Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1901-12-06
A BUSY CONVENTION
Federation Of Labor Convention
Has Many Questions TO Dis.
pose of.
Sixty Resolution on as Many
Different Subjects Before the
Delegates.
Contests for Seats Not All Set
tied, But Friction Will Be
Avoided.


Avoided.
Scranton, Pa, Dec. 6.-At the morn
ing session of the American Federation
Of Labor today sixty resolutions, cover
ing as many questions affecting labor
ing men, were introduced. They were
referred to appropriate committees
without being read. There are several
contests over the seating of delegates
yet undecided, but the credentials COM
mittees Is trying to arrange all disputes
amicably SO as to avoid friction in the
convention.
resenting the United Mine Workers Of
America were reached in the roll call a
stir was caused by c. l.. Shamp, Of Chi
cago, international secretary-treasurer
Of the Brotherhood of Stationary Fire
men,. objecting to their being seated.
He maintained that the mine workers
were not entitled to representation in
the convention because the per capita
tax of $4,000 had not been paid to the
federation President Mitchell, of the
mine workers, replied that his organiza-
ton was not asking for special privi-
leges Several thousands Of its mem
bers were on strike almost continually
for the past two years, and he said he
had asked the executive board to remit
the levy because the miners had paid
an assessment of $1,000 for the aid Of
the machinists. He said If the conven-
ton decided that his organization was
in arrears he would Immediately draw a
check for the amount due. The matter
unanimous vote the coal miners repre-
scntatives were seated.
Mr. Gompers' report showed a net in
crease of Gil local unions for the year.
and gain of 364,410 members. From
national and international unions and
the federation direct there were issued
1906 charters for newly formed unions,
and charters surrendered or unions dis
banded numbered 1850. On Oct 81 last
there were affiliated with the fedora
ton:
National and international unions,
81; city central labor unions, 327; state
declarations of labor, 20; local trade
unions having no national or interna-
tional affiliation, 750, and federal labor
unions, 399 There were four strikes of
general character during the year.
About these the report said:
That OF the River and Dock Work
ers, Of San Francisco, was distinct
victory.
The purpose for which the strike Of
and Iron Workers was inaugurated was
not achieved. and it was terminated
upon conditions less advantageous than
perhaps could have been obtained.
Officers of the International Associ-
alton OF Machinists report that their
strike has very largely succeeded in es-
tablishing the nine-hour rule in that
trade. They claim the settlements
reached have given 10000 machinists
a shorter work day, $4,000 others arc
affected by compromises reached. and
1000 machinists will receive an aver
age of 25 cents a day increase In
wages.
The report notes a growing tendency
to agreements in industry. To create
a defense fund 1t recommends changing
the federation's constitution so as to
admit larger assessment and the levy
by the executive council early in the
year of portion of the assessment
provided, so that a fund may be at its
disposition at any time In the interests
of any of the affiliated organizations
engaged In a protracted struggle which
they could not singly support.
1t also recommends authorizing q
committee to meet with representatives
OF the western federation of miners
looking to their aftlliation. The report
denounces the employment of young
children, and contends for greater or
ganization among woman workers.
Mr.. Gompers says he has arranged an
active campaign for re-enactment of
the Chinese exclusion act, and expresses
surprise at the patience of the Pacific
coast citizens in submitting to a state
of affairs so horrible and degrading"
1t arraigns Chinese immigrants as
lowering American standards. Thomas
Lemons report showed an income Of
s126,522: expenses, Sis, 70S; total fund at
hand, sS,S14.
Secretary Morrison's report shows the
total number Of strikes Of all kinds re-
ported .aggregating 1,056, in which 153.505
members were benefited and 12,707 We're
not benefited. Their total cost was
s54S,003.
The Pacific coast delegation, headed
by John T. Morgans, of Portland, is
fighting for re-enactment of the Chinese
exclusion law, with amendments to
r,oi,o ;fe prayisions apply to all Mon
golians and its operation unlimited as to
years.
Delegates from the ship building
trades are making vigorous campaign
for demand from the federation that
the government build its own ships and
not let out contracts to private parties,
who pay less wages and exact more la
Dor than does the government.
A Daring Author.
"Do you mean to say that the scene of
your play is laid in the internal regions?"
"Yes" said the perSistent Young man