Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-09-23
Executive Council Issues an Address
to the Unions.
TEE PROPOSED CHICAGO CONVENTION
Its Objects lnimical to the Cause
of Labor.
THE ROU TINE BUSINESS


advisable for the organization which it
represents to take part in the proposed
labor convention, which has been called to
meet in Chicago next Monday. and which,
in reality. It was stated, will simply be an
adjourned meeting of the recent st. Louis
convention. The latter, a prominent labor
leader said, was a conglomeration of all
issues. from socialism to anarchism, and
Gid not represent the honest trade union
movement of the country.
1t represented, he said, those elements
which take advantage of occasions such as
a strike to air their peculiar theories, with
out regard to the interests of the wage
workers of the country.
While, he continued, the trade unionists
express substantial sympathy by con-
tributing to the aid Of the destitute miners,
these people indulge in the PRONUNCIATION
OF resolutions and incendiary declamations,
and hirder to an extent the progress of
iegltlmate trades organization.
The address of the council on the subject
of the Chicago convention was probably
the most important action taken during the
the day the council adopted an address to
the trade unions of the country, explain
ing their reasons for the course taken in
the matter by them.
Text of the Address.
The full text of the address is as follows:
call has gone forth to the trade unions
and public for a labor convention in Chi
cago next Monday. The ostensible objects
are to take measures in aid of the miners
on strike, and to offset the sweeping powers
OF the courts in granting injunctions in de-
nance OF popular rights during labor dis
puteS.
These objects are very commendable, and
worthy the active practical support of
every trade unionist and of every lover of
M
what changed since that convention was
agreed upon. This week fully $4,000 min
ers nave gone to work on terms fixed joint
~ by the miners and operators, and which
give decided increase in wages and grant
practical recognition to the United Mine
Workers of America as an organized BODY.
On the 21st instant the strike was gem
orally ended, except in West Virginia. a
few points in western Pennsylvania and a
portion of Illinois. 1t is the greatest VIC
tory gained by trade unions in years. It
was won against the combined power of
Wealth, judicial usurpations and inhuman
tyranny.
From the beginning of the contest
WE'VE weeks ago. the American Fedora
tlon OF Labor and the trade unions of the
whole land have been in the forefront with
money and men to back the miners Thou
sahos OF cellars went out generously from
the trade unions, and jealous union men
gave their services freely to this noble
cause. liberal public too gave no in
considerable share of help in various WAYS
All through this struggle the miners in
their manly dignity displayed no british
violence; their forbearaEce and discipline
are at once the wonder and admiration of
our age.
Believes In Practical Work.
The American Federation of Labor, be-
ieving only in practical methods, has to-
day decided to continue its support with
organizers and money until a complete
victory yofr e.,
end it calls on it's unions and on the pub
Tic to got halt in their full and unmeasured
aid to this worthy movement. Many fam
lilies still need support, and money will
De required for some time to come, until
the miners are more fully at work and
able to help themselves. Let the trade
unions be liberal in their donations until
this struggle is crowned with complete
success.
We can see no need for the labor con-
vention in Chicago next Monday. We adj
wise our unions not to be represented there
The money it would cost to send delegates
had better go to help the suffering miners
and their families. 1t is not by conven-
items, with irresponsible talk infiamma-
tory defamation and revolutionary bum
combe, that the cause of labor can be ad-
vanced. Violent appeals to the passions of
the multitude can serve no good purpose.
1t Is only by systematic organization of
the working people in trade unions with
united hearts and united funds, and a
fraternity VI purpose which KNOWS no
bounds of creed. color. nationality, or poll
tics, that will uplift the masses.
Trade unions are not the promoters of
social disorder or the upholders of riot
lines of peace and historical orderly devel-
opment. We are law-abiding citizens, and
If the law or its administration at times
ls against us. we are confident that an en-
correct the wrong. Hence we here make
appeal to all fair-minded moiders of pub
lie thought, to our public men, to the clergy
and the press, to make a decided stand
henceforth with us against the unfair and
unconstitutiona! use of judicial injunctions
which are wholly subversive Of popular
liberty.
We further urge the citizens of our en-
tire country to rise unitedly at the polls
in every state and elect men to make and
administer our laws who will root out and
make forever impossible these new forms
of judicial tyranny and political pliancy
which now prevail in the service Of cor
porate wealth.
Adopted by the executive council Of the
American Federation of Labor, at Wash
ington. D. c.. September %, 1897, and in
dorsed by NJ. d. Rathford president OF
the United Mine Workers of America.
Those present at the meeting were Presi-
dent Samuel Gcmpers. Vice President Jas.
Duncan, James O'Conpell and NJ. NJ. Gar
Land. the only absentee being Vice Presi-
dent Mcclure.
Before determining to issue the fore
going proclamation. the mining situation
was discussed in all it's bearings, and it
was decided that 1t would he best for the
interest of the miners If the convention
were not held.
number of other important matters
were also considered by the council. Among
these was the status of affairs existing he
tween the members of an affiliated union
at Bonner, Mon, and their employers, 1t
being stated that the working members Of
the union were not free in the exercise Of
their rights. and decision was reached
that the employers and their foremen and
bosses, all of whom are connected with the
union, should be released therefrom, in
order that the original purpose, for the
Improvement of the condition of the wage
workers. shall not longer be interfered
with.
In reference to a long-pending dispute
between the United Hatters of North
America and a leading hat manufacturing
firm of New York, 1t was decided that
some of the executive officers of the fed
Grafton will request the firm to recognize
the hatters' organization, and to grant
fair, reasonable conditions to their M
ployes.
Regarding the application of the Can
Makers Union for general boycott of all
firms who are regarded as antagonistic to
the interest of the organization 1t was de-
cided that 1t would be more advisable end
more just to examine into each Individual
cOmDlaint than to order Denaral ho,,oo,+