Samuel Gompers Letter books Volume 166 Feb. 27, 1911 - Mar. 25, 1911 ac 13,745Amarin, Ben 101 Andrews, John B. 107 American Embassy Assoc. 164 Anderson, Lee 286-965 Alpine, John R. 284-473-807 Atherton, Chas. R. 383 Anderson, Carl C. 483-901 Abrahams, Albert 510 August, Leopold 658 Appleton, W.A. 936 Allardyce, Frazier 991 Berger, W.P. 120 Berry, Roll. 124-571 Bule, R.H. 219 Bany, Ja.J. 301-432 Barton, F.J. 361 Baleock, S.L. 385 Berlin, H.A. 418 Beard, Mary. 503 Beach, John K , 524-484 Barry, John J. 558 Bermmington, F.J. 560 Bengove, W.L. 576 Becker, F.J. 601 Bener, G.J 647-747-884-1002 Berry, Geo. L. 660 Best, W.H 813 Bainez, Q.W. 838 Barth, L.A 874 Berger, Victor.L (HM.) 915 Beuer, Jos. A. 955 Beazley, Rosalind. 1030 [*BL*] Bryan, W. E. 1 Burns, John (Hon.) 8 Brown, E. L. 23 Brandt, Fred 27 Butler, L. W. 34 - 168 Burke, Thos. E. 48 - 132 Bray, John E. 50 - 133 Bonnette, J. N. 108 Brasel, E. K. 112 Bohman, R. 216 Bramlitle, Sim A. 242 Brown, H. F. 243 Blair, Berthal 384 Buckley, Jas. 394 Bloomfield, Meyer 426 Brighton, J. F. 444 Bloom, Sol. 490 Bohl, John 518 Butterworth, Frank 549 - 649 Brais, E. J. 565 Brocious, Wm. W. 617 Brockhauser, Fred 732 Bohm, Ernest 749 - 768 Burg, Matt J. 751 Blakeman, Carl F. 764 Brown, Edwin A. 824 Blair, Geo. 829 Blumenstein, F. 845Bleasins, J.P. 850 [check mark] Buggington, Henry J. 869 [check mark] Buchanan, Frank (Hon.) 891 [check mark] Butt, W. H. 925 [check mark] Bogue, A. E. 927 [check mark] Boyd, E 978 [check mark] Boston Chamber of Commerce 1017 [check mark][alphabetical tab, right side of page] Ca Chase, Harry M. 233 [check mark] Carr, H. J. 417 [check mark] Chatt, L. O. 420 [check mark] Case, Chas. R. 512 [check mark] Catts, J. H. 632 [check mark] Carey, J. L. 714 [check mark] Cantrill, J. Campbell (Hon.) 887 [check mark] Cary, Wm. J. (Hon.) 917 [check mark] Christ, E. HJ. 931 [check mark] City Central Bodies, Letter to 993 [check mark][alphabetical tab, right side of page] CL Cooper, Jos. N. 94 [check mark] Cooper, Wm. Knowles 106 [check mark] Cullen, Chas. A. 205 [check mark] Cone, O. A. 251 [check mark] Conway, H. J. 400 [check mark] Clinton, W. A. 408 [check mark] Coulter, A. C. 468 [check mark] Clarke, L. F. 513 [check mark] 100 Clifford, John 514 [check mark] Clifford Eugene 678 [check mark] Curran, Jas. 704 [check mark] Cunha, Geo. Da 734 [check mark] Cornelinsen, A. H. B. 880 [check mark] Duke, S. B. 43 Dobbin Fred C. 87-1029 Danenhauser, Henry J. 111 Duncan, Jas. 156-403-431-471-559 Damazonio, John L. 162-608 Donnelly, Samuel B. (Hon.) 237 Duffy, Frank 281-321-625-1005 D' Alesandro, D. 335-757-974-1034 Diehl, Chas. 455 Dobson, Wm. 493-641 De Cunha, Geo. W. 515-734 Dilno, Louis 524 Duffy Malt Whiskey Co. 575 Dennigny, Chas. A. 640 Dailey, W. H. 672 Dunne, John R. 783 Donovan, T. 812 Dudbridge, Watson F. 845 Davison, E. C. 929 Dorow, R. J. 932 Denison, Edith B. 934 Dean, Robt. R. 945 Damozonio, John L. 977 DEngle W. A. 26 [*X*] Executive Council 06-170-185-259-495-533 546-572-574-603-685-730 Elliott, Jas. A. 89 Evans, Philip B. 465 Eichhorn, Theo. 622 Edgell, Geo. B 717 Easton, Rufus B. 721 Eichilberger, H. L. 723-728-990-1001 [*X*] Executive Council 736-790-808-1032 Eichhorn, Theo. 755 Editor, "The Gateway" 771 Elliott, G. W. 835-981 Eppinger, C. V. 1026 Emmerton, A. J. 1038 Frar, Chas. W. 4 Fitzpatrick, John J. 5-209-374-397-477-1023 Finney, H. J. 33 Flynn, J. J. 47-137 Fischer, Jacob 55 Fisperman, E. L. 61 Freney, Frank 80-621 Flour & Cereal Mill Employes Local Unions 101 Franklin, F. 105 Furnseth, Andrew 139 Fehlinger, Hans 172 [*X*] Frayne, Hugh 182-197-223-262-295-333 399-402-437-456-487-506-511 Fordinanders, H. A. 207 Fisher, Jas. 315 Fitzgerald T. W. 322 Flint, Harold W. 358 Flynn, T. H. 509 [*X*] Frayne, Hugh 569-620-681-697-752-819-989 Feehan, Francis 812-1010-1037 Fenton, Fred C. 840 Flett, John A. 848 Fair, John R. (Hon.) 895 Fitzgerald, T. W. 947 Ford, Cornelius 976Gallagher, Andrew J. 14-382-452 Gilthorpe, W. J. 46-136-278 Gardner, Frederic W. 193-226-365-582-805 Galligan, John E. 203 Goldsmith, Michael 211 George, E. E. 225 Glochling, Robt. 269 Gantwell, E. J. 271 Gompers, Samuel 317-328 Guth, Henry 395 Ganding, H. W. 467 Gray, Mae 525 Golden, John 541-653 Gardner, W. M. 597 Gauding, H. W. 599 Guild & Co., Wm. H. 602 Glover, Chas. N. 657 Golwitzer, John 680 Guenawalt, E. E. 700 Gall, Geo. (Mrs.) 708 Gray, Earl (Hon.) 750 Gross, Dave 866 George, Henry (Hon.) 905 George, A. G. 963 Goggins, E. A. 1018 Harrison, Frederic 9 Hannahan, Jas. G. 90 Henderson, Geo. M. 95 Harper Bros. 127 Harris, J. R. 152-629-872 Hamer, Mollie 160-254-296 Hall, Chas. L. 167 Hays, John W. 191 Hartman, W. B. 213 Hawthorne, Jas. 217 Hawley, F. T. 280 Hanscom, Chas. W. 447-796 Harling, John A. 449 Hawthorne, Jas. 470 Hayes, J. Frank 551 Hart, Lee M. 553-689-1028 Hall, Arnold S. 568-598-956 Hawley, F. W. 600-628 Hawkins, Nicholas 631 Hanson, H. A. 703 Hertzog, W. H. 761 Hardy, 782 Henley, John J. 797-798 Harris, Daniel 827 Heath, O. M. 860 Herman, Will 862 Hatch, Jas. H. 937 HAHenry, L.E. 1035Hudgins, J. M. 59 [*300*] Hohler, A. E. 218-482 Huber, Wm. D. 228 Hoppe, F. G. 265 Horan, F. J. 266 Hiller, J. C. A. 308 Hughes, R. J. 427 Hone, Albert S. 453 Hincheliffe, W. G. 491 Howell, C. D. B. 548 Hymen, J. C. 759 Hudnall, W. G. 851 Hughes, Wm. (Hon.) 913 Hill, T. John 958 Horne, Cecil 1019 [*HI*]Insley, Frank 65-372-583 Ide Bros. Co. 248 Iglesias, Santiago 577-642-1016 Jones, E. Clarence 35 Jacoby, Mark 91 Jones, Tracy K. 116 Jones, Jerome 186-413-561-871 Johnson, Jos. F. 339 Jablinowski, Ludwig 387 Jones, J. D. 464-847 Journal of American History 492 Jeffery, H. S. 519-614 Johnson, R. S. 715 Johnson, R. E. 762 I JKurfer, Augusta 11 King, Edw. W. 12 Klieber, Victor 45-135 Kramer, Wm. F. 96 Krummer, Fritz 126 Kline, J. W. 159-664 Kelby, W. J. 201 King, Geo. 360 Konenkamp, A. J. 366 Kirk, H. H. 460 Koveliski, Emanuel 494-876 Keefe, D. O. 595 Kraus, Arthur 822-987 Kemper, Louis 844 Keefe, Daniel J. (Hon.) 975 Lamb, W. J. 53 Lynch, Jas. W. 70-128-268-373-446-531 Lake, Chas. 73 Liddell, David U. 85 Lewis, Jas. M. 110 Le Bosse, Louis 142 Losch, Adolf V. 147 Lang, W. D. 166-690-[814] Lubin, David 180-451-517-675 Lee, Chas. H. 240 Lennon, John B. 255-264-267-489-661 Landers, Samuel L. 772 320 Low, Seth (Hon.) 326-528-692 Leverson, M. R. 398 Lucey, John J. 441 Levitsky, Isaac 504 Landers, S. L. 564 Larger, B. A. 566-633 Leverson, M. R. 694-849 Lightfoot, Frank 711 Loessell, Fred 712 Lang, W. E. 814 Lennischer, Albert L. 857 La Fontaine, Wm. 861 Lewis, David J. (Hon.) 909 Littlepage, Adam. (Hon.) 911 400 Lee, Robt. E. (Hon.) 921 Levy, Emil 959Leonard, G. F. 962 Lodge, Wm. 1027Maison, Lewis A. 40 Marell, Wm. P. 84-158-258-433-434-645 683 Maire, L. F. 97-174-364-421 Mahon, W. D. 145-149 Marks, Marcus M. 157 Meade, John P. 183 Manee, Jas. T. 300-369-557 Marsh, S. 313 Meisenbach, J. Al. 379-526 Macon, W. J. 389 Mansfield, Frederick W. 438 Mackenzie, Wm. 508 May, Gus 520 Matthews, Jas. 531 Malpas, Chas. B. 596 Maloney, Robt. S. 612 Mechan, Gustav 618 Meiler, John G. 706 Maitland, W. D. 713 Maloney, Vincent 722 Magon, R. Flores 773 Mann, E. M. 856 Mather, Jas. P. (Hon.) 893 Martin, John A. (Hon.) 919 Markwith, Ira H. 970 MAMiller, Samuel C. 42 Moore, L. H. 52 Mountford, Harry 57-588-693 Middleton, Ben P. 69 Murphy, Jos. F. 78 Miller, Owen 92-592 Morrison, John 141-536-635-687-696-821-855 954-1931 Mitchell, John 275-298-410-424-615-811-846 878-968-1006-1015 Monaghan, M. L. 337 Miller, Gus 445 Moore, Frank 458 Moore, Jas. H. 468 Miner, B. B. 520 Montgomery, Herman J. 545 Morford, J. R. 552 Miles, Chas. A. 652 Moffitt, John A. 786 Mulholland, Frank L. (Hon.) 788 Mishve, W. H. 996 MI[*X*] McHugh, Jas. F. 49-134-623 McNulty, F. J. 165-688 McArdle, P. J. 222-481-863 McDougell, Dan 247 McGill, Pearl 263 McKinley, Geo. E. 293 McLaughlin, W. M. 376 McNamara, Thos. J. 390 [*X*] McHugh, Jas. F. [623] McIntosh, J. M. 663 McEwen, W. E. 833 McNamara, J. J. 841 McKenzie, Mae 708 McDermott, Jas. F. (Hon.) 889 500 McVesty, Ethel 957 MCNolan, Walter H. 28-31-32 Nace, Edw. H. 113 Neill, Chas. P. 231 Nelson, Oscar F. 273 Nochek, E. N. 290-876 Nystrom, Conrad F. 370 National Pres Intelligence Co. 505 Nelson, R. W. 591 Neely, Clarence 735 Neilsen, Dagmar 830 O'Connell, Jas. 131-155-319-666-779-883 O'Brien, M. J. 199 O'Connor, T. V. 367-414-626 Olinen, Martin A. 386 Oliver, John 613 O'Lone, Jos. P. 637 N OPreston, Geo. 51 Prescott, Oliver W. 114 Pilling, Jas. E. (Mrs.) 151 Packer, Launcelot 177 Pennamacoor, I. 178 Perkins, Edgar A. 195-235-655 Perham, H. B. 291-474-1008 Poli, S. Z. 300 Perry, Edwin 349 Pearson, John E. 351 Palmer, Thos. H. 368 Passenger Agent, Penn. R. R. 472 Pierce, J. D. 522-674 Prussing, Geo. C. 538 Pinner, R. E. 676 Perkins, G. W. 677 Padilla, Esteban 746 Parker, Alton B. (Hon.) 775 Post Master, London, England 778 Puttee, Arthur W. 834 Pierce, C. D. 882-940 Phillip, Geo. W. 960 Parker, Alton B. 1011 Quick, L. W. 407 P QReinbold, P. K. 19 Ryan, M. F. 215-341-436-610-644-684 Roberts, E. A. Dr. 54 Rydall, E. H. 68 Rist, Frank L. 175-422 Richards, J. W. 220 Roberstson, J. A. 234 Raiser, Geo. J. 249 Ryder, O. B. 353 Richardson, Geo. R. 362 Reich, Wm. E. 409 Ryan, Agnes E. 480-607 Robbins, Raymond 560 Rickert, T. A. 567 Raiser, Geo. J. 659 Reece, Thos. 686 Rabe, Henry W. E. 710 Romany, Ernest 726 Routzhan, E. G. 727 Rowe, H. S. 858 Roberts, E. E. (Hon.) 897 Reilly, Thos. L. (Hon.) 903 Ripley, Jas. W. 942 Rees, Jas. A. 953 Reid, Stuart 982 Rohrkraste, E. A. 1000 Robinson, Herman 1004 Romaguoli, Louis T. 1012 RShaver, J.L. 65 Schmidt, Jos. 148 Shomer, M. 161-253 Shepherd, W. E. 350 Schanenberg, Paul 375-411-946 600 Shaines, Abraham 396 Short, Jas. A. 540 Severance, Henry C. 616 Scully, T. A. 624 Short, W. H. 716 Schriner, J. D. 756 Sheraton, Chas. H. 815 Secretary of State, Columbus, Ohio, 820 Schiefelhisch, V. A. 881 Sherwood, Isaac R. (Hon.) 899 SaSmith, John T. 6-429-832 Skimp, J. C. 24-435-646-682 Smith, D. S. 41 Stouve, Chas. 56-323 Smith. C. E. 67 Sullivan - Blakely Printing Co. 238 Sullivan, Simon S. 260 Stanley, Edw. Jr. 303 Silk, Harry 304 Sullivan, Jere L. 312-380 Suitor, Fred W. 343 Skinner, J. S. 356 Snyder, Frank W. 440 Stanley, Wm. 709 Spender, Wm. J. 766-885 Stagg, E. White 826 Smith, Chas. B. (Hon.) 907 Swift, Aubrey J. 966 Sturtevant, Robt. S. 967Thompson, Chas. M. 129 Tracy, Thos. F. 173-638-719-817-886-1024 Templeton, J. T. 245 Tubolsky, D. 282 Thompson, Geo. 292-634 Tobin, Daniel J. 327-784 Treiber, Eugene 423 Tannehill, D. S. 443 Tobin, John F. 544-853 Tazelaar, Jacob 611 Thompson, W. H. 754 Tuirnbore, Geo. 718 Tustison, N. R. 142 Thompson, Geo. J. 859 Thritherrey, B. 998U. S. Guarantee Co. 13 Urquhart, Chas. 100 Ullner, Henry 454 Urich, A. D. 589 Van Dyke, Louis 88 Valentine, Jos. F. 695 Van Bodegraven, Wm. 979 U VWaldrop, S. 66 Warn, Phil. Jr. 215-988 Whittaker, J. H. 324-928 Walker, Wm. B. 478 Welch, Patrick 537 Weber, Oswald 550 Whitehead & Hoag Co. 570 Walker, Henry M. 699 Watson, C. E. 725 Webster, Marion 830 Wolfe, Miles 859 White, E. Stagg 826 White, Gary T. 939 WaWilson, O. C. 44 Williams, J. B. 82 Wilson, Douglas 246 Wyatt, Cal. 274-373-586 Wright, Edwin R. 302 Wilson, Henry E. 412 Woodman, C. W. 465-578 Wilson, Geo. L. 530 Wilson, Jas. 668 Wissink, Wm. 720 Woodman, C. W. 870 Wilson, W. B. (Hon.) 923 Woodhead, Jos. 994 WI[*700*] Young, Wm. 75-318-769-780 Yates, Chas. A. 86-392-542 Young, C. O. 521 Zurchio, Arthur Alexander 239 [*707*] Y ZFeb. 25, 1911. X. Mr. W. E. Bryan, President, International United Brotherhood of Leather Workers on Horse Goods, 209-210 Postal Building, Kansas City, Mo. COPIED. FEB 27 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of he 15th instant to hand and contents noted and recalls the fact of the subject matter with which you deal in your former letter. I have been so engrossed with work requiring my constant and immediate attention that I could not get to it earlier. I have in mind the decisions rendered by the courts of the State of New York upon the culpability of employers refusing to employ workmen because they are members of a labor organization. I also have in mind the fact that the federal courts have decided that an employer has that right or a combination of employers has that right. You know they have declared unconstitutional that section of the Erdman Act which prohibits the discharge of workmen because of their membership in a labor organization. The grounds given by the courts for that attitude are substantially that workmen may either singly or in combinations quit their work from any employer or from a combination of employers and for any reason best known to themselves, and it therefoye follows they say, that employers have the right to discharge workmen for any reason which seems to them best. 2 M.V. V. Fu. Bryan -2- Many years ago with others I believed that a law should be passed prohibiting employers from discharging workmen because of their membership in a trade union. I soon realized that if such provision were made law, labor could not reasonably object to the enactment of a law which in some way restricted their right to quit work, to strike. Indeed, the courts are trying to do this very thing now, even without the enactment of law. We are protesting against this wrongful and unjust procedure and in the light of ex- perience I strongly advise against using the courts to prevent the exercise of a right by employers which we insist upon maintaining for ourselves. A union which will disband at the behest of an em- ployer would scarcely be an effective instrument to protest the rights of the workmen even when existing. The trade union move- ment to be effective will organise, with the consent of the em- ployers if they assent, but organise anyway even though it be in spite of the opposition of the employers. Effective trade unionism in the past and the present and I imagine in the future, will not be the result of any species of mollyeoddling from the employers. If the employers present to any of the men any declaration, written or oral, requiring the workmen as a condition precedent to their employment that they sign or declare that they are not or will not become members of a trade union, and the workmen are by reason of their condition compelled to sign such a document, I would have no hesitancy in saying that in my judgement, and in the conscience of men, the signing or making such a declaration would have no binding force upon the workmen, their honor, or their conscience and that they sho uld retain their membership in the organization. The time will come when others in the trade will feel the injustice which is imposed and throw off the yoke of tyranny and oppression, and the men again be free, openly avowing their membership, their3 Mr. W. E. Bryan -3- loyalty, and devotion to the union which will be the effective means of securing and maintaining their rights and promoting their in- terests and their liberty. With kindest regards and best wishes for success. I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.X. Feb. 25, 1991. Mr. Charles W. Fear, Jefferson City, Missouri. [*COPIED FEB 27 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 18th instant to hand and contents noted. I beg to say that I received a letter from Secretary Treasurer John T. Smith, of the Missouri State Federation of Labor, and inasmuch as the matters upon which you write me are covered in my letter to Brother Smith, I enclose to you herein a copy of the letter which I have just sent him, which you will please accept as equally ad- dressed to yourself. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.5 X. Feb. 25, 1911. Mr. John J. Fitzpatrick, Chairman, Legislative Committee, Mo. State Federation of Labor, 316 Monroe Street, Jefferson City, Mo. [*COPIED. FEB 27 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 19th instant to hand and contents noted. I beg to say that I received a letter from Secretary-Treasurer John T. Smith, of the Missouri State Federation of Labor, and inasmuch as the matter upon which you write me are covered in my letter to Brother Smith, I enclose to you herein a copy of the letter which I have just sent him, which you will please accept as equally addressed to yourself. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President. American Federation of Labor.6 X. Feb. 25, 1911. Mr. John T. Smith, Secretary-Treasurer, Missouri State Federation of Labor, Labor Temple, Kansas City, Missouri. COPIED FEB 27 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 21st instant to hand and contents noted. I am exceedingly pleased to learn that some progress is being made in the Legislature for remedial legislation in the interests of the wage workers of Missouri. I was exceedingly pleased also with the special message sent by Governor Hadley to the Legislature. I refer to the message in which he incorporates the report of the voluntary commission appointed by him to consider changes in the laws fixing the liability of employers to workmen. The Governor has taken an advanced step on the road to justice and humanity, and I am glad to express my great appreciation for his efforts. I suppose it may be necessary to go through the experience of employers' liability before we shall be enabled to have intelligent and effective automatic workmen's compensation, but in any event [that] we should insist upon eliminating the assumption of risk, the fellow servant, and the contributory negligence defenses in any employers' liability proposition. Brother John G. Fitzpatrick, Chairman of the Legislative Committee, sent me a letter enclosing a copy of an Employers' Liability Bill which is headed "Bill No. 2" and hears the Allied Printing Trades label of Kansas city, Mo. #7.7 Mr. John T. Smith -2- It is a draft of a bill approved by the Executive Council of the A. F. of L. a year or so ago and in so far as employers' liability is concerned it is one of the best measures. Still I say, we must have workmen's compensation in view. I am also pleased with the information you impart relative to the resolution upon the regulation of women's labor, the limitation of children's labor, regulation of convict labor, and other matters of a progressive and reformatory character. With kindest regards and best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, President, Sam Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. P. S. I am sending copy of this letter to Brother Fitzpatrick and to Assemblyman Fear, the latter of whom has also written me upon the subject.8 X. Feb. 25, 1911. Rt. Hon. John Burns, London, England. [*COPIED. FEB 27 1911*] My dear Mr. Burns: I regret to be compelled to trouble you in any way in what I know must be your great duties, and yet because of the death of a lifelong friend in America, Hugh McGregor, and who worked along the lines of Frederic Harrison, I deemed it may duty to acquaint Mr. Harrison with this sad news. I do not know Mr. Harrison's address or where I could reach him other than through your kindly offices. If you will forward the letter which will reach you by this mail, addressed to Mr. Harrison in your care, I shall greatly appreciate it. Thanking you in advance for your courtesy and with best wishes, I am, Sincerely and fraternally yours, Sam Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.9 x. Feb. 25, 1911. Frederic Harrison, Esq., c/o John Burns, London, England. COPIED. FEB 27 1911 My dear Mr. Harrison: I am sure you will be surprised to have a letter from me, but I feel that the cause which prompts me to write will be justified in your eyes. The great interest which you have felt in the cause of the toiling masses, your great contributions respective to them, and because I know that you were associated with the Positivist movement and that you had some correspondence and knew of a great trade unionist and Positivist in Mr. Hugh McGregor, I have to announce, and announce it with the greatest regret and sympathy, that Hugh McGregor is no more; that he passed from this life this morning. It is not my purpose to pronounce an eulogy upon the late Mr. McGregor, but I cannot refrain from saying that I have been associated with him for nearly forty years and that he has been true to himself and true to his fellow man and that his great attainments and knowledge were always at the command of the struggling masses for better conditions and for a brighter and better day. I count it a privilege to have been permitted to know well so magnificent a character and so sterling a man as the late Hugh McGregor. 10 F. H. -2- With profound respect, I am, Very truly yours, Sam'l Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. Frede My d but in of an mo tr pl t n11 F. H. X. Feb. 25, 1911. COPIED. FEB 27 1911 M. Auguste Keufer, 20 Rue de Savoie , Paris, France. My dear Mr. Keufer: I am sure you will be surprised to have a letter from me, but I feel that the cause which prompts me to write will be justified in your eyes. The great interest which you have felt in the cause of the toiling masses, your great contributions respective to them, and because I know that you were associated with the Positivist movement and that you had some correspondence with our old friend Hugh McGregor, I have to announce, and announce it with the greatest regret and sympathy, that Hugh McGregor is no more; that he passed from this life this morning. It is not my purpose to pronounce an eulogy upon the late Mr. McGregor, but I cannot refrain from saying that I have been associated with him for nearly forty years and that he has been true to himself and true to his fellow man and that his great attainments and knowledge were always at the command of the struggling masses for better conditions and for a brighter and better day. I count it a privilege to have been permitted to know well so magnificent a character and so sterling a man as the late Hugh McGregor. With profound respect, I am, Very truly yours, Sam'l Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.12 X. Feb. 25, 1911. COPIED FEB 27 1911 Mr. Edward W. King, c/o Ressler, 225 W. 113th Street, New York City. My dear Mr. King: I am sure you will be surprised to have a letter from me, but I feel that the cause which prompts me to write will be justified in your eyes. The great interest which you have felt in the cause of the toiling masses, your great contributions respective to them, and because I know that you were associated with the Positivist movement and that you had some correspondence with our old friend Hugh McGregor, I have to announce, and announce it with the greatest regret and sympathy, that Hugh McGregor is no more; that he passed from this life this morning. It is not my purpose to pronounce an eulogy upon the late Mr. McGregor, but I cannot refrain from saying that I have been associated with him for nearly forty years and that he has been true to himself and true to his fellow man and that his great attainments and knowledge were always at the command of the struggling masses for better conditions and for a brighter and better day. I count it a privilege to have been permitted to know well so magnificent a character and so sterling a man as the late Hugh McGregor. With profound respect, I am, Very truly yours, Sam'l Gromper President, American Federation of Labor.VE February 27, 1911. United States Guarantee Company, 111 Broadway, New York, N. Y. Dear Sir: The only information we can furnish you in response to the enclosed blank is, that Mr. William J. Campbell was in our employ from September 5, 1908 to November 7, 1908, and again from February 23, 1909 to July 10, 1909, during which time he worked in our file rooms assisting in filing letters, clerical work in connection with that department and letter press copying. He performed the duties required of him in an entirely satisfactory manner. Very truly yours, Sam'l Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.14 X. Feb. 25, 1911. COPIED FEB 27 1911 Mr. Andrew J. Gallagher, Secretary, San Francisco Labor Council, 315 14th Street, San Francisco, Cal. Dear Sir and Brother: Your exceedingly interesting favor of the 16th instant came duly to hand and the contents have been given careful consideration. No matter what the subject with which your letters deal, they are always readable and interesting, and as a matter of fact always compel respect as well as thought and comprehensive reply. Your last deals with the decision of the Executive Council in regard to the action of the San Francisco Labor Council in unseating local #339 of San Francisco, belonging to the Boot and Shoe Workers' International Union. I note that you do not refer to the decision of the Executive Council communicated to you by Secretary Morrison February 7, in which the action of your council was fully sustained in the decision it rendered. However, that is of lesser importance, for the matters which you mention in your letter deserve serious and direct consideration. I am sure that if you apply the same questions to the American Federation of Labor as such that you do to the local central bodies, you will find that they have equal potency, for as a matter of fact, nearly all of the matters which you say a central body cannot do are almost equally denied the American Federation of Labor 15 Mr. Andrew J. Gallagher -2- itself. The American Federation of Labor is a voluntary Federation, instituted by its constituent membership, the international unions, state federations, and local central bodies, and our Federation has no power other than which are conceded to it by its constituent [members] parts. The American Federation of Labor cannot enforce the payment of a levy of an assessment. It can't impose a fine upon any organization for any cause. It can't revoke a charter without a two-thirds vote, which is practically an impossibility. It can't call a strike. It can't object to a union going out on strike. It can't insist upon the observance of common rules of trade unions. It can't decide jurisdictional disputes. It can't do anything which conflicts with somebody's ideas of what constitutes international or local union autonomy. The American Federation of Labor can only be helpful in doing what the organized workers of American deem it best to be done and concede that authority to the A. F. of L. for the time being. The American Federation of Labor, however, endeavors to unite all classes of wage workers under one head through their several organizations, to the end that class, race, creed, political and trade prejudice may be abolished; that every support within its power be given to the workers and secures to the workers and their grievances and rights, attentive hearing before the world of organized labor and to all those who sympathize with us, and those who are capable and willing to see, and to think, and to help. It watches the interests of the workers on every field of human activity and proclaims and protests in the name of labor in order that the rights and interests of the toilers may be protected and advanced. It aims to allow, in the light of experience, the utmost liberty to each organization in the conduct of its own affairs, consistent with 16 Mr. Andrew J. Gallagher -3- the generally understood principles and welfare of labor! It seeks to avoid the errors, guided by the experience of the labor organizations of the past, movements which by their mistakes speedily entered into the limbo of movements that did not and could not move except to move backward, and destroy the efforts put forth. Referring to your question as to what the rights of a central body are, I am sure you know too well to require any extended mention at my hands. The trend of the labor movement of the entire world has been toward the organization of the unions of a trade and allying to it those employed kindred to it, and then the formation of national and international unions of the trade, and then the federation of such national or international unions into, in England, the British Trades Union Congress; in France, the Confederation Generale du Travail; in Germany, the Generale-Kommission Deutsche Gewerkschafften, and so on throughout Europe and Australia, and in America, the American Federation of Labor. In addition there are state and city central bodies. These are intended to secure within their realm the aims, hopes and aspirations of the toilers within their respective domains, to aid as best they can, and always keep in mind that the labor movement of the American continent, is expressed in the American Federation of Labor, and that all local movements expressed in central bodies should be in touch with the national or international desire and demand; that unions, central bodies, like individuals, will achieve the greatest results in co-operation. A link in the chain of communication, fellow ship and solidarity, is welded by such central bodies' connection. It certifies the genuineness of purpose, attests the worth, entitles respectful hearing and commands recognition from organized labor and the world within which it moves. Unity is fostered and advanced. A bond of this kind keeps the movement clean from rival 17 Mr. Andrew J. Gallagher -4- organizations which have heretofore and which would now otherwise scatter the forces of labor; protects the territory of all national and international unions, and it is to the interests and the duty of local unions of national and international unions to extend that protection for state federations and city central bodies. It is a combination of thought. It is the mother of combined action. Exchange of thought must precede combination. A central body is the exchange channel; it writes and questions; receives and reads; profits by the tests and experience and the gains, and even the losses of its fellows. A larger field is thus within the reach of all. Prompt and concerted action is thus secured. Unity is extended and the power of all labor throughout its lengths and breadths is increased. The central bodies often initiate some of the most effective work which the international unions and the A. F. of L. establish. Views are exchanged and the demand of organized labor wherever located are promulgated to a listening world. No one will appreciate more than you the fact that the mandates of the American labor movement to the American Federation of Labor and to it s officers are so pronouncedly put forth than that which is conveyed in the command, "thou shalt not". There are recommendations that the A. F. of L. and its officers should do thus and so. But the imperative mandate is, I repeat, "thou shalt not" do thus and so. It is the expression of the very best judgment that the men of the labor movement of American shall restrain themselves from wrong doing; that they shall hold themselves in check from the exercise of powers and authority. This limitation of powers runs through the whole gamut of the labor movement of America, using every affirmative effort to hold the ranks of the toilers together in a comprehensive unit, and to move onward and forward, perhaps a little slowly, but yet surely, to the goal of 18 Mr. Andrew J. Gallagher -5- labor's hopes and aspirations, justice, right, and freedom for all. If you take the history of the labor movement of America or that of any other country, you will observe that we have made further progress than at any former time; that despite our many misgivings and discouragements we are moving along; we are progressing and gaining as surely as each day's rising and setting of the sun, and that there is a better spirit today among the organized toilers of American than at any previous era in the history of the workers of this or any other country. Taking this broad, comprehensive view of the situation as I am sure you will, it will dissipate any discouragement which you may feel by reason of the decision of the Executive Council of the American Federation of Labor. With assurances of high regard and best wishes, and hoping to hear from you as often as convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, [signed] Saml Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. 19 X. Feb. 27, 1911. COPIED FEB 27 1911 Mr. P. K. Reinbold, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, 659 Chestnut Street, Terre Haute, Indiana. Dear Sir and Brother: I am in receipt of your favor of the 24th instant with the letter addressed to you by Secretary Morrison under date of February 8th. I also have before me copy of the letter addressed to Brother E. L. Brown, Secretary of the Terre Haute Central Labor Union. You say that you were asked a number of questions, to which you made several answers. For convenience I shall quote them. You say that you were asked: First, Did the letter (Secretary Morrison's letter) bear the seal? To which you answered, No. Second, Was the Secretary of the A. F. of L. clothed with such power as the enclosed letter contained? To which you answered that you did not know. You then ask the third question. Three, Did no the last three conventions of the A. F. of L. decide that there should be an amalgamation of the factions and that there should be nothing done by affiliated unions until a final adjustment was reached by the special committee or the Executive Committee of the A. F. of L.? 20 Mr. P. K. Reinbold -2- Replying to the questions in their respective order, your attention is called to the fact that there are no persons permitted to use the official letterhead of the American Federation of Labor other than the President and Secretary, and you will find the seal of the American Federation of Labor imprinted upon the official letterhead as sent to Brother Brown exactly as it is upon this letter. Second, as to whether the Secretary of the A. F. of L. is clothed with the authority of power to communicate with Secretary Brown and yourself, I desire to call your attention to the abstract of the minutes of the meeting of the Executive Council, held at the headquarters of the A. F. of L., January 16-27, 1911. This abstract is printed in the March issue of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST, pages 239-240 and 241, and for convenience is quoted here in full: "Upon the question of uniting the Electrical Workers' Brotherhoods the E. C. decided as follows: "The St. Louis Convention of the A. F. of L. referred to the E. C. the matter of the division existing among the electrical workers, with directions to make every possible effort in its power to amalgamate the warring factions into a united and harmonious organization. "After hearing the representatives of the electrical workers, and giving much consideration to the directions and actions of the St. Louis Convention of the Federation, "The E. C. finds that by constitutional provision the regular convention of the electrical workers officered by Frank J. McNulty, President, and Peter W. Collins, Secretary; and the electrical workers officered by J. J. Reid, as President, and J. W. Murphy, as Secretary, will be held at the same time, to wit, September 14, 1911. "The E. C., therefore requests that both conventions be held in the city of Minneapolis, or such other city as may be agreed upon by both organizations. "The E. C. urges all parties interested to make every possible effort to bring about thoroughly representative conventions, and that President Gompers shall upon receipt of the necessary information as to date and place of holding conventions, issue a circular to all local unions of electrical workers submitting this document and urging them to be represented by their proper and legal number of delegates. "The E. C. directs that after the proper organization of the two conventions for the transaction of business that each convention shall elect a committee of five to meet jointly together with the president of the A. F. of L., the president of the Building Trades Department, and the president of the Metal Trades department, or representatives appointed by them, to consider and devise rules 21 Mr. P. K. Reinbold -3- and plans for amalgamation. As soon as this joint committee has completed their work, the committee shall report their conclusions and recommendations to each convention for ratification. "Upon ratification by both conventions, the two conventions shall unite and meet as one convention of the Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, and shall be governed, as to procedure, by the rules and recommendations of the joint committee on amalgamation, proceeding to transact all business that should properly come before the Brotherhood Convention. "The funds in bank in hands of the officers, and property of both organizations, shall at the close of the convention be placed so as to be subject to the disposal of the newly elected officers of the Amalgamated Brotherhood in accord with such direction as shall have been made by the joint convention. "The members of the E. C., or their representatives, shall remain with the convention acting in an advisory capacity, rendering every assistance in their power to permanently unite the organized electrical workers into one harmonious brotherhood, and shall immediately report upon the result of their efforts to the E. C. of the A. F. of L. "The E. C. urges and expects the officers of both factions of the brotherhood, the one unaffiliated with the Federation, as well as the one that is a part of the Federation, to work steadfastly and earnestly toward the end which the St. Louis Convention had in view when it referred the matter to the E. C. of the A. F. of L., namely, the amalgamation of all organized electrical workers into one solid and harmonious organization fitted to accomplish the great work of trade union activity in the interest of the Electrical Workers of America." "It was decided that in publishing the decision on the Electrical Workers' controversy it be followed by the statement that the decision in no way interferes with the instructions of the Toronto Convention that local unions of the Electrical Workers connected with the unaffiliated brotherhood should be refused representation in State and Central Bodies holding charters from the A. F. of L. in accordance with the constitution. * * * "Oh the matter of the action of the Central labor Union of Terre Haute, Ind., in refusing to unseat the ascending union of Electrical Workers, it was moved and adopted that Secretary Morrison's communication to the Terre Haute central body, under date of January 7, 1911, directing the central body to unseat the seceding union of Electrical Workers at its next meeting, be endorsed and that our organizer at Terre Haute be instructed to attend the next meeting of the central body and directed to take up the charter if it does not comply with section 1, Articles 21, of the constitution of the A. F. of L. by unseating the seceding local." I am confident that after reading this letter through, which you will also read to the Central Labor Union at its next meeting, you will understand that the letter written by Secretary Morrison was not unwarranted nor unauthorized, but by direct instruction of the convention of the A. F. of L. and carried out by the 22 Mr. P. K. Reinbold -4- Executive Council. If we hope to have success there must be a willingness on the part of all the men of organized labor to cooperate in enforcing self-imposed discipline. We aim to secure the solidification of the labor movement but if it is to be at all successful, it must be through the regular process and by each of us doing his share to accomplish it. I am forwarding a copy of this letter to Secretary Brown, and shall ask him to regard it as equally addressed to the Central Body. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.23 X. Feb. 27, 1911. COPIES FEB 27 1911 Mr. E. L. Brown, Secretary, Central Labor Union Filbeck Hotel, Terre Haute, Indiana. Dear Sir and Brother: You will please find enclosed a copy of a letter which I am today writing to Organizer P. K. Reinbold on the subject of your Central Labor Union, which is self-explanatory, and which you will please accept as equally addressed to yourself, and read before the next meeting of your Central Body. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.24 COPIED. FEB 28 1911 Washington, D. C., Feb 28, 1911 Mr. J. C. Skemp, Drawer 99, Lafayette, Ind. Car Workers' representatives state impossible attend conference March sixth. Suggest march twentieth. Advise whether twentieth agreeable. SAMUEL GOMPERS. Charge A. F. of L. 25 COPIES. FEB 28 1911 Washington, D. C., Feb. 28, 1911. Mr. M. F. Ryan, Birmingham Hotel, Birmingham, Alabama. Am telegraphing Secretary Carriage and Wagon Workers International asking whether conference March twentieth is agreeable. Upon receiving reply shall advise you. Please inform Mr. Swick purport this telegram. SAMUEL GOMPERS. Charge A. F. of L. 26 AH Feb. 28, 1911 TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: This is to certify that Mr. W. A. Engle, is hereby duly authorized to install the officers and initiate the members of Laborers Protective Union #12149, Los Angeles, Cal. Fraternally yours, [signed] Saml Gompers. President American Federation of Labor COPES. FEB 28, 1911. 27 Telegram Fred Brandt, Washington, Feb. 26, 1911. Bakersfield, California. There is no federal law prohibiting employers from employing or refusing to employ workmen because of membership in labor organizations. But thanks to the intelligence and character of America's workers they have organized and are organizing and propose to stick to their organizations in spite of the greed and hostility of the employers. In the struggle of life it is better to fight for the right than to meekly surrender to tyranny. May success attend you. SAMUEL GOMPERS. COLLECT [*COPIED. FEB 28 1911*]28 X. Feb. 28, 1911. Mr. Walter H. Nolan, 10 Mass. Hall, Dartmouth College, Hanover, N. H. [*COPIED. FEB 28 1911*] Dear Sir: Your father writes me under date of February 27, that you are shortly to participate in a debate upon the question: "RESOLVED, That labor unions as now constituted in the United States promote the interests of the workingman." He desires that I should give you some data that will be helpful to you in the preparation of your debate. Enclosed you will find several leaflets stating briefly the aims and objects of the A. F. of L. They are commended to your consideration. I might add further that the evidence is overwhelming that the organization of labor is the greatest preventive of strikes. There are innumerable instances among unions where wages are regulated, hours adopted and grievances adjusted without the loss of a penny or a moment of time through the organizations of the workers of the various crafts whose affairs are conducted in a business-like way. Such adjustments are not brought to the observance of the public through the press, because nothing of a sensational character presents itself in the arrangements. A number of the national organizations of the different trades have annual and biennial agreements with their employers for the adjustment of wages, hours, and other29 Mr. Walter H. Nolan -2- condition of employment, whereby the probablity of strikes is very much lessened, if not entirely avoided. In the matter of wages the idea of the trade unions is to steady wages and establish a minimum scale for the weaker individual who would be crushed in the mill of opposition and bring down with him his own craft and all society eventually. There will be no permanency until the toiler secures the full product of his toil. This is the aim of labor. In an educational way the trade unions have arrested the attention of all classes of society; they have given the opportunity to men whose daily labor is to a large extent drudgery, to think and to act. The labor union is the poor man's college and university. In a legislative way, through the efforts of organized labor, laws have been enacted to secure the safety of miners; for Sunday observance; mechanics' liens; liability laws; accident laws; safety coupler laws; regular payment; abolition of company stores; anti-coercion and the hours of labor of minors, as well as the abolition of all child labor in most of the States. Many State Federations of Labor have legislative committees in attendance upon the State Legislatures for the purpose of securing legislation in the interest of labor or to prevent the passage of laws that would work to the detriment of organized labor. By referring to the reports of the Legislative Committee of the A. F. of L., as published from year to year in the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST, it will be noted what work has been done in that way for the enactment of federal legislation in the interests of the wage workers. In a commercial way the effect of the trade-union label is most salutary. The appearance of the union label of any trade organization, or, of the A, F. of L. , is a guarantee that the product bearing this label is manufactured under sanitary conditions; that 30 Mr. Walter H. Nolan -3- comparatively fair wages are paid to the employes, and that the work in the manufacture of the product is performed in reasonable hours. The thorough establishment and patronage of the union label is the simplest weapon for the people's use pending satisfactory legislation against the evils of the modern trust. While it would not be possible in the brief limits of this letter to give statistics, even if exact statistics had been compiled upon the subject, yet it would not be unsafe to say that millions of dollars are annually expended by the trade-union organizations in the way of sick, out-of-work, funeral, and accident benefits. The trade unions in many instances manage insurance departments carrying risks from fifty to three thousand dollars. The trade unions publish their official trade papers dealing not only with trade affairs and trade conditions throughout the country, but also foreign countries. They are an open forum for the expression of the opinion of the members, as well as for general discussion. They also publish editorials upon economics. At the same time many of these trade papers publish technical information, designs, drawings and in many instances offer prizes for the best method of improvement of the mechanical ability of the members of the trade. Very truly yours, Sam Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. P. S. In addition to the above I beg to refer you to the following publications: The Ancient Lowly, A History of the working people from the earliest known period to the adoption of Christianity by Constantine. Six Centuries of Work and Wages, by Thorald Rogers. Organized Labor, by John Mitchell. Trade Unionism and Labor Problems, by Prof. John Commons. Organized Self-Help, by Herbert Casson. Labor Problems, Adams and Summer, 1905. The Social Unrest, Brooks, 1903.31 Mr. Walter H. Nolan --4-- Some Ethical Gains through Legislation, Kelley, 1905. The American Workman, Levasseur, 1900. Labor Copartnership, Lloyd, 1898. Labor Unions, edited by Alton B. Parker, published by the American Law Company, New York City. Studies in American Trade Unionism, by Hollander and Barnett. Sympathetic Strikes and Lockouts, by Fred S. Hall. Labor Organizations and Labor Politics, by Prof. John R. Commons. Trade Union Law, by Cohen and Howell. Trade Union Law, by Herman Cohen. Human Progress, by Thomas S. Blair, A living wage, by Prof. John A. Ryan. The Law relating to Factories and Workshops, Abrahams and Davies, 4th edition, 1902. A History of Factory Legislation, Hutchins and Harrison, 1903. Labor in Europe and America, by Samuel Gompers. [*COPIED. FEB 28 1911*]32 COPIED. FEB 28 1911 X. Feb. 28, 1911. Mr. Thomas M. Nolan, 15 mountain Avenue, Somerville, Mass. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 27th instant is at hand, in which you say that your son is to debate on the affirmative side of the question "Resolved, that labor unions as now constituted in the Untied States promote the interests of the workingman." As per your request, I have sent your son a quite lengthy letter on the subject, various leaflets, and references to other pamphlets and books, which will be of help to him in the preparation of his paper. If any account of the debate is printed, I should be very glad to have a copy of it. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.33 X. Feb. 28, 1911. Mr. H. J. Finney, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, Box 831, Huron, S. Dakota. [*COPIED. FEB 28 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 24th instant is received , and I am sending you a package of organizers letterheads under separate cover. I have noted with interest what you say in regard to a man in your vicinity hiring a number of men for the oil fields. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.34 X. Feb. 26, 1911. Mr. L. W. Butler, Secretary, Central Labor Council, 540 Maple Avenue, Los Angeles, Cal. COPIED. FEB 28 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 21st instant is received, enclosing report for the term ending January 31st, for which please accept thanks. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. 35 X. Feb. 26, 1911. Mr. E. Clarence Jones, President, American Embassy Association, 505 Fifth Avenue, New York City. COPIED. FEB 28 1911 Dear Sir: On January 23d you advised me that under separate cover you were sending a copy of the book published by your Association entitled, "American Embassies, Legations and Consulates Mean Better Foreign Business". The book has not as yet come to hand and I thought I would so inform you, as I presume the matter has been overlooked in some way. Thanking you for your courtesy, I am, Very truly yours, Saml Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. 36 M February 28, 1911. No. 15, EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, AMERICAN FEDERATION OF LABOR COPIED. FEB 28 1911 COLLEAGUES: Enclosed you will please find copy of wage seals submitted by Baggage Messengers Union No. 10167 of San Francisco. The new wage scale as you will note goes into effect the first of April. You will also find enclosed the present wage scale of this organization. The only change in the scale as will be noted, is a demand for 50 cents per hour for overtime, whereas the present rate of overtime is 30 cents per hour. The present wage scale of the union was not submitted to the office by Local No. 10167, and therefore, was not endorsed by the Executive Council. Local No. 10167 was chartered March 22, 1906, and pays per capita tax on 20 members. The Executive Council has endorsed the wage scale of Federal Labor Union No. 7087, of Belleville, Illinois, 55 members, and has also endorsed the wage scale of Undertakers' Union No. 9049, San Francisco, Cal., 50 members. The question submitted for a vote is shall the wage scale of Baggage Messengers Union No. 10167, San Francisco, be approved 37 E. C. 2. and the members of that organization be entitled to benefits from the defense fund should it be necessary for them to inaugurate a strike to enforce them. There is no organization being paid benefits. As the wage scale of Local No. 10167 is to go into effect April 1, the Executive Council will please return their vote so that there will be ample time to advise the organization of the action taken. Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. 38 COPY TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN. The Baggage Messengers Union No. 10167 of San Francisco, do hereby respectfully submit their scale of wages and hours viz: 1. That a day's labor shall consist of twelve (12) consecutive hours, allowing one hour for lunch, it being understood that said day's labor shall be completed at the point of commencement. 2. That twenty ($20.00) Dollars per week shall be paid the aforesaid Messengers whether employed on trains, steamers or at the depots. 3. That fifty (50) cents per hour shall be paid for overtime. 4. That each messenger shall have two (2) days off each month with full pay. 5. That union messengers shall be given the preference over other messengers. 6. That this agreement shall go into effect the first day of April, 1911, and continue in force for one year. Respectfully submitted, H. E. Taylor - Pres. Fred Wedde - Sec. C. E. Fohl H. Berry F. Franke J. Grimm H. E. Taylor Committee39 COPY TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN. The Baggage Messengers Union #10167 of San Francisco, do hereby respectfully submit their scale of hours and wages viz: 1. That a days labor shall consist of twelve (12) hours work to be performed in fourteen (14) consecutive hours, 2. That ($20.00) Twenty Dollars per week shall be paid aforesaid messengers whether employed on trains, steamers, or at the depots. 3. And that thirty (30¢) cents per hour shall be paid for overtime. 4. That the two (2) hours leeway shall be used only in case of trains being late, the same to be understood by employers that it may produce a feeling of harmony between employer and employee and the employee to do all in his power to further this feeling. 5. That each member shall have two (2) days off each month with full pay. Respectfully submitted, Chas. E. Fohl, Pres. F. Wedde Sec. F. H. Franke R. Berry C. Fohl H. Ruiz Committee40 M February 28, 1911. Mr. Lewis A. Maison, Secretary, Undertakers Union No. 9049, 477 Church St., San Francisco, Cal. [*COPIED FEB 28 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: I beg to inform you that the new wage scale submitted by your local for the approval of the Executive Council was placed before that body and the same approved. This approval carries with it the authorization of your union to go out on strike if necessary in order to maintain your position, and your members thereby be entitled to benefits from the defense fund, in accordance with Sections 4 and 5 of Article XIII of the Constitution. I sincerely trust, however, that it will not be necessary for your organization to have recourse to the extreme measure of going out on strike, and I want to take this opportunity of expressing the hope that no action will be taken without the matter being given careful consideration. I also trust that you will keep me advised fully just what is done, and the results achieved. Asking you to let me hear from you at your early convenience, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.41 X. Feb. 28, 1911. Mr. D. S. Smith, Secretary, Local #301, Cigar Makers' International Union, Akron, Pennsylvania. [*COPIED. FEB 28 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 20th instant at hand and contents noted. In reply I beg to say that I have received a number of similar invitations to attend the Blue Label League and the Pennsylvania State Federation of Labor Convention at Harrisburg, the second week in March. I regret to advise you, however, that as an important conference has been arranged to be held in this city on that date by direction of the Executive Council, it will be necessary for me to be here to participate in that conference, and therefore it will not be within my power to visit Harrisburg on the date named. Again expressing my regret at my inability to accept the invitation, and with best wishes for success, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.42 X. Feb. 28, 1911. Mr. Samuel C. Miller, Secretary, Local $446, Cigar Makers' International Union, Norristown, Pennsylvania. COPIED. FEB 28 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 20th instant at hand and contents noted. In reply I beg to say that I have received a number of similar invitations to attend the Blue Label League and the Pennsylvania State Federation of Labor Convention at Harrisburg, the second week in March. I regret to advise you, however, that as an important conference has been arranged to be held in this city on that date by direction of the Executive Council, it will be necessary for me to be here to participate in that conference, and therefore it will not be within my power to visit Harrisburg on the date names. Again expressing my regret at my inability to accept the invitations, and with best wishes for success, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.43 X. Feb. 28, 1911. Mr. S. B. Duke, Secretary, Local #257, Cigar Makers' International Union, 324 W. Walnut Street, Lancaster, Pa. [*COPIED. FEB 28 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of recent date at hand and contents noted. In reply I beg to say that I have received a number of similar invitations to attend the Blue Label League and the Pennsylvania State Federation of Labor Convention at Harrisburg, the second week in March. I regret to advise you, however, that as an important conference has been arranged to be held in this city on that date by direction of the Executive Council, it will be necessary for me to be here to participate in that conference, and therefore it will not be within my power to visit Harrisburg on the date named. Again expressing my regret at my inability to accept the invitation, and with best wishes for success, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.44 M February 28, 1911. Mr. C. C. Wilson, General Delivery, Muscatine, Iowa. [*COPIED. FEB 28 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 16th instant to Secretary Morrison has been brought to my attention, in which you request that commission as volunteer organizer be issued to you, and in reply I beg to say that it will be necessary for you to forward the official endorsement of the local union of which you are a member before commission can be issued to you. You will understand this is the course followed by this office in the appointment of volunteer organizers when there is no central body in the vicinity. With kind regards, and hoping to hear form you further, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.45 M February 27, 1911 Mr. Victor Kleiber, Secretary, International Molders' Union of North America, 530 Walnut St., Cincinnati, Ohio. [*COPIED. FEB 28 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: I am in receipt of a letter from Organizer E. K. Brasel, Galesburg, Illinois, in which he advises me that the local union of your organization in that city is not represented in the Trades and Labor Assembly. I am sure that you can readily realize the disadvantage which results from such a course being followed by a local union attached to its International, and I would therefore, appreciate it very much if you would kindly communicate with your local in the city named and urge up it the necessity and advisability of taking prompt steps to become affiliated with the Central Body, as provided by the Constitution of the American Federation of Labor, Section 2, Article XI. Trusting this will receive your prompt attention, and thanking you in advance, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.46 M February 27, 1911. [*COPIED. FEB 28 1911*] Mr. F. J. Gilthorpe, Secretary, Brotherhood of Boilermakers and from Ship Builders, Suite 7-12 Law Building, Kansas City, Kans. Dear Sir and Brother: I am in receipt of a letter from Organizer E. K. Brasel, Galesburg, Illinois, in which he advises me that the local union of your organization in that city is not represented in the Trades and Labor Assembly. I am sure that you can readily realize the disadvantage which results from such a course being followed by a local union attached to its International, and I would therefore, appreciate it very much if you would kindly communicate with your local in the city named and urge upon it the advisability and necessity of taking prompt steps to become affiliated with the Central Body, as provided by the Constitution of the American Federation of Labor, Section 2, Article XI. Trusting this will receive your prompt attention, and thanking you in advance, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.47 M February 27, 1911. Mr. J. J. Flynn, Secretary, Brotherhood of Railroad Freight Handlers, 818-20 Harrison St., Chicago, Ill. [*COPIED. FEB 28 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: I am in receipt of a letter from Organizer E. K. Brasel, Galesburg, Illinois, in which he advises me that the local union of your organization in that city is not represented in the Trades and Labor Assembly. I am sure that you can readily realize the disadvantage which results from such a course being followed by a local union attached to its International, and I would, therefore, appreciate it very much if you would kindly communicate with your local in the city named and urge upon it the advisability and necessity of taking prompt steps to become affiliated with the Central Body, as provided by the Constitution of the American Federation of Labor, Section 2, Article XI. Trusting this will receive your prompt attention, and thanking you in advance, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.48 M February 27, 1911. [*COPIED. FEB 28 1911*] Mr. Thomas E. Burke, Secretary, United Association of Plumbers, Gas Fitters, etc., 411-416 Bush Temple of Music, Chicago, Ill. Dear Sir and Brother: I am in receipt of a letter from Organizer E. K. Brasel, Galesburg, Illinois, in which he advises me that the local union of your organization in that city is not represented in the Trades and Labor Assembly. I am sure that you can readily realize the disadvantage which results from such a course being followed by a local union attached to its International, and I would, therefore, appreciate it very much if you would kindly communicate with your local in the city named and urge upon it the advisability and necessity of taking prompt steps to become affiliated with the Central Body, as provided by the Constitution of the American Federation of Labor, Section 2, Article XI. Trusting this will receive your prompt attention, and thanking you in advance, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.49 M February 27, 1911 COPIED. FEB 28 1911 Mr. James F. McHugh, Secretary, Journeymen Stonecutters' Association 520 Sixth St., N. W., Washington, D. C. Dear Sir and Brother: I am in receipt of a letter from Organizer E. K. Brasel, Galesburg, Illinois, in which he advises me that the local union of your organization in that city is not represented in the Trades and Labor Assembly. I am sure that you can readily realize the disadvantage which results from such a course being followed by a local union attached to its International, and I would, therefore, appreciate it very much if you would kindly communicate with your local in the city named and urge upon it the necessity and advisability of taking prompt steps to become affiliated with the Central Body, as provided by the Constitution of the American Federation of Labor, Section 2, Article XI. Trusting this will receive your prompt attention, and thanking you in advance, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers. President American Federation of Labor50 M COPIED FEB 28 1911 February 27, 1911. Mr. John E. Bray, Secretary, Amalgamated Sheet Metal Workers Int'l Alliance, 325 Nelson Bldg., Kansas City, Missouri. Dear Sir and Brother: I am in receipt of a letter from Organizer E. K. Brasel, Galesburg, Illinois, in which he advises me that the local union of your organization in that city is not represented in the Trades and Labor Assembly. I am sure that you can readily realize the disadvantage which results from such a course being followed by a local union attached to its International, and I would, therefore, appreciate it very much if you would kindly communicate with your local in the city named and urge upon it the necessity and advisability of taking prompt steps to become affiliated with the Central Body, as provided by the Constitution of the American Federation of Labor, Section 2, Article XI. Trusting this will receive your prompt attention, and thanking you in advance, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers. President American Federation of Labor[*51*] M February 27, 1911. Mr. George Preston, Secretary, International Association of Machinists, McGill Bldg., Washington, D. C. [*COPIED. FEB 28 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: I am in receipt of a letter from Organizer E. K. Brasel, Galesburg, Illinois, in which he advises me that the local union of your organization in that city is not represented in the Trades and Labor Assembly. I am sure that you can readily realize the disadvantage which results from such a course being followed by a local union attached to its International, and I would therefore appreciate it very much if you would kindly communicate with your local in the city named and urge upon it the necessity and advisability of taking prompt steps to become affiliated with the Central Body, as provided by the Constitution of the American Federation of Labor, Section 2, Article XI. Trusting this willreceive your prompt attention, and thanking you in advance, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam. Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.52 LP Feb. 28, 1911 Mr. L. H. Moore, Secretary, Treasurer, Arkansas State Federation of Labor Box 167, Little Rock, Ark. COPIED FEB 28 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 22nd instant is received and contents noted. In reply I beg to say that if you will refer again to the list of affiliated organizations as published under date of August 15, 1910, you will note that under division "C" appears the International Association of Car Workers, and under division "R" appears the Brotherhood of Railway Carmen. Replying to your inquiry as the states having laws making it compulsory for stores to provide seats for female employes, I beg to quote the following states which have such laws: Alabama, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. With kind regards, I remain, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers. President, A.F. of L. 53 LF Feb. 27, 1911 Mr. W. J. Lamb, Secretary Machinists' Helpers Union #15069 201 S. 4th St., Marshalltown, Iowa COPIED FEB 28 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of February 20th is received and contents noted. I thank you for keeping me advised as to the status of affairs as regards the joint effort now being made by the several organizations whose members are employed by the management of the two railroad shops to secure an increase 1h wages. I most earnestly hope that the men will yet be successful and will be glad to have you write me form time to time whenever there is any matter of interest to report. Again expressing the hope for success and with kind regards, I remain, Fraternally yours Saml Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. 54 LP Feb. 27, 1911 Dr. E. A. Roberts, 149 College St., Wilmington, Ohio COPIED. FEB 28 1911 Dear Sir: Your favor of February 25th has been received and contents noted. Enclosed you will please find copy of list of pamphlets published by this office. We will be glad to fill your order for any of these which you may desire to consult. Hoping to hear from you further, I remain, Very truly yours, Saml Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. Enclosure: 55 LF Feb. 27, 1911 COPIED FEB 28 1911 Mr. Jacob Fischer, Secretary Journeymen Barbers' International Union, 222 East Michigan St., Indianapolis, Ind. Dear Sir and Brother: I am just in receipt of a letter from Organizer Charles Stowe, 247 Fender St. East, Vancouver, B. C., in which he requests information as to organizing the female barbers of Vancouver and vicinity. He says that 15 or 20 women barbers of that city desire to join the Barbers' Union, but that the union will not accept them into membership. He is therefore at a loss to know just what to do in the premises. Will you please advise me immediately as to whether your International Union makes provision for women barbers or whether they should be organized into a federal labor which directly af filiated to the American Federation of Labor. Thanking you in advance for your prompt reply, and kind regards, I remain, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.56 LF Feb. 27, 1911. Mr. Charles Stowe, Organizer 247 Fender St. East Vancouver, B. C. COPIED. FEB 28 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 19th instant is received and contents noted. In reply to the matter of the women barbers of Vancouver I have just written to Secretary Jacob Fischer of the Journeymen Barbers' International Union, requesting him to advise me what action his International Union desires taken in the premises. As soon as I hear from him I will immediately advise you. I was very much gratified to know that the recently organized Federal Labor Union of Vancouver is making such favorable progress. Reciprocating the regards of yourself and Mr. Pettipiece and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.57 LF Feb. 28, 1911 Mr. Harry Mountford, Secretary White Rats Actors Union of American, 1559 Broadway, New York, N.Y. COPIED. FEB 28 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: In continuation of my several letters to you of recent date in regard to legislation in Massachusetts, I beg to enclose to you herein copy of letter which I have just received from President Durnin of the Massachusetts State Federation of Labor. