Norwich bulletin., 1916-11-22

afiiliation only awaits certain formal steps to be taken by the brotherhoods at their next convention, to be held some, time next year &&
 Other than to say that they would oppose. all sorts of compulsory arbi- tration bills in congress. the speakers were rather indefinite today as to what they expected to do for the great mass of railway workers. Fed eratiop leaders. however, said frankly that the sprimary object of the pro- posed utilization is to bring about a
 Brotherhood leaders left here after the meeting undetermined as to what their next step would be. If they should decide to call a strike because the railroads do not put the Adamson flaw into effect on January 1. they probably will ask conference with federation officials. They also will seek conferences, it is believed, if the present injunction suits of the rail- roads are successful The only defi- mite plan the leaders of the two or ganizations now have is to confer inn mediately upon the presentation of any proposed compulsory arbitration bill in congress, or any other bills which they believe would prove de- trimental to their mutual interests No conferences followed the meeting today. Shortly after the speakers had addressed the convention all of the brotherhood representatives had left here for various cities.
 President Lee, of the trainmen, who made the principal address to the convention. sought to make 1t plain that the brotherhoods were not com ing to the federation to obtain help, specifically for their fight against the railroads over the Adamson eight hour day law. He declared that the broth erhoods were willing to assume all I~nS 1ci1Ns s,, held that the time had come when it was to the. interest of all railway workers to unite for their mutual ad- vantage.
 We must hang together, or we will hang separately" he shouted amid great applause.
 UnorganiZed men on railroad lines where organization is prohibited need the assistance of both the federation and the brotherhoods. Lee said, and the brotherhoods are willing to give it to them. He made no promise to fight for an eight hour law for rail- road men outside the brotherhoods further. than to say that the brother hoods favored the universal eight hour day and were willing to work, or even fight for ft.4
 The other brotherhood heads made similar appeals. Their remarks were greeted by prolonged cheers
 President Gonpers pointed out that tfe propoAed United action under dis 'cussion WAS entirely voluntary, but at the same time declared his belief that the brotherhoods soon would be officially affiliated with the federation
 Lee also made his speech the occa- .5ion for endorsing President Wilson highly fess his past efforts in behalf If labor and to predict that the presi- dent and congress would carry out pledges previously made the workers Reference to Wilson as the friend of the masses, by Lee brought several delegatcs 10 heir feet and caused the r. ma e. Of hisSseat te.iee to be lost in aBpiaii se.s
 After the departure of the brother hHcd representatives the convention DToceeded with routine business and = is Ssfsrea doubtful if the sQ,Ies- for of filiat ion with the brother fecds De touched upen again at this sessdor.F 8