The morning times., 1896-02-24
MEETING OF The TRADES
Preliminary Steps Taken to Or
ganize an A, F. L. Branch.
Subject Discussed by Representatives
of Various Bodies at the Typo
graphical Temple.

Preliminary steps were taken yesterday
afternoon at Typographical Temple, looking
to the organization in this city of branch
of the American Federation or Labor. This
purpose has been talked about for some
time, and recently Vice President Duncan
of the A F. l. undertook 10 organize such
a body, notice having been gwen that q
meeting with that end in view would be
held yesterday afternoon.
A temporary organization was formed, il
being expected that permanent form viii
be given TO the body on the fourth Sunday
i'll March, TO which time the officers elected
yesterday will hold over.
The proceedings were secret, all the in
! formation as to the inside working, having
been given out after the meeting by the
presiding officer and the secretary.
Mr.. Milford spohn, of the Brlcklayer's
Union, was elected temporary chairman,
and Mr.. T. 7. jenkins, OF Columbia Typo
| graphical Union, 101, was secretary.
The chairman had read list OF the or
| ganizations represented at the meeting,
when it was found that the following an
| swered:
Typographical Union, Bricklayers' Union,
! United brotherhood of Carpenters and
| Joiners, No. 100, Carpenters Amalgamated
Union, Carpenters Union No. l, Cigarmak-
crs, Steam and Hot Water Filters Union,
! Electrical Workers, Horseshoers, Bakers and
| Confectioners, Columbia Musical League,
| Steam and Hot Water Filters Helpers,
| Granite Cutters, Stereotypers Union and
| Plumbers Union. The latter did not par
| tcipate.
| 1t was stated before the meeting that
invitations to be present had been extended
To seventeen or eighteen organizations
fourteen, excluding the Plumbers, having
| respon ded.
The committee on credentials was con-
posed OF MeSsrs. Rodier OF Typographical
| Union. McGuirk of the Electrical Workers,
/ and Bratt OF the Hot Water and Steam
| Filters Union.
Mr. F. c. Roberts of Columbia Topographic
cal Union, offered the following, which was
dopted:
Resolved, That il is the opinion OF the as
| sembled trades unionists that a central labor
union is necessary TO the interests OF
| trade unionism in the District of Columbia
Vice President Duncan made a speech
in which he advocated principally the point
| made in this resolution.
In answer to inquiries from Mr.. Rodier he
| explained the questions of fees, taxes, etc.
Mr. Roberts offered the following, which
was adopted:
Whereas, 1t being the sense OF the dele
| gates present that it is wise and neces-
sary to organize a branch OF the A. F. l..
in the District OF Columbia; therefore be it
Resolved, That the officers elected today
hold over until the fourth Sunday in March
and all trades unions be invited to send
delegates to meet with US on that day to
formS permanent organization.
Speeches were then heard from Messrs.
Andrew Furruscth of the Seamen's Ma
tional Union, T. j. EiderkinS of the Lake
Seaman's Union of Chicago. A resolu-
ton of thanks to these gent iemen and 10
Vice President Duncan was passed.
1t was explained after the meeting that
the delegates present Were not all ac-
credited from their respective assemblies
or organizations and that they were eN-
pectcd TO report back TO their assemblies
their opinion as 10 the advantage of going
into the new organization. These reports
will be made at the meeting TO be held in
March.