The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1902-12-11
INDUSTRIAL
AGREEMENTS"
Topic Discussed BY the National
Civic Federation.
MANY DELEGATES TOOK PART
MEETINGS WILL
BE HELD IN FUTURE.

NEW YORK. Dec. 10.-The annual
conference Of the Industrial de-
partment of the National Civic
Federation, which has been in session
for three days. was brought to a close
today
Interest to the last was unabated, the
hall being crowded TO its utmost ca
pacity. The final subject of discussion
was industrial Agreements, in which
many Of the most prominent delegates
took part.
While no definite results were reached,
the executive committee being en-
powered to appoint a special commits
tee to review and report on all the
subjects discussed, it was the generally
expressed opinion Of the delegates that
the conference had been a great sue
cess. Semi-annual meetings will be held
in future
Secretary Easley read part of cir
cular he had sent to a large number of
manufacturers, asking them: do you
regard it a practical proposition 20
gradually reduce hours by voluntary
uniform agreement throughout a given
industry, provided the employees agree
to abandon any arbitrary restrictions
upon Output?'' To the question 920 re-
plies were received, GIL of them being
in the affirmative.
Marcus NJ Marks, president of the
National Association of Clothing Man
ufacturers, followed, taking the posi-
ton that the short-hOur day is neces-
sary. not only for the employees but for
the employers.
Mr. Gompers' Opinion.
Samuel Gompers. president of the
American Federation of Labor, speak
ing of the claim that the unions should
be incorporated, said that the sugges-
ton was made for the purpose of af-
fording an opportunity to mulct the
unions in damages. One of the greatest
complaints that organized labor has
against employers of labor, he believed,
is the refusal of many to meet and dis
cuss their grievances with the men.
Mr.. Gompers opposed the suggestion
that the eight-hOI,r day ought not to be
adopted until its adoption can be made
general.
Alfred MoseIy said that if America
should attempt to work upon the eight
hour day plan, the result would bring
about a deplorable Industrial condition
here if the other two great industrial
nations, England and Germany, con-
tinue on the ten-houT day plan.
o. c. Barber, president of the Dia-
mond Match company, declared that
the present high standards among
to the labor unions, but to men in all
branches of business who have aimed
at higher standards. Great Britain has
lost its industrial supremacy because
of the strength there of the trade
unions which, he said, are going con-
trary to law of least resistance.
The afternoon session began with an
address by Frederick DriscoIl, commits
sioner of the American Newspaper Pub
fishers association, In which he pre-
scented a resume of the efforts of his
association 10 reach an understanding
with the unions which should prevent
strikes and bring matters of disagree
ment to arbitration.
Hanna's Closing Words.
Chairman Hanna, in closing the dis
cussion, declared himself opposed to
the claim that labor unions should be
Incorporated.
Regarding the work of the Civic Fed
Grafton, he said:
For myself. l feel greatly encour-
aged by the renewed public interest in
this question and by the interest of
those who have been present with US
here"
He did not expect. he said. any great
results at once but the commission
would continue to work. would increase
its personnel and would keep up with
or little ahead of public opinion. He
declared himself opposed to 'compul-
sorry arbitration. The solution of the
labor problem. he declared. would re-
suit from the conference of employers
and employees with the one desire to do
what is best for both
At the conclusion of the discussion
the committee went into executive ses-
sion and elected the following officers:
Senator NJ. A. Hanna. Chairman: Oscar
s Strauss, first vice president: Samuel
GOmpers. second vice president. Cor
neiius n. Bliss, treasurer; Ralph NJ
Easley, general secretary.
1t was also decided that the confer
ence will hold seni-annuaI meetings
hereafter, in May and December. in
stead Of annual meetings, and that
local organizations shall be estab-.
lished in all the larger cities for the
purpose of carrying on the educational
work of the federation.
The conference then adjourned.