Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1895-12-10
READY FOR WORK.
Opening Of the Convention Of
tho Labor Federation.
JOHN sw1HToN ANDFATHER DUCEY

Make Addresses to the Delegates-The
Former Dcnounces Judge Woods as "In-
famous" and the Later Declares Himself
Messenger from the Pope-Points from
the speeches-McBride's Annual Dis
cusses Politics and the Bonds.
NEW YORK, Dec. 10.-When the fifteenth
annual convention OF the American Fed
Grafton of Labor began in Madison Square
garden delegates were present from all
over the United States, Canada and Great
Britain. President Mcbride presided and
introduced J. W. Sullivan, of Typogragh-
ical Union No 8, who delivered the ad-
dress Of welcome. The reports of the
president, secretary and treasurer were
read and referred to the proper commit
tees. The chairman then introduced John
SwintOn, who spoke in part as follows:
"Thc Federation Of Labor is a power in
the United States. 1t is made up of men
who make all things and are the natural
owners thereof. 1 take much pleasure in
seeing the English representatives here.
hope that this association will send dele
gates to all parts of the earth as we'll as
have foreign delegates present at your con-
ventions.
Calls Judge Woods Infamous.
"There is much to learn from the Eng.
lish trade associations The union has
done great things, having advanced the
price Of labor and secured recognition in
parliament. The largest thing in organ
lied labor is the act and fact of organiza-
ton. 1t has grown from nothing. being
In its early days kicked and sneered at.
BY hard work it has won the right of ex-
istence and you must maintain it under
penalty of death. Fifty years ago there
was little need Of organization, for there
was work for all. Times, however, have
changed. Another thing is the right to
| strike against wrong. 1t used to be more
unlawful to strike than now. Since that
infamous Judge Woods mounted the
bench and the government sent the militia
TO Chicago there is n change.
SLOW can you meet the question of the
changed times? How can you combat the
law? If you pass resolutions it will ram
them down your throat. There are many
other questions, such as the big monopo-
lies. They will have to be met by such a
body as this"
Delegate from the Pope.
Father Ducey was then introduced and
said: II am here because the pope wants
me to be, if some of you do not. In 1891
an encyclical was Used by the pope in re-
gard to labor, and it is my duty as min.
lister to be present where such matters
arise. What Mr.. Swinton has said is per-
fectly true" Father Ducey quoted great
deal OF scripture and said that no MUIR
dcrcr SHALL enter the kingdom Of heaven,
| and drew rs a comparison the oppression
| of the laborer, who is often killed by want,
not being able to secure employment.
Canse of the Ia. of L. Trouble.
"There are many" said he. that live
in luxury and pile up fortunes with tho
5lood-moncy Of the poor There is enough
here for all, and it should be so far al
| lowed that no man need appeal for aims.
| God intended that the workingman should
have proper food. 1t remains for the min
listers to teach the requirements of man.
kind" Father Ducey said that the dis
ruption of the knights of Labor was
caused by the wrongful use of a state
ment issued by Cardinal Gibbons. 1t was
used to cause n feeling between the Ro-
man Catholics and Protestants, and sue
| cceded.
| Adjournment was then taken for the
| day.