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. Enclosure: 58 LF Copy. Massachusetts State Branch, American Federation of Labor Holyoke, Mass. Feb. 25, 1911 Mr. Samuel Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor, Washington, D. C. COPIED. FEB 28 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 23rd to hand and contents noted. I wish to inform you that I will be at the State House Friday, Mar. 3rd at 10:30 A.M. in behalf of legislation in which the Massachusetts State Branch is interested and at which time I would be pleased to meet with Mr. Mountford, he could also meet D. D. Driscoll, Secretary-Treasurer and John Weaver Sherman, Chairman of the Legislative Committee, Mass. State Branch, A. F. of L. at which time we might be of some benefit to him. With kindest regards, I am, Yours fraternally, (Signed) Thos. J. Durnin, President Mass. State Branch, A. F. of L.59 Z Feb. 27, 1911. Mr. J. M. Hudgins, Secretary, Central Labor Union, 501 Klem St., Winston-Salem, N. C. COPIED. FEB 28 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: In a letter just received from the Secretary of the North Carolina State Federation of Labor he calls attention to the fact that several central bodies of the state, the Winston-Salem Central Labor Union included, are not represented in the State Federation of Labor. The American Federation of Labor, the highest court in the organized labor movement of the country, has recognized the necessity for and the helpfulness of State Federations of Labor, and it is a well-defined principle and declaration of labor that local unions and central bodies should be represented in State Federation of Labor, wherever such bodies are in existence. In the work of the organization of labor the wisest, most energetic and devoted of us when working individually cannot hope to be successful, but by combining our efforts the probabilities of success are thereby just that much increased. This is the recognized working principle in the organization of the wage earners in to unions of their respective trades, and the uniting of these locals into international unions. 60 Mr. J. M. Hudgins---2. This principle is equally applicable in the case of State Federation of Labor which are composed of the various unions located in the respective states and are formed particularly to further labor legislation in the state of legislatures, to see that the laws in the interests of labor are enforced, and to call the attention of the workingmen and citizens to those legislations and officers who have been unfriendly or antagonistic to the interests of the working people. The combined action of all the local trades unions of a state and of the city central bodies, when exerted in favor of a particular measure or in the interest of helping a particular organization is certainly more efficacious than the action of any one union, no matter how powerful it may be. Therefore, apart from it being the clearly defined duty of all local unions and city central bodies to become identified with the State Federations of Labor, it logically follows that self-interest and self-protection should be powerful motives in influencing them into giving their loyal support and co-operation, thereby receiving in return a full measure of help in time of need. Taken in connection with the work which is now being done by the American Federation of Labor in a legislative way, I desire to most earnestly urge that your organization should immediately become part of the State Federation of Labor and give to that body your cordial support and co-operation. Trusting that I may hear from you in regard to the above at your early convenience, and with best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. 61 Z Feb. 27, 1911 Mr. E. L. Fesperman, Secretary, Central Labor Union, Box 151, Raleigh, N. C. COPIED. FEB 23 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: In a letter just received from the Secretary of the North Carolina State Federation of Labor he calls attention to the fact that several central labor unions of the state, the Raleigh Central Labor Union included, are not represented in the State Federation of Labor. The American Federation of Labor, the highest court in the organized labor movement of the country, has recognized the necessity for and the helpfulness of State Federation of Labor, and it is a well-defined principle and declaration of labor that local unions and central bodies should be represented in State Federations of Labor, wherever such bodies are in existence. In the work of the organization of labor the wisest, most energetic and devoted of us when working individually cannot hope to be successful, but by combining our efforts the probabilities of success are thereby just that much increased. This is the recognized working principle in the organization of the wage earners into unions of their respective trades, and the uniting of these locals into international unions. This principle is equally applicable in the case of State Federation of Labor which are composed of the various unions62 Mr. E. L. Fesperman---2. located in the respective states and are formed particularly to further labor legislation in the state of legislatures, to see that the laws in the interests of labor are enforced, and to call the attention of the workingmen and citizens to those legislators and officers who have been unfriendly or antagonistic to the interests of the working people. The combined action of all the local trades unions of a state and of the city central bodies, when exerted in favor of a particular measure or in the interest of helping a particular organization is certainly more efficacious than the action of any one union, no matter how powerful it may be. Therefore, apart from it being the clearly defined duty of all local unions and city central bodies to become identified with the State Federations of Labor, it logically follows that self-interest and self-protection should be powerful motives in influencing them into giving their loyal support and co-operation, thereby receiving in return a full measure of help in time of need. Taken in connection with the work which is now being done by the American Federation of Labor in a legislative way, I desire to most earnestly urge that your organization should immediately become part of the State Federation of Labor and give to that body your cordial support and co-operation. Trusting that I may hear from you in regard to the above at your early convenience, and with best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Sam. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.63 Z Feb. 27, 1911. COPIED. FEB 23 1911 Mr. J. L. Shaver, Secretary, Trades and Labor Council, 419 East Irmiss St., Salisbury, N. C. Dear Sir and Brother: In a letter just received from the Secretary of the North Carolina State Federation of Labor he calls attention to the fact that several central bodies of the state, the Salisbury Trades and Labor Council included, are not represented in the State Federation of Labor. The American Federation of Labor, the highest court in the organized labor movement of the country, has recognized the necessity for and the helpfulness of State Federations of Labor, and it is a well-defined principle and declaration of labor that local unions and central bodies should be represented in State Federations of Labor, whenever such bodies are in existence. In the work of the organization of labor the wisest, most energetic and devoted of us when working individually cannot hope to be successful, but by combining our efforts the probabilities of success are thereby just that much increased. This is the recognized working principle in the organization of the wage earners into unions of their respective trades, and the uniting of these locals into international unions. 64 Mr. J. L. Shaver--2. This principle is equally applicable in the case of State Federations of Labor which are composed of the various unions located in the respective states and are formed particularly to further labor legislation in the state of legislatures, to see that the laws in the interests of labor are enforced, and to call the attention of the workingmen and citizens to those legislations and officers who have been unfriendly or antagonistic to the interests of the working people. The combined action of all the local trades unions of a state and of the city central bodies, when exerted in favor of a particular measure or in the interest of helping a particular organization is certainly more efficacious than the action of any one union, no matter how powerful it may be. Therefore, apart from it being the clearly defined duty of all local unions and city central bodies to become identified with the State Federations of Labor, it logically follows that self-interest and self-protection should be powerful motives in influencing them into giving their loyal support and co-operation, thereby receiving in return a full measure of help in time of need. Taken in connection with the work which is now being done by the American Federation of Labor in a legislative way, I desire to most earnestly urge that your organization should immediately become part of the State Federation of Labor and give to that body your cordial support and co-operation. Trusting that I may hear from you in regard to the above at your early convenience, and with best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.65 Z Feb. 27, 1911. Mr. Frank Insly, Secretary, Clay Miners' Union #9985, 513 West High St., Urichsville, Ohio. COPIED. FEB 23 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 20th instant received and contents noted. You say: "We had thought of getting cards printed and issue those to members in good standing for one year without any renewal, and if they are not back nine by that time they must pay the initiation fee". Will you please send me an exact copy of the form of the card which your organization desires to issue? Also advise me just what is the purpose you have in mind by the issuance of such cards. Hoping to receive your early reply and with best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. 66 Z Feb. 27, 1911 [*COPIED. FEB 28 1911*] Mr. S. Waldrop, Secretary, North Carolina State Federation of Labor, P. O. Box 300, Asheville, N. C. Dear Sir and Brother: In conformity with the request contained in your favor of the 23rd instant, I have written to the secretaries of the central bodies at Winston-Salem, Salisbury and Raleigh, N. C., urging them to become affiliated with the North Carolina State Federation of Labor, and I trust that they will take prompt steps to carry my recommendations into effect. Trusting that I may hear from you whenever convenient, and with best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Sam Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.67 Z Feb. 28, 1911. Mr. E. E. Smith, Organizer, 219 Chamber of Commerce, Toledo, Ohio. [*COPIED. FEB 28 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: In compliance with the request received with your report for January, I am sending to you under separate cover 500 copies of the pamphlet published by the American Federation of Labor on "Wisacre Findings - Candid Thoughts of Experienced Men on the Trade Union", to be used by you in organizing work. With best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Sam Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.68 Z Feb. 28, 1911. Mr. E. H. Rydall, 536 Chamber of Commerce Building, Los Angeles, California. COPIED. FEB 28 1911 Dear Sir: I beg to return to you herein a letter and Mss., the envelope of which was addressed to the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST, though the letter is addressed to the "Economist". Evidently it has been sent to me by mistake and I return it to you. Very truly yours, Saml Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. Editor, AMERICAN FEDREATIONIST.69 Z Feb. 28, 1911. [?]r. Ben P. Middleton, Proprietor, The Alamosa Leader, Alamosa, Colorado. [*COPIED. FEB 28 1911*] Dear Sir: Your favor of the 21st instant is received and contents noted. I am sure you appreciate the fact that even should I desire to express an opinion upon the merits of any case which may be submitted to me I could not do so without having the matter presented to me from both sides of the controversy. I am always desirous of being helpful to my fellow workers in every way within my power and therefore, in reply to your communication, beg to say that I have just written to President Lynch of the International Typographical Union and have sent a copy of your letter to him for his information and whatever action he may be able or may deem advisable to take in the premises. As you know, each National or International organization has complete jurisdiction over its own affairs. Very truly yours, Sam Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. P. S. When I hear from President Lynch I shall advise you further.70 Z Feb. 28, 1911 Mr. James M. Lynch, President, International Typographical Union, Newton Claypool Building, Indianapolis, Indiana. [*COPIED. FEB 28 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: Enclosed you will please find a copy of a letter which I have just received from Mr. Ben P. Middletown of Alamosa, Colorado. I know nothing whatever in regard to the matter about which he writes and the only information I have of Mr. Middleton is what he gives in his letter. Indeed I had never heard of his name until the receipt of his communication. It seemed to me, however, that his story as written to me should be placed before you for your information and for whatever action you may deem advisable to take in the premises. In acknowledging receipt of his letter I have informed Mr. Middleton that it has been referred to you. With kind regards and best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Sam Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.71 COPY. The Alamosa Leader, for Alamosa and Conejos County. Owned by its Owner and Published by its Publisher, Ben P. Middleton. Sells for one dollar the year 'round in any market. Facilities for job work as good as the best in the Country. TRY IT AND YOU'LL NEVER KEEP HOUSE WITHOUT IT. WE UNLOAD EVERY SATURDAY AT ALAMOSA, COLO., Feb. 21, 1911. Mr. Samuel Compers, President, American Federation of Labor, New York City. Dear Sir: I am writing you this letter believing fully that you will help me, or give me some advice, in regard to a great injustice that it being done me here by Typographical Union No. 676. The first of last September I bought me a plant and started a job printing office in Alamosa. I had worked on two of the papers here before, but becoming tired of working for and on a salary, I decided to try to get something for myself and wife. There was no typographical union here at that time, so I went to Denver, (where I bought my printing plant) and while there made application to the Denver Typo. Secretary to get a card and hold my membership in that city. The Secretary, Mr. Frank Birdsall, informed me that I could as well join the International Typo. Union, as it would be $2.00 cheaper, and as there was no union in Alamosa it would be just as well. I filled out all necessary blanks, put up my $5.00 and my application was forwarded to the International Secretary at Indianapolis. It remained there four weeks, at the end of which time my $5 was returned to me and a statement that I had been "knocked" by two printers of Alamosa, who later I found out to be Ed Bell, who is now at Florence, 72 --2-- Colorado, and Frank Hartman, of Alamosa. The printers of Alamosa then commenced proceedings to organize a union here. As a proprietor I could not go in on the charter, but waited until the union was formed and had a charter. I made application and was turned down. I appealed to the International, and just recently that body, of course, ratified the action of the Alamosa Union. It is the first case, to my knowledge, and I am 42 years old and have carried cards, where a man who wants to be a union man and cannot be on account of spite, merely personal spite. As to my standing as a reputable citizen, I can give not only Alamosa man, but dozens in other parts of Colorado. The fact that two or three printers of Alamosa do not like me personally is not sufficient reason for my turndown. Of course the Typo Union's answer to my appeal is erroneous and wholly malicious. I have a living to make. I have money invested here, and I have a host of friends among the unions here, who I know want me to have the label. I could give you many reasons for the malicious work of the local Typo. Union, but hope this letter will at least bring some advice to me. Sincerely, (Signed) Ben P. Middleton. 73 Z Feb. 28, 1911. Mr. Charles Lake, President, Ohio State Conference Board, Resch Building, Youngstown, Ohio. COPIED. FEB 28 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 21st instant is at hand and contents noted. In reply, I beg to say that for reasons which are obvious it has always been my policy to refrain from making any recommendation of anyone for a position, either in the Government or otherwise. Besides this, the Executive Council many years ago decided that no one should be recommended for any appointment in the service of the United States or of any of the States. You can very readily understand how difficult and almost impossible it would be for me were I to request the appointment of one person to any position, and then when another application was made which I would not feel warranted in endorsing, for me to decline to consider such a request favorably. In addition to the above, you can very readily understand the cause which prompts such a decision by following this policy. If we make a recommendation we are responsible for the appointee and his conduct, and it takes away from us the right of criticism of either him or any other one who may have appointed him, either in this or in any other case. 74 Mr. Charles Lake---2. The again, when the influence of the officers of the A. F. of L. is utilized to secure the appointment of a man to an official position under the Government, it weakens our effort to secure not only favorable legislation in the interests of labor, but favorable action on the part of government officials in the administration relative to our fellow-workers who are employed by the Government. With best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Sam Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. FEB 28 1911*]75 X. Feb. 28, 1911. WHEN REPLYING PLEASE REFER TO RESOLUTION NO. 119. Mr. William Young, Secretary, International Union of Elevator Constructors, 1952 N. 19th Street, Philadelphia, Pa. [*COPIED. FEB 28 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 27th instant to hand and contents noted. In it you say that you have acquainted the representatives of your organization with my "plan" and they inform you that it is impossible for them to be present on the week mentioned, (March 13), as they have been elected to attend state federation meetings. First, let me say that neither the conference nor the suggestion of the conference is due to any plan of mine. It was the result of an agreement between the representatives of your International Union and of the International Association of Machinists. I submitted the information you impart to President O'Connell of the International Association of Machinists, and he expressed the utmost surprise thereat, and declared that your International Union is in honor bound to have its representatives present at the con- ference in this city on March 13th. Your attention is called to the fact that at the Executive Council meeting of the American Federation of Labor at headquarters, January 16-27, President Jas. F. Murphy of your International Union, and Brother Frank Feeney were here and in conference with the Executive76 Mr. William Young -2- Council and with President James O'Connell, President of the Inter- national Association of Machinists. The subject matter of the conference was discussed and on behalf of the International Asso- ciation of Machinists President O'Connell urged the meeting of the conference at a very early date. Brother Feeney of your organi- zation, stated that it was his desire to go south for several weeks, and that inasmuch as he was to be a participant in the conference it should be deferred until some later date. It was then agreed by Brothers Murphy and Feeney, for your International Union, and President O'Connell for the International Association of Machinists, that conference should be held in Washington, March 13. Minutes of the meeting of the Executive Council show this clearly and that the Executive Council was made a party to the agreement. Having all these matters in mind, President O'Connell issued a call for a meeting of the Executive Board of the I. A. of M. to meet in Washington for the purpose of meeting with the re- presentatives of your organization, and so that the Executive Board being in session, could make the most liberal terms possible and to make them effectively. President O'Connell calls attention to the fact that the members of the Executive Board are: Mr. James A. Reynolds, State Senator, Cleveland, Ohio. Mr. Hugh Doran, Chicago, Illinois. Mr. Edward L. Tucker, Washington, D. C. Mr. Robert Cook, Seattle, Washington. Mr. A. E. Ireland, Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. Two of the members of the Executive Board are employed in the Navy Yard and Arsenal and have applied for and obtained from their departments, leave of absence for the week of March 13. The members of his Executive Board will therefore travel long dis- tances for the special purpose of attending this conference and he77 Mr. William Young -3- says that the Executive Board meeting cannot and will not be called off. Of course I do not underestimate the importance of attend- ing the meetings of state federations, but I submit that after an agreement has been made to hold a conference of such tremendous im- portance as the one under discussion that when the date of the con- ference is reached to suit the convenience of the representatives of your organization, attendance at this conference overshadows the attendance at a meeting of a state federation convention. In view of all these matters, I again advise you that the conference of the representatives of the International Union of Elevator Constructors and the International Association of Machinists will be held in Washington, D. C., beginning Monday morning, March 13, 1911, in accordance with the agreement as to time, date and place, entered into between the representatives of your International Union and the representatives of the I. A. of M. You will therefore kindly invite and notify the representatives of your International Union to be present at the conference. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. N. B. I am sending a copy of this letter to President Murphy of your International Union, and to Brother Frank Feeney.78 X. Feb. 28, 1911. WHEN REPLYING PLEASE REFER TO RESOLUTION #119. Mr. Jos. F. Murphy, President, International Union of Elevator Constructors, 312 Willoughby Avenue, Brooklyn, N. Y. [*COPIED. FEB 28 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: As per the agreement entered into between you and Brother Frank Feeney of the International Union of Elevator Constructors, with President James O'Connell of the International Association of Machinists, at the recent meeting of the Executive Council under date of February 18, I wrote and reminded Secretary-Treasurer William Young of your International Union that the conference between the representatives of your International Union, and of the I. A. of M. would be held in this city March 13, 1911. Under date of February 27, I received from him a letter in which after acknowledging the receipt of mine Secretary Young says: "I acquainted our representatives of your plan, and they have informed me, that it is impossible for them to be present the week mentioned, (March 13th), as they have been elected to attend our State Federation meetings". This was quite a surprise to me for as you know the conference was not due to any plans on my part but was the result of the agreement between you and Brother Feeney and Brother O'Connell, to which the Executive Council gladly assented. I have just written a letter to Secretary Young, and I79 Mr. Jos. Murphy -2- enclose a copy of that letter herein to you. I trust that you will give the matter the important consideration it deserves and aid in having the representatives of your International Union in attendance here at the conference. With best wishes, and hoping to hear from you, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.80 X. Feb. 28, 1911. WHEN REPLYING PLEASE REFER TO RESOLUTION #119. Mr. Frank Feeney, Delegate, International Union of Elevator Constructors, 2336 South 15th St., Philadelphia, Pa. COPIED. FEB 28 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: As per the agreement entered into between you and President Jos. F. Murphy of the International Union of Elevator Constructors, with President James O'Connell of the International Association of Machinists, at the recent meeting of the Executive Council under date of February 18, I wrote and reminded Secretary-Treasurer William Young of your International Union that the conference between the representatives of your International Union, and of the I. A. of M. would be held in this city March 13, 1911. Under date of February 27, I received from him a letter in which after acknowledging the receipt of mine, Secretary Young says: "I acquainted our representatives of your plan, and they have informed me, that it is impossible for them to be present the week mentioned, (March 13th), as they have been elected to attend our State Federation meetings". This was quite a surprise to me for as you know the conference was not due to any plans on my part but was the result of the agreement between you and Brother Murphy and Brother O'Connell, to which the Executive Council gladly assented. 81 Mr. Frank Feeney -2- I have just written a letter to secretary Young, and I enclose a copy of that letter herein to you. I trust that you will give the matter the important consideration it deserves and aid in having the representatives of your International Union in attendance here at the conference. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.82 LF Feb, 28, 1911 Mr. J. B. Williams, General Secretary Amalgamated Musicians' [U]nion 135 Moss Lane East Manchester, England. [*COPIED. FEB 28 1911*] Dear Mr. Williams: Your favor of [the] 17th instant is received and contents noted. You say that you are coming across the latter part of April in order to attend the convention of the Musicians in Atlanta, and you request me to make such arrangements in regard to your ticket to Atlanta as will secure for you whatever special rates may be granted by the [r]ailroad company. I am referring your letter to Mr. Owen Miller, Secretary of the American Federation of Musicians, as whatever arrangements may be made or special railroad rates for the convention will be made through his office rather than from the office of the American Federation of Labor. I am sure Mr. Miller will be glad to give the matter his immediate attention. Should you visit Washington while in this country, of course you will not fail to call at the office of the American Federation of Labor. I should indeed be glad to have the opportunity of seeing you. Mrs. Gompers and Miss Gompers will appreciate your kindly remembrance.[*83*] Mr. J. B. Williams--2 With best wishes and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. FEB 28, 1911*] When you come here I must see you. But you understand for [my?] Health & good [will?]! Write me often and in any event let me know the time of your starting and the [day?] of [arriving?] SG[*COPIED. FEB 28 1911*] Washington, D. C., Feb. 28, 1911. liam P. Mavell, 3 South Division St., Buffalo, N. Y. Painters representatives state impossible attend ch sixth. Suggest March twentieth. Advise whether eable. SAMUEL GOMPERS.84 [*COPIED. FEB 28 1911*] Washington, D. C., Feb. 28, 1911. Mr. William P. Mavell, 403 South Division St., Buffalo, N. Y. Car Workers and Painters representatives state impossible attend conference March sixth. Suggest March twentieth. Advise whether twentieth agreeable. SAMUEL GOMPERS. Charge A. F. of L.85 M February 28, 1911. Mr. David N. Liddell, Secretary, Central Labor League, Ely, Nevada. [*COPIED. FEB 28 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 21st instant is at hand, in which you state the Central Labor League recommends the appointment of James P. Dray as volunteer organizer for Ely and vicinity. It affords me pleasure to comply with the request and rec- ommendation made, and commission will be issued and forwarded to Brother Dray in accordance therewith. There will also be forwarded to him a package of litera- ture and documents published by this office which I am sure he will find of assistance in the discharge of his duties as the representa- tive of the A. F. of L. for that section. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.86 M February 28, 1911. Mr. Charles A. Yates, Secretary, Central Trades and Labor Assembly, 305 South Warren St., Syracuse, N. Y. COPIED. FEB 28 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: I would appreciate it if you would kindly let me know by return mail any information as to the Kelsey Heating Company of your city, that is, as regards their relations with organized labor. Thanking you in advance for your prompt reply, I am, Fraternally yours, [signed] Sam Gompers President American Federation of Labor. 87 M February 28, 1911. Mr. Fred C. Dobbin, Secretary, Trades and Labor Council, 176 Rubidge St., Peterboro, Ont. [*COPIED. FEB 28 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of recent date is at hand, in which you state the Trades and Labor Council recommends your appointment as volunteer organizer for Peterboro and vicinity. It affords me pleasure to comply with the request and recommendation made, and commission will be issued and forwarded to you in accordance therewith. There will also be forwarded to you a package of literature and documents published by this office, which I am sure you will find of assistance in the discharge of your duties as the representative of the A. F. of L. for that section. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.88 X. Feb. 28, 1911. [*COPIED. FEB 28 1911*] Mr. Louis VanDyke, Secretary, Carpenters' District Council, Grand Rapids and Vicinity, 333 Spencer Avenue, Grand Rapids, Michigan. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 24th instant at hand and contents noted. You say that the Carpenters' District Council of Grand Rapids anticipates arranging for a mass meeting some time before April the first, and you extend to me an invitation to visit your city for the purpose of addressing such a meeting. I should indeed be glad to accept your invitation but my engagements are such for some time to come as to make it exceedingly doubtful that I could so arrange as to visit Grand Rapids at any time in the near future. Let me suggest that as Treasurer [Secretary] Lennon, who lives at Bloomington, is located so much nearer to Grand Rapids than I, that you should extend an invitation to him. It might be that he would be able to arrange to address a meeting some time between now and April the first. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you further from time to time, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.89 LF Feb. 27, 1911 [*COPIED. FEB 28 1911*] Mr. James A. Elliott, 419 Union St., Ionia, Michigan. Dear Sir: Replying to your favor of February 25th, I beg to say that if you will write to Mr. John F. Tobin, President of the Boot and Shoe Workers International Union, 246 Summer St., Boston, Mass. he will be able to give you full information as to any strikes prevailing in his trade in any part, or section of the country. As you can very readily understand, we do not attempt to keep at this office a record of the strikes or trade disturbances in the various international and national unions affiliated with the American Federation of Labor, but it is not difficult to secure such information as may be needed from the executive officers of the organizations interested. Very truly yours, Sam Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.90 LF Feb. 27, 1911 Mr. Jas. G. Hannahan, Secretary International Union of Steam Engineers, 6303 Harvard Ave., Chicago, Ill. [*COPIED. FEB 28 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: In a letter just received from Organizer M. Jacoby of Camden, New Jersey, he says that he has been endeavoring to organize the steam hoisting engineers of Camden, but that he has met with difficulty by reason of the Engineers of Philadelphia claiming jurisdiction over the Engineers of Camden. He requests me to advise him as to what he should do in the premises. I would appreciate it very much if you would kindly write him direct. He can be reached at 741 Berkley St. Camden, N.J. I am advising him that the matter is being referred to you and you will give the information he desires. With kind regards, I remain, Fraternally yours, Sam Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.91 LF Feb 27, 1911 Mr. Mark Jacoby, Organizer 741 Berkley St., Camden, N.J. [*COPIED. FEB 28 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of February 25th has been duly received and contents noted. In reply I would say that by this mail I am writing to Secretary Jas. G. Hannahan of the International Union of Steam Engineers, 6303 Harvard Ave., Chicago, Ill., referring the matter about which you write to him, and requesting that he write you direct in reference thereto. Trusting that you will obtain the desired information and with kind regards, I remain, Fraternally yours, Sam Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.92 [*COPIED. FEB 28 1911*] LF Feb. 28, 1911 Mr. Owen Miller, Secretary American Federation of Musicians, 3535 Pine St., St. Louis, Mo. Dear Sir and Brother: Enclosed you will please find copy of a letter which I have just received from Mr. Jos. B. Williams of the Amalgamated Musicians Union of Manchester, England, which is self-explanatory. I have advised him in my reply that I have referred his letter to you and that you will advise him as to what special rates may be made for the Musicians' convention at Atlanta. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. Enclosure: [*Mr. Williams is a splendid man. Shall be glad to write him also. Keep me informed as to his coming.[?] entertain him*]93 Copy. AMALGAMATED MUSICIANS' UNION General Office: 134 Moss Lane East, Manchester, England General Secretary: Joseph B. Williams. February 17, 1911. Dear Mr. Gompers: I shall be visiting America the latter part of April in order that I may attend the Convention of the Musicians in Atlanta. Several of the members of the Parliamentary Committee have told me that you might be able to obtain for me a privilege ticket which would be a considerable saving to me. Can you manage it for me? If so I will be greatly obliged. With all good wishes to Mrs. Gompers, your daughter and yourself, I am, Yours fraternally, (Signed) Jos. B. Williams Secretary Sam. Gompers, Esq., President A. F. of Labor, G Street, Washington, U. S. A. 94 LF Feb. 28, 1911 Mr. Jos. N. Cooper, Secretary United Trades Council West Brownsville, Pennsylvania [*COPIED. FEB 28 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 24th instant is received and contents noted. You say that a demonstration will be held the first day of April, 1911 under the auspices of the Trades Council and you extend to me an invitation to come to Brownsville for that day and deliver an address. I should indeed be glad to accept your invitation, but I very much fear that in view of my present engagements it will not be possible for me to do so. As you can very readily understand, I am constantly in receipt of such invitations from every section of the country and while of course it is impossible for me to comply in every instance, yet I endeavor to accept whenever it is within my power to do so. If I find later that the circumstances so shape themselves as to afford me the opportunity of accepting your invitation, I shall certainly be glad to do so. In the meantime I have advised Secretary Morrison of your invitation to him and he will write you direct in regard thereto. With best wishes, I remain, Fraternally yours, Sam Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.95 LF Feb. 28, 1911 Mr. George M. Henderson, Business Representative International Association of Machinists, 102 East Lexington St., Baltimore, Md. [*COPIED. FEB 28 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 24th instant is received and contents noted. You advise me that Mr. A. F. Stark has left Baltimore, gone to San Francisco for the health of his wife, and for the time being is out of the labor movement. I have therefore directed that his name be dropped from our lists as volunteer organizer for the American Federation of Labor. You suggest that his commission should be transferred to you. I have, therefore, issued commission to you as volunteer organizer for the United States. It will be sent you under separate cover, together with such documents and printed matter as will be of assistance to you in the work. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.96 [*COPIED. MAR 1 - 1911*] LF Feb 28, 1911 Mr. William F. Kramer, General Secretary-Treasurer International Brotherhood of Blacksmiths & Helpers, Monon Building, 324 Dearborn St., Chicago, Ill. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 24th instant has been duly received and contents noted. In compliance with your request I am by this mail communicating with President Maire of the International Carriage and Wagon Workers and have requested that he write you direct in regard to the matter. With kind regards and trusting that the matter may be amicably adjusted, I remain, Fraternally yours, Sam Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.97 LF Feb. 28, 1911 Mr. L. F. Maire, President International Carriage and Wagon Workers 403 So. Division St., Buffalo, New York. [*COPIED. MAR 1 - 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: In a letter just received from Secretary Kramer of the International Brotherhood of Blacksmiths and Helpers he protests against the course which you as president of the Carriage and Wagon Workers International Union have been following in your organizind campaign in Buffalo. For your information, and in compliance with Secretary Kramer's request to take the matter up with you, I enclose a copy of his letter herein and would be glad if you wuld correspond direct with him as to the complaint he makes. I would also appreciate it if you would let me have a word from you in regard to the matter. With kind regards, I remain, Fraternally yours, Sam Gompers. President American Federation of Labor Enclosure:98 LF Copy. INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF BLACKSMITHS & HELPERS. Chicago, Feb. 24, 1911. Mr. Samuel Gompers, President, A. F. of L., 801-809 G St. N. W., Washington, D. C. Dear Sir and Brother: We are in receipt of a communication from our Representative at Buffalo, N. Y. that Brother L. F. Mair, the President of the Carriage and Wagon Association in carrying on an organizing campaign in that city, and for which we do not blame him in the least, but we want to register a complaint of the manner in which he is conducting this campaign. He and his constituents are going about the city of Buffalo taking in members of our organizations as well as the Painters and Upholsterers who have been expelled, and who have fines hanging over them, and took them into his organization without paying any initiation fee whatever. Now, Brother Gompers, you will admit it is not a fair way of doing business, and we do not propose, as an organization paying our per capita tax into the American Federation of Labor, to permit such actions of a affiliated organization to go on any longer. It us having a demoralized effect upon four of our locals located at Buffalo. It has been the means of preventing our Representative from signing agreements with shops in that city, and you can readily see that many of the men who are not connected with either organization are going to take advantage of this controversy and have an excuse to stay away from associating with the Labor Movement. I want to cite just one case where Mr. Mair has taken an 99 Mr. Samuel Gompers--2 [Copy.] expelled member of Local #128 of Buffalo into his organization who was treasurer of #402 when it went out of commission, and he has never turned over the funds he had in charge when his local lapsed, furthermore they are going about from shop to shop in Buffalo trying to get counter contracts signed where we have men employed, and many other instances where they have resorted to some underhanded tactics. I am, therefore, appealing to you for assistance in this matter, and that you notify Mr. Mair to desist such methods of organizing his craft. Thanking you in advance for any efforts you may put forth, I remain, Yours fraternally, (Signed) William F. Kramer Genl. Secy-Treas.100 LF Feb. 28, 1911 Mr. Charles Urquhart, Organizer, P. O. Box 172 White Plains, N. Y. [*COPIED. MAR 1 - 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: Replying to your favor of February 24th I beg to say that if you will write to the Secretary of the New York State Federation of Labor, Mr. Edward A. Bates, 256 South St. Utica, he may be able to recommend to you the name of someone whose services the Carpenters of Pleasantville could secure as speaker for the occasion indicated. I take it that they would not desire the services of a man from any great distance as the expense involved would be so great. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.[*101*] [*COPIED. MAR 1 - 1911*] LF Feb. 27, 1911 Mr. Ben Amann, Secretary Local #60, Flour and Cereal Mill Employes O'Fallon, Ill. Dear Sir and Brother: At the St. Louis convention of the American Federation of Labor a resolution was adopted alleging that the affairs of the International Union of Flour and Cereal Mill Employes were in a bad condition and needed to be investigated, and instructing the Executive Council of the A. F. of L. to make an investigation and directing that if the conditions are found to be in bad shape, the charter of the International should be revoked and charters issued by the American Federation of Labor direct to the local unions. By direction of the St. Louis Convention the matter was referred to the Executive Council for investigation and action. In accordance therewith I wrote to Brother A. E. Kellington, Secretary-Treasurer, conveying to him the resolution, and requesting from him full information and also the names and addresses of the secretaries of the local unions and the number of members in these unions. He writes me that there are 360 members in the local unions of the International, with 39 jurisdiction members, or a total of 399, and that the membership in your local union is 14. I am 102 -2- directed to ascertain the fullest information and for that reason am writing this to you. You will please fill out the enclosed blank and return it to this office as soon as possible. Of course you will understand that the A. F. of L. does not wantonly want to withdraw the charter from the International Union but would prefer, if it can be of advantage to the working people in the trade, to aid it. If, however, the best interests of the workmen can be furthered by that course and the issuance of charters to the local unions without cost so that they may be directly affiliated to the A. F. of L., why, then, that course will be pursued. Again requesting the fullest information and the freest expression of opinion so that the Executive Council of the A. F. of L. may take intelligent and prompt action, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.103 AMERICAN FEDERATION OF LABOR. 801-809 G St. N. W., Washington, D. C., February 27, 1911. Number of local union _____________ Number of members in local union March 1, 1911_____________ State the views of the local union as to whether the International Union of Flour and Cereal Mill Employes should be continued: ____________________ State whether the local union would prefer to become directly affiliated to the A. F. of L. _________________________ Please give the reasons here for the views and wishes of the local union in respect to the above _____________________ Name of Secretary ______________ Address __________ City ________ State _________104 The attached letter also went to the following local unions of Flour and Cereal Mill Employes: Local #1, A. E. Kellington, 4210 Hiawatha Ave. Minneapolis, Minn. Local #3, W. H. Roberts, Brooklyn, N. Y. Local #11, B. R. Baldwin, Youngstown, Ohio. Local #21, A. T. Rainey, Faribault, Minn. Local #35, Carl Woolcott, Harrisburg, Ill. Local #39, 1810 Green Bay St., La Crosse, Wis. Local #44, Albert Bladky, DePare, Wis. Local $49, J. Kelly, Hastings, Minn. Local #51, Chas. Karrey, Petersburg, Ind. Local #48, E. Miller, DuQuoin, Ill. Local #59, C. T. Johnson, Chetek, Wis. Local #60, Ben Amann, O'Fallon, Ill. Local #61, W. G. Eaton, Pinckneyville, Ill. Local #62, H. A. Norton, Fort Scott, Kans. Local #68, W. H. Lill, 313 So. 2nd St. West, Cedar Rapids, Iowa Local #70, John Berthous, Trenton, Ill. Local #71, John Schiedingers, 1802 7th Ave. S. E. St. Cloud, Minn Local #72, Chas. Groos, 1917 Monterey St., San Antonio, Texas Local #77, G. F. Hilts, Anthony, Kansas Local #80, J. Ramirez, 202 Labor Temple, Los Angeles, Cal. Local #81, Chas. Thurgood, Vincennes, Ind. Local #84, W. J. Rodger, Benton, Ill. Local #88, Everett Wells, Harper, Kas. Local #93, J. Champion, New Athens, Ill. Local #94, R. Fairbrother, Lethbridge, Alberta, Can. Local #95, A. B. Wallace, Girard, Kans. Local #96, O. G. Plumlee, Mulkeytown, Ill. Local #100, F. C. Ettling, Fressburg, Ill. Local #103, W. H. Fifler, Booneville, Ind.[*105 *] [*COPIED. MAR 1 - 1911*] [*COPIED. MAR 1 - 1911*] [*Day Letter.*] LF Washington, D.C. Mar 1, 1911 Mr. Franckling, Secretary Stephen A. Doughlas Lodge, I. O. O. F. 12 St. Mark's Place, New York, N.Y. I am to be in New York Wednesday, March eighth and because of the possibility of the Supreme Courts decision in my case which is expected anytime I may not be able to come to New York again in a year. If therefore a special meeting can be called for March eighth I shall attend and be glad to address the Lodge. (Charge to A.F. of L.) Samuel Gompers. (Deliver at eight o'clock this evening.)106 Z Mar. 1, 1911. Mr. William Knowles Cooper, Washington Peace Association, c/o Young Men's Christian Association, City. [*COPIED. MAR 1 - 1911*] [*COPIED. MAR 1 - 1911*] Dear Sir: Replying to your favor of the 27th instant, I beg to say that owing to serious illness in my family it is impossible for me to attend the meeting at the Y. M. C. A. this evening in the interest of the organization of the Washington Peace Society. However, I shall be glad for you to enroll my name as one of the members of the Washington Peace Society. COPIED. MAR 1 - 1911 Very truly yours, [Saml Gompers.] President, American Federation of Labor.107 [*COPIED. MAR 1 - 1911*] Mar. 1, 1911. Z Mr. John B. Andrews, Secretary, American Association for Labor Legislation, Metropolitan Tower, New York, N. Y. Dear Sir: Enclosed you will find a check for $5.00, in payment of my annual dues as a member of the American Association for Labor Legislation for the year 1911. I have noted with pleasure the contents of your favor of the 28th ultimo in which you give an outline of the work the Association has accomplished, and have also noted the Program and Budget for 1911 with much interest. With best wishes for continued success, I am Very sincerely yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.108 Z [*COPIED. MAR 1 - 1911*] In replying please re- fer to Resolution No. 60. Mr. J. N. Bonnette, Secretary, International Association of Car Workers Lodge No. 74, 208 W. Nevada St., Marshalltown, Iowa. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of February 27th has been duly received and contents noted. You request information as to the standing of the Larkin Soap Company of Buffalo. In reply I beg to call your at- tention to Resolution No. 60 of the St. Louis Convention of the A. F. of L. which reads as follows: “Whereas, The Larkin Soap Company, of the city of Buffalo, N. Y. is having practically all of its printing done without the union label, keeping one of the largest printing of- fices in that city in operation under non-union conditions ; there- fore, be it Resolved, That the American Federation of Labor, in con- vention assembled, instruct its Executive Council to take this matter up with the Larkin Company, and use its good offices in assisting the Printing Trades Council of the city of Buffalo in having the Larkin Soap Company’s printing done under union con- ditions.” I have been in constant correspondence since the convention with the Buffalo Central Labor Union in regard to the situation and have had a special representative of the A. F. of L.109 Mr. J. N. Bonnette—2. visited Buffalo and devoted ten days or two weeks of his time in the endeavor to straighten the matter out. We have not as yet been successful but we trust that matters may yet be adjusted in the interest of organized labor. With best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*110 *] Z Mar. 1, 1911. Mr. Jas. M. Lewis, Organizer, P. O Box 160, New Albany, Ind. [*COPIED. MAR 1 - 1911 *] Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 26th ultimo has been duly received and in reply I beg to say that if you will give me a list of the local unions whose delegates do not regularly attend the meetings of the Central Body we will take the matter up with the officers of their National or International organizations. I note your suggestion that a special organizer should be sent to New Albany and vicinity and a memorandum has been made of the matter; we will endeavor to include your locality in the itinerary of one of the special organizers as soon as we can possibly make this arrangement. With kind regards and best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.111 Z Mar. 1, 1911. Mrs. Henry J. Dauenhauer, 1525 South Rampart St., New Orleans, La. COPIED. MAR 1- 1911 Dear Madam: Your favor of the 26th ultimo has been duly received, in which you advise me of your husband's illness. I am very sorry indeed to learn of this and trust he will soon be on the high road to recovery. Under the circumstances of course I am more than ready to excuse him for not rendering a monthly report. Please thank him for the information as to the prospects for plenty of work for the building craftsmen. Trusting that Mr. Dauenhauer may speedily regain his health and with best wishes, I am Very sincerely yours, [signed] Sam Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. [*112*] Z Mar. 1, 1911. Mr. E. K. Brasel, Organizer, 725 S. West St., Galesburg, Illinois. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 27th ultimo received and I have noted what you say in reference to the difficulty between the Brick Makers and the Purrington Paving Brick Company. There was a resolution upon this subject introduced at the St. Louis convention of the American Federation of Labor and I have been in correspondence in regard to the subject since then and am endeavoring to be helpful in every way within my power. In the meantime, in conformity with the information you give in your letter as to several local unions that are not represented in the Central Labor Union, I have taken the matter up with the officers of the several National and International organizations in line with the provision of the Constitution of the A. F. of L. governing such matters. You might write me again in the course of six or eight weeks in regard to the matter. With best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. MAR 1 - 1911*][*113*] Z Mar. 1, 1911 [*COPIED. MAR 1 - 1911*] Mr. Edwin H. Nace, Secretary, L. U. #402, Cigar Makers' Int'l Union, Quakertown, Pa. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 27th ultimo at hand and contents noted. In reply I beg to say that I have received a number of similar invitations to attend the Blue Label League of Pennsylvania convention at Harrisburg the second week in March. I regret to advise you, however, that as an importance conference has been arranged to be held in this city on that date, by direction of the Executive Council, it will be absolutely necessary for me to be here to participate in that conference and therefore it will not be within my power to visit Harrisburg on the date named. Again expressing my regret at my inability to accept the invitation and with best wishes, I remain Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.114 M March 1, 1911. COPIED. MAR 1 - 1911 Mr. Oliver W. Prescott, 1626 North Sixth St., Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Dear Sir: Your favor of February, 20th is at hand, in which you state that you are on the negative side in a debate on the question Resolved: That the Open Shop is Preferable to the Closed Shop," and desire some information on this subject. As I have discussed the question of the union ship so fully in editorials in the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST and there are so many requests made to me for information along this line I had these editorials published in pamphlet form and send copy to you under separate cover, together with copy of a pamphlet entitled "Has the Non-Unionist a Moral Right to Work How, When and Where He Pleases", by Frank K. Foster. Your attention is also called to a pamphlet by Clarence S. Darrow entitled "The Open Shop" published by the Hammersmark Publishing Company, 151-153 Wabash Avenue, Chicago, Illinois. I am sure you will appreciate the fact that as the subject is so fully discussed in the printed matter I am sending you and to which I referred you, that in view of the many demands made upon my 115 O. W. P. 2. time I can not undertake in an individual letter to discuss it at greater length. Very truly yours, [signed] Sam Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. COPIED MAR 1 - 1911 116 M March 1, 1911. Mr. Tracy K. Jones, Delaware, Ohio. COPIED. MAR 1 - 1911 Dear Sir: Your favor of February 25th is at hand, in which you state you are to take part in a debate on the subject of Compulsory Arbitration of Labor Disputes, and desire some material and information thereon. Replying thereto I beg to say that the American Federation of Labor has declared in favor of voluntary arbitration, and is opposed to compulsory arbitration. It may not be amiss to call your attention to a statement which I made in an address before the Arbitration Congress held in Chicago, December 17, 1900, which is as follows: "Arbitration is only possible when voluntary. It never can be successfully carried out unless the parties to a dispute or controversy are equals, or nearly equals, in power to protect or defend themselves, or to inflict injury upon the other party. I am sending to you herein copy of the address which was published in pamphlet form. I would also suggest that if you have a file of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST that you should refer to my editorials upon this subject in the FEDERATIONIST for March and April issues, 1901. Also if you can refer to the Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, July 1902, you can find 117 T. K. J. 2. some helpful matter in that, as that issue contains a number of addresses delivered upon that subject. Compulsory courts could not enforce their decrees" except the State would re-establish involuntary servitude; in other words slavery. And to abolish slavery, even revolution would be justifiable. By reason of the large numbers of workmen, any action which they might take for the purpose of evading award, would practically be a public act and render them liable under such a law. COPIED MAR 1 - 1911 The employer on the otherhand, could readily close down his plant by assigning any reason, and then re-open anew under any name or he might close down and "re-organize" his labor force. Either method would help him evade such a law. On the other hand, if the award was enforcible against the will of the employer, it would practically be confiscation. Then again there are other methods by which employers can evade an award, one of which was resorted to several years ago where a Court of Arbitration decided in favor of the employes. The employer closed his plant and began ordering goods in his line from England. Whether such an employer could at some future time, re-open his business and proceed to manufacture with other workmen upon the ground that they are not the same parties, and thus evade the award, I am not quite certain, but I have shown that there are sufficient means by which employers can evade an award. The wage earners are earnestly striving to obtain a living wage, which, when expended in the most economical manner, shall be sufficient to maintain an average sized family in a manner consistent with whatever the contemporary local civilization recognizes 118 T. K. J 3. as indispensable to physical and mental health, or as required by the rational self-respect of human beings. That living wage changes continually for what constitutes a living wage to-day may be entirely insufficient a decade hence. It may not be amiss to say that one of the chief advocates of the compulsory Arbitration Law of New Zealand, who was largely instrumental in securing its enactment in that country, is a Mr. Lusk, who was in the United States in 1900, and left no way untried to laud the compulsory arbitration law of New Zealand, urging its adoption by the people of this country. At that time I protested against such a law being applied to our country, and stated that it may seem to act fairly well during fair times, but the law had not been put to a test through periods of industrial depression. The same Mr. Lusk after having spent several years in New Zealand since 1900, came to the United States a few years ago and has since publicly admitted that the compulsory arbitration law of New Zealand was not a success. As a matter of fact, it is an effort to pursue an unnatural course to meet a natural situation and condition. It would be the most unwise course for labor to pursue to advocate compulsory arbitration as a means of preventing or adjusting labor disputes. Labor wants to maintain industrial peace, but it must be with honor and justice, and it must not conflict with natural human rights. Labor must organize and possess power and wield that power intelligently and discreetly. We want conciliation, and if necessary arbitration, but arbitration voluntarily entered into and its terms and awards voluntarily adhered to, but compulsory arbitration never.119 T. K. J. 4. At the annual meeting of the Civic Federation held in New York December 17, 1907, when the subject "Is Compulsory Arbitration Practicable" was under discussion, Mr. Lusk was one of the speakers, and it was then that he admitted that the Compulsory Arbitration Law of New Zealand was a failure. Summary of his address was published in the National Civic Federation Review of February 1908. Very truly yours, [*COPIED. MAR 1- 1911*] [signature] Saml. Gompers President American Federation of Labor.120 M March 1, 1911. Mr. D. P. Serger, 47 Apple St., Tiffin, Ohio. COPIED. MAR 1 - 1911 Dear Sir: Your favor of recent date is at hand, in which you state you are much interested in the subject of Compulsory Arbitration of Labor Disputes, and desire some information and material on the subject. Replying thereto I beg to say that the American Federation of Labor has declared in favor of voluntary arbitration, and is opposed to compulsory arbitration . It may not be amiss to call your attention to a statement which I made in an address before the Arbitration Congress held in Chicago, December 17, 1900, which is as follows: "Arbitration is only possible when voluntary. It never can be successfully carried out unless the parties to a dispute or controversy are equals, or nearly equals, in power to protect or defend themselves, or to inflict injury upon the other party." I am sending to you herein copy of this address which was published in pamphlet form. I would also suggest that if you have a file of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST that you should refer to my editorials upon this subject in the FEDERATIONSIT for March and April issues, 1901. Also if you can refer to the Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, July 1902, you can find 121 D. P. B. 2 some helpful matter in that, as that issue contains a number of addresses delivered upon that subject. Compulsory courts could not enforce their decrees" except the State would re-establish involuntary servitude; in other words slavery. And to abolish slavery, even revolution would be justifiable. By reason of the large numbers of workmen, any action which they might take for the purpose of evading award, would practically be a public act and render them liable under such a law. The employer on the other hand, could readily close down his plant by assigning any reason, and then re-open anew under any name or he might close down and "re-organize" his labor force. Either method would help him evade such a law. On the other hand, if the award was enforcible against the will of the employer, it would practically be confiscation. Then again there are other methods by which employers can evade an award, one of which was resorted to several years ago where a Court of Arbitration decided in favor of the employes. The employer closed his plant and began ordering goods in his line from England. Whether such an employer could at some future time, re-open his business and proceed to manufacture with other workmen upon the ground that they are not the same parties, and thus evade the award, I am not quite certain, but I have shown that there are sufficient means by which employers can evade an award. The wage earners are earnestly striving to obtain a living wage, which, when expended in the most economical manner, shall be sufficient to maintain an average sized family in a manner consistent with whatever the contemporary local civilization recognizes as indispensable to physical and mental health, or as required by COPIED. MAR 1- 1911122 D. P. B. 3. the rational self-respect of human beings. That living wage changes continually for what constitutes a living wage to-day may be entirely insufficient a decade hence. It may not be amiss to say that one of the chief advocates of the compulsory Arbitration Law of New Zealand, who was largely instrumental in securing its enactment in that country, is a Mr. Lusk, who was in the United States in 1900, and left no way untried to laud the compulsory arbitration of New Zealand, urging its adoption by the people of this country. At that time I protested against such a law being applied to our country, and stated that it may seem to act fairly well during fair times, but the law had not been put to a test through periods of industrial depression. The same Mr. Lusk after having spent several years in New Zealand since 1900, came to the United States a few years ago and has since publicly admitted that the compulsory arbitration law of New Zealand was not a success. As a matter of fact, it is an effort to pursue an unnatural course to meet a natural situation and condition. It would be the most unwise course for labor to pursue to advocate compulsory arbitration as a means of preventing or adjusting labor disputes. Labor wants to maintain industrial peace, but it must be with honor and justice, and it must not conflict with natural human rights. Labor must organize and possess power and wield that power intelligently and discreetly. We want conciliation, and if necessary arbitration, but arbitration voluntarily entered into and its terms and awards voluntarily adhered to, but compulsory arbitration never.123 D.P.B.4. At the annual meeting of the Civic Federation held in New York December 17, 1907, when the subject "Is Compulsory Arbitration Practicable" was under discussion, Mr. Lusk was one of the speakers, and it was then that he admitted that the Compulsory Arbitration Law of New Zealand was a failure. Summary of his address was published in the National Civic Federation Review of February 1908. Very truly yours, [signature] [*COPIED MAR 1- 1911*] President American Federation of Labor.124 M February 28, 1911. Mr. Robert Berry, Secretary, Baggage Messengers Union No. 10167, 1059-56th St., Oakland, California. COPIED. MAR 1- 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 20th instant received together with copy of the present wage scale of your organization, and the new wage scale, which you desire submitted for the endorsement of the Executive Council, and which is to go into effect April 1, 1911. A letter has just been submitted by mail to my colleagues of the conclusion is reached. In the meantime I desire to call your attention to the provisions of Article XIII of the Constitution of the A. F. of L. copy of which is enclosed to you herein. You will observe that Section 2, Article XIII of the Constitution provides that in the event of any disagreement between a local union and an employer, which, in the opinion of the local union may result in a strike, the union is required to notify the President of the A. F. of L. who will investigate, or cause to be investigated, the disagreement and endeavor to effect an adjustment or the difficulty. If an adjustment is not brought about it will be necessary for the President of the A. F. of L. to notify the Executive Council and if the Council approve the strike, the union will 125 R. B. 2. be notified that it is authorized to enter upon the strike and be entitled to the benefits provided by the constitution. Your attention is also called to the same section, wherein it provides imperatively that no strike or lockout shall be deemed legal or moneys expended from the defense fund on that account unless the strike or lockout shall have been authorized and approved by the President and the Executive Council. COPIED. MAR 1 - 1911 Your attention is also called to Section 7, Article XIII which reads as follows: "Any union inaugurating a strike without the approval of the Executive Council shall not receive benefits on account of said strike." Therefore, in view of the provisions of the constitution of the A. F. of L. as above indicated, your union should be careful not to take any action in this matter until the Executive Council has had the opportunity to reach a decision upon your wage scale, and you have been duly advised in regard thereto. