The Advocate and news., 1898-10-19

THE WAGE GARNER is



formulated, and presented to the world;
1t is there the workers peacefully as
semble, and In concise, rational terms
present their claims upon modern So
ciety for justice; 1t Is there where the
workers should be represented by the
duty accredited delegates Of their trade
unions in full affiliation with the most
general, comprehensive, intelligent, pro-
gressive and aggressive labor organiza-
tion that has ever existed In our cOun-
try-the American Federation Of La
Dor.
"'These sentiments l now repeat and
emphasize with all the power Of my be-
ing, and earnestly trust that they may
sink deep into the hearts and minds Of
all workers, confident that then the
time cannot be far distant when long
deferred justice will prevail; when truer
and nobler relations among man shall
be inaugurated, and usher In an era
when mans inhumanity to man" shall
be record and recollection Of by-gone
and deplored age.
"'Friends and fellow delegates, to the
responsible task involved by your pres
ence at and participation in this con-
vention, bid you let us give the best
thought and action Of which we are
capable. l pray you that it may not be
truly said of us, that we were unfaithful
to the great cause and interest COM
mitted to our care. There Is world Of
injustice to eradicate; there Is a uni
verse filed with wall of sorrow and
grief awaiting the hosts of intelligent,
progressive and aggressive organized
workers to never falter in the conquest
for alleviation and emancipation. Keep
ing the goal Of our movement as our
guiding star, organizing, federating, agi-
tating, educating and contesting on
every field, yielding fruitful results, we
shall, as the hours Of the day, advance
from the deepest gloom to the full mid
day glory of life-the light of hope, hap
piness,. and humanity. To this noble
work; to this splendid convention; In
the name Of the grand army Of labor, I
bid you welcome
Indicative of the progress Of the
American labor movement during 1897,
the Secretary Of the Federation reports
that charters were granted to eighteen
city central bodies, 1S9 local unions,
eight national and international unions,
thus making an increase in member
ship Of $4,000 new members; his report
further shows that 276 strikes were Off
cially noticed by the Federation among
the affiliated organizations, involving
1882 workers, 189 OF which were sue
Cessful; thirty-one compromised favor
ably; thirty-three lost twenty-three un-
settled at time report was made. It will
be seen by these figures that the num-
ber OF strikes won and compromised
showing a favorable recognition Of or
ganlsed labor, from national stand
point for 1897, was 1917 per cent. The
number lost was 11.9 per cent; un-
settled at time Of report was made Is
8.3 per cent. This is extremely crafty
ing to organized labor and shows an in
crease In recognition of their efforts
when manifested in the interest Of right
and justice. The causes which produced
strikes In 1897, were with few excep-
tiOns, based upon demands for higher
wages, shorter hours, and the extension
and recognition Of union rules and prin-
ciples. The number of persons benefited
by these strikes was 1866 407
Among the most notable strikes In
1897 was the coal miners strikes
throughout the eastern coal-producing
States, involving nearly 100000 miners
After struggle for several weeks set
tlement was effected, resulting in an
increase Of wages, OF % per cent. for
more than $4,000 miners an a material
advance for all other miners. Inciden-
tai to the effect and power of injunction
in labor troubles, the massacre of
number Of miners at Latimer, Pa, is a
striking Illustration. Referring to this
in his report the President of the Amer
lean Federation of Labor says:
While body of unarmed and de-
fenseless miners were marching upon
the public highway from Hazelton to
Latimer Pa, they were met by the
Sheriff of the county with posse Of
armed mercenaries, who, without cause