The age-herald., 1901-11-24
OF
 LABOR TO MEET

The eyes of the organized labor world Are now turned toward Scranton, Pa, where the convention of the American Federation of Labor win begin Decem- Der 5. This will be the most important convention in the history of the trades union. movement of the United States. It will reflect the progress that has been made, the improvements that are nee essary, and the labor conditions that ex- lst in the civilized countries of the world
 This iS true because delegates from the principal national and international unions of this country. delegates from the central trades of the different cities and Federal Labor unions, and fraternai del egates from all foreign countries where trades unions exist will be seated.
 The last convention of the American Federation of Labor was held in Louis vile, Ky, and the deliberations were fruitful of much good for the trades union movement Since that time many things have transpired and new ques- tions have arisen that will be brought be- fore the Scranton convention.
 All questions to be considered will be presented in a formal way before the convention meets and will be printed in the programme which will be handed to the delegates. The basis of represen- tation Is portioned in such way that every craft and organization has a voice In the deliberations of the convention. Many Matters of Interest.
 ? Casting an eve ovar tho ial.a., a.Ys s-- the last twelve months many matters of interest are found. It has been a partic- lularly peaceful and prosperous year among the building craft. With the ex- ception of Chicago there has been but lit- tie trouble and there has been an ap- preciable increase of wages and employ ment throughout the country. There has been likewise an increase in the unions of the building craft. Particularly is this true of the carpenters
 The metal workers have not been so Fortunate. First the Iron Holders en- gagged in a struggle with the National Founders Association, which was a long and bitter one. The holders won, secuf- Ing slight increase in wages and full recognition.
 The machinists came next with uni- versal demand for nine hour day. In some places increased pay was also de- 4 their side, the last good news being the settlement of the troubles between the Metal Trades Association of San Francis ,co and the Pacific coast cities, and the machinists, In which the latter gained the nine hour day and an increase in pay, time and a half for over time and double time for Sundays and National holidays, and a full recognition of the union by all old men being put to work. Where the machinists have not been suc- cessful they are holding out determined iy with not a break in the ranks, and the national organization gives assur- ances that they are able financially to continue until their demands are recog- nized. Birmingham. Atlanta and Chat tanooga are included in the unsuccess- 1ful points up to the present time, but they are firm.
 e The big steel strike Is a matter of history now, yet it's aftermath Is expected to find it's way into the convention of the American Federation of Labor. This and several questions of Jurisdiction such as that between the Journeymen Tailors ina Garment w yorfers will sabe ifnportan,
 matters before the convention. / . Alabama will be well represented at the