Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-03-19
LABOR LEADERS MEET
Session of Federation'S Execu-
tive Council Today.
MATTEpc Tn nE H0Nci0EPEn
MATTERS TO BE CONSIDERED
Controversy Between Union Printers
and the Typothetae.
REPORT OF PRESIDENT GoMPERs
Unsatisfactory Conditions of Legisla-
tion-President Roosevelt to Be
Interviewed, Then Congress.

In response to the call of President Sam
ueI Gompers. the executive council OF the
American Federation of Labor began sew
eral days session here today. The meet
ings are executive. All the members Of the
council except President John Mitchell of
the United Mine Workers, are present. His
absence is explained by the demands upon
his time In consequence of the miners con-
vention in Indianapolis
Although no authoritative announcement
has been made Of the subjects to be dis
cussed by the executive council. 1t is I'M
derstood that among them VIII be the con-
troversy between the union printers and
the Typothetae Of the several cities. Wheth
er or not the council Will take up the ques-
tons now being considered in Indianapolis
could not be ascertained.
An important feature of the proceedings
of the councirat its first session this fore
noon was that portion OF the report Of
President Samuel Gompers which referred
to the present state Of labor legislation be-
fore Congress.
1t is an open secret that the leaders OF
the labor movement are deeply concerned
over what President Gompers termed 1.-The
unsatisfactory condition Of legislation af-
fecting the interests of labor" In this
connection the statement was made before
the council today that delegation COM
prising President Gompers. Secretary Frank
Morrison and the members of the executive
council Of the American Federation of
Labor, together with the presidents of
some of the national and International
trades unions. will have interviews with
President Roosevelt, Speaker Cannon of
the House Of Representatives and Senator
Frye, president pro tempore of the Senate,
at different hours Wednesday afternoon.
These interviews have already been ar
ranged for and their outcome is looked for
ward to with great interest by the labor
masses of this country.
The coal strike situation was merely
touched upon at the session of the council
today when the absence of John Mitchell
president of the United Mine Workers was
explained.
Telegram to Miners President.
President Gompers sent the following tel
egram to President Mitchell at Indianapolis,
Ind. where he is In attendance at the
joint meeting of the coal operators and
miners:
THE executive council of the American
Federation of Labor in session regrets your
enforced absence. but realizes the para
mount Importance OF your duties at the
miners convention.
The executive council asks you TO convey
fraternal greetings to your graet conven-
ton, and, while hoping for continued indus
trial peace in your industry, in any event
you have our heartiest support"
Soon after the meeting Of the council was
convened President Gompers called atten-
ton to the death of former First Vice
President P. ]. Mcclure of the Federation,
which occurred at Philadelphia few weeks
ago.
Death Deplored.
The following minute in regard to his
demise was adopted by the council:
THE executive council of the American
Federation OF Labor. in regular session as
sembled. feel that it is incumbent upon
them to cease for a few moments from the
ordinary routine of their work, and give
expression to their feelings of regard for
and pay tribute to the memory of our de-
ceased friend and brother. P. J. MCGUIRE.
His career in the trade union began at a
time when 1T was almost considered a dis
grace to De a participant in the labor move
ment. He was one of the pioneers who
blazed the way on this North American
continent for the great army of organized
labor that is now marching toward the ac-
compl1shment Of the objects for which the
trade unions was founded
THE particular monuments that he has
left behind him are the Brotherhood of
Carpenters and JolnerS and the American
Federation of Labor; for It can Justly be
said that his great force of mind and char
acter were particularly devoted to the up
building of these two organizations and
that he was very great factor in promot:
ing their success, and when In the future
the history of trade union in America Is
written. we are sure the name of P J. Nc
CURE will be found very close to the head
of the list of those who. made the move
ment success.
ITO his family we extend our symnathv
and to his memory our tribute of respect
and appreciation"
Secretary Morrison's Report.
Tr
executive council and the American FEEDER
alton of Labor, submitted his report for
the five months ended February 25. 1t
shows the receipts in that period to have
been S225, OS3.S6, and the expenditures
$fO6 713.B5
There are now affiliated with the Fedora
ton, ia international trade unions; SO state
declarations; 500 city central trade unions
and $50 local unions which are unaffaliated
with any national or international unions.
The membership of the A. F. L. has grown
IO.5ll In the past five months. and the gem
eral financial and numerical condition of
the organization was reported to be salts
factory.
President Gompers submitted to the co,In-
Gil report of the labor movement in the
United States since the holding of the
Pfttsburg convention of the A. r T, last
November. outlining the general condition
or the afhliated organizations. He also de-
tailed his active work In the cause Of labor
The reports of the president and secre-
tary were received and approved.
Given a Hearing.
At the session this afternoon it Is said a
hearing will be given Charles NJ Isler of
Pittsburg, Pa. past International president
of the Steamfitters' Association: Honest
John" Mangum Of Chicago and E. J. Rat
igan, Washington steamf1tter, who are
here seeking to have the federation grant
a charter to that craft.
1t is understood that this proposition VIII
be opposed by John r. Alpine of Boston.
president of the International Association
OF Plumbers. The two associations have
been having jurisdictional clash for a long
time. but the American Federation of La
Dor at the Pittsburg convention several
months ago decided in favor of chartertng
the steamfitters as separate association
and this, 1t is believed. will be done bv the
council
Other leading workingmen who are here
awaiting to be given a hearing by the ex
ecutive council are I. r. Pratt of Chicago
president of the executive board OF he