The Billings gazette. [volume] (Billings, Mont.) 1896-1919, 1908-03-20
UNlONlSTS R
In CONFERENCE
THE IMPORT OF 81.
PREmE COURTS DECISION.
SHERMAN Law CHANGES
Hoped to Bring About Amendments
Which Will Give Labor Unions =
Fair Chance In the Eyes Of the Law.
Injunction Matter Discussed.

Washington. March 18.-That q
memorial formally protesting against
the inaction Of congress in the mat
ter Of legislation in the interest OF
organized labor and clearly setting
forth its demands with respect there
to, will be presented to the leaders
of that body within a few days, was
the most important action taken at
today's session Of the conference
here. This duty will devolve upon
one Of the two committees appointed
by President Gompers today termed
the protest committee" which was
directed to frame an address to be
presented to those responsible for leg
islation in congress.
It was also decided TO ask the
leaders in congress to fix upon q time
when a committee from the labor con-
Terence can confer with them. It is
understood that the memorial will call
attention to the recent injunction de-
cisions Of the supreme court.
"A feature Of the gathering raj the
presence for the first time in the his
tory OF labor gatherings Of delegates
representing the Farmers National
union and the Brotherhood Of Loco
motive Engineers, which two bodies
have never afiliated with the Ameri-
can Federation Of Labor except in q
fraternal way.
Participating in the conference are
President Samuel Gompers and MEM
bers Of the executive council Of the
American Federation Of Labor, to-
gether with the executive officers Of
the International Trades unions Of
America who met pursuant to a call
issued by President Gompers to con-
slider the matter Of the recent injunc-
ton decision OF the supreme court Of
the United States affecting labor or
CARNATIONS with particular reference
to the Danbnry hat cases in which
that court substantially held that Ia
Dor organizations were to be deonsid.
cred trusts as well as organizations
of capital,
After calling attention to the sig.
nificance Of the decisions, Mr. Com
pers stated that the conference was
for the purpose Of taking such ac.
ton as the Importance and merits Of
the subject dealt with may warrant,
to be determined as setting forth the
demands Of labor.
Work for Change.
Court rulings. he pointed out. were
binding upon all labor organizations
until changed or modified by congress
sional action. The object OF the con
ference was to consider the amend
ments to the Sherman antitrust act
which are being drafted with q view
not Of exempting labor organizations
from their obligations to the public
but rather to prevent any injustice
being done through the operation Of
law to. organizations OF laboring men
particularly through Injunction. It II
desired to so frame the proposed
changes in the Sherman law % K
meet the requirements Of the su
preme courts decisions.
Proposed Amendments.
The proposed amendments are tht
result OF recent conferences at TIL
White House between Presiden'
Roosevelt and others and It is hopet
to secure remedial legislation alont
these lines at the present session o
congress. President Gompers state.
today that matters Of Importance t
every union mar would be discussed
and an effort made to formulate plan
to Offset the rulings OF the variou'
courts regarding injunctions and boy
cots.
There are lit international trad
unions and practically all of then
were represented by one or more del
egates at today's meeting. The cor
ference which was held behind close'
doors will continue several days.
II Gafs- N&