Evening star., 1899-01-30
DELEGATES MAKE REPORT
Rehearsal of Proceedings of Brioklayers and
Masons' International Union.
Messrs. Canty, McAu1iffe and Roach
Give Account of Their Steward
ship to- Union No. 4.

At the last meeting of Bricklayers'
Union, No. 1, Messrs. M. P. Canty, F. M.
McAulife and William Roach. who were
delegates to theT recent convention of the
Bricklayers' andf Masons' international
Union, held at Hartford Conn, submitted
report Of the proceedings Of that body,
which extended through a session of twelve
days.
The convention, it was stated. was attend
ed by 135 delegates, representing an aggre-
gate membership Of 1900. Many ques-
tons of interest, not only to the craft, but
to those of the building trades generally,
were considered and disposed of. Among
these measures was the reference of a reso-
luton favoring an amalgamation with the
Operative Plasterers' National Union to
the brick ayers and masons' executive
board, which is instructed to communicate
with the pasterers relative to the matter.
A resolution was adopted, 1t was report
ed, which prohibits bricklayers from work
ing for construction contracting firms
unless at least one of the firm is a
practical bricklayer. This action of the
convention is regarded as of special inter-
est in this city, where carpenters as gen.
eral contractors directly employ bricklay-
ers and construct brickwork under the su-
perVlsion of foreman. If this resolution
Is enforced no union bricklayer in the fu-
ture will be permitted to work for car
penter unless he Is associated with a con-
tracing bricklayer.
The convention, 1t was stated went
record as opposed to cheap and insufficient
ireproofing by passing a resolution direct
ing that the members of unions oppose ma
terial and work of that character being
placed in construction.
An important amendment to the national
constitution was adopted by the conVen-
ton which includes as bricklayers work,
additional to fireprooting, block arching,
terra Gotta setting and setting of cut stone
trimmings on brick buildings, all terra
Gotta and vitrified conduit tubing.
Result Not Encouraging.
One OF the most important questions be-
fore the convention, the delegates stated,
was the eight-hour workday. This question
has been considered al previous conventions
and at the convention in 1898 it was re-
ferred to the various unions. The result of
the referendum vote was not encouraging,
as only six unions voted atiirmatiVely in a
total of 312. OF the remainder, 10 voted
negatively, conditionally, and not voting,
164.
The question of national affiliation with
the American Federation of Labor will be
submitted to the local organizations dur
ing the current year. Also the question of
establishing a home for aged and intirln
members of the craft.
Resolutions of local interest were adopted
favoring suffrage in the District of Column
bia, and also a resolution requesting that
practical bricklayers be appointed to in
Spect brickWork in this city.
Resolutions were adopted favOring postal
savings banks: also demanding the election
of United States senators by popular vote.
An anti-eXpansion resolution was discussed
at length and was finally passed amend
ed by declaring against further expansion"
by a vote of J6 to 35
a resolution which declared against an
alliance with Great Britain was tabled by
a vote of % to "a, also a resolution
against the annexation of Cuba. The ques-
ton of the construction of the Nicaragua
canal by the government or private enter
prise caused general discussion and was
finally tabled
A resolution adopted indorsing the
bill introduced by Senator Burrows and
vides for overtime pay for those employed
at arsenals, fortfications and navy yards
during the late war.
The blue label of the Cigar Makers
Union was unanimously indorsed and all
members of the craft are requested to pur-
chase only the product bearing that label.
General Organizers Authorized.
1t was decided to increase the organiZa-
ton of subordinate unions and the execu-
tive board was empowered to appoint four
general organizers during the year for a
period of three months from July 1. These
organizers, while employed, will be paid 50
a day and railway expenses.
The Bricklayers and Masons' Journal,
trade paper, which has been edited and
personally conducted by Thomas ODea the
national secretary was made the official
organ of the craft, and the national organi-
cation in the future will assume entire con-
troll of the publication.
After session of twelve days the dele
gates reported, the convention adjourned to