The Indianapolis journal., 1896-03-25
CARPENTERS TO FIGHT
Federation of Labor Council Retfcent
as to the Nature OF Its Pro-
ceedings.

The executive council of the American Fed
Grafton Of Labor closed up last evening like
seven oysters in the she'll. They were ret
icent and deigned not 10 answer questions.
while their manner indicated that some mat
ter Of grave importance was under considera-
ton. Secretary McCraith said the council
did absolutely nothing during the afternoon
which was of public interest the time being
spent in settling the grievances between To-
cal unions. 1t was hinted that something
more important was broached, and that
something very important might develop to-
day.
1t was said that the committee having in
charge the selection OF trade to move on
May 1 for an esght-hour day has not made
report, but unofiicially it was announced
that the carpenters will be chosen 20 make
the fight If any trade is selected. The Broth
erhood Of Carpenters and Joiners is one Of
the most prosperous OF organizations affiil-
iating with the federation, and the fight they
for them IL also seems that the carpenters
Drotherhood is the only trade which appears
1ege that they have won half victory and
they ask support in continuing the fight.
The carpenters unions in this city are badly
nemoralized and members of the council
have been trying to restore the organizations
to their once prosperous condition.
A local worker in the labor field is author
y ss se hssd tns
over some free-silver circulars which the
officers Of the federation have sent out. The
question came up in the consideration or the
attitude of the Socialists toward the trades
unions, Ii being alleged that the Socialists
are trying TO drag the unions into politics:
There was a discussion on this subject. and
the action of the headquarters in sending
out the silver circulars was brought UP. The
circulars are defended as nonpolitical in na-
H. kot-.
action looking toward the passage Of a bill
favorable TO the coinage Of the white metal.
Members OF the council would not halt long
enough last evening to answer questions.
At the meeting of the council yesterday
morning 1t was decided to uphold the union
lists OF st. Louis in demanding that their
Dor. Third Vice President OConnell was Sc
lected to attend the meeting OF the metal
sd brass ts osS FSe at f . ana
unions OF the trade In national organiza-
tion.
The Cnrpenters' Mass Meeting.
James p. MCGUIRE. secretary-treasurer or
the International Carpenters Union, was
made chairman CT the mass meeting held in
the Criminal Court room last night About
80 local carpenters were present. Mr.. Nc
Guire stated that the meeting had been called
for the purpose Of arousing an interest In the
carpenters organizations. He spoke of some
of the most vital needs Of carpenters and ar
tisan5 in other trades One of the most i'm
portant things TO secure, he thought, IS a
shorter working day. An eight-hour day,
ne said, can only be secured by compact or
ganizaticn of the different trades and hearty
Cooperation of the diff fsrent unions. Mr..
Mcclure also thought higher wages can only
be secured by organization.
Mr.. Mctsuire's address was followed by
several other short speeches. James Duncan,
secretary CT the Granite Workers Urion:
James OConnel, grand master Of the In
ternational nrachinsts; James b. Lennon,
Of the International Tailors' Union, and Sec
retary McGraith, of the American Federation
of Labor, spoke in the same strain and urged
upon the carpenters the necessity for organ
i1ation. President Gompers excused himself
from making extensive remarks. owing to
his indispostion. He said that he would do
everything in his power to help the local
aid them to the utmost of his ability.