New Britain herald., 1916-09-05
SUFFRAGIST TALKS
 TO STATE F. OF l.
Mrs. M. TOSCan Bennett Pleads for 5O-HOur Week for Woman
FEMALE DELEGATES PRESENT
And On That Account the Men Are Ordered to Keep Tobacco in Pockets Local c. II. U. on Rules Com.

Os
 Hartford, Sept. 5.-Nearly 200 del- egates, representing large towns and the cities of the state were in tn cir places at 10 o'clock this morning when Julius c. Stremlau of Meriden, presi- dent, called to order the 31st annual convention of the Connecticut Federa- tlon of Labor
 T. M. Crowley, president of the
 Hartford Central Labor Union, imme- d1ately informed the convention that Mayor Frank A. Hagarty would ad- dress the gathering in the morning as the mayor planned to leave the city by the time the preliminary work was hnlshed. So a reception committee consisting of T. P. O'Reilly R. Lewis ana Herman Boehman, all of this city, was named to escort the mayor with MT. Crowley, to the platform. The delegates stood as the mayor entered and MT. Crowley then introduced his honor to President Stremlau of the state federation, and the latter, in turn, presented Mayor Hagarty to the convention.
 Congratulated By Mayor.
 Tt is pleasure and a privilege for me- began the mayor, ito have the opportunity to welcome to the city of Hartford such a representative gathering of the hosts of labor from all over the state. It is unnecessary for me to say we are citizens of no mean state, and I think it is proper for mo to add that of all the cities in that state, Hartford is the fairest. hope your stay with us will be pleas ant and your deliberations successful.
 Under smiling sky and in happy sunshine the hosts of labor marched in this city yesterday and I wish to compliment you on your appearance. At a time when the peoples of the fin est countries in Europe are marching forth in war to cover fertile fields and pleasant lands with death and blood, it is pleasing contrast to see the workers of this commonwealth march ing forward under the banner of peace. And one could not help but be impressed by the physique. the intel hgent eye and the alert bearing of the It is wonderful to reflect that the people of Connecticut are more contented and happy today than they have been in years, and I trust that a backward step will never be taken, and I hope that the welfare of labor in the state will always remain as yesterdays procession showed it to be-"
 The mayors remarks were enthus- iastically received Frank J. Madden, secretary and treasurer of the local Bartenders' union, in moving that the convention record vote of thanks for the mayors remarks, said: I've all realize that at times there is brought to bear upon executives of Hartford outside influence against the holding of demonstrations by labor organiza- tions. But at the same time, we all know that Mayor Hagarty has always been favorable to the Workingman and to organized labor" The motion was unanim ously carried and the mayor left.
 Calmbach on Rules Committee.
 President Stremlau then named the auditing committee for the conven- tion as follows: James T. Nance, Hartford; August Streibe New Haven; and Charles Stour, New London. On the credentials committee were named J. H. Kelley of Danbury, James O'Rourke of Bridgeport and Fred Wagner of Meriden. The rules com mittee, as announced, comprised Philip Calmbach of New Britain, Dennis A. German of Danbury and Joseph Baker of Waterbury. It was decided to carry the convention along during the preliminary sessions under the rules l of the last meeting.
 MT. Stremlau at this time, suggested that the delegates refrain from smok- ing. Present in the hall for the ses- sion were six woman delegates this being the first time in four years that a woman was present. Years ago women delegates came occasionally, but in the future it is expected that they will be even better represented. The fair delegates, today, were: MISS Margaret Turney, Miss Anna Wise ana Martha Long of the Bridgeport Cor set Workers Union, Corsetiers no less, according to Martha; Miss Marie Clement and Miss Elizabeth Langtry of the Tobacco Shippers Union of New Haven and Miss Osborn. bus1- ness agent of the Bridgeport Corset Workers. chairman, after recognizing the Wom- en delegates, that out of considera- ton for the ladies we refrain from smoking during the convention.'
 "Don't mind us.' quickly replied Martha Long, i've don't object Go ahead smoke. We have couple of bags of peanuts '1 would say added one delegate, on hearing this, 'that the convention purchase a bushel of peanuts for the ladies'
 The idea was applauded, but the chairman had to keep business moV- ing.
 cu6.,riCt AIdrcSSeS Convention