Evening journal., 1899-10-13
MASS MEETING
Of MACHINISTS
Held 10 the Smith Building Last
Night-ClOser 0rganiza-
tiOn Urged.
STRIKE THOUGHT TO BE COMING
Smith Building Fairly Shook With
Applause During the Address Of
James 0'Connell, Grand President
of the Union.


James 0'Connell, Grand President
of the Union.
A large meeting OF union machinists
Of this city was held in the Smith
building last night, and was addressed
by several prominent labor men. The
meeting was arranged by Machinists'
Lodge, No 1S4, which had as its guests
James O'Connell, of Chicago, grand
president Of the International Associ-
alton Of Machinists; John ]. Keegan,
Of Philadelphia, business agent Of the
association, and Frederick Cougle-
man, OF Philadelphia.
Mr.. O'Connell, who made the princi-
pal address of the evening said: "A
warm wave OF closer organization for
Justice and the rights Of the working
men is soon going to strike this city"
The meeting was opened at $50
o'clock by Thomas L. Johnson. presi-
dent of the local lodge. A brief ad-
dress was then made by Mr.. Keegan,
who expressed his pleasure at being
with the lodge. and introduced Mr..
lO'Connell, who was greeted with deaf
ening applause In his address Mr..
lO'Connell said
THE struggle at Cramps shipyard
is not confined there, it is circulating
in other cities. Now is the time for
machinists to organize and take advan-
tage Of conditions to better the situa-
tion elsewhere, as well as in Philadel-
phia. We are in the midst Of an ap-
parent prosperity As mechanics we
are entitled to the highest considera-
tion Of employers and should be en-
Toying the highest rates Of wages and
THE shortest hours 1t is our faults if
we do not, do not blame employers
Platform speakers are constantly de-
nouncing employers; don't hold then
Irresponsible for our condition, it is the
fault of the wage-earners. The indi-
lvidualist is our drawback. He is the
fellow who has no consideration for his
lfellow-workmen. He is the lOadstone
THAT draws us down; he won't join with
,lus; he is afraid to strike and is al
ways growing at organization. He
prevents labor from advancing. Never
lin the history of the country was there
SO great desire for trade unionlsm
and a willingness to meet employers
Who have no regard for us if we are moi
rganized.
In this age of combination organi-
zation is an absolute necessity. and w
are in a constant struggle for justice
right and a fair understanding will
employers. We are not organized sole
Z ly for striking nor contention, but foi
the rights we should enjoy. We mus
also remember that the employers hav-
e rights. What we want is a reasonable
wage so that we can support ourselves
and families. The man who is so un
e fair as not to wish to see his men pros
( per is the man we are after. We ar
after any man who is trying to holt
8 wage workers down. We have cult
waited higher tastes and aspiration
4 than were those Of years ago. And as
b pirations that make better men an
happier families are aspirations higl
= enough for a king"
e Further speaking of the situation a
Cramps, Mr. O'Connell said; They d
e not pay as much as other works an
e have longer hours. They say you shal
/ not have tie right to be represente
/. lby committees. You must make know
l. your desires by personal request
= When the committee dared go and as
for a nine-hour day they we're scoffe
at and kicked out But the struggl
goes on. The wave is going to striB
this city and it will be a warm wav
1.-THE signal will soon be raised for ii
last ten hours day for one day
wages. You should work but mir
~ hours a day and have five dollar
wages for that day. This is not
threat to employers, and when Il
~ ime comes to meet your employers yC
will probably get your demands witt
out one man on strike The wave
coming your way, be prepared for it
- Mr.. O'Connell was frequently inte
" rupted byapplause that fairly shook Il
building.
- A brief address was made by N
= Cougleman, after which refreshmen
" were served and the meeting adiour
ed. It is proposed to hold mass-met
ing in the near future, and again ha
Mr.. O'Connell to make an address.