Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-02-14

new custom house In Baltimore. Md. are
well under way, and it is expected that the
questions at issue will be amicably set
tied at an early date.
The non Union Italian workmen who are
said 30 have been furnished under the pa
drone system from New York. were all dis
missed the early part of the week. and at
present work on the structure is at a stand
stili. preparatory to the employment CT
union men, in accordance with an agree
ment submitted for ratification by the par
ties involved in the controversy. A draft of
the agreement was furnished the firm. and
Is at present held under consideration
The rank and file of the Granite Cutters
ma. Union are Interested in the bill
Just passed by Congress appropriating
Si,oooWo for new building for the De-
partment of Agriculture. The officials Of
tne union express the hope that the super
Nislns architect draw plans for granite
structure. as is the custom for nearly all
government buildings.
A reception and ball will be held next
wednesday evening at Masonic Temple in
honor of the national officers of the United
Protective League of Labor. Ii present
plans are carried out a majority of the
onicers of the national body will be in at
tendance.
Local Union. No. 119. Carpenters and
Solners. has decided to ask for an eight
hour work day. The local employers have
peen apprised OF the unions de sires and in
formed that the new work day will be put
In effect May next
The annual banquet Of the members of
Bookbinders Local Union, No T. will be
neld this evening at the Oxford Hotel A
program of unusual merit has been ar
| ranged ana the occasion promises to be
memorable one.
The membership of the Bricklayers and
Masons International Union continues to
increase. According to last repArts il has
reached 11,236, with many applications for
aom1ttance on file. In report to the last
convention OF the craft, held at Memphis.
ienn. recently, it was shown that nearly
1900 brfcklayers had attached their names
10 the union roster since July of last year
In the annual report of the treasurer it
was found that nearly $63 800 had been paid
out to lend a helping hand during strikes
ana lockouts OF other crafts. and the $751;
3lS mad been expended in benefits The re-
port also stated that at present there is
$3.50, $500 In the treasures Of the subordi-
nate organizations.
Surprise is manifest among many labor
leaders of national prominence over the r,.-
cent action of the American Federation nf
Labor In issuing charter to l.. j. Curran
Oh Cnlcago Tor a national organizat ton of
Ireightnandlers and warehousemen. II IS
claimed that the charter was granted mr.
der misrepresentation and the American
Federation OF Labor has. it is said, received
many protests demanding that the charter
De annuiied In conformity with requests
the oInc1alS OF the fedora ton are inveStiSat-
ing the situation and will. it is said revoke
the charter If such action is deemed ex-
pedlent. 1t Is claimed that Mr.. Curran S,
cured the charter without calling a meet
ing to organize a national organiza tioa of
Irelghthandlers and warehousemen.
The annual convention of the Florida
state Federation of Labor will convene in
Tampa, Fla. the 9th proximo L. is nm
derstood that that body will frame new
plans to continue the crusade against c;liId
labor, not only in that state, but IN every
state where the evil exists.
according to reports compulsory arhitra-
ton Is a stock topic of discussion at prss-
ent In the legislature of the state of Penn
Sylvanla, and bill bearing upon the SUBJ
ject has been introduced in both branches
OF the state legislature. Local abor leaders
are particularly interested in the mea sures
for. II such laws are enacted, 1t Will estab-
llsh precedence of far-reaching effect
The leaders are. however very optimistic
and deny the constitutionality of such a
law. declaring that 1t would lake away the
right of freedom. as assured in the Consti-
tuition Of the United States
Under the provisions of the bill the gov
ernor Is required to appoint d commission
consisting of three members. ,oiler. an
employer and a disinterestai party, to
whom all labor disputes between EMPLOYER
and employe shall be referred for adjust
ment.
The legislature of West Virginia has been
petftioned by union labor to pass n III pro-
viding that barkeepers shall pass a state
examination and secure a license before
being permitted to hold position as oar
tender.
The labor board of the Navy Department
recently decided adversely upon She reuues.
or Columbia Lodge, No. ia. of Machinists
with reference to an increase in the pay Of
the machinists employed at the Washington
navy yard. The labor board informed the
officers of the union that the machinisrs at
the local yard are being paid the same as
are those in private shops in this ard near
by cities.
The petition to the Navy Deparrn Ant was
accompanied with statistics gathered in
nearby cities and in the state of PennsyI-
vania. showing. it is said, that the rate If
pay OF the government macniatS.s was
much smaller than that of those e.npiored
in shops of several cities which were visited
by the officials of the union. Nevertheless
the labor board denied the request Ct the
labor body
Members of Washington Lodge Of tie
same craft are working most diligently in
behalf of the movement for an eignt-I.ou-
day in the private machine shops of this
city. The agitation. it is stated was in
augurated at the suggestion of the interna-
tional officers of the craft several weeks
ago. and date as been named when the
new work day shall go into effect. All local
employing machinists have been notified of
the unions intentions. and it is expected
that they will grant the rauueSt