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, [signed] Sam Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. 126 X. March 1, 1911. Mr. Fritz Kummer, Werastrasse, 132, Stuttgart, Germany. COPIED. MAR 1 - 1911 My dear Sir: Your favor of February 17th came duly to hand and contents noted, and I have transmitted the Two Dollars you enclose to Harper Brothers, the publishers of my book, "Labor In Europe and American", with the request that the publishers mail the book to you. The price of the book as set by the publishers is Two Dollars net. There is therefore no residue from the amount sent. Under separate cover I am sending you a few documents published by the American Federation of Labor, which may interest you. Hoping to hear from you from time to time, and with kindest regards, I am, Very truly yours, [signed] Sam Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.127 X. March 1, 1911 Harper Brothers, Franklin Square, New York City. COPIED. MAR 1 - 1911 Gentlemen: Will you please send a copy of "Labor in Europe and American" to Fritz Kummer Werastrasse, 132, Stuttgart, Germany. Mr. Kummer sent me Two Dollars in American money for the book. Enclosed you will find my personal check to the amount of Two Dollars in payment for it. If there should be any additional payment by reason of postage, please advise me and I will remit. Thanking you in advance, I am, Very truly yours, [signed] Sam Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. 128 Feb. 28, 1911. X. Mr. James M. Lynch, President, International Typographical Union, Newton Claypool Bldg., Indianapolis, Indiana. Dear Sir and Brother: Will you do me the kindness of sending one of your serial postal cards and large pictures of the Union Printers' Home and any material which you may have upon the Home, as will as upon the eight-hour strike of the Ptinters, to my friend and cousin, M. Louis Le Bosse, 46 Merchant Street, Bow, E, London, England. he is an active member of the London Society of Compositors. I take it that you know that the London Society has been on strike for quite a considerable time for the establishment of the forty-eight hour week. Mr. Le Bosse informs me that of the two hundred firms in which the strike occurred only twenty are now holding out at the dat of his letter, on February 16. Thanking you in advance for whatever you may be able to do in this matter, and with best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. [* COPIED. MAR 1-1911 COPIED MAR 1 1911*][*COPIED MAR 1- 1911*] X. Feb. 28, 1911. Mr. Charles M. Thompson, 34 Wendell Street, Cambridge, Mass. Dear Sir: Your favor of the 24th instant is received, in which you request data to be used by you in the preparation of your thesis upon the subject of Injunctions in Labor Disputes. I beg to say that in my reports to the conventions of 1893-97-98-99-1900-02-02-05-06-07-08-09, I also dealt with the subject of injunctions, but the only copies of these reports that I have are included in the official bound proceedings of these conventions. Editorially, I have deal with this subject as follows: 1897, Sept. Injunctions unrespected as a Factor in Strikes. They must go. 1898, Nov., Injunctions and Strikes. 1900, June, Judge Freeman's Notorious Injunction. 1900, July, The Happiness not to Know. 1900, Nov., The English Hostility to Injunctions. 1901, June, More Abuse of the Injunction. 1901, Sept. Rights Achieved Must be Maintained. Judicial Usurpation of Legislative Functions. It Even Nauseates the Press. 1901, Nov., The Right of Persuasion. 1902, Mar., A Worth Judicial Exception. 1902, Apr., Anti-Injunction Legislation. 1902, May, Conflicting Judicial Decisions. 1902, June, Injunctions Can't Restrain Free Speech. 1903, May, New Judicial Usurpation Through Injunctions. 130 [*COPIED MAR 1- 1911*] Mr. Charles M. Thompson, -2- 1904, Feb., Invading Labor's Rights. 1904, March, Misrepresenting the Anti-Injunction Bill. 1904, May, The Injunction Mania. 1905, March, Some Notions on Injunction Legislation. 1905, July, Jenkins on Injunctions and Strikes. A Just Court Decision. 1905, Nov., No Property Right in Labor. 1906, Jan., Two Courts on Picketing. 1906, Feb., Development in Injunction Fight. 1906, Mar., Judge Holden's Injunction Frenzy. 1906, April, The Injunction in Labor Disputes Must Go. 1906, July, Injunctions Extended. Where Next? 1906, Oct., A Fair Injunction Decision - Labor Aims to make it the Law of the Land. 1907, Jan., Judicial Perversion of Law Against Labor. 1907, April, Congressional Juggling and Sophistry with the Injunction Issue. 1907, June, The Congressional Court Decisions. 1907, Oct., Federal Injunctions Jolted. Labor's Contention Justified. Taft, The Injunction Standard Bearer. 1907, Nov., Taft, The Injunction Candidate. 1908, Feb., Free Press and Free Speech Invaded by Injunction Against the A. F. of L - A Review and Protest. 1908, July, Judge Upholds Labor's Injunction Contention. 1908, Aug., The Essence of Labor's Contention on Injunctions. 1908, Sept., The Cry for More (In) Equity. 1908, Oct., Injunction Contempt Proceedings. Be Candid Gentlemen - Evasion and Deception Useless. 1909, Mar., Constitutional Liberty Imperilled. 1909, Apr., Buck's Stove and Range Co. Injunction Modified. 1909, May, Justice Wright's Decision and Sentence in the Gompers, Mitchell and Morrison Case -- The Appeal and Judge Parker's Magnificent Argument. 1909, Aug., Unjust Injunctions Work for Personal Freedom. 1910, Jan., The President on Injunctions. In the May issue, 1906, is published an argument by Andrew Furuseth before the Judiciary Committee on the Anti-Injunction Bill March 14, 1906, in which he sets forth the essential principles of our protest against injunctions in labor disputes. In the July, 1904, issue of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST is an article by Edward J. Livernash, entitled - "INJUNCTIONS---WHY THEY SHOULD NOT APPLY." In the May issue of 1904 is published a Thesis on Injunctions, by William Velpau Rooker. These three articles are particularly interesting I should like to send you copies of the magazine contain- 131 [*COPIED MAR 1- 1911*] Mr. Charles M. Thompson -3- all of these matters, but I have none, except in the complete bound volume of each year. Then again, when the A. F. of L. Anti-Injunction Bill was considered by the Judiciary Committee of the House and the Judiciary Committee of the Senate in the last three or four Congresses, the representatives of the A. F. of L., including the undersigned, made extensive arguments in support of labor's contentions. Your attention is also called to a document entitled "Injunction Data Filed by Samuel Gompers" which relates to this subject. This gives some of the most important injunctions issued by the federal court. You will bear in mind however, the fact that the injunction cases thus collated are not by any means all of the injunctions which have been issued in labor disputes but merely the most important federal injunctions. I am unable to send you copy of this but you might be able to get one through a Massachusetts Senator or the Member from your District. Under separate cover I am sending you copy of pamphlet published by this office entitled Buck's Stove and Range Company Injunction Suit and Contempt Proceedings, also copies of my reports to the last two conventions of the A. F. of L. Your attention is called to those sections of my report in which I deal with the subject of injunctions. Included in the package is copy of my editorial review of Justice Wright's decision by which Vice-President Mitchell, Secretary Morrison and myself were sentenced to nine, six, and twelve months imprisonment. I think you will find all of these matters of interest and of help to you in the preparation of your thesis. Very truly yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.132 [*COPIED MAR 1- 1911*] Z Mr. Thomas E. Burks, Secretary, United Association of Plumbers, Gas Fitters, etc., 411-16 Bush Temple of Music, Chicago, Ill. Dear Sir and Brother: I am in receipt of a letter from the Secretary of the Central Body of Galesburg, Illinois, in which he advises me that the Local Union of your organization in that city is not affiliated with the Central Body. I am sure that you can readily realize the disadvantage which results from such a course being followed by a Local Union attached to its Interrational, and I would therefore appreciate it very much if you would kindly communicate with your Local in the city named and urge upon it the necessity and advisability of taking prompt steps to become affiliated with the Central Body as provided by the Constitution of the American Federation of Labor, Section 2, Article XI. Trusting that this will receive your prompt attention, and thanking you in advance, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor. [*133*] Z Mar. 1, 1911. Mr. John E. Bray, Secretary, Amalgamated Sheet Metal Workers, 325 Nelson Building, Kansas City, Mo. [*COPIED. MAR 1 - 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: I am in receipt of a letter from the Secretary of the Central Body of Galesburg, Illinois, in which he advises me that the Local Union of your organization in that city is not affiliated with the Central Body. I am sure that you can readily realize the disadvantage which results from such a course being followed by a Local Union attached to its International, and I would therefore appreciate it very much if you would kindly communicate with your Local in the city named and urge upon it the necessity and advisability of taking prompt steps to become affiliated with the Central Body, as provided by the Constitution of the American Federation of Labor, Section 2, Article XI. Trusting that this will receive your prompt attention, and thanking you in advance, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.[*134 *] Z Mar. 1, 1911. Mr. James F. McHugh, Secretary, Journeymen Stonecutters' Association of America, 520 Sixth St., N. W. , City. [*COPIED. MAR 1 - 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: I am in receipt of a letter from the Secretary of the Central Body of Galesburg, Illinois, in which he advises me that the Local Union of your organization in that city is not affiliated with the Central Body. I am sure that you can readily realize the disadvantage which results from such a course being followed by a Local Union attached to its International, and I would therefore appreciate it very much if you would kindly communicate with your Local in the city named and urge upon it the necessity and advisability of taking prompt steps to become affiliated with the Central Body, as provided by the Constitution of the American Federation of Labor, Section 2, Article XI. Trusting that this will receive your prompt attention, and thanking you in advance, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. Sam Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.135 Z Mar. 1, 1911. Mr. Victor Kleiber, Secretary, International Molders' Union of North America, 530 Walnut St., Cincinnati, Ohio. COPIED. MAR 1 - 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: I am in receipt of a letter from the Secretary of the Central Body of Galesburg, Illinois, is which he advises me that the Local Union of your organization in that city is not affiliated with the Central Body. I am sure that you can readily realize the disadvantage which results from such a course being followed by a Local Union attached to its International, and I would therefore appreciate it very much if you would kindly communicate with your Local in the city named and urge upon it the necessity and advisability of taking prompt steps to become affiliated with the Central Body, as provided by the Constitution of the American Federation of Labor, Section 2, Article XI. Trusting that this will receive your prompt attention, and thanking you in advance, I am, Fraternally yours, [signed] Sam Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. [*136 *] Z Mar. 1, 1911. Mr. Wm. J. Gilthorpe, Secretary, Brotherhood of Boiler Makers and Iron Ship Builders, 7-12 Law Building, Kansas City, Kansas. [*COPIED. MAR 1 - 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: I am in receipt of a letter from the Secretary of the Central Body of Galesburg, Illinois, in which he advises me that the Local Union of your organization in that city is not affiliated with the Central Body. I am sure that you can readily realize the disadvantage which results from such a course being followed by a Local Union attached to its International, and I would therefore appreciate it very much if you would kindly communicate with your Local in the city named and urge upon it the necessity and advisability of taking prompt steps to become affiliated with the Central Body, as provided by the Constitution of the American Federation of Labor, Section 2, Article XI. Trusting that this will receive your prompt attention, and thanking you in advance, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.[*137*] [*COPIED. MAR 1 - 1911*] Z Mar. 1, 1911. Mr. J. J. Flynn, Secretary, Brotherhood of Railroad Freight Handlers, 818-20 Harrison St., Chicago, Illinois. [*COPIED. MAR 1 - 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: I am in receipt of a letter from the Secretary of the Central Body of Galesburg, Illinois, in which he advises me that the Local Union of your organization in that city is not affiliated with the Central Body. I am sure that you can readily realize the disadvantage which results from such a course being followed by a Local Union attached to its International, and I would therefore appreciate it very much if you would kindly communicate with your Local in the city named and urge upon it the necessity and advisability of taking prompt steps to become affiliated with the Central Body, as provided by the Constitution of the American Federation of Labor, Section 2, Article XI. Trusting that this will receive your prompt attention, and thanking you in advance, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.[*138*] [*COPIED. MAR 1 - 1911*] Z Mar. 1, 1911. Mr. Jas. O'Connell, President, International Association of Machinists, 407 McGill Building, City. [*COPIED. MAR 1 - 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: I am in receipt of a letter from the Secretary of the Central Body of Galesburg, Illinois, in which he advises me that the Local Union of your organization in that city is not affiliated with the Central Body. I am sure that you can readily realize the disadvantage which results from such a course being followed by a Local Union attached to its International, and I would therefore appreciate it very much if you would kindly communicate with your Local in the city named and urge upon it the necessity and advisability of taking prompt steps to become affiliated with the Central Body, as provided by the Constitution of the American Federation of Labor, Section 2, Article XI. Trusting that this will receive your prompt attention, and thanking you in advance, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.[*139*] [*COPIED. MAR 1 - 1911*] LF March 1, 1911 [*COPIED. MAR 1 - 1911*] Mr. Andrew Furuseth, 44 East Street, San Francisco, California. Dear Sir and Brother: You favor of February 24th just to hand. I can readily understand that your entire convalescence must necessarily be slow after such a severe shock and wrenching which you received. I would urge for your, even though I may not be able to follow it myself, the exercise of patience and the happy satisfaction of being your old-time self at no distant day. I submitted to the Executive Council the proposition of printing the argument in pamphlet form. The Executive Council suggests, and I think it is wise, that the printing be deferred until the decision has been rendered by the United States Supreme Court. If there can be anything done in regard to having Senator LaFollette communicate with Governor Johnson to limit and regulate the issuance of injunctions by the bill now before the California Legislature, I shall be glad to do it. I am placing the matter in the hands of our Legislature Committeeman just now. Yes, I can understand the disquietude which obtains among the people on the coast in regard to the Japanese Treaty. I have dictated a letter to the Secretary of the Seattle, Washington Central[*140*] Mr. Andrew Furuseth--2 Labor Union upon that subject and when it is written I shall send you a copy. Our friend in New York went to California and am not sure whether he has returned to New York. I have written so as to have the opportunity of meeting him in New York Monday evening. If I hear anything definite you may rest assured you will be promptly advised. Sincerely hoping that you may soon be well, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers. President American Federation of Labor P. S. Do not fail to write me as often as you can. Saturday I sent you a night lettergram informing you of the death of our friend Hugh McGregor. We laid him away on Monday. It fell to me to express a few parting words as to his [?] passing of a great character. S.G.141 LF March 1, 1911 Mr. John Morrison, 25 Third Ave., New York, N. Y. COPIED. MAR 1 - 1911 Dear Sir: I have some matters of importance which call me to New York for Monday evening and I should like to have an opportunity of talking with you and Officer Flood regarding some of the matters which I discussed with him and with District Attorney Whitman on the occasion of my visit to him. I received a postal card from Mr. Flood a few weeks ago from California and am not sure that he is now in New York. If, however, he is and arrangements can be made, I wish that you would see to it that he can meet me at the Victoria Hotel about 5 o'clock Monday evening. I regret to say that Mrs. Gompers has been very seriously and painfully ill for the past three weeks and she is still confined to her bed and suffering much pain and worry. I trust that you and Mrs. Morrison are in the best of health. Sincerely yours, [signed] Sam Gompers President American Federation of Labor.142 X. Feb. 28, 1911. Mr. Louis LeBosse, 46 Merchant Street, Bow, E, London, England. COPIED. MAR 1 - 1911 My dear cousin: Your favor of the 16th instant came duly to hand, also enclosures. I assure you that I was exceedingly pleased to hear from you and to read the account of the good health and success and happiness of the family. Until quite recently we have all enjoyed the best of health, but three weeks ago Sophia became very ill with an acute attack of rheumatism and other complications, all brought about by her nervous condition and her apprehension regarding the outcome of my case. She has been in bed now for nearly three weeks, suffering acute pain. It will be several weeks before she can be around again. I read your letter to her and to Sadie and they join me in the very greatest appreciation of your kindness in writing, and sending love to you, to Sadie and Aunt Clara and the children. I was very interested in what you write regarding the Printers strike for the forty eight hours a week work and the splendid success which has attended the effort. I sincerely hope that success will attend the union's effort, and that the twenty firms which are holding out will soon see the wisdom of conceding this right to the men in the printing craft. [*143*] Mr. Louis LeBosse -2- I was much interested in reading both the program for your concert of March fourth, as well as the appeal which you sent out in regard to the Northeast London Auxiliary in aid of the Printers' Pension, Almshouses, Orphan Asylum, Caxton Convalescent Home. The program interested me very much also, and particularly by reason of your daughter Clara's contribution to the occasion. I can only hope that the now prospective, yet by the time you will receive this letter consummated concert, will be a great success. [*COPIED. MAR 1 - 1911*] But the thought occurred to me that the terms used in the circulars as titles for union action are hardly appropriate. I do not like the terms "charity" and "almshouses" in any circumstances, and particularly when applied to trade union effort. What we do for our fellow members, for their wives and their children, ought not to be regarded as alms nor charity, but as matters of right. In the United States we are very finicky about these things, and almhouses and charity in their generally accepted sense we look upon with abhorrence, and I repeat, particularly as terms used in trade union work. I suppose that you know that the Printers in America established the eight-hour day four years ago. It was a great, long, drawn out strike, in which not less than four million dollars were expended, but the eight-hour day is established in all the printing trades. Under separate cover I am sending you a series of postal cards of the Union Printers' Home and if I can find one in my office I shall send you a rather large picture giving a view of the Home. If you care, you can present it to your Society, or if you prefer you may keep it. It is one of the very best institutions in America. In addition, the International Typographical Union has established an old age pension. I shall try to have144 Mr. Louis LeBosse -3- President Lynch send you some matter affecting the union Printers. I am sure it will interest you and your colleagues. The Supreme Court of the United States heard the argument in the contempt cases and the sentences, and I am expecting a decision to be handed down very shortly, probably before you receive this letter. I shall then know whether Mr. Mitchell, Mr. Morrison and I are to go to jail, or whether our contention for free speech and free press, and incidentally our freedom, will be established. COPIED MAR 1 - 1911 I can't write any more just now, but I shall be glad to hear from you from time to time, as you can make it convenient. All the family join me with love to you and to Sadie and the children and mother, and to all our friends whom you may meet, Sincerely your cousin, [signed] Sam Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. [*145*] X. March 1, 1911. [*COPIED. MAR 1 - 1911*] Mr. W. D. Mahon, President, Amalgamated Association of Street and Electric Railway Employes of America, 45 Hodges Block, Detroit, Michigan. Dear Sir and Brother: Recently some ignorant and others vicious have revamped their manufactured version of the Subway strike in New York some years ago, and this has been particularly brought into action by vicious attacks on the part of the Socialist Political Party papers, and sent broadcast to not only injure you but every other trade unionist who may for the moment be the subject of their particular venom and opposition. Will you therefore do me the kindness to send me a copy of your report to the convention of your International Union upon the Subway strike in New York City and the action of the convention on that subject. If you have any matter further treating upon this subject, whether written or printed in your journal or otherwise, I wish you would let me have it. It is of the utmost importance that I should have that data. If there is anything omitted in the matter which you will send me, and for which I am asking, that will throw more light upon the subject, such as the expression of your opinion upon it, the cause of the strike, the means by which it was brought about, I shall be very glad to receive it. You will be doing[*146*] Mr. W. D. Mahon -2- the cause of labor a great service if you will comply with my request at your earliest possible convenience. You know that I am entirely out of sympathy with any obstacles placed in the way, if they were, to avoid the reorganization of the men in the Subway, but what is of particular importance now is to get the full and free statement of the facts in connection with the inauguration of the strike. With assurances of my good will and good wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samu'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. MAR 1 - 1911*][*147*] [*COPIED. MAR 1 - 1911*] Z Mar. 1, 1911. Mr. Adolf v. Losch, An Zimmer Polir, Johannisburg, Ost. Pr., Germany. [*COPIED. MAR 1 - 1911*] Dear Sir: Your favor of the 12th instant received and contents noted. In reply I beg to say that the only suggestion I could offer by which you might be able to secure information as to the fortune which you say was left by your uncle, Frederich Stich, who died several years ago in the United States, would be for you to place the matter in the hands of a competent attorney in your city for investigation and to have the matter traced through the proper agency that makes a business of tracing up just such cases. Very truly yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*148*] [*COPIED. MAR 1 - 1911*] Z Mar. 1, 1911. Mr. Joseph Schmidt, General Organizer, Bakery and Confectionery Workers' Int'l Union of America, 1204 Willow Avenue, Hoboken, N. J. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 28th ultimo has been duly received in which you invite me to address a mass meeting of the Bakery and Confectionery Workers on March 18th, to be held under the auspices of the Hudson County Central Labor Union. In reply I beg to say that while I should be very glad to be able to accept but previous engagements of long standing will prevent. As you can very readily realize, the demands on my time are many and constant, while at headquarters there is an immense quantity of work requiring my personal attention, and it would be absolutely impossible for me to accept half of the invitations I receive to deliver addresses, though I am am always anxious to do everything in my power to be of service to my fellow workers. Trusting that the meetings will be in every way a success, and again regretting my inability to be of service in the matter, I am Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. Write me again on views expressed March SG[*149*] [*Personal*] X. March 1, 1911. Mr. W. D. Mahon, President, Amalgamated Association of Street and Electric Railway Empolyes of America, 45 Hodges Block, Detroit, Michigan. [*COPIED. MAR. 1 - 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: I learned with a great deal of regret that you are again attacked by your old enemy, acute rheumatism, and it causes me additional regret that it was absolutely impossible for me to come out to the house to see you. I arrived in Detroit late in the afternoon. It was necessary to have some conference with the men there before addressing the meeting, then the mass meeting which I addressed, and conferences with the men after, which lasted until after two o'clock in the morning, and then I left for Toledo on the 8:27 train. So you see I really did not have a minute to myself or half an hour to call to see you. I trust that your health is much improved and that you will soon be your old time self. I saw Brother Reeves and we had a very interesting chat, principally in regard to yourself. I suppose you have noticed the bitter campaign which the Socialist Party has waged in the election for officers and delegates of the Cigar Makers' International Union, and that they have claimed victory. I am sure you will be glad to know that Mr. Perkins has been re-elected on the first ballot. I have returns from all the[*150 *] Mr. W. D. Mahon --2-- local unions. The laws of the International Union make it necessary that duplicate returns be sent to the First Vice-President, and that they be properly tabulated. The following officers have been re-elected: Mr. Perkins, President, Mr. Gompers, First Vice-President, Mr. Tracy, Second Vice-President, Mr. Gariepy, Third Vice-President, Mr. Bradford, Fifth Vice-President, Mr. Weber, Treasurer. [*COPIED MAR 1 - 1911*] Delegates to the A. F. of L., I have been re-elected upon the first ballot, and it seems as if Mr. Tracy is also elected, but of the latter I am not sure. There will be a second ballot for Fourth, Sixth and Seventh Vice-Presidents, and for three or four additional delegates to the A. F. of L. conventions. You know the trade unionists do not fix up "slates" and they nominated nineteen trade unionists for delegates to the A. F. of L., while the Socialists confined themselves to six or seven, so the vote of the trade unionists was scattered, yet notwithstanding, as I said above, I was re-elected on the first ballot and in all likelihood so is Tom Tracy. But better than all was the fact that President Perkins has been re-elected. You understand also that every member of the union having a grouch by reason of a decision which the International President has had to render, and every weak-kneed member, of course voted against him. With best wishes, and hoping for your speedy recovery, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*151*] X. March 1, 1911. [*COPIED. MAR 1 - 1911*] Mrs. James E. Pilling, 1343 15th Street, N. W., Washington, D. C. Dear Madam: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the invitation of the Washington Section of the Women's Welfare Department of the N. C. F. extended to Mrs. Gompers, Miss Gompers, and the undersigned, to attend the banquet to be given at Rauscher's Tuesday evening, March seventh. In consequence of the very serious illness of Mrs. Gompers, it will be impossible for either of us to be in attendance. We should have been glad to be present on the occasion and to meet the members of the Women's Welfare Department and visiting friends, and regret the cause which interferes with our acceptance of your courteous invitation. Very truly yours, Sam Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*152*] X. Feb. 28, 1911. Mr. J. R. Harris, Secretary, Central Labor Council, Box 1874, Seattle, Washington. [*COPIED. MAR 1 - 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: Your night letter of the 23d. instant reached here during the absence of Secretary Morrison on important matters, and he requested me to make reply. You say that the Central Labor Council of Seattle and vicinity went on record as opposed to "President Taft's Japanese Treaty without the immigration clauses". You ask the stand which the A. F. of L. takes upon the matter. In connection therewith permit me to say that nothing which we could do could have prevented the ratification of the treaty. It has, as you know, been ratified. It is a matter of great regret that the treaty did not contain the clauses providing for the regulation or limitation of Japanese immigration into the United States or its possessions, and yet we must bear in mind the fact that the existing treaty would have expired one year hence in 1912, and it is well known that Japan would not have renewed the treaty with the immigration clause in it, for the limitation and regulation of Japanese immigration. Then again, there is nothing in the treaty prohibiting the United States from enacting any legislation which the future may show to be necessary to either regulate, restrict, or to exclude immigration from[*153*] Mr. J. R. Harris -2- Japan or from any other country. With the treaty, the Japanese Ambassador at Washington on behalf of his government, made the following statement: "In proceeding this day to the signature of the treaty of commerce and navigation between Japan and the United States, the undersigned, Japanese ambassador in Washington, duly authorized by his government, has the honor to declare that the Imperial Japanese government are fully prepared to maintain with equal effectiveness the limitation and control which they have for the past three years exercised in regulation of the emigration of laborers to the United States. Y. Uchida. February 21, 1911." Of course you understand that this declaration is made "upon honor" and refers to the issuance of passports by the Japanese Government to Japanese laborers who may desire to travel in foreign countries, and particularly who may desire to emigrate to the United States and its possessions. The declaration is in the form of a pledge which the Japanese Government gave to the Government of the United States during the administration of President Roosevelt, and which had for its purpose the limitation or declared almost prohibition of emigration of Japanese laborers to the United States and its possessions. The declaration of the Japanese Ambassador on the face of it proposes the continuation of the policy of the Japanese Government in respect to this. It is said that the policy of the Japanese Government is to prevent the the emigration of Japanese laborers to the United States and its possessions or to any other country, and to divert such emigration to Manchuria and Corea, which are now become Japanese possessions and dependencies and which it is declared the Japanese government proposes to Japaneize and develop. However, whether the declaration be carried out in good faith or not, only time will demonstrate. I am free to say that I regret that the new treaty did not contain a clause covering the subject of immigration154 Mr. J. R. Harris -3- of Japanese laborers to the United States and its possessions, but its omission either now or next year was inevitable if a treaty was to be consummated at all, and a treaty between the two countries governing mercantile and marine and other affairs seems inevitable. We must bide our time, be alert in regard to this subject of Japanese immigration, and if the good faith so freely declared shall fail in action, it will be necessary for the toilers and the well-wishers of America's institutions to be up and doing and demand at the hands of our government Congressional action that shall safeguard the rights, the interests, the liberty, the American standard of life, and the perpetuation of the free institutions of our Republic. COPIED. MAR 1 - 1911 Inasmuch as our fellow workers of Seattle and other points on the Pacific Coast and the Mexican border are so vitally interested in this question, it will be well for them, for all of us, to be on guard and at all times to know conditions as they exist or may develop. With best wishes for success, and hoping to hear from you often, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*155*] [8COPIED. MAR 1- 1911*] X. Feb. 28, 1911. WHEN REPLYING PLEASE REFER TO RESOLUTION #28 Mr. James O'Connell, President, International Association of Machinists, McGill Building, City. Dear Sir and Brother: I have received a letter from Mr. William Young, Secretary of the International Union of Elevator Constructors, and to which I called your attention. I enclose to you herein a copy of his letter, and also a copy of a letter which I have just mailed him. I have also written to President Murphy and Mr. Feeney giving them a copy of the letter which I wrote to Secretary Young and urging them of the necessity of having the International Union's representatives attend the conference March 13th. Sincerely hoping that this may have the desired effect, the conference be held, and every action taken toward bringing about the desired result, that is, unity or amalgamation, I am, with best wishes, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.156 Form 1541 THE WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH COMPANY. INCORPORATED 24,000 OFFICES IN AMERICA. CABLE SERVICE TO ALL THE WORLD. ROBERT C. CLOWRY, President and General Manager. [R]eceiver's No. Time Filed Check DAY LETTER. SE[N]D the following message subject to the terms on [b]ack hereof, which are hereby agreed to. Washington, D. C., March 1, 1911 COPIED. MAR 1 - 1911 TO Mr. James Duncan, Hancock Building, (or residence address) Quincy, Mass. Telegraphed you Monday suggesting your calling conference in New York Monday Tuesday or Wednesday. Trust you can. Wire answer. SAMUEL GOMOPERS. Charge A. F. of L. Dr. to The Western Union Telegraph Co. F[o]r Message to by dated 190 No[. ] of Words Rate Amount $ (Sgd) Sender. [*157*] [*COPIED. MAR 2 - 1911*] X. March 1, 1911. Mr. Marcus M. Marks, 687 Broadway, New York City. [*COPIED MAR 2 - 1911*] My dear Mr: Marks: Your favor of February 28th came duly to hand and contents noted. Before saying anything in connection with or in reply to that letter, I would like you to advise me at your earliest convenience whether you received my letter to you under date of February 7. Kindly advise me at your earliest possible convenience, and oblige. Yours very truly, [signed] Sam Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*158*] [*COPIED. MAR 2- 1911*] M March 2, 1911. IN REPLY PLEASE STATE NUMBER OF RESOLUTIONS - 22 and 81. Mr. William P. Mavell, Secretary, International Carriage and Wagon Workers, 403 South Division St., Buffalo, N. Y. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of February 28th is received and contents noted. I am also just in receipt of a letter from President Kline of the International Brotherhood of Blacksmiths, in which he says that he will be traveling through the South for the next three weeks, and that it is impossible for him at present to state when he can meet in conference with the representatives of your International Union as provided by Resolutions 22 and 81 of the St. Louis Convention of the A. F. of L. You also say that owing to trade affairs of your organization that it is impossible now for you to designate a time to meet in conference. I will, therefore, take the matter up again with both of you in the course of the next three or four weeks, and hope by that time some definite date may be agreed upon. With kind regards, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.[*159*] [*COPIED. MAR 2- 1911*] M March 2, 1911, IN REPLY PLEASE STATE NUMBER OF RESOLUTIONS - 22 and 81. Mr. J. W. Kline, President, International Brotherhood of Blacksmiths, 570 Monon Bldg., Chicago, Ill. Dear Sir and Brother: Replying to you favor of February 26, I beg to enclose to you herein copy of letter which I have just written to Secretary Mavell of the Carriage and Wagon Workers Union relative to the matter of conference between the representatives of your organizations, as provided by Resolutions 22 and 81 of the St. Louis Convention, and kindly ask you to accept the enclosed as equally addressed to you. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.[*160*] [*COPIED. MAR 2- 1911*] M March 2, 1911. IN REPLY PLEASE STATE NUMBER OF RESOLUTION - 47 Miss Mollie Hamer, Secretary, United Neckwear Makers Union No. 11016, 151 Clinton St., New York City. Dear Madam: In continuation of our correspondence relative to a special effort being made to organize the neckwear workers in several cities enumerated in Resolution No. 47, of the St. Louis Convention, I beg to advise that Organizer Frank L. Rist of Cincinnati, Ohio, writes under date of February 28, that in the course of a few days he expects to make formal application for charter for the neckwear workers. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.[*161*] [*COPIED. MAR 2- 1911*] M March 2, 1911. IN REPLY PLEASE STATE NUMBER OF RESOLUTION - 47. Mr. M. Shomer, Secretary, United Neckwear Cutters No. 6939, 556 E. 178th St., New York City. Dear Sir and Brother: In continuation of our correspondence relative to a special effort being made to organize the neckwear workers in several cities enumerated in Resolution No. 47, of the St. Louis Convention, I beg to advise that Organizer Frank L. Rist of Cincinnati, Ohio, writes under date of February 28, that in the course of a few days he expects to make formal application for charter for the neckwear workers. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.[*162*] [*COPIED. MAR 2- 1911*] M March 2, 1911. Mr. John L. Damazonio, Secretary, Paste Makers Local Union No. 10567, 40 Graham Place, San Francisco, Cal. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of February 20th is received and contents noted. You say that you enclose copy of the wage scale of your organization which is to take effect April 1, 1911, and that you would like to hear from me in regard to the matter as soon as possible. You further say that there is no change in the wage scale which is to go into effect April 1, from the scale under which the members of your organization are now working. The scale you enclose is dated March 26, 1909, and in Article VIII it is stated that it shall be in full force and effect from April 1, 1909, until April 1, 1911. You evidently made a mistake and enclosed to me copy of the old agreement and wage scale instead of the new one. You will, therefore please send me copy of the new one at your earliest convenience. At the same time I would like you to advise me whether the agreement under which your members have been working for the past two years was granted by the Company employing your members without any controversy or trouble, and whether you anticipate any trouble in having the new one signed.163 J. L. D. 2. Hoping to receive your early reply, and with kind regards, I am, Fraternally yours, [signed] Sam Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. COPIED MAR 2 - 1911 [*164*] [*COPIED MAR 2- 1911*] X. March 2, 1911. The American Embassy Association, 505 Fifth Avenue, New York City. Gentlemen: In continuation of my letter of February twenty-eighth, I beg to acknowledge receipt of the book you so kindly sent me, for which you will please accept my thanks. Very truly yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*165*] X. March 1, 1911. [*COPIED MAR 2- 1911*] Mr. Frank J. McNulty, President, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Pierick Building, Springfield, Illinois. Dear Sir and Brother: By direction of the Executive Council of the American Federation of Labor, I sent you an important letter under date of February 18th, in connection with the dispute existing between your International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers unaffiliated. Thus far I have received no reply thereto. I write this as a reminder urgently requesting consideration at your earliest possible convenience. With best wishes to you and your colleagues and the organization, and hoping for unity, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*166*] [*COPIED. MAR 2- 1911*] X. March 1, 1911. Mr. W. D. Lang, Secretary, Local #35, International Alliance Theatrical State Employes, Room 310, 1431 Broadway, New York City. Dear Sir and Brother: In continuation of my recent letter replying to your favor of February 15, I beg to say that I should be exceedingly pleased if it were possible for me to render some sort of decision or to take some action which would definitely settle the dispute between the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employs and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers regarding jurisdiction over Moving Picture Machine Operators. That matter I was in hopes had been settled. Certainly everything should be done to prevent so destructive a policy as to play into the hand of the so-called "Industrial Workers" who are simply "industrial disturbers" and enemies of organized labor and obstacles to the interests and rights of the working people, the Moving Picture Machine Operators included. I shall be glad to be helpful in having the matter fully adjusted between your organization and the Electrical Workers. Sincerely hoping that all will act for the promotion and protection of the interests of the Moving Picture Machine Operators, and with best wishes and hoping to hear from your convenience, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*167*] AH March 2, 1911. [*COPIED. MAR 2- 1911*] TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: This is to certify thaat Mr. Chas. L. Hall, is hereby duly authorized to install the officers and initiate the delegates of Central Labor League of Ely, Nevada. Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor.[*168*] [*COPIED. MAR 2 - 1911*] M March 2, 1911. Mr. L. W. Butler, Secretary, Central Labor Union, 540 Maple Avenue, Los Angeles, Cal. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 21st instant has been duly received and contents noted. You say that you have been instructed by the Central Labor Council to request the appointment of E. H. Misner, member of Machinists Local Union #311, as special salaried organizer for the A. F. of L. for the City of Los Angeles. I should indeed be glad to be in a position to comply with the request and recommendation that is made, but owing to the state of the Federation treasury at this time, [but] it is now within my power to do so. It should be needless for me to assure you that I fully appreciate the struggle in which the men of Los Angeles are engaged. Of course, you also appreciate the fact of what the American Federation of Labor has done in the past for Los Angeles. I most earnestly hope that we may be in a position to do still more in the future. With kind regards and again expressing my regret that169 L. W. B. 2. circumstances are such as to forbid my compliance with your recommendation at this time, and with every wish for success, I am, Fraternally yours, [signed Sam Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. COPIED. MAR 2 - 1911 [*170 *] [*COPIED. MAR 2 - 1911*] M March 2, 1911. No. 17 EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, AMERICAN FEDERATION OF LABOR. COLLEAGUES: The attention of the Executive Council is called to Bulletin No. 91, issued by the Bureau of Labor. This Bulletin deals with the subject of Women's Labor. As it is of such great interest I have secured a number of copies from the Department, and am mailing one to each member of the Executive Council under the Department frank. I am also sending copy of Bulletin No. 90, which deals with industrial accidents and Workmen's Compensation. The members of the Executive Council have by this time received copies of the March issue of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST. In view of the action taken by the recent Convention of the United Mine Workers of the American Federation of Labor in regard to the Civic Federation, the members of the E. C. are particularly requested to read fully the leading article in the March FEDERATIONIST entitled "Organized Labor and the National Civic Federation." There is another matter to which I desire to call your attention, and that is, to request each member of the Executive Council to write an article upon my timely subject of interest to labor171 E. C. 2. for publication in the AMRICAN FEDERATIONIST. I know how busy (each) of you is with the trade affairs of our own organization, but yet I most earnestly hope that you may find time to comply with my request in the near future. Fraternally yours, [signed] Sam Gompers President American Federation of Labor. [*172*] M March 2, 1911. Mr. Hans Fehlinger, Hinterbruhl 2, Muenchen 41, Munich, Germany. [*COPIED. MAR 2 - 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of February 8th received together with manuscript for publication in the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST. Enclosed you will please find International Money Order for $5.00 in payment therefor. Kindly sign the enclosed blank receipt and return to this office. I note that you are now in correspondence with Vice-President Duncan, in regard to his forthcoming visit to Budapest as a delegate from the American Federation of Labor to the International Secretariat. I hope to write you again in connection with this visit after consultation with Mr. Duncan. With best wishes, and hoping to hear from you often, I am, Fraternally yours, [signed] Sam Gompers President American Federation of Labor.[*173*] M March 2, 1911. Mr. Thomas F. Tracy, Secretary, Union Label Trades Department A. F. of L., Room 708 Ouray Bldg., Washington, D. C. [*COPIED. MAR 2 - 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of February 27th has been received and contents noted. I beg to say in reply that I am sending out a letter to all the organizers in the states of Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio and Indiana, in the cities having a population of 100,000 urging and requesting their co-operations and assistance in organizing local branches of your Department. I most sincerely trust that much good will result from this effort. Assuring you of my desire to be helpful in every way within my power, and with best wishes for success, I am, Fraternally yours, [signed] Sam Gompers President American Federation of Labor.[*174*] M March 2, 1911. Mr. L. F. Maire, President, Carriage and Wagon Workers Int'l Union, 403 South Division St., Buffalo, N. Y. [*COPIED. MAR 2 - 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: In a letter recently received from Organizer Frank L. Rist, Cincinnati, Ohio, he says that he expects shortly to be able to organize the men employed in the shipping department of the carriage and automobile factory in "craters". He is somewhat in doubt as to where application for charter should be made, whether to your International Union or direct to the American Federation of Labor. I wish you would please advise me at your earliest convenience as to whether your International Union claims jurisdiction over these men. With kind regard, I am, Fraternally yours, [signed] Sam Gompers President American Federation of Labor.[*175*] M March 2, 1911. [*COPIED MAR 2 - 1911*] Mr. Frank L. Rist, Organizer, 1311 Walnut St., Cincinnati, Ohio. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of February 10th has been duly received and contents noted with much interest. I am exceedingly glad to know that you expect to be able to make application for charter for the Neckwear Workers in the course of a few days. I trust that you will meet with equal success in the organization of the Railway Postal Clerks, and hope to hear from you further as to that. As to the men employed in the shipping department of the carriage and automobile factory as "craters" I am not sure in my own mind as to whether the Carriage and Wagon Workers claim jurisdiction over them. I am writing to President L. F. Maire, by this mail requesting him to inform me as to the matter, and I will write you further just as soon as I get any information from him. In the meantime, should you succeed in organizing the men in question, make application to the A. F. of L. for charter, and we will see that176 F. L. R. 2. they are properly placed. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from your whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, [signed] Sam Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. COPIED. MAR 2 - 1911. 176 F. L. R. 2. they are properly placed. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from your whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, [signed] Sam Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. COPIED. MAR 2 - 1911.[*177*] X. March 1, 1911. [*COPIED. MAR 2 - 1911*] Mr. Launcelot Packer, Secretary, Employers' Liability and Workmen's Compensation Commission Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: Your favor of February 28th is received and contents noted. I would not care to write a brief upon the subject of the constitutional limitations of liability and compensation. If I find the time to write a brief upon this subject, my inclinations would be not as to constitutional limitations, but the extension of federal compensation. Very truly yours, [signed] Sam Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*178*] [*COPIED. MAR 2 - 1911*] X. March 1, 1911. Mr. I. Pennamacoor, 862 8th Avenue, New York City. My dear cousin and friend: Your favor of the 28th instant to hand and contents noted. I shall refer to the least important first and it will explain how a considerable number of letters were sent addressed to me, care of P. O. Box 30, Station G. Some years ago letters were addressed to Mr. John B. Lennon and me at that postoffice address. Recently an election in one of our organizations occurred, and the members were required to send returns to me. They evidently had no other address and forwarded it as above. The information which was conveyed to you by Mrs. Morrison is correct. Sophia has been seriously ill and confined to her bed for the past three weeks, suffering from an acute attack of rheumatism and other complications, all brought about by her nervous condition and her apprehensions regarding the outcome of my case. It will be several weeks before she can be around again. A few days ago I received a letter from Louis Le Bosse, of London, in which he conveyed most interesting information in regard to the strike of the printing trades in London, and his own activity in the affairs there. He also informed us that his entire179 Mr. I. Pennaccor, –2– family, including Aunt Clara, are enjoying good health. I hope that mother and Agnes are better now, and that good health will prevail among the entire family and our friends. With best wishes to you, I am, Sincerely yours, Saml Gompers, COPIED. MAR 2 - 1911[*180*] [*COPIED. MAR 2- 1911*] X. March 1, 1911. Hon. David Lubin, Delegate from the United States, To the International Institute of Agriculture, Rome, Italy. Dear Mr. Lubin: Your letters and enclosures and cablegram came duly to hand, and I hasten to comply with your request, and enclose herein the letters from the French Ambassador, and the document from the Chinese government. The article which you wrote for publication in the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST and which you subsequently asked should be made a public document by Congress, reached here too late for the March issue of our official journal. It was already on the press. I regret this very much for I should have liked to comply with your request. The article was of sufficient interest for general publication and would have aroused considerable interest. This is unfortunate, particularly inasmuch as we could not make any editorial comment upon it and thus present it to some Senator or Representative in Congress to be printed as a public document, both your article and the editorial. However, inasmuch as the life of the Congress will expire Saturday, or three days from now, I have placed your article in the hands of our Legislative Committeeman, and requested him to urge some Member of Congress to present it and to have it[*181*] G. David Lubin –2– printed as a public document. The business of Congress is in a jammed condition and it may be exceedingly difficult to get any sort of consent for the presentation of anything, particularly to obtain unanimous consent for the printing of anything that is not absolutely essential to the appropriation bills and other measures which await the last days of the present Congress. However, you may rest assured that every effort will be made to have your request carried out. As to the check which you sent, I am somewhat in doubt as to its disposition other than possibly if consent is obtained for the printing of your article as a public document we may have to pay for as many copies as may be ordered. You may also rest assured that the money will be economically and advantageously expended, or if unexpended or any balance remaining, will be returned to you. I regret to learn that you have been under the weather and trust that you will soon be convalescent and regain your old time health and strength. As for mental health and vigor, I congratulate you upon a magnificent store of these healthful elements. With best wishes to you, in which Mr. Sullivan joins me, and hoping to hear from you as often as you can make it convenient, I am, Sincerely yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*182*] Z Mar. 2, 1911. [*COPIED. MAR 2- 1911*] Mr. Hugh Frayne, Organizer, 25 Third Avenue, New York, N. Y. Dear Sir and Brother: On February 16th I wrote you in regard to the union label contract between Badge Makers’ Local #12249 and George C. Sutton and requested you to advise me whether the contract should be approved or whether you thought it necessary, in view of existing conditions, to make further investigation. Please let me have a word from you in regard to this and oblige Fraternally yours, Sam Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*183*] [*COPIED. MAR 2 - 1911*] Z Mar. 2, 1911. Mr. John P. Meade, Secretary, Boot and Shoe Workers' Local Union, 52 Center St., Brockton, Mass. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 28th ultimo has been duly received in which you say that the Brockton Joint Shoe Council contemplates holding a series of public meetings for the purpose of stimulating interest in the labor movement and as you understand I am to visit Boston in the early spring you invite me to deliver an address at Brockton. In reply I beg to say that at present I do not anticipate visiting Boston at any time in the near future and I take it from your letter that it is not the desire of your organization that I should incur the expense of a trip especially for the purpose of addressing the meeting. The again, our appeal on the Contempt Case is pending in the United States Supreme Court. While we do not know when the decision will be handed down, yet it may be given at any time. In the event of our contention not being sustained, then Vice-President Mitchell, Secretary Morrison and I will be called upon to serve the sentences of nine, six and twelve months as imposed by Judge Wright. Under these circumstances I cannot make any engagements and give any definite assurances of my ability to fulfill them.184 Mr. John P. Meade---2. Trusting that the meetings may be a success in every way and productive of much good to the movement, I am Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. COPIED MAR 2 - 1911[*185 *] [*COPIED. MAR 2- 1911*] X. March 2, 1911. NO. 16. EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, AMERICAN FEDERATION OF LABOR COLLEAGUES: The Indiana Legislature by unanimous vote invited me to deliver an address before that body Monday afternoon, February 20. It was the second time that this honor was conferred upon me, the previous one being about three years ago. Enclosed you will find copy of the Indianapolis Star of February 21st, giving an account of the incident. In the evening I appeared before the Senate Committee on Labor having the subject of a Child Labor Bill under consideration. I had an interesting conference with Governor Marshall of Indiana, and as well as with the representative labor men of the state. It seemed to me that you should have this information. I did not read the accounts of my address, inaccuracies may have crept in, but I take it that the accounts are not unfair or unfriendly. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*186*] Z Mar. 2, 1911. Mr. Jerome Jones, Organizer, 14 1/2 North Forsyth St., Atlanta, Georgia. [*COPIED. MAR 2- 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of February 3rd in some way was placed among some papers which did not reach my attention until today. You requested my advice as to whether you should address a meeting of the "Reid Faction" of the Electrical Workers which was to be held in Atlanta the week of February 3rd. Of course it is now too late but I am merely writing this to acknowledge receipt of your letter and to explain why it was you did not receive a reply from me. I wish you would advise me if the meeting was held, what was its object and what resulted therefrom. With kind regards and best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Sam Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.187 COPY. March 1, 1911. Hon. William Hughes, House of Representatives, Washington, D. C. My dear Mr. Hughes: Somebody has informed me that there is a move on foot to strike out the provision for the eight-hour day on all government vessels and to confine it to battleships. Apropos of this, I enclose to you herein copy of a letter which I had the honor to write to the President and also copy of the President's reply. I am sure it will have a most important bearing upon this subject, and I therefore place the matter in your hands. I am sending a similar letter with copies of the correspondence enclosed to Senator LaFollette. Very truly yours, (Signed) Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. 188 COPY. March 1, 1911. Hon. Robert M. La Follette, United States Senate, Washington, D. C. My dear Senator: Somebody has informed me that there is a move on foot to strike out the provision of the eight-hour day on all government vessels and to confine it to battleships. Apropos of this, I enclose to you herein copy of a letter which I had the honor to write to the President and also copy of the President's reply. I am sure it will have a most important bearing upon this subject, and I therefore place the matter in your hands. I am sending a similar letter with copies of the correspondence enclosed to Congressman Hughes. Very truly yours, (Signed) Samuel Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor. [*189*] March 2, 1911. Mr. John W. Mays, Secretary, Joint Conference South Atlantic Printing Trades, Newton Claypool Bldg. Indianapolis, Indiana. Dear Sir and Brother: At the meeting with the Executive Council of the American Federation of Labor recently at headquarters, Washington, D. C., representatives of two of the professional printing organizations appeared and [?] than [Fen?] of [[b?] certain from in [?] newspaper solicitation, will [?] until the joint conference of the [?] organization [?] opportunity to discuss the matter at their next meeting [?]. President [?] [?] at this office today and suggested that I should write you direct communicating the request which he and President [James J.] Freel of the International Union of Stereotypers and Electrotypers made to the Executive Council, and to advise you further that the request was duly considered and ordered complied with. You will therefore kindly lay this matter before the Joint Conference Board of the Allied Printing Trades at its forthcoming meeting and advise us at your earliest convenience thereafter of the action taken by the board. The hope is expressed, as I am confident it will be, that the entire matter will receive very careful consideration at the190 Mr. John W. Hays –2– hands of the members of the conference With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. COPIED MAR 2 1911[*191*] [*COPIED. MAR 2- 1911*] X. March 2, 1911. Mr. John W. Hays, Secretary, Joint Conference Board, Allied Printing Trades, Newton Claypool Bldg., Indianapolis, Indian. Dear Sir and Brother: At the meeting of the Executive Council of the American Federation of Labor recently held at headquarters, Washington, D. C., representatives of two of the international printing trade unions appeared and requested that the American Federation of Labor refrain from issuing charters to newsboys, newspaper writers, newspaper solicitors, mail deliverers and newspaper carriers until the joint conference of the printing trades organizations had an opportunity to discuss the matter at their next meeting in March, 1911. President Lynch called at this office today and suggested that I could write to you direct, communicating the request which he and President Freel of the International Union of Stereotypers and Electrotypers made to the Executive Council, and to advise you further that the request was duly considered and ordered complied with. You will therefore kindly lay this matter before the Joint Conference Board of the Allied Printing Trades at its forthcoming meeting and advise me at your earliest convenience thereafter of the action taken by the board. The hope is expressed, as I am confident it will be, that the entire matter will receive very careful consideration at the192 Mr. John W. Hays -2- hands of the members of the conference. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, President, American Federation of Labor. COPIED. MAR 2- 1911 [*193*] [*COPIED. MAR 3- 1911*] Z Mar. 3, 1911. Mr. Frederic W. Gardner, President, Buck's Stove & Range Company, St. Louis, Mo. My dear Mr. Gardner: Your favor of February 27th is received, together with the two letters written you by Messrs. Calhoun and Heinecke requesting information upon the subject of the union shop, the information to be used in a debate. In reply I beg to say that I am sending to you under separate cover a dozen copies of a reprint of several editorials of mine in which I discussed fully the subject of the union and non-union shop. If you will send these to your correspondents I think they will give them the information they desire. I return the two letters to you herein. Now as to the 11,500 copies of our circular of February 7th, Secretary Morrison will send them to you in the course of a few days. The matter was being held by our printers awaiting advice from you as to whether you desire any additional numbers to be sent out and they will, therefore, have to be run off and it will take a day or two before we can send them to you. I am indeed sorry to know that Ms. Gardner was not as much benefitted by her trip to Hot Springs as she had anticipated and I most earnestly hope that now that the spring weather is coming on she will speedily recover from the neuralgia and rheumatism.[*194*] Mr. Frederic W. Gardner ---2. yet I am glad to say that she is somewhat better. With best wishes to you and Mrs. Gardner and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am Very truly yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. MAR 3 - 1911*] P. S. I am also sending you October 1910, and February 1911, issues of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST containing my correspondence with Mr. Marcus M. Marks on the subject. S. G.[*195*] [*COPIED. MAR 3- 1911*] M March 3, 1911. Mr. Edgar A. Perkins, Organizer, Room 16, Union Block, Indianapolis, Indiana. Dear Sir and Brother: The Union Label Trades Department of the A. F. of L. maintains and operates a moving picture show which is now being exhibited in a number of cities in Illinois, Ohio and Indiana. From reports received from officers and members of Central Labor Unions where the show has been exhibited, it is evident that as result thereof greater interest is being displayed in the promotion and sale of union made products that has probably been the case in any previous time in the history of our movement. It will, therefore, be seen that a most favorable opportunity is now presented for the organization of a branch of the Union Label Trades Department in your city. Secretary Tracy of the Department especially requested that the organizers in the cities where the moving picture show is being exhibited should be asked to take advantage of the opportunity presented to organize a branch of that Department. I trust, therefore, that you will give this matter your attention as soon as possible after the moving picture show has been exhibited in your city, if it has not already been there.196 N. A. P. 2. Thanking you for any assistance which you may be able to render in this matter, and trusting that you will let me hear from you in regard thereto, and with best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, [signed] Sam Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. COPIED. MAR 3- 1911 197 M March 3, 1911. Mr. Hugh Prayne, Organizer, 25 Third Ave. , New York City. COPIED. MAR 3- 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: The Union Label Trades Department of the A. F. of L. has been and is accomplishing good work, and in keeping up an active campaign in agitating and educating in behalf of union label products. Branches of that Department have been established in a number of cities throughout the country. Thus far, however, no such local branch has been established in your city. Secretary Tracy of the Department in a communication recently received from him earnestly requests the co-operation and assistance of the A. F. of L. organizers in a number of cities throughout the country, the City of New York included, to organize local branches of his Department. It is for this reason that I am now addressing this letter to you, Any assistance which you can render will be greatly appreciated by the Union Label Trades Department as well as by the undersigned. The organization of the local branch of the Union Label Trades Department in each city will add just that much more strength to the union label agitation now being conducted by the Label Trades Department, and of course, be just that much help in strengthening and broadening the work of the general labor movement in your locality. 