The Portland daily press., 1898-02-07
American Federation Of Labor Takes
a Hand.
NEW BEDFORD WORKMEN EXPECT
SUBSTANTIAL AID.
Secretary Ross in Conference With Presf-
dent Gonpers-Textile Workers Likely
to Ally Themselves With His Organ'z-
alton,

New Bedford, Mass, February 6.-Sec-
retary Ross of the Spinners' union denies
the truth of the statements which have
oaine1 circulation relative to the weak
ness of the strike. While there have been
soma individual complaints and willing
ness to give up the fight. he does not feel
that the general body Of operatives is in
position where 1t will give up the
battle, and as to the near end OF the
strike through the weakness of the unions,
he saws such statements are poppy-cock.
Mr.. Ross returned from Boston tonight,
feeling greatly pleased at the situation.
He had been to a conference Of labor
leaders Assem- bled from all New England
to meet President Gompers of the New
England Federation of Labor and from
the talk that was had at this conference
he feels that aid will soon be forthcom-
ing to the New Bedford strikers which
will put them in position to resist with
additional strength.
Mr.. Gompers and the other labor lead
ers, Mr.. Ross told an Associated Press
reporter, were surprised to learn that there
was no break in the ranks, as had been
indicated in some of the papers, and they
were pleased at his assurances that the
Federation is still in good fighting order.
At the conference at the Quincy house
sters were taken that he thinks will
furnish strikers with the aid they have
asked.
AS result of the discussion 1t was de-
cided to appoint committee for con-
ference at an early date, whereby plan
for the systematic aid of the strikers may
be set on foot. Mr.. Ross feels encouraged
that this plan will bring to New Bedford
all the aid req quired to bring the contest
to successful end.
After the meeting at the Quincy house,
Mr.. Ross and Secretary Waldron of the
Carders' union, and with the secretary OF
the Loom Fixers' union, who accompa-
MED him to Boston, together with the
local collectors who are working In Bos-
ton, went to the meeting of the Central
Trades council, which includes delegates
from all the organized labor organizations
in Boston, where Mr.. Ross laid the case
OF the NOW b6ulOFQ oOIlhcIo pOlo1O eAC
council. AS result, action will probably
be taken by the council to make system
alto solicitation for aid Of the New Bed
| ford strikers in Boston.
| President Gompers of the National Fed.
GRAFTON of Labor, Mr.. Ross said, was
much interested in the New Bedford
situation, and promised to do what he
could to assist the st. ikers. Mr.. Gompers
will visit Biddeford Monday, Lowell,
| Tuesday and on Wednesday he will come
to this city where he will make an address
in the evening, probably in City hall. 1t
is probable, as the outcome of Mr.. Comp
er's visit to New England, and the con-
| ference of labor leaders at Boston today
that most of the textile organizations OF
NewlEngland will ally themselves with
the American Federation of Labor. Or
ganizers will be sent out at once with
this purpose..in view.
The executive council of the New Eng
land States Federation Of Weavers met In
this city today and voted to grant tue
New Bedford union 500 weekly during
the STRIKE the first installment to be PAID
Tuesday. 1t was reported that nine unions