The Norfolk Virginian. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 186?-189?, 1895-11-13
WORKING MEMS NIGHT
Many Speakers Address Organized Labor
at Emerald Hall. on Bank Street.
THOROUGH ORGANIZATION is URGED.
Hon. w. II. FairIcss ana other speak.
crs Condemn jealousy Among
Workmcn and Tell of the Bcncnts
OF Orsonizntion-A Large crowd
Present.

The first Of the series Of monthly
meetings. conducted under the auspices
OF the Central Labor Union of South
eastern Virginia, was held last night at
emerald Hall, and Notwithstanding the
very disagrceable weather q fair-sizcd
audience OF wagCAearners was pres
ent.
MI. Edgar Keefe, president Of the
central Labor Union, presided, and
introduced as the first speaker Mr.. b..
e. Kosson. of the Brfcklayers' Union.
MIR. Rosson spoke OF the many aovan-
tages to be gained from Il close afTilia-
tion OF the trades union. describing the
hardships which newly organized uu-
ions encountered. and said that much
beneiit was to be derived from having
me me friendship OF the employers by deal
Ing justly with them
me principal speaker OF the occasion
was Mr.. w. Fl. Fairless, OF Portsmouth
anu he chose as his subject. do We
hnow our Best Interests and Act Ac-
cordlngly?"
Mr. Fairless commenced by congra tu-
iating the Central Union on their many
great achievements In so short a time.
lie snlu That some of the greatest md
most representative organizations had
originated from the honest efforts OF
honest men. He cited many Instances
OF the good accomplished by labor or
gahizatfons, and among which he noted
the TACT OF his being one of q commit
Tee OF three who went To Washington
10 prevent Il reduction of WAGES In tho
narE-ynrd He was appointed by the
labor element OF Portsmouth anj said
he was kindly received by the Secretary
oil the Navy, and that after an honest
appeal to the Secretary the wages were
not reduced
IT was" he said, for this purpose
lnat we are organized. We are better
able to combat against any unjust
wrongs when we have perfect orrani-
cation.
Place your confidence In honest
ieaoership. said the speaker, and
discard all elements of seltishncss in
your hearts, and do not be jealous of
the advance of one above the other
some one must lead and let your lead
ers DC OF the best material Mt your
command, and all will be we'll TO
reacn the masses you must come In
diHidually. Improve the manhood and
personality OF your membership. Do
what you know to be right, and the
victory is yours. There is no reason
why those who create the riches should
not enjoy them-no nnarchism or So
ciaiism. but simple justice 10 all. In
union there is strength. Conscrva-
ism hrst, last and all the time will
prlnS Il richly deserved reward"
Mr. Fairless was particularly hard
on trusts, and especially such trusts
as We're created on the necessities OF
me. The sugar trust aud the like
canc III Tor their share of criticism.
inc speaker met with n hearty vel
come Mt the hands OF the assemblagc,
and was roundly applauded from time
10 llme. He predicted II bright future
Tor the Central Labor Union,
MI Charles II. Towson. secretary of
me Young Mems Christian Associa-
t.on, was then introduced by Prcsi-
dent Keefe. Mr. Towson's remarks
were pleasantly received lie paid his
respects TO the previous speaker, and
SAID he desired to emphasize the elm
nation OF selishncss from the hearts
ot all men. Ii was the Man OF GalIlc,4
VINO taught us not To he selfish. 1t
was Him who had made the socrificrc
70 be the guide Of man for all time,
make your hearts pure and right"
said the speaker, land YOU will not be
selfish. Mr.. Towson closed his re-
marks by inviting all present TO the
meetings ut the Y. NJ c. A.
EX-Prcsident j. NJ Kennedy. of the
Typographical Union, followed Mir.
Towson. and impressed upon his hear
ers thorough organization in all de-
partmcnts of trade. lie urged them
10 the Importance of the great work
before them. and said that you must
all be Interested in the welfare of your
fellow-man in whatsoever calling NJ
may be-"
Secretary Houston. OF the Central
Labor Union. was then introduced
Mr.. Houston explained the formation
OF the central body. and predicted for
1t great future. He said that ciEh-
teen months ago the workingmen of
this section We're i'm anything but close
touch, but now conditions were differ
cnt. In the central body there were
iiVe representatives from each of the
ten unions. and three newly organized
unions had just elected delegates
Mr.. Houston closed with an earnest
appeal to the unorganized to associate
themselves with their respective
unions.
Mr.. a. S. Leitch. travelling agent of
the st. Louis Labor Press Association.
was present. and made a short talk.
which was listened to with marked at
tention. He said that the West was
now thoroughly aroused as to the i'm
Dortance of organization. and that his
efforts We're now directed South, where
he was pleased to see great interest in
organization being taken
On the platform We're seated quite a
number of the representative lea ders
In labor matters in this city.
The next OF the public meetings will
be held the second Tuesday In Deem
Der, when an address will be made by
Mr. w. NJ. O'Connell. of Chicago. Mr..
OConne1l Is referred to as man OF
great ability. He is lecturer of the
International Association of Machin-
lists.