Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-03-30
IN LABOR CIRCLES
C.;

5, Since his return to Washington from Por-
to Rico President Samuel Gompers OF the
American Federation of Labor has been
kept busy every moment. He has spent
practically the entire past week before
committees of Congress having under con-
sideration bills in which organized labor of
the country is Interested; and ne has haa
but little spare time to devote to matters
that accumulated on his desk during his
absence Mr. Gompers' associates in Wash
ington express the opinion that he was en-
inently successful anshis mission to Porto
Rico and that his stay in the island will re-
suit in greatly improved conditions for the
people there The fact that the Federation
Libre and the Federation Regional were
not consolidated during his stay in the
island is regarded as Insignificant. 1t is
pointed out that under the constitution of
the American Federation, the Federation
Regional, having bean found to be po-
litical organization Ielre and simple could
not consolidate with the federation Libre
any more than a political party, even
though known as the uHson labor party,
could secure charter from the American
Federation of Labor. This constitution OF
the federation contains q, stringent clause
to the effect that politics shall form no part
Of its deliberations, and that the feoera-
ization that has any semblance of polit-
fcal party.
AS soon as he finds time. President Com
pers will turn his attention to the prepare
lions for the quarterly session OF the ex-
ecutive council of the federation, to be held
in Denver, Col, beginning April is. The
official report of his trip will be submitted
to the council, and further plan of opera
lions in Porto Rico will be formulated at
that time.
The exhibit of the American Federation
of Labor at the Louisiana purchase exp0S.-
ton in st. Louis was shipped to that city
several days ago. The display will be the
finest ever placed before the public by the
federation. The organization was awarded
a gold medal for its exhibit at the Paris
exposition several years ago.
Information was received at the head
quarters of the Federation of Labor yes
terday to the effect that the longshore-
men of Honolulu, Hawaii, are on strike.
The dispute, it is said, grew out of the
dismissal of several workmen for their
membership in labor unions. Complaint
is made that Mr.. Griggs Holt. United
States shipping commissioner for the
port of Honolulu, is employed as book
keeper and cashier for a firm which Is
largely interested in the present con-
troversy with the longshoremen. which,
1t is claimed, Is inconsistent and i'm
proper
between employers and longshoremen are
taken before United States shipping COM
missioners for adjudication, and that as
an empioye of a firm which Is at odds
with the longshoremen Mr.. Holt would
naturally be Influenced In favor Of the
employers in the present controversy.
President Gompera n In receipt Of a
personal letter frora Mr. James Grady,
who was fraternal delegate of the British
trades congress at the annual convention
Of the American Federation of Labor in
Boston last December. In his letter, Mr..
Grady states that he has adopted several
Of the suggestions advanced by Mr.. Com
pers In various addresses and that the
results already attained are highly en-
couragiHg and reflect great credit upon
. the American labor chief.
Secretary James s.. Duncan of the Gran
lite Cutters, National Union whose head
quarters are in this city, yesterday per-
fected an agreement with the Mount
Airy Granite Company of MountrA Airy,
N. c.. wfchh brings to a close one of the
bitterest fights for recognition of the
union in the history of the granite cut
ters' craft. The contention has been in
progress for nine years and Its settle
meht, with recognition of the union and
victory for the granite cutters organi-
cation. The. controversy affects granite
| cutting in the building trades in practf-
caliy every city in the United States.
The agreement provides that eight
hours shall constitute days work
granite cutters either With hand or ma
chine tools and tool sharpeners for gran
lite cutters to be paid not less than IS
per day; overtime. whenever worked, to
pay time and one-half, unless on estab-
lished holidays and Sundays. when 1t
shall pay double Tins; payday to be
every two weeks; wagesto be paid either
during working hours or immediately at
the close of working hours; in case a
man works less than q fuu day he shall
be paid per hour IA conformity with his
days wages: suitable sheds shall be fur
nished to protect wOrkmen from extreme
heat, cold or inclemDnt weather"
II. either party dtsirpsta change In the
agreement, three months notice shall be
given prior 70 April !. 1goB and II no such
notice IL given w e6aher party. this