The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1910-10-10
Keokuk Takes Initiative Step That Will Have
Its Contamination In National Union
Among These Workmen.
TC0ND union GETS A CHARTER TODAY
Keokuk Has Already Been Organized Canton Is
Second Other Cities On Mississippi and
Illinois Will Follow.

gigantic plan for the organiza |
,on of the army OF baton workers
employed in several hundred factories
slong the Mississippi and Illinois riv
ers into national labor union allied
with the American Federation of La
hor. is the aftermath Of an apparent
II Insignificant strike that affected
ma hundred unorganized button
workers in Keokuk several weeks ago.
II leaked out from local labor men
today that this is the goal to which
organizers are working and means
that many river towns in the middle
west are to have local unions which
in turn will be organized into a ma
,ional organization. And it is expected
that the scope of this union will ex-
tend beyond the Mississippi and the
Illinois.
Keokuk Leads Movement.
The first step was taken a short
time ago when the button workers OF
Keokuk were organized under the
name "Keokuk Pearl Button Workers
Union. No. 13O7S." 1t is composed Of
one hundred and two members.
The second step was taken today
when D. ]. Hemmy went to Canton,
Mo-, where he will deliver over to the
| button workers there union charter.
Mr.. Hemmy is local organizer of the
American Federation of Labor. His
| jusdiction, however, extends no fur-
ther than Keokuk unless by special or
der fro mthe national office he is
only to those towns which have no To-
cal organizer.
Federation Pushing 1t.
1t is understood, although only the
meagre details could be learned from
the local organizer and other labor
men, that the American Federation
Of Labor is taking up the matter of
organizing unions in many cities
Where there are button factories and
that the national organization is
soon to be effected According to pre-
urinary steps it Is necessary for all
OF the towns to organize local unions
which are under the supreme jurisdic
Ton Of the American Federation of
Labor. After the local unions reach
sufficient strength in rnfnt of num-
GERS, then they will combine into
national organization.
Proposed Meeting.
Inc initiative was taken in this
matter in keokuk almost Immediately
aver strike was declared by button
workers. employed at the Hawkeye
fearl Button Factory. The employees,
more than one hundred in number,
solsented to organization and the
,asrter is now in possession of the
'Veai union 1t Is remembered that the
saike was temporarily settled and
VIZ wage scale for the time adjusted,
Oas another breach may come on or
s'er NOV l, when a further adjust
,4en. VIII be made. Labor men are ret
s ssa' regarding their plans, but it is
s.u mat they have hope of having
a. IVusn button workers organized in
WIS section to make joint confer
sl0e regarding the wage scale posi-
w. II conference of this nature is
ssu II would likely be at Muscatine,
sne Hawkeye Pearl Button Com
My my which has many plants along tho
I .S has its head office there.
sSOor men also point out that they
MI nv features of the wage scale that
fs.a u oe improved upon At the con-
,aa. Ace mentioned would be present
, ~ from a number of but
tha olipanies and from as many Of
'ocai unions as are organized.
~ masnates Battle Against 1t.
o,s 1efe mas never been a union OF
ro w consequence among the button
tbaa ae's' Local unions, very few of
bnt :, however, have been organized,
car,,aa r organizations have never
II, ~ any strength, and not until
ns,' 'esent tine has such a move
N,n' been instituted.
nasn % an open secret that button
comh ha.es through this section have
aumhan ea union organization for a
" hoer OF years. They have practical
uaid Jeen the dictators of the wages
occss, ~ employees, and have met but
Tbs ~ opposition from the men
late ustry has been growing of
Aa many factories have sprung