The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1900-12-29


Thirty years ago it represented a very
limited influence, writes Sidney ].
Kent in the American Federationist
Today it represents some two millions
ef workers and essays to give voice to
the aspirations and appeals and pro-
tests Of the toilers of the entire United
Kingdom. It's influence today is in
deed far reaching. Many of it's de-
mands have long since passed into law
or become the custom Of the land.
Thu eight hour day and the half hoi
iaay on Saturday in that country are
now quite generally observed, especial
: " the latter, and the benefits accruing
In the municipalization of many public
utilities are no longer questioned.
In Huddersfield, where the congress
was held, we found that not only does
the city own it's own water, gas and
electricity. public parks, baths, street
railways, ETC., but, like many other
cities in Great Britain, it is entering
into competition with the landlord, and
up to the present time has built som
one hundred and eighty workingmen's
houses
All these things have been largely
brought about through the congress for
in this body sit twelve members of par
Lament. probably some sixty or eighty
members of city councils and almost as
many justices Of the peace Or magis-
trutes.
Tn deliberations Of this body are
marked BY dignity. decorum and in
telligence that cannot he surpassed by
any GClibeIutive body that 1 have ever
seen. The system of public schools
inauSu:atell some thirty years ago has
wrought most wonderful change in
the people Of Great Britain. And this
is true especially of the men and wo-
men engaged in those trades that long
ago gained the shorter wOrkday. To
this has been supplemental the eXpe-
rience and knowledge gained in the
meeting room, in the bargaining with
the employer, in the advantage OF
travel and interchange of views. For
the leaders Of most Of the organizati lions
in the congress attend the annual in
spective trades which are held at vari-
Gus points C1 the continent, previously
selected; so that not only are they con-
versant with the conditions of their
craft in their own country. but in other
countries as we'll. And so there has
grown up a body of strong, intelligent
and broad minded men, devoid of that
provincial bias that in the past has
given rise to some national prejudices
that have proved such barrier to that
fraternity Of feeling so essential to
peace and good VIII among men and
among nations.
The program of the congress consist
ed of resolutions submitted by the
various organizations comprising the
congress, and also Of recommendations
prepared by tn, parlia mentary COM
miltee who sits in conference for six
days in advance Of the opening Of the
convention. The parliamentary COM
mittee consists Of twelve men selected
by wee Of tho congress. This commit
tee looks after all the legislation per-
tanning to labor, prepares bills and
carries out 50 far as possible all the
recommendations and resolutions of the
parent body.
The meeting held at Huddersfeld
this year, and CT which l had the honor
OF att TGiHG as che Of the two frater-
ma! delegates representing the Ameri-
can Federation OF Labor, was especial
ly interesting, consisting of resolutions
pertaining to: Old age pensions; fair
wages in government employment;
Wclkmen's compensation for injuries
compulsory arbitration; mine and river
regulation cooperation and trades
lnionism; post office reform; civil right
in post office; inspection of steam en-
OFT, or,I l>o;I
trains; amendment to factory acts
housing Of the working classes and
taxing Of land values; eight-hour day;
child labor and Labor Day.
Among the various agencies working
as auxiliaries to the congress are the
Womens Trade Union League, among
whose prominent workers stands Lady
Dixie, wife of Sir Charles Dixie. This
lady spends her large wealth and gives
her time and talent in behalf of the
women toilers of Great Britain. She is
surrounded with quite a band OF
wealthy and refined women, who spend
Il large part Of their time among the
factory people and in their homes
many of which are novels. What to dc
with the worker in the PHOSPHORUS
Industries afflicted with that terrible
disease known as 'phossy jaw is a
serious question. To have their teeth
drop out and their jaws rot is a part OF
the lenalty paid by many young girls
who ITO live must work in these indus
tries; and thousands of other girls
there are who sacrifice their lives O,
constitutions through lead poisoning
for the privilege Of existing.
All these things are taken up by the
league, which has done much to ameli.
o:atc the condition Of the women, but
alas, how hard it is, even in countrie:
claiming Christian civilization. to OBJ
tain laws that will protect the lives
and advance the welfare Of working
men, women and children! The bat
tie between humanity and CONNER
cialism sometimes seems a very une
quail contest.
Another auxiliary is the Labor Rep
reservation Committee, whose sole bus
ness is to look after labor representa-
ton in parliament, in the city councils
upon the boards of education and mag
isterial benches. That they have me
with pratifvinp s11ccess is attosto6 h,