Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-05-18
IN LABOR CIRCLES

The observance of Labor day of 1904 is
already commanding the interest Of or
ganized labor of the country. In the many
cities throughout the land where the or
ganized workers have become factor plans
have been placed on foot at this early date
for the celebration of the laboring mans
holiday, the first Monday in September.
And there is every probability that the OBJ
servance of the present year will eclipse all
previous efforts.
The progress of labor in the last few
years. as evidenced by the increase in the
membership of the several organizations, is
regarded as remarkable, and 1t is the pur-
pose to celebrate Labor day on a large
scale.
The action OF President Roosevelt In
causing the issue of orders prohibiting any
member of an enlisted band of the army or
navy from accepting a position Of a civil
ian musician on strike or lock out, as a re-
suit Of labor dispute, Is deeply appre-
ciated by the union musicians OF the coun-
try. 1T is recognized as score in favor
or the union musicians In their long stand.
Ing controversy against the United States
Marine Band The controversy though
confined practically to the District of Co
lumbia, has attracted widespread attention
and has been and is at present the source
or much unrest among musicians AFFILIATED
clans.
The ninth annual convention of the Amer
lean Federation of Musicians is In progress
In New York city. and it is intimated that
that body will send a deputation to WASH
ington the present week, or before the
close of the session. to call on President
Roosevelt. with a request that he interpose
in the controversy.
President William j. Kerneood Of local
No. 161 of this city Is attending the con-
vention Of musicians in New York, and in
the event the body decides to send a dele
cation to confer with President Roosevelt
respecting the controversy, it Is more than
likely that Mr.. Kerngood will be member
of It, Mr.. Kerngood was the moving factor
in the representations to President Roose-
welt which resulted In the issuance of the
recent order and he was the recipient of
many congratulations and high praise for
his successful efforts In connection with
the difficulty.
Samuel Gompers president of the Ameri-
can Federation of Labor received a few
days ago from Santiago Iglesias, general
organizer of the federation In Porto Rico
a letter which details the results consequent
upon Mr.. Gompers trip to that island to
investigate the conditions OF labor and
Of the people.
In connection with the labor situation In
Porto Rico, Edward Condo, organizer of
the Brotherhood of Painters. Decorators
and Paperhangers in the island writes to
the International headquarters Of HIS or
ganizatlOn IN part, as IOifOWS:
1.-THE republican politicians down here are
making terrible campaign against the or
ganizer, Santiago 'Iglesias. They are doing
this with the expressed purpose of forcing
Mr.. Gompers to dismiss the organizer OF
the American Federation down here In
Porto Rico. Santiago Igfesias. Mr.. Com
pers does not know the so-called republic
cans down here In Porto Rico, otherwise
he had already made them a present of a
get away or a get out and go your way
Those of US who are members of the A.
Igiesias. because he honestly discharged
HIS duties. I will tell you a great truth:
The labor movement in Porto Rico in favor
of the American Federation Of Labor has
been and is due to Santiago Iglesias.
1.-The lack of work very much contributes
to our unions not advancing as well as I
desire, but I believe that In the near future
many will become members of the same.
'If for this years election a man rises
thre who wishes to become the President
of the United States, you should require
him to do Justice to the people OF Porto
Rico"
President. Gompers left washington yes
terday sfternoon for Philadelphia and New
the federation is concerned. In Phfladel-
phia he will confer with the officials of the
international organization of elevator con-
stfuctors. He Is expected to return to
washington tomorrow evening.
Northumberland James Duncan, of the
Granite Cutters National Union returned
to washington today from Philadelphia.
vice President P. J. conlon Of the inter
Rational Association OF Machinists, who re-
sides In Philadelphia. IL in charge OF at