The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1905-12-02
HISTORICAL SKETCH OF
GREATEST LABOR BODY
Was Founded in Pittsburg Just
Twenty-Five Years Ago-1ts.
Great Growth.
Pittsburg Dispatch Gives
Splendid Review of History
of A. F. of L.

The Pittsburg Dispatch dlstin-
guished itself as friend of labor by
issuing souvenir Federation, num-
Der when the A. F. of l.. met there.
1t was truly labor publication,
which contained many articles or IN
terest to union workingmen. Its re-
view of the American Federation OF
Labor. which is as follows will be ap-
preciated by all union labor men and
women.
When the twenty-fifth annual con-
vention of the American Federation Of
Labor opened in Old City Hall in cele-
bration of the silver jubilee OF the
founding Of the organization in the
city rs years ago, what is looked upon
as the greatest meeting Of organized
labor ever held in the history OF the
United States began.
Questions Of tho greatest moment to
every workingman and to every en-
ployer of labor will come up for con-
sideration. Primarily legislative
body In the handling of questions per-
tanning to union labor, the Federation
will devote much time to the common
ly called national issues and the de-
cision reached, which will be only after
tho most careful consideration and
elaboration, will be taken throughout
the country as labor's opinion on the
questions Of the day.
The settling Of petty disputes be-
tween the various trades and unions
affiliated with the Federation and their
employers will not be the main object
of the meeting, although these will re-
ceive due consideration. but the
weightier problems which involve the
welfare Of the workingmen as a class
and not as an organization will be the
principal points to which the ability,
skill and thought Of the 700 delegates
will be devoted.
The selection of Pittsburg, the indus
trial center OF the world, for the meet
ing Of the organization which repre-
sents fully 100000 workingmen Of this
country, was eminently fitting. Twen-
ty-f1ve years ago the Federation saw
the light of day in this city, and close
ly connected with its magnificent
growth to its present magnitude and
prestige have been the labor organiza-
tions of the Pittsburg district.
Closely identified with the growth OF
the Federation and intertwined with
its present strength is the history OF
President Samuel Gompers, who has
given the best years Of his life to the
upbuilding and strengthening of the
great organization.
The first session of the American
Federation Of Labor was held in Turner
Hall, Southside, Nov. Is, 1881. A total
of SO delegates, representing IS labor
organizations. with an estimated ag-
gregate membership of $4,000 work.
ers, were present. Pittsburg again fg.
ured in the inception Of the organiza-
ton when John Barrett, then president
Of the Amalgamated Association OF
Iron, Steel and Tin Workers. Of this
city. was called to the chair. The con-
vention formed what may be termed
a temporary organiza ton, as up to that
time the principals and policy Of the
new organization had not been defin-
itely mapped out. The object Of the
| convention was roughly termed to be
the encouragement OF the formation
Of local, city, national and information
al trade unions and to secure legisla-