The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-12-15

charter to organizations of a particular
craft, Jurisdiction over which has been
granted by the terms of a charter already
issued to another organization, the limita-
tons of the new jurisdiction shall be de-
fined by the executive council II such
limitations be unsatisfactory to the new
applicant, charter of the federation
shall be granted.
''Second-when a dispute has once been
decided upon by this convention neither
party shall have the right to introduce it
again for three years, unless there is new
evidence of a material character.
''Third-That the American Federation Of
Labor shall hereafter refuse to decide
questions of jurisdiction involving national
or International affiliated bodies unless by
consent of the opposing interests, and with
the understanding that each Is willing to
accept the decision of the federation as a
final settlement of the dispute"
This report was adopted. practically
without debate as the recommendations
summarized previous actions by the con-
venticn.
With reference to the dispute between
the International Association of Machinists
and the International Typographical Union
as to trade autonomy, the resolutions COM
mittee recommended that the Federation
of Labor refuse to interfere. This pre-
cipitate6 a polemic battle between Presi-
dnt O'Connell. of the machinists. who op-
posed the committees recommendation,
and President Lynch. OF the typographical
union, who supported Ii. The debate on
this recommendation arrayed again the
friends and opponents of trade autonomy
and much of the old grist was threshed
over. The debate was interrupted by the
supper recess, and resumed with vigor aft
er the night session convened.
CONSERVATIVE VICTORY.
Secretary Brentwood. of the typograph-
ical union, said the union had been in
favor at all times of conciliatory measures
to settle the dispute. He denied the state
rnent that "a practicaI rnachiniSt vvaS pacaS-
sary to run a linotype plant. "Our in
sistence has been, and isl he said, that
while a man is employed in the composing
room. in a capacity that does not require
the skill of a practical machinist, he shall
carry the card of the typographical union.''
Delegate Rosenberg, of San Francisco.
declared that the opposition to trade au-
tonomy was in line with the general i'm
perialistic idea now dominant the world
over. Delegate Driscoll, of Boston, opposed
the policy of noninterference and advocated
definite action for against autonomy
Mr. John Mitchell of the United Mine
Workers. spoke in favor of the committee
action
Vice President Duncan offered as a SUBJ
stitute an amendment pledging the good
services of the federation for further medi-
alton between the organizations concerned
and requesting the incoming executive
council TO facilitate a settlement of the diff
Eculty within the ensuing year; also. criti-
IlSi1S Ill SOfue OcETec the INDOXrdDllcdl
Union for nonsubmission OF the dispute to
arbitration
President Gompers made an earnest ar
gument in favor of the substitute, and was
greeted with tumultuous applause. He de-
clared against the use Of force by the
federation In the adjustment of differences
between any affiliated unions. 1.-THE knights
of Labor" he said was a great organiza-
ton, but was founded upon force and the
application of force led to its disintegration
The true-hearted workers of the country
revolted at the edict of the Richmond con-
vention of the knights of Labor, and then
the decadence of that organization set in
In this instance. whether the |. r. IT, Is
right or wrong matters less TO us than the
maintenance OF our voluntary form of or
ganiZation. / will not attempt to defend
the |. II. l.. in taking in the machine
tenders. nor in their refusal to arbitrate
but l would rather see ten trade unions
at each others threats than to see the fun
damental principles of the trades-union
movement Initiated and destroyed. You
can survive a battle between two unions
but you can never survive the destruction
OF a principle
The substitute was adopted by a viva
vcce vote, only one voice being heard in
the negative.
President Gompers said tonight that a
strenuous effort would be made to adjourn
sine die tomorrow night, but the immense
amount of undisposed-of business still be-
fore the convention may compel prolonga-
ton OF the session until Monday or Tues
day OF next week.