United labor bulletin., 1913-08-23
Happenings in Various Fields Of
Labor in This Country
and Abroad.
STEADY GROWTH OF A. F. OF |.
Figures conoIusiveiy Prove the Bene-
fits the Organization Has Con-
ferred on Its Members-Echoes
of the Recent Paterson
IN. J.) Strike.

the American. Federation OF Labor,
which recently passed the two-million
mark, as a proof that the organiza-
ton has brought needed and lasting
benefits to the laboring man are dis
cussed in an article entitled Crossing
the Two-Million Mark" written by
Samuel Gompers, president of the A
F. of L., for the official magazine of
the Carpenters and Joiners' union.
Nearly SO years ago." says Mr.. Com
pers. .the American Federation of
Labor was organized to protect the
working people of America. There
was then no responsibility resting any
where for the protection of the de-
fenseless. Possession was power;
wealth was power; position was pow
er. Yet there was none to speak a
word Of protest or to challenge the
possession Of this power. To this end
the workers united in the federation.
That the federation has served the
real and vital needs of human beings
is evident from its steady growth
During the first year the membership
was less than $4,000; not until 1892
did the affiliated membership pass the
250,000 line. This number was doubled
in 1900 and quadrupled two years Ia
ter, and now, in 1913, for the first time
has the two-million mark been passed
the per capita tax received from its
affiliated organizations was based
upon membership of 2.OO7. $50"
New York-It was announced by
the strike committee OF the silk work
ers in shops in Manhattan, Brooklyn
and the Bronx. who quit work day
or two after the strike of the silk
workers in Paterson went into effect.
that while the Paterson strike had
been declared off the local strike still
continued. Some of the shops in this
city, the committee said, had made
settlements, granting the demands for
a nine-hour workday and higher
wages, but the majority OF the local
strikers were still out.
olis.-International officers
of unions centering in this city point
out that the growth of the American
Federation of Labor is due to the
steady growth of its composite mem
bers. General officers have said that
the present season has been a very
active one for the labor movements,
and nearly all of them report a rapid
growth in their organizations in the
last few months.
Seattle. Wash.-The labor unionist
is Interested in the growth of the A.
F. of L. because of the coming con-
vention of the organization, which
is to be held here this fall The gen
eral executive board of the federation
is now meeting at Atlantic City to ar
range plans for the general conven-
ton.
Vancouver. B. C.-Four thousand
salmon fishermen went on strike on
the Fraser river. Whites, Japanese
and Indians have Joined In the strike.
At the Gamers headquarters here en-
ployers assert that the white fisher
men were willing to work, but that the
Japanese would not let them.
London, England.-In England the
Shoemakers' union last year increased
its membership from 32.92s to 41.44O
and its funds to s775,000. For unem-
ployment support last year s16.5oO
was expended, for sickness $4,000
and for fines for breaches OF trade
ot3AcSAACheo W oNiihCCb PfOO.
New York.-The children of the
Paterson strikers. who were taken
charge of by working people in this
city during the Paterson strike, will
be taken back this week, their parents
being at work again. They have been
cared for by sympathizers in this city
for about two months.
Atlantic City, N 1.-THE executive
board of the American Federation of
Labor met here and Samuel Gompers
presided at the sessions. This was
the first time he participated In fed
GRAFTON business since he was Ill, sew
eral months ago. He Is reported con-
valescent.
Buenos Aires.-Workers are emf
grating by the thousands from most
Of the Brazilian states. especially
those in the north, In order to escape
from certain death by starvation.
Those unable to leave are dying in
great numbers.
Buffalo. N. Y-The employees OF the
International railway repudiated the
award of the arbitrators named under
the agreement by which the strike of
last April was declared off and re-
quested a new conference.
London, England.-In the Balkans
the employers are lengthening the
workday and are cutting wages. Or
ganized labor. decimated by the war.
has its hands full in combating this
oppression through defensive strikes.
Ottawa, Canada.-Ipdustrial dis
putes of May in Canada affected up
wards of 1880 employees and ac-
counted for the loss of more than
10000 working days.
Weirton, w. Va.-The Amalgamated
Association of Iron. Steel and Tin
workers sent 80 organizers here to en-
deavor to cause a sympathetic strike
among 1000 men.