The age-herald., 1902-04-27
CONDUCTED BY 3. ". BRUMLEl
REAL WORK OF
 THE STATE CONVENTION.


 Some excellent work was accomplished at the second annual convention of the Alabama State Federation of Labor. The unfortunate incidents that stand out so prominently and are on the tongues of the labor world and what is worse the world that Is not in sympathy with la bor or Is luke warm toward the toiler who seeks to better his conditoin through organization, will pass away like the won- der of seven days and the good accom- plished will receive its due appreciation. Casting aside the shadowing events and bringing into relief the real work of the convention, the first is the selection of a capable set of officers that can be depend ed on at all times to do their full duty, and an executive council that will take an interest in upbuilding the organization. and who wish to make this the banner year of the Federation.
 The first days session was consumed by organizing the convention, appointing committees, and strengthening out the tangle about the hall that was thrust upon the convention by misapprehension as to what it really was and the agitation of a newspaper man with a sensational turn of mind. Be it said to the credit of Selma that the good people of the town did not share his jaundiced view and treated the delgates as well as any set of men could possibly expect.
 The first business of the second days session was the report of committees. The committee on secretary's report was ready and reported that the books of the secretary treasurer were absolutely cor rect, and recommended that a desk and files be purchased for his use. The report was adopted.
 The committee on union labels reported that the demand for union label goods had greatly increased; that there were 57 recognized union labels. and that arti- cles bearing these labels could be had for consumption and all uses. The report was concurTed In.
 The officers were elected in the morn- ing and at o'clock when the convention was called to order the report of the committee on presidents report was heard. The committee recomemnded that an effort be made to place two organizers in the state, one In the northern and one in the southern part of the state, to the end that organization of labor be carried forward In every nook and corner. That the apprenticeship system should be. more structly adhered to, and that schools of instructions be inaugurated in all labor unions to better enable wage-earners to give more general satisfaction. They also recommended that, Tn view of the fact that the magnitude of the S-hour move- ment has been overlooked by organized labor throughout the state that a wig orous campaign be inaugurated among the respective locals and that as much as is possible universal demand be made for an S-hour day, and that aur secretary be instructed to supply all affiliated bodies with literature on the subject"
 The committee further recommended, That more discression be used in the matter of declaring products or firms un- fair, and that all possible means be brought to bear for amicable settle ment of grievances before said products or firms are declared unfair to organized labor.'
 After due consideration and with all the evidence abtainable your committee can not do otherwise than recommend that all Cincinnati, Newport and Gov ington beers be declared unfair to or ganized labor.
 The report was adopted
 Two bills In dispute were ordered maid
 The committee on resolutions reported The following resolution was adopted:
 Whereas, It is one of the leading de- mands or organized labor that laws be enacted to prevent child labor in the fac tories. shops and mines below proper age, which should not be less than 14 years; and as the needed legislation can not be secured only through the Legisla- ture. and that another Legislature Is soon to be selected therefore be 1t
 Resolved, That the Alabama State Fed eration of Labor endorses the enactment of good and sufficient child labor law and compulsory education law, and to this end then we urge all organized labor and friends of the toiling children who are growing up in slavery and ignorance not to support any man for a member of the Legislature who will not pledge him. self to support these measures first and last and all the time while in the office.
 Support was pledged all organizations making demand for the eight-h hour work day.
 A resolution was introduced instructfng tho delegate to the American Federation of Labor to use his vote and influence to widen the political independence of the working men, to foster political action