The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1895-04-23
GOOD REPORTS MADE
AMERICAN FEDERATION EXECUTIVE
COUNCIL IN SESSION.
rrounIc with VIII lie Con-
sidered To-Day-Publfc Mass
Meeting Tonight.

The executive council of the American
Federation of Labor met yesterday
morning in the federation headquar-
tiers In the DE Soto Block. Ev-
cry member was present except Vice
President Kenehan, general secretary Oh
the horseshoers, living in Denver. lie sent
a report saying that he was detained at
home by the presence OF scarlet fever IN
his family. The industrial situation at
Denver. he said, was still depressed, owing
to the low price Of silver, and the people
there are not looking. he reported, for an
Improvement until there can be som legis-
lation favorable to silver.
Vice President MCGUIRE. of the carpenters.
reported that labor affairs along the At
lantic coast are improving In a wonderful
manner after the depression. He said that
the potters nave at last been organized,
and that they have an organization or sew
eral thousand members. The council gave
Mr.. Mcclure much credit for his successful
agitation of the matter of organization
among the potters and approved the action
of President McBride and Vice President
Duncan in granting a charter for an inter-
national affiliated body, the first time such
a thing has been done.
Vice President Elderkin's report concern
ing the Seamens' Union was heard with
close attention. He reported that the Nc
CURE act which was passed by the last
Congress at it's short session was proving
of the greatest benefit to the seamen and
was having a marked effect in elevating
the character of American seamen, which,
under the old order, when the domination
of the ..crimp'' seemed without limit, was
casting worldwide reproach upon Ameri-
can shipping. The "crimp," Vice President
Duncan explained to the landlubber re-
---Azu q. IT, r1o,,rar ~ Caf10rc for chino
about to leave on a voyage. The procurer
was before able to take advantage of Jack
Tar's weakness, and after being retained
by the ships master to hire a certain num-
Der of seamen would be able to secure a
hold upon them for debt, and If they OBJ
jected he would withhold their clothes and
finally compel them to sign over to him
practically all their wages during the voy-
age The system mad been worked, It Is
wages upon one side or the stigma of de-
sertion upon the other. Americans would
circumstances, and the foreigners that
could be secured under the adverse condi-
tons were a type that We're bringing great
discredit upon the American name abroad.
The same abuses were practiced on the
lakes, and the Tars were unable to protect
themselves with the existing laws. The
Mcclure act bears the name of a California
Congressman, and he had the help of Mr..
Dinghy, of Maine, in securing the passage
of the bill during a short session of Con-
gress when the party in power was going
TO pieces with QlSSoQSlOUS over revenue
laws and the President was unfriendIy to
organized labor. The Denver convention of
the federation appointed a committee Of
the bill was passed. and they rendered eff
fective assistance. The rel ort was received
Duncan said he believes that in its eievat-
ing effect upon the character of American
best that was passed by the late Congress.
Under the protection of this law the
sailors unions, which were going to pieces,
have attained a new yiPOr and vessels are
being manned with crews of Americans in
stead of the depraved foreign element that
fiockS to the great SeapOrtS on lake or
ocean. There have been several convictions
under the law.
lated labor organizations for financial help.
1t was decided to extend aid tou the Quar-
and Labor Council and the national organ
iZation of street-railroad workers. The
council settled the difficulty between the
charged that the acts of the State branch
from the action of the convention in adj
hitting illegally-elected delegates. The pro-
testing unions declared that the State
therefore. and that the whole proceedings
were void; PresIdenr Refer; of the State
the Chicago Trades and Labor Council,
were present and testified that the proceed
ings, SO far as they knew, were according
to the laws and the constitution. The off,
GERS at this meeting had been elected by an
uHdHluiOuS VOTE. ~ appellants were over
ruled and the work of the State branch
was declared regular and constitutional.
The council transacted some matters OF
routine and agreed to meet to-day. at 10 a.
M. when the difficulties existing in the
brewery workers organization will be con-
sidered. The national officers of the brew
erymen will be present.
Vice President Mcclure addressed the
carpenters last night, and Vice President
Lennon, national secretary of the garment
The mass meeting. to which the public is
invited, occurs tonight at the courthouse
In the Criminal Court room.
Insure your home in the Glens Falls.