Evening star., 1903-12-16
IN LABOR CIRCLES
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The executive council of the American
Federation of Labor is in quarterly session
at federation headquarters, in this city,
and it's rulings are awaited with interest
by the union workers in the United States
and Canada.
At all previous sessions following a con-
vention of the federation the members Of
the executive council have found them
selves confronted with very many impor-
tant matters. referred to 1t by the conven-
ton. But the present quarterly session Is
somewhat different in that respect, as but
comparatively few items were referred to
the executive council for final action, and
the bulk Of the documents at present en-
gsging It's attention bear upon disputes.
controversies. grievances, ETC., which have
developed since the adjournment of the
convention in Boston. %
49,
The local labor leaders are gratified with
the action Of the last convention of the
American Federation OF Labor in adopting
a resolution instructing the members of the
executive council located in this city to
take steps to ascertain the cost of a suita-
BILE lot for the erection of an office building
for the exclusive use Of the federation. At
present the, federation occupies practically
two entire floors ofTypographical Temple.
ON g street northwest, (which is owned by
Columbia Typegrap hdcab Union. No. ,lM.as
The plan e s5s SSSaas 5or the Mea- [ea
eraton was .aKen up Ss illE t;r.. Wtcn Pres-
ident Duncan and Third Vice President
O'Connell and Secretary Frank Morrison,
the resident members Of the council. We're
directed to carry out the instruction OF
tt,o l,oxy ha0fv + a
upon the conclusion of the quarterly ses-
sion. 1t is understood to be the desire OF
President Gompers and the other members
of the building committee to select a lot
in the immediate vicinity of the present
headquarters of the federation, or at
point nearer the national Capitol building.
The local leaders are hopeful that the next
convention of the federation Will authorize
the erection of building that Will stand
as a monument to the organized labor
movement of the United States.
There is every Indication that a settle
ment will soon be reached in the fight Tor
supremacy between the United Brother
hood of Carpenters and Joiners of North
America and the Amalgamated Society OF
Carpenters and Joiners. which has, in the
minds Of many prominent labor officials,
greatly retarded the progress of the labor
movement over the entire United states.
According to the ruling of the arbiter, Mr.
Adolph Strasser. ex-president OF the IN
organizations must consolidate by Janu-
ary. 1905. The dispute was submitted to
arbitration In accordance with a decision
Of the executive council of the American
Federation of Labor.
If the feeling in Washington can be taken
as a criterion of the sentiment over the
entire country, there is reason to believe
that the consolidation win be effected many
months before the time limit for such
action expires. Although Washington has
been the scene of some of the most bitter
struggles between the two carpenters Or
ganizations. it is understood the Brother
hood workmen are heartily In favor of con-
solidation and an agreement between the
warning unions is regarded as possibility
of the near future. -. 49,
Under the direction of, the officials of
both of the organizations, vote IS being
taken of the membership of the Amalga-
mated and Brotherhood carpenters to ascer-
tain the sentiment as to the consolldatlon
scheme. The result of the vote, among the
Brotherhood workmen will be made known
at their convention to be held in the month
of October If next year at. Milwaukee,
WIS.
The annual election of officers of the
Brotherhood of Painters, Decorators and
Paperhangers is being held by referendum
vote. The local union, like all other at
filiated organizations Throughout the Unit
ed States, have received ballots, which
must be returned to the general headquar-
ters of the national body by the 2Sth In
stant, at which time the count Will be
made by the election board. The result OF
the election will be announced about jan
uary TO- The election fs for all officers. 1t
is expected the eiecH6ff for general officers
by the local union will be held early next
week. The local meratefs of the craft are
deeply interested and irf is likely that
full vote will be returned to the general
headquarters. 8it-'
1t is understood the focal members favor
the reelection of General Secretary-Treas-
p a
large share of the credit for the success or
the organization. Since he was chosen sec
retary-treasurer. the membership has apoat
trebled At the time ne was elected there
were about 28.000 names on the roster.
Secretary Carrick. ns is esaid, immediately
commissioned 100 organizers and under his
direction the membership has increased to
GS 900. 'ta3ss
The Brotherhoodfno of Painters stands
second in the pointiefa membership in the
list of building trades organizations. 1t
had sufficient number or delegates at
to gain complete control of the glazing
industry and all branches OF the craft.
and should the executive council of the
federation comply with the decision OF
the convention it will add more than 50.-
900 of the membership OF the railroad
painters and carriage painters unions TO
the brotherhood. AZ
of painters. decoratorss &c, were accom-
panied by a circular letter, signed by
President j. G.. Bahihorn of the general
body. In which he refutes certain charges
made against him IN an article that was
recently published
Tn calling attention to the charges con-
tanned in an article against myself, says
President Bahlhorn, in his letter to the
local union. Il do SO feeling that the en-
tire membership will agree with me in
locating the animus of the attack at the
door of the Amalgamated Painters of
New York city. who were so brilliantly
outgeneraied by your present executive
board and general secretary
The article, SO far as it refers TO myself