The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1901-11-16
BY THE TREACHERY
OF LABOR LEAbtR Rs
The AmaIgamated Associa
ton Mas Defeated.
so DECLARES Mr. BURNS
Makes Bitter Attack on the Fedora
ton Of Labor.
1T &c P0liriNsI npntNz ATINn
IT is A POLlrIcsL ORGANIZATION
So He Claims, Usirg the Name Of LsbN 10
Advance Few Men to the Injury
Of the Many Who Toll.
(By the Associated Press.)


indianapolis, Ind, Nov. 14.-At the
National Convention of the knights of
Labor this evening, General Master
Workman Simon Burns submitted
his annual report, which consisted
largely of an attack on the American
Federation of Labor.
General Master Workman Burns in his
annual message said:
THE first great struggle between or
ganiZed labor and great trust was be-
tween the Amalgamated Association of
Iron and Steel Workers and the United
States Steel Corporation. 1t matters not
what errors and mistakes are charged
to the officers and members of the
Amalgamated Association the facts are
that the steel companies We're victorious
because of the treachery and failure of
organized labor to do it's duty. The
Amalgamated Association expected at
least the friendship of the officers and
members of the American Federation of
Labor. They received nothing but de-
ception and opposition.
1.-THE leaders of the American Fedora
ton of Labor did not want President
Shaffer or his organization to win, be-
cause it might have given that organi-
cation and President Shaffer some pres
tige and prominence. The largest po-
litical organization today is the Fedora
tion of Labor, using the name of labor
for the purpose of advancing a few
men politically to the great injury of the
many. Any labor organization that adj
vances or benefits the wage earners
should be encouraged, but such political
organization, using the workingmen for
a blind, should be known by their true
name and reputation.
Labor is not antagonistic to capital
except when it, becomes oppressive.
Anything that prevents strikes and lock
outs and gives the toiler fair share of
what he produces. will be a blessing to
all. If the Government does not inter
fere, restricting and controlling trusts,
these large combinations of capital will
control the Government and the people,
There is no doubt in the minds of
many of the people that money and it's
influence change the opinions and decis-
ions of officials, who should be for right
and justice. The trusts should be for
right and justice. The trusts should be
controlled by the Government and all
facts in connection with the same be
given publicity, in the same manner as
the proceedings of Congress. Compel
them to give the amount of capitaliza-
ton, the actual amount of capital in
vested, the value of their property, the
number Of their employees, the average
wages paid, the average number of
working days for the total number of
employees; whether they have increased
or decreased the number of workmen.
increased or decreased wages, what per
cent, and the number of workmen who
were so affected the number of their
stockholders, the amount of stock held
by each. The number of officers and
the salaries of each, the total amount of
production each year, value of same,
wages paid labor, and the profit on the
same"