Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-04-04

ganization and combination. and the
wealthy corporations combined and con-
solidated- monopoliZe and control the
wealth of the land
This rapid concentration of wealth and
power in the hands of the moneyed classes
has an extremely injurious effect upon all
branches of honorable labor.
We, the wase-earning class realizing
all this, believe IL to be the natural right
of those who toll to enjoy to the fullest
extent the wealth created by their labors,
ana realize also that under the changing
industrial conditions of our time. II
Is impossible for the wase-earning class
to obtain the full reward of their labor
only through united action. Considering
this great power of concentrated wealth.
and the great influence it has when brought
to bear on the industrial situation OF our
country. we realize there is a weapon which
can be used to our advantage IL secured
which Will be more powerful and that Is.
the power of labor concentrated under one
head, as planned and fostered by that
grand institution, the American Federation
of Labor
In order to obtain this power. the affilia-
ton of all trade unions. Irrespective of what
their craft or calling is, under one head. is
necessary so that the wealth producing
class may utilize this power for their ad-
V2ncement and promotion.
We, the delegates representing the vari-
Gus unions of bricklayers, masons and plas-
terers of the state of Massachusetts,. real
1ze that 1t is time that parent body,
the b. and NJ. l. L. of the United States
ana Canada, should break away from its
isolation and join the forces with other
national and international unions of this
country. and go hand in hand in working
out the salvation of the oppressed and
raising cur own craft TO a higher position
than 1t occupies at the present; and. be-
Eeving that organization based on sound
principles and directed by conservative in
telligence, is the best medium by which
the wage-earning class may secure more
equitable share of the wealth they create,
and also promote the general welfare of
our social conditions. thereby elevating the
plane of citizenship. and assisting all in
the industrial world to enjoy better condi-
tons in this life; therefore. We delegates
of the subordinate unions of the b. and NJ
l. L. of Massachusetts. assembled i'm con-
ference, believe it to be the duty of our
parent body, the B. and NJ. l. T. to af-
filiate itself with the American Federation
Of Labor.
The local Brewery Workers Union. No.
lis, has submitted to the brewery firms
Its annual contract. This contract with
the exception of providing for an increase
OF ~ week in wages, is. it is said, SIM
iiar In terms to the agreement of last year.
The organized ice wagon drivers have
also submitted to the various employers an
agreement which has been Endorsed by the
Central Labor Union. The most important
clause of the agreement is that which II
accepted by the employers, will require
them to employ only members of the Ice
Wagon Drivers Union.
The local Journeymen Plumbers and Gas
Filters Union. No 5, which was deprived
of representation in the Central Labor
Union several months ago. has been invited
to again affiliate with that body At the
last meeting of the Central Union a resou-
ton was unanimously adopted directing
Secretary Winslow to extend to the plum
bers on behalf of the central body an invi-
tation to be again represented. 1t is stated
that previous to this action of the Central
Labor Union similar invitation had been
extended to the plumbers by the allied
council of building trades. which is allied
With the Central Labor Union.
The women employed mail bag repair
erS, who were recently organized under a.
charter from the American Federation Of
Labor. have complained to the Central La
Dor Union that the attempt is being made
by some one in control of the shops to dis
rupt the organization. 1t is stated that one
of the most prominent members of the or
ganizaton was recently discharged for no
apparent cause.
The matter is in the hands of the organi-
zatlon committee of the Central Labor
Union, which will investigate and probably
report at the meeting of the Central Labor
Union next Monday evening.
There is in the hands of a committee Of
the Central Labor Union to be reported
upon at the next meeting of that body n
resolution, which, if adopted, it is said. will
exclude several local organiza tons from
The resolution states: That no organ MIA
ton shall be allowed representation in the
Central Labor Union which retains as mem
bers those who are antagonistic to that
body ana the council of allied building
trades by their connection with the knights
Of Labor or so-caled building trades
council"
meeting of the temporary organization
OF the local Women's Labor League will be
held next tuesday evening. when it is pro-
posed to effect a permanent organization
Since the preliminary meeting held several
weeks ago those interested in the organi-
cation have secured me applications Of
several hundred for membership.
The following communication from a
prominent member of the league indicates
the purposes Of the organization:
Please don't use ether than union to-
bacco and cigars, nothing unless it has the
union label on it. Help the union tobacco
by not using anything that has not the
union label on it. Insist on having union
made goods. We want child labor abol-
ished from our factories. Help one, help
all, and give our idle men chance to earn
a living for their families