Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-11-08

| Laboring people generally are looking for
| ward with great interest to the coming con-
| vention of the American Federation OF
Labor which will begin its sessions in New
Orleans La, the 18th instant. Labor unions
in all sections Of the United States and
Canada have elected or are preparing to
elect their delegates. The headquarters OF
the American Federation Labor in this city
is scene of great hustle and activity, and
according to views expressed there, the APP
preaching convention will be the largest
ever held in the history of organized labor.
The various officials Of the Federation have
their clerks and secretaries hard at work
preparing reports covering the past year
and compiling facts concerning labor since
its incipiency.
Matters OF vital importance. not only to
the laborng masses, but to the people gen.
orally of the United States and Canada, will
be brought to the attention of the conven-
ton The question of whether the American
Federation of Labor Is vested with the au-
thority to dictate what class of workmen
shall be affiliated with a certain labor union
will, In all proba bility, occupy the greater
portion of the conventions time. This ques-
ton Is regarded as serious one, and has
been the source of great anxiety and trou-
BILE. The convention will be asked to define
the work that shall be done by the various
Dor union encroaching upon the rights Of
another body.
For instance, the meeting will be asked
to what labor union coach painters should
be allied. At present there is tug of war
on between the International Union of Car
riage and Wagon Makers and the Brother
hood of Painters, Decora tors and Paper
hangers. The former organization claims
that these men are engaged on carriage
and wagon work the union should be given
Jurisdiction over such workmen, while the
latter body AYERS that for the reason that
the men handle the brush they should be
affiliated with the Brotherhood of Painters,
Decorators and Paperhangers. In the pres
ent state Of uncertainty some coach painters
are affiliated with the painters organization
and some with carriage makers, and, in
consequence there is much dissatisfaction
The recent strike of the miners Of the
thracite coal regions of Pennsylvania and
the progress of arbitration generally will
form the basis of a lengthy report to the
convention. Child labor in the southern
states will be brought to the attention of
the convention for consideration and action.
1t Is said that facts have been gathered
which show the child labor conditions to be
appalling and beyond comprehension. If
this vital issue is favorably handled by the
convention, 1t Is said, the state legislature
Of Alabama will be asked to enact laws pro-
hibiting the employment of children until
they arrive at a certain age. The other
southern states will also be asked to take
action of a like character.
The Pacific coast delegates to the conven-
ton WILL 1t Is declared, have the hearty CO.
operation of all unionism in presenting the
question of Chinese exclusion to the body.
1t Is said the American Federation of La
Dor Is dissatisfied with the exclusion law
as passed by Congress at its last session,
and will see that the bill favored by or
ganized labor of the United States last win
ter is submitted to Congress for reconsd-
Grafton The bill to be presented at the
next session has, 1t is understood been
ly cd nd will in he nipio If
many labor leaders meet with the approval
of the House and Senate alike
The promiscuous issuance of injunctions
against labor WILL it Is said be an interest
ing topic before the convention. The Amer
lean Federation of Labor, it is said, is of
the opinion that action on the part of the
courts has gone beyond the limit. and
should be called to a halt. The injunction
cases in West Virginia in which instance
tradesmen. it is declared, were restrained
from selling their wares to the striking
miners, is pointed out as fragrant piece
of tyranny. 1t is said the injunction set
forth that should a tradesman be found
guilty of selling to a striker he would be
imprisoned for contempt of court.
The federation will take this matter to
Congress at its next session. This, 1t is
thought by many. Will have good effect,
as members of Congress are beginning to
realize that organized labor Is the power
behind the throne, and that in many cases,
should the laboring masses take dislike
to a candidate, it can prevent his election,
or even his nomination
The idea of keeping a close watch on
Congress is now being agitated by or
ganized labor throughout the United States.
In order to do this the labor organizations
have begun to realize that 1t Is an absolute
necessity to have the international head
quarters located in the capital city. Pronf-
nent labor leaders state that II Is their be-
lief that before many years Washington
will be the official labor center of the United
States. and that all labor organizations will
tray rrfov thQfr haaG HY apfa p
spective localities to this city.
The labor difficulties which developed in
the work of erecting the new palatial resi-
dence of Mr.. Thomas F. Walsh the mil
lionaire mine owner. at 21st street and
Massachusetts, avenue last week, has been
amicably adjusted. Six members or local
union, No. Is of the Brotherhood of Elec-
tricai Workers, went on a strike Friday
of last week. demanding that che elevator
constructors employed in the installation
of elevators in the residence by the GUS
Elevator Company be not allowed to lay
conduits. claiming that that work was a
part of the electrical industry and as sucn
should be performed by electrical workers.
The elevator constructors refused TO ac-
cede to the electrical workers demands and
the latter withdrew from the structure.
AS soon as possible an agreement was
made and a representative of the Otis Ele-
vator Company and of Mr.. Walsh ana a
delegation from the electrical union held
suit the strikers returned to work Tuesday
morning last.
The question of conduit work was the
cause of some trouble between the United
Association of Plumbers, Gas Filters, Steam
Filters and Steam Filters Helpers and the
Brotherhood of Electrical Workers recently.
The matter was brought to the attention
of the executive council Of the American
Federation of Labor. at its sessions held
few weeks ago, fni which Instance the
executive council adopted the following
resolutions: "a
I'm regard to the controversy over con-
duit work between the United Association
of Plumbers, Gas Filters, Steam Filters
and Steam Filters Helpers agt. Information
al Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, 1t Is
the opinion of the members of the execu-
tive council that inasmuch as the work Is
generally conceded throughout the country
to the International Brotherhood of Elec-
trical Workers. and as the development of
that business indicates that 1t can be more
conveniently done by the members OF the
International Brotherhood OF Electrical
Workers. 1t Is the DECISION OF the executive
council that the conduit work referred
to us for arbitration comes under the Juris-
diction Of the International Brotherhood OF
Electrical Workers"
There is much conjecture among local la
Dor leaders to whether Mr.. John Nit
chell. president of the United Mine Workers
or America viii or win not seek to win the
presidency of the American Federation OF