Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1901-05-21
STATE FEDERATION
Recent Meeting at Sioux City Was
a Grand Success.
LABOR CONDITIONS ARE FAVORABLE

LABOR CONDITIONS ARE FAVORABLE
Prospects for a Still More Successful
Meeting Next Year at Cedar Rapids
What Labor Federation Means
Happenings in Local Labor Circles.
THE matter published in this col.
umn is furnished by the officers of the
Federation of Labor.l
The trade unionistS of Ottumwa
are well pleased with the resolutions
passed and changes in the constitution
that were made at the convention
which was held at Sioux City last
week. The officers elected are entire
ly satisfactory to this community, and
Will bring harmony and consolidation
to the labor movement in Iowa. Pres
ident A. E. Holder is without doubt
the best posted trade unionist in Iowa.
Taken together with the fact that he
islga hard and ardent worker, and I'M
der his guidance, the State Federation
of Labor is expected to grow in
strength and usefulness. 1t is expect
ed that when the State Federation of
Labor meets in Cedar Rapids next
spring, the largest convention in the
history of the labor movement in Iowa
will take place.
To those who are not familiar with
the labor movement in Iowa it may be
a surprise to learn of the progress the
union movement has made in the past
year. Many cities and villages which
before knew nothing of the trades I'M
ion movement are now thoroughly or
ganized with strong central bodies, to
assist in the work. Today the organ
lied labor of Iowa are able to control
with their votes, any unjust legislature
that might be proposed against the
wage earners of the state.
I AS the movement grows so does the
interest among the working people to
educate themselves on the industrial
condition. Altogether the outlook is
bright
1t is expected that the miners, as a
body will join the federation, bringing
twelve thousand more men into it's
fold.
The Federation of Labor is state
branch of the American Federation OF
Labor, which endeavors to unite all
classes of wage-workers under one
head through their several organiza-
lions to the end that class, race, creed,
political and trade prejudice may be
abolished and that support, moral and
financial, may be given to each other.
1t is composed of international, ma
tional, state, central and local unions,
representing the great bulk of organic
ed labor in the United States and Can
ada.
1t gives to any organization joining
its ranks recognition in the labor field
in all it's phases. G.s
1t secures in case of boycotts
strikes, and lockouts, attentive hear.
ing before all affiliated bodies, and it
renders financial aid to the extent of
its ability.
It is not a money institution. 1t al
lows each organization to control its
own funds; to establish and eXpend its
own benefits without let or hindrance
1t aims to allow-in the light of ex
perience-the utmost liberty to each
organization in the conduct of it's OWL
affairs consistent with the generally
understood principles of labor.
1t establishes inter-communication
creates agitation, and is in direct anc
constant correspondence with corps
of representative organizers through
out the country.
1t watches the interests of the work
ers in national congress; it endorses
and protests in the name of labor, anC
has secured vast relief from burden
some laws and government officials.
1t is in communication with reform
ers and sympathizers in almost al
classes, giving information and enlist
ing their cooperation.
1t assemblies once year all classe;
of wage-earners, in convention, to eX
change ideas and methods, to cultivate
mutual interest, to- secure united &C
ton, to speak for labor, to announc'
to the world the burdens, aims ant
hopes of the workers.
1t asks-yea, demands-the cooper
alton of all wage-workers who believ,
in the principles of unity, and tina
there is something better in life thai
long hours low wages, lack of EN-
ployment, and all that these imply.
It's existence is based upon economic
law, to-wit:
That no particular trade can Ions
maintain wages above the common
level.
That to maintain high wages al
trades and callings must be organized
That lack of organization among
the unskilled vitality effects the organ
lied skilled.
That general organization of skilled
and unskilled can only be accomplish
ed by united action. Therefore, feder
alton.
Again, that no particular locality cal
long maintain high wages above tina
3 of others.
That to maintain high wages all 10
calities must be organized.
That this can best be done by tn
maintenance of national and interna
3 tional unions.
That any local union which refuse
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