Birmingham age-herald., 1895-08-20
ENTHUSIASTIC MEETING
OF TIE LAUNDRY WORKERS LAST NIGHT
Experiences of Those Who Work in Them 6iyen-The President Tells of the
 Benefits of Organization.

A large and enthusiastic meeting of laundry workers and members of other labor organizations was held in the Trades council hall in the Allen x Redd building last night.
 Mr William Mailly of the miners asso- citation called the meeting to order and stated it's object. He said the meeting was held openly so that all interested in the welfare of the laboring people of this city, especially the women workers, could hear what was said and see what was done. He referred to the organiza- ton of the Laundry Workers Benevolent and Protective association and said its object was fraternity and betterment of the conditions of those employed in laun- dries in this city
 He then introduced MT. J. R. McAIullin, president of the American Railway un- ion organization in this city, who made a fiowery speech, touching upon the points at issue.
 MT J. R. Stanley was next introduced and made one of his characterstically telling and sensible speeches. He laid great stress upon the amicable feeling now existing between capital and labor here and made the assertion that he had lived in seventeen of the United States and he found here in Birmingham that labor was more respected than in any pldCG Where He Ddu ever EtSlutu. lie talked kindly to the women workers pres ent, and advocated- their standing out boldly fod their rights. but always with a proper respect for themselves.
 Mrs Lou Miller president of the new organization, was introduced and gave an insight into what she knew was the condition among some of the women who worked with her. She said that many received the laundry girls withs disrespect. but that she knew there were as nice women there as anywhere. She had seen girls fall at the ironing board in a faint from overwork, and being un- derfed and all because they did not get sufficient wages to live well enough to do the work. She said she and others had many a time worked until and 10 o'clock at night without extra pay.
 Mrs Miller said she was in favor of organized labor and was proud of the honor of being made president of the or ganization, and would do all in her power to bring about the desired relief to her fellow workers. We have commenced the good work, she said, and with the aid of organized labor to back them they would carry it through with honor and credit to themselves and fairness to their enl- ployers. We will show to the people that we can and will do what is right and best in all matters pertaining to our organiza- ton. We will give our employers a fair days work and ask for fair pay in re- turn, and if it is not granted us We will take ironing boards and wash tubs and launch out for ourselves. With the aid of true-hearted workngmen we have paved the way out of bondage.
 MT. Smith of the Smith & Myor laundry gave his experience in the work, and said the wages was lower and prices of finished goods higher in this city than elsewhere. He favored the organization and would employ only organized labor
 meeting behind closed doors was af- terwards held and the meeting adjourned until tomorrow night.