198 H. F. 2. Any data or printed matter which you might desire will be promptly furnished yo by Secretary Thomas F. Tracy, Room 708 Curay Building, Washington, D. C. Thanking you in advance for your assistance and co-operation and with best wishes for success, I am, Fraternally yours, [signed] Sam Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. COPIED COPIED MAR 3 - 1911 MAR 3 - 1911 [*199*] [*COPIED. MAR 3- 1911*] M March 3, 1911. Mr. H. J. O'Brien, Organizer, 67 Saratoga Ave., Rochester, N. Y. Dear Sir and Brother: The Union Label Trades Department of the A. F. of L. has been and is accomplishing good work, and is keeping up an active campaign in agitating and educating in behalf of union label products. Branches of that Department have been established in a number of cities throughout the country. Thus far, however, no such local branch has been established in your city. Secretary Tracy of the Department in a communication recently received from him earnestly requests the co-operation and assistance of the A. F. of L. organizers in a number of cities throughout the country, the city of Rochester, included, to organize local branches of his Department. It is for this reason that I am now addressing this letter to you. Any assistance which you can render will be greatly appreciated by the Union Label Trades Department as well as by the undersigned. The organization of the local branch of the Union Label Trades Department in each city will add just that much more strength to the union label agitation now being conducted by the Label Trades Department, and of course, be just that much help in strengthening[*200*] M. J. O'Brien 2. and broadening the work of the general labor movement in your locality. Any data or printed matter which you might desire will be promptly furnished you by Secretary Thomas F. Tracy, Room 708, Ouray Building, Washington , D. C. Thanking you in advance for your assistance and co-operation and with best wishes for success, I am, Fraternally yours, [signed] Sam Gompers President American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. MAR 3- 1911*][*201*] [*COPIED. MAR 3- 1911*] M March 3, 1911. Mr. W. J. Kelly, Organizer, Labor Temple, Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. Dear Sir and Brother: The Union Label Trades Department of the A. F. of L. has been and is accomplishing good work, and is keeping up an active campaign in agitating and educating in behalf of union label products. Branches of that Department have been established in a number of cities throughout the country. Thus far, however, no such local branch has been established in your city. Secretary Tracy of the Department in a communication recently received from him earnestly requests the co-operation and assistance of the A. F. of L. organizers in a number of cities throughout the country, the City of Pittsburg included, to organize local branches of his Department. It is for this reason that I am now addressing this letter to you. Any assistance which you can render will be greatly appreciated by the Union Label Trades Department as well as by the undersigned. The organization of the local branch of the Union Label Trades Department in each city will add just that much more strength to the union label agitation now being conducted by the Label Trades Department, and of course, be just that much help in strengthening[*202*] W. J. K. 2. and broadening the work of the general labor movement in your locality. Any data or printed matter which you might desire will be promptly furnished you by Secretary Thomas F. Tracy, Room 708, Ouray Building, Washington, D. C. Thanking you in advance for your assistance and co-operation, and with best wishes for success, I am, Fraternally yours, [signed] Sam Gompers President American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. MAR 3- 1911*]203 M March 3, 1911. Mr. John E. Galligan, Organizer, 1203 Ridge Road, Scranton, Pa. COPIED. MAR 3- 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: The Union Label Trades Department of the A. F. of L. has been and is accomplishing good work, and is keeping up an active campaign in agitating and educating in behalf of union label products. Branches of that Department have been established in a number of cities throughout the country. Thus far, however, no such local branch has been established in your city. Secretary Tracy of the Department in a communication recently received from him earnestly requests the co-operation and assistance of the A. F. of L. organizers in a number of cities throughout the country, the City of Scranton included, to organize local branches of his Department. It is for this reason that I am now addressing this letter to you. Any assistance which you can render will be greatly appreciated by the Union Label Trades Department as well as by the undersigned. The organization of the local branch of the Union Label Trades Department in each city will add just that much more strength to the union label agitation now being conducted by the Label Trades Department, and of course, be just that much help in strengthening[*204*] J. E. G. 2. and broadening the work of the general movement in your locality. Any data or printed matter which you might desire will be promptly furnished you by Secretary Thomas F. Tracy, Room 708, Ouray Building, Washington, D. C. Thanking you in advance for your assistance and co-operation, and with best wishes for success, I am, [*COPIED. COPIED. MAR 3- 1911 MAR 3- 1911*] Fraternally yours, [signed] Sam Gompers President American Federation of Labor.[*205*] [*COPIED. MAR 3- 1911*] M March 3, 1911. Mr. Charles A. Cullen, Organizer, 4 Fairmont St., Worcester, Mass. Dear Sir and Brother: The Union Label Trades Department of the A. F. of L. has been and is accomplishing good work, and is keeping up an active campaign in agitating and educating in behalf of union label products. Branches of that Department have been established in a number of cities throughout the country. Thus far, however, no such local branch has been established in your city. Secretary Tracy of the Department in a communication recently received from him earnestly requests the co-operation and assistance of the A. F. of L. organizers in a number of cities throughout the country, the City of Worcester included, to organize local branches of his Department. It is for this reason that I am now addressing this letter to you. Any assistance which you can render will be greatly appreciated by the Union Label Trades Department as well as by the undersigned. The organization of the local branch of the Union Label Trades Department in each city will add just that much more strength to the union label agitation now being conducted by the Label Trades Department, and of course, be just that much help in strengthening[*206*] C. A. C. 2. and broadening the work of the general labor movement in your locality. Any data or printed matter which you might desire will be promptly furnished you by Secretary Thomas F. Tracy, Room 708, Ouray Building, Washington, D. C. Thanking you in advance for your assistance and co-operation, and with best wishes for success, I am, Fraternally yours, [signed] Sam Gompers President American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. COPIED. MAR 3- 1911 MAR 3- 1911*][*207*] M March 3, 1911. [*COPIED. MAR 3- 1911*] Mr. H. A. Ferdinandhus, Organizer, 88 George St., New Haven, Connecticut. Dear Sir and Brother: The Union Label Trades Department of the A. F. of L. has been and is accomplishing good work, and is keeping up an active campaign in agitating andeducating in behalf of union label products. Branches of that Department have been established in a number of cities throughout the country. Thus far, however, no such local branch has been established in your city. Secretary Tracy of the Department in a communication received from him recently earnestly requests the co-operation and assistance of the A. F. of L. organizers in a number of cities throughout the country, the City of New Haven included, to organize local branches of his Department. It is for this reason that I am now addressing this letter to you. Any assistance which you can render will be greatly appreciated by the Union Label Trades Department as well as by the undersigned. The organization of the local branch of the Union Label Trades Department in each city will add just that much more strength to the union label agitation now being conducted by the Label Trades Department, and of course, be just that much help in strengthening[*208*] H. A. F. 2. and broadening the work of the general labor movement in your locality. Any data or printed matter which you might desire will be promptly furnished you by Secretary Thomas F. Tracy, Room 708, Ouray Building, Washington, D. C. Thanking you in advance for your assistance and co-operation, and with best wishes for success, I am, Fraternally yours, [signed] Sam Gompers President American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. MAR 3- 1911*][*209*] [*COPIED. MAR 2- 1911*] M March 3, 1911. Mr. John Fitzpatrick, Organizer, Room 501, 275 La Salle St., Chicago, Ill. Dear Sir and Brother: The Union Label Trades Department of the A. F. of L. maintains and operates a moving picture show which is now being exhibited in a number of cities in Illinois, Ohio and Indiana. From reports received from officers and members of Central Labor Unions where the show has been exhibited, it is evident that as a result thereof greater interest is being displayed in the promotion and sale of union made products than has probably been the case in any previous time in the history of our movement. It will, therefore, be seen that a most favorable opportunity is now presented for the organization of a branch of the Union Label Trades Department in your city. Secretary Tracy of the Department especially requested that the organizers in the cities where the moving picture show is being exhibited should be asked to take advantage of the opportunity presented to organize a branch of that Department. I trust, therefore, that you will give this matter your attention as soon as possible after the moving picture show has been exhibited in your city, if it has not already been there.210 J. J. F. 2. Thanking you in advance for any assistance which you may be able to render in this matter, and trusting that you will let me hear from you in regard thereto, and with best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, [signed] Sam Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. COPIED. COPIED. MAR 3- 1911 MAR 3- 1911 [*211*] [*COPIED. MAR 3- 1911*] M March 3, 1911. Mr. Michael Goldsmith, Organizer, 1856 East Sixth St., Cleveland, Ohio. Dear Sir and Brother: The Union Label Trades Department of the A. F. of L. maintains and operates a moving picture show which is now being exhibited in a number of cities in Illinois, Ohio and Indiana. From reports received from officers and members of Central Labor Unions where the show has been exhibited, it is evident that as a result thereof greater interest is being displayed in the promotion and sale of union made products than has probably been the case in any previous time in the history of our movement. It will, therefore, be seen that a most favorable opportunity is now presented for the organization of a branch of the Union Label Trades Department in your city. Secretary Tracy of the Department especially requested that the organizers in the cities where the moving picture show is being exhibited should be asked to take advantage of the opportunity presented to organize a branch of that Department. I trust, therefore, that you will give this matter your attention as soon as possible after the moving picture show has been exhibited in your city, if it has not already been there.[*212*] [*COPIED. MAR 3- 1911*] M. G. 2. Thanking you in advance for any assistance which you may be able to render in this matter, and trusting that you will let me hear from you in regard thereto, and with best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. [*213*] [*COPIED. MAR 3- 1911*] M March 3, 1911. Mr. W. B. Hartman, Organizer, 261 Second St., Columbus, Ohio. Dear Sir and Brother: The Union Label Trades Department of the A. F. of L. maintains and operates a moving picture show which is now being exhibited in a number of cities in Illinois, Ohio and Indiana. From reports received from officers and members of Central Labor Unions where the show has been exhibited, it is evident that as a result thereof greater interest is being displayed in the promotion and sale of union made products than has probably been the case in any previous time in the history of our movement. It will, therefore, be seen that a most favorable opportunity is now presented for the organization of a branch of the Union Label Trades Department in your city. Secretary Tracy of the Department especially requested that the organizers in the cities where the moving picture show is being exhibited should be asked to take advantage of the opportunity presented to organize a branch of that Department. I trust, therefore, that you will give this matter your attention as soon as possible after the moving picture show has been exhibited in your city, if it has not already been there.214 W. B. H. 2. Thanking you in advance for any assistance which you may be able to render in this matter, and trusting that you will let me hear from you in regard thereto, and with best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, [signed] Sam Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. COPIED. COPIED. MAR 3- 1911 MAR 3- 1911 [*215*] [*COPIED. MAR 3- 1911*] X. March 3, 1911. Mr. Phil [Warn?], Jr., President, Decorators, Costumers, and Badge Makers Union #11555, [?11] York St., Jersey, City, N. J. Dear Sir and Brother: On February 11th I wrote you as follows: In my letter of January 13th I requested that you should give me the exact number of members of your union who are bona fide wage earners; further that you should advise me whether any of your members manufacture the goods they have for sale in the shop or factory or in their own homes. In giving me the number of members I would like you to designate each member by name and where and how employed." Please let me have this information at your earliest possible convenience. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*216*] [*COPIED. MAR 3- 1911*] X. March 3, 1911. Mr. R. B[o?]hrman, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, 231 High Street, Carlinville, Illinois. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the first instant is received and contents noted. In regard to the matter of your fee for organizing and installing local union of Barbers, let me say that you should take the matter up direct with the executive officers of the International Union, and whatever arrangements may be made as to a fee will be done by them. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*217*] [*COPIED. MAR 3- 1911*] LF Mar 2, 1911. Mr. James Hawthorne, Organizer 771 River Street, Troy, N. Y. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 28th ultimo is received and contents noted. In reply to your inquiry as to the organization of ice handlers, I would sate that there is no national organization of ice workers and before I can give you any definite information on this subject I would ask that you tell me what kind of work these men perform. With kind regards and hoping to hear from you at your early convenience in regard to this matter, I remain, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.[*218*] [*COPIED. MAR 3- 1911*] LF March 3, 1911. Mr. A. E. Hohler, President Rhode Island State Federation of Labor, Room 5 Labor Temple, Providence, Rhode Island. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of February 28th has been duly received and contents noted. I note what you say in regard to the punchers, pressers, benders, inspectors and packing department employees of the R. J. Perkins Horseshoe works in Valley Falls, Rhode Island desiring to join a labor organization. In reply I beg to state that by this mail I am writing to President P. J. McArdle of the Amalgamated Association of Iron Steel and Tin Workers and will write you further as soon as I hear from him. In the meantime, if the men are ready to organize they should make application for the charter to this office and we will see that they are properly placed. With kind regards, I remain, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.[*219*] [*COPIED. MAR 3- 1911*] X. March 3, 1911. Mr. R. N. Beebe, 101 N. Gilbert Street, Iowa City, Iowa. Dear Sir: Your favor of February 28th is received, in which you request me to advise you as to the attitude of the trade unions in regard to the introduction of the system of compulsory insurance, as stated in the following question: "Resolved, That a system of compulsory industrial insurance is desirable in the United States. Constitutionality granted." In reply I beg to say that a proposition similar to the above was submitted by one of the delegates at the San Francisco convention of the American Federation of Labor, but it was rejected. We believe in insurance in the unions, and many of our international unions have established a system of benefits in case of out of work, loss of tools, sickness, death, travelling, and various other benefits and insurance features. Very truly yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.220 LF March 3, 1911 COPIED. MAR 3- 1911 Mr. J. F. Richards, Ex-President Laborers Protective Union #12713, Box 305, Roswell, New Mexico. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of February 27th is received and contents noted. You state in detail the trouble which your organization is having with the H. L. Stephens Construction Company and you desire to know if the Carpenters' organization cannot be required to quit work for that company until the controversy between your organization and it is adjusted. In reply I beg to say that the President of the American Federation of Labor has no power or authority to direct that even one member or one organization should quit work for any cause whatsoever, much less has he the authority to direct what course of action shall be followed by an affiliated national or international union. I can, however, send copy of your letter to President Huber of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners for his information and for whatever action he may be able to take in the premises in behalf of Local #12713. I infer from your letter that your members have already quit work in protest against the policy of the H. L. Stephens Construction Company to require the laborers to work nine hours per day [*221*] [*COPIED. MAR 3- 1911*] Mr. J. W. Richard--2 at the wage of $2.00 per day, and the carpenters to work eight hours and at the union scale of wages. I will take the matter up with President Huber and as soon as I hear anything from him in reply thereto I will immediately advise you. I would be glad to have you write me further as to any new developments which may arise. With every wish for success and with kind regards, I remain, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.[*222*] [*COPIED. MAR 3- 1911*] LF March 3, 1911. Mr. P. J. McArdle, President, Iron, Steel & Tin Workers, House Building, Pittsburg, Pa. Dear Sir and Brother: In a letter just received from the President of the Rhode Island State Federation of Labor he says that the employees of the R. J. Perkins Horseshoe Works in Valley Falls, that is the punchers, pressers, benders, inspectors and the employes of the packing department are desirous of joining a labor organization and he wants to know whether they should make application to your Association for charter, or where they should be placed. Will you please advise me if provision is made in your laws for this class of men to hold membership. Kindly let me have this information at your earliest convenience so that I may definitely advise Mr. A. E. Hohler. With kind regards, I remain, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.[*223 *] [*COPIED. MAR 3- 1911*] X. March 3, 1911. Mr. Hugh Frayne, Organizer, America Federation of Labor, 25 Third Avenue, New York City. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the second instant is received and contents noted. In view of the favorable report you made as to the George C. Sutton Company and the union label agreement of Badge Makers Local #12249, I have signed the agreement and two copies will be promptly forwarded. I have again written to Badge Makers Local #11555 of Hudson County, in regard to the names and addresses of the members of the union and just as soon as I can get the information I will send it to you. Now as to your previous letter in regard to a conference with the Whitehead and Hoag Company in regard to the Jewelry Workers Label, I have not taken any action upon that matter, as Secretary Morrison is now in correspondence with Secretary Bessinger of the Jewelry Workers' International Union upon the matter of the suggestion you offered in a letter to him for the disbanding of the International Union and the organization of local unions of Jewelry Workers directly affiliated to the A. F. of L. It seemed to me, therefore, that the matter of the conference you suggest could be postponed for the time being. In any event, when I see you in New York next224 Mr. Hugh Frayne -2- week we can discuss the matter further. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, [signed] Sam Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. COPIED. COPIED. COPIED. MAR 3- 1911 MAR 3- 1911 [*225*] [*COPIED. MAR 3- 1911*] X. March 3, 1911. Mr. E. E. George, Secretary, Building Trades Section, 99 S. Moreland Ave., Atlanta, Ga. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the first instant is received and contents noted. In reply I beg to say that the locals of the various departments of the American Federation of Labor are not entitled to representation in State Federations of Labor, as these locals are represented in the State Federation of Labor through the city central bodies. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*226*] [*COPIED. MAR 3- 1911*] Z Mar. 3, 1911. Mr. Frederic W. Gardner, President, Buck's Stove & Range Company, St. Louis, Mo. My dear Mr. Gardner: Your favor of February 27th is received, together with the two letters written you by Messrs. Calhoun and Heinecke requesting information upon the subject of the union shop, the information to be used in a debate. In reply I beg to say that I am sending to you under separate cover a dozen copies of a reprint of several editorials of mine in which I discussed fully the subject of the union and non-union shop. If you will send these to your correspondents I think they will give them the information they desire. I return the two letters to you herein. Now as to the 11,500 copies of our circular of February 7th, Secretary Morrison will send them to you in the course of a few days. The matter was being held by our printers awaiting advice from you as to whether you desired any additional numbers to be sent out and they will, therefore, have to be run off and it will take a day or two before we can send them to you. I am indeed sorry to know that Mrs. Gardner was not as much benefitted by her trip to Hot Springs as she had anticipated and I most earnestly hope that now that the spring weather is coming on she will speedily recover from the neuralgia and rheumatism. While Mrs. Gompers is not yet able to be out of bed[*227*] [*COPIED. MAR 3- 1911*] Mr. Frederic W. Gardner---2. yet I am glad to say that she is somewhat better. With best wishes to you and Mrs. Gardner and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am Very truly yours, President, American Federation of Labor. P. S. I am also sending you October 1910, and February 1911, issues of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST containing my correspondence with Mr. Marcus M. Marks on the subject. S. G.[*228*] [*COPIED. MAR 3- 1911*] LF March 3, 1911 Mr. Wm. D. Huber, President, United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, Carpenters' Bldg., Indianapolis, Ind. Dear Sir and Brother: Enclosed you will please find copy of letter which I have just received from the ex-president of Laborers Protective Union No. 12713 of Roswell, New Mexico. I also enclose copy of my reply, both of which are submitted to you for your consideration and whatever action you may be able to take in the premises. We have no organization at Roswell, neither have we a Central Labor Union, and there is no one in that locality whom I could assign to assist Local #12713 in their effort to adjust matters with the H. L. Stephens Construction Company. Trusting that you may be able to render some assistance through your local in Roswell, and asking you to let me hear from you in regard to the matter, I remain, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. Enclosures:[*229*] [*COPIED. MAR 3- 1911*] LF Copy. J. W. Richards, Box 305 Roswell, N. Mexico, Laborers Protective Union #12713. Roswell, New Mexico, 2/27/11. Mr. Samuel Gompers, President, A. F. of L., Washington, D.C. Dear Sir and Brother: The H. L. Stephens Construction Company have contracted with Mr. Allison of Albuquerque to put up a three (3) or four (4) story concrete office building here in Roswell, size 50 ft. front by 198'. The said Company announced their intention of working union carpenters at union scale of 8 hours at 50¢ per hour and that they will work all common labor 9 hours at $2.00 A committee of the Labor Union #12713 called on the foreman and was informed that they would not work less than 9 hours or pay more than $2.00; that they would ship Mexican laborers from El Paso, Texas here and work them 10 hours for $1.25. Our committee called on the U. B. of C. & J. and asked for assistance. The U. B. of C. & J. offered moral personal support but said that they could not take any action as an organization. They stated that they had been "kicked" out of the A. F. of L. And that they could not take any action as an order. I wrote to Bro. W. T. Davis of El Paso, Texas, informing him of the threat to ship Mesican laborers in here from that place. Bro.[*230*] [*COPIED. MAR 3- 1911*] Mr. Samuel Gompers--2 Davis assured me of cooperation from El Paso in preventing them from shipping Mexicans in. Bro. Davis stated that he thought they might be able to give us valuable assistance from that end of the line as the Stephens Company were doing work in El Paso, and that they (the union) had kept them up to the "snubbing Post" there. One and two years ago the Carpenters and Brick Masons stood by the Federation of Laborers on a couple of non-union jobs. I can not understand why they should lie down on us now. I was Vice-President of our local in 1909 and was President in 1910 and know that no complaint ever reached me from any union of any unfairness of our local or any of its individual members. The Stephens Construction Company had four union carpenters come down from Kansas City. Our local contractors are paying from $2.00 to $3.00 per day of 8 hours and our local will refuse to work 9 hours. Our present President is E. C. Brown and our Cor. Secretary is W. M. McLaughlin. Please advise us if we can not have the Carpenters quit work until union labor is employed? Fraternally yours, (Signed) J. W. Richards (Ex. Pres.)[*231*] [*COPIED. MAR 3-1911*] LF March 2, 1911 Dr. Charles P. Neill, Commissioner of Labor, Bureau of Labor, Washington, D. C. Dear Dr. Neill: In conformity with the conversation Miss Guard had with you over the 'phone this morning, I beg to enclose to you herein list of names and addresses towhich I would be exceedingly obliged if you would send copies of Bulletin #91 and also Bulletin #90. Upon investigation I find that we have copies of the first and second reports on women's labor. Sincerely yours, [*Sam Gompers*] President American Federation of Labor. Enclosure:232 John H. Lennon, Bloomington, Illinois. James Duncan, Hancock Building, Quincy, Mass. John Mitchell, 10096 Metropolitan Bldg. New York City. James O'Connell, McGill Building, Washington, D. C. D. A. Hayes, 930 Witherspoon Bldg., Philadelphia, Pa. Wm. D. Huber, Carpenters' Building, Indianapolis, Indiana. Joseph F. Valentine, Commercial Tribune Bldg. , Cincinnati, Ohio. John R. Alpine, 401-6 Bush Temple of Music, Chicago, Illinois H. B. Perham, Star Building, St. Louis, Missouri. We have copies of first and second reports on Women's Labor. March 2, 1911. COPIED. MAR 3- 1911 COPIED. MAR 3- 1911 [*233*] [*COPIED. MAR 3- 1911*] M March 2, 1911 . Mr. Harry M. Chase, 162 Eagle St., Dayton, Ohio. Dear Sir: Your favor of February 25th is at hand, in which you state that you are to take part in a debate on the subject "Resolved, That the U. S. should have tariff for revenue only": that you are on the affirmative side, and request information as to the benefits the mass of the people receives from a protective tariff, and some literature on the subject. Replying I beg to say that my time is so fully engrossed with the work in direct connection with my duties as President of the American Federation of Labor and Editor of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST, that I have not the time, and in fact, not the inclination to discuss the subject you propound. The A. F. of L. has declined to commit itself to either the policy of free trade or protective tariff, preferring to unite upon the points of agreement rather than divide upon divergent questions. You will, therefore, see the impropriety of my discussing this question. Very truly yours, Samuel Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.[*234*] [*COPIED. MAR 3- 1911*] M March 2, 1911. Mr. J. A. Roberstson, Secretary, Trades Council, 420 Glenaddie Ave., Anniston, Alabama. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of February 28th is at hand, in which you state that the Trades Council recommends the appointment of Robert E. Gann as volunteer organizer for Anniston and vicinity. It affords me pleasure to comply with the request and recommendation made and commission will be issued and forwarded to Brother Gann in accordance therewith. There will also be forwarded to him a package of literature and documents published by this office which I am sure he will find of assistance in the discharge of his duties as the representative of the A. F. of L. for that section. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.235 COPIED. MAR 3- 1911 X. March 3, 1911. Mr. C. A. Perkins, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, Brownwood, Texas. Dear Sir: President Gompers directs me to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 27th ultimo, and to thank you for giving him the opportunity of reading the letter written you by Congressman Slayden. He returns it to you herein as per your request. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*236*] [*COPIED. MAR 3 - 1911*] LF March 2,1911 Mr. Lee Anderson, Secretary Trades and Labor Council, 408 Johnson St., Ionia, Michigan. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 27th ultimo is received and contents noted. In reply thereto I beg to say that if you will give me a list of the organizations whose local unions are not represented in the central body I will be glad to take the matter up with their respective national or international organizations. The Constitution of the American Federation of Labor, Article XI, Section 2, provides that it shall be the duty of all national and international unions affiliated with the American Federation of Labor to instruct their local unions to join chartered central labor bodies, departments and state federations in their vicinity where such exist. With kind regards and hoping to hear from you at your early convenience,I remain, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.237 LF March 3, 1911 COPIED. MAR 3- 1911 COPIED. MAR 3- 1911 Hon. Samuel B. Donnelly, Public Printer, Bureau of Engraving and Printing, City. My dear Mr. Donnelly: You will please accept my thanks for your courtesy in sending me your report for the year 1910. I assure you it is greatly appreciated. Sincerely yours, [signed] Sam. Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. 238 Z Mar. 3, 1911. Sullivan-Blakely Printing Co., 313 South Clinton St., Chicago, Illinois. COPIED. COPIED. MAR 3- 1911 COPIED MAR 3- 1911 Gentlemen: Your favor of the 23rd ultimo has been duly received, with which you enclose a communication you received from Trinidad requesting information concerning labor matters. I beg to advise that I have written your correspondent giving him the information requested. Very truly yours, [signed] Sam. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. [*239 *] [*copy*] [*COPIED. MAR 3- 1911*] Z March 3, 1911. Mr. Arthur Alexander Zurchio, Mining Engineer, Bella Mines, Sanfernando, Trinidad, B. W. I. Dear Sir: Your letter of February 15th addressed to the Sullivan-Blakely Printing Co. of Chicago has been referred to me by that Company. In compliance with your request I beg to send to you under separate cover a list of the organizations affiliated to the American Federation of Labor, at the same time I am also sending you copies of some of our printed matter which has been translated into the Spanish language as well as other printed matter in the English language. I trust you will find them of interest. Kindly acknowledge receipt and oblige Very truly yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*240*] [*COPIED. MAR 3- 1911*] Z. Mar, 3, 1911 In replying please refer to Resolution #99. Mr. Charles H. Lee, Chairman, Legislative Committee, Rhode Island State Branch, 725 Potter Avenue, Providence, R. I. Dear Sir and Brother: Owing to circumstances entirely beyond my control I have just been able to reach your letter of February 9th, receipt of which has already been acknowledged. I note all that you say in reference to the situation as regards the continuation of the legislative program of the Rhode Island State Federation of Labor and the necessity for financial assistance if the work is to be kept up. As such a length of time has elapsed since your letter to me I take it that the Legislature has disposed of the bill for the repeal of the property qualification law. I wish you would advise me definitely in regard thereto. As to the financial assistance in the prosecution of the legislative program of the Rhode Island State Federation of Labor, I regret to say that the treasury of the A. F. of L. is such as to preclude the possibility of our rendering any financial assistance in the work. It should be unnecessary for me to241 Mr. Charles H. Lee---2. say to you that our moral and actual support and assistance will be given to the very fullest limit of our ability. Trusting that I may hear from you at your early convenience and with kind regards, I am Fraternally yours, [signed] Sam. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. COPIED. MAR 3- 1911 [*242*] [*COPIED. MAR 3- 1911*] Z Mar. 3, 1911. Mr. Sim A. Bramlette, President, Kansas City State Federation of Labor, 2956 N. 18th St., Kansas City, Kansas. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of February 26th has been duly received and contents noted. While we will be glad to assist in every way within our power in the campaign which you suggest for the purpose of securing the enactment of legislation desired by labor in the Kansas State Legislature, yet I fear that we could not enter into a campaign to such an extent as to involve financial responsibility on the part of the A. F. of L., as we have not the means at our command with which to conduct such a campaign. If there is any other way in which we can be helpful please advise me. Of course you will not fail to keep me advised fully as to the progress made in the legislative work in your State. With best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. As long as the missions will refuse to provide the financial means to extend our opportunities for the grand work to be done our efforts must necessarily be limited. We are doing the very best we can and with good results, but by no means what could have worked. With my best wishes. SG[*243 *] [*COPIED. MAR 3- 1911*] Z Mar. 3, 1911. Mr. H. F. Brown, Secretary, F. L. U. 12962, Port Tampa City, Florida. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of February 17th is received and contents noted. You give me the information I requested in my letter of February 13th as to the reduction in the salary of the Chief Engineer at No. 3 Phosphate Elevator and you say that this man is a member of your organization and that he does not have the authority to either hire or discharge the men in that department. You further say that the Superintendent of Elevators has filled the position by the employment of an out of town non-union man. In connection with this matter I would advise that it should be brought to the attention of the Central Labor Union and protest made by that body against the action taken, the protest being made in the form of a series of preambles and resolutions requesting the citizens and sympathetic people at large to sustain the members of your organization in your protest against such a sweeping reduction in salary and the employment of an outside man at a much lower salary than that paid to the man who acted as244 Mr. H. F. Brown---2-- Chief Engineer, a member of your union and, I take it, a citizen of Port Tampa. With best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, [signed] Sam. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. COPIED. MAR 3- 1911 245 Z Mar. 3, 1911. Mr. J. T. Templeton, Secretary, Buck's Stove and Range Company, St. Louis, Mo. COPIED. MAR 3- 1911 COPIED MAR 3- 1911 Dear Sir: I beg to acknowledge receipt of your several favors of recent date with enclosures. We cannot comply fully in every particular with your requests but we are dong the very best we possibly can. Very sincerely yours, [signed] Sam. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. [*246*] [*COPIED. MAR 3- 1911*] Z Mar. 3, 1911. Mr. Douglas Wilson, Editor, Machinists' Monthly Journal, 1314 Madison Ave., Brightwood, D. C. Dear Sir and Brother: The bound volume of the Machinists' Monthly Journal for the year 1910 has been duly received. Please accept my thanks for your courtesy in sending same. I have not yet been able to find a minute to examine it closely but feel sure that when I do I shall derive much pleasure from it. With best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. Have read several individual [??????????????][*247*] [*COPIED. MAR 3- 1911*] Z Mar. 3, 1911. Mr. Dan McDougall, President, Dist. No. 26, United Mine Workers of America P. O. Box 112, Glace Bay, N. S. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of February 24th received and contents noted. You request that we should send you the official proceedings of the conventions of the American Federation of Labor of 1906-7-8-9 and 10. I beg to say that we can let you have these in paper covers for twenty-five cents per copy but we could not let you have them bound unless you desire to get the complete set from 1881 to date. I say the complete set because several years ago the bound proceedings became practically exhausted and the convention ordered their reprint. As you can appreciate, having them reprinted was at a heavy cost and in selling them we cannot break a set. Asking you to advise me in regard to the above at your early convenience, and with best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*248*] [*COPIED. MAR 3- 1911*] Z March 3, 1911. Ide Brothers Company, P. O. Box No. 68, Albany, N. Y. Gentlemen: I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of February 24th, in which you refer to the difficulty you have experienced in pushing the collars manufactured by your Company and bearing the union label. I beg to advise you that the matter will receive my attention and I will do all that I can to be helpful. Very truly yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*249*] Z Mar. 3, 1911. [*COPIED. MAR 3- 1911*] Mr. George J. Raiser, Secretary, Amalgamated Lace Curtain Operatives of America, 3021 North Fifth St., Philadelphia, Pa. Dear Sir and Brother: Enclosed you will please find copy of a translation of a letter which I have received from Mr. Leopold August. I have not yet made any reply and before doing so would be glad to have a word from you. With best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, [signed] Sam Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*250*] [*COPIED. MAR 2- 1911*] COPY. TEXTILE WORKERS' UNION Wiener-Neustadt, Austria, W. Neustadt, February 9, 1911. Dear Mr. Gompers: According to the newspapers I take it that the lace industry in the United States is in great need of skilled lace operatives. Since business has been so dull in Austria for such a long time and we will have to wait quite a while for improvement, we are forced to make a change. Especially we in Wiener-Neustadt employed by the firm of Faber & Co., which Company intends to transfer its machinery to a cheaper working place, (Littowitz). It would be very agreeable to us if we could succeed in securing work in our vocation. We would appreciate it very much if it would be possible for you to get into communication with some lace manufacturers and secure work for three or four members. We intend to make the trip without our families for the present, that is if it will be possible for us to secure work; in addition, we expect the firm to pay two-thirds of the travelling expenses - second class - ; and also to state the weekly and hourly wages they will pay. We all belong to the union and will assure you that in the future we will consider it our duty to look out for socialistic interests. Trusting that we will soon receive a communication from you, I remain, With best wishes, Leopold August, W. Neustadt, Raugasse 22, Nieder Gesterreich (Lower Austria) W. B. If you should find it impossible to comply with our request, kindly endeavor to secure some addresses of lace manufacturers for us so that we may get into communication with them ourselves.[*251*] [*COPIED. MAR 3- 1911*] LF March 3, 1911 Mr. O. A. Cone, Secretary Federation of Trades 14 1/2 N Forsyth St., Atlanta, Georgia. Dear Sir and Brother: Atlanta, Georgia having been selected by the American Federation of Labor for the holding of the 31st Annual Convention, to take place November 13-25, 1911, it will of course be necessary for arrangements to be made in connection therewith. In addition, the Union Label Trades Department of the A. F. of L. will hold its annual convention about a week in advance of the A. F. of L. Convention and the Building Trades Department of the A. F. of L. will hold its annual convention the Monday after the adjournment of the A. F. of L. Convention. Therefore arrangements will have to be made for the convention hall, hotel accommodations, printing of daily proceedings and other matter, etc. etc. The purpose of my writing now is to say that it will be necessary to make these arrangements a little earlier this year than has been the case heretofore. One of the reasons, and the important reason being that Secretary Morrison and I may not have the opportunity later on to visit Atlanta for the purpose of investigating the arrangements which are and which can be made. The[*252*] Mr. C. A. Cone--2 decision of the United States Supreme Court in our appeal cases may determine that. Therefore, I beg to advise you that Secretary Morrison of the A. F. of L., Secretary William J. Spencer of the Building Trades Department, and Secretary Thomas F. Tracy of the Union Label Trades Department and the undersigned will come to Atlanta, Monday, March 27th for the purposes above indicated. Inasmuch as we shall not have more than a day or perhaps two days at our disposal to remain at Atlanta, I should like to have your Federation of Trades have a committee selected at once to make an investigation in regard to convention halls in which conventions may be held, and the hotel accommodations, rates, etc. which can be secured for the delegates and to make some investigation in regard to the printing plants as to their ability to get out the work of the conventions as required. It would be additionaly advantageous if that committee would be prepared to meet with us on Monday, the 27th instant, and to lay before us what information they have, preferably in written form and be prepared that day and Tuesday morning to accompany us to the various halls, hotels and printing offices. Sincerely hoping that the request and suggestions may meet with the approval of your Federation of Trades and promptly and effectively carried into effect, anticipating the pleasure of meeting you and our friends in Atlanta on the 27th, and hoping to hear from you at your earliest convenience, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, A.F. of L. N.B. After receiving your reply I shall advise you of the road over which we shall travel and the time when we shall be due.[*253*] [*COPIED. MAR 3- 1911*] LF March 3, 1911 When replying to this letter, kindly refer to Resolution #47. Mr. M. Shomer, Secretary United Neckwear Cutters #6939, 556 E 178th St., New York, N.Y. Dear Sir and Brother: In continuation of my letter to you of yesterday, I beg to enclose to you herein copy of a letter just received from Organizer John Fitzpatrick in regard to the Neckwear Cutters' matter, and which you will kindly accept as part of this communication to you. With kind regards, I remain, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. Enclosure:[*254*] [*COPIED. MAR 3- 1911*] LF March 3, 1911 When replying kindly refer to Resolution #47. Miss Mollie Hamer, Secretary, United Neckwear Makers Union #11016, 151 Clinton St., New York City. Dear Madam: In continuation of my letter to you of yesterday, I beg to enclose to you herein copy of a letter just received from Organizer John Fitzpatrick in regard to the Neckwear Makers' matter. With kind regards, I remain, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. Enclosure:[*255*] [*COPIED. MAR 3- 1911*] X. March 3. 1911. Mr. John B. Lannon, Treasurer, American Federation of Labor, Bloomington, Illinois. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of recent date with the enclosed pages from the Tailor came duly to hand and I have read them with the keenest interest and regret for I am sure that they will do a whole lot of injury to the Journeymen Tailors' Unions, hence to the interests of the workmen themselves. You know that in so far as sectarian religion is concerned. I am out of touch with it entirely. There is no sectarian domination to which I owe any allegiance, and yet I am not only desirous but insistent that everyone shall have as full and free an opportunity of belonging to any of the many sectarian religions as their judgment and their conscience may dictate, and this, too, without adverse criticism, ridicule or attack. Certainly they ought to enjoy freedom from such ridicule, criticism and attack in the official journals of the organization of which they are members. These official journals are printed by the organization which acknowledges and guarantees to every member the right of freedom of conscience particularly in matters religious, and each member contributes his quota of financial support for the publication of the journal.[*256*] [*COPIED. MAR 3- 1911*] Mr. John B. Lennon -2- Imagine then a member's money being utilized to cast odium upon his religious ideals. When I was in Europe year before last; I noted in Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria and other continental European countries the extent of the so-called "Christichlilige Gewerkschaften" (German Christian trade unions.) and learned that though they were in a considerable minority as far as numbers are concerned, they are quite extensive notwithstanding. A few months ago the editor of the official journal of the Christichlilige Gewerkschaften visited the United States. He is a member of the German Reichstag too. He declared that the origin of these unions was due to the bitter attacks, ridicule and criticism of the Christian church and Christian church ideals, and that those workmen who were members of unions refused longer to contribute their dues toward the support and insurance of trade unions and Socialist journals which he termed blasphemed their religious ideals. I am repeating to you briefly simply what was conveyed to me, both in my continental European trip and by the gentleman to whom I refer, but whose name I cannot now recall. It would seem the part of wisdom if not justice that men's religious views should not be antagonized, at least in the trade union movement, and through their trade union official journals. Surely organized labor has enough to contend with without provoking unnecessary hostility. You say that you have received a number of letters urging you to protest against the use of the journal as indicated. The view you express is entirely justified. Whatever you may do in regard to it would simply be attributed to you on the score of your defeat for general secretary, and yet I imagine that some protest ought to be made. It ought to come from the members or from the unions. I am free to say that I should have no hesitancy for myself to address a letter to Secretary Brais, calling his attention[*257*] Mr. John B. Lennon -3- to the injurious and unjust course pursued in the columns of the official journal of the Journeymen Tailors' union. Secretary Brais was here in this office a few weeks ago and I assure you I had a most "interesting" interview with him. If I had seen those matters when he was here, I certainly should not have hesitated to express my opinion to him fully and freely as I did to him upon some other matters affecting trade unionism. He seemed to be one upon whom it would not be to difficult for me to make an impression and I certainly would have preferred to express to him my views upon this important subject. As I have said, I am in entire accord with your views of the wrongful use of the journal in respect to the matters under consideration, and yet I also repeat that in my judgement you are not in an advantageous position to lead in making the protest. With best wishes, and hoping to hear from you often, I am, Sincerely and Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*258*] [*COPIED. MAR 4- 1911*] DAY LETTERGRAM. William P. Mavel, 430 South Division St., Buffalo, N. Y. Please let me have immediate answer to my telegram to you of February twenty-eight. Several other conferences depending upon the suggested conference of March twentieth. Samuel Gompers. (Charge A. F. of L.)[*259*] [*COPIED. MAR 4- 1911*] X. March 3, 1911. EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, AMERICAN FEDERATION OF LABOR. COLLEAGUES: I beg to enclose to you herein clipping from the Indianapolis News of February 21, which have been included in Document #16. Fraternally yours, [*Sam Gompers*] President, American Federation of Labor.[*260*] [*COPIED. MAR 4- 1911*] M March 3, 1911. Mr. Simon S. Sullivan, Organizer, Fall River, Massachusetts. Dear Sir and Brother: The Union Label Trades Department of the A. F. of L. has been and is accomplishing good work, and is keeping up in active campaign in agitating and educating in behalf of union label products. Branches of that Department have been established in a number of cities throughout the country. Thus far, however, no such local branch has been established in your city. Secretary Tracy of the Department in a communication recently received from him earnestly requests the co-operation and assistance of the A. F. of L. organizers in a number of cities throughout the country, the City of Fall River included, to organize local branches of his Department. It is for this reason that I am now addressing this letter to you. Any assistance which you can render will be greatly appreciated by the Union Label Trades Department as well as by the undersigned. The organization of the local branch of the Union Label Trades Department in each city will add just that much more strength to the union label agitation now being conducted by the Label Trades Department, and of course, be just that much help in strengthening[*261*] [*COPIED. MAR 4- 1911*] S. S. S. 2. and broadening the work of the general movement in your locality. Any data or printed matter which you might desire will be promptly furnished you by Secretary Thomas F. Tracy, Room 70B Ouray Building, Washington, D. C. Thanking you inadvance for your assistance and co-operation and with nest wishes for success, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.[*262*] [*COPIED. MAR 4- 1911*] LF March 4, 1911 Mr. Hugh Frayne, Organizer 25 Third Ave., New York,N.Y. Dear Sir and Brother: Enclosed please find letter which we wrote to the Secretary of the Flour and Cereal Mill Employes Local Union #3, Brooklyn. Not having any local address for Mr. Roberts we were unable to attach same and consequently this morning the letter was returned to us unclaimed. I would appreciate it very much if you would endeavor to ascertain his correct address and forward the enclosed to him. Thanking you in advance for your attention to the above, and with kind regards, I remain, Fraternally yours, [*Sam Gompers*] President American Federation of Labor. Enclosure:[*263*] [*COPIED. MAR 4- 1911*] DAY LETTER. Washington, D. C. March 4, 1911. Miss Pearl McGill, 516 E. 5th St., Muscatine, Iowa. Have telegraphed John B. Lennon, Treasurer American Federation of Labor to proceed to Muscatine immediately and help in adjustment of controversy and to aid in every way possible. Our union members should proceed carefully practically and consistently. Best wishes for success. SAMUEL GOMPERS President American Federation of Labor. Charge A. F. of L.[*264*] [*COPIED. MAR 4- 1911*] DAY LETTER. Washington, D. C., March 4, 1911. Mr. John B. Lennon, Bloomington, Ill. Letter received. Proceed to Muscatine Iowa immediately. Assist in adjustment if possible locked out Button Workers. Meet Pearl McGill, Secretary Button Workers Union. Wire answer. SAMUEL GOMPERS President, American Federation of Labor. Charge A. F. of L.[*265*] [*COPIED. MAR 4- 1911*] DAY MESSAGE. Washington, D. C., March 4, 1911. Mr. F. G. Hoppe, N. Sawyer Ave., Chicago, Ill. Go to the office Sunday and run off the names and addresses of Secretaries of local unions on plain envelopes and immediately express them to Vice-President Gompers at Washington. Important. G. W. PERKINS. COLLECT. [*266*] [*COPIED. MAR 4- 1911*] M March 4, 1911. Mr. F. J. Horan, 439 Howard Ave., New Haven, Connecticut. Dear Sir and Brother: Replying to your favor of February 5, in regard to the consideration of the Electrical Workers matter by the Executive Council of the A. F. of L. at its January meeting, I beg to call your attention to the fact that excerpts from the minutes of that meeting are published in the March issue of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST. The matter dealing with the Electrical Workers appears on pages 239, 240 and 241. With kind regards, I am, Fraternally yours, [*Sam Gompers*] President American Federation of Labor.[*26*] [*COPIED. MAR 4- 1911*] M March 4, 1911. Mr. John B. Lennon, Treasurer, American Federation of Labor, Bloomington, Illinois. Dear Sir and Brother: The demands on my time are so great, I find it impossible to affix my name to each and every warrant for the month of February, 1911, and have, therefore, authorized the use of a rubber stamp, the name being a fac simile of my signature on warrants as follow: No. 27096 February 1, to and including No. 27342, February 28, amounting to $17,571.32. Fraternally yours, [*Sam Gompers*] President American Federation of Labor.[*268*] [*COPIED. MAR 4- 1911*] Z March 4, 1911. In replying please refer to Resolution #37. Mr. James M. Lynch, President, International Typographical Union, Newton Claypool Building, Indianapolis, Indiana. Dear Sir and Brother: Enclosed you will find herewith duplicate copy of a letter I have just written to President Robert Glockling of the International Brotherhood of Bookbinders, which you will please accept as part of this communication to you. Hoping to receive a reply at your earliest convenience and with best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*269*] [*COPIED. MAR 4- 1911*] Z March 4, 1911. In replying please refer to Resolution #37. Mr. Robert Glockling, President, International Brotherhood of Bookbinders, 132 Nassau St., New York, N. Y. Dear Sir and Brother: On February 7th I wrote you in regard to Resolution #37 of the St. Louis Convention, advising you that the Executive Council has directed the undersigned to arrange for a conference between you and President Lynch at a time convenient and agreeable when I also could participate therein, for the purpose of endeavoring to reach some mutually satisfactory understanding as to the jurisdiction claims of both organizations over single wrapping. Replying thereto on February 23rd you said that you anticipated seeing President Lynch in the course of a few days. President Lynch wrote me on February 13th that almost any time would be agreeable to him. I now anticipate being in New York on March 20th for another conference, as directed by the Executive Council. If agreeable to you and President Lynch I should be glad to meet both of you in conference at the Victoria Hotel on the morning of March 21st.[*270*] [*COPIED. MAR 4 1911*] Mr. Robert Glockling -2. Please advise me as to this at your early convenience and oblige Fraternally yours, [*Sam Gompers*] President, American Federation of Labor.[*271*] [*COPIED. MAR 4- 1911*] LF March 4,1911 Mr. E. J. Cantwell, Secretary National Association of Letter Carriers, Traders' National Bank Building, Washington,D.C. Dear Sir: At the recent meeting of the Executive Council of the American Federation of Labor the executive officers of the National Federation of Post Office Clerks made application for the extension of jurisdiction over Letter Carriers. The Executive Council directed that a conference should be held between the representatives of the Post Office Clerks' organization and the representatives of the Letter Carriers Association, the object in viewing being to endeavor to reach some mutually satisfactory basis of agreement whereby the two organizations could be amalgamated into one, in full affiliation with the American Federation of Labor. President Nelson of the Post Office Clerks advises me that he anticipates visiting Washington some time during the month of May and that he would be glad to have the opportunity of meeting in conference with the representatives of your Association. I do not know yet just what time during the month he will come to this city, but in the meantime I am writing to inquire from you if it would be agreeable and convenient for the representatives of your Association to participate in such a conference upon a date mutually convenient in the month of May, the conference to be held[*272*] [*COPIED. MAR 4 1911*] Mr.E. J. Cantwell -2. in this city and a representative of the A. F. of L. also to participate. Trusting that I may hear from you at your early convenience, I am, Very truly yours, [*Sam Gompers*] President, American Federation of Labor.[*273*] [*COPIED. MAR 4 1911*] LF March 4, 1911 Mr. Oscar F. Nelson, President, National Federation of Post Office Clerks, Room 843, 225 Dearborn St., Chicago, Ill. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the second instant has been duly received and contents noted. In reply to my letter of February 8th, conveying to you the suggestions of the Executive Council recommending that a conference should be held between the representatives of the Post Office Clerks and the representations of the Letter Carriers National Association, looking toward the amalgamation of both organizations, you reply by saying that you expect to come to this city sometime during the month of May, when you will be glad to participate in such a conference. I am therefore writing to the executive officers of the Letter Carriers Association requesting them to advise me as to whether such a conference will be agreeable to them and if so whether they could participate in it if held in this city sometime during the month of May. i shall endeavor to write you further in regard to the matter just as soon as I hear from the Letter Carriers. With kind regards, I remain, Fraternally yours, [*Sam Gompers*] President, A.F. of L[*274*] [*COPIED. MAR 4- 1911*] M March 4, 1911. Mr. Cal Wyatt, General Delivery, 219 Wick St., Pittsburg, Pa. Dear Sir and Brother: In further reply to your favor of February 2, I beg to enclose to you herein copy of letter which I have just written to the Akron Central Labor Union, and which you will please accept as equally addressed to you. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*275*] [*COPIED. MAR 4- 1911*] X. March 3, 1911. Mr. John Mitchell, Vice-President, American Federation of Labor, 10096 Metropolitan Bldg., New York City. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the second instant, enclosing copy of the correspondence between yourself and Hon. Seth Low came duly to hand and I thank you for sending it to me. Permit me also to congratulate you upon the stand you have taken in resigning from office and membership in the National Civic Federation in response to the action of the recent convention of the United Mine Workers of America. In my judgment the action of the Miners' convention was not only a mistake, but it was [wrongfully] doing the organization itself, as well as the trade union movement, and particularly yourself, an injustice. The bitterest enemies of the capitalist class, have taken and will take, as they have cause to take, great confort at the action of the Miners' Union. Such action plays into their hands as well as into the hands of the false pretenders who mask behind a pretended interest in and friendship for labor. In the March issue of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST, I have an article upon organized labor and the National Civic Federation to which your attention is called. I should like you to read it in full, in connection with this letter.[*276*] [*COPIED. MAR 4- 1911*] Mr. John Mitchell -2- You know that any feeling which had been created against the Civic Federation is due to the political partisan Socialists. The constructive trade union work, the work for the common and general uplift of the toilers, with the protection and promotion of their interests, to constantly improve the condition of the workers in agreement with employers wherever possible, is wholly at variance with so-called philosophy of the political Socialists, and necessarily increases their bitter organized, systematized hostility. Just exactly the same may be found in the attitude of the Posts and Kirbys of the National Association of Manufacturers. It may not be an uninteresting item for you to know that notwithstanding the fact that the labor movement of Germany is accepted by the Socialists as the best expression of the most radical type, and yet when the strike of the Building Trades of Germany was on several months ago, the case was finally submitted to a Board of Arbitration, the arbitrators being Government Councillor Dr. Wiedfeldt; Dr. Bentler, Mayor of Dresden; Dr. Prenner, President of the Munich Industrial Court. You will thus observe that not one labor man was on that board of arbitration. It was composed of three men entirely removed from the ranks of labor. In the entire history of the labor movement of America, I know of no instance in which any organization or any set of workmen even unorganized, would consent to submit a case to a board of arbitration upon which a labor man was not a member. I would like to have an opportunity of talking over with you what you have in mind to do after March 31, when you sever your connections with the Civic Federation. If you could find it convenient, I should be glad to have a word from you in the meantime.277 Mr. John Mitchess -3- Again commending your stand, congratulating you upon it, and with assurances of my high regard and best wishes, I am, Sincerely and fraternally yours, [signed] Sam. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. COPIED MAR 4- 1911 [*278*] [*COPIED. MAR 4- 1911*] M March 4, 1911. Mr. V. J. Gilthorpe, Secretary, Brotherhood of Boilermakers and Iron Ship Builders, Suite 7-12 Law Bldg., Kansas City, Kansas. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 1st instant received and contents noted. I am glad to have the information you in regard to the organizers of your Brotherhood whom you sent to PIttsburg in compliance with my request. Now as to the matter of the decision of the Supreme Court let me say, that I am not satisfied with the conclusions reached. The Court granted the writ of certiorari to hear the arguments. We brought before the Court all the questions involved in the original injunction and the decision of the Court of Appeals in modifying the injunction and also the appeal on contempt of court under which Mitchell, Morrison and I have been sentenced to imprisonment. Since the appeal was first taken to the Supreme Court we have come to an agreement with the Buck's Stove and Range Company by which the industrial dispute was adjusted. When the argument was in full sway before the Unit[ed] States Supreme court on January 27th the Court stopped th[e] [a]rgument declaring that the matters in dispute between279 W. J. G. 2. the Buck's Stove and Range Company and the American Federation of Labor had been adjusted and that there was nothing which the court could decide, ending the controversy, because no controversy existed. It, therefore, dismissed the appeal upon the injunction, and then began to hear argument upon the contempt proceedings. The argument continued that day and the following Monday. The Court took a recess then to consult and to prepare its decision, which I expect will be handed down very shortly. COPIED MAR 4- 1911 With kind regards, I am, Fraternally yours, [signed] Sam. Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. [*280 *] [*COPIED. MAR 4- 1911*] M March 4, 1911. Mr. F. T. Hawley, President, Switchmen's Union, 326 Brisbane Building, Buffalo, N. Y. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of March 1st received. I have carefully noted all that you say in regard to the Brotherhood of Railway Trainmen. It is my desire to be helpful in every way I can to your organization, as well as to every other body of organized labor. I would suggest that you write me more fully and indicate more particularly just how and in what manner I can be of assistance. With kind regards, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.[*281*] [*COPIED. MAR 4- 1911*] X. March 3, 1911. Mr. Frank Duffy, Secretary, United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners, Carpenters' Building, Indianapolis, Indiana. