The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-12-03

hood Of Carpenters. Milwaukee sends the
famed longshOremen L. 3. Weber. whose
work among his co-laborers has made him
eminent as a social reformer, !. MahlOn
Barnes. prominent among cigar-makers,
also attends from Philadelphia. There are,
in addition, William Prescott, leader
among members of the Typographical
Union, Martin Fox, sent by the iron mOul-
ders. Newroth. of Denver and Lennon, OF
New York. Never, perhaps. have cham
pions Of those theories unfortunately
designated "socialistic," been more nu-
merous or influential in an assemblage OF
this character
All these delegates have been chosen,
moreover, on the new basis. That IS.
internal and national unions with less
than 1000 members send only one dele
gate. If the membership exceeds 1000,
two delegates are allotted, if 5000 three
delegates, 1900. four, and so on. Special
arrangements this year permits one dele
gate each to local, trade, or federal labor
unions, State federatiOns, central labor
unions or councils. The representatives
have now been all elected and committee
man Il. j. Mas, of the Chicago Trades
Union has arranged for their reception
az the headquarters Of the executive coun-
ell i'm the Briggs House. Secretary Chris
Evans, of the Federation, has already
mailed TO each memeber of the convention
the printed programme of business, which,
however. is merely a list Of all resolutions
Of a general character or proportions for
changes I'm the constitution,
The first day, Monday. will be devoted
20 organizations. Credentials will be re-
ceived, officers elected, and according TO
limitations made by the Chicagoans, res
buttons Of regret for Carter Harrison s
taking off passed. Mr. Gompers is 10
make the official opening address on this
day.
Never in the history Of the world has
so large a number of people yainly sought
for an opportunity TO earn a livelihood
and contribute to the support Of their fel-
lows. In a society where such abnormal
conditions prevail. there must, Of necessity,
be something wrong at the basis founda-
ton, and it requires but little study TO
come TO the conclusion that the ownership
and control Of wealth, Of the means Of
production, by private corporations which
have no human sympathy or apparent re-
spOnsibilty is the cause of the ills and
wrongs borne by the human family"
This. in Mr.. Gompers' own words, Is
the text of his address. He WILL further
advocate such changes in economic dis
tribution as will extinguish that class
among wage-workers known as the I'M
employed" 1t is proposed TO accomplish
this by destroying the existing monopoly
Of natural opportunities And govern
ment ownership Of railroads with abroga-
ton Of corporate irrespnsibility will be
steps in this direction.
Secretary Chris Evans will then read his
report for the year. This shows heavy
increase in active membership and par
ticular growth among the cigar-makers,
the garment cutters and tailors, and the
mechanical trades. Treasurer John i.
Lennon has also now practically COM
pleted his report. The Federation's
finances are much improved owing 10 IN
crease Of revenues and the readiness OF
affiliated bodies to meet calls. The presi-
dents salary of 81 800 year is the
largest individual item showing that the
amount expended is small. Even the per
capita or delegate tax has not been drawn
upon.
On Tuesday, general business will be
tra nsacted. The standing of affiliated
bodies. conflicts between employers and