The times., 1897-12-05
In THE WORLD OF LABOR.

Although open hostilities have not been
declared, 't is patent to those familiar With
the situation that the two factions If or
ganized labor in Tie District, the trades
unionists ard Knights of Labor, are quietly
marshaIing their forces for a pitched battle
and when it comes will no doubt result in
the eXter nation of one OF the other of
the tactic
As matter OF fact these two factions
have been mRking warfare one against the
otler since the trade uniuuists secIred a
ficm foothold in the District by the organ
izaticn of the Central Labor Union. Sew
eral OF the origaniZa tons of which the
union is composed not long ago Were IN
very friendly terms with the Knights of
Labor, through their affiliation with the
local Federation OF Labor. Since the forma-
ton of the Central Labor Union this friend
ly relationship ceased, and, unfortunately
for both the factions. have been drifting
farther and farther apart. And now, IN
stead of the feeling or friendship which
once existed, the bittereSt hatred prevails.
The internal troubles in District Assem-
bly, No. &C. Knights of Labor, have been
closely watched by the trades unionistS,
who openly proclaim that the organiza-
ton is on the verge OF disintegra tion.
In that event the uniontsts would have
clear field for operations in the city,
for, under the circumstances, with the
exception of the few assemblies with
national trade connections, the skilled
worknIen OF the city would have no other
place to look for protection of their in
terests or the betterment of their condi-
ton. FROM what can be learned, how
f,r ehs.- h..
tention Of the Knights of Labor than TO
disintegratc, either so far as q disruption
of District No. 66 is concerned, or the
withdrawal OF any of the assemblies rep
resented.
The differences which create lissensiOn
among the members of the Assembly refer,
It is said, to upholding of the principles
of the order and not trade ma tiers. And
no matter to what extent they may dis
agree aIaong themselves on the inteTpreta-
tion of the laws governing the order, they
are always ready to unite against any 1T
tack from outsiders. Pretty much the
same condition of affairs exists now as did
a year ago, when the Simmons case" was
the talk of the hour, day and night Tor
more than six months. 1t was intimated
then that the District Assembly would be
disrupted, butinstead it has grown stronger
1t is true, two or three assemblies With
drew their delegates, but it is known that
the Increase in membership in the remain
ing organizations more than made up for
the loss sustained on account of the with
drawals.
Very soon after the organization of the
trade unionists into a central body they
locked horns with the knights of Labor
over the boycott which the latter had
placed on the products of all the local
breweries. In fact, it was on this issue
that tho labor forces Of the District split,
al, the local bodies dominated by trades
unionist principles refusing to in,lorse
the boycott. As consequence, the brew
cry proprietors contracted with the trades
representatives for union labor On all
buildings and Improvements. After
long fight, the knights OF Labor finally
made terms with the brewery proprietors,
and also entered into contract with hem
for union ahor. 1t was stated at the time