The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-10-16
CIVIC FEDERATION
 MEETS IN CHICAGO. Questions Affecting Wage Earn
 CTS Are Discussed "OPEN SHOP" IS DEBATED Francis L. Robbins of Pttsburg Be- Iieves That Harmony Between capi-
 tai and Labor Is Possible.
 Mitchell Is Against 1t.
"oPEN SHOP" IS DEBATED

Chicago, october 15.-Diseussion of the question of the open shop by represen- tatives of labor and of capital took up the greater part of the first session to- day of the National Civic Federation con- feNence, which Is endeavoring to estab- lisA more amicable relations between em- plofers and employees and to end strife.
 Various phases of the matter of free dom of employment which is now agi- tating the industrial world, were prer scented by interested persons.
 The discussion will be continued tomor- row.
 During his talk on "open shops" today, John Mitchell, president of the United Mine Workers. strongly denounced non- unionists and the strike-breaker whom he lkened to a criminal.
 Henry c. Hunter of New York, 1t was announced, would be among the speak CTS on the "open shop at tomorrow's ses- sion. at which Samuel Gompers. president of the American Federation of Labor, Is expected to preside.
 Senator Hanna 1t is said will be in charge of Saturdays meeting.
 Chicago, October 15.-Employers and labor representatives of national reputa- tion were in attendance today in Stein- way hall at the opening session of the National Civic Federation conference which is to discuss and debate questions affecting wage earners and capitalists, in an effort to better relations between them and to right industrial evil.
 William D. Mahin, president of the Amalgamated Association of Street Rail- way Employees of America; Samuel Com pers, president of the American Fedora tion of Labor; John Mitchell, president of the United Mine Workers and s. s. Mcclure of New York were among those present at the gathering which was call ed to order by Judge Araba N. Water man, president of the Chicago branch of the Civic Federation. Capital was also represented, as was also the farmer. T.. D. Woodlock, editor of a New York finan- cial paper3 Oscar s. Straus. president of the New York board of trade and trans portation, and John M. Stahl who will represent the agriculturalists, being in l attendance.
 1 Taylor Welcomes Delegates.
 Howard Taylor, city prosecutor, wei comed the visiting delegates on behalf of Chicago, Mayor Harrison being unable to be present. Oscar c. Straus was intro duced and pkesided at today's session. He spoke on How to Establish Better Re- lations Between Employer and Elm pIoyes" advocating conservatism in dealing with labor troubles.
 Henry White, general secretary of the United Garment Workers, spoke on the Solution of Industrial Problems Through Associated Action" He said:
 Might alone will never solve the prob lem. It is highly important where 1t en- ables the fellow underneath to get footing so that both can fight on equal terms. The situation would be improved as 1t would result In a fair division of wealth. but 1t is far from satisfactory, as there Is state of war, and even where fighting is not going on, peace Is a sort of armed truce. There must be some- thing more than might-a sense of fair dealing and mutual forbearance if better relations are to be maintained. Only as
 
 of their opportunities as in the case of a family or in our dealings with friends will we get nearer a solution and ap- proach real peace"
 Thomas Woodock Speaks. Thomas Woodlock of New York in an address, referred to the financial situation and the indications were very strong in the direction of the general reaction in I1ax longed nor serious. should nevertheless be taken into account by the leaders of the associated labor as reason for the great conservatism in their dealing with em- ployers. After MT. Woodlock's address a recess was taken.
 At the afternoon session the question of the "open shop was taken up and dis cussed.
 John M. Stahl secretary of the Farm CTS National congress, spoke of ''The Public, by Farmer" touching upon the freedom of employment, saying the open shop should be allowed and deprecating violence on the part of the union man.
 Thomas Woodlock of New York spoke upon the principle of 'open shop"
 Harmony Is Possible.
 Francis l.. Robbins, president of a Pitts burg coal company believed harmony be- tween capital and labor is possible. Com pulsory arbitration. he declared, was inn practicable, but he favored compulsory education in the matter.
 John Mitchell spoke in opposition to the "open shop" going into an extended re- view of the question. He spoke of the re- fusal of the unionist to work with a nom union man, and compared it with the right of church or any organization to re- feet member obnoxious to it. The union ist he asserted, had the legal and moral right to refuse to work with non-union- ists but it was not always polite to ex- ercise this right.
 The strike-breaker he said, was little removed from a criminal.
 The afternoon session of the confer ence closed with the address of Edward A Moffet of New York on the "Open