The Twin City star., 1914-03-13
DISCUSSION ON
LABOR UNIONS
Speech Of Judge kavanaugh
ProVokes Wide Comment
oMITS IMPORTANT FACTS.

List Of Organizations In Which Afro.
Americans Hold Membership Shows
That an Attitude Of Fairness Pro-
vaiIs-colored Tradesmen Are Hon.
orabIs, Says One Official.
Chicago.-Comments on the speech
of Judge Marcus A. Kavanaugh, deliv-
cred before the Irish Fellowship club
in this city not long ago, are still be-
ing made both in the newspapers and
by individuals. The full text Of the
speech has been carried by a large
number Of papers belonging to the Ma
tional Negro Press association more
than once, and the race press generally
has given liberal space to the various
phases Of the learned judges great de-
liverance.
The Daily News of this city, through
one Of its correspondents, who 10
member Of our race, comments at
length on this statement in the judges
speech-namely:
LET q black man get work Of equal
rank among white brick masons, elec-
tricians, clerks, bookkeepers, and what
happens? Every white employee VIII
quit the job as though the place had
been covered by pestilence."
This correspondent declares that in
his own experience the contrary has
proved to be the case. He is sustain
ed in some measure at least by a study
Of the "Negro American Artisan"
made by Atlanta university, which
treats rather exhaustively of the rela-
tions of Negroes with trade unions.
According to this report, some unions
admit Negroes in considerable num-
bers. The Tunnel and Subway Con-
tractors International union Of New
York city, for example, reported about
200 Negro members and added, "In
our trade they are as good as there are
in the business" The tobacco work
ers reported 400 or 800 members, a de
crease, however, from the 1,500 the,
had in 1900. The United Mine Work
ers Of America reported 25,OOO cOlore;
members, while Negro members pre-
zation Of the union. The secretary of
the organization described them as
Intelligent, honorable. progressive and
good workmen."
Fifty Negro members were enrolled
in the Brotherhood of Railroad Freight
Handlers, while the Hod Carriers and
Building Laborers' union included
about 1000 Negro members. Several
hundred were reported as members of
the Bricklayers, Masons and Plaster
ers' union, the constitution Of which
provides for fine for discrimination
against workers on account Of their
color.
From the secretary Of the Amalga-
mated Society Of Carpenters and Join
ers came this reply to the request for
information: "Our constitution does
not discriminate against Negro mem
bership, although to the best Of my
knowledge, 80 far as the United States
is concerned, they are a very rare ex-
cepton, probably owing to the fact
that we have but very few locals es-
tablished In the south. have never
heard any uncomplimentary remarks
made against any Negro that has been
admitted into our organization"
The secretary Of the International
Typographical union has this to say:
Competent persons Of both races have
always been eligible to membership in
our organization. In some Of our south
ern unions there are objections to the
|. admission Of Negroes. This is q nat
ural condition which time will proba-
bly, eliminate" An enlightened position
was taken by the Molders' union. The
editor Of the International Molders'
Journal wrote, The international
Molders' Union Of North America, now
in its flfty-third year Of existence, has
never In It's laws discrfminated against
the Negro molders." He explained thai
some difficulty had been experienced
In local Unions In the south, though
here and there, In the east. north,
central west and Pacific coast, Ne
groes have been taken into member
ship and placed on an equality with
the other members"
In the summary Of the report relat-
ing to conditions in Illinois the Chi
cago Federation Of Labor is recorded
as replying that I'VE have one local
union comprising all Negro members
the Asphalt PAYERS and Helpers union,
No. 25-who are regularly AFFILIATED
with the international, which is affili
ated with the American Federation OF
Labor. We have Negro delegates from
several organizations. I know of no