The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1895-12-08

Copyright
New York, Dec. THE fourteenth an
nual convention of the American Fedora
ton of Labor which opens at Madison
Square Garden. New York. on Dec 2,
promises 90 mark an epoch in the labor
movement
There Will be about 100 delegates, who
will represent a membership OF upwards
of COCO wage workers. Although this
figure does not show any increase in
numerical strength, the Federation IS not
considered TO be diminishing in influence.
The terrible Industrial depression
through which we have passed is said
to be responsible for any loss in this
direction. Lack Of work has caused many
union men to become unable TO keep up
the payment Of dues and consequently
they have temporarily lost their men,
bership I'm the union TO which they be-
Nlonged.
The falling off has occurred since 1893;
but such experts as Adolph Strauss, WHO
base their computations on past iluctu-
atoms of the labor movement, confident
ly predict that in two years time the
reaction will bring the numbers UP TO
a higher figure than ever.
The growth of the socialist wing OF
the labor party has undoubtedly sucked
away some of the strength from the
trades-union movement which the Amer
lean Federation of Labor Is supposed
especially represent.
Those who are opposed to the candidacy
of Samuel Gompers-Who, as well as JOnn
Mcbride, the present official head of the
order is locking for reelection to the pres
dency-state that the federationists OF The
west are mostly socialists. and will act as
a unit against him. GomperS does not at
tempt to hide his colors, and announces
4. 40 int n doing
confne the platform of the federation 10
strictly trades-union principles. The pat
tie between the candidates for TIE presi-
dency will therefore be fought out on these
lines at the convention
In New York and throughout the east
generally, the federation has by far its
largest numerical strength; and as the So
ciaIists in this section are principally out
side it's ranks. the friends Of Gompers
look upon his reelection as certainty.
During the twelve months during which
he has been out of Office. after serving
twelve consecutive terms IS president,
Gompers has not allowed himself 10 be-
come a fossil in the labor movement put
has kept himself prominently before the
His tour in the interest of the United
Garment Workers brought him into con-
tact with organized labor in all parts of
the country Ills trip to Europe as delc-
gate to the British Trades Union congress
also brought him into prominence IN both
His strongest opponent win be the
nresent Incumbent Of the office, John
MCBRIDE. of the United Mine Workers,
who has announced himself as candi-
one of the most important questions to
he deliberated at the convention Is the
attitude 10 be assumed toward organi-
cations which are affiliated with both
the Federation and the Knights OF La
Dor.
tiohs are not compatible with the hest
interests OF the Federation, and an issue
Will be made In the case Of the United
Brewery Workmen, who have appealed
against the decision OF the executive
board IN this matter.
The opening up OF this question win
not tend 20 harmonize matters between
the two great national bodies. bu, D.
calculated 10 stir up sectional feeling.
The Intense feeling generated Ia sl