The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1896-03-26
THE EIGHT-HOUR DAY
Strongly Advocated by Ameri-
can Federation of Labor.
TO GIVE WORK TO THE IDLE ONES
workingmen Urged to Join the Trade
Hours TO Help the Unemployed.

Indiana polls. March a5-The executive
council OF the American Federation of
Labor adjourned this afternoon. IL was
given out that the headquarters Will he
moved al the close of the present year
to some other city. probably Chicago. The
following committee report on the eight
hour day question was unanimously adopt
cd and given out as the sentiment of the
council.
''Ar this hour. when nlyria1s OF workers
are seeking employment. and in their de-
SPAR, numbers OF them are capiivated
by the seductive theories and giittering
promises of securing state help We. the
American Federation Of Labor. reaffirm
the Necessity Of concentrating ali the
forces OF the practical labor movement by
the voluntary and collect tive efforts OF the
trades unions. backed by a sympathetic
public opinion
The general and constant introduction
of machinery. the nf'nute subdivisions u
labor the irregularity OF employment. the
continually recurring periods of indus
trial stagnation and financial panics. the
hopeless wait Of the unemployed. all de-
mand equalization CT opportunities, that
will come in the general adoption OF the
eight-hour day. All other lines and econ
omic theories within our ranks should be
subortinated to the great task of giving
work to the unemployed. and of lettering
the wages and conGiuOns OF all.
There is no more urgent reform to the
working people than that which will light
en- the burdens of those who are overwork-
err and undergrad and which would give
employment 10 those who wander over
the byways and highways, searching IN
vain for a better chance TO live The real
ization of the eight-hour day to them
means better food and raiment. happier
homes better citizens. a nobler manhood
and higher civilization.
AS We approach this question We real
iZe fully the magnitude of the Interested
and selfish forces arrayed against us the
indifference of the working people them
selves, their old-iime preJudices and the
many dissensions which divide them.
More than all, we recognize the need Tor
a more thorough and complete organiza-
ton OF every craft and occupation on trade
union lines before we can undertake a
general or simultaneous stand for the
eight-hour day. This severe industrial
crisis from which we are now emerging,
however should be helpful lesson TO lead
the Industrial classes into compact organ
ization which, when attained, VIII BRING
still greater achievements for the working
people.
TO insure continued and successful ei-
forts by the working people In this direc-
ton the president and secretary OF the
American Federation are hereby direc'ei
TO issue an address to the wage workers OF
the country urging them 10 join the trahe
union movement with a view OF securing
All possible advantages resulting from or
ganization. ana especially TO put into
operation the eight-hour workday as soon
as business viii justify such action with
out injury to the public. That the afore-
said officers notify the executive heads
OF all unions affiliated with the American
Federation of Labor OF such action ana
seek their cooperation and assistance anu
raouas, them to correspond with employers
TO the end of securing an expression CT
opinion on the voluntary concession OF the
ejght-hour workday. and that all unions
whose members now work mere than eiene
hours day he required 10 select commit
tees to wait upon the EMPLOYERS win me
same object in view. Further that me
press pulpit. public speakers and reiormers
generally be urged to make the need lor
the eight-hour workday theme OF coh-
certed and persistent discussion
I'VE hail the decision of the hricKiayers
ard stone r1asons' international union 10
edopt the eight-hour workday IN tne,'
trade as a hopeful sign Of the irresistloie
movement for the establishment OF the
eight hour workday-