The herald., 1894-12-14
THE FEDERATION Of LABOR
Spirited Discussions in the
Convention.
The Resolutions Committee Makes a
Report.
Action Taken ON the Grievances of Va
riousf Unions = The Political
Programme to Como
Up Tedsy.

VI LhuUI COHVoutlou tuln IOIouOou u
spirited discussion was preeipitated by
the report OF the resolutions committee
in favor Of the adoption of a resolution
introduced by Edward L. DAILY Of the
Lasters' union OF Boston, asking con-
gress to pass q law making it an often Sc
punishable by fine and imprisonment for
any employer to employ, during q strike
or lockout Of his employees, aliens who
have resided in the United States less
than one year, or who have not ex.
pressed their intention of becoming
American citizens. A substitute was
adopted that tho resolution be referred
to the incoming executive council, with
instructions to secure legal advice re-
garding the constitut ionality of such q
law, if passed.
The resolutions committee recon-.
mended the adoption OF o resolution,
indorsed by the Typographical union,
against land monopoly. Tne report wss
adopted.
A resolution asking the secretary OF
war to have the fsh traps removed
from the Columbia river, according to
the existing law, was adopted.
The committee on resolutions recon-
mended the adoption Of Delegate Lloyd's
resolution in favor of free coinage OF sil'
yer. Treasurer Lennon objected to the
preamble. because, he said, it is as
sumed that. ell the trouble in this
country was due to the demonetization
OF silver, and moved to strike out all ex-
cept q bare declaration for the re-en-
actment OF the free coinage law.
a Nd
after which the resolution was adopted.
The committee on the presidents re.
port submitted its report.
1t was recommended that May l, 1896,
be fixed for the general establish ment OF
the eight-hour day.
The proposal OF compulsory arbitra-
tion was vigorously opposed.
A delegate moved TO strike out the
part OF the report favoring semi-annual
conference with the Knights of Labor,
and made strong speech condemnatory
OF that order. Consideration OF that
part OF the matter was deferred until
after the report of the committee on
conference.
President Gompers read O dispatch
from Chicago containing an alleged in-
terview with Z. V. Debs, in which he
denied having asked Gompers to aid him
in the strike. Gompers explained that
he had never said such thing. Said
he: "When during the Chicago confer.
ence l asked MIN: what would you
have the Federation of Labor do?' he
said: If l we're in your place l would
order the wotkingmen OF America all
OUT"
A resolution against the issuance o!
money by monopolies was introduced
by Delegate McGraoh and referred. The
committee on resolutions recommended
the adoption OF resolution for the re-
lief of seamen. Delegate Furnseth said
American seamen were subject to q
worse system of involuntary service
than was known elsewhere on the earth
The matter was referred to a committee
consisting of John Nugent, W. d. Ma
hone and Mrs. T. j. Morgan, with in~
styuctions to formulate plan to accom-
plish the result desired
At the afternoon session OF the con-
vention the grievance comm ittee re-
ported on the grievance of theatrical
employees against the Protective associ-
alton of New York. recommending the
federation aid in the organization OF
branch of the national alliance in OPP
position to the Theatrical Protective as.
sociation. The report was adopted.
The committee also reported on the
disagreement between the local Brew
ers' union No. 18 OF Chicago and the
national organization. sustaining the
national body and recommending that
the back dues of the local union be paid
in installments. The report brought on
q lengthy discussion. Thomas j. Nor
gan offered an amendment that the
m after be referred to the executive
council.
Mr.. Croke moved a substitute saying
that the federation had no jurisdiction.
The substitute was lost and the amend
mept adopted.
President Gompers announced the
following appointments: John W.
Bramwood, W. 9. Pomevoy, Charles
Gresnhalge and John Ratigan as a
special committee to consider the
Phillips bill.
Hon. l. N. Stevens of Denver was
introduced and delivered short address
on the Recent judicial Rulings and
Their Effect Upon the Development of
Labor Organizations.
He confined his remarks mostly to
the action of the federal courts in cases
OF railroads in the hands of receivers.
He said out OF 80 decisions he had exam
smined no two that were at all alike,
oven on questions very similar. The
decision OF Judge Harlan in reversing
tha decision of Judge Jenkins in the
Pacific railroad cAses WAS the fairess.
He said the system of receiverships was
based upon no law but upon custom
arising in courts of equity, and had long
far exceeded the original intention. He
advised the federation to direct its efforts
to securing national and state legislation
defining the rights and duties OF corpo-
rations and OF receivers Of bankrupt
companies.
The grievance committee reported on
the Louisville Central Labor union diff
ficulty, sustaining President Gompers
in his granting of the charter. The
protest was from the Louisville Trad ca
assembly, which withdrew from the
federation two years ago. The question
was referred to the executive council tor
final settlement.
The committee on labels and hoy colts
a