Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1897-04-29
ORGANIZED LABOR.
Speaker Reed Receives q Delega-
ton from the A. F. of L.
BANKRUPTCY BILL IN The SENATE.
Mr.. Mason Makes His Maiden Speech on the
Rules Of the Senate-The House Holds
Brief SessIon-Mr. Milliken's
Death Announced.

tne present pOllcy OF the mouse ana In
cidentally declared his views upon
labor organizations yesterday in the
course Of one Of the conferences which
are Of daily occurrence in the speak
er's room. A delegation from the
American Federation of Labor, headed
by Samuel Gompers, the chief
officer of the order, called tc
request action by the speaker
and the house on matters in
which the federation is interested.
They presented memorial asking the
appointment of Representative Gar
dener, of New Jersey, to the committee
on labor and also suggested amend.
ments to the eight-hour law. The
speechmaking on the part of the feder.
alton was done by Mr.. Gompers and p.
j. Mcclure. Mr.. Gompers said that
there was great distress throughout
the country and many unemployed,
and expressed hope that con-
gress would do all in its power
to alleviate the distress. lie re-
marked that there had not been as
much legislation in the interests of
labor by the last congresses the labor
ing men wished. They did not want
to be put in the light of making de.
mands upon congress; they merely
desired to express their wishes. They
regretted that the eight-hour law was
not more strictly enforced in its appli-
cation to government work. They de-
sired 1t to be understood, however,
that they were antagonistic to revolu.
tionary leaders and believed in lawful
and orderly agitation and in the i'm
provement Of existing conditions by
legislation.
Speaker Reed, in reply, expressed
appreciation of the moderate and rea-
sonable attitude of the laboring men.
The labor organization, he said, was
a necessary concordance of the fac
tory system. While in the old days
laborers had been individually indie
pendent, the growth of the factory
system had forced them to organize
for the preservation Of their rights and
interests. He believed that results
beneficial to humanity were coming
from these organizations. While re-
forms of the class they spoke of moved
slowly, they did move. Public senti-
ment was now much more tolerant of
the eight-hour law than thad been ten
years ago. He could remember when
every laboring man was expected to
work 12 hours. Public sentiment had
much to do with the enforcement of
the eight-hour law and he had no
doubt that under its impulse condi-
tions were continually improving.
Referring TO congressional action,
the speaker said that only one thing
could be done at all, and he was GER
tain that all would agree that the first
thing that could be done by congress
now was to arrive at decision on the
pending tariff bill one way or another,
He hoped the delegation would use its
influence to mold public sentiment to
ask for as speedy action on the tariff
bill as could be obtained. 1t was not
thought best for the house to deal
with the matters, as any action taken
now might complicate and delay ac-
ton on the tariff, which must be con-
coded to be necessary. The tariff
question once disposed of, there would
be opportunity for consideration of
the other interests asking legislation.
As to the special request for the APP
pointment of Mr.. Gardener, the speaker
said that would be taken under con-
sideration, as all requests for commit
tee assignments were.
CONGRESSIONAL PROCEEDINGS
WASHINGTON, April Ex-senator Ma
son, of Illinois, made his maiden speech
n the senate yesterday and signalized
t by some breezy criticisms on the
Jules of the senate. 1t was such a
variation from the prosy debate of re-
,ent days that the senator was ac-
corded close attention and twice re-
'eived the hearty applause of crowded
galleries. The speech was in support
# resolution introduced by the Hi
lois senator directing the committee
N rules TO report rule by which de-
'ate could be closed and the previous
question ordered. Mr.. Hoar, of Massa-
husetts, replied briefly, pointing out
hat the other branch of congress
vas more open to criticism than
he senate. lie was in accord with
lr. Mason, however, on the need of
ew rules A vote was taken on Mr..
Iorman's motion to refer the Mason
esolution to the rules commit
ee, which prevailed-yeas, 30; nays,
4. A further discussion of the subject
J promised, as Mr. Hoar has a pending
esolution to discharge the committee
n rules from further considering the
eform of the rules. Most of the day
'as given to the bankruptcy bill. The |
ote on the substitute and amendments
ill be taken at three p IN. to-day. 1t |
las agreed that a committee of IS |
enators should represent the senate at |
ne coming Grant memorial cere-
lonies.
The chaplain of the house, Mr.. Cou.
en-, prayed yesterday for the friends
I Mr.. Milliken, Of Maine, who died
unday, and whose desk was draped in
lack and covered with flowers. Mr.. |
'. A. Stone. Of Pennsylvania intro
uced resolution providing that APP
ropriation bills returned from the
nate be privileged and that a vote on
lem be had after one hours debate.
Al