The Meeker herald. [volume] (Meeker, Colo.) 1885-current, 1895-04-27
NEW INDUSTRIAL UNIT.
UNION OF ALL WORKING FOLK


Chicago, April 20.-The American In
dustrial union meant to draw its mem
bership from every walk of life, will
be formed at a meeting Sunday after
noon at 104 Randolph street. At the
same time national officers and direct
ors will be elected, and on Monday the
organization will be in shape to plant
its standard in every city, village and
hamlet In the United States.
A number of prominent men are men
toned in connection with the pres-
dency of the new organization, among
them Lyman j. TrLmbull. II. Clay Ev-
ans, Eugene V. Debs and George w.
Howard, and 1t was said yesterday
that the meeting would consider an
other name more prominently connect
ed with the affairs of The country than
any of those mentioned. Judge Trum-
bull has already been approached, and
has said that old age and the exacting
duties of the Office ought 10 excuse him
but he has not positively declined to
accept the position. II. Clay Evans Is
objected to on the ground that he
would want n color line, and the new
union declares for organization for ev-
cry one who works, no matter what the
creed, sex, birth or color may be.
The union will start out with Il mem
bership of nearly 5000, most of whom
are telegraphers. The first union was
organized in Chicago four weeks ago
and IL has since been holding secret
meetings in order to give the organiza-
tion chance to get some kind of a
membership. 1t has nearly 300 MEM
bers
In its declaration of principles the
Al. IL 20
tablish n universal eight-hour day, and
the time for the supreme effort is set
for September, 1897. 1t is held by the
promoters of the union that 1T will he
so strong then that it will be irresisti-
BILE and will be able to put the eight
hour day in force without difficulty. 1t
Is set forth that the establishment of
the eight hour day would mean the en-
ployment of 20 per cent. more workmen
than now find work. and the further
claim is made that there will not then
be an idle person in the country who
desires to work. The deduction is made
that with all at work wages will rise,
and with wages higher prices will be
higher.
The union declares for the settlement
Of all disputes by arbitration, and the
referendum is to govern in all final de
cisions us it will also govern in cleo
tons of officers. 1t is said that where
women do the work of men they should
receive the same wages as would be
paid men. and the union pledges itself
to work in this direction.
The first national convention is to be
held in this city in January, 1896. Chi
cago is to be the general headquarters,
and all subsequent conventions are 10
be held here.
1t IL designed to establish employ
ment bureaus In every prominent city
in the United States and the services of
these bureaus win be free to members.
Records of vacant positions and appli-
cations for work will be Interchange
able, SO that through the bureaus Il
man in New York may secure posi-
ton in Chicago or California. 1t Is also
meant 10 establish practical co-opera-
ton along various lines, 80 that the
union will nj all times be In position
to give employment to any of its mem
bers who may be in need Of it. No per-
son addicted to the use of liquor may
hold an elective office, and no bond
holder member of n corporation or
trust can hold membership. Politics Is
barred, the members being expected to
vote for the best man on all occasions.