Jasper County Democrat, Volume 4, Number 35, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 7 December 1901 — FEDERATION OF LIBOR [ARTICLE]

FEDERATION OF LIBOR

Twenty-First Annual Convention ~~ in Session at Scranton, Pa. LARGEST OF KIND EVER HELD I “■ ■ Two Hundred and Seventy-Five Delegates Represent a Million and —a Half People.

Scranton, Pa., Dec. s.—The twentyfirst annual convention of the American Federation of Labor was called to order shortly after 10 o’clock hi the morning by President Samuel Gompers, and probably the greatest laboi convention that has ever been held in this country was under way. It is estimated that 275 delegates are in attendance from this country and Europe, representing 1,503,000 working people. The convention is held in St. Thomas’ college hall, and the delegates marched to the meeting place in a body, preceded by a band of music. Several Couiplaintx to Consider. The executive council has been In session for several days transacting routine business, hearing complaints and arrranging to receive resolutions. The credentials committee must act first and has several complaints to consider. Chief among these protests is that of the United Hatters of North America against the seating of Gabriel Joseph, cigarmaker, the delegate sent by the United Labor league of Philadelphia. He is being protested on the ground that the United Labor league permits the Philadelphia Hatmakers’ union to retain its membership, although it has been suspended by the national organization. In addition, protests have been filed against the representative of the Richmond Central Labor union by some of the colored delegates, who assert that that organization has discriminated against colored working people by refusing to admit the colored trade unions to membership. A protest has also been filed against seating the representatives of the Chicago Central Labor union. Disputes To Be Settled. The convention will be asked to take action on many disputes between trades that are affiliated with the federation. The International Association of Machinists has demanded that the charter of the English Amlagamated Society of Engineers, Machinists, etc., be annulled. It is said the Brotherhood of Carpenters will demand the annulment of the charter of the Amalgamated Wood Workers’ union. The International Tile Layers' union will demand jurisdiction over the Mosaic Workers’ union, and the electrical workers will dispute the right of gas and steam fitters to run electric conduit pipe. There will be a general controversy over the question of trade autonomy. The larger unions will insist upon the right to form mixed unions under theii own control where the workers in other trades are employed. The deliberations of the gathering are secret and the delegates may be here ten days.