Montana labor news., 1932-06-30

MALLOY OPENS SESSION

Charles Maroy, president of the Silver Bow Trades and Labor Council
opened the 35h annual convention of the Montana State Federation of
Labor at 10 a M. June %, at the Fmen hotel. On behalf of the Silver
Bow Trades and Labor Council and Building Trades Council he welcomed
the delegates to Butte. In the curse of his address he stated that this
being a political year, it was a dOuby important year to Montana Labor
He said that it was not only the task of Labor to better conditions through
organization into unions, but also Labors supreme duty to aid the great
mass of unemployed workers through Legislation. Manoy urged the State
Federation to be On its toes during the coming elections and elect to office
men who are sympathetic and friendly to Labor. His warning and pha.
was greeted with applause. 1--WE need an adjustment of conditions" said
Maloy, "ad the power lies in the hands of the workers to see that condi
lions re changed through the ballot, trusted to its care"
Manoy then introduced to the delegates n who has always been a
friend of Labor and m who is an active supporter of the Labor movement,
namely the sheriff of Silver Bow county, Larry Weir Two years ago
Wen "a supported by Labor as its candidate for this high office, because
Labor felt that the common people could always depend upon Weir for a
square deal This trust was placed in Weir because he himself has worked
up from the bottom and in his business dealings and as a worker has al
ways been a member and friend of Organized Labor. Weirs address Of
welcome was brief but to the point He stated that he felt proud of the
trust placed in him by the working people of Butte and that he was proud
to say that he has never betrayed that trust He also stated that if he
were fortunate enough to be reelected through merting the support of the
common people, he pledged himself to continued support of the working
classes. The applause that greeted the introduction of Weir spoke highly
of the confidence Labor has in the friendship of Larry Weir.
Pete COnnOrs as introduced by the president as the Business Agent of
the Transfers Union and also Business Agent Of the Silver Bow Trades
and Labor Council" Pete outlined the political program of the Central
Council and hoped that the State Federation would back them in it. Pete
outlined in a dramatic manner conditions as they exist through the dis
placement of manual labor by power driven machinery Connors urged
the delegates to demand that u economic issues be given primary con
sderaton by all political candidates. Labor is interested in the shorter
work day. shorter work week, a minimum wage law, and the enforcement
of all economic and labor legislation now in existence. This speech hit
what should be the keynote of the convention.
The mayor of Butte, Archie McTaggart, then spoke to the Council, Civ
was filled with many witcisms. due to the depression" said McTaggart
"the city of Butte is not passing out keys, but nevertheless the city is
yours. Make the most o. your stay here. Keep u OF trouble, bt II you
can't give m e Or Larry Weir a ring and we'll see what W can do" The
welcome was most hearty and given in the true McTaggart style.
The gavel was then turned wei to President Jimmy" Graham, the be-
loved president of the Montana State Federation of Labor Jimmy thanked
the mayor for his hearty welcome and said that he hoped he could keep
the boys busy enough to keep them out of trouble. Jimmy stated that it
was a pleasure to meet in Butte, for Butte always has been and still is
the Gibraltar of Unionism in the United States. He thanked the Butte
unionists for their staunch support and stated that Butte has always been
the n to help the Federation out of the hole, either morally or financially.
After his brief address, President Graham appointed the following com
mitees:
Committee N rules and order: Peter Connors, William Gay, John Yea
ger, George Yeager, Edna McCusker, James Anderson, John AbrahamsOn'
Credentials committee: John Vickers, John Mlogav, Mary Gughan, p J.
K. Mccormick, William Squres, Homer Whitmore, Robert CRANE.
Afternoon Session.
The convention vas called to order at 2:30 p. m. by President Graham,
who Immediately called for a report from the credentials committee.
Moved and seconded that the report of the committee be adapted and
the delegates named be seated. Carried. Bro. connOs read the report
of the committee m rules and order. Moved and seconded that the report
be concurred in as read. Carried.
The chairman appointed Bro. Anderson sergeant-atarms, and Bro Milo
CLAW as doorkeeper.
referred to the committee OIL resolutions. The committee o resolutions
appointed by President Graham follows: John Driscon, chairman; L. P.
Levingood, c. o. Hexmer, Z. j Nichols, Peter J. Connors, Dick Thomas,
}. F. Redman, Charles Maloy, John Treager E. w. Mack, W. H. Walsh,
Sam IRWIN, Homer WhitmOre and William Rdden.
One resolution was referred to the committee on organization. Nine of
the resolutions were referred to the committee or grievance and boycott.
AS DON as the resolutions were o their proper course, President Ora
ham yielded the chair to Vice President DrscoI. The President read his
annual report, which was referred to the committee on reports of officers.
The following committee a appointed by Vice President Driscon; Chair
man, Jack Gaffney, Samuel IRWIN, Lena Matausch, H. M. Brow, Lucy
Moore, II. R. Miller, Geraldine Jones, Mary Nolan, Dave Mckee, T. W.
Stein, Charles Whitehy.
and Smithers to escort Hon. Thomas Kane, senator from Ravali county,
to the platform. Senator Kane spoke briefly of the needs for improvement
in labor legislation and a generously appauded by his audience.
Senator Kane a followed by Bro. Barley of Miles City, who also
spoke briefly of the legislative benefits that Labor is entitled to, and his
remarks met with the hearty approval of all present. Bro. Barley was
escorted to the platform by Mrs. George Yeager and J H. Driscol.
After Bro. Barley, Montanas choice for governor was brought before
the delegates by Delegates Julia Shea and Lena MaHausch. Mr.. Romney
championed the rights Of the workers and it as plainly evident why he
is always welcome where Labor meets.
delegates and visitors to the convention for a ride around the city and
suburbs, advising all present to take OF some fresh air and prepare for a
pleasant evening.
GOVERNOR THINKS 81 A DAY ENOUGH FOR MINERS.