United labor bulletin., 1910-03-11


ton o: the American Federation of Labor
was adopted at the first annual conyen-
ton of that body, held ut Columbus, Ohio
Dec. s-12. 1886. and stands today as 1t
was originally printed. The last sentence
will bear repeating: we, therefore de-
clare ourselves in favor of the formation
of thorough federation. embracing
every trade and labor organization in
America organized under one trade union
system
Those pioneers OF the labor movement
builded solid foundation in that pre-
amble. and the fruition of their hopes as
expressed in the paragraph quoted Is
nearer a realization today than at any
previous time.
The Western Federation of Miners
the powerful, militant organization of
men employed in and about the metallic
erous mines OF the Vests at this time
taking a referendum vote on the unani-
nous report of its special committee,
headed by President Charles H Meyer
and Vice President c. L. Mahoney, that
Il affiliate under the banner of the Amer
lean Federation of Labor. The western
Federation Is the strongest labor organ
ization outside the ranks of the A r OF
l. 1t is predicted that the referendum
vote TO affiliate will be carried by large
majority. Those A r. of l. men active
In the Western labor movement sincerely
trust the prediction will be fulfilled.
At this time the American Federation
of Labor and the general labor move
ment Is experiencing an unprecedented
growth throughout the country. and es-
peciaily is this true OF the Intermountain
region and the Pacific coast.
In the state Of Colorado moie labor
,-.ions have been organized In the past
few months than for years previously.
Add to the craft organizations the won
derful work being done along orEaniza'
tion lines by the Farmers COOPERATIVE
and Educational Union. with its nearly
10000 members in this state. and one can
partially realize what is being accom-
plished here.
In Utah. Idaho and Montana similar
results are being attained. according TO
reports received in Denver. on the Pa
clfic coast the workingmen and women
are awakening TO their interests as never
before. and many new organizations are
being formed.
The afilIation of the Western Fedora
tion OF Miners means much to the Amer
lean Federation OF Labor movement in
this Western section. To large extent
e will do away with frequent Jurisdiction
disputes that have caused much trouble
In the past II viii mean that some 10000
members will be added to the State Fed
Grafton Of Labor in Colorado. Utah. Mon
taua. Washington and California-not
only 10000 dues-paying members. but 50.-
600 stnunch label 'boosters," and loyal
union men who are. and always have
been. ready and willing TO promote the
general movement and II necessary. as
sist other organizations in time OF
trouble.
In Colorado. II the aailiation vote car
ries the labor movement will grow and
prosper as It never has before. 1t is not
too much to predict that the motallifor-
Gus camps will be thoroughly organized.
and the southern coal fields will again
be largely represented IN the councils of
organized labor OF the state. 1t is an un.
disputed fact that wherever the western
Federation has a good organization all
other crafts are also organized.
If this vote Is in favor OF the afiiliation,
Il is not hard to believe that soon the
Cripple Creek District Trades Assembly
tat one time tnt must pOM'iiHt ppuS "a
its kind in the world) win again be doing
business; we can expect revival of or
ranization in the San Juan country. and
we will see our State Federation of La
bor a much stronger organization than 1t
is today.
The first president of the Colorado
state Federation of Labor, Otto F. Thum.
in recent article upon the subject of
the proposed afiiliation. said: Events
have forced our labor leaders to take an
entirely new view of the general situa-
ton confronting organized labor in Amer
lea" Truer words never were written.
Not only the United Mine Workers, but
the entire A. f. of l.. stands ready to
welcome the member of the Western
Federation of Miners.
Oh For q Man r