Omaha daily bee., 1902-08-24
PLUMBERS FAVOR NEW PLAN
Naturalization Scheme Goes to Referendum
Vote Of ALI Locals.
BENEFITS AND PENSIONS PROVIDED FOR
to Increase Salaries of All
Omcers Now Before the Com
.ventiOn-EIectiOn of Of
Acers Occurs Today.

The naturalization plan of the commit
tee of the Plumbers union was adopted
with unimportant amendments by the con-
vention yesterday morning, after considera-
BILE discussion. The only contention which d.
vided the delegates was the apportionment
of funds between local unions and the ma
tional body, and this question was settled
by what is known as the decentralization
plan," by which the local unions retain in
their treasures all funds paid by the mem
bers, and no money is kept a. headquarters
except al amount SUFFICIENT to pay the run
ming expenses. The local unions, under
this plan. pay to the national organization
such funds as may be required in the regu-
lar manner, and a strict account is kept Of
the transactions. At the end of the year
a balance is struck and unions which
have contributed more than the average are
repaid, while those whose contribution to
the general expenses OF the order have not
been as much as the average are required
to pay the difference. This plan, while
adopted unanimously by the convention, will
not be effective until next year, The con-
vention has referred the matter, with its
approval. to a referendum vote of all the
members of the union. tn vote will be
taken by the $50 afhliated unions on Octo-
y SO 49, Va Nho A1oaAN VI NAaN NONG IA
adoption Of the plan depends. It is said
that so far as can be ascertained from the
delegates present every union will favor the
plan by a large majority, and the delegates
look upon, the matter as settled.
New Departure IN This Country.
The plan IL somewhat Of a departure in
American unions. although 1t has been In
effect to a great extent In the German
unions. and was brought from that country
with slight notifications by the Cigarmak-
ers union. by which II has been operated
with more OF less success for several years.
The plumbers plan is a slight modification
Of that OF the cigar makers. There is pro-
vided a death beneht Of 500, a sick benefit Of
IS per week for a term Of thirteen weeks, a
strike benefit Of IS per week for sixteen
weeks, after which the benefit drops to 49,.
The most radical feature is an old-age PEN
sion Of $500. This is paid to a member Of
the union who, after having carried mem
bership In the union for twenty-five years,
becomes incompetent by reason Of old age.
At the afternoon session there was con-
siderable interest shown in the reports Of
various committees. One committee has
reported a resolution TO Increase the sala-
ries OF all onicers and to require the presi-
dent Of the national organization TO devote
HIS entire time TO the work Of the order, act
ing as an organiser at such times as he is
not engaged In his ordinary work. IL is said
that the report will be adopted.
The election OF officers resulted as fol-
lows; President. William M. Merriek. Bev-
oT;y. Aass; seeTossFy-tfsssuFsF. L ". TIL
den. Chicago; general organizer. William j..
Spencer, Sioux City. auxiliary secretary.
william Burke, Chicagoi vice presidents, J..
J. MceKe. Pittsburg; Joseph crotty. New
York; T. o. Persons. Norfolk, Va; Robert