Pine Bluff daily graphic. (Pine Bluff, Ark.) 1893-1942, 1916-11-22
Affiliation of Federation and
Four Railroad Brother
hoods Receives Impetus.
RAILWAY MEN MUST
STAND TOGETHER
Joint Action Planned to- Obtain Better
Working Conditions for All Labor
ing Men, Particularly for Ran.
road Workers.

Baltimore, Nov. 21.--Efforts to ef-
feet an afiliation between the Amer
lean Federation of Labor and the
four railroad brotherhoods received
impetus today when the federation
convention here enthusiastically re-
ceived five speeches by the represen-
tatives of the different brothrhoods
and President Gompers of the feder-
alton favoring such action. Encour-
aged by the friendly reception Of the
plan, the leaders of the two organi-
cations tonight are preparing to in
augurate joint fight for better work.
ing conditions, particularly for rail-
road workers of all classes, and
against all compulsory arbitration
measures, the same as il an official
affiliation had been perfected. Both
sides hope that they will be able to
gain favorable legislation during the
coming session of congress, and PIE
vent the breaking down of present
favorable labor laws by presenting
united front. They believe, too, that
official utilization only awaits certain
formal steps to- be taken by the broth
erhoods at the convention next year.
Other than to say that they would
oppose compulsory arbitration bills
in congress, the speakers were rather
indefinite as to what they expect to
do for the great mass of railroad
workers. Federation officials, how
ever. said frankly that the primary
object of the proposed utilization Ia
to bring about a universal eight-hour
day. WI
brotherhood leaders left here after
the meeting undetermined as to what
their next step would be. Should
they decide to call strike because
the railroads do not put the eight
hour day into effect on January l,
as provided by the Adamson law,
they probably will ask conference
with the federation officials before
making the call. They will also seek
conferences, 1t is believed, If the
present suits Of the railroad against
the law are successful.
The only definite plan the leaders
of the two organizations have is to
confer Immediately upon the presen-
tation in congress Of any bills which
they might believe would prove detri-
mental to their mutual interests.
Shortly after the speakers had adj
dressed the convention. all of the
brotherhood representatives left for
various cities.
Railroad Men "Must Hang T0gethr."
"W. G. Lee, head of the engineers,
who made the principal address at the
convention, sought to make it 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 tne
brotherhoods were willing to assume
all the responsibility in that struggle.
but he held that the time had come
when it was to the interest OF all
railway workers to unite for their
mutual advantage.
eve must hang together or we will
hang separately" he said. Unor-
ganized men on railway lines where
organization is prohibited need the
assistance Of both the federation AMI
the brotherhoods, Lee said, and the
brotherhoods are willing to give it TO
them. The other brotherhood heads
made similar appeals, and their re-
marks were greeted by prolonged
cheering.
president Gompers said that the
proposed action under discussion was
entirely voluntary. but at the same
time declared his belief that the
brotherhoods will soon be officially
affiliated with TIT federation.
Lee Endorses wilson. q
Mr.. Lee also made his speech the
occasion for endorsing President Will
son for his past efforts in behalf OF
labor, and to predict that the presi-
dent and congress would carry out
pledges previously made the workers.
The reference by Lee to the president
as "the friend of the masses" brought
several delegates to their feet, and
caused the remainder Of his sentence
to be lost in applause. Lee PAID MS
resnects to the '.Wall street crowd"
ind declared that now an election has
been won without the assistance OF