The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1903-09-21
ANOTHER REPORT
Alternatives Presented to the Labor Lead
ers Are Clearly Drawn.

Alternatives Presented to the Labor Lead.
ers Are Clearly Drawn.
New York Sun Special Service.
Washington, Sept. 21.-John Mitchell
and several lesser lights in the labor
world are in Washington to-day In at
tendance upon the meeting of the execu-
tive council of the American Federation
Of Labor. This executive council is
charged with the preparation Of a pro-
gram and consideration Of matters to
come up at the convention of the Ameri-
can Federation to be held in Boston some
weeks hence. The most important matter
to come before the labor leaders will be
the case of Foreman w. A. Miller, of the
government printing office.
The question before the federation is
whether organized labor shall make a
formal demand upon the president to dis
miss Miller on the charges brought by the
Washington Central Labor union. The
Central Labor union has taken the initia-
tive in calling the attention of labor I'M
ions thruout the country to the Miller
case and President Roosevelt's attitude
concerning it. The resolutions adopted by
the Central union declare President
Roosevelt's order Of mo Discrimination"
to be unfriendly and practically demand
of him a change Of front, to be proved by
the discharge of Miller and a modification
of his order making the government print
ing office an open shop.
Mitchell Is RetIcent.
John Mitchell was asked what the exec
utive council would do in the matter. He
declined to discuss the subject in any
phase Secretary Frank Morrison said the
case would probably be called up by a
member of the council and be discussed,
but he did not indicate what the federation
officers thought Of the case.
Labor leaders realize the gravity OF
espousing the ca use of the local unions In
a fight which must lead, in effect, to a
direct issue between the government and
union labor They are extremely conserv-
alive in discussing the affair and appar-
emily are far from pleased with the
dilemma that confronts them. Apparently
there is no loophole Of escape from con-
sideration of the matter and declara-
ton of policy regarding it. The pressure
from local unions everywhere is growing
stronger daily for a test of strength be-
tween organized labor and the government
as an employer. 90.
The more prominent leaders here are
we'll enough informed to fear the outcome
Of such a fight, but if they are to retain
! their places at the front they feel thai
| they must, in measure, listen to the
demands Of their followers AS the situa.
| ton stands in the government printing
office, union workmen are working Side
by side with free labor, in violation Of the
constitution Of the labor unions. Some Of
the leaders declare that this anomalous
state of affairs cannot long continue
Logically the union workmen at the gov.
eminent printing office must leave thei1
unions or strike. They are afraid to dc
either and are anxiously waiting for the
mandate of the American Federation.
Alternative Is Clear Cut.
The federation has before it the clean
cut alternative of amending the constitu-
lions Of labor unions 50 as to permit unior
| workingmen to work beside non-union
and thus emasculate their unions, or OF
making a demand upon President Roose.
Welt to modify his mo discrimination
order. II this demand is made, it must
be made in the cognizance that refusa.
will force the American Federation t.
| throw its whole strength against the gov.
eminent as an employer Of labor. Is the
! American Federation of Labor stronger
than the government in a fight to g. finish
That is the question that gives the labor
! leaders pause.