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the first instant enclosing a copy of a letter which you sent to Mr. Mahlon Barnes, Secretary of the Socialist Political Party, came duly to hand and I thank you for the same. We all know the false pretences under which not only Slayton but other Socialist politicians appeal to the working people in order that they may secure an audience and by playing upon and assuming that the working people are ignorant, undertake to make converts to a short cut for the solution of all human problems. It is not generally understood that every day presents its problems which need immediate solution, and that as each one is solved new problems arise, and that that is the human struggle, the struggle of the working people day by day, year in and year out, and always moving onward, forward and upward. This is work of the trade union movement [in] which [the movement] is both eminently progressive and successful. Should you receive a reply from Mr. Barnes I shall greatly appreciate a copy. Again thanking you, and expressing my best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*282*] [*COPIED. MAR 4 " 1911*] M March 4, 1911. Mr. D. Tuholsky, Secretary, Central Labor Union, 430 Crosby St., Akron, Ohio. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of February 6th which reached this office during my absence on official business has already been acknowledged, and I am taking this, the first opportunity to reply thereto. Up to the present time it has been absolutely impossible for me to make any promise to go to Akron for any of the dates indicated in your letter for the purpose of addressing a mass meeting. My engagements are such for this month and for April, that there does not appear any likelihood of my being able to make additional engagements. Then again our appeal in the contempt case is now pending before the United Stated Supreme Court. The decision may be handed down upon any Monday, the only day upon which the Court renders its decision. Should we not be sustained in our position then Secretary Morrison, Vice-President Mitchell and I would have to serve the sentences of six, nine and twelve months imprisonment as imposed by Justice Wright, and in that event, of course the engagements I have already made would have to be broken. I should indeed be glad to act upon your suggestions, but yet for reasons above indicated it is not within my283 B. T. 2. power to do so. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, [signed] Sam. Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. COPIED MAR 4 " 1911 [*284*] [*COPIED. MAR 4- 1911*] M March 4, 1911. Mr. John R. Alpine, Seventh Vice-President, American Federation of Labor, 401-6 Bush Temple of Music, Chicago, Ill. Dear Sir and Brother: Enclosed you will please find copy of letter which I have just received from Vice-President Perham, and also copy of the circular to which he makes reference. As it seems doubtful that you authorized the placing of your name to the circular, I thought it advisable to send copy of it to you, and also copy of Mr. Perham's letter transmitting it. I am also writing to Secretary Nockels of the Chicago Federation of Labor calling the matter to his attention. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you at your earliest convenience, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.285 COPY St. Louis, Missouri, February 28, 1911 Mr. Samuel Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir and Brother: I desire to call your attention to a bad feature cropping out in the Political Action movement in Chicago, assuming that other people might possibly overlook it. I am informed that the circular letter enclosed is a scheme put on foot by some of the Chicago union men to discredit the Chicago Federation of Labor Political Action Committee, a sore of dual movement in opposition to the regularly accredited movement. Please note the imitation of the A. F. of L. seal in the upper left hand corner. It is probable that Brother John Alpine did not authorize placing his signature on that document. Yours fraternally, H. B. Perham, Eighth Vice-President. [*286 *] SIMON O'DONNELL, President Charles L. Wilde, Sec. Treas. (SEAL) THE UNITED LABOR POLITICAL LEAGUE Meet Every Saturday, 8 P. M. at 81 S. Clark St. Telephone Monroe 909 Chicago 191 TO ORGANIZED LABOR OF THE CITY OF CHICAGO, GREETING: We, the undersigned members of the United Labor Political League, request you to assist our Organization in its efforts of carrying out the political program of the American Federation of Labor-- "SUPPORT OUR FRIENDS AND DEFEAT OUR ENEMIES." Our League is a permanent organization with these purposes in view as it is a well known fact that if Labor would stand united in politics it would receive its due share in the government of City, County, State and National affairs, and be in a position to obtain Legislation favorable to Organized Labor. Therefore; in taking up the slogan of the American Federation of Labor, "Support our Friends," we desire to emphasize the fact that we are a unit in working for the nomination and election of Carter H. Harrison as Mayor of our City, for the following reasons: 1. He has always advocated day Labor on municipal work and under fair conditions. 2. He is now pledged to do all in his Power to have the day work system instituted on all City Construction Work. 3. Under his administration all City Workers were organized and received the Union scale for the first time in the History of the City of Chicago. 4. He is now advocating the passage of an enabling act, to be presented in the legislature which will give the City the right to have work performed by the day instead of letting it out on contract. We could mention many other reasons why organized Labor should support a tried and true Friend, but the reasons already mentioned ought to appeal to every member of a Labor Organization,[*287*] -2- and in closing we repeat "SUPPORT YOUR FRIENDS. DEFEAT YOUR ENEMIES," and a vote on Primary day for Carter H. Harrison is a step in the right direction. You are cordially invited to attend our meetings each Saturday night, 81 S. Clark St., at 8 P. M. Fraternally yours, Simon O'Donnell, President. Charles B. Wilde Secretary. Simon O'Donnell, President Building Trades Council. Robert Hanlon, Sec. Building Trades Council. James Short, Pres't Building Trades Dept. of A. F. of L. Andrew Kennedy, Pres't and Bus. Agt. Asbestos Workers Union. Thomas Welsh, Bus. Agt. Sheet Metal Workers. Wm. Shupe, Bus. Agt. Bridge and Structural Iron Workers. John J. Stretch, Bus. Agt. Bricklayers and Stone Masons. John J. Brittain, Sec. Treas. Bus. Agts. Association. W. S. McAndrews, Bus. Agt. Elevator Conductors and Starters. John Asher, Bus. Agt. Elevator Constructors. Tony Tortoriello, Bus. Agt. Building Laborers 285. Frank Condon, Bus. Agt. Boiler Makers. John Dohney, Bus. Agt. Boiler Makers' Helpers.[*288*] -3- F. C. Gengenback, Pres't Cement Finishers, Dist. Council. John McNichols, Bus. Agt. Pile Divers. Wm. Gunter, Bus. Agt. Gas Fitters. Joe Vallila, Bus Agt. Sprinkler Fitters. Frank Shilf, Bus. Agt. Cement Workers. Herman Salomon, Bus. Agt. Upholsterers, D. C. J. J. Conroy, Bus. Agt. Tile Layers. Arthur Dougherty, Pres't Stone Cutters. Charles Fry, Bus. Agt. Machinists. James Garvin, Bus. Agt. Plumbers. John Prichard, Bus. Agt. Amalgamated Carpenters. Thomas E. Burke, Gen. Sec. United Assn. of Plumbers, Gas and Steam Fitters. F. Gus[s]man, Bus. Agt. Roofers (Gravel and Composition) James Flynn, Bus. Agt. Roofers and Helpers (Slate and Tile) Thomas Kearney, Bus. Agt. Plumbers' Assn. Ed. Coleman, Sec. Teamsters' Joint Council. Thomas F. Kennedy, Treas. Chicago Federation of Labor. N. P. Nilson, Bus. Agt. Cement Finishers, Rock and Asphalt Layers and Mixers. C. Olsen, Sec. Cement Finishers Local No. 45.289 Martin Anderson, Sec. Treas. Int. Dredge Workers Protective Assn. Dan A. McCanley, Bus. Agt. Glaziers. Thomas Portwaith, Bus. Agt. Tack Pointers. John R. Alpine, Pres't United Assn. Journeymen Plumbers. Steam, Gas and Sprinkler Fitters. H. J. Donnelly, Pres't Local No. 36 Chicago Journeymen Plumbers. John J. Buschnell, Sec. Journeymen Plumbers. Charles L. Wilde, Asst. Fin. Sec. Bricklayers and Stone Masons COPIED. MAR 4 " 1911 H. G. Adair, Printing (Label) 20-164 Lake St. Chicago. [*290*] [*COPIED. MAR 4. - 1911*] M March 4, 1911. Mr. E. N. Nockels, Secretary, Chicago Federation of Labor, Suite 601, 275 La Salle St., Chicago, Ill. Dear Sir and Brother: There has just been brought to my attention copy of a circular letter issued by the United Political League of Chicago, Simon O’Donnell, President, and Charles L. Wilde, Secretary. In the upper left hand corner of this circular appears somewhat like the American Federation of Labor. Copy of the circular is enclosed herein. Evidently the purport of this circular is to discredit the Labor Political Action Committee of the Chicago Federation of Labor. I do not know whether you have seen copy of it. In any event it seemed to me that I should send copy to you for your information. I would like you to let me have a word from you in regard thereto. I should also say that as Vice-President Alpine’s name appears as one of the signers of the circular, I am sending copy to him also. Hoping to hear from you at your earliest convenience, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor.[*291*] [*COPIED. MAR 4- 1911*] M March 4, 1911. Mr. H. B. Perham, Eighth Vice-President, American Federation of Labor, Star Bldg., St. Louis, Mo. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 28th instant is at hand, in which you enclose copy of a circular letter issued by the United Labor Political League of Chicago. You will call attention to the fact that the circular is a scheme on the part of some Chicago union men to discredit the Chicago Federation of Labor Political Action Committee. I thank you for bringing the matter to my attention, and am by this mail writing to Secretary Nockels, and also Vice-President Alpine, whose name appears as one of the signers of the circular. I fully concur in the opinion you express that Mr. Alpine did not authorize the placing of his name on this document. With kind regards, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor.[*292*] [*COPIED. MAR 4 - 1911*] X. March 3, 1911. Mr. George Thompson, c/o Mr. G. W. Perkins, Monon Bldg., Chicago, Illinois. Dear George: Your favor of the first instant with enclosures came duly to hand, and I thank you for the same. I have written to Mr. George McKinley of Flint, and urging him to request further information from this Brace of the Post Trades and Workers Association. I also thank you for your congratulations. In spite of the bitter antagonism engineered and conducted by the Socialist Political Party in the recent election of the Cigar Makers’ International Union, several real trade unionists have been re-elected and I am more than pleased in the case of President Perkins. Kindly let me hear from you whenever convenient. With best wishes to you and to Mrs. Thompson, I am, Sincerely yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*293*] [*COPIED. MAR 4 - 1911*] X. March 3, 1911. Mr. George E. McKinley, Flint, Michigan. Dear Sir and Brother: Our old friend George Thompson, sent me the circular letter as well as the printed pamphlet which was sent to you by Jos. W. Brice, President of the Trades and Workers Association, and which you gave to Mr. Thompson. I am very much interested in it. Of course you know that the so-called Trades and Workers Association is nothing more nor less than C. W. Post’s fantastical scheme in the hope that he can destroy the real trade union movement, the movement which makes for the protection and advancement of the interests of the working people. Under separate cover I am sending you a copy of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST containing an article dealing with that matter, and I should like you to read it. As a member of the Cigar Makers’ International Union, I am sure you know what our organization has done to bring about improved conditions among our fellow craftsmen and as much or more advantages have come to the toilers in other trades. A nice of state of affairs would come about if the Cigar Makers were to give up their International Union and depend upon an organization created by Post, depending upon the Cigar Manufacturers and the trusts to enforce the eight hour workday294 Mr. Geo. E. McKinley -2- day and bring about better wages and conditions for the Cigar Makers. The mere statement of it shows its utter folly. By the way, would it not be well for you to write to this Brice in Battle Creek, Michigan, acknowledging the receipt of his letter of February 27th, and also his pamphlet, and ask him for any further information which he cared to give you in regard to his organization? You might say to him that you are interested. I do not think I should suggest that you should say that you are favorably impressed. Anyway, let me hear from you further in regard to this matter, and oblige, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. COPIED. MAR 3- 1911[*295*] [*COPIED. MAR 4- 1911*] X. March 3, 1911. Mr. Hugh Frayne, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, 35 Third Avenue, New York City. Dear Sir and Brother: Please find enclosed copy of an agreement between Union #11016, United Neckwear Makers, and H. Richter Sons, of New York City. I am also enclosing copy of a letter I have just written Miss Mollie Hamer, Secretary of the union, which is self-explanatory. Will you please see Miss Hamer in regard to this agreement, and do what you can to assist them in having it signed up, with the suggested change in the last paragraph. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, [*Sam Gompers*] President, American Federation of Labor.[*296*] [*COPIED. MAR 4- 1911*] X. March 3, 1911. Miss Mollie Hamer, Secretary, United Neckwear Makers Union, #11016, 151-153 Clinton Street, New York City. Dear Madam: Your favor of February 23 to Secretary Frank Morrison has been handed to me for consideration and reply. In it you send the agreement with H. Richter Sons. In connection with it, permit me to say that there is a very serious defect in the agreement. The last clause of the agreement provides that if your union enters into any agreement with any manufacturer in which there is any concession of price, H. Richter Sons shall have the same conceded to it, but it is not reciprocal. That is, if your union should succeed in securing any concessions from other manufacturers, the members of your union employed by H. Richter Sons would not be benefitted by it. I would therefore suggest that the words in the last line of the agreement be changed from as it now reads, "to the parties of the first part" to strike them out and substitute the following words: "to and by both parties". Then the agreement would be reciprocal and fair. I am sending your letter, together with the agreement and a copy of this letter to organizer Hugh Frayne for the purpose of conferring with you and your colleagues in regard to the matter and in order that the interests of the members of your union working for[*297*] [*COPIED. MAR 4- 1911*] M March 4, 1911. Miss Mollie Hamer -2- Dear Sir and Brother: H. Richter Sons may be protected and the rights of the firm also unimpaired. With best wishes for success, I am, Fraternally yours, [*Sam Gompers*] President, American Federation of Labor.[*298*] [*COPIED. MAR 4- 1911*] X. March 3, 1911. Mr. John Mitchell, Vice-President, American Federation of Labor, 10096 Metropolitan Bldg., New York City. Dear Sir and Brother: I am in receipt of a telegram from Edwin R. Wright, President of the Illinois State Federation of Labor, in which he says: "Copy of model compensation bill indorsed by executive council received. A greed measure for Illinois contains compensation in excess of model laws submitted. More liberal in all its terms. Illinois miners' and many unions indorse measure. American Federation is hereby requested to indorse measure,. Early reply appreciated. Answer Springfield." Edwin R. Wright, 304 Pierick Bldg. I do not know whether you have seen a copy of the Illinois Compensation Bill, and therefore enclose a copy of it herein. Inasmuch as you are so familiar with the provisions of the model sketch of the Workmen's Compensation Bill endorsed by the Executive Council of the American Federation of Labor, I wish you would do me the kindness of looking over the enclosed draft of the Illinois Bill and see whether the claims made by Mr. Wright that it is more liberal to workmen in its provisions than is our bill are justified. I am so crowed with work that I can't give it my attention just now and I am sure you are more familiar than Iam with the technical provisions of our bill and will be enabled to at once discern whether the Illinois proposition provided as good, better, or worse terms.[*299*] [*COPIED. MAR 4- 1911*] Mr. John Mitchell -2- Inasmuch as Mr. Wright telegraphs requesting endorsement, I sincerely hope you will give my request your early consideration and reply to me. Thanking you in advance, and with best wishes, I am, Sincerely and fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*299*] [*COPIED. MAR 4- 1911*] Washington, D.C., Mar, 41911. DAY LETTERGRAM James T. Manee, 32 Asylum St., Hartford, Conn. Am sending a telegram for President Barry of Theatrical State Employes in your care. It is of great importance. Please deliver it to him if he is in Hartford. Samuel Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor. (Charge A. F. of L.) Washington, D.C.,Mar 4, [191]1 DAY LETTER. S. Z. Poli, New Haven, Connecticut. I have telegraphed President Barry of the Theatrical Stage Employes urging adjustment of controversy and I urge you to a similar course. Samuel Gompers, President, American Fed. of Labor (charge A. F. of L).[*301*] [*COPIED. MAR 4- 1911*] Washington, D. C., Mar. 4, 1911. DAY LETTERGRAM. James J. Barry, 75 Albany St., Boston, Mass. copy to Mr. Barry c/o James T. Manee, 32 Asylum St., Hartford, Conn. Communication from New Haven indicates awful situation with your organization and management Poli Theatre. Isn't it possible for you to adjust dispute before it reaches critical condition. It is neither my desire nor intention to interfere in the affairs of your organization but I cannot refrain from urging you to exercise every effort to avoid threatened conflict and injury. SAMUEL GOMPERS. (Charge A. F. of L.)[*302*] [*COPIED. MAR 4- 1911*] Z Mar. 4, 1911. Mr. Edwin R. Wright, President, Illinois State Federation of Labor, Box 477, Chicago, Illinois. Dear Sir and Brother: Your telegram was received and noted. I am now looking over the copy of the Illinois compensation bill and consulting with an expert upon the subject whether the Illinois bill should receive endorsement. Just as soon as I am able to reach a conclusion in the matter I will be glad to write you more fully. With best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*303*] [*COPIED MAR 4- 1911*] X. Mar. 3, 1911. Mr. Edw. Stanley Jr., Secretary, Joint Advisory Board, Cigarmakers, Labor Temple, Ybor City, Florida. Dear Sir and Brother: I received a letter from Mr. Harry Silk, Secretary of Cigar Makers' Union #294 of Duluth, in which he encloses me a copy of a letter written to the Federated Trades Council of Duluth by Mayor McKay of Tampa, under date of February third. As I say, Mr. Silk sent me a copy of the letter and I have replied thereto and for your information enclose a copy herein. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. [*304*] [*COPIED. MAR 4- 1911*] X. Mar. 3, 1911. Mr. Harry Silk, Secretary, Cigar Makers' Local Union #294, 223 West 5th St., Duluth, Minn. Dear Sir andBrother: Your favor of February 25th with enclosed copy of the letter sent to the Duluth Federated Trades Assembly came duly to hand and contents noted. I do not know that a reply to Mayor McKay's letter is necessary at all at my hands. I do not know that it is at all necessary and yet I feel that there are some facts which are suppressed or perverted by Mayor McKay. He is evidently himself "so careless in handling the truth" that he evidently ascribes that attribute to all with whom he corresponds, regarding his own action and the action of his so-called Citizens Committee, but which is nothing more nor less than a "vigilance committee" during the Cigarmakers' strike of Tampa. For instance in his letter referring to the Cigarmakers' strike, he says: "If you know anything about this strike, you know that practically a state of anarchy prevailed here during the first three or four weeks of the strike." That is true only that it was for a longer period and the anarchists were not the workmen, but Mayor McKay's so-called vigilance committee, mis-named "Citizens Committee". He says further: "you know that[*305*] Mr. Harry Silk -2- one murder was committed and that more were attempted." That is equally true, but he does not say that it consisted in the lynching of two men, at least one of whom was known to be in sympathy with the Cigarmakers of Tampa and this further fact may not be uninteresting that Mayor McKay is also the proprietor and editor of the Tampa Times; that in a leading editorial in his paper he justified and gloated over the killing of these two men by lynching. It is also true that these two murders were committed but that "more" were attempted by the Vigilance Committee. [*P*] Here is something which the Mayor does not say, and that is, that men peaceful and law-abiding were made to "understand" that they had to get out of Tampa in order that their lives might not be placed in Jeopardy, and that a number of men were deported. It is true that charges were made against labor men; that union people were charged with arson; but the labor men declare that the charge was trumped up and unfounded: that assaults were made upon workmen by the Vigilance Committee and its cohorts rather than by union workmen. It is absolutely unfounded when Mr. McKay says that there never was any complaint against conditions in the cigar factories. The contentions originally were for better wages, and the wages paid now to the Cigar Makers are better than before the men organized in the International Union. You will therefore observe that this was not given them voluntarily but as the result of their united effort. Yes, it is the duty of the citizens to aid in the preservation of law and order, but this does not apply simply to a private citizen. It applies equally to the highest official, even to the Mayor of a city, and a Mayor of a city who in his other capacity as editor of a newspaper which he owns, who will praise and condone[*306*] Mr. Harry Silk -3- lynching is scarcely a fit person to lecture anyone upon the preservation of law and order. Under separate cover I am sending you acopy of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST for December, in which there is an article upon the conditions of Tampa as they exist, and which correspondence had with Governor Gilchrist of Florida. Mayor McKay says that there were many good union men in Tampa, who thoroughly approved the course of the officials and citizens throughout the strike. Of course you know that when he refers to the citizens he refers to the Vigilance Committee. It would be well, however, to put Mr. Mayor McKay to the test of quoting who these good union men are. As a matter of fact, the union workmen of Tampa and the people generally were wrought up to a pitch of indignation at the action of the Mayor and his Vigilance Committee to such an extent that it required the greatest influence to restrain them from exercising their resentment. The strike of Tampa is the result of the action of the Cigar Makers themselves. They realized that their only protection lay in being thoroughly organized. That mistakes during a strike will be made; that a man may here and there say something which is wholly unwise may be possible, but it is not true that the strike was led by "a fanatical Cuban boy of not more than twenty years of age". It is not my purpose nor the purpose of any union man to misrepresent the city of Tampa, but Mr. McKay and his Vigilance Committee cannot escape the criticism and the censure of using unlawful and brutal means to break the strike of the Cigar Makers. No union man can but feel that any outrage committed by workmen or others isnot only unjust but will prove injurious to those who indulge in it, and for this too, his Honor the Mayor of Tampa, Mr.[*307*] Mr. Harry Silk -4- McKay, must share his full responsibility. I am confident that the Cigar Makers and the organized workers of Tampa will stand true to the cause of labor to protect and promote their interests, and do no injustice to anyone and despite any effort put forth the organized labor movement of Tampa will live long after Mayor McKay's name will be forgotten. With best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, [*Sam Gompers*] President, American Federation of Labor.[*308*] [*COPIED. MAR 4- 1911*] X. March 4, 1911. Mr. J. C. A. Hiller, Commissioner, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Jefferson City, Iowa. My dear Mr. Hiller: I desire to thank you for the copies of the pamphlet issued by your Bureau entitled "Toilers of Missouri, 1910". I have not read it entire, but have read some important items and looked through the balance, and I assure you of my great appreciation of the work. I think you would be doing a good service if you could send a copy to representatives labor men in several countries, say for instance, to the Secretaries of the British Trade Union Congress, Mr. W. A. Appleton, 8 Adelphi Terrace, Adam Street, Strand, London, England. Mr. Carl Legien, Secretary, International Centres of Trade Unions, Berlin S. O. 16, Engel-Ufer 15, Gerlin, Germany. Mr. Hans Fehlinger, Hinterbruhl 2, 4A Munich, Germany. M. Auguste Keufer, 20 Rue de Savoie, Paris, France. Herr Jaysai, c/o Dr. Fedeke Ignacz, Bela, Utzca 3, Budapest, Hungary. [*309*] Mr. J. C. A. Hiller -2- A. Hueber, Mariahilfer Strasse 89A, Austria, Vienna. Mr. O. Allmann, Ineternationales Sekretariat der Backer, Hamburg 1, Besenbinderhof 57 T.-A. V 2043. Mr. Thomas Ashton, Miners, Old Road, Manchester, England. Mr. P. Dupont, Internationale Agitationskommission der Bildhauer, Berlin S. 53, Bergmannstr. 68. M. Etzel Internationales Brauereiarbeiter-Sekretariat, Berlin C. 2, Schicklerstr. 6. Emil Kloth Internationales Buchbinders-Sekretariat, Berlin S. 59, Kottbuser Damm 23 1. P. Stauthner, Printers, Compositors, Bern, Switzerland. H. Jochade, Hamburg 1, Besenbinderhof 57 IV, T.-A. V 741. Aug. Brey, Factory Workers. Hannover, Munzstr. 5. T.-No. 3002. Fr. Etzkorn, Barbers, hairdressers, Coiffeurs, Berlin N. 58, Stolpischestr. 39II. Alb. Mohs, State and Municipal Workers, Berlin Winterfeldtstr. 24. T. -A. V1 6488. E. Girbig, Glassworkers, Berlin 0, 17, Gosslerstr. 29 I. Max Josephsohn, Commercial Clerks, Hamburg I, Besenbinderhof 57, T. -A. V 2076. J. Eitlinger, Glovers, Berlin SO. 33, Muskauerstr. 30. Th. Leipart, Wood Workers Berlin C. 2, Neue Friedrichstr. 2. [*310*] Mr. J. C. A. Hiller -3- A. Baumeister, Hotel, Restaurant and Bar Workers, Berlin SO. 16, Engelufer 15. A. Netzwchke, Hatters, Altenburg, S.-A., Nordstr. 57. Ernst Schubert, Furriers, Hamburg 36, Kaiser-Wihelm-Str. 36. O. Sillier, Lithographers, Berlin N. 28, Anklamerstr. 27. Th. Bomelburg, Masons and Bricklayers, Hamburg 1, Besenbinderhof 56. Alex. Schlicke, Metal Workers Stuttgart, Rotestrasse 16 b. T.-No. 3392. Fritz Zietsch, Porclain Workers, Charlottenburg, Rosinenstr. 3, Seitenflugel II. H. Stuhmer, Tailors, Berlin SO. 16, Kopenickerstr. 126. Rob. Kolb, Stone Workers, Zurich III, Elizabethenstr. 28. A. Knoll, Paviors, Berlin NW. 21, Wiclefstr, 17, T.-A. II 4031. H. Jugters, Tobacco Workers, Antwerpen, (Holland) Rue de Images 98. Wm. Marsland, Textileworkers, Manchester, 3 Blossom Street Great, Ancoats St. F. Schrader, Carpenters, Hamburg 1, Gewerkschaftshaus, Zimmer 31. T.-A. V 1991. Johann Sassenbach, Saddlers, Berlin SO.16, Engel-Ufer 15. J. Simon, Boot and Shoe Operatives, Nurnberg, Breitegasse 25-27.[*311*] Mr. J. C. A. Hiller -4- If you will tell me to whom you are sending them, I shall write you a letter in connection with it, because they should undoubtedly know that it is the report of the State of Missouri, one of the forty-six states of the union. I should appreciate it if you could spare me a few more copies, or better still, send them direct to the members of the Executive Council whose names and addresses you will find on this letterhead. Thanking you in advance for your courtesy in this matter, and with best wishes, I am, Very truly yours, [*Sam Gompers*] President, American Federation of Labor.[*312*] [*COPIED. MAR 6- 1911*] X. March 6, 1911. Mr. Jere L. Sullivan, Editor, "The Mixer and Server," Official Journal of the Hotel and Restaurant Employes' International Alliance, and Bartenders' international League of America, Commercial Tribune Building, Cincinnati, O. Dear Sir and Brother: I am in receipt of :The Mixer and Server" for 1910, for which you will please accept my thanks. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*313*] [*COPIED. MAR 6 - 1911*] X. March 4, 1911. Mr. S. Marsh, Ottawa, Kansas. Dear Sir: Your favor of February 25th is at hand and contents noted. You say that you will shortly take part in a debate upon the question: “RESOLVED, That a minimum wage-scale, to be operative in factories, workshops, and department stores, in the United States should be provided for by law”. You then request me to advise you as to the attitude of organized labor on this subject. I beg to say that the subject in the form in which you submit it has never been considered by the organized labor movement. I should say, however, that in so far as public or quasi public employment is concerned, there should be established a minimum wage scale, also for the labor of women and children, the wage scale to be determined by a board, in which the working people should have equal representation with the employers of the vocations. The hearings or proceedings should be publicly conducted so that the people generally may have an understanding of existing conditions and the reasons for the establishment of a higher plane for a minimum wage. Under separate cover I am sending you a copy of the AMERICAN[*314*] [*COPIED. MAR 6- 1911*] Mr. S. Marsh -2- FEDERATIONIST containing an address by myself upon the subject of a minimum wage. It was upon the occasion of a debate I had with the late Edward Atkinson. Very truly yours, [*Sam Gompers*] President, American Federation of Labor.[*314*] [*COPIED. MAR 6- 1911*] X. March 4, 1911. Mr. James Fisher, 112 W. 9th Street, Ottawa, Kansas. Dear Sir: Your favor of February 23d has been received and contents noted. You say that you will shortly take part in a debate upon the question: "Resolved, That a Minimum Wage-scale to be operative in workshops, factories and department stores in the United States should be provided for by law." You then request me to advise you as to the attitude of organized labor on this subject. I beg to say that the subject in the form in which you submit it has never been considered by the organized labor movement. I should say, however, that in so far as public or quasi public employment is concerned, there should be established a minimum wage scale, also for the labor of women and children, the wage scale to be determined by a board, in which the working people should have equal representation with the employers of the vocations. The hearing or proceedings should be publicly conducted so that the people generally may have an understanding of existing conditions and the reasons for the establishment of a higher plane for a minimum wage. Under separate cover I am sending you a copy of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST containing an address by myself upon the subject of[*316*] [*COPIED. MAR 6- 1911*] Mr. James Fisher -2- a minimum wage. It was upon the occasion of a debate I had with the late Edward Atkinson. Very truly yours, [*Sam Gompers*] President, American Federation of Labor.[*317*] [*COPIED. MAR 6- 1911*] LF March 6, 1911 Mr. Samuel Gompers, Victoria Hotel, New York, N.Y. My dear Mr. Gompers: A letter was received this morning from Mr. Young of the Elevator Constructions, copy of which you will please find enclosed herein. I consulted with Mr. O'Connell and thereupon wrote him and Mr. Young, setting 10 o'clock Thursday morning, March 16th at this office as the time and place for holding the conference. Very sincerely yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers Enclosure:[*318*] [*COPIED. MAR 6- 1911*] LF March 6, 1911 When replying kindly refer to Res. #28 Mr. William Young, Secretary International Union of Elevator Constructors, 1952 N 19th St. Philadelphia, Pa. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 4th instant is received and contents noted. Upon receipt of your letter I consulted with President O’Connell of the International Association of Machinists as to whether arrangements could be made with his Executive Board which will be in session in this city next week, whereby the conference between the representatives of his Association and the representatives of your International Union could be held on Thursday, March 16th. He is anxious that the conference should be held as early in the week as possible on account of some of the members of his Executive Board having obtained leave of absence, and others who will travel such a great distance so as to attend the meeting, to all of which I made reference in my previous letter to you. Arrangements have, therefore, been made for the conference between the representatives of your respective organizations to be held at the headquarters of the A. F. of L., at ten o’clock, Thursday morning, March 16th. With kind regards, I remain, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, A. F. of L.[*319*] [*COPIED. MAR 6- 1911*] LF March 6 1911 When replying, kindly refer to Resolution #28 Mr' James O'Connell, President International Association of Machinists, 402 McGill Building, Washington, D.C. Dear Sir and Brother: In continuation of our correspondence in regard to conference between the representatives of your International Association and the representatives of the International Union of Elevator Constructors, and as per my conversation with you over the 'phone this morning as to the conference being held on Thursday morning, March 16, I beg to enclose to you herein copy of letter just received from Secretary Young of the Elevator Constructors and also copy of my reply. With kind regards, I remain, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. Enclosures:[*320*] [*COPIED. MAR 6- 1911*] LF March 6, 1911 Mr. Samuel L. Landers Hotel Victoria, Chicago, Ill My dear Mr. Landers: Please accept Mr. Gompers' thanks for your letter of the 3rd, together with the newspaper clippings giving report of the Senate Investigation Committee of the Garment Workers' strike. Mr. Gompers is in New York and upon his return I will bring your letter to his attention. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers[*321*] [*COPIED. MAR 6- 1911*] LF March 6, 1911 Mr. Frank Duffy, Secretary United Bro. of Carpenters and Joiners of America Carpenters' Building, Indianapolis, Ind. My dear Mr. Duffy: Before Mr. Gompers left for New York Saturday he directed me to acknowledge receipt of your favor of February 27th, and to thank you for your letter, as well as for the package of your official journal which he requested. He wanted to write to you personally but was so crowded with other matters which could not be postponed that he did not have the opportunity of doing so. Very sincerely yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers322 LF March 6, 1911 Mr. T. D. Fitzgerald, Chairman Legislative Committee State Federation of New York 51 Bensen Bldg., Albany, N.Y. COPIED. MAR 6 - 1911 Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of March 2nd with enclosed bill relating to the settlement of industrial disputes, which was introduced in the State Legislature of New York by Mr. Hoey. Very truly yours, [signed] R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers[*323*] [*COPIED. MAR 6- 1911*] LF March 6, 1911 Mr. Charles Stowe, Organizer 247 Pender St., East Vancouver, B. C. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers and in continuation of his letter to you of February 27th, I beg to advise you that a letter is received from Secretary Fischer of the Journeymen Barbers' International Union in regard to the matter of organizing and chartering the female barbers. For your information, Mr. Fischer's letter is quoted in full. It is as follows: "Your letter of February 27th received concerning the organizing of a local of female barbers. In reply will state that we do not admit them to membership in our organization and likewise protest against the A. F. of L. organizing them in a Federal Labor Union of any organization of barbers." Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers[*324*] [*COPIED. MAR 6- 1911*] IF March 6, 1911 Mr. J. N. Whittaker, Official Stenographer U. S. Courts, Eastern District of Va., Richmond, Va. Dear Sir: Your personal letter of February 19th has been duly received and I have noted with interest all that you say in reference to organizing the stenographers and typewriters. There are already affiliated to the American Federation of Labor several organizations of stenographers and typewriters and we are endeavoring to continue the organization of this class of wage earners just as rapidly and completely as circumstances and finances will permit. Let me suggest as particularly regards the stenographers and typewriters of Richmond, that you talk the matter over with our official representative in Richmond, Organizer E. C. Davison, 2132 Pleasant St., he will be glad to do anything that he can to be helpful. I am writing him by this mail, asking him to communicate with you and arrange for a time mutually convenient and agreeable when you and he can talk the matter over. I should be pleased to hear from you further at your con-325 Mr. J. N. Whittaker--2 venience. Very truly yours, [signed] Sam. Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. P. S. I have just noted the concluding paragraph of your letter and therefore hesitate to write to Mr. Davison as it may be that you would not desire me to do so. However, if you feel disposed you could communicate with him direct or if you will write me further, I will be glad to do so. In any event, let me hear from you again. COPIED. MAR 6 - 1911 [*326*] [*COPIED. MAR 6- 1911*] X. March 4, 1911. Hon. Seth Low, President, The National Civic Federation, One Madison Avenue, New York City. My dear Sir: Your favor of the third instant to hand and contents noted. In view of the fact that the trade unionists are in the midst of a great fight in defending our organization and their policies from the bitter, relentless attacks of capitalists and political Socialists, I doubt the wisdom of making any unnecessary changes in the makeup of the names of the Civic Federation. Any change which may be made in the personnel of an officer or member will be attributed by all our enemies as having been under pressure. I realize that in the case of Mr. Mitchell there is no alternative and the change must be made but I would not care just now to suggest the names of two labor men to take his place and mine on the Executive Committee. You know that I have great respect for your judgment in most things but I repeat that the change you say you have made or propose to make impresses me with the strong belief that it is injurious, particularly at this time. Yes, I saw the letter of resignation of Mr. Mitchell, and your reply. I have written to Mr. Mitchell of my great appreciation of the position he has taken. It will be helpful. Very truly yours, Saml Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*327*] [*COPIED. MAR 6- 1911*] X. March 6, 1911. Mr. Daniel J. Tobin, President, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, 222 E. Michigan Street, Indianapolis, Ind. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers on official business, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favors of the first and fourth instants, which will be brought to Mr. Gompers' attention immediately upon his return to headquarters. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*328*] [*COPIED. MAR 6- 1911*] X. March 6, 1911. Mr. Samuel Gompers, President American Federation of Labor, Victoria Hotel, New York City. My dear Mr. Gompers: Enclosed please find copy of letter received today from Mr. Tobin of the Teamsters. I imagine you have as much as you care to do while in New York, but yet I thought it would be better to send the enclosed on to you. I acknowledged its receipt to Mr. Tobin, but did not say to him that it would be sent to you. Very sincerely yours, R. Lee Guard[*329*] [*COPIED. MAR 6- 1911*] COPY. INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF TEAMSTERS. Indianapolis, Ind., March 4, 1911. Mr. Samuel Gompers, 801-809 G St., N. W., Washington, D. C. Dear Sir and Brother: I have today received a communication from Organizer Ashton of New York City, in which he states that on account of the decision rendered by the Executive Council relative to the Newspaper Deliverers in New York City, that the said Federal Union in New York City is claiming jurisdiction over the Newspaper Carriers and Drivers in Jersey City, who are employed, working on the Hoboken Observer, and that Organizer Franey and Special Organizer Ford are assisting the officials of the Newspaper Deliverers in New York City in their claims. The drivers working on the Hoboken Observer, I contend that inasmuch as the Executive Council decided against the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and Chauffeurs in refusing to turn over the New York Newspaper Drivers into our International Union, that even though that is the case, that the jurisdiction of this Federal Union would not extend to Jersey City or Hoboken, and inasmuch as the drivers now employed on that paper are members of our Local Union No. 617, I should like to have you write to Organizer Franey or wire him when you receive this letter as to the situation, and in our interest and protection. If the Federal Union in New York City of the Newspaper Deliverers and Handlers can claim jurisdiction over Jersey City and Hoboken, they can go farther and claim jurisdiction over newspaper drivers in any place in the vicinity of New York.330 -2- Trusting that you will give this matter your attention if possible Monday by wiring or corresponding in some way with Organizers Franey and Ford, and with kindest regards, I am, Fraternally yours, (Signed) DANIEL J. TOBIN, General President.[*331*] [*COPIED. MAR 7- 1911*] Z Mar. 6, 1911. In replying please refer to Resolution #21. Mr. Michael Carraher, Secretary, Tunnel and Subway Constructors Int'l Union, 150 East 125th St., New York, N. Y. Dear Sir and Brother: As per the understanding reached at the conference called to be held in New York City on March 1st between the representatives of your organization and of the Hod Carriers and Building Laborers, the Bridge and Structural Iron Workers, the Quarry Workers, the Stone Derrickmen and the Rock Drillers and Organizer Frayne, representing the A. F. of L., I beg to enclose to you herein a copy of the minutes of the conference as forwarded to me by Organizer Frayne. Organizer Frayne suggests, and I fully concur in the suggestion, that another conference should be held in the near future between the representatives of the several organizations that participated in the conference on March 1st. I would infer from the minutes that after a little further discussion of the matter a mutually satisfactory agreement will be reached as to the proper jurisdiction and placing of the Stone Derrickmen. Therefore, I would like you to advise me at as early a date as possible when it would be most agreeable and convenient for you to participate[*332*] [*COPIED. MAR 7- 1911*] Z Mar. 6, 1911. Mr. Michael Carraher -2- in another conference. I should say that a letter similar to this is being written to the executive officers of the several other organizations interested. Hoping to receive your early reply and with best wishes, i am Fraternally yours, [*Sam Gompers*] President, American Federation of Labor.[*333*] [*COPIED. MAR 7- 1911*] Z Mar. 6, 1911. In replying please refer to Resolution #21. Mr. Hugh Frayne, Organizer, 25 Third Avenue, New York, N. Y. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 3rd instance is received in which you enclose minutes of the conference held in your office on March 1st between the representatives of the Bridge and Structural Iron Workers, the Hod Carriers and Building Laborers, the Quarry Workers and the Stone Derrickmen as provided by Resolution #21 of the St. Louis Convention of the A. F. of L. I am writing to the executive officers of the several organizations represented at the conference, sending them copies of the minutes and recommending that another conference should be held in the near future. Just as soon as a definite date for holding the conference can be decided upon I will advise you further so that arrangements can be made in regard thereto. I trust that the next conference, if held, will result in the several organizations finally reaching a mutually satisfactory understanding as to the proper jurisdiction of the Stone Derrickmen.[*334*] [*COPIED. MAR 7- 1911*] Mr. Hugh Frayne -2- With assurances of my kind regards and best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, President, American Federation of Labor.[*335*] [*COPIED. MAR 7- 1911*] Z Mar. 6, 1911. In replying please refer to Resolution #21. Mr. D. D'Alessandro, President, International Hod Carriers and Building Laborers' Union. 2 1/3 Charter St., Boston, Mass. Dear Sir and Brother: As per the understanding reached at the conference called to be held in New York City on March 1st between the representatives of your organization, the Bridge and Structural Iron Workers, the Quarry Workers, the Stone Derrickmen and the Rock Drillers, and Organizer Frayne, representing the A. F. of L., I beg to enclose to you herein a copy of the minutes of the conference as forwarded to me by Organizer Frayne. Organizer Frayne suggests, and I fully concur in the suggestion, that another conference should be held in the near future between the representatives of the several organizations requested to participate in the conference on March 1st. I would infer from the minutes that after a little further discuss on of the matter a mutually satisfactory agreement will be reached as to the proper jurisdiction and placing the the Stone Derrickmen. Therefore, I would like you to advise me at as early a date as possible when it would be most agreeable and convenient for you to participate in another conference.[*336*] [*COPIED. MAR 7- 1911*] Mr. D. D'Alessandro -2- I should say that a letter similar to this is being written to the executive officers of the several other organizations interested. Hoping to receive your early reply and with best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*337*] [*COPIED. MAR 7- 1911*] Z Mar. 7, 1911. In replying please refer to Resolution #21. Mr. M. L. Monaghan, Secretary, Stone Derrickmen's Union #12878, 4455 Gravois Avenue, St. Louis, Mo. Dear Sir and Brother: As per the understanding reached at the conference called to be held in New York City on March 1st between the representatives of your organization and of the Hod Carriers and Building Laborers, the Quarry Workers, the Stone Derrickmen and the Rock Drillers and Organizer Frayne, representing the A. F. of L., I beg to enclose to you herein a copy of the minutes of the conference as forwarded to me by Organizer Frayne. Organizer Frayne suggests, and I fully concur in the suggestion, that another conference should be held in the near future between the representatives of the several organizations requested to participate in the conference on March 1st. I would infer from the minutes that after a little further discussion of the matter a mutually satisfactory agreement will be reached as to the proper jurisdiction and placing of the Stone Derrickmen. Therefore, I would like you to advise me at as early a date as possible when it would be most agreeable and convenient for you to participate in another conference.[*338*] [*COPIED. MAR 7- 1911*] Mr. M. L. Monaghan, -2- I should say that a letter similar to this is being written to the Executive Officers of the several other organizations interested. Hoping to receive your early reply and with best wishes, I am Fraternally Yours, [*Sam Gompers*] President, American Federation of Labor. [*339*] [*COPIED. MAR 7- 1911*] Z Mar. 6, 1911. In replying please refer to Resolution #21. Mr. Joseph F. Johnson, Secretary, Stone Derrickmen's Local No. 6721, 27 Sullivan Street, Chicago, Ill. Dear Sir and Brother: As per the understanding reached at the conference called to be held in New York City on March 1st between the representatives of your union, and of the Hod Carriers and Building Laborers, the Bridge and Structural Iron Workers the Stone Derrickmen of St. Louis, and the Rock Drillers, and Organizer Frayne, representing the A. F. of L., I beg to enclose to you herein a copy of the minutes of the conference as forwarded to me by Organizer Frayne. Organizer Frayne suggests, and I fully concur in the suggestion, that another conference should be held in the near future between the representatives of the several organizations invited to participate in the conference of March 1st. I would infer from the minutes that after a little further discussion of the matter a mutually satisfactory agreement will be reached as to the proper jurisdiction and placing of the Stone Derrickmen. Therefore, I would like you to advise me at as early a date as possible when it would be most agreeable and convenient for you to participate in another conference.[*340*] [*COPIED. MAR 7- 1911*] Mr. Joseph F. Johnson -2- I should say that a letter similar to this is being written to the executive officers of the several other organizations interested. Hoping to receive your early reply and with best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*341*] [*COPIED. MAR 7- 1911*] Z Mar. 6, 1911. In replying please refer to Resolution #21. Mr. M. F. Ryan, President Int'l Association of Bridge and Structural Iron Workers, American Central Life Building, Indianapolis, Ind. Dear Sir and Brother: As per the understanding reached at the conference called to be held in New York City on March 1st between the representatives of your organization, and of the Hod Carriers and Building Laborers, the Quarry Workers, the Stone Derrickmen and the Rock Drillers and Organizer Frayne, representing the A. F. of L., I beg to enclose to you herein a copy of the minutes of the conference as forwarded to me by Organizer Frayne. Organizer Frayne suggests, and I fully concur in the suggestion, that another conference should be held in the near future between the representatives of the several organizations invited to participate in the conference of March 1st. I would infer from the minutes that after a little further discussion of the matter a mutually satisfactory agreement will be reached as to the proper jurisdiction and placing of the Stone Derrickmen. Therefore, I would like you to advise me at as early a date as possible when it would be most agreeable and convenient for you to participate[*342*] [*COPIED. MAR 7- 1911*] Mr. M. F. Ryan -2- in another conference. I should say that a letter similar to this being written to the executive officers of the several other organizations interested. Hoping to receive your early reply and with best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, [*Sam Gompers*] President, American Federation of Labor.[*343*] [*COPIED. MAR 7- 1911*] Z Mar. 6, 1911. When replying kindly refer to Resolution #21. Mr. Fred W. Suitor, Secretary-Treasurer, Quarry Workers' International Union of North America, Scampini Buildings, Barre, Vermont. Dear Sir and Brother: As per the understanding reached at the conference called to be held in New York City on March 1st between the representatives of your organization, and of the Hod Carriers and Building Laborers, the Bridge and Structural Iron Workers, the Stone Derrickmen, the Rock Drillers and Organizer Frayne, representing the A. F. of L., I beg to enclose to you herein a copy of the minutes of the conference as forwarded to me by Organizer Frayne. Organizer Frayne suggests, and I fully concur in the suggestion, that another conference should be held in the near future between the representatives of the several organizations that participated in the conference on March 1st. I would infer from the minutes that after a little further discussion of the matter a mutually satisfactory agreement will be reached as to the proper jurisdiction and placing of the Stone Derrickmen. Therefore, I would like you to advise me at as early a date as possible when it would be most agreeable and convenient for you to participate in another conference.[*344*] [*COPIED. MAR 7- 1911*] Mr. Fred W. Suitor -2- I should say that a letter similar to this is being written to the executive officers of the several other organizations interested. Hoping to receive your early reply and with best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, President American Federation of Labor.[*345*] [*COPIED. MAR 7- 1911*] COPY. New York, March 1, 1911. Minutes of the conference held on the above date in the New York Office of the American Federation of Labor by the representatives of the following unions: Frank M. Ryan, General President, International Association of Bridge and Structural Iron Workers; D. D'Alessandro, General President, International Hod Carriers and Building Laborers Union of America; Fred W. Suitor, General Secretary-Treasurer, Quarry Workers International Union; John Drexel, President, Stone Derrick Men and Riggers Union No. 6721, A. F. of L., Chicago. Hugh Frayne, General Organizer, representing the American Federation of Labor. The conference was held for the purpose of taking up subject matter relative to Resolution No. 21 as introduced at the St. Louis convention of the American Federation of Labor by delegate P. J. Brice of Stone Derrickmen's Union No. 12878. The meeting was called to order at 10:45 A. M. by Organizer Hugh Frayne of the A. F. of L. who instructed Miss Henrietta Holden to take a stenographic report of the conference. The call issued by President Gompers of the American Federation of Labor was read, also Resolution No. 21 as appearing on pages 151 and 152 of the printed proceedings of the St. Louis convention of the American Federation of Labor. The resolution follows: "Resolution No. 21 - By Delegate P. J. Brice, Stone Derrick Men's Union No. 12878: Whereas, We, the Stone Derrick Men's Union No 12878 of St. Louis, have tried to form an international union of our craft, consisting of men over 21 years of age, employed at the following work:[*346*] -2- The handling of all cut stone and granite cut by stone and granite cutters, in yards and on buildings, and the helping to set of all stone and granite. The handling of all saws (except granite saws), travelers and derricks in yards, when used to handle cut stone or granite. The drilling of stone or granite, whether by hand, steam, air or any other method. Where specified granite drilling, said drilling is controlled by granite cutters. Where specified hand drilling, this does not apply to mash hammer drilling when done by a stonecutter. The handling and rigging of all derricks when used for the purpose of handling cut stone or granite, whether on construction, reconstruction and alterations of buildings, where cot stone or granite is handled. All rubbing of stone (except granite polishing). all cleaning down of new stonework on buildings. The handling and helping to set all artificial cut stone made in molds, block or slabs. By the term "artificial cut stone" is meant where molds, blocks or slabs are to take the place of cut stone. We do not claim the manufacture. The handling and helping to set exterior marble, when said marble work is being done by stonecutters of stonemasons. Having also solicited the aid of the American Federation of Labor in forming said International Union, and having been informed by Mr. F. Morrison, your Secretary, that the American Federation of Labor would do all in its power to help us form said union, therefore, be it Resolved, That this, the thirtieth convention of the American Federation of Labor, give us their support to further the work of organizing the locals engaged in our class of work, and be it further Resolved, That the thirtieth convention of the American Federation of Labor instruct its organizers to work to that end, namely, that said international union may be formed. We find in different cities that men of our craft are at this time unorganized, and we feel that locals could be organized, thereby getting together enough to warrant the forming of the proposed international union, and we, the Stone Derrick Men's Union No. 12878, pledge our financial support to further this movement. In connection with the above resolution will say we have an eight-hour day schedule at the rate of 37 1/20 per hour; a schedule of four hours on Saturday; with time and a half for overtime; double time for Sundays and holidays, which are New Year's Day, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving and Christmas. No work on Labor Day. Referred to committee on organization." President Frank M. Ryan of the International Association of Bridge and Structural Iron Workers opened the discussion by stating[*347*] -3- that the organization which he represented, control the operation of derricks on building construction in practically all the cities throughout the country and it was his intention as per instructions of their last national convention held at Rochester, to introduce a resolution at the St. Louis convention of the American Federation of Labor asking that the International Association of Bridge and Structural Iron Workers be given jurisdiction over all derrickmen in construction work. He gave it as his opinion that the formation of a new national union of stone derrickmen would only tend to complicate matters and create additional jurisdiction disputes. President D. D'Alessandro was positive in protecting against the formation of an international union that would give jurisdiction over building laborers as his organization claim that jurisdiction. General Secretary-Treasurer Suitor of the Quarry Workers International Union explained the jurisdiction and the work performed by the members of that organization. He stated that members of the quarry Workers International Union control the derrickmen both in the quarries and stone yards handling rough and dressed stone. President John Drexel of Stone Derrick Men's and Riggers Union No. 6721 A. F. of L., of Chicago, explained that the stone derrickmen is that city control all of the work and that the union comprised a membership of 150 men. That so far as he knew there were only two unions of stone derrickmen organized in the country, the other one being in St. Louis, whose delegate introduced Resolution No. 21.[*348*] [*COPIED. MAR 8- 1911*] -4- Organizer Frayne asked the question from President Drexel, what possibilities there were of organizing other unions of derrickmen throughout the country. He said he understood that a union was being formed at Indianapolis; outside of that he could not tell what chance there were to organize in other places. A general discussion then took place and explanations were made showing that if a charter was granted to an international union of stone derrickmen and riggers that it would cause jurisdictional disputes between the organizations represented in the conference and other international unions claiming jurisdiction over work claimed by the stone derrickmen and riggers in Resolution No. 21. It was suggested by the chairman that the matter of affiliation of the stone derrickmen and riggers with the Quarry Workers' International Union be considered, which seemed to be agreeable to President Drexel of the Stone Derrick Men's and Riggers Union. The conference adjourned at 12:30 P. M., with the understanding that a copy of the minutes of the meeting and the recommendations of the representative of the American Federation of Labor be sent by President Gompers to each organization represented in the conference. Respectfully submitted, (Signed, Hugh Frayne General Organizer, American Federation of Labor, Chairman of the meeting.[*349*] [*COPIED. MAR 7- 1911*] M March 7, 1911. Mr. Edwin Perry, Secretary, United Mine Workers of America, State Life Building, Indianapolis, Indiana. Dear Sir and Brother: Under date of March 1, we are in receipt of a letter from Organizer W. E. Shepherd, Lincoln, Illinois, in which he says: "Nos. 224 and 598 of the United Mine Workers of America, located in this city have withdrawn from the Trades and Labor Council of this city, which is affiliated with the American Federation of Labor. I, as your local organizer, was instructed by this Trades and Labor Council to ask you to use your good offices to insist in having these two locals retain their membership with this body. I might add that they claim exemption from per capita tax during the six months strike, but as the the other miners' local had paid its tax right along we could not exempt them, therefore, their withdrawal, and as we need their moral and financial support we appeal to you for assistance. I would say further that No. 598 did offer payment on a small part of its membership, and because our financial secretary would not receipt them in full they withdrew." I have advised Brother Shepherd that I was taking the matter up with you, requesting you urge upon your local advisability and necessity of being represented in the central body as provided by Section 2, Article XI of the Constitution of the American Federation of Labor. Thanking you in advance for your prompt attention to the above, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.[*350*] [*COPIED. MAR 7- 1911*] M March 7, 1911. Mr. W. E. Shepherd, Organizer, Box 214, Lincoln, Illinois. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 1st instant is received, and I note what you say relative to locals #224 and#598 of the United Mine Workers not being represented in the Trades and Labor Council. In reply I beg to say that by this mail I am writing to Secretary Edwin Perry of that International union, requesting him to urge upon his locals the advisability and necessity of being represented in the central body as provided in Section 2, Article XI of the Constitution of the American Federation of Labor. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.[*351*] [*COPIED. MAR 7- 1911*] M March 7, 1911. Mr. John E. Pearson, 407 Myrtle St., St. Peter, Minn. Dear Sir: Your favor of the 2nd instant is at hand, in which you state that you are to take part in a debate on the question "Resolved, That the present movement of organized labor for a Closed shop should not receive the support of public opinion", and request some references or articles for or against said question. Of course, it is hardly to be expected that I should furnish you with information against the "closed shop," and as I have discussed the question of the "union shop" so fully in editorials in the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST, and there are so many requests made to me for information along this line I had these editorials published in pamphlet form and send copy to you under separate cover, together with a copy of a pamphlet entitled "Has the Non-Unionist a Moral High to Work How, When and Where He Pleases", by Frank K. Foster. Your attention is also called to a pamphlet by Clarence S. Darrow entitled"The Open Shop", published by the Hammersmark Publishing Company, 151-153 Wabash Avenue, Chicago, Illinois.[*352*] [*COPIED. MAR 7- 1911*] J. E. P. 2. I am sure you will appreciate the fact as the subject is so fully discussed in the printed matter I am sending you and to which I referred you, that in view of the many demands made upon my time, I can not undertake in an individual letter to discuss it at greater length. Very truly yours, Saml Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.[*353*] [*COPIED. MAR 7- 1911*] M March 7, 1911. Mr. O. B. Ryder, Principal, Waverly High School, Waverly, Virginia. Dear Sir: Your favor of March 2nd is at hand, in which you request some printed matter and information on the effect of foreign immigration on labor. In reply let me say that immigrants who are in this country and who will not conform to American methods of living, and to the methods pursued by the wage workers in their efforts to better their conditions must naturally be harmful to workingmen and working women of our country. The strength of this country is in the intelligence and strength of its working people. The need of regulations is now felt, and may be more sharply felt in the near future, when there may be quite a number of workmen unemployed and when the possibility is that the number may be augmented, and yet the fact that immigration, with its cheap labor is increasing, and its effect even at the slightest stagnation in the industrial crisis is prejudicial, aye, dangerous, to the interests, welfare and progress of the American workman. It is not the purpose of the American Federation of Labor[*354*] [*COPIED. MAR 7- 1911*] Q. B. R. 2. to close the gates entirely to those who may voluntarily seek our shores for the purpose of their own material, moral and social improvement, but our people should certainly protect themselves from indiscriminate immigration. We can not permit the Mongolian, with his prejudices, his peculiar "civilization" which he regards as much greater and higher than ours, with his low moral standard of living and his poor conception of our institutions, and his racial antagonism to our hopes and aspirations and ideals to have free and unrestricted access to this country. There is no hope, no possibility of any assimilation between the Mongolian and the Caucasian. It would be most ruinous to us, even were it possible. Nor should the American workmen or American people be called upon to bear the indiscriminate immigration of others, whose presence and influence tend to deteriorate, rather than enhance the progress of our people. As one of the means to the accomplishment of this purpose, the American Federation of Labor has declared that no laborer should come to our country under contract, written or implied, and that a test of illiteracy should be required. The Nashville Conventions of the American Federation of Labor pronounced in favor of an educational test for immigrants, and the Boston Convention in 1903, passed the following resolution: That the Executive Council of the American Federation of Labor is hereby ordered to assist the Commissioner General of the United States Immigration in the passage by Congress of an educational clause in the Immigration Law to protect American labor." I enclose to you herein a pamphlet "Immigration - Up to Congress" by the undersigned, which appeared in the January issue, 1911, AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST, the official magazine of the American[*355*] O. B. R. 3. Federation of Labor; also a reprint from an article by John Mitchell entitled "Protect the Workman." which I think you will find of interest. With kind regards, I am, Very truly yours, Saml Gompers President American Federation of Labor.