The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-08-29
GREAT RAIL UNION
GETS SUPPORT HERE
Labor Leaders Tell Of Work
Already Accomplished for
100000 Unit.
PLAN TRIED OUT IN WEST

Inc movement OF VOW ~
railroad engineers and fremen to gather
all the union men into a powerful labor
organization to be known az the 1ndus-
trial Labor Union may be EXTENDED
throughout the country. Labor leaders
discussed yesterday the agitation for the
cooperation of all the railroad workers
Of the country within the confines OF one
organization.
Not only was the announcement OF the
New England plan received farorapiy,
but officials of railroad unions referred
TO a speech made BY a union leader IN
Denver recently wherein was outlined
the plans for uniting all OF the divisions
OF the unions OF the Western railroads.
George II. Sines, vice-president OF the
Brotherhood OF Railroad Trainmen. said
the suggestion for federated action on
the part OF the railroad unions In being
spread broadcast. He said the idea oil
federated action has been tried In some
localities and has proved successful
that is. all the different unions OF rail-
road workmen In n locality have
united on one general proposition and
invariably have been able to put through
their plan to a triumphant conclusion.
Amnigsmstion Of Groups.
The demand for cooperation of all the
union in the West is reported by labor
leaders to be more emphatic than in
the East. The Western leaders are
quoted as criticising the awards made
to the workers by the various arbitra-
ton boards.
Because of this widespread dissatis-
faction the scheme OF federation among
the different unions ia said to be gain
ing daily in favor In the West, and
there seems to be little doubt that the
amalgamation OF the Eastern and the
Western groups will be effected easily.
Samuel Gompers on Friday sounded
the signal for an intensive organization
which would include at least 5000. 900
union men In this country. The move
ment for the Industrial Labor Union Is
regarded as linked to the aims OF Mr..
Gompers.
The Railroad Workers Educationa
League has taken up the idea apd yes
terday issued a statement urging every
union man to urge the plan at all meet
ings. The statement says in part:
W must take the initiative for those
fearful of taking the first militant ster
OF free men and defending their means
Of livelihood. We should therefore. In
every meeting where all crafts assemble
extend our most cordial and heartfelt
a III tldNlO " W. 49,
whatever measure OF blessing we nov
enjoy. We urge our brothers not e
despair. We must renew with increased
, energy and resolute purpose the warfare
: against capitalistic greed. This strug
gle must be continued with increased
:, confidence. rLgor and determination.
q One Fighting Unit.
= I'VE, the members Of these several or
: ganizations, will always pledge our con
tinued support TO our committees II
: every effort they ma make in bringing
1 our several orders together into on
fighting urst. We should demand tina
as soon as this can be effected we SHOULD
. turn all our power toward acduir1nI
. the eight hour eighty mile day In roa'
service. four hour seventy mile day Il
u passenger service, an eight hour day j.
switching service, with universal doubl
-, time for all overtime ana no reuuc'iol
u in rates.
"In order that the Industrial Labo
Union may come into being with leas
possible friction we should preserve on
several orders as we have them at pres
= ent. but at once weld them into on
unit. as a means OF recovering lost op
portunities. carrying out our futur
9 programme to stimulate the study o
! labor problems and to insure a brighte
future.
"A moments reflection will demon
y strate to even the thoughtless that onl
: in this manner can the forces OF labo
be united n directed to better advar
e tage in the future than in the past.
. I'm forwarding our programme 10
better conditions and shorter hours W
should ignore the pleas OF the Height
mate holders of stolen plumber an
recognize that all who urge these plea
are advising us to betray own II
terests and forget our rights. And DC
cause OF our overwhelming number
they are also the enemy of civilization
y After what we have seen or LABOR
unemployment, IL should teach us to a
ways cling close To our own Interests
should the railroads threaten receiver
shin we ,an say with truth that "
would as willingly take our chances wit
a plumber owned government AZ VIII
the plunderers themselves.
'In the face of these unsolved pro
,ems therefore let us devote every emo
TO extending these meetings into ever
terminal on this system. then 10 oth'
70 systems, and with all possible speed,
10 the end that employment may be n
stored, Justice done to all and a revolt
~ ton ayerted.'