The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-12-13


organization referred the matter 10 q vote
of the membership; and, according to the
officers reports, the Indifference displayed.
as manifested by the vote. was too appar-
ent to admit of the organizations under
taking the move. Beyond doubt, the aban-
donment of the effort was caused by the
reasons assigned, and that It was largely
inueqced by the result of the British en-
gineers' strike, as well as by the impend-
ing war with Spain. Notwithstanding this
fact, however, number of machinists, as
well as other union, secured a reduction in
the hours Of labor.
Should Industrial conditions warrant, il
is suggested that every effort be made by
the incoming officers in cooperation with
the trade union movement of the country
10 inaugurate a general agitation and
movement for the more universal intro
duction Of the eight-hour, or shorter-hour
workday."
THE STRIKES OF THE YEAR.
After reviewing the strikes of the year.
Mr.. Gompers said:
These form the notable strikes OF the
year-notable because they have command
ed public attention and have been herald
they were not all successful in obtaining
the purposes for which they were inaug-
urated. They do not tel 1.-The tale OF the
strikes which were won, and particularly
those which were averted by the employ
ers conceding the demands OF our organi-
cations.
Following the practice OF years, we is
sued the statistical blanks and obtained
data from the officers of our affiliated
unions. From these reports incorporated
in the secretary's report. will be cleaned
the fact that with but few exceptions, that
is. nearly all reported herein, that sub
stantial increase in wages and reduction
in hours of labor have been the rule along
the whole line of the labor movement
Of our country. With more unions form
ing and greater unity among them. there
can be no doubt that defeats will become
tages greater
Referring to the Pana and Virden
Strikes, Mr.. Gompers had said:
The operators sought to break their
agreement and the strike by importing a
horde of ex-convicts. negro cheap labor
ers from Alabama, and placing them I'M
der an armed guard of Pinkerton thugs
and hirelings. That bloodshed would en-
sue when an armd mob etaoinshrdluetaoni
sue when an ignorant mass of men armed
to do the bidding of characterless men,
could easily be foreseen Governor Tan
ner recognized that the band of men arm
ed was contrary to the laws of the state
and forbade entrance to others, and final
ly, approaching the strained condition of
affairs. he declared martial law and insist
ed on the disarmament of ALL"
JUDICIAL INJUNCTIONS.
Mr.. Gompers said of judicial injunctions:
Regarding the bill for the curbing OF the
power of the justices granting injunctions
in labor disputes. little progress can be re-
ported. At the last convention the declar-
alton was made that We were dissatisfied
with the bill previously passed by one
house of congress, and though hearings
were had upon more comprehensive mea-
sure, we were unable to obtain a report
from the senate Judiciary committee. Ev-
cry effort was made to secure from the Of
fcers of the organizations involved in the
Toledo and Ann Arbor strike a copy of the
order which, it was allegedf, practically
prohibited men from quitting their en-
ployment. In consultation with Senator
All en- of Nebraska in regard to his bill
upon the subject. it was clearly manifest
that it would require important changes
in order to be effective.
GROWTH OF INTERNATIONALLY
Referring TO 1.-THE growth of interna-
tionality," Mr.. GomperS said:
with the view of a closer bond of sym
pathy and unity among the organized
workers of the different countries, COR
respondence with many of them has been
maintained, and entered into with a num-
Der of others. We should endeavor by
every means within our power to culti-
waite fraternal feeling and interest in the
welfare of the wage earners of all coun-
tries, TO aid and encourage every move
ment calculated to materially, morally
and socially improve the conditions of the
workers, no matter where they may be
located, and particularly to lend that aid
which may be in our power TO those who
show a disposition to stand upon the COM
mon policy Of our movement
From the officers of the affiliated
unions come the satisfactory reports that
they are in closer touch with their fellow
trade unionists everywhere. and it is add
tionan ygratifying that the mutual rec
ognition, exchange and acceptance of
union cards is being adopted information
ally
with each step taken in the DIRECTION
to cement the bond Of fraternity and the
recognition OF the principle OF solidarity
In the international labor movement, We
shall not only help to btar each others
burdens. but continually make these bur
dens lighter and be the lever for that In
ternational brotherhood of man when the
wars of nations shall be a thing of the
past. and the song of the poet. the dream
OF the philosopher, and the hope OF the
phHanthropist and humanitarian be
achieved.
FRATERNAL DELEGATES
"Our fraternaI delegates TO the British
Tradt Union congress, James Duncan and
Harry Lloyd. report that the greetings
which the yreceived at the hands OF our
fellow trade-unionists abroad were OF
marked, generous and gratifying charsc-
ter. Their report, a most interesting doc
ument. will be submitted TO Oyu- We
have with Us today the return frate-Bal
delegate 1rpfn the BLUSH AAa"@ a. Ai'a
congress to our convention. Mr.. Inskip
and William Thorn. who havt given the
best years OF their lives u the orEauiza-
ton OF The workers and the uplifting OF
the masses of labor.
For the first time, the convention last
year elected a frate-nal delegate 10 the
Trade and I.ssor congress OF Canada.
Thomas I Kidd. who too. reports the
cOrdialie yor his greeting ard the interest