The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1903-04-18
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UN|0N':::PLGASES
BOSS PAINTERS
AND BOSS PAINT.
Frs SIT DOWN TO FEAST OF
GOOD FOOD AND REASON.
Many Good Speeches Were Made and
Both Sides Were Congratutating
Themselves Upon the Peace
and Harmony in their Trade.


The lion laid down with the lamb
last Tuesday evening. The painters
and bosses Of this city, who have been
at war for several years. and who re-
Gently got together, had banquet at
the Kalamazoo hall, and the affair was
one of the finest ever prepared in this
city.
Mr.. John Meyer of the union acted
as POSTMASTER, and the happy manner
in which he introduced the speakers
showed that he was born presiding
officer.
He called upon J. H. Edwards of the
boss painters who told few good
stories. and expressed his pleasure at
the get-together spirit manifested at
this time Mr.. w. B. Bradley, former
" member of the union, but now
boss painter spoke of the benefits of
harmony, and the mutual interests of
both journeymen and masters.
Louis Frost, a boss painter, spoke IN
a humorous strain. He said that he
was no speaker, but before he sat down
he convinced the assenblage that he
was dandy. TT is the first time in
the history Of Duluth he said, that
the master painters and journeymen
have come together, and I an glad to
see it. It is a good thing
President Geo. N. Warren of the
Master Painters Association, said that
he had studied his speech for two
weeks He read mock telegram from
Gov. Van SAINT notifying the painters
that they must dissolve their trust or
he would instruct the Attorney General
to proceed against them.
Mr. Warren said that the happy re-
lations now existing between the
painters and the bosses was the best
thing that ever happened, and if each
used good business Judgment there is
10 reason why the relations could not
continue for all time.
J. F. Gordon, the popular boss painter
said that he never made a speech in his
life. He did very we'll for a novice,
however, for he kept the audience in a
roar of laughter with his dry Scotch
wit. Getting serious, Mr.. Gordon said:
"We have been distant for so long
that we never knew that good relations
could exist between our men and our
selves. There is a conservative spirit
here that is sure to result in permanent
benefit to us all. While the master
painters may have been responsible
for the arrangements Of the past, I
believe that: we now see the benefits
Of mutual agreement, that with fair
action no trouble will ever occur
again.
John Hogan, of the firm of John
Hogan & Co., was called upon una
wares, but he was equal to the occas-
ion, and finished up with some good
advice to both masters and Journey
men.
A. Ringsred, the venerable painter Of
Duluth, made a decided hit. He said
that the meeting was his idea of what
should always be. 1t was the only way
to have success at the trade. He hoped
that the master painters would give
the next banquet to the union.
Other master painters who spoke
were A.. H. Melander, A. Bineer, P.
johnson and P. H. E4edeen. w. Pear
son of the union rendered a baritone
sole with remarkable effect. w. F..
Hutchins Of the Gately Supply COM
tjcularly for workingmen at working
mems terms and prices, rendered two
solos with exceptional talent. Mr..
Shepherd gave guitar solo.
Thos .Freshney of the union, proved
to be an eloquent speaker. The logic
Of his remarks had a good effect upon
his hearers. He gave several good il
Illustrations that showed him to be a
careful student of the labor question.
J. w. Richardson was the next speak
er. Mr. Richardson has done more to
build up the union than any man in
Duluth, and it was evident that the
members appreciated his good work.
he made a good speech which in part
was as follows:
when I accepted the position of
agent for the Building Trades Council,
was told by an ex-agent that could
not organize the painters; that they
did not desire a. union, that they would
not be loyal to their obligations. There
was at that time thirty-five members
and before the season closed there was
140.. Working hours were reduced to
eight hours a day, wages were in
creased in three years, 40 per cent, and
o-day all the contractors of recognized
Importance employ only union men in
possession of the working card Of the
Building Trades Council.
This large assemb1age of workmen
and employers is an acknowledgment
of our claims, that by persistent efforts
and hard work. all classes Of employees
| may be organized and become a power
for good.
The painters Of the city are COM
posed Of the same nationality, color
and creed as other craftsmen that are
fully organized. Why should not they