The Kootenai herald. [volume] (Kootenai, Idaho) 1891-1904, 1895-12-14

John Mcbride. The delegates were
prompt in arriving a the convention
hall. and long before the majority had
been seated it was apparent that the
gathering would be the largest in the
history of the federation. 1t was a
notable assemblage of the representa-
lives of the wage workers of the re-
public, men whose ability, intelligence,
energy and enthusiasm have won them
a place in the front rank of the toilers
with whose trades and occupations they
are themselves identified. Politically,
all shades of opinion-republican and
democratic, populist, prohibitionist and
socialist-were represented, but on the
one great point that had brought them
together-the advancement of labor
they were a unit; although the next two
weeks will develop the fact that there
are differences of opinion concerning
the best methods by which this ad-
vancement may be promoted.
J. w. Sullivan of Typographical Union
No. delivered the address of welcome.
The committee on credentials was an
nounced as follows: T. ]. Elderkin of
Chicago, r. Tracy of Boston, ]. White
of St. Louis, d. p. Roland of Cincin-
matt, w. McMailley of Birmingham,
Ala.
MBRIDE'S ADDRESS.
President Mcbride then read his an
nual address. The greatest crime of
the 18th century," he charged. was
that committed by the present national
administration in adding to the bonded
indebtedness of the country during the
time of peace" He charges that the
people have been deliberately and I'M
mercifully robbed in the interests of
eastern bankers.
In conclusion, the speaker turned his
attention to the state constitutions. He
said these constitutions were made for
the protection of men and methods now
dead, and were not suited for the
changed industrial conditions and inn
proved mental status of the present
time.
JOHN SWINTON SPOKE.
The chairman introduced labor agi-
tator John Swinton, who spoke in part
as follows:
1.-THE Federation of Labor is a power
in the United States. 1t is made up of
men who make all things and are the
natural owners thereof. The large thing
in organized labor is the act and fact OF
organization. 1t has grow from moth
ing. BY hard work it has won the right
of existence, and you must maintain il
under penalty Of death. Fifty years age
there was little need of organization
for there was work for ALL Times. how
ever, have changed. Another thing /:
the right to strike against wrong. Since
that infamous Judge Woods mounted
the bench and the government sent thu
military to Chicago there is a change
If there were no labor organizations
wages would be half, hours half as Ions
again and capital would rule.
How can you meet the questions o
the changed times? How can you com
bat the law? If you pass resolutions,
will ram them down your throat. Their
are many other questions, such as tn
big monopolies. They will have 10 b
met by such body as this"
Father Ducey was then INTRODUCES
and said: II am here because the pop
wants me to be, If some OF you do not
In 1891 an encyciical was issued by tn
pope in regard to labor. and 1t is m
duty as minister to be present wher
such matters arise What Mr.. Swinto
has said is perfectly true"
STRUGGLE BEFORE 1T.
During the past year the Americs.
Federation of Labor has increased ma
terially both in strength and in infiu
ence, and at the present time it rank
among the labor organizations of tn
world as second only to the Englis
Trades Congress, this latter body rel
resenting an aggregate of over 5,0O00I
of trade unionists, and having potter
influence in the procuring and shapin
OF legislation affecting the industri;
masses. Extraordinary interest a
taches to the present convention frol
the fact that the struggle for supremaC
between the conservatives and radica
will be finally decided, and whichevt
party is placed in the saddle will prol
ably remain in supreme control for SCI