The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1901-09-12
TALK OF CHANGES
ENGINEERS ARE NOT QUITE SATIs-
FLED WITH THEIR CON-
STITUTION
TO SEE SECRETARY GAGE
Committee to Ask for shorter Hours
for Engineers Working for
the Federal Government
Fraternal Message.

proposed changes in the constitution
and bylaws occupied almost the entire
attention of the international Union of
steam Engineers yesterday, and although
an evening session was held it Is entirely
probable that that branch of the bust
ness OF the convention will! not be en-
t1rely disposed of for several days to
come However, but few of the changes
are in any way radical or materially af-
feet the general policy of the organiza-
ton Nearly all of them merely pertain
10 detail in the method of tranSacting
business and are not of general interest.
AT the session yesterday afternoon a
resolution was adopted favoring the
amalgamation of the coal-hoisting engi-
neers of Pennsylvania, who are now in
dependently organized, with this organi-
zaelon. The Pennsylvania engineers will
soon hold their national convention, at
which the matter will be considered from
their standpoint, and if they regard the
plan favorably definite negotiations will
then be opened.
A greater number Of the eonsti-
tutfonal questions considered were
those advanced by President Mon
Afghan, in the recommendations
embodied in his annual report.
Following these suggestions an amend
ment was adopted providing that engi-
neers IN a place where there are not
= Sumc1ent number of their craft. to form
local union may join the main body
ana transact their business as individuals
olrect with the interna tional officers An
other amendment provides that members
OF local unions who are compelled to
work at times when meetings are held
Tor the election of officers may cast their
votes at the. next meeting following. A
provision has also been made for annual
district Or state conventions, which it
mas been argued7win greatly simplify the
work OF the convention of the main body.
Various other changes of a minor char
acter were made -,
sasJ resolution was adopted instructing the
president to appoint a committee to call
upon Secretary Gage washington
: ana urge that the rules governing the
engineers on federal plants be amended
10 give them an eight-hours day. 1T is
Z. SAID that at present large number of
these plants are operated continuously,
ana only two engineers are employed,
Which requires that each of these men
shall work. twelve hours a. day. 1T will
also be asked that where the plants are
continuously operated, the men be chang
ed ABOUT, at least aonce- in three months
to give each one q chance at day work:
also that two andI one-haf days of each
month be allowed each man as leave
where the plants are operated seven
s:oayss a. week. and fifteen days each year
Where the plants are operated only six
days.
"A fraternal and cengratulatory tele-
gram was sent to the stationary fire.
men organization in convention at To-
leoo. Ohio, and another telegram was
sent TO local union No. T. of the Inter-
national Union of Steam Engineers at
Denver, congratulating that body upon
having won it's fight for an eight-hour
day; and raise in wageseof 20 per cent.
winch now makes the scale So. IS per day.