The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-11-14
"Benedict Arnold Was N Martyr and
Judas Iscarfot "A Saint, Compared
to Such a Man."
GROWTH OF THE FEDERATION
OVER 200 NEW UNIONS ORGANIZED
IN THE PAST YEAR.
Points from the Presidents Annual
RepOrt-Arbitration and CompuI-
sorry Incorporation.

NEW ORLEANS. La. Nov. 13.-President
Samuel Gompers, at the opening of the
American Federation of Labor to-day, de-
livered an impassioned warning to the MEM
bers of the organization that the immediate
future of trade and labor assemblies was
seriously endangered by the conflicting
claims of jurisdiction made by different
bodies Unless such things were approached
in calmness and handled with moderation
he declared. the labor organizations of tn
country would soon be involved in confiic
which would, by comparison dwarf all IN.
struggles in which labor organizations hav,
so far been engaged. The matter would un-
less checked. he asserted. come to point
where laboring men would fight with labor
ing men from behind barricades. I'm the
manner in which men deal with their NOR
tai foes. His warning of danger and his
counsels of peace and moderation met with
a hearty response from the assembled del
egates and wild applause greeted the speak
er as he closed that portion of his annual
address in which he had pointed out the
perils which in his opinion will surely come
unless methods are altered and altered
soon.
from the address of President Gompers, was
not of great interest to outsiders, and many
delegates found IL fatiguing. The morning
session was occupied with addresses OF
welcome and responses and the report OF
the committee credentials. The after
noon was consumed by the address of Pres
ident Gompers, which occupied him for two
hours and twenty minutes of rapid reading.
The reports of other officers required two
additional hours Tomorrow IL is ex-
pected that the actual work OF the con-
vention will be entered upon.
ELIOT HIT BY GOMPERS.
1890 o'clock about 400 delegates present.
President Lee. of the New Orleans As
sembly, delivered an address of welcome in
behalf Of the laboring men of New Orleans,
to which Mr. Gompers responded. After
touching on the scope and bearing of the
labor union movement, President Gompers
declared. that il amazing to note the
ignorance among so-called educated peo-
pie regarding the aims and objects of the
organization mo man who an edu-
Gator" said President Gompers, poses as
a strike breaker, is fit for the position he
holds. Compared to such a man Benedict
Arnold was martyr and Judas lscariot
saint"
Although no name was mentioned II was
understood by the delegates that reference
inc educational institutions OF the countr,
and they appiauded with vehemence.i
Cheers were again called forth when IL was
declared that the man who acted the role Of
a strike breaker was looking backward to-
ward barbarism and not toward the future.
At the opening Of the afternoon session
President Gompers called Vice President
Kidd TO the chair and read MS report, which
follows in part:
''The numerical growth of our movement.
the wonderful exhibition OF strength. pow
er and influence as shown during the year
must serve the purpose To nerve every
union member to greater endeavor TO bring
within the benefcent fold of the trade
union movement the yet unorganized work.
ers upon whom the law of self-preserva-
ton and mutual help has not yet dawned.
Six new national unions were formed dur
ing the year and two are now in the process
of formation. while others will soon be in
a position 10 have a national interna-
tional charter formed from existing local
unions of the trade. In all new charters
were issued 10;
National and international unions. IA
State branches. :.........-.................
Central labor unions. ons...................... l27
Local trade unions and federal labor
unions ........................... SsI
Total -1024
'At the end of the fiscal year (eleven
months), Sept. 30. 1902. we had affiliated
with the American Federation of Labor.
national and international unions with
approximately 1900 local unions under
their direct jurisdiction). 80; State fedora
fedeTa "a aoI Sy ynioee ad oen trade unions
directly affiliated 10 the American Fedora
ton of Labor by charter. 1.iS3.
"Of the local trade unions having no
national or international many of them
have been organized into national or in
ternational unions, and still a further
number placed under the jurisdiction Of an
international union as nearly kindred as
possible. In the eleven months ending Oct
/, 1902 there have been organized and char
tered by our affiliated national unions. and
by the American Federation of Labor d.
rect not less .han $500 new local unions.
with an added membership OF not less than
100000
LOCAL TRADE UNIONS.
I'VE should continue our efforts I'm allying
the local trade unions OF a particular trade
or calling with each other in a national
union. as that course Is not only expedient
but promotive of the best interests OF the
trade. In some instances local trade unions
importune me to form a national union I
am convinced that an effort in that direc-
ton would prove either abortive for many
reasons. among which may be enumerated
the lack OF experience OF the members OF
the organization In question. or the lack OF
numbers. We have had experience OF this
character. and though anxious 10 form ma
tiOnal unions as soon possible, for we
realize that efficient national trade unions
OF craft or calling are best qualified 10
care for the interests OF the members there
OF. yet the premature formation OF a ma
tional union not only thwarts the purpose
for the time being but discourages and
postpones the success OF such movement
indefinitely"
After reviewing the miners strike. the
report says:
During and since the strike many have
been led 10 advocate the system OF COM
pulsory arbitration OF labor disputes. They
contend that strikes OF this character must
be averted; and. on the one hand. friends
who desire 10 legally compel employers TO
submit matters in controversy with labor
TO arbitration. and. on {he other hand. tho
subtle enemies of organized labor have
stimulated and advocated compulsory arbi-
tration Those OF our friends who advo-
Gated this policy are. like Us, provoked at
the unreasonableness and obstfnacy OF en-