The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1912-04-16
WANTS TO KNOW
EWALIKO'S TRADE
GoMPERs- PUTS A POSER UP
TO HILo POLITICIAN AND
LABOR MOSES.

Samuel Gompers, president OF the
American Federation of Labor, wants
to know what "trade or occupation
is followed by David EwalilSo, the
Moses of Hawaii. Mr..
Gompers will probably be edited when
informed that Mr.. Ewaliko's steady
is that of politician.
Ewaliko last week received also
letter from President O'Connor of the
Longshoremen' s Association, in which
he was asked to report on what prog
ress was being made by the unions in
and about Hilo. He was also asked to
state whether or not he had received
satisfactory reply from the secretary
of war in regard to the complaint
against Lord & Young, the breakwater
contractors.
Gompers' Letter.
The letter from President Gompers
was:
"Dear Sir and Brother:-Enclosed
YOU will find a commission as volunteer
organizer and label agent for the
American Federation of Labor, as well
as password and manual.
"Believing that it is only by organ
ization in the trade union form through
its educational, social, and fraternal in
i fluences that actual advantages, i'm
provement, and reforms can be gained
| for the masses, it is the intent of the
American Federation of Labor to or
ganize thoroughly both the skilled and
unskilled workers, wherever and when
ever possible to help create greater
demand, not only among the organized
workers, but all the workers and all
the public, for the product of union
labor; union labeled products, union
cards and buttons. With these pur-
poses in view / take pleasure in grant
| ing you this commission, hoping that
you will accept the same, perform the
duties and labor pertaining thereto,
and work to the best of your ability.
'fYou must understand that such
work is not always of the most pleas
ant character, but on the contrary re-
uuires much sacrifice. To be an active
worker in the labor movement-and no
ether should hold such commission
means that the ordinary pleasures of
| life must often be foregone; that
humility must sometimes be endured
that the pointed shaft of the critic
must be met with patience, and insult
often borne in silence, conscious that
we are working for the right. The
| pathway of labor is neither wide nor
strewn with roses. On such occasions
it is always well to remember the cause
for which we are banded together.
"Inasmuch as questions of fact
often arise in which L should like to be
in n position to answer accurately,
therefore ask you to advise me at what
trade or occupation you are employed
and of which union you are a member
Do not fail to notify this office promptly
of any change in your address.
Il trust that you will from time tt
time write to this Office, stating what
progress you are making, so that al
may receive encouragement and do still
greater work. You will receive copy
of the American Federationist and sucl
other matter as may be issued by tn,
American Federation of Labor from
time to time. These, together will
regular correspondence, will give yol
an idea of what the trade union move
ment over the continent and you
' fellow-organizers are doing. l will b
q glad to hear from you and render sue
assistance as is within my power
!. Please acknowledge receipt.
I "Fraternally yours,
"SAMUEL GOMPERS,
9 President American Federation O
Labor