[*356*] [*COPIED. MAR 7- 1911*] M March 7, 1911. Mr. G. S. Skinner, Cherokee, Kansas. Dear Sir: Your favor of the 2nd instant is at hand, in which you state that you desire information on both sides of the question "Resolved, That the "Closed Shop" should have the moral and economic support of the American people." Of course, I can not undertake to furnish you with any printed matter in support of the "open shop", and as I have discussed the question of the "union shop" so fully in editorials in the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST, and there are so many requests made to me for information along this line I had these editorials published in pamphlet form and send copy to you under separate cover, together with a copy of a pamphlet entitled "Has the Non-Unionist a Moral Right to Work How, When and Where He pleases", by Frank K. Foster. I am sure you will appreciate the fact that as the subject is so fully discussed in the printed matter I am sending you and to which I referred you, that in view of the many demands made upon my time I can not undertake in an individual letter to discuss[*357*] [*COPIED. MAR 7- 1911*] G. S. S. 2. it at greater length. Very truly yours, Saml Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.[*358*] [*COPIED. MAR 7- 1911*] M March 7, 1911. Mr. Harold P. Flint, 406 East Walnut St., Bloomington, Illinois. Dear Sir: Your favor of the 2nd instant is at hand, in which you state that at the suggestion of Mr. George W. Perkins, you are writing this office for information in reference to the "Closed Shop." As I have discussed the question of the "union shop" so fully in editorials in the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST and there are so many requests made to me for information along this line I had these editorials published in pamphlet form and send copy to you under separate cover, together with a copy of a pamphlet entitled "Has the Non-Unionist a Moral Right to Work How, When and Where He Pleases," by Frank K. Foster. Your attention is also called to a pamphlet by Clarence S. Darrow, entitled "The Open Shop," published by the Hammersmark Publishing Company, 151-153 Wabash Avenue, Chicago, Illinois. I am sure you will appreciate the fact that as the subject is so fully discussed in the printed matter I am sending you and to which I referred you, that in view of the many demands made[*359*] [*COPIED. MAR 7- 1911*] H. P. F. 2. upon my time I can not undertake in an individual letter to discuss it at greater length. Very truly your Saml Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.[*360*] [*COPIED. MAR 7- 1911*] M March 7, 1911. Mr. George King, Secretary, Trades and Labor Assembly, Taylorville, Illinois. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of recent date received, and in accordance with the information you give, the name of T. A. Holmes will be removed from our list of organizers. Relative to renewal of your commission I beg to say that same will be renewed and forwarded to you April 28, the date of its expiration. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.[*361*] [*COPIED. MAR 7- 1911*] M March 7, 1911. Mr. F. J. Barton, Organizer, 540 Athabasca Ave., Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of February 27th is at hand and contents noted. Relative to the jurisdiction which your commission covers, I beg to say that same is issued for Edmonton and vicinity. In fact, so long as you do not encroach upon the jurisdiction of another organizer, there would be no objection to your forming local union wherever the opportunity presents itself. Relative to forming an organization of Street Railway men would say, that application for charter should be made direct to President W. D. Mahon, 45 Hodges Block, Detroit, Michigan, Amalgamated Association of Street and Electric Railway Employes of America. With best wishes for success, and hoping to hear from hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.[*362*] [*COPIED. MAR 7- 1911*] M March 7, 1911. Mr. George R. Richardson, Secretary, Local No. 52, Int'l Brotherhood of Teamster, Chauffers, Stablemen and Helpers of America, 602 East Fifth St., Dayton, Ohio. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 5th instant is at hand and contents noted. Relative to the organization of the City Firemen, I beg to say that these men should become directly affiliated to the A. F. of L. I enclose to you herein a circular "How" which gives instruction as to the method of procedure in the formation of a trade union. I think you will understand from this circular how to form an organization of this character. The cost of charter and outfit is $10.00, as you will note from the enclosed price list of supplies. The per capita tax is ten cents per member per month, five cents of this amount being set aside for the maintenance of the defense fund. Enclosed you will find blank application for charter, which should be filled in with the names of seven of the officers or members of the temporary organization, and forwarded to this office, together[*363*] [*COPIED. MAR 7- 1911*] G. R. R. 2. with the fee of $10.00. With best wishes for success and hoping to hear from you at any early date, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.[*364*] [*COPIED. MAR 7- 1911*] LF March 7, 1911. Mr. L. F. Maire, President Carriage and Wagon Workers International Union 10 Chapin Block, Buffalo, N. Y. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the sixth instant, which will be brought to his attention as soon as possible upon his return. Very truly yours, [*R. Lee Guard*] Secretary to President Gompers.[*365*] [*COPIED. MAR 7- 1911*] LF March 7, 1911. Mr. Frederic W. Gardner, President The Buck's Stove and Range Company St. Louis, Mo. My dear Mr. Gardner: In the absence of President Gompers I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 4th instant with enclosures, which will be brought to his attention as soon as possible upon his return. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*366*] [*COPIED. MAR 7- 1911*] LF March 7, 1911 Mr. A. J. Konenkamp, President The Commercial Telegraphers' Union of America 922 Monon Bldg., Chicago Ill. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 4th instant which will be brought to his attention as soon as possible upon his return. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*367*] [*COPIED. MAR 7- 1911*] LF March 7, 1911 Mr. T. V. O'Connor, President International Longshoremen's Association, Mutual Life Bldg., Buffalo, N. Y. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 6th instant which will be brought to his attention as soon as possible upon his return. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*368*] [*COPIED. MAR 7- 1911*] LF March 7, 1911 Mr. Thomas H. Palmer, Secretary International Union of Slate Workers Pen Argyle, Pa. Dear Sir and Brother: I want to thank you and your colleagues for your courtesy in sending me the very unique checkerboard. I have never seen anything like it before and I assure you that it is very highly appreciated. I regard it as a most beautiful piece of work. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.[*369*] [*COPIED. MAR 7- 1911*] LF March 7, 1911 Mr. James T. Manee, Organizer 32 Asylum St., Hartford, Conn. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the March 4th in which you reply to his telegram in regard to the trouble between the Theatrical Stage Employes and the Poli Theatre. Your letter will be held for his attention upon his return. In the meantime your bill for expenses has been handed to Secretary Morrison who will send you check covering same. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*370*] [*COPIED. MAR 7- 1911*] LF March 7, 1911 Mr. Conrad F. Nystrom, President [??l] #242, Intl. Brick, Tile and Terra Cotta Workers Alliance [?] 22, Randall, Ill. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of March first is received and contents noted. I should indeed be glad to comply with your request to visit Galesburg at sometime in the near future for the purpose of delivering an address at a mass meeting for which arrangements are now being made, but at present my engagements are such that I cannot make any definite promise as to whether I could go to Galesburg. Then again, our appeal on the contempt case in pending before the United State Supreme Court. The Decision of the Court may be handed down at any moment. If our contention is not sustained, the Vice-President Mitchell, Secretary Morrison and I will have to serve the sentences of 9, 6 and 12 months respectively, as imposed by Justice Wright. Let me suggest, however, that you correspond with Treasurer John B. Lennon of Bloomington, Ill., whose name and address appears upon this letter-head and see if you can not make arrangements with him at sometime mutually convenient for him to visit Galesburg and address a mass meeting. I do not know what his engagements are, but I am sure that he will be glad to comply with[*371*] [*COPIED. MAR 7- 1911*] Mr. Conrad F. Nystrom -2- such a request if he could possibly so arrange his affairs as to do so. Hoping to hear from you further and with best wishes, I remain, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.[*372*] [*COPIED. MAR 7- 1911*] Mr. Frank E. Insley, Secretary Clay Miners Union #9985 513 West High St., Urichsville, Ohio Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of February 23rd is received and contents noted. Will you please advise me immediately when the next regular meeting of your organization will be held. I shall endeavor to have an official representative of the American Federation of Labor attend that meeting. Hoping to receive your early reply, and with kind regards, I remain, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.[*373*] [*COPIED. MAR 7- 1911*] LF March 7, 1911 Mr. Cal Wyatt, Organizer General Delivery Altoona, Pa. Dear Sir and Brother: Enclosed please find file of correspondence from Clay Miners' Union #9985 of Uhrichsville, Ohio. As soon as you have the opportunity I want you to go over it all carefully and hold yourself in readiness to go to Uhrichsville as soon as I am advised by the Secretary of Local #9985 when the next regular meeting of the union will be held. What I desire is that you should arrange for your visit to Uhrichsville so as to enable you to attend the meeting of Local 9985 and endeavor to have the trouble straightened out in line with the decision which I rendered in the case. As soon as I hear from Secretary Insley I will immediately advise you. Of course with your report upon this matter you will not fail to return the enclosed correspondence to me as I am sending you all of the original letters in the case. With kind regards, I remain, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. Enclosure:[*374*] [*COPIED. MAR 7- 1911*] LF March 7, 1911 Mr. J. J. Fitzpatrick, Organizer Rooms 501-3, 277 La Salle St., Chicago, Ill. Dear Sir and Brother: Please accept my thanks for your letter of February 27th in which you advise me of the result of the investigation you made into the matter about which complaint was made in the anonymous letter sent me from Chicago and which I submitted to you. I am glad to know that the complaint made as to affairs in chauffeurs Local #727 is groundless. With best wishes and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.[*375*] [*COPIED. MAR 7- 1911*] LF March 7, 1911 Mr. Paul Scharrenberg, Secretary California State Federation of Labor 316 Fourteenth St., San Francisco, California Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 27th ultimo in which you enclose copy of the Woman's Eight Hour Bill, which you sent in compliance with Mr. Gompers' request. Kindly accept his thanks for the same. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*376*] [*COPIED. MAR 7- 1911*] LF March 7, 1911 Mr. W. M. McLaughlin, Corresponding Secretary Laborers' Protective Union #12713 605 N. Washington St., Roswell, New Mexico. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers and replying to your favor of February 27th, I beg to enclose to you herein copy of letter which he wrote Mr. J. W. Richards, ex-president of your organization under date of March 3rd, and which you will please accept as equally addressed to you. President Gompers will write you further upon receipt of advice from President Huber. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers Enclosure:[*377*] [*COPIED. MAR 7- 1911*] LF Copy. March 3, 1911 Mr. J. W. Richards, Ex-President, Laborers Protective Union #12713, Box 305, Roswell, New Mexico. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of February 27th is received and contents noted. You state in detail the trouble which your organization is having with the H. L. Stephens Construction Company and you desire to know if the Carpenters' organization cannot be required to quit work for that Company until the controversy between your organization and it is adjusted. In reply I beg to say that the President of the American Federation of Labor has no power or authority to direct that even one member or one organization should quit work for any cause whatsoever, much less has he the authority to direct what course of action shall be followed by an affiliated national or international union. I can, however, send copy of your letter to President Huber of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners for his information and for whatever action he may be able to take in the premises in behalf of Local #12713. I infer from your letter that your members have already quit work in protest against the policy of the H. L. Stephens Construction Company to require the laborers to work nine hours per day at a wage of $2.00 per day, and the carpenters to work eight hours and at the union scale of wages. I will take the matter up with President Huber and as[*378*] [*COPIED. MAR 7- 1911*] LF March 7, 1911 Mr. J. W. Richards -2 soon as I hear anything from him in reply thereto I will immediately advise you. I would be glad to have you write me further as to any new development which may arise. With every wish for success and with kind regards, I remain, Fraternally yours, (Signed) Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor.[*379*] [*COPIED. MAR 7- 1911*] LF March 7, 1911 Mr. J. Al Meisenbach, Secretary Trades and Labor Council 1815 First St., Peru, Ill. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 5th instant which will be brought to his attention as soon as possible upon his return. Very truly yours, [*R. Lee Guard*] Secretary to President Gompers. [*380*] [*COPIED. MAR 7- 1911*] LF March 7, 1911 Mr. Jere L. Sullivan, Secretary Hotel and Restaurant Employees' Intl. Alliance, etc., Commercial Tribune Building, Cincinnati, Ohio Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the second instant is received and contents noted. I should indeed be glad to comply with your suggestion as to placing Organizer Woodman of Fort Worth, Texas at work as special organizer for the American Federation of Labor for the next three or four months, but I regret to say that owing to financial reasons it is absolutely out of my power to do so. I fully appreciate all that you say as to the advantage and assistance it would be to your organization, as well as to the general labor movement, particularly in view of the numbers of Chinese and Japanese in Fort Worth, if Organizer Woodman could devote his entire time not only in the interest of the Hotel and Restaurant Employes, but in the interest of all of the unorganized wage earners in Fort Worth, but yet if we have not the funds in the treasury with which to bear the expenses incurred by such work you will agree with me that it would be worse than folly to inaugurate it.[*381*] [*COPIED. MAR 7- 1911*] Mr. Jere L. Sullivan --2 However, Organizer M. Grant Hamilton, who at present is at Denver, Colorado, will be assigned in the near future to an itinerary in the South and which will include Fort Worth. I cannot say just now exactly when he will reach Fort Worth, but in any event he will get there as soon as possible. With kind regards, I remain, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.[*382*] [*COPIED. MAR 7- 1911*] LF March 6, 1911 Mr. Andrew J. Gallagher, Secretary San Francisco Labor Council 316 Fourteenth St., San Francisco, California Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 1st instant and to thank you for the information you give as to pending measures in the State Legislature. Mr. Gompers will be very glad to receive copies of the bills you mention. Very truly yours, [*R. Lee Guard*] Secretary to President Gompers. [*383*] [*COPIED. MAR 7- 1911*] LF March 7, 1911 Mr. Charles R. Atherton, Secretary Metal Polishers, Buffers, Platers, etc., Neave Building, Cincinnati, Ohio. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers I beg to acknowledge receipt of our favor of March 1st which will be placed with the other papers in the case. Very truly yours, [*R. Lee Guard*] Secretary to President Gompers [*384*] [*COPIED. MAR 7- 1911*] X. March 7, 1911 Mr. Berthal Blair, Panora, Iowa. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers on official business, I beg acknowledge receipt of your favor of the sixth instant, which will be brought to Mr. Gompers' attention upon his return to headquarters. Very truly yours, [*R. Lee Guard*] Secretary to President Gompers.[*385*] [*COPIED. MAR 7- 1911*] X. March 7, 1911. Mr. B. L. Babcock, Colgate University, Hamilton, New York. Dear Sir: Your favor of March the fourth is received and contents noted. You say that you will shortly take part in a debate on the labor question and request that I should send you any literature that would be helpful in the preparation of your paper. Will you kindly advise me with which phase of the labor question the debate will deal? I shall then be in a better position to give you the information you desire. The organizations of labor are referred to as Labor Unions or as Trade Unions, there being no distinction between the two terms. Very truly yours, [*Sam Gompers*] President, American Federation of Labor.[*386*] [*COPIED. MAR 7- 1911*] X. March 7, 1911. Mr. Martin A. Olmem, Box 857, Fargo, North Dakota. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers and replying to your favor of March the first, I beg to enclose to you herein copy of list of pamphlets published by this office. If you will kindly indicate the ones you desire, your order will be promptly filled. Very truly yours, [*R. Lee Guard*] Secretary to President Gompers.[*387*] [*COPIED. MAR 7- 1911*] X. March 7, 1911. Mr. Ludwig Jablinowski, Member German Journalists Union of New York and Vicinity, 430 East 153d Street, New York City. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers, and replying to your favor of March third, I beg to enclose to you herein copy of letter which he wrote to Mr. Gus Miller, Treasurer of the German Journalists Union of New York City, under date of February first, which you will please accept as equally addressed to you. As soon as President Gompers is in a position to write more fully to either you or the other officers of your organization upon the subject of your charter application he will do so. Very truly yours, [*R. Lee Guard*] Secretary to President Gompers.[*388*] [*COPIED. MAR 7- 1911*] COPY. Washington, D. C., Feb. 1, 1911. Mr. Gus Miller, Treasurer, German Journalists Union of New York and Vicinity, 824 Knickerbocker Avenue, Brooklyn, N. Y. Dear Sir: Your two favors of January 26th and January 31st have been duly received and contents noted. I have been unable to write to you before, owing to the ten days session of the Executive Council, three days in the Supreme Court of the United States, and then absence from headquarters on official business. When the subject matter of the charter application of your organization was under discussion by the Executive Council it was learned that in the coming March there will be a joint conference held of the printing trades and that, therefore, the matter of the issuance or otherwise of a charter to your organization should be held in abeyance until after the conference hasbeen held. In the meantime, as directed by the Executive Council, I am corresponding further with President Lynch of the International Typographical Union as to the objections made by his organization against the issuance of charter to your union. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, (Signed) SAMUEL GOMPERS, President, American Federation of Labor.[*389*] [*COPIED. MAR 7- 1911*] X. March 7, 1911. Mr. W. J. Macon, 59 West Ontario Street, Chicago, Illinois.. Dear Sir: Replying to your favor of the fourth instant in regard to your application for membership in the local union of Asbestos Workers in Chicago, I beg to say that your letter has been referred to Mr. Thomas J. McNamara, Secretary, International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Asbestos Workers, 1801 A Elliot Ave., St. Louis, Missouri, as much complaints as you make properly come under the jurisdiction of the executive officers of the International Organization involved, rather than the officers of the American Federation of Labor. You will hear from Mr. McNamara at an early date. Very truly yours, [*Sam Gompers*] President, American Federation of Labor.[*390*] [*COPIED. MAR 7- 1911*] X. March 7, 1911. Mr. Thomas J. McNamara, Secretary, International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Asbestos Workers, 1801A Elliot Avenue, St. Louis, Mo. Dear Sir and Brother: Enclosed you will please find copy of letter which I have just received from W. J. Macon, 59 West Ontario Street, Chicago, Illinois. As you will note, Mr. Macon says he was formerly a member of the local of your International Union of Cleveland, Ohio, now defunct, and that he has been endeavoring for quite some time to have his application for membership in the Chicago union accepted. I have advised him that his letter has been referred to you, and that you will take the matter up direct with him. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, [*Sam Gompers*] President, American Federation of Labor.[*391*] [*COPIED. MAR 7- 1911*] COPY. Chicago, Ill., March 4, 1911. Mr. Samuel Gompers, President A. F. of L., Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: Am American born citizen, a member of Heat Frost and Asbestos Workers of Cleveland, O. (defunct) through no fault of mine. Also two years ago Charter Member same, Detroit, (men would not meet) no fault of mine. Have lost card so can't get fair deal here at Chicago. Have worked Chicago on Permit seven months off and on, November, 1909, May 1910. Have 22 Permits for which I paid $4.00 per week. Had my application in three months, and when I asked why no action, I was told to wait another six months. Was taken sick last June so no work to this time. Wanted to get my application filled two weeks ago and was refused a blank. Plenty work here. Green men working on Permit. Men working at the trade a few months and get the money. I have worked at trade 16 years, and a brother here from Cleveland, also one here from Detroit, can vouch to this. But the Kennedy faction tell me Idid not use my money right way while working on Permit. Am writing all this for redress. I must have work, so go to work March 6th United Cork Co. which work is under Hod Carriers jurisdiction. Have been Right and want to be so now. Please inform. Hoping for REDRESS. Respectfully yours, (Signed) W. J. Macon, 59 West Ontario Street, Chicago, Ill.[*392*] [*COPIED. MAR 7- 1911*] X. March 8, 1911. Mr. Chas. S. Yates, Secretary, Central Trades and Labor Assembly, Room 202, Duguid Bldg., Syracuse, N. Y. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the fourth instant received, in which in compliance with my request of February 28, you give me the desired information as to the standing of the Kelsey Heating Company of Syracuse. You also express the hope that I should assist the Central Trades and Labor Assembly in its endeavors to secure an adjustment with this company. You further say that the controversy is between the Sheet Metal Workers and the Company, and that it has existed for several years and though every effort has been made to adjust the questions at issue, yet without success. I do not know that there is anything which I can do. Of course, if the International Union will indicate to me in which way I canbe of assistance in this matter, I shall certainly be glad to do what I can. With kind regards, I am, Fraternally yours, [*Sam Gompers*] President, American Federation of Labor.[*393*] [*COPIED. MAR 7- 1911*] X. March 7, 1911. Mr. James M. Lynch, President, International Typographical Union, Newton Claypool Bldg., Indianapolis, Ind. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers, permit me to thank you in his name for your prompt and courteous compliance with his request to forward to Mr. Louis Le Bosse, London, the cards and pictures of the Printers' Home. Very truly yours, [*R. Lee Guard*] Secretary to President Gompers.[*394*] [*COPIED. MAR 7- 1911*] X. March 7, 1911. Mr. James Buckley, President, Wyoming State Federation of Labor, Box 892, Cheyenne, Wyoming. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers on official business, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the second instant, in regard to the organization of Railroad Mail Clerks. Your letter has been handed to Secretary Frank Morrison for attention, and he will write you direct. Very truly yours, [*R. Lee Guard*] Secretary to President Gompers.[*395*] [*COPIED. MAR 7- 1911*] X. March 7, 1911. Mr. Henry Guth, Secretary-Treasurer, Railway Mail Clerk Protective Association #13132, c/o Mr. Chas. Yates, Room 202 Duguid Bldg., Syracuse, N. Y. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers on official business, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the fourth instant, in which you enclose a copy of the oath of office, which members of your union are obliged to take when entering the postal service, also copy of Article 12, of your new constitution, on which you ask advice. The matter has been referred to Secretary Frank Morrison, and he will write you direct. Very truly yours, [*R. Lee Guard*] Secretary to President Gompers.[*396*] [*COPIED. MAR 7- 1911*] X. March 7, 1911. Mr. Abraham Shaines, c/o Mr. Colin, 28 Leverett St., Boston, Mass. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers on official business, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the fourth instant. Your report has been referred to Secretary Frank Morrison for attention. Very truly yours, [*R. Lee Guard*] Secretary to President Gompers.[*397*] [*COPIED. MAR 7- 1911*] X. March 7, 1911. Mr. J. J. Fitzpatrick, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, Room 501, 275 La Salle Street, Chicago, Ill. Dear Sir: President Gompers directs me to acknowledge receipt of your favor of March the third in which you make full report upon the matter of the locksmith by the name of Kafka, who some time ago went to Chicago from Vienna, and about whom Mr. Gompers wrote you under date of January 25th. Your report will be placed with the other letters in connection with this case for future reference. Very truly yours, [*R. Lee Guard*] Secretary to President Gompers.[*398*] [*COPIED. MAR 7- 1911*] X. March7, 1911. Mr. M. R. Leverson, 927 Grant Avenue, Bronx, New York City. Dear Sir: I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the fifth instant, referring to your previous correspondence with me in regard to the employes of the department stores of Newark, New Jersey. I am again writing to Secretary Conway of the Retail Clerks' International Protective Association, 315 Appel Building, Denver, Colorado, and also to the official representative of the A. F. of L. in New York City, Mr. Hugh Frayne, 25 Third Avenue. I would suggest that in communicating with Mr. Frayne you should state to him in detail the matters which have come under your immediate observation as regards the condition of the employes of the department stores of Newark. I should be glad to hear from you further whenever you may feel disposed to write, and I need scarcely say to you that I will also be glad to be of whatever assistance I can to the wage earners of Newark, as well as to the wage earners of the entire country. Very truly yours, [*Sam Gompers*] President, American Federation of Labor.[*399*] [*COPIED. MAR 7- 1911*] X. March 7, 1911. Mr. Hugh Frayne, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, 25 Third Avenue, New York City. Dear Sir: On July 22d, 1910, President Gompers wrote to you enclosing copy of a letter written him by Dr. Leverson, of New York City, in regard to the organization of the employes of the department stores. Dr. Leverson again writes Mr. Gompers under date of March the fifth, in connection with the same matter, copy of whichyou will please find enclosed herein. Will you kindly advise Mr. Gompers in regard thereto. Copies of Dr. Leverson's letters are also being sent to Mr. Conway, President of the Retail Clerks' International Protective Association. Very truly yours, [*R. Lee Guard*] Secretary to President Gompers.[*400*] [*COPIED. MAR 7- 1911*] X. March 7, 1911. Mr. H. J. Conway, President, Retail Clerks' International Protective Association, 315 Appel Building, Denver, Colorado. Dear Sir and Brother: Within a few months I have received several letters from Dr. M. R. Leverson, 927 Grant Avenue, Bronx, New York City, in regard to the employes of the department stores of Newark, New Jersey, and the conditions under which they work, and the need for their organization in order to secure improved conditions for them. I have been in correspondence with Organizer Hugh Frayne in regard to the matter, and if my memory serves me right, when I first heard from Dr. Leverson, I also wrote you. In any event, it seemed to me that the matter of his correspondence should be brought to your attention. Enclosed you will please find copy of the first letter he wrote me under date of July 20, 1910, and also copy of the last communication from him, dated March the fifth, 1911. They are submitted to you for your consideration, and for whatever action you may be able to take in the premises. Trusting that I may have a word from you in regard to the above at your convenience, I am, with best wishes, Fraternally yours, [*Sam Gompers*] President, American Federation of Labor.[*401*] [*COPIED. MAR 7- 1911*] COPY. 927 Grant Ave., Bronx, N. Y. City. July 20, 1910. Editor Federationist. Dear Sir: I lately became aware of the condition of practical slavery of the employes of department stores in Newark, N. J. and as I am informed in other towns. I am also informed that they are nowhere united in unions. I have been unable to learn of any organizer and have been advised to write to you for information. If an organizer would call on me I would like to discuss matters with him. I ask him to call on me because I am an old man over 80 years, and my vision is so imperfect that going about is uncertain, in fact dangerous, as I cannot afford an attendant. At the same time, while believing unions will afford a temporary palliative, it is only by the full carrying out of the Henry George theory that permanent relief ispossible. Yours respectfully, (Signed) M. R. Leverson. 927 Grant Ave., Bronx, N. Y. City. March 5, 1911. To the Federation of Labor, Gentlemen: Some nine months ago I called your attention to the oppression of the employes in Department stores in Newark, N. J. Mr. Gompers wrote to me that your organizer would look into it. After waiting between three or four months I wrote to him and he explained the neglect is caused by another important labor movement (I think a strike) then on, and promised attention as soon as possible. Nothing has been done. The state in Newark is actually one of slavery. Yours respectfully, (Signed) M. R. Leverson. Fraternally yours, [*Sam Gompers*] President, American Federation of Labor.[*402*] [*COPIED. MAR 7- 1911*] X. March 4, 1911. Mr. Hugh Frayne, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, 25 Third Ave, New York City. Dear Sir and Brother: I am just in receipt of a letter from Vice-President Duncan in which he says that he has written to you and to Mr. Abrahams in regard to arranging for the conference of the stone cutting trades on March the 13th. As you know, I have been in communication with him upon the subject, both by wire and letter. Nothing unforeseen occurring, I shall certainly be present to attend that conference. I would suggest, as he suggested, that if possible it be held at the Victoria Hotel. With kind regards, I am, Fraternally yours, [*Sam Gompers*] President, American Federation of Labor.[*403*] [*COPIED. MAR 7- 1911*] X. March 6, 1911. Mr. James Duncan, Vice-President, American Federation of Labor, Hancock Building, Quincy, Mass. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the third instant received and contents noted. Nothing unforeseen occurring, I shall certainly be on hand to attend the conference of the stone cutting trades on March the thirteenth. I too would suggest that it be held at the Victoria Hotel, and in my letter to Organizer Frayne in connection therewith I have made this suggestion to him. I assure you that I appreciate greatly your commendation of my article "Organized Labor and the National Civic Federation" in the March issue of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST. It was intended to be as you say, a straight forward blow with a clinched fist straight from the shoulder. The fight is going on, and men must be unafraid in standing for their faith and conviction. In connection with this article, let me say that I omitted one statement which I should have thought and incorporated therein, and because I used it in a letter I have just sent to friend John Mitchell, and because I feel so much in harmony with the views you express regarding the splendid stand he has taken, I enclose to you herein copy of the letter which I have sent him. John and I had a long and [*404*] [*COPIED. MAR 7- 1911*] Mr. James Duncan -2- intensely interesting confab as to the situation in which he was placed. He has done the right thing and it will come out right in the end, as indeed [he is] right now. His enemies evidently thought that he would think more of position and a good salary than his own good name and character as a straight forward trade unionist and man. With kind regards, and anticipating the pleasure of our early meeting, I am, Fraternally yours, [*Samuel Gompers*] President, American Federation of Labor.[*405*] COPY. Washington, D. C., Mar. 3, 1911. Mr. John Mitchell, Vice-President, [AmericanFederation] of Labor, 10096 Metropolitan Bldg., New York City. Dear Sir and Brother: [Yo ur] favor of the second instant, enclosing copy of the correspondence between yourself and Hon, Seth Low came duly to hand and I thank you for sending it to me. Permit me also to congratulate you upon the stand you have taken in resigning from office and membership in the National Civic Federation in response to the action of the recent convention of the United Mine Workers of America. In my judgment the action of the Miners' convention was not only a mistake, but it was doing the organization itself, as well as the trade union movement, and particularly yourself, an injustice. The bitterest enemies of the capitalist class, have taken and will take, as they [have because] to take, great comfort at the action of the Miners' Union. Such actions plays into their hands as well as into the hands of the false pretenders who mask behind a pretended interest in and friendship for labor. In the March issue of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST, I have an article upon "Organizer Labor and the National Civic Federation" to which your attention is called. I should like you to read it in full in connection with this letter. You know that any feeling which has been created against the Civic Federation is due to the political partisan Socialists. The constructive trade union work, the work for the common and general uplift of the toilers, with the protection and promotion of their interests, to constantly improve the condition of the workers[*406*] [*COPIED. MAR 7- 1911*] Mr. John Mitchell -2- in agreement with employers wherever possible, is wholly at variance with so-called philosophy of the political Socialists, and necessarily increases their bitter organized, systematized hostility. Just exactly the may be found in the attitude of the Posts and Kirbys of the National Association of Manufacturers. It may not be an uninteresting item for you to know that notwithstanding the fact that the labor movement of Germany is accepted by the Socialists as the best expression of the most radical type, and yet when the strike of the Building Trades of Germany was on several months ago, the case was finally submitted to a Board of Arbitration, the arbitrators being Government Councillor Dr. Wiedfeldt; Dr. Bentler, Mayor of of Dresden; Dr. Prenner, President of the Munich Industrial Court. You will thus observe that not one labor man was on that board of arbitration. It was composed of three men entirely removed from the ranks of labor. In the entire history of the labor movementof America, I know of no instance in which any organization or any set of workmen even un-organized, would consent to submit a case to a board of arbitration upon which a labor man was not a member. I would like to have an opportunity of talking over with you what you have in mind to do after March 31, when you sever your connection with the Civic Federation. If you could find it convenient, I should be glad to have a word from you i the meantime, Again commending your stand, congratulating you upon it, and with assurance of my high regard and best wishes, I am, Sincerely and fraternally yours, [*Sam Gompers*] President, American Federation of Labor.[*407*] [*COPIED. MAR 7- 1911*] X. March 7, 1911. Mr. L. W. Quick, Grand Secretary and Treasurer, The Order of Railroad Telegraphers, Star Building, St. Louis, Mo. Dear Sir and Brother: I beg to acknowledge receipt of the bound copy of the RAILROAD TELEGRAPHER for 1910, for which please accept my thanks. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, [*Sam Gompers*] President, American Federation of Labor.[*408*] [*COPIED. MAR 7- 1911*] [*COPIED. MAR 8- 1911*] M March 8, 1911. Mr. W. A. Clinton, 19 Harvey St., Rome Georgia. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 1st instant is at hand, in which you tender your resignation as volunteer organizer for Rome and vicinity, stating that you have not the time to attend to the duties of that position. I very much regret that you can not continue your work as organizer, but of course, under the circumstances I can only accept your resignation, and take this opportunity to thank you for the good work performed by you while acting in that capacity. I trust although no longer connected with the A. F. of L. as our official representative you will yet lend your influence wherever possible to the strengthening and advancement of our great cause. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, [*Sam Gompers*] President American Federation of Labor.[*409*] [*COPIED. MAR 8- 1911*] M March 8, 1911. Mr. William E. Reich, Organizer, Box 334, Knoxville, Tennessee. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of recent date to Secretary Morrison has been brought to my attention, and I enclose to you herein duplicate commission as volunteer organizer for Knoxville and vicinity. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, [*Sam Gompers*] President American Federation of Labor.[*410*] [*COPIED. MAR 8- 1911*] Z March 8, 1911. Mr. John Mitchell, Vice-President, 10096 Metropolitan Building, New York, N. Y. My dear Mr. Mitchell: A letter just been received from Mr. L. O. Chatt, University Station, Enid, Oklahoma, in which he desires to know where he could obtain a copy of your book. He asked that if it could be obtained to please send it to him C. O. D., or otherwise inform him where he could get it. I have just written him that his request would be referred to you, as I was unable to advise him where he could procure a copy. Very truly yours, [*R Lee Guard*] Secretary to Pres. Gompers[*411*] [*COPIED. MAR 8- 1911*] Z Mar. 8, 1911. Mr. Paul Scharrenberg, Secretary-Treasurer, California State Federation of Labor, 316 Fourteenth St., San Francisco, Cal. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers on official business, permit me to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 27th ultimo, and to thank you for the copy of the "Woman's Eight Hour Bill" which you enclosed, and also for the Official Year Book of the California State Federation of Labor, which you sent under separate cover. Very truly yours, [*R Lee Guard*] Secretary to Pres. Gompers[*412*] [*COPIED. MAR 8- 1911*] Z March 8, 1911. Mr. Henry E. Wilson, Chairman, Publicity Committee, Marshall County Citizens' Assn., Marshalltown, Iowa. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers on official business permit me to acknowledge the receipt of your favor of the 4th instant in which you ask for his views on the saloon question as it affects the workingmen. Very truly yours, [*R Lee Guard*] Secretary to Pres. Gompers[*413*] [*COPIED. MAR 8- 1911*] LF March 7, 1911. Mr. Jerome Jones, 406 Austell Building, Atlanta, Ga. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 4th instant is received and contents noted. As you are aware by now, Secretary Morrison and I expect to visit Atlanta on March 27th. I will not enter into a discussion of the matters about which you write but keep them in mind and speak to me about them when you see me. As per your request I return the telegram to you herein which was sent you by the Waycross Trades and Labor Assembly. With best wishes and anticipating meeting you at an early date, I remain, Fraternally yours, [*Sam Gompers*] President American Federation of Labor.[*414*] [*COPIED. MAR 8- 1911*] LF March 7, 1911 Mr. T. V. O'Connor, President, Mutual Life Building, Buffalo, N.Y. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of March 1st is received and contents noted. You say that you believe that Organizer Terry should visit New Orleans for a week or ten days, and you request that he should be directed to proceed to that city immediately in view of the fact that at present he is not at such a great distance from New Orleans. We are just in receipt of a report from Mr. Terry, copy of which you will please find enclosed herein. You will note the work that he is now doing in behalf of your organization at Mobile, and Gulfport and that he is now arranging to go to Pensacola to organize the Longshoremen of that port. However, if you still think that he should drop the work at Mobile, Gulfport and Pensacola and go to New Orleans, for a week or ten days, I will arrange to have him do so. Please advise me as to this at your earliest convenience, and oblige, Fraternally yours, [*Sam Gompers*] President, A.F. of L. Enclosure:415 LF Copy. Mobile, Alabama, March 4, 1911 Mr. Frank Morrison, Secy. A.F. of L. Dear Sir and Bro: My report for this week will be brief owing to several holidays the beginning of the week to celebrate Mardi Gras. I have been in correspondence with several men at Gulfport and as this was an off week here in the labor movement, I made a trip to Gulfport, and was surprised to find it a great lumber shipping port, in fact they handle much more lumber than they do in Mobile. I worked among the men during Thurs. and got them interested also worked other docks Friday, and met them in a meeting on Friday night, when we organized a temporary organization, appointed a committee to take up the work among the men who did not get to this meeting, and also to collect their initiation fees on pay day and forward me the $10 for the charter application, as I will have a heavy week here all next week, and can send in for the charter and save that time. I had to get a guide to pilot me to the hall which is about two miles from the city over a dusty and sandy road and when I arrived back to Gulfport at midnight I resembled a weary Willy. I met with a man just from Pensacola, who informed me that he thought that city could be enrolled in the I.L.A. at present they have three or four locals chartered under the K. of L. I am going to write to several men whose addresses have been furnished me, and find out the sentiment among them for getting into the [I.L.S.]416 Mr. Frank Morrison --2 Am in hopes that I can complete my work in this city in the next week or so, and as I have no special orders from you as to my future plans, am I to understand that I am to work out this section as it seems most advisable to me? I had to return here today, having several matters in hand that I am trying to work out for the District Council of the I. L. A. in this port. Have also arranged to meet the moving picture operators on Sunday morning and go to Plateau in the afternoon to get the boommen lined up to make a demand for a unionshop and also a slight increase in wages, if this move is successful it will mean a turn in events on this entire water front, and I think it will be a success. Was glad to hear that your trip to Bangor Pa. was successful, also the decision in the appeal cases, and trust that the appeal in the famous contempt case will also be shortly decided in your favor. Have just read. acopy of the proposed, "Compensation Act" and will study it when I have a little more leisure, also the little folder containing the list of down and outs in the coming congress, it looks as if a cyclone had struck the Republican Party, surely Labor should get some recourse from the incoming legislators with so many of the old guard removed and the blow that has been dealt the party in general. Enclosed find receipt, for which accept thanks, with best regards, I am Fraternally yours (Signed) Wm. E. Terry Gen. Del. Mobile, Ala.417 March 8, 1911, Mr. H. J. Carr, Business Agent, Rock Island Lines, International Asso. of Machinists, 3522 East 6th Street, Kansas City, Mo. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the fifth instant received and contents noted. You say that you anticipate organizing the shop laborers in the shops of the Rock Island Railroad Company, and you desire to know whether they should be organized into one union and where application for charter should be made. In reply I beg to say that they should be organized as Railroad Helpers and Laborers, and application for charter should be made direct to the American Federation of Labor. Hoping to hear from you further in regard to the matter and with best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor.418 Z Mar. 8, 1911. Mr. H. A. Berlin Norman, Oklahoma [COPIED MAR 8-1911] Dear Sir: Your favor of the 2nd instant is received and contents noted. Your request my opinion upon the subject of municipal ownership as you say you are preparing a paper upon this subject. Let me say in reply that the American Federation of Labor had declared in favor of the municipal ownership of light, water and street railways and of the Government ownership of the telegraph and telephone. In connection with the general subject of municipal ownership, I would suggest that you get a copy of Bulletin No 62 of the Bureau of Labor which deals with municipal ownership in Great Britain. If you will write to mr. Charles P. Neill, Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor, this city, I am sure he will be glad to send a copy of the Bulletin to you. Then if you will write to Mr. Ralph M. Easley, of the National Civic Federation, 10096 Metropolitan Building, New York City, you may be able to secure through him valuable date upon the subject published by the National Civic Federation in 1907. I refer to the report on "Municipal and Private Operation of Public Utilities" by Mr. J. W, Sullivan.419 Mr. H. A. Berlin---2. Trusting that the foregoing references may be of some assistance to you, I am Fraternally yours, [signed] Saml. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. COPIED. MAR 8 - 1911 COPIED. MAR 8 - 1911420 Z March 8, 1911. Mr. L. O. Chatt, University Station, Enid, Oklahoma. COPIED. COPIED. MAR 8 - 1911 Dear Sir: Your favor of the 4th instant to hand and contents noted. You request data or printed matter on the labor movement to be used in the preparation of a debate. You do not state, however, on just what subjects connected with labor your debate will deal. I am, therefore, enclosing to you herein a list of pamphlets published by this office and should you desire any of them we shall be glad to forward them upon your request. As to Mr. Mitchell's "History of Labor Unions", I am unable to say just where you could obtain a copy but I have referred your request to Mr. Mitchell, whose address appears upon this letter head, and he will advise you in regard thereto. Very truly yours, [signed] Sam. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. 421 Z Mar. 8, 1911. Mr. Louis F. Maire, President, Carriage and Wagon Workers' Int'l Union. 10 Chapin Block, Buffalo, N. Y. COPIED. MAR 8 - 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 4th instant at hand and contents noted. In reply thereto I beg to say that I have just written to Organizer Frank Rist of Cincinnati, advising him that your Int'l Union claims jurisdiction over the craters employed in the carriage factories and therefore, should he succeed in organizing them in Cincinnati, application for charter should be made direct to you. With best wishes, I am Fraternally ours, [signed] Sam. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.422 Z March 8, 1911. Mr. Frank L. Rist, Organizer, 1311 Walnut Street, Cincinnati, Ohio. COPIED. MAR 8 - 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: In continuation of my letter to you of the 2nd instant, I beg to say that President Maire of the Carriage and Wagon Workers, under date of March 4th, writes me as follows: "Answering your communication of March 2nd in which you state "that in a letter recently received from Organizer Frank L. Rist of Cincinnati, that he expects shortly to be able to organize the men employed in the shipping department of Carriage and Auto Factories as "craters" and that he is somewhat in doubt as to where the application for charter should be made, whether to this International Union, or direct to the A. F. of L." You request me to advise you at once as to whether this International Union claims jurisdiction over these men. I beg to advise that we claim jurisdiction over ALL men employed in the industry and that we will be pleased to issue a charter, should Organizer Rist be able to institute a local union of that craft in Cincinnati." Therefore, should you succeed in organizing the men in question, application for charter should be made direct to the Carriage and Wagon Workers' International Union. With kind regards and best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.423 Z March 8, 1911 Mr. Eugene Treiber, Secretary, Tobacco Strippers Union, No. 12046 1031 Campbell Ave., West Haven, Conn. COPIED. MAR 8 - 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: In compliance with the request contained in your favor of the 3rd instant, I enclose to you herein one of the latest lists of organizations affiliated with the American Federation of Labor. With best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, [signed] Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. P. S. We are having another list printed and if you will write again in about six weeks we will furnish you with the later list.424 COPIED. MAR 8 - 1911 X. March 8, 1911. Mr. John Mitchell, Vice-President American Federation of Labor, 10096 Metropolitan Bldg., New York City. COPIED. MAR 8 - 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: Secretary Morrison handed me your letter to him of March sixth in which you refer to the telegram from Meyer Bloomfield, of Boston, to you and which you submitted to the Executive Council during its recent meeting. While the greater number of matters acted upon by the Executive Council have been taken up in conformity with the conclusion reached, yet owing to repeated absences from headquarters on official business and the constant pressure of other matters, there are some subjects which as yet I have not been able to cover. A letter has just been sent to Mr. Bloomfield advising him of the action taken by the Executive Council on the matter of his telegram. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, [signed] Sam. Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. [*P. S. Am enclosing copy of letter to Mr. B., it being the action of the Ex. P. therein S.G.*]425 COPY. Washington, D. C., March 8, 1911. Mr. Meyer Bloomfield, Civic Service House, 112 Salem Street, Boston, Massachusetts. Dear Sir: At the recent meeting of the Executive Council of the American Federation of Labor, Vice-President Mitchell called to the attention of that body your telegram to him in which you said: COPIED. MAR 8 - 1911 "Lincoln Filene and I urgently suggest that your Executive Board instrust industrial education committee to study and report on scientific management. Country will appreciate this service." The Executive Council in discussing the matter expressed itself as being well informed upon the subject of so-called "scientific management" which embraces the bonus system and that it requires no further official investigation to study them than that the interests of labor will be best conserved by continuing the system of collective bargaining which has been and is the policy of the American Federation of Labor. Very truly yours, (Signed) SAMUEL GOMPERS, President, American Federation of Labor. 426 X. March 8, 1911. Mr. Meyer Bloomfield, Civic Service House, 118 Salem Street, Boston, Massachusetts. COPIED. MAR 8 - 1911 Dear Sir: At the recent meeting of the Executive Council of the American Federation of Labor, Vice-President Mitchell called to the attention of that body your telegram to him in which you said: "Lincoln Filene and I urgently suggest that your executive board instruct industrial education committee to study and report on scientific management. Country will appreciate this service." The Executive Council in discussing the matter expressed itself as being well informed upon the subject of so-called "sientific management" which embraces the bonus system and that it requires no further official investigation to study them than that the interests of labor will be best conserved by continuing the system of collective bargaining which has been and is the policy of the American Federation of Labor. Very truly yours, President, American Federation of Labor. 427 Z Mar. 8, 1911. Mr. R. J. Hughes, Secretary, Trades and Labor Assembly, 729 Miller St., Mason City, Iowa. COPIED. MAR 8 - 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the first instant received and contents noted. You say that at the last meeting of the Trades and Labor assembly you were directed to recommend to me the appointment of Herbert Miller as volunteer organizer for Mason City and vicinity. You further say that while the present organizer, Mr. Thos. Hodges, is a good union man and willing to do what he can, yet his age is a drawback and therefore the Central Body requests the appointment of a new man. There is no reason why there should not be more than one organizer in Mason City if the Trades and Labor Assembly should so desire and in view of the fact that the recommendation for the appointment of Mr. Miller is made solely because Mr. Hodges' age prevents him from performing all of the work which the position requires, commission could also be issued to Mr. Miller and Mr. Hodges retain his commission which he now holds. I take it that this course will be agreeable to your Trades and Labor Assembly and I have, therefore, issued the commission accordingly to Mr. Miller. It is sent to him under separate cover, together with such literature and printed matter as will be of assistance to him428 Mr. R. J. Hughes---2. in his work as volunteer organizer. With best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, [signed] Sam. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. COPIED. MAR 9 - 1911 429 X. March 8, 1911. WHEN REPLYING PLEASE REFER TO RESOLUTION #67. Mr. John T. Smith, Secretary, Missouri State Federation of Labor, Labor Temple, Kansas City, Mo. COPIED. MAR 9 - 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the third instant received and contents noted. In regard to the matter of the Southern Conference on Women and Child Labor, to be held in Atlanta, Georgia, in April, I beg to call your attention to the action of the St. Louis Convention on this subject as set forth in Resolution #67 which was adopted by the convention, and which reads as follows: "Whereas, There is an organization in the South known as the Southern Conference on Child and Women Labor, composed of representatives of organized labor, women's clubs, boards of trade, business men's clubs, firms or corporations employing women or children, labor commissioners, factory inspectors and five delegates appointed by the governor of each Southern State; three of them must be employers of women or children. For the purpose of recommending uniform legislation in the Southern States relating to the employment of women and children; therefore, be it Resolved, By the Thirteenth Annual Convention of the American Federation of Labor, that we endorse the organization of the American Southern Conference on Child and Women Labor, and its announced objects, and recommend to all labor organizations of the South that they send representatives to the next annual conference which will be held in Atlanta, Georgia, in April, 1911, and that the endorsement of the resolution by this convention be communicated to all State and central bodies in the Southern States not later than February, 1911, by the Secretary of the American Federation of Labor." In conformity with the above, Secretary Morrison on430 Mr. John T. Smith -2- January seventh duly advised the secretaries of the Central Labor Union in the Southern states so that arrangements might be made to have representatives of the various central bodies attend the conference. As you will note, the convention did not direct that the representatives of the American Federation of Labor should attend the conference, and it is not now expected that one will be in attendance. I take it that the Missouri State Federation of Labor, however, will be duly represented. Trusting that I may hear from you further at your convenience, and with kind regards, I am, Fraternally yours, [signed] Sam. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. COPIED. COPIED. MAR 9 - 1911 MAR 9 - 1911 431 LF March 9, 1911 COPIED. COPIED. MAR 9 - 1911 MAR 9 - 1911 Mr. James Duncan, 1st Vice-President American Federation of Labor, Hancock Building, Quincy, Mass. Dear Sir and Brother: I have not by any means lost sight of your letter of February 15th in regard to Organizer Hanscom of Quincy. I now desire to say that the Central Labor Union of Quincy made formal application for the withdrawal of Mr. Hanscom's commission. I have acted in conformity therewith and have requested the central body to recommend the name of someone to be appointed as his successor. In view of the information that has come to me in regard to Mr. Hanscom's actions I am glad that the opportunity was given by the Central Labor Union for me to disconnect Mr. Hanscom from the official connection with the labor movement of Quincy and yet to have that action taken in compliance with the recommendation and request of the Quincy Central Body. With kind regards, I remain, Fraternally yours, [signed] Sam. Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. 432 Z March 8, 1911. Mr. John J. Barry, President, Int'l Alliance Theatrical State Employes, 75 Albany St., Boston, Mass. [*COPIED. MAR 9 - 1911*] Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers on official business, permit me to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 6th instant concerning the trouble now existing between the members of your organization and the Poli Theatre in Hartford, Conn. It will be brought to Mr. Gompers' attention as soon as possible after his return to headquarters. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to Pres. Gompers.433 X March 8, 1911. In replying please refer to Resolution Nos. 22 and 81. Mr. William P. Mavell, Secretary, International Carriage and Wagon Workers, 403 South Division St., Buffalo, N. Y. COPIED. MAR 9 - 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: In further reply to your favor of March 6th, in which you refer to Resolution #119 and my letter in regard to Resolutions 22 and 81, I beg to say in reply to the latter that just as soon as I hear further from President Kline of the Brotherhood of Blacksmiths, as stated to you in my letter of March 2nd, I will again write to both you and him and I hope then to designate a definite time and place for holding the conference between the representatives of your respective organizations as provided by Resolutions Nos. 22 and 81. With best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, [signed] Sam. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. 434 Z Mar. 8, 1911. In replying please refer to Resolution #119. Mr. William P. Mavell, Secretary, International Carriage and Wagon Workers, 403 South Division St., Buffalo, N. Y. COPIED. MAR 9 - 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of March 6th received and contents noted. You have evidently confused by telegrams of February 28th and March 4th in regard to the suggested conference with the Car Workers as per Resolution #119 and my letter to you of March 2nd in regard to Resolution Nos. 22 and 81 as to conference with the Blacksmiths. In regard to the matter of a conference with the Car Workers and Painters, as provided by Resolution #119, I beg to say that as all parties interested have notified me that the date suggested, March 20th, will be agreeable and convenient, a conference has been formally called for 10 o'clock on the morning of March 20th, at the New York City headquarters of the American Federation of Labor, 25 Third Avenue. You will, therefore, please make arrangements to have your organization duly represented at the time and place named. With best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, [signed] Sam. Gompers. President, A. F. of L. 435 Z March 8, 1911. In replying pease refer to Resolution #119. Mr. J. C. Skelp, Secretary, Brotherhood of Painters, Decorators and Paperhangers, Drawer 99, Lafayette, Indiana. COPIED. MAR 9 - 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: In continuation of our correspondence in regard to a conference between the representatives of your organization and the Brotherhood of Railway Carmen, as per Resolution #119 of the St. Louis Convention of the A. F. of L., I beg to advise you that the conference has been called for 10 o'clock on Monday morning, March 20th, at the New York headquarters of the American Federation of Labor, 25 Third Avenue. Please make arrangements to have your organization duly represented at the time and place named. With best wishes for the successful outcome of the conference and asking you to let me have a word from you in regard to the matter, I am Fraternally yours, [signed] Sam. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. 436 Z March 8, 1911. In replying please refer to Resolution No. 119. Mr. Martin F. Ryan, President, Brotherhood of Railway Carmen, 503 Hall Building, Kansas City, Mo. COPIED. MAR 9 - 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: In continuation of our correspondence in regard to a conference between the representatives of your organization and the Brotherhood of Painters, Decorators and Paperhangers, as per Resolution #119 of the St. Louis Convention of the A. F. of L., I beg to advise you that the conference has been called for 10 o'clock on Monday morning, March 20th, at the New York headquarters of the American Federation of Labor, 15 Third Avenue. Please make arrangements to have your organization duly represented at the time and place named. With best wishes for the successful outcome of the conference and asking you to let us have a word from you in regard to the matter, I am Fraternally yours, [signed] Sam. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. 437 Z March 8, 1911. In replying please refer to Resolution #119. COPIED. MAR 9 - 1911 Mr. Hugh Frayne, Organizer, 25 Third Avenue, New York, N. Y. Dear Sir and Brother: In referring to the matter of a conference between the representatives of the Brotherhood of Railway Carmen, the Brotherhood of Painters, Decorators and Paperhangers, and the Carriage and Wagon Workers' Int'l Union, as per Resolution #119 of the St. Louis convention of the A. F. of L., I beg to advise you that the conference has been called at 10 o'clock Monday morning, March 20th at the New York headquarters of the A. F. of L. With best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, [signed] Sam. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. 438 LF March 7, 1911 Mr. Frederick W. Mansfield, Attorney and Counsellor at Law, Old South Building, Boston, Mass. COPIED. MAR 9 - 1911 COPIED. MAR 9 - 1911 Dear Sir: Your favor of March 3rd is received and contents noted. In reply I beg to say that for reasons that are obvious it has always been my policy to refrain from making any recommendation of anyone for a position, either in the Government or otherwise. Beside this, the Executive Council many years ago decided that no one should be recommended for any appointment in the service of the United States or of any of the States. You can very readily understand how difficult and almost impossible it would be for me were I to request the appointment of one person to any position, and then when another application was made which I would not feel warranted in endorsing, for me to decline to consider such request favorably. In addition to the above, you can very readily understand the cause which prompt such a decision by following this policy. If we make a recommendation we are responsible for the appointee and his conduct, and it takes away from us the right of criticism of either him or any other one who may have appointed him, either in this or in any other case. Then again, when the influence of the officers of the 439 Mr. Frederick W. Mansfield--2 A. F. of L. is utilized to secure the appointment of a man to an official position under the government, it weakens our effort to secure not only favorable legislation in the interests of labor, but favorable action on the part of government officials in the administration relative to our fellow-workers who are employed by the Government. COPIED. MAR 9 - 1911 Very truly yours, [signed] Sam. Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. 440 M March 7, 1911. Mr. Frank W. Snyder, Secretary, West Virginia State Federation of Labor, 1577 Washington St., Charleston, W. Va. COPIED. MAR 9 - 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 2nd instant is at hand and in accordance with your request and recommendation commissions as volunteer general organizer will be issued and forwarded to the following newly elected Vice-President of the State Federation of Labor: George Thomas, Huntington, W. Va. C. I. Gallagher, 418 I. Wabash St., Wheeling, W. Va. J. I. Pauley, Charleston, W. Va. C. N. Pickering, Mammoth, W. Va. H. J. Green, Mannington, W. Va. There will also be forwarded to them package of literature and documents published by this office which I am sure they will find of assistance in their work as representatives of the A. F. of L. Our records show that we have on our list as organizers W. H. Powers, Elkins, W. Va., E. B. Vickers, Hansford, W. Va., and Orlie Fulton, Minnington, W. Va. As these men were recommended by the State Branch, I wish you would advise me if they are still to be continued as organizers. