Evening star., 1896-02-29
TO COME TO THIS CITY
American Federation Of Labor Will Have
Headquarters Here
Advantages That Would Accrue From
Such n MOvc-The Attitude
of the X. of L.

One Of the results to follow the organiza-
tion of the central body Of the American
Federation Of Labor in this city, for which
preliminary steps were taken Sunday last,
is expected to be the removal of the head
quarters of the A. F. of L. to Washington.
This event cannot be brought about for
more than year hence, as such action can
only be taken by the general convention of
the order. which meets annually, and 1t is a
matter over which the executive council
would have no authority.
1t is said that there has for many years
existed powerful faction of the American
Federation of Labor which has maintained
that the affairs of the national organization
ought to be directed from headquarters
In Washington, but the great stumbling
block in the path of those who favored this
view has heretofore been that there was
no central body of the A. +. of L. here
The American Federation of Labor has,
according to the latest official report a
membership within its ranks of more than
1U,OU voters. On most questions these
men would vote unit, and the amount
of influence that they could exart for good
or evil, rs they might feel disposed, can
hardly be estimated
1t is felt by those who have given the sub
5ect careful consideration that, influential
as the A: F. of l.. is at this time It's infiu-
ence could be powerfully increased IL its
representatives could more readily be
brought into contact with Congressman
from every section of the country which
can only be done by having the principal
offices of the order in Washington.
1.-THE organization of branch of the
American Federation Of Labor in Wash
1ngton." said President Pro Tenn Sponn of
the new cehtra! body to Star reporter, "is
the leading topic in labor circles Notwith-
standing the opposition of those belonging
TO the knights Of Labor, those of the union
element are working harmoniously to ac-
comphsh the desired purpose. Among the
trade unioniSts there seems to be 4 general
approval of the action of the conference held
last Sunday in Typographical Temple, at
which preliminary steps were taken toward
the formation of federation on a distinc-
tive trade union basis"
What 1t Would Accomulish.
Another prominent trade unionist, In con-
versation with Star reporter in reference
to this matter, said:
i am heartily in favor of a federation
here of trade union organizations There
has never been a central body Of that kind
In Washington. and there never will be ui.-
til the trade unions take determined and
Independent action in the matter
"Of course our brethren of the other
household-those of the X. of Twill op-
should. Were l a member of that order,
regarding the question from a K of l..
standpoint, l would do the same But l
am a trade unionist and looking at the
matter from trade onion position 1 am
convinced that a central labor body COM
posed exclusively of trades unions would
promote and maintain in this city better
conditions than have prevailed for several
years. Any one familiar with trade organ
:zations Is aware OF the radical difference
IN the methoas and purposes and interests
OF trade unionlsm and the order Of the X
Of L., and when some of its leading men,
bers said, as they did recently, that in the
past amicable relations have existed be-
tween the various labor organizations in
the District of Columbia, they knew that
this was only because the trade unions
have submitted to the methods abetted the
purposes and sustained the interests of
that order.
This will be best understood by an an
alysis of our local federation
Fifty organizations are there represent
ed, composed of assemblies and unions
each organization having five delegates, or
vote the knights Of Labor have a majority
or forty-hve. 1t is plainly evident that
with majority such as this, the local
federation Is controlled as absolutely by
our brother Knights as is D. A &C. 1t is
also evident that much of the solidarity of
labor here is because of the solidarity of
interests which exists between the majority
sentation in d. A. 61.
his overwhelming majority in the reder-
alton is pledged to sustain the action of d.
A. W. Notwithstanding any action of the
federation, pledged to maintain the su-
premacy OF the Knights Of Labor above
that Of any other labor organization on
earth, this more than forty majority In
the federation must support any measure
IN that body which may be labeled in D. A.
ot mus In matter of methods and inter
ests the line has been distinctiyeIy drawn
and IN every instance the trade unionist has
suffered. '''''
n can't see why the forming of a branch
OF the A. +. OF 1. here would in any way
mJure the Knights of Labor The result
Will probably be to conflne that order 10
one central body, over which they will have
exclusive control, and the trade unions will
be IN identically the same position.
If the unions are satisfied with this ar
rangement why should not the others be?
IL such be the conditions here WHY could
not harmonious relations exist? On ali
matters IN which there is a mutually of in
terests there could be harmonious action
and earnest cooperation. This Is desired by
the trade unions, who believe that the inter
ests OF all could be better conserved if each
element was In position in which it could
not evade the responsibility Of distinctive
action.
Sure to Come.
THE formation Of another federation here
Is inevitable and our brethren should accent
the situation philosophically and preDare
themselves for the changed conditions. If
they must yield full and absolute control
they should be satisfied to do their part, and
have confidence enough in their union breth
rem as to trust them to do their share It is
to be regretted that they are not so dis
posed but have assumed hostile attitude.
as though they anticipated the coming of an
army OF vandalS, wholly bent on treason
stratagem and Spoils'
ITO our brother knights we extend the
hand of fellowship. If We cannot concede
to them the mastery, they should not refuse
fraternal aid, advice and direction OF
course the trade unionist is a fallible mortal:
he is liable to make mstakes-perhaps he is
not capable Of taking care of himself, as
some Of our dissenting brothers would have
the public infer. He is, however willing to
assume the responsibility, doing what he