Evening star., 1896-12-14
GOMPERS' REPORT
Work of the Federation of Labor This
Year.
EIGHT-HoUR LEGISLATION URGED
Strikes and Arbitration in the Toll
ers' Struggle.
CRETARY'S PORT
Special Dispatch to The Evening Star.

Special Dispatch to The Evening Star
CINCINNATI. Ohio. December 14.-The
annual report Of President Samuel Gompers
of the American Federation of Labor was
read to the delegates to the sixteenth an
nuel convention Of that great organization
which assembled here today. 1t is full of
interest not only to the almost one million
Of persons directly afiiliated with the Amer
ican Federation ITSELF but to the country
at large.
After referring to the status Of various
bills tefore Congress. Mr.. Gompers urges
the convention to take steps to have repre-
sentatives of the American Federation Of
Labor constantly at Washington during the
sessions Of Congress to guard and further
the legislation considered necessary to
the advancement Of the cause of labor.
Mr.. Gompers also recommends the conven-
tion to adopt measures to aid the organized
labor unions in Utah in having enforced the
eight-hour law of that state. which, al
though provided for in the constitution, so
far remains a dead letter
The report states that nearly 100000 more
workers are members Of the unions affili-
ated than was the case this time last year;
refers to the effectiveness of strikes when
the strikers are thoroughly organized: urges
that the membership dues be made higher
than they are at present and expresses the
opinion that the result would be greater
growth for the organization: states why the
trades union organizations, as such, are
kept aloof from politics: urges the creation
of defense fund which could be drawn
upon by affiliated organizations when en-
gagged In any difficulty with employers:
takes strong ground In favor of the eight
hour movement and urges that series Of
simultaneous mass meetings be held by the
wege workers of the entire country and
suggests as dates February % washing
6aV Wy tf0.
Day.. July Independence Day., Septem-
Der q Labor Day., November "A (Thanks-
giving Eve, further meetings to be deter
mined by the convention of 1897; recon-
nendS the employment of organizers and
lecturers.
Convention in Session.
The convention was called to order short
ly after 10 o'clock this morning in the large
and beautiful assembly hall in the temple
Cincirrati. corner of 7th and Elm streets.
which WAS beautifully decorated for the
session of the convention. with United
States flags and bunting Across one side
OF the rocH there was an immense sign,
COnte ining the words Cincinnati welcomes
the delegates to the sixteenth annual con-
vention of the American Federation of La
bor." President Gompers occupied the
chair, with Mr.. August McCraith as secre-
tary AS soon as necessary routine busi-
ness was transacted President Gompers
proceeded to the reading of his annual re-
port, which was in substance as follows:
ITO the Delegates to the Sixteenth Annual
Convention of the American Federation
of Labor:
Comrades and fellow-workers-With the
cycle of time. has come tine annual gather
ing of the repre- ia tives of the organized
workers of our country. We meet here to-
day conscious Of all the sadness and all
the pathos. as we'll all the righteousness,
the heroism and the glory for which our
movement stands and with which it Is in
alienably interviewer.
THE wrongs Of the workers have not yet
been obliterated nor their rights yet at
tanned. The myriads of toilers of our coun-
acute SCI Sc the burdens they have to bear,
Notwithstanding the marvellous progress
which should tighten them. BY all the
memories which bind us to the heroic sac
rifices of past struggles of the lowiy by
the recognition of the battles fought and
won, by the nobility of our purposes. the
freedom for which strive for ALL sue
cess Is as sure that night follows day
and that day follows night. We, the rep
continent. may well feel proud of the re-
sponsihility well as the honor of being
chosen to this congress of labor, to voice
the sentiments, formulate the demands of
the toilers. and to devise the plans by
which ultimate victory may be ours. In the
name of the organized workers of our coun-
try. banded together under the honored
name of the American Federation of La
Dor. fellow delegates. 1 greet you and bid
convention.
Furthering Lcxislation.
Il would recommend that this convention