The San Francisco call., 1897-09-23
Adjust Internal Matters
and Review the Big
Coal Strike.
Congratulate the Miners on
the Outcome of Their
Struggle.
See No Need for the Proposed
Labor Convention In Chicago
Nexe Monday.

WASHINGTON, D. c.. Sept. 22.-The
executive council of the American FEEDER
alton of LABOR met to-day at the head
quarters of the organization In this city
to discuss the mining situation. There
were present Samuel Gompers, president
of the American Federation of Labor; Sec
retary Frank Morrison, Frank j. Cougar
of Philadelphia, James Duncan OF Balti-
more, James O'Connel of Chicago, Mr.
Garland OF Pittsburg, NJ. d. Ratchford
(president of the United Nine Workers
Asscciaton) Cameron Miller of the ex-
ecutiye board of the U. Nj. W., and Frank
]. Weber, one of the Federation OF Labor
organizers in the West Virginia mining
district.
After adjusting some internal matters
the subject of the membership OF en-
ployers and workmen IN an affiliated
union at Bonner, Mont, was discussed at
length by the council, it being alleged that
the working membe of the union were
not free in the exercise of their rights by
reason OF the mem bership CT their en-
ployers.
A decision was reached compelling the
employers and their foremen and bosses
TO be released from their membership In
the organization in order that the original
purpose for the betterment of wage
earners may not be longer interfered
wi tn.
The dispute existing between the United
Hatters of North America and The st.
John Com pany was also matter of dis
cusslon. The executive officers OF the
federation Will request the hrm to recog-
nize the union of hatters and to grant fair
NJ
ployes.
On application of the Can makers Union
fer a general boycott of firms antagonistlc
TO the unions, the conclusion was reached
that it would be more advisa bic and more
Just 10 examine into each individual COM
plaint in order that firms who would
agree TO employ union heip might not be
placed at a disadvantage, as they would
b under a general boycott.
The council resolved TO continue its
present organization in the mining dis
tricts of West Virginia and Illinois, and
also to appoint two additional organizers
to aid the miners in those States in effect
ing an early settlement of the wage scale,
based upon the agreement OF the Column
bus convention.
The council tonight delivered an ad-
dress which in part is as follows:
call has gone forth to the trade unions
and public Tor a labor convention in Chcago
next Monday. The ostenslbie objects are to
take measures III aid of the miners strike and
to offset the sweeping powers in granting in
functions in defiance OF popular rights during
labor disputes.
These objects are very commendable and
worthy the active practical support OF every
trade-unionist and every lover OF his fellow
man; but conditions have somewhat changed
stuce that convention was agreed upon. This
week fully rs 900 miners have gone to work
on terms fixed Jointly by the miners and op-
orators. 1t is the greatest victory gained by
trades unions in years. 1t was won against
the combined power or wealth, judicial
usurpatious and inhuman tyranny.
The American Federai ton of Labor, believ-
ing only in practical methods, has decided TO
continue its support with organizers and
money until a complete victory for the miners
is won To this end it calls on its unions and
on the public to not halt in their full and un-
measured aid to this worthy movement
Many families still need support and money
will be required until the miners are more
fully at work and able to help themselves.
Let the trsde unions be liberal in their dona-
tiOnS until this struggle Is crowned win CON-
We can SCI no need for the labor convention
in Chicago next Monday. We advise
money it would cost to send delegates had
better go TO help the suffering miners and
their families.
1t is not by conventions irresponsible talk,
infiam In u atory declaration and revolutionary
buncombe that the cause of labor can be ad-
vanced. Violent appeals to the passions OF
the multtudes can serve no good purpose.
1t is only systematic organization OF the
working people in trades uuIons, with united
hearts and united funds and q fraternity of
purpose which knows no bounds of creed,
color, nationality or politics that will uplift
the masses.
An appeal is made to the press and
clergy to oppose "the unfair and uncon-
stitutional use of judicial injunctions,
which are wholly su bversive or popular
liberty" and the people are urged TO elect
men to legislative offices who will make