Waterbury Democrat., 1901-10-09
THE FEDERATION DELEGATES ARE NSESSION NTODAY

settlement by force, and one has but to call to mind the nature of the injunc- tions which have been granted by judges in Connecticut and elsewhere to determine who-Whether capital or Ia. hor-would be forced.
 Consolidation having failed, arbitra- ton should be resorted to, but 10 board of arbitration as at present con stituted in this state should be accept ei by us as competent or adequate. Voluntary arbitration, then, is the only means left by which to attempt the settlement of strikes, for by this means men on both sides who are thoroughly conversant with the facts and condi- tions are brought together, when req son and judgment are certainly all that are necessary to settle our disputes.
 Strikes are decreasing with the strength of our organization, and as our unions are bonded, and federated, and drawn together by ties of uniTy and policy, so will the necessity for strikes still further decrease.
 Our organizations which are to-day paying the highest dues are receiving the greatest benefits and have the few est strikes. The lesson they teach is that we should build our organizations upon fraternal and benevolent lines. Organizations should pay a sick and death benefit and out-of-work benefit, and should establish and maintain q strike fund. Our state branch can also profit by these suggestions, and be- lieve that fund should be established to assist our members when on strike. To provide for this contingency an in- crease in dues of cents per capita should be made 1 cent of which should go to said fund and for no other pur- pose.
 While the constitutions of all our in- ternational unions forbid politics en- tering our meetings, yet l feel conl- pplled to say that here in Connecticut organized labor must in some way as sert it's strength to secure just and equitable treatment at the hands Of Odr state government. From personal observation, 1 am convinced that the 1aboring class will receive recognition only in proportion to their demands These demands do not, and never will, receive proper recognition from the majority of our legislators after elec- tion. In the enforcement of laws through the various state departments, organized labor is almost totally ie- Eured. and our state bureau of labor statistics, in particular, is the prey of active politicians in the republican party and not controlled by the state commissioner.
 Tnere can be no doubt that the pres ence of a representative of the organ izal labor of the state was as.great benefit to the working classes in pre- venting vicious legislation and in as sisting insthes passage of the manufdc- tI.ers' liability4act and the free en- ploYmentl bureau act.
 The report of your legislative chair man will cover thoroughly the work of the committee, also that of others who assisted them at hearings, and shoulG be carefully considered.
 Our present constitution may have been all sufficient when drafted, but in my judgment it has now outgrown it's good work, and is totally inadequate for present exigencies. I strongly recommend a complete revision of the constitution at this convention.
 There is no question of the necessity of a state organization to-day in Con- necticut, and no organization can be conducted successfully without proper laws tolgoEertl the aims of itsnofficers and to safeguard the welfare of our mhfnbers and assure future and permn- nent success.
 The necessity being apparent to all who have have studied our laws, it be- hooyes us now to immediately under take the task of reconstruction. Let our efforts be consistent and our work well done.
 According to section Is of the con- stitution, l have the honor to submit the following recommendations:
 As the membership of the State branch increases so must there be an increase in the clerical work necessary t3 conduct the business, and I would recommend an increase in the salary paid the secretary treasurer. and that salary be paid the president. TO successfully administer the affairs of the state federation the president must devote great deal of time and atten- tfon to the performance of his duties, and while the present incumbent Ind all former presidents have entered upon the duties with a full knowledge of what might be expected, the condi- tion or our affairs to-day. requires so much sacrifice of time and labor thar neglect of duty upon the part of the president cannot be charged in the ab- sencc of just remuneration
 We should change our name to that of Connecticut Federation of Labor.'' We should provide ways and means whereby mass meetings might be held in all cities and towns of sufficient size and speakers provided to address rhe same during the winter season. This, I believe. would tend to elevate the State Federation and all local unions, and great benefits would result. The executive council should consist of the president first, second and third vice presidents, and the secretary treasurer. The presidents official title should be president and general or ganizer."
 To promptly cement the ties which bind us as unit and as one union it is necessary that we exchange and in- terchange ideas with our fellow crafts men and tradesmen. We should en- deayor to draw in close relations the state federations. and to accomplish this end, which I believe would result in great benefit to all bodies concerned, I would recommend that fraternal del egates be sent to conventions of the Massachusetts and New York State Federations, the delegates to be elect ed at our annual election of officers. The greatest assistance which can ije rendered by individuals in advancing the cause of labor is by demanding goods bearing union labels, which typi- fy the highest skill in the labor field and also highest prices paid for labor In the advancement of unions through a consistent and stable demand for goods bearing the union label every member of the family can render in valuable assistance, and the teaching of oI,i1d7or1 f<1