Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1897-09-23
CHICAGO LABOR MEET
The Gathering Called by the Con.
vention That Met at the
Bridge City
TO BE STUNNED BY G0MPERs MEN


DO with II. but to Continue to Raise
Money for tho Coal Miners-some Tn.
complimentary Allusions to Recent Ut
terances In Labor Meetings - Indiana
Miners Not Yet Agreed with Operators.
Washington. Sept. 23.-The executive
council OF the American Federation Of
Labor met at the headquarters Of the
organization in this city to discuss the
mining situation.
The council last night issued an ad-
Dress which in part follows: "A call
has gone forth to the trade unions and
public for q labor convention in Chi
cago next Monday. The ostensible OBJ
Jects are to take measures in aid OF the
miners on strike and to Offset the sweep
ing powers Of the courts in granting
injunctions in defiance of popular
rights during labor disputes. These OBJ
1ects are very commendable and worthy
the active practical support Of every
trades unionist and Of every lover Of
MS fellow man. But conditions have
somewhat changed since that conven-
ton was agreed upon. This week fully
Io,ooo miners have gone to work on
terms liked Jointly by the miners and
Operators 1t is the greatest victory
gained by trades unions in years. 1t
was won against the combined power OF
wealth. judicial usurpations and inhu-
man Tyranny.
Believes Only in Practical Methods,
1.-THE American Federation OF Labor,
believing only in practical methods, has
decided to continue its support with or
ganizers and money until a complete
victory for the miners is won. To this
end 1t calls on It's unions and on the
public to not halt in their full and I'M
measured aid to this worthy movement.
Many families still need support, and
money Will be required until the min
ers are more fully at work and able to
help themselves. Let the trades unions
be liberal in their donations until this
| struggle IL crowned with complete sue
cess.
No Cse in the Chicago Convention.
I'VE can see no need for the labor
convention In Chicago next Monday. We
| advise our unions not to be represented
| there. The money 1t would cost to send
| delegates had better go to help the suf-
fering miners and their families. 1t Is
not by conventions with irresponsible
! talk. inflammatory declaration and
| DuHCOIIiDes tuat the cause
| Of labor can be advanced. Violent ap-
peals to the passions OF the multitude
| can serve no good purpose. It is only
| by systematic organization of the work.
| Ing people In trade unions. with united
hearts and united funds. and a fraternity
| of purpose which knows no bounds Of
creed. color, nationality or politics. that
will upllft the masses.
Another Blow at the Injunction.
! Trades unions are not the pro-
moters OF social disorder or the uphold
| ers Of riot or revolution. Our course
Is along the lines OF peace and his
torical. orderly. development. We are
law-abiding citizens, and If the law or
its administration at times Is against US
| We are confident that an enlightened
public opinion will ultimately correct
| the wrong. Hence we here make ap-
peal to all falr-minded moulders Of pub
lie thought. TO our public men. to the
| clergy, and to the press to make q de-
cided stand henceforth with US against
| the unfair and unconstitutional use Of
judicial injunctions. which are wholly
| subversive OF popular liberty.
Would Settle II ut the Polls.
Eve further urge the citizens OF our
country to rise unitedly at the polls in
every state, and elect men to make and
administer our lava, who will root out
and make forever impossible these new
forms of judicial tyranny and political
pliancy. which now prevail in the service
Of corporate wealth"