The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-12-09
LABOR'S AVOWED ENEMY
The American FederatiOn's Opin.
ion Of Gen. H. G. Otis.

LOUISVILLE, Dec. Seen. Harrison G.
Otis was bitterly scored in the convention
of the American Federation OF Labor to-
day. Delegate Lynch. of the International
Typographical Union, declared that II Otis
were appointed Secretary of War, one Of
his first oflcial acts would probably be
to erect forts near the large cities to
be used against laboring men. il neces-
sary. Otis was denounced as the arch
enemy OF the Federation. The following
resolution was unanimously adopted:
Whereas it is understood that Harrison G. Otis
proprietor of the unfair Los Angeles Times. ~
and an avowed enemy Of organized labor, is a
candidate for the portfolio Of Secretary OF War,
therefore be 1t
Resolved, That the American Federation of
Labor in convention assembled in Louisville, Ky,
protest against the recognition Of such an un-
fair employer, and be it further
Resolved, That the executive officers Of the
American Federation of Labor be and are here
by, instructed to every effort at their conf
mand to prevent the appointment Of Harrison G.
Otis as Secretary of War or to any other Cabinet
or public position.
One of the most important resolutions
adopted was the following:
Resolved, That the American Federation Of
Labor believes that:
First-The voters OF each State ought to have
the power submit constitutional amendments
by petition To the referendum.
Second-that the right Of the people to change
their constitution and enact laws by petition and
vote is clear, unqucstionable and vital right.
Third-Thst the present monopoly OF the law
making business by the Legislatures o. the
various States is the source of all the forms OF
monopoly that oppress labor and rob the public.
Therefore, tine State branch Of the American
Federation of Labor in each State il hereby in
structed to petition the Legislature for change
in the Constitution, providing for the submis
sion to the people OF the constitutional amend
Iuents petition Of voters And the executive
council of the Federation Of Labor is instructed
TO ask for like amendment to the Federal
Constitution.
The executive council made a report Of
much Importance to labor people. Chief
in importance was the reference to the
Brewers Union and the various organiza-
lions affiliated. 1t strikes the principal
note of all the work before the conyen-
tion. the question Of individual or collec
tive representation in the national body.
The council recommends that the brewers
refrain from issuing any more charters to
the brewery firemen and engineers. but
that they recognize the cards of these or
ganizations.
In making this declaration the council
declares for individual representation in
the Federation. The council recommends
that the postal CLERKS come under the
eight-hour law; that they are at present
being worked from eight to fourteen
hours a day. seven days in the week.
The convention adopted resolution de-
manding union wages for navy machin-
ists.
An interesting communication from the
Federation Libre Of Porto Rico was re-
ceived. 1t asked the cooperation of the
American Federation on various ways, and
concluded as follows:
"H you kindly make these recommenda-
tions you will thereby show your senti-
( ments OF solidarity with the workmen OF
Porto Rico, who are suffering intensely
from brutal oppression, who are kicked and
cuffed and imprisoned without cause what
eosyer without being able to defend them
selves against their oppressors. / beseech
you to extend your fraternm hands to my
countrymen in the unfortunate island Of
Porto Rico. They are willing to be under
American laws, they only ask for Just and
equal treatment, and they will share with
you your successes. as well as your de-
feats. in the ngbt for better social and
economic conditions"