Evening star., 1899-03-14
BUILDING TRADES COUNCIL
Report of Legislative Committee a Feature
of Last Nights Proceedings.
Regret Expressed at Failure of
Eight-Hour Bill-Matters of In
terest to Labor.

Vice President Lewis occupied the chair
at the meeting last evening of the Central
Labor Union, the president, Mr.. Szegedy,
being absent on account of the death of
relative.
The report of the legislative committee
was submitted and adopted. In part it
was follows:
1T is with regret we are compelled to
report that the most important measure
before the Fifty-fifth Congress, the eight
hour bill, died in the Senate, after having
passed the House unanimously. There was,
however, some important legislation en-
acted affecting both the allied printing
trades and the building trades of the Dis
trict of Columbia. Those who were instru-
mental in having these laws enacted should
receive the thanks of organized labor.
Restoration of Wages.
1.-The measure of most Importance to the
allied printing trades is the amendment to
the sundry civil appropriation bill which
restores the wages of printers and book
binders in the government printing Office
from 40 to so cents an hour, for which they
have been striving for twenty-five years.
AN amendment to the same bill which
provided that the faces of revenue stamps
previously printed on steam-power presses
shall in the future be printed by the hand
roller process was a great success for the
plate printers of the bureau of engraving
and printing.
Another important measure Is the act
which provides that all employees in the
navy yards, arsenals and gun factories of
the United States shall receive pay and a
haif for all overtime work. A bill which
We consider of much Importance to the
building trades of the District was also
passed which requires that contractors for
the construction of municipal work shall
De required to give security for the pay
ment OF money due mechanics and laborers
employed by them on public constructions;
also for money due for material.
Your committee is of the opinion that the
American Federation of Labor convention.
to assist the printers, bookbinders and plate
printers, aided them very much in securing
this desirable legislation.
Aid Rendered.
Among those who rendered efficient serv-
ices during the pendency of the various
measures and who deserve the thanks Of
organized labor we mention President Jones
of Typographical Union, President Feeney
of Bookbinders' Union and President Siege
dy of Plate Printers Union.
In conclusion we would say that there
We're several measures intruSted to our care
which We're not considered, but an effort
Will be made when Congress again assem-
bles to have them enacted If at that time
we nave the honor to serve as your legisia-
tive committee"
communication was received from Mr.
w. S. Mexican, secretary of the general
committee of the peace jubilee requesting
the cooperation of the Central Labor
Union in the proposed event. and to desisy-
nate five members as representatives on
the general committee-one of whom is to
be a member of the executive committee
The consideration Of the matter was de-
1erreu until the next meeting.
BrOtherhOOd's Grievance
There was also received a communication
from Mr.. William j. Gilthorpe grand secre-
tary-treasurer of the Grand Lodge of |
Brotherhood of Boiler Makers and Iron
Ship Builders, at Kansas City, detailing the |
troubles between their organization and a
meat-packing concern of that CITY and re-
questing that the trades unionists of the
District Of Columbia shall refrain from
purchasing the products of the firm. The |
matter was referred to the grievance COM |
mittee.
The committee having in charge the cele-
bration of the third anniversary of the or
ganizaton of the Central Labor Union on |
March p reported that arrangements are |
being made for the proper observance of |
the occasion. 1t was stated that abundance |
or refreshments of various kinds will be |
provided and program will be prepared |
which will comprise vocal and instrumental |
music, Rotations, dancing, espeechmaking
etc. etc.
Letters were read from Senator Hale and
former Senator German. acknowledging re-
ce!pt Of the Central Labor Union resou- |
tions thanking them for having assisted in |
passing a measure which will restrict the
NUMBER OF steam power presses to be used |
in the bureau of engraving and printing |
An invitation was extended to the Build |
ing Trades Council, and also to the MEM |
bers of all allied organizations to attend |
the anniversary meeting of the Central |
Labor Union, and the committee of ar |
rangements was instructed to procure a |
suitable haH for the occasion. /
Delegates were admitted and Obligated |
from the Hackmen and CaDmen's Protec- !
tive Association, and the recently organ
iZ I'd Stationary EireIpen'S Union