The San Francisco call., 1897-03-13
use, the title of secretary OF the Fedora
Of Labor.

uses the title of secretary OF the Fedora
ton.
The Alameda County Federation OF
Trades is the central body of unionized
labor in this county, and consists of duly
accredited delegates from every labor
union in good standing.
A few weeks ego many Nom bers OF that
body anxious to secure the election OF cam
didates who were known to be most favor
able to labor. joined the Municipal Union
Labor Club. The federation took no part
as central body, which would have been
against their rule. f. j. Gregory tried to
besmirch the proceedings of The union
men by publishing letter trying to create
the impression that the union was il
politics.
The federation met, discussed the mat
ter, and decided to send the following
communication to the Examiner asking
that the matter be set right. The article
was as follows. but it was not printed in
the paper, which alone had published the
statement of Gregory:
An article published in the Examiner of yes
terday morning, signed by F. j. Gregory,
seeks to impress the minds of the people that
he is secretary of the Federated Trades OF Ala
media County, and that he speaks author
itatively for that body. Mr.. Gregory is not
connected with IL In any manner whatever.
His connection with the federation ceased
oyer year ago. the impress ion he is trying
to give out that the federation is In politics is
emphaticaliy denied, as no officer or me mber
OF the federation has been approached by any
candidate for public Office. The federation
has taken no action directly or indirectly, and
absolutely abstainS from taking part in
political campaigns.
Further. it has in no way attem pied to die
tate to its membership or its affiliated bodies
what course they. should pursue. 1t recog-
nizes that each individual has right to ex-
ercise his right OF citizenship, and act i'll ais
own way, without violating any obligation he
may owe to his union.
Labor Club the federation took no
part as central body, while all of
its members did, as thew had a perfect
r ght TO do. 1t is no part OF a labor organ iza-
ii on to interfere or restrict the rights which
are guaranteed to American citizens by the
constitution of the United States; and If a
number OF citizens, mem bers OF trade organi-
cations, see fl to form themselves into 4 po-
litlcal club there is nothing in the consttu-
ton OF organized labor TO prevent, but, on the
other hand, the study and discussion of econo-
mic questions is recommended By The Ameri-
President Alameda County Federaaon of
Secretary Alameda County Federation of
Trades.
s'The only reason whv the Examiner re-
1uSeu 10 PUBLISH Jne matter, S&lQ freSl-
dent Rogers to-day, twas because Gregory
was making night against Mayor Dav e
and so was the Examiner, but this should
not have affected their attitude toward
the abor unions of Alameda County. It
was done to injure the Republican ticket
and was a very unworthy procedure"
c. D. Rogers has always been an enthu-
siastic Republican and was very active
supporter of Captain Thomas. although
he never permitted the question of poll
tics to be mentioned at any meeting Of the
union.
A. ]. Read. an ex-president Of the feder-
alton and editor of the Oakland Printer,
said to-day: THE claim OF leadership OF
organized labor by F. ]. Gregory is en-
tirely without foundation. He is rot Sec
retary OF the union, and although he has
tried on several occasions to be elected to
a minor position in his own union he has
tailed.
..Tne only men who are eligible in this
city to lay any claim to such an honor
able title, in my opinion. are: G. ID.
Rogers, president OF the federation; r.
Wyand, ex-president of the Carpenters
Union, and A. J. Gregg. In either OF
these tho public has confidence. Thew
cannot pe used as leaders unfairly. To
show the influence exercised by Leader
Gregory may be noted that he has re-