Los Angeles herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1900-1911, 1909-06-13

OF MORE than ordinary interest to
organized workngmen was the
" settlement of the difficulty exist
ing between the United Hatters OF
North America and the manufacturers.
The trouble arose because of the an
nouncement of the employers that aiter
January 1, 1909, the matters lapel
would be discontinued in the pIoooce
of the factories and they would hence-
forth he conducted on the "open shop
PLAN The manufacturers formed
combine, each depositing $25.O TO go
as a forfeit should the pact be broken
A bitter. industrial war followed, the
men refusing to give up their lapei'
and the shops remained idle ana oe-
serted The hatters' union was pos
sessed of a considerable sum OF money,
but injunction proceedings were
brought by the factory owners when
completely tied this up. leaving the
workmen in position where they were
unable to use their own money Tor
strike benefits and relief, and their
slender personal means were soon ex-
hausted.
An appeal for funds met with ready
response from unions all over the
world, and the men were able to re
main out and continue their struggle.
Although the fight lasted almost half
a year, less than forty men deserted
the union and returned to work until
peace was declared, and of this num-
Der most of them were men who were
financially interested in the institu-
tions.
Seventeen of the twenty-five factories
involved in the controversy have re-
sumed operation, after having signed
agreements with the executive board
of the union to use the label and ar
bitrate all other matters in dispute.
John Murray, well known in labor
circles in this city and at one time
editor of the local labor paper. is the
author of an article in the San Fran
cisco Clarion describing conditions in
Mexico. Mr.. Murray now is secretary
of the Political Refugee Defense league
with headquarters in Chicago, and has
given considerable of his time and tall
ent toward freeing the Mexican pris-
oners who were held in the Los An
geles Jail for several months before
being taken to Arizona for trial.
BARRIERS union No. 295 was host at
an open meeting and gabfest last Mon
day night at its hall in the labor tenn
pie. The members are looking for
ward to a smoker which is being ar
ranged by c. NJ. Fielder to take place
June 81.
The unions of Salt Lake City are
contemplating the erection of a labor
temple in the Mormon city, at a cost
of $125000, the money for which is
nearly all subscribed. A. H. Mess,
president of the Salt Lake Federation
of Labor, was in the city a few days
this week inspecting the temple here
and gathering ideas to be used in the
Salt Lake building. He left for. San
IN-f1 I,fe
LEGATIONS.
At a meeting to be held Monday
night in the labor temple, officers of
the Labor day committee will be cho-
sen and steps taken for the observance
of the holiday. Heretofore it has been
the custom for all organizations to
meet in one big celebration, but it is
probable this program will not be fol-
lowed this year and the different un-
ions observe the day in the manner
which seems best to each.
An amendment to the constitution
of the Machinists' International union
probably will be made at the next con-
vention, providing sick and superan-
nuated benefits for its members Many
unions now possess these features, no
tably the International Typographical
union, which gives its aged members
a pension of $16 a month. These adj
vanced steps indicate the tendency of
the times in trade union circles. Be
fore many years these benefits, show
ing the fraternal side of the movement.
will become features with all unions.
independence day the Building
Trades council will participate in an
outing at Chutes park, the resort hav-
ing been engaged by committee from
the building trades composed of w. A.
Sexton, Victor Kingsbury, e. Hen
bricks and T. j. Goodwin. who will
have charge of all arrangements.
Next Saturday night the woman's
auxiliary to the Brotherhood of Lo-
connective Engineers will give an en-
tertainment at Downey hall. A can
tata in three acts will be produced by
the members, who are endeavoring to
secure funds for more pretentious en-
tertainment in the near future.
Max Morris. secretary of the Retail
Clerks Protective association, and for
several years a member of the Colo