The morning times., 1896-08-16
FEDERATION OF LABOR.

The regular weekly meeting OF the FEEDER
alton OF Labor was held on last Tuesday
evening, with President McHugh in the
chair. Secretary Maidens recorded the
proceedings. Owing To the intensely hot
weather, and 10 facilitate business, the
roll call of delegates was dispensed with.
Credentials were presented from the
Butchers, Bridge and Structural Iron
Workers and Shoe Clerks a ssemblies and
other delegates duly obligated.
The principal matter of interest before
the meeting was the report of the special
committee appointed 10 investigate the
charge that the eight-hour law was being
violated Oh the work of repairs ON the Wal
ZACH school building. The men at work had
been interviewed and it has been ascer!ained
beyond u doubt that the men were working
more than eight hours per day. After
securing thenames of a number of witnesses
the committee had consultation with the
District attorney with the result that .
warrant had been sworn out for the arrest
OF Mr. Winfree, the contractor. which had
been served. A jury trial had been de-
manded, which meant that the case would
be postponed for about two weeks. The
action of The committee was approved and
1t was further Instructed to continue the.
work of securing more evidence.
Secretary MaideDs stated that at the
request Of the committee he had written
to the Commission ers requesting to be fur
nished with a copy of the contract entered
into with Mr.. Winfree. The chief clerk
of the Commissioners had answered the re-
quest by stating that owing to the limited
force of clerical help il would not be con-
venient to furnish copy, but the Federation
would be allowed the privilege Of making
copy If 1t sent any one to do the work
The secretary was instructed to see that
this was done.
The necessity of securing a conviction
under the law was considered very Inn
portant and the number OF the delegates
were of the opinion that lawyer should
be engaged to get up the evidence in
proper shape for the convenience of the
District attorney. The committee stated,
however, that Mr.. Mullowney, who will
prosecute the case, did not wish any assist
ance from outside parties. 1t was, there
fore, decided to leave the case entirely
In Mr.. Mullowney's bands The delegates
stated that their action was through no
want Of confidence in the ability OF the
prosecuting dttOrney, rs tnc fe0eratl0D
had had ample proof of his eff cheney in the
able manner in which he prosecuted the
case against Contractors Mcveagh, but
il had been thought that through press of
business he might not have time to look up
all the evidence. 1t was further stated
that emergency would be pleaded by the
defense, on account of the time limit
Of the contract.
The Federation failed to see, however,
how such plea could be justified. as the
contractors well knew the terms of the
contract before assuming the same, so it
was stated, by the District attorney
Tie decision In the case will be watched
with much interest by organized labor, not
only in this city, but Throughout the country.
Many attempts have been made to secure
a good case SO as to test the law. but with
out success. The present case, 1t is be-
lieved, will prove to be an exception, as
from all indications it Is the strongest yet
presented.
Under the call of organizations the dele
gates from the Shoe Clerks stated that the
early-closing movement in the shoe trade
was progressing very fayorably. All Of
the principal shoe stores on Seventh and
F streets. also a majority OF those on the
Avenue. had agreed to close their doors
1t O'clock every evening with the exceu-