Kentucky Irish American. (Louisville, Ky.) 1898-1968, 1899-11-11


Since the election Of John Mitchell as
President of the United Mine Workers of
America in January last the increase has
been almost phenomenal, nearly 40, 900
new members having been installed in
that period. Mitchell is an aggressive
leader, and has distinguished himself by
pushing into new fields and establishing
locals in mining districts where hereto
tore they were unknown. The Miners
National Union now spreads over nearly
every State between the Alleghanies and
the Pacific ocean, and in extending its or
ganization has accomplished greater re-
suits in a brief period than have ever
been known in the history of the labor
movement. John Mitchell is the youngest
man ever elected to the office, being only
in his thirtieth year. He is also Fourth
Vice President Of the American Fedora
ton of Labor notwithstanding his youth
his official career in various capacities
in the organization has been long and
useful one. He possesses the unbounded
confidence of the men in all parts Of the
country.
The members of the Dublin Typo
graphical Society employed in job offices
have already taken steps to enforce
the resolution adopted by the executive
favoring fifty hours to constitute
weeks work. So far as can be ascer-
tanned, the employers do not seem par
ticularly anxious to fall in with the
demand of the men. Some of the former
have, however, signified their intention
of agreeing to fifty-two hours week
instead of fifty-four as at present. The
printers will, no doubt, accept any rea-
sonable offer sooner than disturb that
harmony which at present exists between
master and man in this particular trade.
The practice OF employing children of
tender years to work long hours at man
ual labor is one which deserves the con-
demnation of all those who take an in
terest in the well-being of the poor of our
cities. From time to time cases have
been brought under the notice of the
public where little children have been
engaged working for considerably over
twelve hours day in many places in our
great commercial centers. The poor little
waits. because of the poverty of their
parents, have to put up with great in
justice, and, as far as remuneration goes,
they are completely at the mercy of
misery and grasping employers. Apart
altogether from this aspect of the ques-
ton, child labor has the effect of taking
away children from school at an early
age, thereby depriving them of that edu-
cation which in after years may gain for
them good positions. Al the Independent
Labor Party conference in Dublin the
following resolution on the subject was
submitted: THAT this conference, while
still firmly desiring total abolition of
child labor, welcomes the attempt to raise
the age of half-timers. and also trust that
child labor out of school hours will be
prohibited, especially the selling of
papers, matches, etc, in the streets. :"
Several speakers pointed out the injustice
of employing child labor. It was not
only injurious to fhe health and future
prospects of the unfortunate children
themselves, but il was furthermore dam
aging TO cider employers, whom it de-
prived of a means Of subsistence. pro-
longed discussion took place as to whether
it was judicious to leave in the words
especially the selling of papers and
matches. etc, and eventually it was de-
cided to omit these words for obvious rea-
sons.