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you at your earliest convenience, I am, Fraternally yours, [signed] Sam. Gompers. President A. F. of L.441 M March 8, 1911. Mr. John J. Lucey, Secretary, Central Labor Union, 181 Pearl St., Malden, Mass. COPIED. MAR 9 - 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 5th instant is at hand, in which you state that the Central Labor Union recommends the appointment of Mark Woolfson as volunteer organizer for Malden and vicinity. It affords me pleasure to comply with the request and recommendation made, and commission will be issued and forwarded to Brother Woolfson in accordance therewith. There will also be forwarded to him package of literature and documents published by this office which I am sure he will find of assistance in the discharge of his duties as the representative of the A. F. of L. for that section. Relative to discontinuing Organizer Appell, I beg to say that before taking any action in this matter I would be pleased if you would advise me what objections the Central Labor Union has to his continuing as organizer, as you have stated no reason in your letter. I think you will realize that it is scarcely fair and just to Brother Appell that his commission should be revoked without at least stating 442 the charge against him. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, [Sam'l ?]Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. COPIED. MAR 9 - 1911443 M March 8, 1911. Mr. D. S. [T?]annehill, Secretary, Willipa Trades and Labor Council, Raymond, Willipa Harbor, Washington. COPIED. MAR 9 - 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of February 24th was received here March 2, in which you state that the Trades and Labor Council recommends the appointment of Mr. Arthur Mason as volunteer organizer for Raymond and vicinity. It affords me pleasure to comply with the request and recommendation made, and commission will be issued and forwarded to Brother Mason in accordance therewith. There will also be forwarded to him a package of literature and documents published by this office which I am sure he will find of assistance in the discharge of his duties as the representative of the A. F. of L. for that section. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from your whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, [signed] Sam. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.444 M March 8, 1911. Mr. J. F. Brighton, Secretary, Trades' Council, Ann Arbor, Michigan. COPIED. MAR 9- 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 27th instant to Secretary Morrison has been brought to my attention in which you state that the Trades' Council recommends John Kranick, as volunteer organizer for Ann Arbor, and vicinity. It affords me pleasure to comply with the request and recommendation made, and commission will be issued and forwarded to Brother Kranick in accordance therewith. There will also be forwarded to him a package of literature and documents published by this office which I am sure he will find of assistance in the discharge of his duties as the representative of the A. F. of L. for that section. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, [signed] Sam. Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.445 X. March 8, 1911. COPIED. MAR 9- 1911 Mr. Gus Miller, Treasurer German Journalists Union, of New York and Vicinity, 82 Knickerbocker Ave., Brooklyn, N. Y. Dear Sir: Your favor of the sixth instant is received and contents noted. In reply I beg to say that the conference of the representatives of the printing trades organizations is to be held some time this month. I have not yet been advised that the conference has been held, and I am of the opinion that it has not been. However, I will write President Lynch of the International Typographical Union and request him to inform me just as soon as the conference has been held and what action has been taken as regards the protest by his International Union against charter being issued to your organization. Very truly yours, [signed] Sam. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. 446 X. March 8, 1911. Mr. James M. Lynch, President, International Typographical Union, Newton Claypool Bldg., Indianapolis, Ind. COPIED. MAR 9- 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: In continuation of our correspondence in regard to the application for charter made by the German Journalists Union of New York City, I would appreciate it very much if you would advise me as soon as possible after the conference of the printing trades has been held this month just what action has been taken by your International Union as regards your protest against the issuance of charter to the German Journalists of New York City. Mr. Miller of that organization has again written me asking for information as to whether the conference of the printing trades has been held and if a what has been the result. Trusting that I may hear from you at your early convenience, I am, Fraternally yours, [signed] Sam. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. 447 LF March 9, 1911 Mr. Charles W. Hanscom, 12 Upland Road, Quincy, Mass. COPIED. MAR 9- 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: I am in receipt of a letter from the Secretary of the Central Labor Union of Quincy, Mass. in which he stated that he has been instructed by the Central Labor Union to request the revocation of the commission you hold as volunteer organizer for the American Federation of Labor, for the reason that you are not living up to the laws of the constitution and that there are various charges against yu which you do not deny, and that it would be to the best interests of the trade union movement that your commission should be recalled. You understand that wherever possible the appointment of volunteer organizers is made upon recommendation of the affiliated central bodies, thus making these organizations responsible for such appointment and insuring a greater degree of co-operation and unity in the work. In like manner, when after careful consideration, investigation and discussion it is the sense of the central body that the best nterests of the movement would be served by the discontinuance of an organizer, there is no other course left to me, as you can very radily appreciate, than to act in conformity448 Mr. Charles W. Hanscom--2 with such recommendation. Apart from this, when an organizer ceases to receive the cooperation and support of the organized labor movement as represented by the central body of his locality, his usefulness in that position is greatly impaired, if not wholly destroyed. You will therefore kindly return to this office the commission which was issued to you as organizer, and if at any time in the future you will have the Central Labor Union recommend to me your re-appointment as volunteer organizer for Quincy and vicinity, it will afford me pleasure to re-issue commission to you. COPIED. MAR 9- 1911 Fraternally yours, [signed] Sam. Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.449 LF March 9, 1911 Mr. John A. Harling, Secretary Central Labor Union 5 Liberty Sq., Quincy, Mass. COPIED. MAR 9- 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of March 5th is received and contents noted. You say that you have been instructed by the Central Labor Union to request the immediate withdrawal of the commission now held by Charles W. Hanscom as volunteer organizer for Quincy and vicinity. You say that the local unions of quincy feel that Mr. Hanscom is not living up to the laws of "our constitution", that there are various charges against him which he does not deny and that it will be to the best interests of the trade union movement that his commission should be recalled. I, have, therefore directed that Mr. Hanscom's name shall be discontinued from our records as voluntary organizer for Quincy and vicinity and have requested him to return to this office the commission he holds and all papers and documents in connection therewith. This leaves Quincy without any organizer I should be glad to have the central body recommend to me the name of some one active loyal, competent trade unionist to succeed Mr.450 Mr. John A. Harling--2 Hanscom. Hoping to receive your early reply and with kind regards, I remain, Fraternally yours, [signed] Saml. Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. COPIED. COPIED. MAR 9- 1911 MAR 9- 1911451 CABLEGRAM. Washington D C March 9 1911 ubin Ceres Rome Your wishes carried out Gompers Charge A. F. of L. COPIED. MAR 9- 1911 452 AH March 9, 1911. COPIED. MAR 9- 1911 TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: This is to certify that Mr. Andrew J. Gallagher is hereby duly authorized to install the officers and initiate the members of United Laborers' Union #13182, San Francisco, Cal. Fraternally yours, [signed] Sam. Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. 453 X. March 9, 1911. Mr. Albert S. Hone, Secretary, Local #171, Cigar Makers' International Union, East Greenville, Pa. COPIED. MAR 9- 1911 COPIED. MAR 9- 1911 COPIED. MAR 9- 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the seventh instant is at hand and contents noted. In reply I beg to say that I have received a number of similar invitations to attend the Blue Label League and the Pennsylvania State Federation of Labor Convention at Harrisburg, the second week in March. I regret to advise you, however, that as an important conference has been arranged to be held in this city on that date by direction of the Executive Council, it will be necessary for me to be here to participate in that conference, and therefore it will not be within my power to visit Harrisburg on the date named. Again expressing my regret at my inability to accept the invitation, and with best wishes for success, I am, Fraternally yours, [signed] Sam. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. 454 LF March 9, 1911 COPIED. COPIED. MAR 9- 1911 MAR 9- 1911 COPIED. MAR 9- 1911 Mr. Henry Ulner, Secretary, American Brotherhood of Cement Workers, 24 Mechanics Bank Building, Mason & Market Sts., San Francisco, California Dear Sir and Brother: To recall that about a year ago I had quite some correspondence with you in regard to the complaint made by Federal Labor Union #7087 of Belleville, Illinois, by reason of alleged transgression of jurisdiction of that organization by the members of your Local Union at East St. Louis. Under date of March 4, 1911 the secretary of F.L.U. #7087 writes me as follows: "Local #708 has again trouble with the granite and cement workers coming from St. Louis. They also claim jurisdiction within 50 miles of St. Louis. Bro. Bosworth received a letter from you just year ago this month on the same matter but the cement and granite workers in that case came from East St. Louis." Will you kindly take this matter up with your St. Louis local at your earliest convenience and let me have a word from you in regard thereto. Thanking you in advance for your prompt attention, and with kind regards, I remain, Fraternally yours, [signed] Sam. Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. 455 LF March 9, 1911 Mr. Charles Diehl, Secretary Federal Labor Union $7087 Belleville, Ill. COPIED. MAR 9- 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 4th instant is received and contents noted. You make complaint against the Cement Workers Local Union of St. Louis transgressing upon the jurisdiction of your organization and refer to the correspondence we had about a year ago in regard to a similar complaint from your organization as to the local union of Cement Workers at East St. Louis. I have before me the previous correspondence in the matter and am now writing to Secretary Henry Ullner of the American Brotherhood of Cement Workers placing the matter before him and requesting his prompt attention. As soon as I hear from you I will again write you. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you at your convenience, I remain, Fraternally yours, [signed] Sam. Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.456 LF March 9, 1911 Mr. Hugh Frayne, Organizer 25 Third Ave., New York, N.Y. COPIED. MAR 9- 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: In continuation of my letter to you of a day or two ago, in regard to Dr. Leverson, I beg to enclose to you herein another letter received from the Dr. under date of March 8th. I trust you will be able to give this matter your attention at an early date and advise me in regard thereto. With kind regards, I remain, Fraternally yours, [signed] Sam. Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. Enclosure: 457 LF Copy. Dr. Leverson. 927 Grant Avenue, Bronx, N.Y. March 8, 1911 Samuel Gompers, Esq. Dear Sir: Your favor of yesterday to hand. I'll write to Mr. Frayne and invite him to call on me tho' if he was the gentleman you referred me to last July he does not seem to be very deeply interested. COPIED. COPIED. MAR 9- 1911 MAR 9- 1911 I am over 81 years of age and tho' well preserved for my years am feeble in many respects especially in being nearly blind. By the way, I think if you were to get your organization or rather some members of it as individuals to suggest to members of the N. Y. Legislature to elect Henry George to the vacant Senatorship they would be serving labor and the U. S. better than by any (present) simple act that could be performed. Yours respectfully, (Signed) M. R. Leverson.458 LF March 9, 1911 Mr. Frank Moore 1902 Plymouth Ave., Minneapolis, Minn. COPIED. MAR 9- 1911 Dear Sir: Your favor of the 4th instant is at hand, in whcih you request information to assist you in preparing for a debate upon the following question "Resolved, That the movement of organized labor (closed shop) should be adopted by the city of Minneapolis." In reply, would say that I took up the question of the union shop commonly referred to as the "closed shop" in my reports to the Boston, San Francisco, and Pittsburg Conventions, copies of which are mailed to you. I am also sending your pamphlet being reprint of editorials by the undersigned, which have appeared from time to time in the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST, the official publication of the American Federation of Labor, and a pamphlet entitled "Has the Non-Unionist a Moral Right to work, how, when and where he pleases," by Frank K. Foster. I would also refer you to a pamphlet by Clarence S. Darrow, entitled "The Open Shop," published by the Haimmersmark Publishing Company, 151-53 Wabash Ave., Chicago, Ill., listed at ten cents a copy, and to a discussion between Mr. Clark and the undersigned upon the subject of the "open shop", a report of which appeared in the February, 17, 1905 issue 459 Mr. Frank Moore--2 of "The Journal", Rochester, N. Y. Inasmuch as the subject matter on which you will debate is fully covered in the matters referred to above, you are kindly requested to refer to the literature being sent to you under separate cover, as I have not the necessary time to discuss the matter at length in this letter. Should there be any published report made of your debate, I will appreciate it, if you will kindly see that copy is sent to me. COPIED. COPIED. MAR 9- 1911 Very truly your, [signed] Sam. Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.460 M March 8, 1911. Mr. H. H. Kirk, Ohio Wesleyan University, Delaware, Ohio. COPIED. MAR 9- 1911 Dear Sir: Your favor of the 4th instant is at hand, in which you state that you are preparing for a debate on the subject of "Compulsory Arbitration" and and desire some information upon this subject. Replying thereto I beg to say that the American Federation of Labor has declared in favor of voluntary arbitration, and is opposed to compulsory arbitration. It may not be amiss to call your attention to a statement which I made in an address before the Arbitration Congress held in Chicago, December 17, 1900, which is as follows. Arbitration is only possible when voluntary. It never can be successfully carried out unless the parties to a dispute or controversy are equals, or nearly equals, in power to protect or defend themselves, or to inflict injury upon the other party." I am sending you herein copy of this address which was published in pamphlet form. I would also suggest that if you have a file of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST that you should refer to my editorials upon this subject in the FEDERATIONIST for March and April issues, 1901. Also if you can refer to the Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, July 1902, you can find 461 H. H. K. 2. some helpful matter in that, as that issue contains a number of addresses delivered upon that subject. "Compulsory courts could not enforce their decrees" except the State would re-establish involuntary servitude; in other words, slavery. And to abolish slavery, even revolution would be justifiable. By reason of the large number of workmen, any action which they might take for the purpose of evading award, would practically be a public act and render them liable under such a law. COPIED. MAR 9- 1911 The employer on the other hand, could readily close down his plant by assigning any reason, and then re-open anew under any name or he might close down and "re-organize" his labor force. Either method would help him evade such a law. On the other hand, if the award was enforcible against the will of the employer, it would practically be confiscation. Then again there are other methods by which employers can evade an award, one of which was resorted to several years ago in New Zealand where a Court of Arbitration decided in favor of the employes. The employer closed his plant and began ordering goods in his line from England. Whether such an employer could, at some future time, re-open his business and proceed to manufacture with other workmen upon the ground that they are not the same parties, and thus evade the award, I am not quiet certain, but I have shown that there are sufficient means by which employers can evade an award. The wage earners are earnestly striving to obtain a living wage, which, when expended in the most economical manner, shall be sufficient to maintain an average-sized family in a manner consistent with whatever the contemporary local civilization recog-462 H. H. K. 3. nizes as indispensable to physical and mental health, or as required by the rational self-respect of human beings. That living wage changes continually for what constitutes a living wage to-day may be entirely insufficient a decade hence. It may not be amiss to say that one of the chief advocates of the compulsory arbitration law of New Zealand, who was largely instrumental in securing its enactment in that country, is a Mr. Lusk, who was in the United States in 1900, and left no way untried to laud the compulsory arbitration law of New Zealand, urging its adoption by the people of this country. At that time I protested against such a law being applied to our country, and stated that it may seem to act fairly well during fair times, but the law had not been put to a test through periods of industrial depression. The same Mr. Lusk after having spent several years in New Zealand since 1900, came to the United States a few years ago, and has since publicly admitted that the compulsory arbitration law of New Zealand was not a success. As a matter of fact, it is an effort to pursue an unnatural course to meet a natural situation and condition. It would be the most unwise course for labor to pursue to advocate compulsory arbitration as a means of preventing or adjusting labor disputes. Labor wants to maintain industrial peace, but it must be with honor and justice and it must not conflict with natural human rights. Labor must organize and possess power and wield that power intelligently and discreetly. We want conciliation, and if necessary arbitration, but arbitration voluntarily entered into, and its terms 463 H. H. K. 4. and awards voluntarily adhered to but compulsory arbitration, never. At the annual meeting of the Civic Federation held in New York, December 17, 1907, when the subject "Is Compulsory Arbitration Practicable" was under discussion, Mr. Lusk was one of the speakers, and it was then that he admitted that the Compulsory Arbitration Law of New Zealand was a failure. Summary of his address was published in the National Civic Federation Review of February 1908. Very truly yours, [signed] Sam. Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. 464 M March 9, 1911. COPIED. MAR 9- 1911 COPIED. MAR 9- 1911 Mr. J. B. Jones, Harlan, Kentucky. Dear Sir: Your favor of the 4th instant is at hand and contents noted. I am pleased to learn of the desire which exists to effect the formation of Federation of Labor in affiliation with the Americna Federation of Labor. I enclose to you herein a circular "WHY" which gives instructions as to the method of procedure in the formation of such an organization. I think you will understand from the circular how to perfect an organization of this character. The cost of charter and outfit for a central body is $10.00. The dues for central bodies to the A. F. of L. are $10.00 per year, payable quarterly. Outside of this tax there is no monetary obligation incurred by the affiliation of such an organization. They are exempt from assessment which are levied on affiliated members. The revenue for a central body is derived by a tax on each local union the amount of the dues being provided for in the constitution which the organization shall adopt. With best wishes for success, and hoping to hear from you further, I am, Very truly yours, [signed] Sam. Gompers. President A. F. of L. 465 X. March 9, 1911. Mr. C. W. Woodman, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, c/o The Union Bamer, Fort Worth, Texas. COPIED. MAR 9- 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the fifth instant received and contents noted. In reply I beg to say that I will be glad to have you, as the official representative of the A. F. of L., attend the convention of the Texas State Federation of Labor at Waco next month. I note that you anticipate "a battle royal with the Socialists" at that convention. We expect very shortly to have Organizer M. Grant Hamilton make a trip through the South and it may be that his itinerary can be so arranged as to have him visit Waco during the time of the State Convention. Let me know exactly the date of the convention so that we can arrange matters if possible. You request the opportunity of making a few trips throughout the state, the same as you have done from year to year in behalf of the work of the A. F. of L. As you know, the Federation treasury is not in such a condition as to permit the expenditure of very much money along this line of work. In fact, it is all that we can do to keep the organizers at work who have been in the employ of the A. F. of L. for a number of years. Suppose you advise me definitely just where it is that you think these trips should be made and the length of time it would take to do the work you have in mind. 466 Mr. C. w. Woodman -2- We may then be able to make some arrangement whereby you could undertake the mission. Hoping to hear from you further at your early convenience, and with best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, [signed] Sam. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. COPIED. COPIED. MAR 9- 1911 MAR 9- 1911 467 X. March 9, 1911. Mr. H. W. Gauding, Managing Editor, The Commoner and Glassworker, Room 25, Decatur Bldg., Pittsburg, Pa. COPIED. MAR 9- 1911 Dear Sir: Replying to your favor of the 17th instant, I beg to say that I anticipate making reference in the April issue of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST to the proper observance of the second Sunday in May as Labor's Memorial Day. I thank you, however, for the interest you take in the matter by bringing it specially to my attention. Very truly yours, [signed] Sam. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. 468 LF March 9, 1911 COPIED. MAR 9- 1911 Mr. Philip S. Evans, ) Mr. James H. Moore ) Mr. A. C. Coulter, ) Committee COPIED. MAR 9- 1911 Trades and Labor Assembly, New Castle, Pa. Dear Sir and Brothers: Your favor of the 8th instant is received and contents noted. I also have before me the letter which I wrote you under date of February 27th, advising you that it would be absolutely out of the question now to place an organizer at work in New Castle for a period of several months. In that letter I suggested that if you would give me a list of the trades in which, in your opinion, organization work could be advantageously carried on, I would be glad to take the matter up with the various officers of the national organizations interested and see what arrangements they could make as to sending organizers into the New Castle district. If this suggestions commends itself to you and your colleagues, I should be pleased to hear from you further in regard thereto at your early convenience. As to the matter of appointing a special organizer for New Castle, that is absolutely out of the question for it is all that the funds can possibly bear now is to meet the salary and expenses 469 Committee--2 of the organizers who are already at work. Of course it would be folly to appoint additional men without the assurance of being able to pay their salaries and meet their expenses. Hoping to hear from you further, and with kind regards, I remain Fraternally yours, [signed] Sam. Gompers. President American Federation of Labor COPIED. MAR 9- 1911 COPIED. MAR 9- 1911470 LF March 9, 1911 COPIED. MAR 9- 1911 COPIED. MAR 9- 1911 Mr. James Hawthorne, Organizer 771 River Street, Troy, N.Y. Dear Sir and Brother: Replying to your favor of the 7th instant, I beg to say that the drivers of the ice wagons properly come under the jurisdiction of the Team Drivers International Union and application for charter should be made to that organization. With kind regards and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I remain, Fraternally yours, Sam Gompers, President American Federation of Labor.471 LF March 9, 1911 Mr. James Duncan, Secretary Granite Cutters' International Association of America, Hancock Building, Quincy, Mass. COPIED. MAR 9- 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: In continuation of our correspondence in regard to the wage scale of Federal Labor Union #7087 of Belleville, Ill. which was submitted to the Executive Council on February 16, by Document #10, I have to advise you that I am just in receipt of a letter from the Secretary of that organization in which he says: "Your letter received in regard to curb stone cutters being included in our scale to go in effect May 1, 1911. I wish to state that there is no Stone Mason or Stone Cutters Union in Belleville, also will state that the curb stone used in Belleville is a soft sandstone." I wish you would please advise me whether curb stone workers, to which reference is made in the letter above quoted, come under the jurisdiction of your organization. Hoping to receive your early reply, and with kind regards, I remain, Fraternally yours, Sam Gompers President American Federatiom of labor.472 X. March 9, 1911. Passenger Agent, Pennsylvania Railroad Company, Philadelphia, Pa. COPIED. MAR 9- 1911 Dear Sir: Enclosed please find receipt for unused portion of ticket which I deposited with the agent here and which he informs me has been forwarded to you for redemption. Kindly give the matter your early attention, and oblige, Very truly yours, [signed] S. Gompers473 X. March 8, 1911. COPIED. COPIED. MAR 9- 1911 COPIED. MAR 9- 1911 Mr. John Alpine, President, United Association Journeymen Plumbers, Gas Fitters, Steam Fitters and Steam Fitters' Helpers, 411-416 Bush Temple of Music, Chicago, Ill. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the sixth instant is received and contents noted. I felt quite sure that your name had been signed to the circular issued by the "Unionized Labor Political League" of Chicago without your authority. I am writing to Mr. Perham by this mail sending him copy of your letter to me. If you secure any further information upon this subject I wish you would advise me. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, [signed] Sam. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. 474 X. March 6, 1911. Mr. H. B. Perham, Vice-President, American Federation of Labor, Star Building, St. Louis, Mo. COPIED. MAR 9- 1911 COPIED. MAR 9- 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: In continuation of my letter to you of the fourth instant, I beg to say that President Alpine has just written me in reply to my letter to him of the same date, in which I sent him copy of the circular issued by the "Unionized Labor Political League" of Chicago and which you sent to me. Enclosed you will find copy of Mr. Alpine's letter. As you surmised, he knew nothing whatever of his name having been affixed to the circular, and as you will note he will make an investigation of the matter and will advise me further. With kind regards, I am, Fraternally yours, [signed] Sam. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. 475 COPY. Chicago, Ill., March 9, 1911. Mr. Samuel Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor. Dear Sir and Brother: I have your letter dated the fourth instant, together with copy of letter from Vice-President Perham addressed to yourself under date of February twenty-eighth, and which are in relation to a circular recently issued in this City under the caption, "Unionized Labor Political League." Permit me to say that I know nothing of the circular letter spoken of or the political league referred to in the communication at hand. With regard to my name being affixed to the circular, allow me to say I had nothing to do with that action and infer that some friend of mine assumed the authority of affixing my name to the document spoken of. I saw the circular accidently and the read the same in a casual and did not attach any particular significance to the same, - in fact, I never noticed the seal in the upper left [*- *] hand corner and at this writing have not the original copy at hand. I think this matter has been somewhat exaggerated, as i have been in telephone communication withe Secretary Nockels of the Chicago Federation of Labor and he does not appear to attach any great significance to the subject. You may be sure I would not participate in any political demonstration that were in opposition to the Chicago Federation of Labor, although of course I would reserve the right to vote as my own conscience dictated, but still, I believe the matter is somewhat exaggerated in its importance.476 -2- I was out of town when this circular letter was created and will endeavor to make investigation acquainting you with the results of my findings at the earliest possible opportunity and at the same time endeavor to ascertain who assumed the responsibility of placing my name to the letter in question. With best wishes and with hopes that you are enjoying the best of health, I remain, Fraternally yours, (signed) John R. Alpine. General President. COPIED. MAR 9- 1911477 X. March 9, 1911. Mr. John Fitzpatrick, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, 275 La Salle Street, Chicago, Ill. COPIED. MAR 9- 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the sixth instant is received in which yoyu inform me as to the result of your interview with Rev. Henry Atkinson, Secretary of the Department of Labor of the Congressional Brotherhood of America, relative to the meeting which will be held in Tampa some time in April. I am not at all surprised as to the result of your conference with him. Indeed, I would have been surprised had he informed you that his suggested program for a church meeting at which a representative of labor should present labor's side had been agreed to by the membership and the church. It is but natural to suppose that in view of the conditions which have existed in Tampa for the past six or eight months and there would be considerable feeling manifested by the church members, who I suppose are more or less represented in the Citizens' Committee of Tampa. Should Mr. Atkinson come on to Washington as you indicate, I shall be glad to have the opportunity of talking to him. With kind regards, and thanking you for your attention to the matter, I am, Fraternally yours, [signed] Sam. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. P. S. Re=read my article on Tampa in the issue of the Am. Federationist 478 X. March 8, 1911. Mr. Wm. B. Walker, President, American Thermos Bottle Company, 243-5-7 W. 17th Street, New York City. COPIED. MAR 9- 1911 COPIED. MAR 9- 1911 My dear Mr. Walker: Your favor of the seventh instant received and contents noted with much interest. You say that in talking to our mutual friend Mr. Sol Bloom, as to the merits of your "workman's Thermos lunch kit' which has just been completed, he referred to me and that you are therefore sending me one of your luncheon outfits by express so that I may give it a personal test and give you the benefit of my opinion in regard thereto. I have not yet had the opportunity of looking it over, but I shall endeavor to do so at an early date. In the meantime, should I be able to arrange an hour the next time I go to New York to meet with you and Mr. Bloom as he suggests, I shall certainly be glad to do so. My trips to New York, however, are always on business and generally my time is very fully occupied, but I shall make a special effort to endeavor to arrange for an hour for you and Mr. Bloom just as soon as I can possibly do so. In compliance with your request, I am sending to you under separate cover copy of the last issue of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST. Our advertising rates are: One-half page, six months, - - - - - - - $180.00 One-half page, twelve months, - - - - - 300.00 479 Mr. Wm. B. Walker -2- One page, six months, - - - - - - - - $300.00 One page, twelve months, - - - - - - 500.00 Trusting that I may hear from you further at your convenience, I am, Very truly yours, [signed] Sam. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. COPIED. MAY 9- 1911 COPIED. MAY 9- 1911480 X. March 9, 1911 Miss Agnes E. Ryan, Business Manager, The Woman's Journal, 585 Boylston Street, Boston, Mass. COPIED. MAR 9- 1911 My dear Madam: Your favor of the sixth instant is received and contents noted. In reply I beg to say that thus far it has not been the policy of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST to exchange advertising with any publication, although we have had numerous offers and requests to do so. I would infer from your letter that what you really have in mind for the publication in the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST would be more in the nature of a special article upon women's work and women's suffrage. If you care to, you might submit such a paper to me and if available I should be glad to publish it in the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST. Let me hear from you further, and believe me to be, Very truly yours, [signed] Sam. Gompers . President, American Federation of Labor, Editor, AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST. 481 X. March 9, 1911. Mr. P. J. McArdle, President, Amalgamated Association of Iron, Steel and Tin Workers, House Building, Pittsburg, Pa. COPIED. MAR 9- 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 7th instant is to hand, stating that the punchers, benders, pressers, etc., employed at the Perkins Horse Shoe Works, Valley Falls, R. I., can be admitted to your local at Valley Falls, and I am today writing Mr. Hohler to this effect. Mr. Hohler's address is Room 511, Labor Temple, Providence, R. I. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, [signed] Sam. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. 482 X. March 9, 1911. Mr. A. E. Hohler, President, State Federation of Labor, Room 511, Labor Temple, Providence, R. I. COPIED. MAR 9- 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: In further reply to your favor of February 28th, I beg to say that I am now in receipt of a letter from Mr. P. J. McArdle, President, Amalgamated Association of Iron, Steel and Tin Workers, in which he says that the punchers, benders, pressers, etc., employed at the Perkins Horse Shoe Works, Valley Falls, R. I., can be admitted to membership in his local at Valley Falls, and that you should address Mr. John Baldwin, 9 Geldard Street, Valley Falls, R. I. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, [signed][ Sam. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. 483 COPIED. MAR 9- 1911 X. March 9, 1911. Hon. Carl B. Anderson, Room 171 Hours Office Building, Washington, D. C. COPIED. MAR 9- 1911 My dear Mr. Anderson: Your favor of the eighth instant to hand and contents noted. Enclosed you will find the typewritten copy of the matter about which you wrote. I also enclose a copy of my article which was published in the Outlook a few weeks ago. The article is entitled "Labor's Struggle for the Right to Organize". May I suggest taht you read it. Possibly you could care to incorporate it. I do believe it would not be amiss if you would make some reference in your speech to this struggle of labor for the right to organize. Of course you will use your own judgment in regard to the entire matter. With best wishes, I am, Sincerely yours, [signed] Sam. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. 484 COPIED. MAR 10 1911 LF March 9, 1911 Mr. S. G. Beattie, B. A. Carpenters' District Council of U.B. of C. & J. of A., 37 N Division St., Grand Rapids, Mich. COPIED. MAR 9- 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of March 7th is received and contents noted. You state that notwithstanding my letter to Mr. Louis Van Dyke of February 28th, in which I said that my engagements are such for some time to come that it was exceedingly doubtful that I could arrange to visit Grand Rapids at any time in the near future, that your District Council has gone ahead and engaged the Opera House and have advertised my addressing a meeting there on March 27th. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you and your colleagues should have gone to the expense which you say you have in engaging the Opera House upon the assumption that I would be able to address the meeting notwithstanding what I said to Mr. Van Dyke in my letter of February 28th. As a matter of fact I have arranged to go to Atlanta, Ga. on that date in company with Secretary Morrison, Secretary Tracy of the Union Label Trades Department and Secretary Spencer of the Building Trades Department, to make preliminary arrangements for hotels, halls and printing for the Atlanta Convention of the A. F. of L., and also to address a meeting which has been arranged for me during the time of my visit to Atlanta. 485 Mr. S. G. Beattie--2 I have engagements already made now for some time after the latter part of this month. Not only do I regret that you and your colleagues have incurred the expense which you say you have in arranging for the meeting but there is also another side of the questions, which I am sure you have not fully considered, and that is of placing me before the public in the position of having made an engagement and then failed to keep it. I again suggest and recommend that you extend an invitation to Treasurer Lennon. It may just be possible that he has no engagement for March 27th, and that he may be able to arrange to visit Grand Rapids and address the meeting. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, [signed] Sam. Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. P. S. Enclosed you will find copy of the letter I sent to Brother Van Dyke, February 28 to show you that if he advised you that I would be in Grand Rapids on March 27th, that it was wholly without any sanction or authority given by me. I trust that you will make public the fact that I did not make the promise to go to Grand Rapids to address the meeting, and that I have a keen regard to keep engagements when I make them.486 LF Copy February 28, 1911 Mr. Louis VanDyke, Secretary, Carpenters' District Council, Grand Rapids and Vicinity 833 Spencer Ave., Grand Rapids, Michigan COPIED. MAR 9- 1911 COPIED. MAR 10 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 24th instant at hand and contents noted. You say that the Carpenters' District Council of Grand Rapids anticipation arranging for a mass meeting some time before April the first, and your extend to me an invitation to visit your city for the purpose of addressing such a meeting. I should indeed be glad to accept your invitation but my engagements are such for some time to come as to make it exceedingly doubtful that I could ax arrange as to visit Grand Rapids at any time in the near future. Let me suggest that as Treasurer Hannen, who lives at Bloomington, is located as much nearer to Grand Rapids than I, that you should extend an invitation to him. It might be that he would be able to arrange to address a meeting some time between now and April the first. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you further from time to time, I am, Fraternally yours, (Signed) Samuel Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. 387 COPY Washington, D. C., March 8th, 1911 Mr. Hugh Frayne, Organizer A. F. of L. COPIED. MAR 10 1911 Dear Sir and Brother-- The affairs of Egg Inspectors Union No. 11254 A. F. of L. are shown to be mismanaged, or rather perverted and that the interests of the Egg Inspectors are injured and the very life of the union threatened. It is not necessary herein to specify the details of the complaints made to you and to me. It appears that the membership of the Union have been and are desirous that the affairs of the Union shall be properly conducted but that several or all of the officers of the Union have perverted the funds of the Union and have done many acts in violation of the laws of the Union and its best interests. Therefore, you are directed as Organizer of the A. F. of L. to call or have the officers of the Union call a special meeting of the union in the Borough of Manhattan, Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday evening, March 13th, 14th, or 15th, 1911, and that a notice be sent by mail to each and every member of the Union at least 48 hours in advance of the special meeting. You are directed to act promptly and effectively in all matters to carry into effect the, purpose of the letter and to serve the best interests of the Egg Inspectors and of the Union. You are empowered to act for the A. F. of L. and compel restitution of any money perverted of misappropriated and if any one or more are guilty of this or any other wrong doing against the Union or its members, that they be removed from office, and if necessary, such further action be taken as your judgment may suggest. 488 Hugh Frayne-#2. Working and hoping for the best interests of the Egg Inspectors and for the success of the Union, I am, Yours fraternally, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. MAR 10 1911*]489 DAY LETTERGRAM Washington, D. C., Mar. 10, 1911 Mr. John B. Lennon Hotel Grand, Muscatine, Iowa. Letter received. Haywood is hostile to trade union movement and action. The Button Workers are engaged in contest to defend their rights and interests through their union. They appealed to American Federation of Labor to aid them and I directed you to proceed to Muscatine for that purpose. Haywood's course has been to discourage just such movements in which the Button Workers are at present trying to protect themselves. His coming could have but one effect and that is injury and disaster to the Button Workers and their union. If the union of its officers are with Haywood they cannot be true to themselves or American Federation of Labor and in that event you will leave Muscatine. Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. (Charge to A. F. of L.) COPIED. MAR 10 1911 490 X. March 9, 1911. COPIED. COPIED. 1911 MAR 10 1911 COPIED. MAR 10 1911 Mr. Sol. Bloom, 445 Riverside Drive, New York City. My dear friend: Your favor of the sixth instant to hand and contents noted. Jamaica is just about one of the places in which I have few correspondents. However, you will find a letter enclosed which you can present to Mr. W. G. Hinchcliffe, and I think he may be of some assistance to you in learning the conditions and situation in the shortest possible time. If you can ascertain some information and convey it to me regarding the industrial conditions in Jamaica, I shall appreciate it very much. In any event, I trust you [*and the Branch of ???*] will have a safe and most enjoyable and interesting trip. I regret to say that Mrs. Gompers has been and is still very seriously ill. Except for this fact, Miss Gompers and I are in good health, and they all join me in wishing xxx the best for you and all the Bloom family. Please let me hear from you when you can. I shall appreciate it. Sincerely yours, [signed] Sam. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. 491 X. March 9, 1911. Mr. W. G. Hinchcliffe, 72 Tower Street, Kingston, J. A., B. W. L. COPIED. COPIED. COPIED. MAR 10 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: I was glad to read the contents of your letter of January 30th to Secretary Morrison, and sincerely hope that your enthusiastic expressions and hopes may be fully realized for the workers of Jamaica. This will be handed you by my friend Sol Bloom. He is to visit parts of Jamaica and I am under the impression he is desirous of learning some of the industrial and economic conditions of teh West Indies, and incidentally to imbibe some of the sweet air and sunshine. Any courtesy which you can shoe Mr. Bloom I am sure that he will not only appreciate, but I shall be glad to reciprocate in any way that I can. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, [signed] Sam. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. 492 X. Mar 9, 1911 [COPIED MAR 10, 1911] The Journal of American History 165 Broadway, New York City. Gentlemen: Your favor of March 7th to hand and contents noted. You ask if I have the Third Number of your Second Volume in good condition and if I am willing to sell this number. In reply I beg to say that although I do not feel that we can continue to subscribe to your magazine, yet I would not care to dispose of this number, as it would break the set which we have. Very truly yours, Samuel Gompers [stamped signature] President, American Federation of Labor. 493 March 10, 1911. X. Mr. William Doson, Secretary, Bricklayers, Masons and Plasterers' International Union of America, Oddfellow Building, Indianapolis, Ind. Dear Sir and Brother: I am in receipt of Circular No. 1 from your organization. I would appreciate it greatly if you can let me have about fifteen more copies of this circular. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. COPIED COPIED COPIED MAR 10 1911494 M March 10, 1911 [COPIED MAR 10, 1911] Mr. Emanuel Koveeski, Organizer 19 Winsor Street, Rochester, N. Y. Dear Sir and Brother; Your [f?or] of the 9th instant is at hand, and beg to say that commission will be renewed and forwarded to you, on March 13th. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally Yours, Samuel Gompers [stamped Signature] President American Federation of Labor495 X. March 9. 1911 [COPIED MAR 10 1911] N0. 19 EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, AMERICAN FEDERATION OF LABOR. COLLEAGUES; Enclosed you will find copy of a letter received by me from Andrew J. Gallagher, Secretary of the San Francisco Labor Council, and a copy of my reply to the same. It seemed to me that the matter is of sufficient interest to warrant my placing the information in the possessior of the Executive Council. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers [stamped signature] President, American Federation of Labor496 COPY. SAN FRANCISCO LABOR COUNCIL. San Francisco, Cal., Feb. 16, 1911. Mr. Samuel Gompers, 80 G St., Washington, D. C. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of Feb. 8 advising us of the decision of the Executive Council to the effect that this Council has no power to unseat Local 339 and directing us to re-seat them is at hand. I would like to ask you in view of this ruling, what the rights of a central council are, if any? Keeping clearly in mind, the necessity of internal harmony within our organizations and yet at the same time acknowledging that violations of trade union principle cannot be agreed to or sustained by other Union men either collectively or individually, also keeping in mind several former decisions of your Executive Council in reference to actions of central bodies I should like to know what kind of an organization a central council is expected to be. Sure it has some rights; surely it has some powers; surely it can make some rules which should be observed. What are they? They can't levy assessment and enforce the payment of it for the benefit of sister unions; they can't fine an organization which violates very principle and precept of organized workmen; they can't unseat a local which permits its members to scab; they can't call union out on strike even though they are willing to support strikes in their own localities; they can't object to a union going out on strike when the international orders them out although the central council will have to bear the penalty; they can't insist upon the observance of the common rules of the trade97 -2- unions if they don't fit in with the ideas of international officers; they can't decide jurisdictional disputes. In short, they can't do anything which conflicts with somebody's idea of what constitutes international or local union autonomy. I can't say how much I regret decisions of this kind. Surely the delegates of this Council are sensible men; surely they understand the reasons which prompt their action in their own community. They know what action will fit in a given case, and yet Pres. Tobin whose organizations do nothing but benefit by the support of their fellow workers, and whose locals couldn't exist without their friendly aid, can prevail upon your Executive Council to render a decision which ties our hands. Sooner or later the question of the power of central councils must be decided. Perhaps this will bring it to an issue; I don't know. But I do know that it is one of the most discouraging pieces of information that has reached me in many a long day. I happen to know that in my official position were it not for the moral influence of this Council; were it not for the manner in which it does not permit transgression of all laws and of our defined policy that you would have a pretty situation in this community. And yet at every appeal made against the central council, a new decision is made effectively tying its hands at a new angle. Frankly I am discouraged and disgusted. Fraternally yours, (signed) Andrew J. Gallagher Pr. G. A. Sec. S. F. Labor Council[*498*] COPY Feb. 25, 1911 Mr. Andrew J. Gallagher, Secretary, San Francisco Labor Council, 316 14th Street, San Francisco, Cal. Dear Sir and Brother: Your exceeding interesting favor of the 16th instant came duly to hand and the contents have been given careful consideration. No matter what the subject with which your letters deal, they are always readable and interesting, and as a matter of fact always compel respect as well as thought and comprehensive reply. Your last deals with the decision of the Executive Council in regard to the action of the San Francisco Labor Council in unseating local #39 of San Francisco, belonging to the Boot and Shoe Workers' International Union. I note that you do not refer to the decision of the Executive Council communicated to you by Secretary Morrison February 7, in which the action of your Council was fully sustained in the decision it rendered. However, that is of lesser importance, for the matters which you mention in your letter deserve serious and direct consideration. I am sure that if you apply the same questions to the American Federation of Labor as such that you do to the local central bodies, you will find that they have equal potency, for as a matter of fact, nearly all of the matters which you say a central body can not do are almost equally denied the American Federation of Labor itself. The American Federation of Labor is a voluntary Federation, instituted by its constituent membership, the international unions, state federations, and local central bodies, and our Federation has no powers other than which are canceled to it by its constituent parts.-2- The American Federation of Labor can not enforce the payment of a levy of an assessment. It can't impose a fine upon my organization for any cause. It can't revoke a charter without a two-thirds vote which is practically an impossibility. It can't call a strike. It can't object to a union going out on strike. It can't insist upon the observance of common rules of trade unions. It can't decide jurisdictional disputes. It can't do anything which conflicts with somebody's ideas of what constitutes international or local union atonomy. The American Federation of Labor can only be helpful in doing what the organized workers of America deem it best to be done and concede that authority to the A.F. of L. for the time being. The American Federation of Labor, however, endeavors to unite all classes of wage workers under one head through their several organizations, to the end that class, race, creed, political and trade prejudice may be abolished: that every support within its power be givn to the workers and secures to the workers and their greivances and rights, attentive hearing before the world of organized labor and to all those who sympathize with us. and those who are capable and willing to see, and to think, and to help. It watches the interests of the workers on every field of human activity and proclaims and protests in the name of labor in order that the rights and interests of the toilers may be protected and advanced. It aims to allow in the light of experience, the utmost liberty to each organization in the conduct of its own affairs, consistent with the generally unerstood principles and welfare of labor. It seeks to avoid the errps. guided by the experience of the labor organizations of the past movements which by their mistakes speedily entered-3- into the limbo of movements that did not and could not move except to move backward, and destroy the efforts put forth. Referring to your question as to what the rights of a central body are, I am sure you know too well to require any extended menion at my hands. The trend of the labor movement of the entire world has been toward the organization of the unions of a trade and allying to it those employed kindred to it. and then the formation of national and international unions of the trade, and then the feeration of such national or international unions into, in England, the British Trades Union Congress: in France, the Confederation of Gnerals du Travail: in Germany, the Generale-Kommission Deutsche Gewekschafften, and so on throughout Europe and Australia, and in America, the American Federation of Labor. In addition there are state and city central bodies. These are intended to secure within their ealm the aims, hopes and aspirations of the toilers within their rspective domains, to aid as best they can, and always keep in mind hat the labor movement of the American continent, is expressed in he American Federation of Labor, and that all local movements expressed in central bodies should be in touch with the national or international desire and demand. that unions, central bodies, like inividuals, will achieve the greatest results in cooperation. A link in the chain of communication, fellowship and solidarity, is welded by such central bodies' connection. It certifies the gnuineness of purpose, attests the worth, entitled respectful hearng and commands recognition from organized labor and the world within which it moves. Unity is fostered and advanced. A bond of this kind keeps the movement clean from rival organizations501 -4- which have heretofore and which would now otherwise scatter the forces of labor: protects the territory of all national and international unions, and it is so the interests and duty of local unions of national and international unions to extend that protection for state federations and city central bodies. It is a combination of thought. It is the mother of combined action. Exchange of thought must precede combination. A central body is the exchange channel: it writes and questions: received and reads: profits by the tees and experience and the gains, and even the losses of its fellow. A larger field is this within the reach of all. Prompt and concerted action is thus secured. Unity is extended and the powr of all labor throughout its lengths and breadths is increased. The central bodies often initiate some of the most effective wrk which the international unions and the A. F. of L. establish. Views are exchanged and the demand of organized labor wherever loated are promulgated to a listening world. o one will appreciate more than you the fact that the mandates of the American Labor movement to the American Federation of Labor and to its officers are no more pronouncedly put forth than that which is conveyed in the command, "thou shalt not." There are recommendations that the A. F. of L. and its officers should do thus and do. But the imperative mandate is, I repeat, "thou shalt not" d thus and so. It is the expression of the very best judgment tha the men of the labor movement of America shall restrain themselves from wrong doing: that they shall hold themselves in check from te exercise of powers and authority. This limitation of powers runs through the whole gamut of the labor movement of America, using every affirmative effort to hold the ranks of the502 -5- toilers together in a comprehensive unit, and to move onward and forward, perhaps a little slowly, but yet surely, to the goal of labor's hopes and aspirations, justice, right and freedom for all. If you take the history of the labor movement of America or that of any other country, you will observe that we have made further progress than at any former time: that despite our many misgivings and discouragements we are moving along: we are progressing and gaining as surely as each day's rising and setting of the sun, and that here is a better spirit today among the organized toilers of America than at any previous era in the history of the workers of this or any other country. Taking this broad, comprehensive view of the situation as I am sure you will, it will dissipate any discouragement which you may feel by reason of the decision of the Executive Council of the American Federation of Labor. With assurance of high regard and best wishes, and hoping to hear from you as often as convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, (signed) SAMUEL GOMPERS, President American Federation of Labor.503 LF March 10, 1911 COPIED. MAR 10 1911 COPIED. MAR 10 1911 Miss Mary Beard, Secretary General Committee Labor Suffrage Mass Meeting, 43 E 22nd St., New York City My dear Madam: Your favor of the 9th instant is received and contents noted. Referring further to your request for me to address the meeting held under the auspices of your organization on March 22nd, at Carnegie Hall, I beg to say that from present appearances it will be impossible for me to do so. I expect to be in New York on the 20th to keep an important engagement and probably the 21st, but it will be necessary for me tor return her immediately thereafter. Expressing my regret at any inability to accept your invitation, I remain, Very truly yours, [signed] Sam. Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.504 LF March 10, 1911 COPIED. MAR 10 1911 COPIED. MAR 10 1911 Mr. Isaac Levitsky, c/o Secretary Geo. H. Ullrich, Local C.M.I. U. #165 232 I 9the St. Philadelphia, Pa. Dear Sir and Brother: Your courteous invitation to attend the ball on the occasion of the Thirtieth Anniversary of Union #165, Philadelphia Friday evening, March 17th, came duly to hand. In consequence of the very serious illness of Mrs. Gompers, as well as the important duties of my office at this time, make the acceptance of this invitation impossible. Regretting the causes which interfere with my being with you and our friends, and sincerely hoping that a very enjoyable time may be had, I am, Fraternally yours, President American Federation of Labor. 505 LF March 10, 1911 The National Press Intelligence Co. 25 West Broadway New York, N. Y. COPIED. MAR 10 1911 COPIED. MAR 10 1911 Gentlemen: It is expected that shortly the United States Supreme Court will render its decision in the appeal on the contempt case under which the undersigned, John Mitchell and Frank Morrison have been sentenced to twelve, nine and six months imprisonment respectively. I should like your Company to keep careful watch for the newspaper accounts of the decision, as well as editorial comment upon these decisions about that time. Hoping you will give this your effective attention, I am, Very truly yours, President American Federation of Labor. 506 LF March 10, 1911 25 Third Ave. New York, N.Y. COPIED. MAR 10 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: In this morning's mail I received the enclosed letter from Mr. James J. Maloy, 2092 8th Ave. New York City. You will notice the despicable kind of work which Mr. Maloy describes he was asked to do in answering an advertisement for an electrician, that he wrote to the address in the New York World and received a note in return asking him to call at #60 Church St. New York City, and there he was offered the position to play the spy upon his fellow workmen, and to report to Raymond & Co. International Auxiliary Co. I would like you to try and have an interview with Mr. Maloy and to get further facts from him so that the entire workings and purposes of this company may be fully and completely exposed, not only to the labor world, but to the business world and the public, You will strictly observe Mr. Maloy's request which I emphasize and that is that his name shall not be disclosed. You might get the assistance of Mr. John Morrison and Mr. B. Flood to advise with you. With your report you will please return Mr. Maloy's 507 Mr. Hugh Frayne--2 letter to me, and mark the same personal, With kind regards, I remain, Fraternally yours, [signed] Sam. Gompers Enclosure: COPIED. COPIED. MAR 10 1911 MAR 10 1911 508 Z March 10, 1911. Mr. William Mackenzie, Manager, The lrooklyn "Call" Fair Conference, 1434 35th St. , Brooklyn, N. Y. COPIED. MAR 10 1911 COPIED. MAR 10 1911 Dear Sir: Your favor of the 7th instant to hand and contents noted. The duies of my office are so constantly engrossing, and my work in the cause of labor occupying my entire time, I cannot avail myself of the courtesy which you extend to me. Very truly yours, [signed] Sam. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. 509 Z March 10, 1911 Mr. T. H. Flynn, Organizer, 20 Maple Terrace, Mt. Washington, Pittsburg, Pa. COPIED. MAR 10 1911. COPIED MAR 10 1911. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 9th instant received and contents noted. In reply I beg to say that I had a letter from Organizer J. D. Pierce from the Lochiel Hotel, Harrisburg, Pa., in which he advised me that as per arrangement with you and other members of the Organization Committee, he had come over to Harrisburg and awaited further instructions. You could write to him, of course, either at the eneral Delivery or at the hotel at which he is stopping. With best wishes for success and asking you to let me hear from you as often as possible, I am Fraternally yours, President, American Federation of Labor. 510 M March 10, 1911. Mr. Albert Abrahams, Secretary, Labor Temple, 243 East 84th St., New York City. COPIED. COPIED. MAR 10 1911 COPIED. MAR 10 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: Replying to your favor of the 7th, I beg to say that nothing unforeseen occurring I shall go to New York so as to attend the conference on Monday, March 13, at ten o'clock, at Beethoven Hall, 210 East Fifth Street. With kind regards, I am, Fraternally yours, [signed] Sam. Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.511 M March 10, 1911. Mr. Hugh Frayne, Organizer, 25 Third Ave., New York City. COPIED. COPIED. 1911 COPIED. MAR 10 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: Replying to your letter of the 9th instant, I beg to say that nothing unforseen occurring, I expect to be on hand on next Monday morning to attend the conference of the Granite Cutters and Blue Stone Cutters at Beethoven Hall, 210 East Fifth Street, at ten o'clock, and also to attend the conference with the stone cutting trades at Victoria Hotel, March 14. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, [signed] Sam. Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.512 M March 10, 1911. Mr. Charles R. Case, President, Washington State Federation of Labor, 1518 16th Ave., Seattle, Washington. COPIED. MAR 10 1911 COPIED. MAR 10 1911 COPIED. MAR 10 1911 F Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 6th instant is at hand and contents noted. In accordance with the request and recommendation you make commission as volunteer general organizer for the State will be issued and forwarded to Mr. L. F. Clarke, 67 Park St., Walla Walla. There will also be forwarded to him a package of literature and documents published by this office which I am sure he will find of assistance in the discharge of his duties as the representative of the A. F. of L. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, [signed] Sam. Gompers. President Aerican Federation of Labor. 513 M March 10, 1911. Mr. L. F. Clarke, Vice-President, Washington State Federation of Labor, 87 Park St., Walla Walla, Washington. COPIED. MAR 10 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: We are just in receipt of a letter from President Charles R. Case of the Washington State Federation of Labor, recommending your appointment as organizer. If affords me pleasure to comply with the request and recommendation made, and commission as general volunteer organizer for the State of Washington, will be issued and forwarded to you. There will also be sent to you a package of literature and documents published by this office which I am sure you will find of assistance as the representative of the A. F. of L. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, [signed] Sam. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. 514 M March 10, 1911. COPIED. MAR 10 1911 Mr. John Clifford, Secretary Central Labor Union, 9 Nashua St., Nashua, N. H. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 8th instant to Secretary Morrison has been brought to my attention, in which you state that the Central Labor Union recommends the appointment of the T. A. Phelan as volunteer organizer for Nashua and vicinity. It affords me pleasure to comply with the request and recommendation made, and commission will be issued and forwarded to Brother Phelan in accordance therewith. There will also be forwarded to him a package of literature and documents published by this office which I am sure he will find of assistance in the discharge of his duties as the representative of the A. F. of L. for that secion. