Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1894-12-24

strikes. thus placing the responsibility
where it belongs-on the local union
directly interested When local needs
the assistance of the Arbitration Com
mittee. and is willing to abide by its ac-
ton, then its services should be granted
without regards to the merits Of the case,
and at once. without waiting for the per-
mission of the Assembly OF course it
should be Stipulated that when case is
once given into the hands Of the arbitra-
ton committee it shall have full power to
act in the premises, and any method OF
prosecution or terms of settlement adopted
by the committee must be accepted by the
local union interested. This plan is pre-
sented as the one originally adopted oy
the Assembly, and which operated for
several years with less friction and better
results than any OF the more complicated
measures which superseded it.
Organization = Owing 10 unavoidable
changes in the personality OF the commit
tee, the work of organization has been
somewhat retarded, but, Notwithstanding
this drawback, substantial results have
been achieved. With the advent OF the
industrial Doom'. that is predicted, aud
for the more substantial reason that new
lines of labor are taking the iniuatQry
steps toward organization, il can be safely
predicted that the coming year will wit.
ness a considerable increase in the constit-
uency OF the Assembly.
Boycotting-It is the generally accepted
opinion of all well regulated labor assocla-
tions and conservative labor advocates that
the boycott should be weapon Of last re-
source, and l am pleased TO note a gradu'
ally growing tendency on the part or the
Assembly 10 rigidly investigate before
committing the unions comprising this del
egate body 10 its application. This is in
favorable contrast TO the old time methods,
and indicates that education has followed
in the footsteps of organization. Inc
Assem- Div cannot anticipate or
prevent the inauguration Of boy
colt BY a local. bat it can refuse to assist
in the prosecution of a boycott that has
been, in its opinion, unwisely or unjustly
commenced. | do not wish TO be under
stood as advocating opposition TO boycott
ting in all cases, or in any case where 1t IS
deserved aud can be applied with some
prospect Of success, but / do contend that
great care should be exercised in bringing
into use this weapon of labor warfare that
needs careful handling IN order that its
effectiveness may not be weakened or en-
tirely destroyed
Politics.-Partisan politics has naturally
no place in our deliberations or legislation,
but the Assembly is to be con-
graduated over the fact that
political questions involving the
welfare of our labor unions or the personal
interests of our members are. no longer re-
garded as dangerous shoals upon which the
snip of organized LABOR may be wrecked.
Continued progress in this direction may
in time effect change Of opinion in
MINDS of those who now so hlppantly as
sert that labor men and labor meas
ures get but scant support from
the members of labor organizations
themselves The tide is turning toward a
common sense view of this matter, and
workingmen are opening their eyes to the
necessity Of securing adoption OF favorable
laws and the repeal of Objectionable ones
through the medium Of representatives
from their own ranks to legislative bodies.
1t is ridiculous to pirate about oppressive
measures while we constantly support for
office the partisans who framed them, and
this view of the case is gradually dawning
upon the working people Of this and other
localities.
Labor Legislaton-There having been
no session of the Legislature during the
past year, no opportunity has offered for
the presentation or adoption Of labor leg
islation at the bands Of the State. but the
Legislative Committee has in course OF
preparation a number Of bills covering
needed legislation for the amelioration OF
the laboring classes, and, in addition, con-
template such action as will endeavor to
secure the proper enforcement Of the labor
laws now upon our statute books.
Labor Dav-The adoption by the Con-
gress of the United States of a law setting
apart the first Monday in September in
each year as a national holiday, TO be
known as Labor Day." prompts me to
suggest that the Assembly change the
time of holding its annual parade and pic
mic from the last Saturday in August to
the first Monday in September, thus put
ting ourselves IN line with the rest OF the
country in this particular. The day nav
ing been declared legal holiday, general
suspension Of business will naturally FOL
low, and the length of our marching co..
umn and the attendance at our picnic
would, | believe, be increased by the
change.
Conclusion-In the opening remarks OF
this report the successful passage OF this
Assembly over period Of adverse condi-
lions during the past year was commented
upon, and it is with feeling OF deepest
gratitude that l give credit for this result
TO the associate executive officers, who
have faithfully performed their respective
duties: to the chairmen and members OF
the committee, who. have executed many
onerouSs tasks az great personal sacrlhce,
and to the delegates in general, who have
at all times endeavored 10 enact wise
and fruitful legislation, and whose
efforts TO support aDd encourage the Pres
ident in the discharge of his obligations,
has made his position as presiding officer
a pleasant duty aud MS administration a
success, Notwithstanding tue unpropitous
circumstance of the prevalence OF hard
times" and the unfavoraOle conditions for
the advancement Of the cause OF labor
This report would be incomplete without
an expression Of thanks TO our friends OF
the press, who have so faithfully and ably
abetted our efforts by giving TO the public
complete and accurate reports Of our pro-
ceedings.
Bargains at II. J.. Hillman & Cos.