Pawtucket tribune. (Pawtucket, R.I.) 1890-189?, 1894-07-14

p. j. Mcclure, first vice president OF the
Federation OF Labor. urged that the Pull
man strike was purely local and should
be dealt with by the people Of Chicago A
resolution was adopted condemning both
the Repu blican and Democratic parties
and pledging support 60 the Populists.
The address was finally adopted. as fol-
lows:
The great Industrial upheaval now agitating
the country, has been carefully, calmly and
fully considered In a conference Of the execu-
tive council OF the American Federation OF
Labor, and the executive officers and repre-
sentatiyes Of the national and international
unions, and brotherhoods of railway men,
called to meet In the city Of Chicago on July
IL, 1884
In the light Of all the evidence obtainable
and In view of tho peculiar complications now
enveloping the situation, we are forced to the
conclusion that the best interests Of the
unions affiliated with the American Fedora
tion OF Labor demand that they refrain from
participating Ia any general and local strike
which may be proposed In connection with
the present railroad troubles.
In making this declaration, we do not wish
Il understood that We are In any way antag-
onistic 20 any labor organization now strug-
Cling for right OF Justice, but rather to the
fact that the present contest has be-
come surrounded and beset with oomplioa-
tions 10 grave In their nature that we cannot
consistently advise course which would but
add TO the geneyal confusion
The trades union movement IL one Of reason,
one Of delibsration, and, depending entirely
upon the voluntary and sovereign action Of its
membership, II is democratic In principles
and actions conservative In It's demands and
consistent In its efforts u secure them. In.
dustrial contests cannot be entered into az ths
behost Of any individual officer OF this confer
/ a a -.
In our organization.
While we may not have the power TO order
strike OF the working people of our country
we are fully aware that q recommondhti
from this conference 10 them TO lay down
their tools OF labor would largely induenct
the members OF our affiliated organizations
| and appreciating the responsibility resting
upon Us, aud the duty we owe to all, we de-
clare II to Re the sense Of this conference ths,
| general strike at this time is inexpedient
unwise and contrary TO the best interests oi
/ the working people.
We further recommend that ell connected
| with the American Federation OF Labor nov
out on sympathetic strike should return Il
work, and those who contemplate going on
on sympathetic strike are advised to remain
at their usual vocatiops.
| In the strike Of the American Railwa,
union We recognize an impulsive, vigorous
protest against tho gathering. growing force
/
the sympathetic movement OF that order 4
help the Pullman employees they have demon
strated the hollow sham of Phllman's para
disc Mr.. Pullman, In his persistent repulse
Of arbitration, and his heartless autocrati
treatment Of his employees, has proven him
self public enemy.
Against an array OF armed force and bruta
moneyed autocracy, would it not be worn
than folly 20 call them out on general or locG
strike In these days Of stagnant trade an
commercial depressionf
No. Better let us organize more general,
combine more closely with other forces, edu
| cate and prepare ourselves TO protect our IN
terests, and that we may 20 TO the ballot DO
and cast our votes as American free mel
united and determined 70 redeem this countr
from It's present political and industrial mil
rule, 20 take Il from the hands of plutocrati
wieckers and place II In the hands Of the con
mon people.
The committee voted To appropriat
$1,000 to assist Debs In procuring counse
The conference then adjourned.