Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-07-06
IN LABOR CIRCLES

Matters were quiet in the realm Of union
ism during the past week. The labor
troubles in the Colorado mining camps have
become less acute and a satisfactory solu-
ton of the difficulties is ardently hoped for
by both parties involved An important
move in this direction was taken during
the past week by the federal government.
when the labor bureau was directed to act
in the matter and sent several of the best
men employed at the bureau in Washington
to the scene Of the late troubles to investi-
gate conditions there as they relate to the
labor troubles of that state
The men dispatched to do this work will
be under the personal direction of Commits
sioner of Labor Carroll D. Wright After
they have completed their labors an ex-
haustive report will be made, reviewing the
conditions that led up to the present trou-
bles.
Authority is given the commissioner of
labor in the premises in the following
clause creating the labor bureau:
The commissioner of labor is also spe-
cially charged to investigate the causes of
and facts relating to all controversies and
disputes between employers and employees
as they may occur. and which may tend to
Interfere with the welfare of the people
of the different states, and report to Con-
greSS.
A recent decision of the United States Su-
preme Court forms a basis for considerable
comment among people in the railroad
brotherhood. The decision in question laid
down the principle that a telegraph oper-
ator for a railroad company and fireman
on railroad engine are fellow servants"
and that the negligence of the former,
causing the death of the latter in the oper-
alton of trains. risk the fireman as
sumed and was not ground for damages
against the railroad company The plain
tiff in the case was Alline A. Dixon and the
defendant the Northern Pacific Railroad
Company. The plaintiff entered suit to
cover damages for the death of her hus-
band, G. A. Dixon, a fireman on the road,
killed in a collision caused by the negi-
gence of the telegraph operator.
Toward the latter end of the week various
mills throughout the country began TO
close for the summer rest This was neces-
sary because of the scarcity of orders in
mills of the United States Steel Corpora
ton as well mills operated by indie
pendent manufacturers.
The American Federation of Labor has
been asked to call convention for tho
purpose of forming a national union of
SOAP glycerfne and tallow candle makers
many of whom are now affiliated with the
butcher workmen. They desire to secede,
believing that if they are under a separate
national head their work could be better
promoted.
In a San Francisco court there has been
filed suit restraining the Citizens ALI
ance of that city from putting an emblem
on its printed matter, which is facsimile
of that of the printing trades union. and
Is said to be an infringement on the de-
sign. 1t is said to be employed for the
purpose of deceiving people into believing
that the printing was done under union
conditions. temporary injunction has
been granted forbidding its further use
until heard in the court.
The leaders on both sides of the labor
and capital question put themselves on
record at the recent meeting of the Civic
Federation in New York city in favor of
joint agreement between employer and en-
ploye. The most prominent speakers at
this meeting were: John Mitchell. presi-
dent United Mine Workers; Francis L.
Robbins, president Pittsburg Coal Com
pany, and Frank Buchanan. president of
the Internal ional Association of Bridge and
Structural Iron Workers.
In speaking upon the question of joint
trade agreement, Mr.. Mitchell gave his
views follows:
The joint trade agreement is the most
unmistakable recognition of the mutual
dependence of capital and labor. 1t IL
the essence of trade unionism In the coal
industry, where wages and conditions or
employment are regulated by 1t. we have
found that industry has thrived, that wages
have been bettered that conditions of en-
ployment have been more satisfactory than
under any other method that has been tried
in our trade. We have 100000 coal miners
who are working under agreement, whose
wages and conditions Of employment are
determined by joint conference.
1 quite concur in the statement of Mr.
Robbins that arbitration of wage questions
should be avoided far is possible.
We try to fix our wages based on the
selling price of coal. If the mine owners
are securing large prices for coal we eS-
pect at the end of our agreement to share
in that prosperity. On the other hand. If
prices of coal fall off--if there is a depres-
sion-we expect to take reduction In our
wages and share adversely with our en-
ployers. Under our arrangement we have
grown to know one another and have grown
to know one another's business
the meeting place this year of the Amert-
can Federation of Labor. A decision as to
where the convention will be held will not
be arrived at 1t is stated for some time.
Labor leaders, generally, it is understood,
are favorable to the smoky city.
Upon the death of NJ. P. Carrick. for
years the general secretary of the Brother
hood of Painters. Decorators and Paper
Hangers. President Samuel Gompers paid
a beautiful tribute to the worth of his old
with a bitterness that formed the chief in
terest in the internal affairs OF unions FOR
years.
Three important conventions are scheo-
uled for next week of flint, bottle and win
dow glass workers associations, as follows:
The twenty-sixth annual convention of the
American Flint Glass Workers Union will
open in Marietta, Ohio. Monday, July IL;
the annual meeting of the Glass Bottle
Blowers Association Of the United States
and Canada, will begin at Buffalo at the
same time, and a general convention of
the Window Glass Workers and United
Glass Workers OF America will be held in
Cleveland the following day
According to members of the organiza-