The farmers' union. (Memphis, Mo.) 1891-1895, 1894-11-29
WILL MEETIN DENVER
ANNUAL CONVENTION OF THE
FEDERATION OF LABOR.
fourteenth Annual Gathering OF u Great
Organization -Tenth of December the
Date--"Now L. TIN. Time That Tries
Men'h Souls"
Directing to Trade CniOnists.

our laws YOU are hereby notified that
the Fourteenth Annual Convention of
the American Federation of Labor
will be held in the Old Chamber OF
Commerce, 18th and Lawrence Streets,
Denver, Colo. and will be called to
order at 10 o'clock in the morning of
December 10th, 1894. and continue in
session each succeeding day until the
business before the convention snail
be concluded.
In inviilng the trade unlOnlsts of
America to participate in our conven-
ton, it is not ainiss to call your atten-
ton to the tact that the past year has
witnessed strange scenes and incidents,
SO strange that the whole world stood
nghast lest the free institutions of our
country were about to be -hattere |.
the rights secured aud guaranteed
were to be treated with contempt. and
the liberties of our people trampled
under foot.
The judiciary yielding to the wealth
and bidding of avaricious corporations,
has, by the fragrant issuance of injunc-
tons restraining union men from ex-
ercising their legal and natural right
practically flung to the winds the
right of trial by jury. The right of
masses OF labor to organize for self
protection is placed in jeopardy; the
courts deciding our organizations to
DO conspiracies.
For the first time in the history Of
the country, and in contravention to
all constitutional law and rights. the
Federal troops, in spite and against
the protests of the state authorities,
were sent into several states Ostensl-
bly, to maintain interstate commerce
uninterrupted, but in truth to over
awe wOrkmen engaged III contest III
defense of their rights and to AID their
fellow workers. These facts must re-
ceive our consideration, and in no I'M
certain tones must we declare our pO-
sition upon them, and our unceasing
effort for their solution, and the final
cipation of labor
For more tnan year the people OF
our country have been suffering from
great Industrial, commercial and
financial crisis. Hundreds of thou
sands of our fellow workers have been
vainly seeking opportunities to earn
their bread by the sweat Of their
brows. Though this lack OF employ
ment is in no wise the fault OF tue
workers, yet the unemployed are
mainly dependent upon our efforts for
permanent relief; hence wise legi3la-
ton, some tangible, even heroic, ac-
ton of our convention will be neces
sary to relieve us from those awful
conditions which confront us. Some
action must be taken by which both
those over-employed and unemployed
may be benefited and relieved OF
their burdens.
The failure of Congress to give heed
to the voice and demands of labor il
legislation deserves our greates,
thought.
The efforts to unite labor's force.
must be carried on to successful end
The programme submitted to the
last convention will be reported upon
and it will require all the experience
tact, Judgment, eernestness and hon
esty of our fellow unionists to take
such action that will protect and fur
Their the interests and welfare of tn,
wage earners in connection with thi:
anu all other matters which will b,
brought before our convention.
Now Is the time t:tat tries men.
souls. 1t requires all the courage
virtue and manhood Within us to with
stand the fearful havoc tile conse
Quences of the monied power, the cor
porate and capitals, class, in thei
rush to gratify their avarice and greed
In this scramble women of labor ar,
the victims and children the sacrifices
Even men without organization. with
OUT intelligence and without tenacit,
of purpose to maintain their rights
are moved down and crushed beneath
tho luggernaut OF mammon. The onl,
hope for the perpetuity OF the ins,it,l
tions OF our country. the safety o
women and defense OF children, IT,,
protection OF our manhood and tn
progress OF our race. lies in the organ
iZation ot the masses of labor. Tn
demands Of the toilers OF America ca,
only tinu Intelligent expression an,
become crvstalizel into laws and hah
it's OF daily life by organization in TIL
unions Of labor and by representation
at the conventions OF the America,
Federation of Labor.
The representa- ion in the conveu
ton will be upon the following basis
international and ma ioual unions witt
less than 1000 members. one delegate
for 1000 members or more, two dele
gates: for 5000 members or more
three delegates: for 10000 members Q
more, four delegates; for 81. 900 mem
bers CT more, five delegates. and SO on
Local, trade or federal labor unions
state declarations. central labor unions
trades assemblies or trades councils
one delegate each. All organization
to be entitled TO representa- ion mus
have certificate OF utilization charter
at least thirty days before the date NJ
Or. which the convention Is to he held
ANY delegate representing unio
must be a member of the union. and
not craftsman of the trade unio
which sends him. the union mus Civ
the reason why such delegate Wa
chosen. Delegates must bs elected 9