The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1893-08-21
Conferences Of Trades Unions to Help
tho Unemployed.
APPEAL FOR CITY IMPROVEMENT
"a Strange Civilization which Finds
Work for Criminals In Prison While
Honest Mon Walk the streets in Idle
Hness'' .--i.,...s..-. - =, "a, >.-nA "a ~

New YonK, Aug. e1.-The first con-
ference of the delegates from the various
trades unions of New York to take action
on the existing condition of affairs in the
labor world and to devise means Of assist
ing tho unemployed and to formulate
plans for . great labor demonstration, was
held at No. 227 East 10th street yesterday
day afternoon. After four hours of dis
cussion, some of it lively, resolutions were
passed and committee appointed with
view of improving the condition of affairs
About 100 delegates were present and
agood share Of them had something to
say. The meeting was lively at times, but
good order prevailed, as general thing.
One or two persons present advanced an
archistic ideas, bat they were promptly sat
upon. The general tone of the remarks
m ade were on the line of coolness and
prudence. The large majority of the
speakers counseled obedience to the laws
and confidence In the government.
President Gompers, of the Federation OF
Labor, acted az temporary chairman, and
opened the meeting by remarking on the
situation. Then Robert NJ. Campbell, OF
Typographical Union, No. 9, was elected
permanent chairmen, and Thomas G.
Welsh, Of the Brotherhood of Carpenters
and Joiners, English secretary, and j.
Burns, of Union No. 90, as German secre-
tary. The first resolution passed was as
follows:
Resolved, That committee be appointed
to ask all labor organizations and sympa-
thizers to corporate with the conference
and assist in devising means to help the
unemployed.
The next resolution was as follows:
Resolved, That committee be appointed
to wait ppon the mayor and other officials
OF this city and this State with the view
OF starting aud opening up work to the
end that new employment be furnished the
unemployed. And be it furthermore re-
solved that the committee be delegated to
call upon the civil justices and ask that
evictions OF unemployed workmen for non
payment OF rent be postponed during the
crisis.
The other resolution passed was to the
effect that committee be appointed to
draw up an address to the public explain
ing the position of the conference and its
reasons for its actions in the matter.
In his opening address President Com
pers, OF the Federation of Labor, spoke Of
the situation as lamentable and said a
crisis had been reached. But one thing, he
said, could remedy the evil, and that was
the voice and action OF organized labor.
One cause of the trouble was said to be
over production, caused by the introduc-
tion Of machinery and the use Of steam
and electricity in manufacturing. The
labor unions have endeavored to keep pace
with this state Of affairs by trying to re-
duce the hours OF labor, but have not been
very successful.
The speaker said the blame rested with
the wealthy classes. "The main thing to
do" said he, sis to devise means to force
these people to provide means by which the
manhood and womanhood of this country
may be maintained" The speaker coun-
seled prudence. "Have we anything to
gain by breaking the laws!" he asked, and
there were loud cries of "No, No."
1t was explained that the conference
was called because there was general
lack Of cohesion among the workingmen
Of the city.
II refrain from denouncng any one"
said Mr.. Gompers, "but the city and State
and National Government must come to
the aid Of the workingmen Of this country"
The Inauguration Of public improvements
as means OF furnishing work for the m
employed was advocated. TWAS suggested
that this city inaugurate the building of a
system of rapid transit, improve its streets,
sewers, docks, etc. "It is fine commen-
tary on our civilization said the speaker,
when criminals can be sent to prison and
work found for them, while honest men
walk the streets In idleness"
After further speaking IN adjournment
was taken until this afternoon.
Morris klinterstein, wealthy German,
furnished meals free to a thousand unem-
ployed people yesterday. Circulars had
been sent out notifying ali unemployed
persons to call at his place between the
hours of eleven and one o'clock and get "a
good square meal" Most of the men,
women and children who accepted the in.
vitation gave evidence of their need by eat
ing ravenously. Mr.. Klnterstein will con-