Evening star., 1897-01-18
Eastern Musicians See a Way Out Of
Existing Complications.
EXPERIENCES WITH LABOR BODIES
A Federal Union of Craftsmen to
Be Formed in Washington.
OTHER NEWS OF LABOR


| to unite with the A. F. of l..
This action of the Baltimore organization
| is expected to put an end to quarrels which
have existed among the musicians of that
| city for many years
Technically speaking it is with the new
American Federation of Musicians that
Local League No. II has formed its closest
associations. but the latter body has it's
charter from the American Federation of
Labor. and all it's affiliated bodies are en-
titled to every right and privilege that the
parent organization grants to the body
which Is superior in authority to its re-
sDective local union
1t is thought that the action of the Bal
timore local will have much effect upon
tne musicians in the entire eastern section
c1 the country, where a union whose head
quarters are in New York has heretofore
regulated the scale of prices and such other
matters as are usually regulated under the
laws OF organized labor societies.
1t Is understood that by casting its lot
with the American Federatio of Labor
Local No. II becomes entitled to sole recog-
milton in Baltimore as an affiliated body
with the national labor body.
This makes the condition of affairs rather
complicated. The Musical Union of Balti-
more. the oldest and most affluent body of
professionals in that city, is a part of the
local Federation of Labor because it sends
delegates to the German Central Labor
Union. which organization in turn has dele
gates 10 represent IL at the Baltimore Eed-
Grafton of Labor.
Until Local League No. II came into ex-
istence the Musical Union held a charter
from the Federation of Labor. The new
society succeeded after a time in obtaining
recognition from the American Federation
of Labor and this precipitated a conflict
the result of which was that both organiza-
tions lost their charters. The Musical
ment by sending delegates to the German
Central Labor Union, and thus outgen-
eraled the Local League for the time being,
at least
Musicians Form n Federation.
In the meantime many locals of the Ma
ional League of Musicians clamored for
affiliaiton with the American Federation
of Labor. Their delegates continually
made these demands at the annual con-
yentions of the A. F. of L.. but without
avail. The result of this futile conten-
tlon was the formation of the American
Federation of Musicians. the object of
which was affilation with the American
of the latter. it is said. approved the move
ment. and it was brought to a successful
issue at Indianapolis during the recent con-
yention of the American Federation of La
Dor.
Locals of the National League throughout
the country were at once importuned to go
with the new organization, and the west
ern league SubordinateS focked into the
fold without the slightest hesitancy. Sub
sequent developments convinced the Bal
timore people that the wisest course they
could pursue would be to become part
of the American Federation of Labor it
would not only give them the cooperate
of the local federation. but also opened
a way for the healing of differences which
have for so long existed between the local
league and the Musical Union.
The league local made application for and
was granted a charter by the American
Federation of Musicians. At the recent
ffoy, of Eo<lor
Labor a resolution was adopted making it
obligatory upon members to recognize it's
affiliated organizations only. 1t was fur
ther decided that in view of several in
stances where this obligation was not OBJ
served all organizations connected with
the American Federation of Labor deny
recognition to any musical organization not
directly affiliated with the A. F. Of l..
An Agreement Likely.
In consequence of this action the connec-
ton of the Musical Union of Baltimore
with the Federation, through the Central
Labor Union, becomes void and makes the
possibility of the two unions being brought
to an understanding all the more possible.
Members of Local No. II say they are
willing to bury the hatchet, as are also it
is stated, number of those belonging to
the Musical Union, and they all concede
that it will better the condition of the
musicians of Baltimore to have all enrolled
under one banner.
The locals in the various cities do not
wish it to be understood that they have
left the National League, but they contend
il is perfectly proper for them TO be part
of two organizations at the same time, and
| forty Of them have already asked for Fed
Grafton charters.
| 1t is stated, however, that the executive
| committee of the National League of Mu-
scians takes an entirely different view of
| the matter, and that fight will undoubt-
ediy ensue. 1t Is an interesting condition
| of affairs, and the outcome Is regarded
| with some apprehension by some Of the
league locals.
Seeking Cooperation.
The committee on organization which
was appoiI ted at the last meeting of the
Central Labor Union met last Saturday
evening with similar committee from
| the Buildirg g Trades Council at Electri-
cal Workers Hall. sos 11th street north
| west. Mr.. C. F. Lacey of the Operative
Plasterers' Union presided. with Mr.. J. j.
Crowley Of the Granite Cutters Union as
secretary.
Mr.. Milford Spohn, president of the Cen
trail Labor Union explained the purposes
for which the committee was appointed.
after which the ways and means by which
| the labor interests Of the District could
be more thoroughly organized and har-
monious were considered.
1t was concluded to actually engage in a
| campaign of agitation and education by
holding a series of open meetings, which
the unorganized will be induced to attend.
These meetings will be held under the
| joint auspices of all the organizations affili-
ated with the Central Labor Union. and
will be addressed by the best local speak
| ers. but also by those Of a national repu-
| tation who visit Washington from time to
| time officials Of the American Fedora
| ton of Labor.
| 1t was announced that the initial meet
| ing OF the series would be held on Satur-
| day evening. January 30, in Central Labor
Union Hall. in Typographical Temple, un-
| der the immediate auspices of the Bakers
| and Confectioners' Union. The meeting
| will be addressed by President Weissman
Of the Bakers and Confectionery Interna-
/ tional Union. ard other speakers of ma
| tional reputation. While the meeting Is
| called By the bakers, all wage workers,
| whether organized or unorganized, are in
1 yited to attend.
| A Federal Union to BE Formed.
| The committee also concluded to organize
a federal union, which will be composed ex-
| clusively of those of the uno-ganized crafts
| and those OF miscellaneous vocations Any
| one engaged in legitimate business will be
| eligible to membership in these federal
| unions The purpose Of these organiza-
| tiops, 1t was stated. Is to combine Us far
| as possible those of the crafts who as yet
i are not in condition to organize separate
| ly. The membership Of these federal unions
VIII thus be brought into touch with or