The San Francisco call., 1910-04-19
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CcA2x9 I'll al 1eQgkilS organizations, see
lzxaE ing the futility OF
'focking by themselves" are coming
under the banner of the American
federation of labor. The membership
of the international brick layers union
is now voting on a proposition to
merge with the great parent labor
oooy, and while it is too early to state
the result those best informed believe
the vote will show a majority for
amalgamation.
The latest addition to the roster OF
the A. f. of L. of these independent
labor bodies is the western federation
or miners, numbering some 10000. This
| organization was. an integral part OF
the A. f. of L. about I5 years ago, but
through unwise counsel decided upon
separation. Standing alone, it has
made many a gallant fight with the
odds ever against ii. OF later years
wiser counsel has prevailed in its
ranks and the announcement that II
has decided to return TO the fold OF
the A. +. Of l. is hailed with delight
by organized labor throughout the
country.
In speaking Of this victory of solid
ity in the labor movement, j. Edward
Morgan, general organizer of the west
ern federation of miners, now in this
city. says:
Though the western federation Of miners
has stood apart from the American fedora
non or labor on account of tactical differ
ehceS real or imaginary, yet for the last six
years the two bodies have been morally
united. At every great crisis in the stormy
career Of the western federation OF miners
the officials Of the American federation of
labor have come most Loyalty TO the aid of
the miners and all differences have been
forgotten.
Strong moral and financial aid has ever
been forthcoming from all parts Of the
United States whenever the western miners
cave been waging their great battles for liv-
ing conditions and recognition Of union prin-
eipies. And the W. F. Of NJ. has been most
loyal In turn 10 It's sister organizations in
solicited.
Thus it seems that, while apparently sepa-
rated, in actual battle they have stood a
united army.
At the Seventeenth annual convention of
the ". F. of NJ, following the liberation of
Meyer. Haywood and Pettibone, steps were
taken for merger OF the organizations of
The mining industry. committee from the
". +. of NJ. met like committee from the
united mine workers OF America al the last
convention Of the latter body. A basis Of
smslgamation prepared by this joint
committee and submitted TO referendum
vote Of the membership OF each organization.
carry by large majority. Afhliation with
the united mine workers will make the w.
T. Of NJ. an integral part of the A. F. of l.
Inc western miners are only asking Tor
Jurisdiction over present mining indus
try-metalliferous mining.
Standing out Insurgents the ". F.
Of VI. contributed TO the disintegratng
forces seeking with ever constant vigilance
TO overthrow organized labor. The member
snip is at last convinced that no industry,
however strongly Observation-Disclosures its
form of organization, craft Industrial
can stand alone and successfully meet the
combined forces of capital. Mining has al
ways been the hardest industry 10 organize.
Its membership is some sc, 600. is scattered
In camps Of 100 TO 1900 men over terri
tory Of thousands of miles from Missouri to
Alaska. This wide separation is in itself a
great difficulty in the way Of progress. All
the forces Of progress combined TO weld the
scattered elements Of lsbor-at times in
rival camps-into one vast and powerful
whole for defensive and aggressive warfare
for Industrial freedom.
fractional differences. old prejudices. imag-
mary wrongs. jurisdictiOnal fghts-all these
subtle. disintegrating elements that make
for reaction VIII pass away when complete
With unity first. enectual programs and
progressive forms of organization with best
adaptation will be sure to follow.
Ii is worthy of note that the delegate
who fought so strenuously at the seventeenth
annual convention 10 prevent amalgamation
later uncovered and found to be de-
tective: for years be had been drawing
double salary. As organizer for the w. f.
OF NJ. IN Colorado he was paid by the de
tective agency 10 create dssensions in our
ranks and foment warfare between the coal
and the gold miners. All his correspondence
with the detective agency was ferreted out
and published. He made defense, but
disappeared. His name is VI. E. White.