Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1899-12-19
POLlTlCALPROGRAM NOT HARMONIOUS
The Convention il a Thoroughly Reps
resentative Assembly. Delegates
From Ensland-Farmers, Union
-Labor in Demand.
THE matter published in this col
umn is prepared by the officers of the
Federation of Labor.1
The patroit Convention.

Detroit, Mich, is tile largest attended
convention in the history of the organi-
zation. 1t has for solution, many diff
cult problems that will mutually bene-
fit both employer and employe. 1t is to
be Regretted that President Gompers
cannot preside over the sessions. He
was unable to go to Detroit on account
OF injuries which he received in Wash
ington, d. G., last week.
As to the political program outlined
in President Gompers' address, which
was read before the convention, the or.
ganized toilers of the west are not al
together in harmony with it. But they
do credit Mr.. Gompers with sincerity
OF purpose. They who live west of the
Mississippi river, believe the energy OF
the American Federation should be put
forth in the interest OF thoroughly or
ganizing the working people, believing
that the political program will take
care Of itself, when the toilers become
educated as to their wants, through or
ganization.
The Detroit convention is thorough
~ representative assembly, delegates
being present from all portions OF. the
United States, CSinadas and Mexico.
Fraternal delegates are also present
from England.
The resolutions denouncing contract
convict labor and slavery in the Ha-
waiian Islands will meet with hearty
approval among the laboring men in
general.
There is possibility of defeat for
Mr.. dompers for reelection as presi-
dent, on account of his absence. But he
has many firm friends in attendance,
and it is 10 be hoped the convention
will see the necessity of placing him
once more at the head of the organiza-
ton in this country.
should he Denounced.
A "get-rich-quick" fakir from Cleve-
land, Ohio,- tried to bunco the manu-.
facturers and Others employers of la
Dor in this country by giving reliable
information 'sto include the executive
sessions" OF the American Federation
of Labor, which is now in session in
Detroit. Such f1ieh should be de-
nounced, as there is no secrecy in the
session of the American Federation of
Labor, eitheF executive or otherwise.
-ean invitation Is extended at all times
TO the press and public to attend the
sessions and witness the deliberations
OF laboring men in the interests of mil
lions of laboring men and women. AT
I ter each convention the entire proceed
ings are printed in book form and sold
for small sum per copy, enabling any
body who wishes to know Just what
each convention did to have all the in-
formation desired.
Farmers Organize.
Farmers are the most recent to form
I union and adopt label, and from re-
ports received from Broome county,
New York, do not think it will be very
long before we see vegetables, eggs,
milk, butter, etc., with union label
thereon. Farmers organized union
at Binghamton,. n. Y, quite recently
and adopted label--a picture of 4
plow, with the letters II. +. IT," above
It, to distinguish their produce from
that grown by farmers who know not
the blessings of organization. The I'M
! ion is called heeInternationa Farmers
union, and according to, Secretary E.
r. Gates OF Binghamton, N. Y, intends
to have branches thinug hout the Unit
ed States and Canada. The member
ship is to be confined to those who ac-
tually till the soil A circular at hand
declares that the farmers union pro-
poses to establish reciprocal relations
with the organized mechanics of the
tAt1SSs liC uuloll VIII no ION
ger boil his union-grown potatoes in a
non-union made pot, nor will he hunt
the potato bug in non-union overalls.
Y In return he expects that the city
housewife will not use her union-made
frying pan to cook non-union raised 20
tatoes and eggs This movement is OF
q different character than any of the
y organizations heretofore started among
farmers, and is the first of its kind.
A Shortage of Labor.
The New York World is authority for
the statement that there is shortage
of labor in the metal and machinery
trades in New York city, and quotes q
number of instances, from which the
following are taken:
Every molder of the Iron Molders'
union is at work, and the employment,
bureau at 81 Centre street is daily in
receipt of demands for men that it can,
not fill.
The Pattern Makers union reports
mel fnr snrl,nl