The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-02-03

organizations; also a case is about to
be instituted for the protection of mo-
tormen on electric street railways by
enforcing the use of yestibuled cars
Thousands of men have been benefited
by the speedy and vigorous enforcement
of labor laws by the bureau, and it is
a source of much qualification to note
the general observations of our labor
laws because of this attitude.
I'VE deem it important that in our
deliberations here we should notice and
keep in touch with the labor movement
nationally. There is much qualification
for labor in noting the great progress
as reported al the recent convention of
the American Federation of Labor, the
number of newly formed unions being
4.056 for the year, a gain ins-member-
ship of 365. 600, which is practically
gain of 1000 members for each day in
the year. This is a remarkable showing
for the progress of organized labor We
should observe also the splendid efforts
put forth by our fellow workers in the
great work of uplifting and advincin
great work of uplifting and advancing the
through national legislation Three
great industrial contests at different
times during the year have held our at
tention. The Amalgamated Association
of Iron and Steel Workers, the River
and Dock Workers of San Francisco
and the Interna tionaI Association of
Machinists. The latter movement per-
haps involved more of other trades and
because of the interrelations between
machinery and commerce and between
the machinist and his co-laborer in 9TH
er industrial departments President
OfConnell of the Machinists is authority
for the statement that $4,000 machinists
were involved in an effort for 1212 per
cent increase in wages and nine hour
day, and that settlements were made
affecting so 600 machinistS and compro-
misses affecting 5000 others. The grand
total increase in wages per annum for
the machinists' craft alone resulting
from this effort is estimated at 512 mill
lion dollars per annum. This is a Won
derful instance of the efficiency of or
ganization in behalf Of the wage earn
ers. The great railway brotherhoods
have likewise secured advantageous
contracts and agreements during the
year which have given them increased
wages commensurate with the long
danger and unsafety with which their
work is surrounded. Thus we
see the splendid results of or
ganization- So great has become
the progress and the influence
of organized labor that every section of
the United States is permeated by sp1r-
1t of hope among the workers. Organized
labor has become SO great a factor in
the industrial movement of this country
that only recently we note the appoint
ment of national arbitration commit
tee of SO members. Twelve to represent
CAPITAL: - to represent labor and II to
represent the public whose interests are
of equal Importance. This committee
appointed to act under the auspices of
the National Civic Federation and the
American Labor movement certainly
calls attention to the fact of the import
.Ince with which this movement is re-
gaPded. This committee composed of
millionaire manufacturers, an ex-preSi-
dent; an ex-member of the cabinet;
great captains of industry and the best
labor leaders of the land, certainly in
dictate that a new era is about to break
forth in the industrial world
The chief session of the convention
will be held tonight. This meeting will
be open to the public. Governor Stanley
will make the address of welcome. and
George F. Whitloclx, president of the
society," will respond. Chief Justice Dos
ter will deliver the principal address on
Industrial Arbitration" Senator Fred
Dumont Smith will also speak on La
Dor Legislation"