The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-12-15
TAKES STRONG GROUND
FEDERATION OF LABOR Is AGAINST
TRADE AUTONOMY.
Two Resolutions Tending that Way
Voted Down After Sharp Debates
Other Business of the Day.

LOUISVILLE, KY, Dec. 1.-THE Amer
lean Federation of Labor to-day placed it
self on record as opposed TO trade au-
tonomy and in favor of Capitalization in
trade unionism. establishing a precedent
for the establishment of future organiza-
lions of the country. Two propositions for
autonomy were voted down. on the ground.
as stated by their opponents. that they
would tend to disintegrate the large CEN
trail labor unions and destroy their power
and prestige. The convention showed a
disposition to compromise on the question,
recommending that the different organiza-
tions come to some agreement for the in
terchange OF cards and disclaimins the
competency of the federation to legislate
for any affiliated unon. The first resolu-
ton for autonomy. passed upon was de-
signed to allow the auxiliary workmen en-
ployed I'm breweries TO withdraw from the
United Brewery Workers and join the
unions of their respective crafts. 1t was
defeated. The second was resultant from
the long-existing controversy between the
International Machinists' Association and
the International Typographical Union.
Upon this latter the resolutions commit
tee submitted proposition for policy
of noninterference. After a hard fight on
the floor n compromise was finally adopt
ed. expressing regret at the alleged dis
position of the >typograp bical union To re-
fuse arbitration. but still refusing TO COM
nit the federation To interference i'm the
strife between the two unions.
The disposition of the numerous resolu-
tions on the calendar was resumed to-
tho oil a.1o tod
To facilitate the organization of brother
hoods of oil and gas-wel workers; TO aid
the telephone girls of America in their eff
forts TO organize; declaring, in effect.
against the principle of trade autonomy
as urged In a resolution submitted by the
International Union of Steam Engineers.
The committee returned substitute for the
original resolution Which declared strongly
for exclusive jurisdiction OF the central
body i'm affiliated trades. The debate on
the substitute was spirited and at times
bitter but the conservatives polled 1854
votes to i.613 radical nays.
NO LABOR REPORTER"
A resolution providing for labor re-
porter was defeated by large vote
Delegate Agard, of Illinois. speaking in
favor OF the resolution. paid high tribute
TO the entire press OF America, to which
ne <dlus OfSdniIeu idOof was unuef ire
nendous obligations. Many delegates OPP
posed the proposition on the ground that
Under the direction of regular labor re-
porter labor news might be colored and
distorted. The previous question was or
dered and the resolution was defeated.
The special committee on COMPULSORY ar
duration reported In full accord witt.
President Gompers when he said that the
right To quit work was an inviolable pre-
II gatfve of every American workman. ard
q restriction Of that right an outrage on
the liberties OF the American people. : he
ttpcr- recommended that the convention
sake such action as will secure legislation
for voluntary arbitration as opposed To
ccrpuiSory arbitration. The report was
adopted
The special committee on the reporS cf
the president indorsed Mr.. Gompers's de-
ANNEXATION OF the authorities of Idaho for
alleged Illegal action during the Occur
s'AIene labor troubles in Siioshpe county.
lcaho. Governor Steunenberg was con-
Damned for alleged usurpation during the
riots. and Representative Lentz. of Ohio.
vas commended for the Introduction OF his
resolution requesting the President of the
United States 60 withdraw the troops from
shoshcne county. The report expressed
agreement with President Gompers I'm his
statement that the contract labor law has
proven inefficient and the executive cOun-
Gil instructed 10 formulate and sub
init 10 the proper committees Of Congress
further legislation the matter neccs-
sery TO meet the exigencles existing. The
report was adopted.
The committee on allowances made rec
concentrations, the effect of which Is
against direct trade autonomy. and in favor
friendly courts of arbitration for the set
flement OF interiabor disputes. The rec
Concentrations follow:
-E1rst-That hereafter. when granting a