The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-12-22
LABOR men FORM
STATE BRANCH
Rhode Island Added TO List Of
American Federation.
TO CONTROL LEGISLATION
United Action Makes Possible the Retard-
Ing or Advancing Of Measures Con-
cernlng Labor.
TO CONTROL LEGISLATION.

most enthusiastic meeting OF labor
men was held at Labor temple yesterday
afternoon and upon its adjournment
state branch of the American Federation
OF Labor had been organized and a par
tial board Of officers elected.
The meeting was called by, Joseph
Briekell. general organizer OF the fedora
tion. and was attended by 13s delegates
from the various labor organizations from
different sections OF the state.
There are central labor unions In the
several cities and large towns. but these
represent only the federation In a general
way. and this method. while well ad-
vanced Is still subject to considerable
limitations and the plan to form state
branch met with favor among the differ
ent bodies. and all the delegates at yes
terdays meeting were In utter harmony
with the idea.
The legislative committee was not chosen
yesterday. This committee has, as It's
duty TO advocate laws favorable TO the
working class. and in the discussions yes
terday IL was shown that i'm New York
state there are 10 labor laws; In Connecti-
cut, as laws Massachusetts,, 90 laws. and
Rhode Island. 27 laws. These figures were
said to have been in the report OF Car
roll ID. Wright. labor commissioner.
Organizer Brickell. In speaking Of this
committee at the meeting said: I'VE
should i'm Rhode Island go for n law max
ing II unlawful for employers coercing
and exacting that one condition of en-
ployment shall be that the applicant does
not and will not belong TO a labor union.
A bill providing that products of convict
labor be stamped as such should also
be passed. There In no desire on our part
that convicts shall be maintained In idle
ness. but that their labor should not be
permitted to compete In the market with
free workmen A contractor of prison
made goods has the unfair advantage or
convict labor and sends his goods out on
the market from 30 TO so per cent lower
than the employers OF free labor
Among the bills we should have are
those licensing stationary engineers and
plumbers. The laws concerning me-
chanic's lein should be amended to fur
ther insure the workman against loss OF
his wages"
The meeting was called to order by Or
anizer Brickell and Albert Hohler OF the
Pawtucket Cigar Makers union was
chosen temporary chairman. The follow
ing resolution was presented:
Recognizing the fact that seif-preserv-
alton demands the organization of the
working people. by the working people
and for the working people. and being
convinced OF the necessity OF harmonious
Industrial and social reforms OF existing
economic. social and political misrule. we
the representatives OF the trades and Ia
Dor unions of Rhode Island, do hereby
unite In a state branch of the American
Federation OF Labor, thereby concentrat-
ing the efforts OF organized labor upon
matters of industrial legislation and So
cla, reform.
Organized labor Is welding an innu-
ence upon every field OF human activity,
combination OF thought In the mother of
combined action. unity is extended and
Its power increased. prompt and con-
certed action is thus secured, and labors
weapons used more effectually and gem
eral interests furthered. Obnoxious or
favorable legislation can be retarded or
advanced by united action.
I'VE affirm the legal right OF all work
ers to organize I'm unions OF local. state
and national jurisdiction. We believe in
the autonomy of trade and labor unions
and the closest possible unity In matters
of general concern, believing that in the
trades union system OF organization the
wage Garner will find a channel through
which he or she can best meet and intel
1igently deal with the problems and de-
mands of today and the future"
The resolutions were discussed and
unanimously adopted.
Election of o.-Icers came next and re-
suited as follows: President, Albert Hoh-
Ter of Pawtuctct Cigarmakers' union:
first vice president, Thomas Cullen OF
Brewery Workers union. 1866. OF Proyi-
dence; second vice president, r. X.
Marx. representing the Woonsocket Gem
trail Labor union and the Cigarmakers'
union OF that city; third vice president.
Thomas j. Murray OF the Central Labor
union OF Newport. and also OF the Ma
chnists' union or that city; secretary.
James A. Clark OF the local Clerks union.
An adjorunedment was taken for two
weeks. when the legislative COMMITTEES
the treasurer and other officers will be
chosen.