Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-04-20
FEDERATION OF LABOR.

Bustness Transacted mt the Meetina
of the Executive Council.
The executive council of the American
Federation of Labor, which began a ses
sion in this city yesterday, went to the
White House, where they were introduced
to and had conference with Presiden,
Mckinley.
The delegation comprised President Sam.
uel Gompers. Vice Presidents P J. Nc.
CURE, James Duncan, James OConnel
and NJ. NJ. Garland, Secretary Frank Har.
rison and Treasurer John B. Lennon
During the conference President Com.
pers. in behalf of the executive council, for
themselves, and also as representing the
large membership Of the A. F. of L., pre-.
scented petition to President Mckinley
asking for the pardon of E. W. Clark who
is undergoing sentence Of Imprisonment
for mutiny in the state prison at Thomas
ton, Me-, and who, 1t is alleged, committed
the crime under great provocation, and
after being brutally treated by the officers
of the ship on which he was seaman.
The members of the council laid special
stress in talking with the President upon
the Importance of his appointing for the
administration of labor matters, at Least
SO far as the important offices are con-
cerned, those only who are in sympathy
with the objects of labor organizations.
After returning to the headquarters OF
the A. F. of L.. corner of 14th and G
streets northwest. the council reconvened
and heard the report of Messrs. O'Connell
Lennon srd Garland. who had been ap.
pointed to audit the books of Secretary
Morrison and Treasurer Lennon. These
they found. they said, were correct and
showed that the finances and membership
Of the organization were in a ffourishing
condition.
Resolutions were adopted to have intro
duced in the Senate at the present session
the amendments to the eight-hour law de-
sired by the A. F. of L., and heretofore
printed in The Star; also that all other
bills initiated or Endorsed by the American
Federation of Labor be likewise introduced
The recommendation of the advisory
board that the executive council and the
representatives of the national and in
ternational organizations of labor In this
country who are located at Washington
make call upon the members Of Congress
with view of insisting upon labor legis-
lation at an early date was adopted.
report was submitted from the legis-
lative con mfttee in attendance at the last
Congress, showing an unsatisfactory state
of affairs regarding the progress made in
that body on various labor bills.
1t was stated that President Gompers
was authorized to enter into arrangements
with the National Union of Wood Work
intermountain region and Pacific coast, with
the view of the appointment of special or
ganizers among the workers of the trades
in these respective districts.
The council decided to grant a charter
to the Ohio State Federation, although pro-
tests against doing so had been filed by a
number of workers.
The council decided to require the Anal
gamated Association Of Metal Sheet Work
ers of New York to abide by the decision of
the convention Of the American Federation
of Labor. held in Cincinnati in December of
last year. to revoke the charter of its I'M
fair local union in New York city, or all
central bodies throughout the country
would be called upon to refuse these locals
recognition and utilization.
In conversation the members of the coun-
Gil expressed themselves as being much
pleased with their visit to President Nc
Kinley. Later they arranged for visit
tomorrow to Speaker Reed.
While the plan to be pursued at the con-
ference with Mr.. Reed cannot be announced
officially in advance, it is understood that
President Gompers and perhaps other men,
bers of the council will endeavor by agree
ment to impress upon the mind of the
Speaker that the enactment of the amend
ments to the eight-hour law will be OF
great benefit to laboring people generally.
1t is thought that the contempt of court bill
will also be called to the attention Of Mr.
Reed.