Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1897-12-15
FEDERATION OF LABOR.
One Hundred Representative OF
TOiIerS Gather at Nash
Vile.

Nashville, Tenn, Dec. 13.-The Ma
tional Federation of Labor began its sew
enteenth annual convention in this city
today with an attendance of more than
100 delegates from different states and
an equal number Of visitors The fed
Grafton met in the hall of the House Of
Representatives at the state capitol at /
o'clock, President Gompers presiding.
The hall presented most attra ctive
appearance, being decorated with the
flags of many nations. Havelock Wilson
and Edward Hartford, delegates from
England, were introduced by the presi-
dent. Mr.. Wilson is a member Of Par
Lament and Mr.. Hartford is eX-secretary
of the railway employees organization.
An Address of Welcome.
After the meeting had been called to
order. William Aimson of the local typo
graphical union delivered an address of
welcome in behalf of the labor organiza-
tons of the city. Mr.. Aimson spoke
of the pleasure afforded by the assembling
of the federation in this city, whose hos
pitality is proverbal; referred to the past
and recent struggles in the interest of la
Dor, and paid q high tribute to the men
who have worked long and faithfully for
the federation.
President Gompers responded to the
address, thanking Mr.. Aimson and the Ia
Dor organizations for the hearty welcome
accorded.
The report of the committee on creden-
tails was presented, after which President
Gompers read his annual address.
President Gompers' Report.
President Gompers read his annual re-
port toda Y to the convention Of the Amer
lean Federation of Labor. He said:
with two exceptions all our affiliated
national unions report large increase
of local unions and in membership.
There is an increase of about 3D..
600 members in the organizations af-
tiliated. It has been the constant aim
to organize our fellow workers engaged
in skilled labor. With the invention of
new forces, the division and subdivision
of labor. many workers who have been
employed at skilled trades find themselves
with their occupation gone, and to which
they have devoted long terms of years to
acquire. Thus we see the artisan of yes
terday the unskilled laborer of today. 1t
is source of qualification to report that
within the past year a very large number
of federal labor unions for unskilled
workers have been organized and from
them a much larger number of trade
unions.
There have been quite a number of
strikes within the past year, but the
change in the causes which have pro-
duced them are worthy of note. The
strikes of this year, with few eXcep
lions, have been for higher wages, short
er hours, and the extension and recogn-
ton of union principles. Our organiza-
tons report with gratifying unanimity
the very large number of successes
achieved, advantages gained and the
growth and extension of the power of
organization enjoyed. The movement to
reduce the hours OF labor is always one
which commands the first attention of
organized labor.
I'VE hold that no condition is satisfac-
tory nor any solution complete which fails
to stimulate the course and the degrading
influences of non-employment, and so long
as this evil shall be with us our best eff
forts will be concentrated to the reduc-
ton Of the hours of labor of all until
the desired end is attained.
The establishment of a postal savings
bank system and also a postal telegraph
system, long since demanded by organized
labor, seems nearer accomplishment than
at any previous time.
Compulsory Arbitration.
at is submitted whether it would not
be wise to modify our position insofar as
to interpose no objection to the passage
OF law providing for compulsory arbitra
ton i'll disputes between the organized EN-
ployes of the railroads and the railroad
companies, and the giving of an award by
such lawful arbitratOrs, but we should
hesitate to give our endorsement to any
legislation, state or national, empowering
the compulsory enforcement of an award
and the specific enforcement of contract
to labor
There should be no equivocation as to
our position on any question, much less
one of such Importance as immigration.
Recently one of the branches of the
federal courts decided by a majority vote
that the boycott is illegal. The sugges-
ton is made that upon any letter or cir
cular issued upon matter of this char
acter, after stating the name of the un-
fair firm and the grievances complained
of, the words we have been enjoined by
the courts from boycotting this concern
could be added with advantage
The federation then adjourned until
2:15 p. IN.
The delegates will be entertained while
here. They will be given a barbecue to-
morrow night and an opposum supper
Thu sday evening. On Wednesday night
mass meeting in the interest of organ
izing the city is to be held, and on Friday
evening there will be q musical entertain
ment.
A meeting of representatives of various
labor papers will be held tonight for the
purpose OF forming press association.
CAUCJS REFORM CONVENTION