The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-10-14
FEDERATION OF LABOR
PLATFORM OF PRINCIPLES ADOPTED
BY THE STATE ORGANIZATION.
Terre Haute Chosen as Next Place of
Observation-Disclosures Arrest of
officials at Hammond.
Special to the Indianapolis Journal.

of principles which perhaps may be re-
garded as the most important work of the
convention. They were presented by John
F. White, of Indianapolis. and are as fol-
lows:
From the fact that local trades unions
hemmed in by their special interests find
ing little opportunity for work outside of
trade callings, it is important and neces-
sary that the State Federation OF Trades
ana Labor Unions should seek 70 mold ana
influence public opinion on economic re-
form, to lend its aid in the carrying for
ward of educational work and to securing
legislative enactments tending TO the BEN
eft Of labor. To the end that all labor
work may be carried forward effectively
and systema tically. there should be a com
pact federation of labor organizations along
the line of affiliated trades, and the Guilt
walton Of a fraternal feeling among all la
Dor organizations with the aim OF general
federation and cooperation: The Indiana
Federation of Trade and Labor Unions
therefore, aims to secure such organization
of labor throughout the State as will aid
in bringing about these results. AS plat
form of general principles we set forth the
following declarations, based on the funda-
mental principle that all men are created
free and equal, and endowed with certain
inalienable rights, among which are life
liberty and pursuit of happiness:
First-We affirm that labor is the produce
er of all forms of wealth which so to sus-
tain human life and bring to il comfort
and qualification, and therefore justice de-
mands that each worker should receive the
full amount of any value his labor pro-
duces. To accomplish this ought to be the
real aim of all labor organizations. 1t is
essential, therefore, that in the effort to
accomplish this result, the principles gov
ernlng production be clearly und es
SecOnd-We assert, then, as a fllndamen-
tai truth that the earth, the great store
house from which labor draws all its sup
plies, is the basis of all production, and is
therefore it's prime factor that labor is the
active factor through which all human
needs are applied; that capital is but a
mt AVID 7f14lf 10
into being through union of the two FIRST
named factors. and serves to multiply the
effhenfy of @ but t 6 can 10 heyfr exist
'Third-We therefore assert, as q. funda-
mental reform. that in order to secure
full opportunity. for labor, access to the
raw materials of the earth should be on a
basis of equality, and that this equality
can be secured by the community taking
for it's own benefit the annual rental value
of land and relieving ali forms of labor
products from the burden of taxa
ton: This will take land OUT of the spec
and open up natural opportunities to labor.
"Fourth-We therefore favor the enact
ment of laws tending to secure this result
and shall further endeavor to secure the
passage of laws abrogating all class privi-
leges, and enacting those promoting the
ends of justice. and the general welfare
of laboring people.
"Fifth-We believe that the issuing of
money is purely governmental function nil
corporations. and that the national bank
notes should be retired and United States
notes substituted in their stead So long
as the metal system of money is main
tanned, the bimetallic is most likely to Sc
cure equity in exchange.
''Sixth-We believe that all natural mo-
nopoies, such railroads of all kinds, tel
egraph, telephone, gas and water supplies,
etc, should be owned by the people in com
mon. and controlled through their proper
government, local, state, or national as the
case may. be. for the general benefit;
''SeYenth-We believe that all laws should
rs N hV the npODIe. Therefore. we
favor the system of direct legislation,
known as the initiative and referendum.
"Eighth--We continue in our adherence
to the eight-hour day. to be urged as
desirable healthful and beneficial reform,
in itself, and indorse the position taken by
the American Federation of Labor, loo king
to it's adoption by the various trades.
''Ninth-We denounce the practice CT in
dorsing political parties or candidates, or
indulgiug in partisan agitation, leaving
each one to act a. free citizen in these
matters, believing that measures only
should be discussed, and feeling that as
each member becomes well grounded IN an
idea. his intelligence will be the best guide
in the matter of voting.
.'Tenth-We believe that there should be
equal pay for equal work, without regard
to sex or color"
The platform of principles presented by
Mr.. White was adopted by unanimous
vote Other resolutions were adopted.
Among them is one favoring the more gen
eral use of the union label and urging the
members to respect it. Another pledged the
Federation to use its influence toward re-
curing street car companies 10 OISeTNe the
law concerning the vestibule car in winter;
Compulsory education was indorsed. and
the following met with emphatic approval:
Resolved BY the Indiana Federation of
Trades and Labor Unions, that we declare
the attack of Sheriff Martin and his depu-
ties at I.attimer on the marching miners
was a brutal, unprovoked massacre. in
spired by the coal operators to defeat the
demands OF the men for better conditions;
and further
Resolved That the ever ready use in
late years of court injunctions, armed force
and state militia in time of labor troubles
is only part of the insidious programme
to entirely subjugate the workers of Amer
lea to the most debasing degradation; and
further
Resolved That we condemn most severe
ly the wanton killing and wounding of the
poor miners at Lattimer and will do our
utmost as unionists through our several
organizations to create indignation against
this cold-blooded, brutal, malicious murder
of our fellow-workers in Pennsylvania, and,
if needed, will financially assist in the pros
ecution of Sheriff Martin and his murder
Gus deputies to the end that justice may
be done to atone for these revolving muir
ders."
Considerable discussion was ELECTED by a
resolution offered by John Dye. of Ander-
son, requiring BARRIERS to procure licenses.
1t was urged by Mr. Dye as sanitary
measure 1t was opposed on the ground
that it would be regarded as class legisla-
ton. Both the committee and the conVen-
ton refused to adopt it. The committee
reported in favor of the proposed postal
saving system. and also in favor of limit
ing the bonded indebtedness of municipal
tiles to one-half of 1 per cent
Terre Haute was selected for the next
meeting, winning against Elwood by a vote
of 40 to A.
President Perkins and Secretary Ralfe.
both of Indianapolis, were reelected. Edgar
A. Healy of Marion, was made first vice
president and A. p. Dye, of Anderson, sec
ond vice president.