The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1895-12-14
THE LABOR CONGRESS.
Discusses Question of Frater-
nizing With Socialists.
THURMAN's MEMORY HoNORED.
A General Strike Not Approved, but
Rather That One Of the Strong
Trades Act First.

New York Dec 13-There was a small
number of delegates present when the roll
was called al the opening of the fifth days
session of the convention of the Fedora
ton of labor today. The committee on
resolutions was instructed to draw up
suitable resolution on the death of Allen
G.. Thurman.
1t was decided that the election of officers
should be taken up at o'clock tomorrow
Reports of the committees were then called
for, and a large number were submitted.
A number of these were in reference TO
the technical jurisdiction of the fedora
ton. These questions always cause great
deal Of comment, and the resolutions were
under discussion for over an hour.
One resolution which caused much de-
bate urged that, in view of the fact that
the savings of the working people were
subject to loss through indiscreet invest
ments on the part OF managers of savings
banks, the federation memorialized con-
gress in the interest of the establishment
of savings institutions in connection with
the postoffice department. IT was urged
that under existing conditions the poor
had absolutely no safe place In which to
deposit their savings. Postal savings
banks. 1t was also argued would do away
with the need of bond issues, which paid
large profits TO syndicates of bankers.
Other speakers said that there had already
been too much financial legislation, and
that the remedy was in less legislation in
stead of more.
The committee on resolutions reported
favorably a resolution against the carry
ing or mails on the street cars until they
are controlled by the government. Th
object of the resolution was 10 free tn
street railway employees from the ohlga
tons imposed upon them by the Fedcra
laws, which restrict the right OF men en-
ployed by corporations carrying the mail
TO strike. In the event of a strike of
street car employees of roads carrying the
mails. the men. it was cOntended, would
be subject TO arrest for obstructing the
mails. After long debate the resolution
was adopted.
George f. MCNEIL. OF Boston. of the
committee on the eisnt-hour question,
made a report. 1t was to the effect that
general movement in favor OF the eight
hour w0rkday was deemed unwise, but
that the executive committee should select
one or more of the best conditioned organ
izations TO begin the contest for an eight
hour day. The report was approved.
The invitation to the Federation 10 send
delegates to the international Socialist
congress TO be held in London next August
created a storm OF oratory. Many thought
the Federation did not recognize such
body. and others believed there could be
no harm in being represented at the con-
vention. one delegate learned that If dele
gates were sent to England. they would
not be admitted to the congress. mo-
ton was made TO refer the matter 10 the
committee on affiliated bodies. when Dele
gate Barnes. a Socialist, said it was In
keeping with the principles of the body to
extend the hand of fellowship. and that il
should send delegates. The Federation
will, he said, have to recognize Socialism
some day. Delegate Pomeroy said that the
Socialists were not out for compromise,
but simply defeat The trade unionsts
would never recognize the Socialists. Mr..
Pomeroy was stili talking when the hour
for adjournment arrived, and the matter
will come up for discussion tomorrow.