Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-04-12
IN LABOR CIRCLES
C.

AS the result OF a recent referendum vote
| the United Metal Workers International
Union has withdrawn from the American
Federation OF Labor. Mr.. c. D. Sherman,
general secretary-tressurer OF the organiza-
ton, states that the membership generally
became dissatisfied with several decisions
of the executive council of the federation In
trade jurisdictional contentious, which In
every instance. it was claimed, was adverse
to the metal workers and tended to the dis
| indignation of that organization.
1t Is said that the Metal Workers Inter-
national Union will affiliate with the pro-
posed Industrial union" for the organiza-
uon OF which a convention has been called
10 meet in Chicago neXt June. Mr. Sher-
| man and the officials of the national or
ganization of metal workers have been ac-
i've IN promoting the movement for the Or
ganfzatfon of an international association
or wage workers which will embrace all
industries, providing for craft autonomy
locally, and Industrial autonomy and work.
| ing class unity generally.
AT the last meeting of the local Central
Labor Union letter was read from Presi-
dent Samuel Gompers informing that body
of the action of the metal workers and re-
questing that the constitution of the Ameri-
earn Federation of Labor be upheld in so
| far as the denial of representation of any
local union of the Metal Workers Inter-
national Union In the central body.
Mr.. Gompers. in the communication re-
ferred to. says:
Mr.. c. o. Sherman was recommended to
me as man of some ability who had been
victfmized by the American Railway Union
strike. 1 commissioned him as organizer.
He utilized his opportunities, and called a
convention, held at indianapolis. for the
formation of an international union. Two
representatives of the American Federation
of Labor were in attendance. Mr. John
Mitchell and Mr.. John Mulholland, and.
although but about half dozen persons
were present, start was made under the
name of the United Metal Workers Inter-
national Union. Consent to the issuance
of the charter was made upon the distinct
pledge by this new organization that it
would not issue charters to any men over
whom any other international union claimed
jurisdiction. On that distinct pledge the
charter was issued by the American Fedora
ton of Labor There has been scarcely
any considerable period of time elapsed
since then, but complaints have reached
this office and protests against the action
of the officers of that organization invad-
ing the rights and jurisdiction of other orr
CARNATIONS.
Under instructions from the Boston con-
vention of the American Federation OF
Labor conferences were held at which the
representatives of all organizations in inter-
est attended. At conference held at
Pittsburg all the organizations in interest
demanded the revocation of the charter
held by the United Metal Workers Union
upon the ground of unfair conduct, as well
that of being a trespasser upon the
Jurisdiction of all the other international
unions in the metal and machinery trades.
The executive council desired to avoid the
revocation of the charter and brought
about other conferences. The organizations
having particular differences held special
conferences to determine the lines OF de-
marcation and jurisdiction, of which these
in turn were reported to the general con-
ference and approved. and these In turn
were referred to the executive council or
the American Federation of Labor to de-
do he n IpmarCattOQ
these organizations could not agree. In
accordance Herewith the executive council
rendered a decision in which, In each OF
the cases, the United Metal Workers inter-
national Union refused to abide, one con-
spicuous case being the decision that the
coppersmiths' unions properly came under
the Jurisdiction of the Amalgamated Sheet
Metal Workers international Assocla-
tion."
Mr. Gompers states that the matter was
considered by the San Francisco conven-
ton and a resolution was adopted requlr-
ing the metal workers to revoke all char
tiers granted to all locals of coppersmiths
or stand expelled from the American Fed
Grafton of Labor until said Instructions are
complied with. The further statement is
made that almost Immediately after the
closing of the convention. the organization
in question was officially notified of the
action of that body and requested to COM
ply with the instructions. To this mega
tive reply was received. The matter was
brought to the attention of the executive
II
council issued directions to inform Secre-
tary C. o. Sherman that he was required
to carry out the instructions of the San
Francisco convention, and the same was
communicated to Secretary Sherman on
March %. / am now in receipt of a letter
from Mr. Sherman dated March y, in
which he says that through neglect on his
part he failed to inform us that his organ
ization has withdrawn from the American
Federation of Labor.
The several local unions of the United
Brotherhood of Carpenters have, through
the carpenters District council, concluded
not to affiliate with the Central Labor
Union and Will, it is said depend wholly
upon the support of the local Structural
Building Trades Alliance with which the
several carpenters unions are affiliated.
That the brotherhood carpenters are not
friendly to the Central Labor Union, 1t is
stated was recently shown by the with
drawal of Local Union 1103, United
brotherhood of Carpenters. from that body,
nv order of the carpenters District council.
Union 11o3 is composed exclusively OF
mill workers, and it the only brotherhood
organization which has been represented
in the central body for nearly two years.
1t is stated that notwithstanding the ac-
ton of the brotherhood carpenters, the two
local branches of the Amalgamated car
penters and Joiners are represented IN the
central body these organizations having
determined to act independently in the mat
ter of local affiliation, although allied with
the council.
It is reported that the membership of the
National Stone and Marble Cutters Assocld-
zion TO whom was recently submitted the
question of utilization with the American
Fedora ton of Labor. has rejected the propo-
sition by majority Of $40 voters. IL Is
stated that the same proposition, when
was submitted to the stone cutters last
wear was defeated by large majority.
IoTTA,S AGED MOTHER DEAD.
No Actress Ever Had More Devoted
Mother.