The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1901-12-10
FAVOR SCALPERS.
American Federation of Labor
Delegates Vote
To Oppose Passage of Anti
Scalping Legislation.
HAD LARGE MAJORITY.
Though Proposition Was Op-
posed by Telegraphers
AS Well as a Delegate From the
TaiIOrs' Union.

Scranton, Pa, Dec. 10.-The first busi-
ness to come before the convention of
the American Federation of Labor this
m orning was the introduction of addi-
tional resolutions. Unanimous consent
was necessary and First Vice President
Duncan of Boston protested against
taking up the time of the delegates by
the presentation of resolutions at this
time when they could easily have been
presented last Saturday when the con-
stitutional time limit expired The
resolutions dealt with the piano makers
label, several boycotts and the agree
ment between the piano makers and
the woodworkers regarding their trade
jurisdiction.
The committee having charge of the
SecretaryS report, reported that the
suggestion made be accepted with the
exception of that referring to the per
capita tax of national and interna-
tional unions. The committee recon-
mends the tax be increased from one
third to one-half of one per cent per
month The recommendations were
adopted.
The committee on resolutions then
presented a voluminous report. Among
the resolutions was one asking all
unions to give the status of the jurlS-
diction over which they claim to exer-
else authority. This brought up the
question of autonomy and First Vice
President Duncan made the important
announcement that he will ask for a
|
question of autonomy This announce
ment had the effect of killing the reso-
luton there being no opposition to the
motion to adopt the recommendation of
the committee.
The resolution pledging the American
Federation to use every honorable
means to prevent the passage by con-
gress of anti-scalping legislation was
favorably reported by the con mittee.
State Senator Tanqueray of Colorado,
member of the Railroad Telegraphers'
union and John b. Lennon of Bloom
ingdale. I'LL, of the JOurneymen TailOrS'
union vigorously opposed the resolu-
ton. Senator Tanqueray declared the
federation was going outside of its
legitimate field in considering such a
resolution and the organization was
treading dangerous ground. Mr..
Lennon said that many of the ticket
scalpers We're criminals and told of a
case where 5000 tickets had been
forged on one railroad and sold by
scalpers.
Lee Hart of Chicago, of the Theatrical
Stage Employees National Alliance, and
E. A. Agard, the mayor of Fairbury,
I'LL, who represents the glass bottle
blowers, led those who favored the
resolution. They maintained that ticket
scalping was a legitimate business and
was the means of cheapening railroad
travel
The discussion was continued by ".
J. Croke, of Marion, Ind, of the flint
glass blowers; c. o. Sherman, of the
Chicago Metal Workers and Eugene
O'Rourke, of the New York Typo
graphical union, who favored the reso-
luton, and Sheldon A Harris, Dwight,
Ill, who is a Congregations minister
and a member of the Federal Union,
and Dennis Hayes, Philadelphia, of the
Glass Bottle Blowers, who opposed it.
The previous question moved
after Mr. Lennon had made a motion
to lay the resolution on the table which
was lost.
The resolution was then adopted by
an overwheln ing viva voce vote The
three delegates representing the rail-
road te1egrapherS went on record as
being opposed to the resolution.