The San Francisco call., 1896-12-22
OF INTEREST TO
WAGE-EARNERS
Many Important Matters
Considered by the
Delegates.
Adoption of Resolutions by
Which 1t Is Hoped TO I'm
prove Labor Conditions.
Close of the S xtee nth Annual Ses
sion Of the American
Federation.

CINCINNATI. OHIO. Dec. 21.-The first
matter OF Importance at the session OF the
American Federation of Labor was reso-
luton from the commi ttee on law which
shut out local trades unions and local fed
Grafton of labor unions from represen ta-
ton in conventions of the American Fed
GRAFTON, with the committees recon-
mendatioa for its adoption. Attention
was called to the fact that the resolution
would exclude the fishermen, who have
no national organization, and the matter
was referred for further consideration.
The chairman of the special committee
on the Erdman arbitration bill reported
that they had been unable to consult with
the attorney whose advice they desired,
and moved that as there is not now time
left to secure proper legal consideration of
the bill the matter be taken up and dis
posed of. Delegate Mcbride moved that
the entire matter be referred to the in
coming executive committee with instrue-
tions to eliminate the Objectionable fea-
tures and if that can be done the bill will
be indorsed by the American Federation
of Labor. The motion was carried by an
almost unanimous vote.
A resolution advocating the abolish
ment OF the wage system and the estab-
lishment of aco-operative commonwealth,
through which it was hoped to commit
the American Federation of Labor to the
Socialist Labor party, was upon recon-
mendation of the committee on resolu-
tions. non-concurred In.
A resolution was passed which in
structs the executive committee to draft
a bill and do all it can TO secure its
passage by Congress for the esta blishment
of Department of Labor IN the National
Government.
a resolution indorsing the Otey bill
now before Congress met with the ap-
proval OF the convention.
The use OF an American Federation of
Labor label for union-mad stogies was
granted by resolution.
A resolution that no officer of the Ameri-
can Federation of Labor shall use his in
huence for any political party was carried
by decided majority.
A resolution that the American Fedora
tion of Labor discourage mem bers of
affi lated bodies from enlisting In the Ma
tional Guard was passed.
Former action fayoring election of
United States Senators by direct vote of
the people was reaffirmed.
The executive council was instructed to
present bill in Congress refusing street.
car companies the right to use the words
~. S. MalP' on their cars.
The Butler BILL now before Congress,
favoring the ownership of all telegram
and telephone lines iE connection with
he mail service, was indorsed, and labor
unions asked to urge Represen ntatives in
CONGRESS to give their aid in bringing
about Its passage.
A resolution demanding that the fullest
Investigation of the Carnegie Steel Com
pany's alleged violation of contract with
the United States by furnishing armor
plate of an inferior quality be made by
Congress, and an amendment that to in
sure safe aud proper plate for war vessels
the Government should make its own
plates, were adopted.
1t was decided that the American Fed
Grafton of Labor will not recognize musi-
clans ORGANIZATIONS unless affilai ed with
the American Federation of Musicians. A
resolution was passed calling for an Ohio
State constitutional convention to pro-
vide for State printing office.
A declaratory resolution against the
issuing of advertising souvenirs by trades