The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1900-12-13
County Auditor.

mittee caused much discussion, but the
matter was referred to the executive
committee
Business was interrupted to present
gold watches to Pete Curran, John Weir
and David Carey fraternal delegates
from England, Scotland and Canada re-
spectively. The presentation was made
by w D. Mahon, of Detroit, and the
three fraternal delegates made feeling
responses
An unfavorable report was made
en- a resolution submitted by the Central
Trades ana Labor Union of st. Louis,
providing for the foundation of a gen
eral strike fund to be used only in cases
of urgent necessity, and where the
unions directly involved have exhausted
their financial resources under the super
vision of the government board. After
considerable discussion the matter was
referred to the executive council for set
Element.
SCOTCIMAN IN THE CHAIR.
President Gompers vacated the chair
and Fraternal Delegate Weir, from
Scotland, presided, during the cons!dera-
ton of a resolution providing that no
person be eligible to the Office of presi-
dent of the federation in the future for
more than two successive terms. Upon
this motion the committee reported ad-
NSAoC1y anu NiiS iSoQ1l WIS u1ldHI111O u51y
concurred in.
A long discussion was called forth by
a resolution that organizers must be
certified to by the central body, in which
they are TO serve before appointment.
The motion was finally laid on the ia
BILE.
A motion to reduce the tax of local I'M
ions, the majority of whose members are
under eighteen years of age received an
nnf9 hla from no oOY
Max Hayes, of Cleveland opposed the
adverse report on the ground that if the
plan was put into effect it would mate
rally aid in the formation Of lodges of
messenger boys, cash girls, etc. The
matter was referred to the executive
council.
Much discussion was caused by reso-
luton by Max Hayes that officers of the
federation be chosen by a referendum
vote, such vote to be taken on or before
the last day of the session of the annual
convention. s-. Ia 49,. -,F. 1
On this report the committee reported
adversely. $50 tocY bo8 2socc ~
GOMPERs ON THE REFERENDUM
Mr.. Hayes made a fervid appeal in
favor of his motion, after which Presi-
dent Gompers called John Mitchell TO
the chair, and spoke in favor of the COM
mittee's report. .-..
make out a list" said Mr.. Gompers,
land formulate a method by which this
scheme can be successfully carried out.
Before the American Fedora ton of La
bor can elect its officers by direct vote
of the members, the affiliated Organiza-
tons must have the machinery by which
that can be done. The difficulty is that
a large number of our officiated organiza-
tons do not themselves elect their Of
ficers by a referendum vote. Until all
organizations have provided the means
by which it can be carried out, the in
itiative and referendum must of neces-
sity be a failure.
President Gompers suggested that Mr..
Hayes and four others constitute a
committee to propose a plan for the ref
erendum and bring in a report at the
next meeting. Mr.. Hayes moved that the
motion be referred to the executive coun-.
Gil with plenary powers to act, hut his
motion was defeated and the adverse re-
port of the committee adopted, killing
the motion. The convention adjourned
until tomorrow morning.