United labor bulletin., 1909-12-24

5th. five machinists were at work be-
meath a Iocomotive in the shops of East
Tennessee. Virginia and Georgia railroad
in Atlanta. Ga. and as is usually the
case. when men hsve a job of this ma
ture. the opportunity is taken advantage
of TO discuss matters of current interest
or importance. spin yarns and have a
quiet social time generally. These FIVE
men. however, hapSened to be of a seri-
GUS turn of mind, and discussed matters
Of Importance to their craft. Among
other things that came up for discussion
was the advisabiity and necessity Of
craft organization. The necessity of this
impressed itself 50 strongly upon their
minds that they then and there decided
to form Local Union of Machinists.
A meeting was held that night and the
germ that came INTO existence beneath
the locomotive materialized. and an or
ganization was formed.
1t bore the euphonious name of the
United Machinists and Mechanical Engi-
neers. and bore it until the first conven-
tion of the new organization was held,
this taking place year from date, and
in the same city. namely; in Atlanta. in
May. 1855. Though only a year in exist
ence the organization showed "a lodges
on its register. and had penetrated IA
states, which states sent representatives
to the convention
The next convention was held in
Louisville, Ky. beginning on May 5th,
1890. when the association showed on its
roster 81 lodges. representing every state
in the Union, as well as Canada, three
lodges having been established in that
country. namely; At Stratford, Montreal
and Winnipeg. The organization having
now assumed an International character
the name was changed from National As
sociation of Machinists to International
Association. which name it still bears.
A great many constitutional changes
took place at the Pittsburg convention,
which in no small degree contributed to
the success of the organization today. Up
to this time the more silent features
were those of a naternal or secret So
ciety. with very little to identify it as a
trade union. but the change above re
ferred TO altered mis- and it became more
closely identified With the labor move
ment.
The next conveu ion was held the year
following in the Uity of Chicago, and by
this time the Mexican line had been
crossed and the organization. had 2SS
lodges. This was in 1898.
No convention vas held in the year
1894. as the membership. by referendum
vote. decided it Vas unnecessary. so the
next convention vas held in Cincinnati,
beginning May 9th. 1895. At this con-
vention 4S6 lodge were on the roster.
1t was at this convention that the next
great forward step was taken. for the or
ganization made application for member
ship in the American Federation of La
Dor and was accepted. 1t may be said
from now on the International Associa-
ton of Machinists became thoroughly in
touch with the great labor movement OF
this continent: il was also decided at
this convention that future biennial meet
ings should be held. Governed by this
rule the next convention was held in
Kansas City. Mo. in 1897.
The next convention was held in Buff
falo in 1899. and it was here decided
that in view OF the splendid work done
In Canada by the organization. the next