The Washington herald., 1911-05-24
Washington is to have a news

Washington is to have news
boys union.
The little chaps who serve the
citizens of Washington with the
daily papers plan to organize them
selves into a full-hedged labor
union, with all the rights and privi-
leges thereunto appertaining.
In the formation of their union
the little fellows have the backing
of the Central Labor Union, the
most powerful concentration of la
Dor interests in the National Cap
ital. Furthermore, they have been
assured that when their organiza-
ton is perfected they will receive
recognition by the great American
Federation of Labor as an integral
part of that far-reaching and pow
ertul organization.
Held a Conference.
A delegation of the youngsters met last
night at Typographical Temple and held
a conference with the labor leaders of
the city. The first steps looking to the
organization of the newsboys into a real
union were taken at that time.
Speaking for the labor leaders, who
had participated in the preliminary
steps of the ''newsies,' Emmett L.
Adams, Washington labor leader. said
to The Washington Herald representa-
tive:
I'VE discussed at the conference with
the boys the advisability of organizing.
With this end in view We have determined
20 hold several more meetings in the
near future, ct which will be discussed
the details of organization. The boys have
manifested the greatest interest in the
matter. They seem to grasp the funda-
mental principles Of labor organization
quickly. 1t will not be long before we
shall have them IN shape to seek admis-
sion. and. later. affiliation with the Cen
trail Labor Union. and still later with
the American Federation
Mr.. Adams was then asked if this plan
of organizing the boys had not had its
inception in a fight in progress between
certain steam engineers of the city and
their employers, looking to an increase
III wages
No" said Mr.. Adams. NO demand
for an increase has been made by any
engineers There has been a concerted
effort made by certain engineers to pre-
vent a reduction of the existing wage
scale. In this resistance to a reduction
the engineers have the backing of the
Central Labor Union. 1t is hardly accu-
rate to suggest that the organization of
the boys had anything to do with the
complaint of the engineers, or that it
owes its inception to the Central Labor
Union.
No Hostile Design.
Labor unions are not formed with
any hostile design toward any particular
interest. or against any particular in
dividual. They are usually called into
existence by reason of conditions that
can be improved by collective action.
1T has been thought these boys
might be able. not only to better their
condition but that they might at some
later date prove a valuable addition to
the general labor movement"
Under what particular circum-
stances. Mr.. Adams?' was asked.
The boys could be OF service to their
seniors in the labor organizations. 1t
is not for me to particularize, nor is 1t
within my province to claim a touch of
prophetic vision; but, coming evnts
cast their shadows before and what
ever Interpretation may be put upon
our present motive, we will not be de-
TERED from assisting these boys in the
perfection Of their organization"