Evening star., 1902-08-23
President.

to 81 day, and October 16. 1885. a resolu-
tion was adopted increasing the rate of
wages to $40 day from October 10 1880
which the following Monda-. In both
instances the advances We're obtained with
out any serious difficulty with the en-
ployers.
At this period there developed a strong
sentiment in the union favorable to an
eight-hoar work day, and February ), 1886,
with but slight opposition, a resolution was
adopted to the effect that 'on and fter
May 3. 1856, eight hours shall constitute a
days work at wage of $3.50 day"
The employers refused to accept the prop
OsitiOn, and, anticipating a determined eff
fort on the part of the union TO secure its
demands, they formed a master masons'
assOciat tion, which included. with but few
exceptions, all the employing bricklayers
OF the city.
At the meeting of the union held April 16.
1856, communication was received from
I e Master Masons Association, submitting
the proposition that mine hours shall con-
stitute days work after May 3, 1856, ex-
cept Saturday. when eight hours shall con-
stitute days work, the wages to be 81. 80
a day" They also requested that a com
mittee be appointed to confer with a COM
mttee of employers to consider the propo-
sition submitted. and if possible agree upon
terms satisfactory to all concerned.
In compliance with the request of the en-
pIoyers a committee was appointed and
instructed to insist upon the demands of
the union. AT this conference both sides
agreed to disagree. ard the committee at
the next meeting Of the union reported that
the employers had determined upon a lock-
out after May ; If the journcymen persist
ed in their demands. The members of the
union were persistent and the Sd of May
building operations in the city, so far
the brickayers were concerned. were sus-
pended. The lockout continued for eight
weeks and terminated in agreement
with the employers which provided that in
the future nine hours should constitute
days work without reduction of wages.
This was a compromise wholly favorable
TO the union and the first advance
made in the District toward the final at
|. tainment of the eight-hour day.
Since their organization in 1867 the brick
layers had been at war with the ten-hour
system; eight hours for labor had become
a cardinal principle Of the organization
and notwithstanding their failure to secure
an eight hour work day in 1856, they were
none the less determined TO renew their eff
forts under mere favorable conditions. The.
desire of the union was finally realized in
| 1893, when the employers accepted the prop
OsitiOn submitted. that eight hours should
constitute days work at the wage late
of 81 day
During the twenty-one years since the
organization of the bricklayers, the union
has kept pace with the Industrial develop
ment of the city, and has successfully met
all emergencies. BY wise and conservative
methods the organization has maintained
| harmonious relations with the employers
| without serious trouble 1t is, therefore,
| regarded of the most successful
| trade organizations of the city, having en-
! rolled membership of 125. 9S per cent Of
| the bricklayers in the District. The union
| has also been successful as beneficial or
| Sanization. it having paid since 1881 in
| cases of death, accident and sickness. $751;
| 800, besides many thousands given for the
| relief of organizations in this city and else
| where.
! The officers of the union recently elected
| for term of one year ard who will be in
| stalled at the meeting next Thursday even
| ing. are: William H. Maghan. president;
| John G. Wolfe. vice PRESIDENT Robert II.
| McMackin, financial secretary; II. NJ.
| Shook, recording secretary: Milford Spohn,
| corresponding secretary; Michael p. Canty
| treasurer; Michael Fitzgerald, sergeant-at-
| arms.
| President William II. Maghan Is a ma
| tive Washingtonian. having been born in
| this city in August, 1852. He has lived
| here the greater part of his life-in fact
| has only been away from Washington for
| about ten years since his birth During
| his absence Mr.. Maghan worked in the
| southern and northern states. He has al
| ways been active in the interest Of labor
| ana Is very popular among the members OF
| local No. i. He has been president of the