The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-09-03
TRADE UNION MAN
 DELIVERS ADDRESS
International President of Ma
 chinistS Draws a Crowd
ON WAY TO NEW ORLEANS
James o'conneII Meets With Cordial Greeting at Knights of Columbus HalI-Many Representative
 Labor Men Present.

James 0connen of Washington, inter- national president of the Machinists' union, spent yesterday and last night in Birmingham en route to New Orleans where he has been invited to address the trades unions of that city on Labor day. He leaves for New Orleans this morning.
 MT. OConnell addressed large labor meeting last night in the Knights of Co., iumbus hall A majority of the trades were represented, and there was much enthusiasm Several ladies were present.
 The meeting was called to order shortly after o'clock by E. H. Ryder, business agent of the Machinists' union. He stated the object of the meeting and then called upon Harry Markey of the Birmingham Trades council for a few words. MT. Markey discussed the open shop plan for few minutes being followed by Edward Flynn, president of District No. 20, United Mine Workers of America, who spoke briefly.
 An Amusing Story.
 MT. OConnel was introduced by MT. Ryder, and his appearance was greeted with prolonged applause. He told an amusing little story in the beginning of his address saying that he hoped the au- dience would not be like friend of his, who was a plumber by trGde My friend struck little town one Sunday" said MT. O'Connell, and he decided that he would like to go to church and hear a good sermon. He went to the hotelkeep- CT for information and was directed to a little church around the corner where an eminent divine would preach that day. He went to church and remained throughout the services. Just before the close tne minister announced there would be meeting of the board, meaning of course the church board, after the ser vices had ended. After the congregation had departed my friend still remained. Seeing a new face among tho half dozen church officers left, the minister went to my friend and inquired as to what he could do for him. I do not know said he, but you asked for the bored to re- main, and l was in hopes that you would apologize for what you had said"
 Not to crltlclse.
 President oConnell said that he had not been in Birmingham for several years and that he was glad to be among his friends again He said that his purpose was not to criticize any employer or fsl- low man, as he did not believe in that form of procedure. Now, what we must do Is to concede for the time being that every man Is right in his condition. Let adopt the golden rule for the time being at least We should think and act for ourselves and if you have any feeling against your employer, or anyone else, let's lay it aside temporarily at least whether it be real or imaginary"
 The speaker then discussed national legislation, affecting wage earners, and added 1 do not propose to come to Alabama to tell you how to vote l am not a politician and do not aspire to be one You must act as you think is best"
 The Miners strikke.
 Touching upon the strike of the mine workers in this district, President O'Con- nell declared emphatically that "the min CTS have just as much right to say what their labor Is worth as the operators have to dictate the wage scale" The speaker paid his respects to the citizens alliance and similar organizations.
 He declared that this was the age of as- sociations and organizations saying that the doctors have their associations. and any one who has not a card or permit Is not permitted under the law to prac- tice medicine. similar associations exists among the lawyers and other prolessions The only difference Is that if the doctors make mistake the mistake Is buried and nothing more is said of it, but If we make a mistake there Is a mighty howl sent up
 President O'Connell told of the organiza- tion of the Machinists union by six men in Atlanta. ten or twelve years ago. He said that the great organization was formed l.. AIs4.. r
 engine. The speaker declared that tie or- ganization has since then flourished.
 MT. O'Connell said that the Machinists' union would from this time in Birming- ham become stronger and that the nine hour rule would be established.