western countries, but be
considered among the pioneers in industrial organization
and united effort for protection and selfimprovement
The traditional rules and usages governing these unions
primitive 10 be sure, yet do not lack originality
and wisdom when taken into consideration their sur
roundSngs and conditions OF life, and compared with
their favored brethren Of Christian lands.
some 90 50 far as assert that these owe much %
their Eastern fellows for their regulations. Others
further and that the very Idea OF secret societies
organized and put into execution among the work
ingmen OF the East, who, long before Europe was
civilized and America discovered, banded themselves
into well governed organizations for mutual improve
ment and protection The degree OF skill required,
the crucial tests imposed, the stLdlng man COM
PEELED to have among his fellowwOrkmen, before he
could be admitted 10 the ranks OF the masters OF his
craft, were far TOO exactrag TO be looked upon with
favor by the workman OF the nineteenth century, ana
yet the results both to the himself and the craft
he represented, worth the trouble, man who
had been admitted to the ranks Of the masters was
held In high respect. and he products OF his labor
were always In demand.
Each union had IFS officers, who combined to
form a grand council, composed Of grand master
workman and his assistants. a grand marshal and a.
sisant grand deputy and his assistant and all the
master wOrkmen ~ the different trades OF the city.
A silk weaver, desiring to be raised TO the grade OF
MASTER made application the council. A sample OF
his work was submitted for criticism and examination
to all the weavers, who agreed upon his pro-
motion and reported to the master workman OF the
trade He sent his deputy TO inform fhe candidate by
handing him the traditional solve branch or us
substitute bouquet of flowers, which he kissed thank
fully declaring mt the same time his unworthness OF
the great honor in store for him.
The ceremony Of initiation took place at the house Of
the grand workman Of all the trades, in defer
ence the wishes of the candidate If he We're willing
to pay for the unusual honor and favor Assembling
at The house the candidate was placed In room apart
from the others, and the grand master workman, hav
ing secured the respectful attention OF the masters VINO
presep', said to them: We have assembled,
brethren order raise yOur associate 10 the honor
able rank OF master and to bind him to us with the mys-
OF our brotherhood What say You, master workmen OF
the silk weaver's tradel The work and behavior As
well as the character OF candidate whose conduct
have ascertaned from all members OF our trade and
found to be good entitle him to this great honor.
Here IS sample OF his work, let the brethren Judge
for themselves
Then an elegant silk shawl was passed around ana
the decision made.
The candidate was then led into the room by four
masters from his trade, FOLLOWED by his
CHAMPION the master workman OF his union, who
carried large apron. together with additional
SAMPLES OF the candidates work. and was made 10
knee I'm the middle OF the during the ceremony
When the chanting of various selections from tho
Koran was through the candidate was prompted IN
odypo rho usual greetings to all workmen In these
terrns 81 greet all the tOners Of the east. those
of the west OF the north and south with thousahh
salaams Thousand greetings to al tne ghe iSsS
do To stand and salute I'm the four points OF me
comnoss Then the master Of his trade brought the
opron and wrapped ii around him twice, mutterihe
the blessings of Allah all the time:
The grand master workman OF all the trades gave
a long and instructive lee lure, tellng me cahuu"c
10 be loyal Ia the interests 81 MS irilo"s anu W
those OF his trade, whose secret processes ne uss
never betray. lie then took a long tower anu re-
nnested ali present TO bow their heads ana Keep
perfect silence. The candidate VINO was hneehnb
on the right knee. extended his right hand To re-
ceive the grip from the hand o. lle granom ,s
workman which covered from view by me
towel This was followed by the bending OF he
grand master workman toward the canddates ear
and whispering TO him solemny the covenant ana
Tbs ceremonies closed with the congratulations OF
those assembled TO the candidate general merry.
making, and the partaking oil REFRESHMENTS ~ d"
present.