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, President American Federation of Labor.515 X. March 9, 1911 COPIED. Mar 10 1911 Mr. George W. De Cunha, 771 Valley Road, Upper Montclair, N. J. My dear Mr. Cunha: I thank you very much for the copy of the letter which you sent to Mayor Gaynor under date of March third, also for your outline in the map showing the rapid transit systems and proposed extensions. I am very much interested in the subject not only of rapid transit for our people so that they may speedily get to their work and have the opportunity of speedily returning to their horses, which should be in healthful districts. I see that you suggest to the Mayor the use and extension of some of the roads under Central Park with stations in the Park at convenient points, so as to afford the easiest opportrunity for the people of New York to reach the Park and to return totheir homes. As an old time and long years resident of New York, and understanding something of the housing conditions thereof, I am free to say that I am gratified at the very excell[e?]nt suggestion which you have made to his Honor the Mayor, and I sincerely hope that something may be done in the near future to carry your suggestion into effect. If there be anything that I can do to be helpful in the achievement516 Mr. Geo. W. Da Cunha -2- of your project, I shall count it a privilege as well as a duty. Very truly yours, [signed] Sam. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. COPIED. MAR 10 1911 517 X. March 9, 1911 Hon. David Lubin, Delegate from the United States, To the International Institute of Agriculture, Rome, Italy. COPIED. MAR 10 1911 My dear Mr. Lubin: I have just sent you the following cablegram: "Washington, D. C., March 9, 1911. Lubin, Seres, Rome. Your wishes carried out. Gompers." I am glad to be able to inform you that your article has been ordered printed as a public document, but owing to the rush of work incident to the closing days of Congress, we may not receive the printed copies for two or three weeks. However, just as soon as we do receive them, we will send you five thousand copies by express. The additional ten thousand copies will be mailed from this office. With best wishes, I am, Sincerely yours, President, American Federation of Labor.518 X. March 9, 1911 Mr. John Bohl, Secretary, Cigar Makers' International Union, Local #398, Stamford, Conn. Friend Bohl: Your favor of the 8th instant with enclosure came duly to hand, and I assure you that I appreciate the congratulations which you extend upon the election of President Perkins, Vice-President Tracy and myself and the other true trade unionists. I note what you say in regard to the election and that you had not time to see that the local trade unionists had the opportunity of casting their votes. Of course, there will be a second election for the remaining officers and the remaining delegates. You can rely upon this one fact, that is, that the Socialist political partisans are not going to leave any effort untried now or hereafter in order that it might make the trade unions the tails of their political party kite. I have not yet had time to read fully the report of your address. For that which I have seen, I want to commend you and to express my great appreciation. Please let me hear from you whenever convenient. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, President, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED MAR 10 1911*]519 X. March 9, 1911 Mr. H. S. Jeffery, 600 Keefer Place, N. W., City. My dear Mr. Jeffery, Your favor of the seventh instant to hand and contents noted. Yes, I have seen and heard of the consideration which the President has given to the suggestion of comptent labor men in the appointment for the Locomotive Boiler Inspection Bureau. I would like to have the opportunity of talking this and some other matters over with you and also the project which you say you have in mind, that is, the issuance of a weekly paper in the interests of labor. At this moment I cannot indicate a time for such a conference, for the reason that I have so many engagements of an important character immediately requiring my attention, and while here I am crowded with working trying to keep up with correspondence, conferences and other important work. However, I would like you to write me shortly and I may be enabled to designate a time which I trust may be mutually convenient. With kindest regards and best wishes, and hoping to hear from you soon and often, I am, Fraternally yours, President, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED MAR 10 1911*]520 X. March 9, 1911. Mr. B. B. Miner, President, Mr. Gus May, Secretary, Local #84, Int'l Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employes, Hartford, Conn. Dear Sirs and Brothers: Your favor of the seventh instant is received and contents carefully noted. You say that you have received notice from your International President relative to a telegram received by him from me in reference to your demand for a new wage scale. I herewith quote you the telegram to which you refer: "Washington, D. C., Mar. 4, 1911. Mr. James J. Barry, 75 Albany Street, Boston, Mass. Communications from New Haven indicate awful situation with your organization and management Poli Theater. Isn't it possible for you to adjust dispute before it reaches critical condition. It is neither my desire nor intention to interfere in the affairs of your organization, but I cannot refrain from urging you to exercise every effort to avoid threatened conflict and injury. SAMUEL GOMPERS." As indicated in my telegram, I desire not to interfere unwarrantedly in any matter affecting the interests and the rights of your organization, but I could not help but communicate with you at once as best I could in order that if a mistake was about to be made that it might be prevented. I hope you will be able to reach an adjustment of the matter at an early date. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, President, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED MAR 10 1911*] 521 X. March 10, 1911. Mr. C. O. Young, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, Box 709, Tacoma, Washington. Dear Sir and Brother: I am in receipt of the following night lettergram: "Initiative and Referendum with percentages ten and six. Eight hour law for women employees, compensation act best on earth passed today. Compensation act differs from other similar acts in that it creates a state insurance department maximum for death four thousand dollars. C. R. Case, Pete Henretty, P. W. Dowler, C. O. Young." I thank you very much for the prompt information, and congratulate you on the excellent work accomplished. I would very much appreciate having a copy of the bills at your earliest convenience. With best wishes, and hoping to hear from you as soon as possible, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED MAR 10 1911*]522 X. March 9, 1911. Mr. J. D. Pierce, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, The Lochial, Harrisburg, Pa. COPIED. MAR 10 1911 COPIED. MAR 10 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the fourth instant with the enclosed circular issued by the Trades and Labor Council of Erie County, came duly to hand and contents noted. As far as possible I shall endeavor to carry out the suggestion of the Buffalo Central Body relative to Larkin's Company adopting the Printers' Union Label and no doubt by a concerted effort some good results will follow. Enclosed you will find a circular which I have issued a few days ago to the Cigar Makers' local unions which will interest you very much, particularly in view of the expression of views you give in your letter regarding the election of the officers of the International Union. The true trade unionists will have a duty to perform in the second election. It would be well for you to work in the districts to which you say you have been assigned until otherwise directed by them, or by directions from this office. Please report to me as often as convenient on any matter of importance in connection with our movement. Why not write some interesting matter affecting the trade union movement, its work and its achievements. I should be glad 523 Mr. J. D. Pierce -2- to publish it in the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, [signed] Sam. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. COPIED. MAR 10 1911 COPIED. MAR 10 1911 524 M March 10 , 1911. Mr. Louis Dilno, Secretary, Cascade County Trades and Labor Assembly, Box 560, Great Falls, Montana. COPIED. MAR 10 1911 COPIED. MAR 10 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of February 27th received here March 10, in which you request that a general organizer be sent to Great Falls or appointed for that locality. In reply I beg to say that it is impossible just now to send a special organizer to Great Falls, and we are running to the full limit of our financial ability in the appointment of special organizers. Our special organizers are engaged in important work in other sections of the country, but a note will be made of your request, and if found possible in the near future to comply therewith your application will receive consideration. With kind regards, and regretting my inability to send an organizer to Great Falls, I am, Fraternally yours, [signed] Sam. Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. 525 X. March 9, 1911. Mr. Mae Gray, Midland Hotel, Hutchinson, Kansas. COPIED. MAR 10 1911 COPIED. MAR 10 1911 Dear Madam: I regret to learn that your husband, Mr. M. E. Gray, is in an unfortunate position, and I should be glad if it would be in my power to be somewhat helpful to him. There are many abuses which I know exist, and which particularly injuriously affect the rights and the interests of the working people, and if authentic information were placed in my possession, I might be instrumental in helping to correct the evils to which I refer, and part of which have been the basis of some recent correspondence which I have received. Assuring you of my desire to be helpful in any way I can to my fellow man, I am, Very respectfully yours, [signed] Sam. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. 526 X. March 9, 1911. Mr. J. Al. Meisenbach, Secretary, Peru Trades and Labor Council, Peru, Illinois. COPIED. MAR 10 1911 COPIED. MAR 10 1911 A Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the fifth instant to hand and contents noted. I have placed the subject matter of your letter before the Executive Council and asked the Council whether the decision rendered by the Executive Council shall be either modified or reversed. As soon as the returns have been received from the Executive Council on their consideration of the matter, I shall further communicate with you. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, [signed] Sam. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. 527 X. March 9, 1911. Hon. John K. Beach, 865 Chapel Street, New Haven, Conn. COPIED. COPIED. MAR 10 1911 COPIED. MAR 10 1911 My dear Mr. Beach: Your favor of the eighth instant to hand and contents noted and I thank you for sending me a copy of the brief in reply for the plaintiffs in error, being the appeal from the United States Circuit Court of Appeals of the second circuit in the case of Martin Lawlor, et al, vs. D. E. Loewe. Yesterday I had the pleasure of a conference with our friend your associate counsel, Mr. Mulholland. He also called my attention to this reply. I think it is a splendid presentation. Indeed, I regard both briefs, the original and this later one, as excellent and unanswerable. I am strongly of the opinion that the Circuit Court of Appeals will reverse the decisions of Judge Platt and the award of the jury. Again thanking you for the copies of the briefs, and for your letter, and hoping for success, I am, Very truly yours, [signed] Sam. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. 528 X. March 9, 1911. Hon. Seth Low, President, National Civic Federation, One Madison Avenue, New York City. COPIED. MAR 10 1911 Dear Sir: Your favor of March sixth to hand and contents noted. I vote to approve your appointment of the gentleman named by you as Finance Committee of the Civic Federation. I vote to give you authority to add to the above committee and to fill vacancies in case of need. I vote to confirm your action in accepting the resignation of Mr. John Mitchell and to release him form his contract with the Civic Federation. Upon the subject matter of securing the services of Mr. James M. Lynch and Mr. Herman Ridder, I desire to reiterate my opinion on this subject as conveyed to you in my letter of March 4th. I know something of the situation in the labor world and of the views and temperament of the rank and file of the men in the labor movement. I think you know that I am not unwilling to assume my share of responsibility in any constructive work or any effort for the betterment of the condition of the working people and to arrive at the best possible relations with employers. In my judgment it would not be wise for some little time to come to subject active men in the labor movement and the Civic Federation to what may be 529 Hon. Seth Low -2- perverted to be a new opportunity for attack by the vicious and the unthinking. The injustice done directly to Mr. Mitchell, and incidentally to all others active in the trade union movement, is coming to be better understood, and I have reason to believe that a reaction against that injustice has fully set in. I have helped in trying to put the entire trade union activity and the connection of trade unionists with the Civic Federation fairly before the thinking, earnest, true, trade unionists. Others are doing their share and I am told that good results will follow. I deem it, therefore, a tactical mistake to take any action which would be utilized as material for fresh attacks, no matter how unjust and unfounded. It is unnecessary for me to say to you that a dozen men's concerted effort can make more charges, however baseless, than ten thousand men can refute and disprove. Very truly yours, [signed] Sam. Gompers. President,, American Federation of Labor. COPIED. COPIED. MAR 10 1911 MAR 10 1911530 M March 10, 1911. Mr. George L. Wilson, Secretary, Council of Labor, 1016 Jenny Lind St., McKeesport, Pa. COPIED. MAR 10 1911 COPIED. MAR 10 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 5th instant to Secretary Morrison, has been brought to my attention, in which you enclose your commission at volunteer organizer, and stating the Council of Labor recommends the appointment of Joseph Glannon as your successor. It affords me pleasure to comply with the request and recommendation made, and commission will be issued and forwarded to Brother Glannon in accordance therewith. There will also be forwarded to him a package of literature and documents published by this office which I am sure he will find of assistance. I regret that you can no longer act as organizer, but of course, can only accept your resignation, and thank you for the good work performed by you while acting in that capacity. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, [signed] Sam. Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. 531 M March 10, 1911. Mr. James Matthews, Secretary, United Trades and Labor Council, 359 Van Houten St., Paterson, N. J. COPIED. COPIED. MAR 10 1911 COPIED. MAR 10 1911 A Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 6th instant is at hand, in which you state the Trades and Labor Council recommends the appointment of Frank Hubachmidt as volunteer organizer for Paterson and vicinity. It affords me pleasure to comply with the request and recommendation made, and commission will be issued and forwarded to Brother Hubachmidt in accordance therewith. There will also be forwarded to him a package of literature and documents published by this office, which I am sure he will find of assistance in the discharge of his duties as the representative of the A. F. of L. for that section. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, [signed] Sam. Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.532 LF March 10 , 1911 When replying, kindly refer to Res. #37 COPIED. MAR 10 1911 Mr. James M. Lynch, President International Typographical Union, Newton Claypool Building, Indianapolis, Inc. Dear Sir and Brother: Referring to my letter to you of March 4th in regard to conference between the representatives of your International Union and the representatives of the International Brotherhood of Bookbinders and the undersigned, as directed by the Executive Council at its meeting recently held in this city, and in conformity with Resolution #37 of the St. Louis Convention, I beg to say that President Glockling of the Bookbinders advises me that the time and place suggested, that is the morning of March 21st, at the Victoria Hotel, is entirely satisfactory to him and that he will made arrangements to be xx present. Please advise me by wire immediately upon receipt of this letter if you or the representatives of your International Union, will be present at the time and place indicated. Hoping to receive your early reply, and with kind regards I remain, Fraternally yours, [signed] Sam. Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. 533 No. 18, X. March 9, 1911. EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, AMERICAN FEDERATION OF LABOR. [* COPIED. MAR 10 1911*] COLLEAGUES: You will recall the appeal made by Federal Labor Union #6339 against the action of the Peru Trades and Labor Council in placing a fine upon the Federal Labor Union because of the action of some of the members thereof against the interests of the Teamsters who were on strike. The Executive Council decided that the action of the Central Trades and Labor Council should be reversed, declaring that it had no right under trade union law to impose a fine upon an affiliated organization. I am just in receipt of a letter from the Peru Central Body of which the enclosed is a copy. You will observe that the Executive Council is notified by the central body through me, that unless the decision of the Executive Council is modified or reversed within thirty days the central body will return its charter. The members of the Executive Council will please return their vote whether the decision shall be reversed or modified and if modified to what degree. Please return your vote upon this matter at your earliest convenience, and oblige, Fraternally yours, Sam. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.534 Peru, Ill., March 5, 1911. Mr. Samuel Gompers, President A. F. of L., Washington, D. C. Dear Sir and Brother: Replying to your letter of February 8th, in the matter of the difference between the Teamsters, Federal Labor Union #6339 and the Central Body of this city, will say that the same was read at the last meeting of the Peru Trades and Labor Council, and I was directed to answer the same in words to the effect that the Central Body stands at this day the same as it has all along during the entire difficulty, namely: that it maintains the right to discipline its members, according to its local rules, when members take the obligation to that effect, when representing ANY organization affiliated with it. Now, when that right is denied by the American Federation Executive Council, then this Central Body knows of no reason why it should not cease to meet twice a month to transact business in the interests of organized labor, pay per capita tax to headquarters, hall rent, salaries, committee work, etc., only to be SNUBBED BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL of the American Federation of Labor. If we have NO RIGHT to place a fine on the Federal Labor Union for violation of local rules, then we have no right to place a fine on any other organization affiliated with the Central Body for similar offenses. The writer has just noticed an account where one of the most intelligent crafts of organized labor, the printers, (and that is my craft) "Big Six" typographical Union of New York, was fined $50.00 by the Central Labor Body of that city for purchasing and using "scab" made badges or souvenirs for its great annual ball, recently. In that case the fine was entirely too small.535 -2- Central Bodies have some rights, and I have been directed to answer your letter, and for the benefit of the Executive Council of the American Federation of Labor, to the effect that if it does not see fit to modify or reverse its decision within thirty days, our Central Body will be ready to box up its charter and return it to Washington. The Peru Trades and Labor Council does not approve of the action of the Executive Council of the American Federation of Labor in the present case. The fine is against the organization -- not individuals. Awaiting an early and favorable reply, I remain, Fraternally yours, (Signed) J. Al. Maisenbach, Recording Secretary and Volunteer Organizer. Peru Trades and Labor Council.536 LF March 10, 1911 Mr. John Morrison 25 Third Ave., New York, N. Y. [*COPIED. MAR 10 1911*] Dear Sir: Mr. William B. Walker, President of the American Thermos Bottle Company, 245-7 West 17th St. New York City, has sent me a sample of his luncheon outfit and has requested advertising rates for the American Federationist. I have given him the following rates: One-half page, six months - - - - - - - - - - $180.00 One -half, page, twelve months, - - - - - - - 300.00 One page, six months - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 300.00 One page, twelve months - - - - - - - - - - - - 500.00 I would suggest that it would be well to have some one call upon him, as I think they would be able to secure an advertisement. Very truly yours, Sam. Gompers. President American Federation of Labor537 [* COPIED. MAR 11 1911 *] Z March 11, 1911. Mr. Patrick Walsh, Walsh Construction Company, Davenport, Iowa. [* COPIED. MAR 11 1911 *] Dear Sir: In a letter recently received from Mr. Frank Butterworth, President of the Brick, Tile and Terra Cotta Workers International Alliance, affiliated to the American Federation of Labor, he calls attention in detail to the long-standing controversy between the members of his organization and the Purington Paving Brick Co. of Galesburg, Illinois, of which you are one of the directors. I understand from his letter that you are friendly disposed toward organized labor as represented by his organization and it is for that reason, therefore, that I am now writing to you in the hope, if possible, of enlisting your sympathetic co-operation in securing an adjustment of the long-standing controversy with which I presume you are familiar. I trust that I may have a word from you in regard thereto at your earliest convenience. Very truly yours, [signed] Sam. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.538 Z Mar' 11, 1911 Mr. George C. Prussing, 1516 Dearborn Avenue, Chicago, Illinois. COPIED. MAR 11 1911 Dear Sir: In a letter recently received from Mr. Frank Butterworth, President of the Brick, Tile and Terra Cotta Workers' International alliance, affiliated to the American Federation of Labor, he calls attention in detail to the long-standing controversy between the members of his organization and the Purington Paving Brick Co., of Galesburg, Illinois, of which you are one of the directors. I understand from his letter that you are friendly disposed toward organized labor as represented by his organization and it is for that reason, therefore, that I am now writing to you in the hope, if possible, of enlisting your sympathetic co-operation in securing an adjustment of the long standing controversy with which I presume you are familiar. I trust that I may have a word from you in regard thereto at your earliest convenience. Very truly yours, [signed] Sam. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. 539 Mr. James A. Short---2. self, and trusting that I may have a word from you in regard thereto, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. COPIED COPIED MAR 11 1911540 [*For page 2 See page 539*] [*COPIED. MAR 11 1911*] Z March 11, 1911. Mr. James A. Short, President, Building Trades Department, A. F. of L., New Briggs House, Chicago, Illinois. Dear Sir and Brother: Time and experience have demonstrated the necessity for the best understanding and co-operation between the various Departments of the A. F. of L. and the A. F. of L. itself. The conventions of the A. F. of L. and the conventions of the various departments occur either simultaneously or near to each other. In view hereof the suggestion is made that it might be well in future to arrange with the Executive Board of the Building Trades Department to hold one or more meetings during the year at the same time and place when the Executive Council of the A. F. of L. meets. This is merely offered as a suggestion as I understand the Executive Board of your Department will hold a special meeting in Chicago in the near future. My suggestion has no application to any special meeting of your Executive Board or any special meeting of the Executive Council, but merely, as stated above, that one or more meetings of the two bodies should be held simultaneously and in the same city. Trusting that the suggestion above made will commend itself to the favorable consideration of your colleagues and your-[*541*] [*COPIED. MAR 11 1911*] LF March 10, 1911 Mr. John Golden, President United Textile Workers of America, Box 742, Fall River, Mass Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 8th instant is received and contents noted. You say that at the next meeting of the Executive Board of your International Union it will be decided where it is desired that Mr. Charles A. Miles, who is to be appointed as special organizer for the Textile Workers for a period of six months, the A. F. of L. to bear half of his expenses, shall be put to work. I take it, therefore, that you do not desire his commission to be issued until it is decided just where he is to work and when his work is to commence. Just as soon as you can give me this information I shall be glad to issue commission in conformity therewith. With kind regards, I remain, Fraternally yours, [signed] Sam. Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.[*542*] [*COPIED. MAR 11 1911*] LF March 11, 1911 Mr. Charles A. Yates, Secretary Central Trades and Labor Assembly 305 South Warren St., Syracuse, N.Y. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 9th instant is received and contents noted. You desire to know whether the local branch of Letter Carriers of Syracuse, affiliated with the National Federation of Letter Carriers should be admitted to representation in the Trades and Labor Assembly. I beg to say that if this local has instructed its delegates to vote for affiliation to the A. F. of L. and if it will declare that its national should become affiliated with the A. F. of L. it would demonstrate that it is favorably disposed toward its national being affiliated with the A. F. of L. and therefore should be allowed representation in your central body. In further connection with this general subject matter I should say that I am now endeavoring to arrange a conference with the representatives of the Letter Carriers and the representatives of the Post Office Clerks, with the purpose in view of eventuallt amalgamating the two organizations, the amalgamated body to be in full affiliation with the A. F. of L.[*543*] Mr. Charles A. Yates--2 With kind regards, and hoping to hear from your whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, [Sam. Gompers.] President American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. MAR 11 1911*][*544*] [*COPIED. MAR 11 1911*] LF March 11, 1911 Res. #26 Toronto Convention Mr. John F. Tobin, President Boot and Shoe Workers Union 246 Summer St., Boston, Mass. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 6th instant is received and contents noted. By the same mail I am also in receiptof a letter from the Secretary of the Salem Central Labor Union officially advising me that the central body had tabled my letter in which I transmitted the action of the Executive Council in the case between that body and the Boot and Shoe Workers' organization. I beg to advise you that I have placed the entire matter before the Executive Council and will await the advice of my colleagues as to what further steps shall be taken in the premises. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam. Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.[*545*] [*COPIED. MAR 11 1911*] LF March 11, 1911 Res. #26 Toronto Convention, Mr. Norman J. Montgomery, Secretary Central Labor Union, 9 Bowditch St., Peabody, Mass. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 6th instant is received and contents noted. In acknowledging the receipt of my letter of February 8th advising you of the action of the Executive Council on the matter of controversy between your central body and the Boot and Shoe Workers' organization, as per Resolution #26 of the Toronto Convention, you advise me that my letter transmitting the action of the Executive Council was tabled. I beg to say in reply that I am writing to the Executive Council by this mail advising my colleagues of the action taken by your central body, and requesting their advice as to what should be done further in the premises. With kind regards, I remain, Fraternally yours, [signed] Sam. Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.546 LF March 11, 1911 No. 20. [*COPIED. MAR 11 1911*] EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, AMERICAN FEDERATION OF LABOR. COLLEAGUES: At the January meeting of the Executive Council one of the matters considered was the protest of the Boot and Shoe Workers' Union against the action of the Central Labor Union of Salem, Mass. in connection with Resolution #26 of the Toronto Convention of the A. F. of L. The minutes of the Executive Council show that the following action was taken: On the protest of the Boot and Shoe Workers' Union against the Central Labor Union of Salem, Massachusetts, in sustaining the dual organization of Shoe Workers, it was moved and adopted that because of the unfair use a faction in the shoe industry is making of the action in question of the Salem central body against the interests and standing of Boot and Shoe Workers' Union and as in any event central bodies should not champion the cause of seceding or of independent organizations as against the regularly recognized union in the trade Central Body of Salem, Mass., is directed to reverse the action complained of and to promptly inform the A. F. of L. of said action, the substance thereof and the date when such action was taken." This was officially transmitted to the Secretary of the Salem Central Labor Union and also to President Tobin of the Boot and Shoe Workers' Union. Under date of March 6th, the Secretary of the Salem Central Labor Union writes me as follows:[*547*] E. C. --S "Your letter of February 8th referring to Res. #26 Toronto Convention, was read at the meeting of Salem Central Body on Sunday, March 5, 1911. It was moved and seconded that the directions of the Executive Council A. F. of L. contained in that letter be laid on the table by a vote 21 to 7; 5 of the 7 being delegates of the Boot and Shoe Workers' Union." The matter is placed before the members of the Executive Council for their consideration and advice as to what further action should be taken. Please let me have your advice as to the above at your early convenience, and oblige, Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. COPIED. MAR 11, 1911[*548*] [*COPIED. MAR 11 1911*] Z March 11, 1911. Mr. C. D. B. Howell, Evanston, Illinois. Dear Sir: In a letter recently received from Mr. Frank Butterworth, President of the Brick, Tile and Terra Cotta Workers' International Alliance, affiliated to the American Federation of Labor, he calls attention in detail to the long-standing controversy between the members of his organization and the Purington Paving Brick Co., of Galesburg, Illinois, of which you are one of the directors. I understand from his letter that you are friendly disposed toward organized labor as represented by his organization and it is for that reason, therefore, that I am now writing to you in the hope, if possible, of enlisting your sympathetic co-operation in securing an adjustment of the long standing controversy with which I presume you are familiar. I trust that I may have a word from you in regard thereto at your earliest convenience. Very truly yours, [*Samuel Gompers.*] President, American Federation of Labor.549 Copied. MAR 11 1911 March 11, 1911 Z In replying please refer to Resolution #89. Mr. Frank Butterworth, President, International Brick, Tile and Terra Cotta Workers' Alliance, Room 409, 56 Fifth Avenue, Chicago, Illinois Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of March 3rd has been received and contents noted. Acting upon your suggestions I have written to Messrs. Walsh, Prussing and Howell, who you say are directors of the Purington Paving Brick Company, of Galesburg, Illinois, and who are friendly disposed toward organized labor as represented by your International Alliance. I most sincerely trust that good will result from the correspondence. Of course I shall keep you fully advised in regard thereto. With Kind regards and best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*550*] Z March 11, 1911 [*COPIED. MAR 11 1911*] Mr. Oswald Weber, Secretary, Allegany Trades Council, Cumberland, Md. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 7th instant received and contents noted. If there is no possibility of the members of Lamp Workers Union #12800 holding the organization together, then of course you should take up the charter and return it to this office. I hope, however, that conditions may change and that the men will endeavor to retain their charter and hold themselves together as an organization. Secretary Morrison will give you the information you desire as to the bond for treasurer of the Trades Council. Hoping to hear from you further and with best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, [*Samuel Gompers*] President, American Federation of Labor.[*551*] LF March 10, 1911 [*COPIED. MAR 11 1911*] Mr. J. Frank Hayes, Organizer P. O. Box 525, San Luis Obispo, California Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of February 24th has been duly received and contents noted. The letter to which you refer was a form circular letter which is sent out from time to time by this office. Our records show that you hold a commission which was issued to you on the 4th of November, 1910. I should be glad to have you continue to act as volunteer organizer for your city and vicinity. Please advise me as to this at your early convenience, and oblige, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*552*] L March 10, 1911 [*COPIED. MAR 11 1911*] Mr. J. R. Morford, Secretary Central Labor Union, 722 First Ave., Spokane, Washington Dear Sir and Brother: In a letter just received from Secretary Lee M. Hart, of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employes he encloses formal protest with affidavit attached thereto, the protest being made by his two local unions #93 and 185 of Spokane against the Central Labor Union. Copy of the formal protest is enclosed herein. Before giving the matter any further attention I should be glad to have your central body make answer thereto. Hoping to receive your early reply, and with kind regards, I remain, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor Enclosure:553 LF March 10, 1911 Mr. Lee M. Hart, Secretary, International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employes State Hotel, State & Harrison Sts., Chicago, Ill. COPIED. MAR 11, 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 8th instant is received and contents noted. In it you make formal protest on behalf of your Locals #93 and 185 of Spokane against the Central Labor Council of that city. I am, therefore, writing to the secretary of that body submitting copy of the protest and requesting that answer be made thereto. With statement from both sides before me I shall then be in a position to take such action as may be warranted under the laws of the American Federation of Labor. With kind regards, I remain, Fraternally yours, Sam. Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. 554 Copy Mr. Frank Morrison Secy. A. F. of L. IN THE MATTER OF CHARGES REFERRED AGAINST THE SPOKANE SECTIONAL CENTRAL LABOR COUNCIL, A. F. OF L. BY THE INTERNATIONAL ALLIANCE OF THEATRICAL STAGE EMPLOYEES. On behalf of Local #93 I.A.T.S.E., and also on behalf of local #185 Moving Picture and Projecting Machine Operators Union, the undersigned submit the following charges against the Spokane Sectional Central Labor Council: Delegates from Local 93 I.A.T.S.E. have been seated in the Spokane Sectional Central Labor Council since its organization. The Moving Picture and Projecting Machine Operators Union was organized under the auspices of the local I.A.T.S.E. and delegates from said union were also seated immediately after its organization. On January 23rd, 1911, Local No. 235 of the T. B. of E. W asked that delegates from that organization might be seated. This request was protested by 93 and 185 upon the grounds that the purposes of local No. 235 I. B. of E. W. were directly opposed to those of the Moving Picture Operators. In fact, the question is one of the jurisdiction of these unions over Moving Picture Operators, the electrical workers having attempted to enroll them although they were therefore affiliated with the I.A.T.S.E. When local 235 removed the seating of delegates the protest of 93 and 185 was overruled and the delegates were seated. Thereafter the protest was referred to the organization committee of the Spokane Sectional Body, which committee confirmed the action of the Central Body in seating the delegates. A new committee was subsequently appointed to which a protest was made upon the following section of the Constitution of the American Federation of Labor, to-wit;555 --2-- Mr. Section 1: "No Central Labor Union, or any other central body of delegates shall admit to, or retain in their councils, delegates from any local organization that owes its allegiance to any other body, National or International, hostile to any affiliate organization, or that has been suspended or expelled by, or not connected with a National or International Organization of their trade herein affiliated, under penalty of having their charter revoked, for violation of their charter, subject to appeal to the next convention." The new committee on the 13th instant reported that although the action of the Central Labor Council in seating the delegates from 235 was originally erroneous, the committee recommended that no change be made. By reason of the facts above set forth, the undersigned officers of 93 and 185 prefer a charge against the Spokane Sectional Central Labor Council for a violation of Section 1 of the constitution of the American Federation of Labor relating to local central bodies, for the reason that local 235 I. B. of E. W. is hostile to local 185 I. A. T. S. E., which organization was affiliated with the Central Labor Council before the recognition of local 235 of the I. B. of E. W. These charges are presented under the seals of the respective Unions duly affixed and authenticated by their authorized officers this 1st day of Mary 1911. Signed, H. O. Hallinger President, Local 93 Howard Moore Secretary Local 93 W. C. Hill President Local 185 W. G. Sloan Secretary Local 185 556 --3-- State of Washington, ) ss. County of Spokane. ) I, Denton M. Crow, do hereby certify that on this first day of March, 1911, before me the undersigned, a Notary Public in and for the State of Washington, residing at Spokane, personally appeared the parties whose names are affixed to the foregoing charges, and who are personally known to me to occupy the respective official positions shown by their individual signatures and acknowledged to me that they and each of them had heard read the foregoing charges, know the contents thereof, and believe the same to be true, and executed the same individually and officially as such officers for their respective locals. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my notarial seal the day and year this certificate first above written. (Signed) Denton W. Crow. (SEAL) [*557*] Z March 11, 1911 Mr. J. T. Manee, Organizer, 32 Asylum Street, Hartford, Conn. [*COPIED. MAR 11 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of March 4th reached here during my absence and its receipt has already been acknowledged. Referring further to the matter of the controversy with the management of the Polz Theatre Circuit, I beg to enclose to you herein copy of letter which I wrote under date of March 9th to the President and Secretary of the Theatrical State Employes' Local #84 of Hartford. I have also sent a copy to President Barry. I most sincerely trust that the matter may yet be satisfactorily and speedily adjusted. With best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*558*] Z March 11, 1911. Mr. John J. Barry, President, Theatrical State Employes of America, 75 Albany St., Boston, Mass. [*COPIED. MAR 11 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: In further reply to your letter of March 5th which reached here during my absence and receipt of which has already been acknowledged, I beg to enclose to you herein a copy of letter which I wrote on the 9th instant to the President and Secretary of your local union #84 of Hartford, Conn., in reply to a letter from them in regard to the trouble with the Poli Theatre Circuit. It seemed to me that you should have a copy of this letter and hence I am sending it to you and would ask that you accept it as equally addressed to you. With best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*559*] [*Point*] Washington, D. C., March 11, 1911 James Duncan, Hancock Building, Quincy, Mass. [*COPIED. MAR 11 1911*] Telegraph me whether you will meet me at Victoria Hotel about nine o'clock Sunday evening. Samuel Gompers. ( Charge A. F. of L. )[*560*] POSTAL TELEGRAPH CO. NIGHT LETTERGRAM. Washington, D.C., March 11, 1912. P.J. Bennington, Chairman, Convention Committee, San Francisco, Calif. Your telegram received in regard to Whithead-Hoag Company. Federation now in correspondence endeavoring to arrange conference with Company and have Company agree to employ only members of the various crafts whom they employ in the manufacture of their product. Samuel Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor. (Collect.) [*COPIED. Mar 11 1911*] WESTERN UNION, DAY LETTER Washington, D.C. March 11, 1911. Raymond Robbins 1437 West Ohio St., Chicago, Illinois. Telegram received. Important Flood keep engagements assigned him at Ravenna and elswhere. Regret exceedingly he cannot remain longer at Chicago. Every wish for success and best wishes for you and our cause. Samuel Gompers. (Charge A.P. of L.) [*COPIED. Mar 11 1911*][*561*] [*COPIED. MAR 11 1911*] X. March 11, 1911. Mr. Jerome Jones, Organizer American Federation of Labor, 14 1/2 N. Forsyth Street, Atlanta, Ga. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the ninth instant to hand and contents noted. I am exceedingly pleased to learn that you have been appointed Chairman of the Committee by the Atlanta Federation of Trades in regard to halls, hotels, or printing for the thirty-first annual convention of the American Federation of Labor, for I am sure that by reason of your experience at former conventions you will be in a position to know what will be required. I may say that by the same mail I received a letter from Mr. Arnold B. Hall, of Gainesville, Georgia, in which apart from his personal kindly references to my association and myself, he says that he hopes to meet me at Atlanta at the convention, and states that "Brother Jerome Jones is waking folks up on the real import of the coming convention". Of course, you can readily understand how gratifying this is. Replying to your questions, I should say, the officers of the A. F. of L. at the November convention will require; For the President, room and bath, and an office room; For the Secretary, room and bath, and an office room, a room for the Committee on Credentials, and four other rooms for[*562*] Mr. Jerome Jones -2- committees. These office and committee rooms I will speak of later. The remaining nine members of the Executive Council require a room and bath each, and to be located as near to each other as convenient. For our secretaries and assistants, three rooms, with bath each. Three fraternal delegates, room and bath each. A room for Executive Council meetings. Then as many rooms as can be obtained in the hotel for the accomodations of delegates who desire to put up at headquarters. In connection with the room to which I here said above I would later refer, let me say that in all hotels in cities where conventions have been held for many years past, in the place which has been designated as the "headquarters of the A. F. of L.", the proprietor in consideration of that, as well as of the patronage of the Executive Council and our fraternal delegates, and our assistants, and such delegates as put up at this hotel, have given us from three to five rooms for office and committee rooms, free of charge. Of course, it will not be possible for one hotel to accomodate all the officers and delegates and visitors, and for that reason arrangements as to rates and all other matters will have to be made at least tentatively. We can enter more fully into the discussion of this matter when we meet at Atlanta this month. If arrangements can be made upon the American plan it would be preferable. Yes, you can reserve rooms and baths for Messrs. Morrison, Spencer, Tracy and me. I cannot at this moment tell you definitely the train upon which we will be due at Atlanta, but I shall ascertain[*563*] Mr. Jerome Jones -3- within a few days and advise you. It may be possible that we will leave here Saturday, the twenty-fifth, reaching Atlanta Sunday, the twenty-sixth, but as I say, I shall let you know definitely in the course of a few days. You say that the Atlanta Federation of Trades will hold its anniversary exercises March 24, but if I would undertake to deliver an address any of the evenings that I am there, the exercises would be deferred until that evening. Replying thereto I should say that if that will be agreeable to our friends of organized labor of Atlanta, I am sure that my colleagues, as well as myself, will be glad to accede to their wishes, and they may therefore make arrangements for Monday evening, March twenty-seventh. You can realize the state of our work and duties, and it will be necessary for us to return to headquarters as soon as possible. It may be that we can transact all our business Monday and the early part of Tuesday, and in that event we should feel inclined to return on some afternoon or evening train. With the very best wishes, and anticipating the pleasure of meeting you and our other friends at Atlanta at the time stated, I am, Sincerely and fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*564*] X. March 11, 1911. [*COPIED. Mar 11 1911*] Mr. S. L. Landers Victoria Hotel, Chicago, Illinois. Dear Sir and Brother: I was just called up over the telephone by the office of the Commissioner General of Immigration, and given the information that a cutter had come to the United States by agreement with a clothing manufacturer at Terre Haute, Indiana, the tailoring manufacturer there complaining that he could not obtain any cutters in the United States, and therefore he wanted to employ this man, who is a foreigner. The Immigration Department declared that they are holding the cutter either for deportation or to permit him to proceed to Terre Haute, to engage at the work. They wanted direct information at once. I conveyed the general information that I have, that is, that a number of cutters can be obtained in the United States, providing the prevailing rate of wages and conditions were paid and conceded by the employers. In any event, please give me what information you can accurately and promptly, so that it may be immediately conveyed to the Immigration Department. Thanking you in advance for your prompt reply, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.565 X March 11, 1911. [* COPIED Mar 11 1911 *] Mr. E. J. Brais, Secretary, Journeyman Tailors' Union of America Box 597, Bloomington, Illinois. Dear Sir and Brother: I was just called up over the telephone by the office of the Commissioner General of Immigration, and given the information that a cutter had come to the United States by agreement with a clothing manufacturer at Terre Haute, Indiana, the tailoring manufacturer there complaining that he could not obtain any cutters in the United States, and therefore he wanted to employ this man, who is a foreigner. The Immigration Department declared that they are holding the cutter either for deportation or to permit him to proceed to Terre Haute, to engage at the work. They wanted direct information at once. I conveyed the general information that I have, that is, that a number of cutters can be obtained in the United States, providing the prevailing rate of wages and conditions were paid and conceded by the employers. In any event, please give me what information you can accurately and promptly, so that it may be immediately conveyed to the Immigration Department. Thanking you in advance for your prompt reply, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. 566 X March 11, 1911. Mr. B.A. Larger, Secretary United Garment Workers of America Rooms 116-123, Bible House, New York City. Dear Sir and Brother: I was just called up over the telephone by the office of the Commissioner General of Immigration, and given the information that a cutter had come to the United States by agreement with a clothing manufacturer at Terre Haute, Indiana, the tailoring manufacturer there complaining that he could not obtain any cutters in the United States, and therefore he wanted to employ this man, who is a foreigner. The Immigration Department declared that they are holding the cutter either for deportation or to permit him to proceed to Terre Haute, to engage at the work. They wanted direct information at once. I conveyed the general information that I have, that is, that a number of cutters can be obtained in the United States, providing the prevailing rate of wages and conditions were paid and conceded by the employers. In any event, please give me what information you can accurately and promptly, so that it may be immediately conveyed to the Immigration Department. Thanking you in advance for your prompt reply, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. COPIED Mar 11 1911567 X March 11, 1911. Mr. T.A. Rickert, President United Garment Workers of America. Room 418, 275 La Salle St., Chicago, Ill. Dear Sir and Brother: I was just called up over the telephone by the office of the Commissioner General of Immigration, and given the information that a cutter had come to the United States by agreement with a clothing manufacturer at Terre Haute, Indiana, the tailoring manufacturer there complaining that he could not obtain any cutters in the United States, and therefore he wanted to employ this man, who is a foreigner. The Immigration Department declared that they are holding the cutter either for deportation or to permit him to proceed to Terre Haute, to engage at the work. They wanted direct information at once. I conveyed the general information that I have, that is, that a number of cutters can be obtained in the United States, providing the prevailing rate of wages and conditions were paid and conceded by the employers. In any event, please give me what information you can accurately and promptly, so that it may be immediately conveyed to the Immigration Department. Thanking you in advance for your prompt reply, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. [* COPIED Mar 11 1911 *]568 [*COPIED. MAR 11 1911*] X. March 11, 1911. Mr. Arnold H. Hall Gainesville, Georgia. Dear Sir: Your very kind letter of the eighth instant received and its contents noted. I assure you that I appreciate greatly your very kind expressions in regard to myself. I have but one desire in life, and that is to serve my fellows to the very fullest limit of my ability. That anything that I may have done, or anything I may have said meets with appreciative commendation such as you convey, goes far to offset the many bitter attacks which are made upon me and the gross misrepresentation of my life and my work which so often are given expression in the press throughout the country. If I am at liberty on March the twenty-seventh, that is, I mean if the Supreme Court of the United States has not by that time handed down its decision on our appeal case, or has handed down a favorable decision, I expect to be in Atlanta, Georgia, and make a public address on that evening. Should you happen to be in the city on that date, I should be pleased to see you. Very Sincerely yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.569 COPIED. MAR 11 1911 X. March 11, 1911. Mr. Hugh Frayne, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, 25 Third Avenue, New York City. Dear Sir and Brother: Your letter to Secretary Morrison in regard to the Whitehead and Hoag Company came duly to hand, and we talked the matter over. In connection with it I received a telegram from the Typographical Union of San Francisco, substantially as stated in a letter which I have just written to Whitehead and Hoag Company. I am enclosing a copy of that letter herein for you and which will be equally information to you. I suggest that you call up the Company over the telephone and endeavor to make arrangements for a conference for the purpose of adjusting any matters in dispute. Kindly give this matter your early attention, and oblige, Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. 570 X. March 11, 1911 COPIED Mar 11 1911 Whitehead and Hoag Company, Newark, New Jersey Gentlemen: Our representative, Mr. Hugh Frayne, situated at New York, informs me that there are some matters which require adjustment in your plant, in so far as it relates to the workmen. He also states that he sought a conference with you to discuss these matters with a view of bringing about an adjustment, but you have refused to confer with him. This morning I am in receipt of a telegram from San Francisco stating that they are desirous of placing an order for the souvenir badges in connection with the convention of the International Typographical Union, and some question arose in regard to placing the order with your company, and they desired to know whether all matters were entirely satisfactory. I was compelled to telegraph them that we were endeavoring to secure a conference to adjust some matters and hoped to be in a position where definite answer could be given shortly. ¶ Heretofore our relations have been exceedingly amicable and pleasant, and working for the mutual interests of your company the employes, and organized labor. I should certainly dislike to see anything mar or stand in the way of a continuance of our friendly relations.571 -2- Whitehead and Hoag Company, I therefore write to say that I am communicating with Mr. Frayne by this mail asking him to call you up over the phone, for the purpose of making an arrangement whereby conference may be held with a view of bringing about an adjustment of any disputed matter existing. I trust that the course pursued will meet with your approval. Very truly yours. Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.572 X. March 11, 1911. [* COPIED. Mar 11 1911 *] No. 22. EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, AMERICAN FEDERATION OF LABOR. COLLEAGUES. Under date of February second, I received a letter from Tobacco Strippers' Union #12722, of Bayamon, P.R., as follows: We have the honor to say to you that on this day the members of this union held a meeting in the headquarters of the Independent Federation of Labor, of Bayamon, Porto Rico for the purpose of giving you the existing labor conditions in this community. On the 2d of February a lockout of unorganized tobacco workers and strippers in the Tobacco Branch factory of Bayamon, Porto Rico, took place, and it affected more than 150 women strippers and 1,015 (men) tobacco workers while our union had but 14 members employed in that establishment. Without any provocation whatever or demands made by our members to the employers we were obliged to cease work. In such case, we consider ourselves protected by the Constitution of the American Federation of Labor, Article 13, section 8, says: "In case of lockout the Executive Council shall have power to pay benefits if upon investigation it is found that the local union, whose members are involved did not by their action or demand provoke the lockout by their employers." And considering that we are in the right to appeal to you we leave it to your serious consideration to adjust our case according to the Constitution. The matter was immediately referred to Organizer Santiago Iglesias, who under date of March the second, writes me as follows: "I have received your communication dated February 21 enclosing translation of a letter sent to you by the Tobacco Strippers Union #12722, Bayamon, P.R. and making application for lockout benefits. In connection with this petition of lockout I call your attention to the full information that I have sent you two weeks ago in regard to the strike of cigarmakers of the Porto Rican American Tobacco Company in San Juan and Bayamon, to which is referring the application of the women strippers. It is true that these members were locked out as a result of the cigarmakers strike, who are out fighting for rising wages.[*573*] Executive Council -2- The strippers did not ask for anything to the Company and all what the letter of the Union strippers state is absolutely truth. It is my opinion that the right to benefits in this case should be granted. Now, the strike of more than 2,000 cigarmakers against the Trust is maintained as the first day, January 28. Yesterday, March 1, I have a conference of more than three hours with the representatives of the Company and representatives of the cigarmakers of Bayamon and San Juan together and after a hot discussion the Company submit the proposition of granting the separation of the Caretas that disgust the cigarmakers and to give 25 cents more in two vitolas of inferior quality, organiary "brebas" and "princesas". Until the hour that I am writing you the cigarmakers have not yet accepted the proposition of the Company." As you will note, Organizer Iglesias recommends that the fourteen members of local #12722, employed in the Tobàcco Branch factory at Bayamon, and who have been locked out, shall be allowed benefits from the defense fund of the A. F. of L. Local #12722 was chartered December 9, 1908, and pays per capita tax upon 14 members. The question submitted to the Executive Council for a vote is: Shall Tobacco strippers Union #12722 be allowed benefits from the defense fun of the A. F. of L., and if so for how many weeks? The Executive Council has approved the wage scale of Union #7087, Belleville, Illinois, as 18 members. The Executive Council has approved the wage scale of Undertakers' Union #9048, San Francisco, 50 members. The Executive Council has approved the wage scale of Baggage Passenger Union #10167, 50 members. At present there are no benefits being paid from the defense fund. Please return your vote at your earliest convenience, and oblige, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor.[*574*] I. March 11, 1911. [x]0. 21. EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. AMERICAN FEDERATION OF LABOR. COLLEAGUES: Enclosed you will find copy of of the Washington Trades Unionist of March 11, containing an editorial and also a letter from Rev. Charles Steizle. This matter is so concisely stated in both articles that it seemed to me that you should be in possession of this. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*575*] COPIED. Mar 13 1911 Washington, D. C., March 13, 1911 Duffy Malt Whiskey Company, Rochester, N. Y. Please send immediately cu[x] to be used your advertisement AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST. SAMUEL GOMPERS. Charge A. F. of L.576 March 11, 1911 X. Mr. D.L. Bengson, Secretary Local #31, Journeymen Tailors' Union of America, 523 Wabash Avenue, Terre Haute, Indiana. Dear Sir and Brother: I was just called up over the telephone by the office of the Commissioner General of Immigration and given the information that a cutter had come to the United States by agreement with a clothing manufacturer at Terre Haute, Indiana, the tailoring manufacture there complaining that he could not obtain any cutters in the United States, and therefore he wanted to employ this man, who is a foreigner. The Immigration Department declared that they are holding the cutter, either for deportation or to permit him to proceed to Fort Wayne to engage at the work. They wanted direct information at once. I conveyed the general information that I have, that is, that a number of cutters can be obtained in the United States, providing the prevailing rate of wages were paid and conditions were conceded by the employers. In any event, please give me what information you can accurately and promptly, so that it may be immediately conveyed to the immigration Department. Thanking you in advance for your prompt reply, I am. Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. COPIED Mar 13 1911577 X. March 11, 1911 COPIED Mar 13 1911 Mr. Santiago Iglesias, Organizer, American Federation of Labor 11 Allen Street, San Juan P.R. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of March second received and contents noted. In conformity with the information you give as regards Tobacco Strippers' Union No. 12722, I have submitted the entire matter to the Executive Council, and just as soon as a decisions reached as to the matter of whether the members of that organization shall be allowed benefits from the defense fund of the A.F. of L. I will advise you further. In the meantime, you will not, of course, fail to keep me fully advised as to the situation Wishing you success, I am, with best wishes. Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President American Federation of Labor/ 578 X. March 11, 1911 COPIED Mar 13 1911 Mr. C.W. Woodman Union Banner Fort Worth, Texas. Dear Sir and Brother: Referring to your favor of the 5th instant to which I made reply March 9th, I bet to suggest that when you attend the Convention of the Texas State Federation of Labor it would be well for you to have the Convention officially re-affirm the declarations adopted by the Farmers' Convention held at Fort Worth, September, 1908. This was published in the American Federationist, October, 1908, issue, and is as follows: "Received, That a national legislative committee be created for the purpose of furthering such legislation that will protect and promote the rights and interests of the farmers and to prevent the enactment of legislation inimical to our interests. Resolved, That this convention of the Farmers' Educational and Cooperative Union of America hereby instructs ins officers and legislative committee to co-operate with the American Federation of Labor along economic legislation and other lines of mutual benefit and advantage." Also the convention of the Farmers' Educational and Cooperative Union held at St. Louis, May 2-6, 1910, adopted the following: "First. In so far as the Farmers' Union and its constitution permits, we, for our organization and the great rank and file which we have the honor to represent, pledge to our fellow workers in industrial pursuits the best efforts we can exert, to the end that their rights and liberties in common with our own shall be secured and maintained against any and all attempted encroachments. 579 Mr. C.W. Woodman -2- "Second. That the officers of the Farmers' Union be and they are authorized and directed to confer with the officers of the bona-fine organized labor movement of America, with the purpose of carrying into effect the objects of our respective organizations, the protection and uplift of America's workers engaged in all fields of productive activity. "Third. That we will give our preference to the product of the industrial workers who manifest their intelligence to protect themselves by organization and urge the reciprocal purchase of farm products, the labor or union farmers. "Fourth. That our officers and legislative committee cooperate with similar officers and committees of organized labor to secure such relief and reformatory legislation as may be necessary to the rights, protection and freedom to which the workers as men and as citizens are, under our constitution, entitled. "Fifth. That without regard to political pertisanship we join in the effort to secure larger representation in our national, State and local law-making bodies, men who are engaged in the creative industries. "Sixth. That our efforts in the directions herein stated and indicated shall apply to the country, the States and to the municipalities, and that we co-operate with organized labor in every field of activity which may be fruitful of beneficent results to the American wealth producers, the manhood, womanhood and childhood of our country." The Executive Council made report upon this matter to the St. Louis Convention of the A.F. of L. and the committee to which the subject matter was referred recommended and the convention adopted, the following: "We express our gratification at the good relationship established and now existing between organized formers and organized wage earners. As a further evidence of our appreciation it is recommended that the Executive Council be authorized to send a representative of the American Federation of Labor to the next convention of the farmers' Educational and Co-operative Union of America, and that they be invited to be represented through fraternal delegates to the American Federation of Labor." Of course, what I mean is that having all of them above matters in mind, you should draft suitable preambles and resolutions embodying the principles therein set forth for introduction to and adoption by the convention of the Texas State Federation of Labor. of course you will not fail to make full report to me as to what is done by the Convention.580 Mr. C.W. Woodman --3-- With kind regards and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.581 M March 12, 1911. Mr. Robert Berry, Secretary, Baggage Messengers Union No. 10167, 1059-56th St., Oakland, California. Dear Sir and Brother: I beg to inform you that the wage scale submitted by your local for the approval of the Executive Council was placed before that body and the same approved. This approval carries with it the authorization of your union to go out on strike if necessary in order to maintain your position, and your members thereby be entitled to benefits from the defense fund, in accordance with Sections 4 and 5 of Article XIII of the Constitution. I sincerely trust, however, that it will not be necessary for your organization to have recourse to the extreme measure of going out on strike, and I want to take this opportunity of expressing the hope that no action will be taken without the matter being given careful consideration. I also trust that you will keep me advised fully just what is done, and the results achieved. Asking you to let me hear from you at your early convenience, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor.582 LF March 13, 1911 Mr. Frederic W. Gardner, President The Buck's Stove and Range Company St. Louis, Mo. Dear Mr. Gardner: Your favor of the 10th instant is received in which you enclose letter from one of your traveling men at Seattle and which you desire submitted to Mr. Gompers. I also have your two previous letters of recent date but Mr. Gompers is still absent. Just as soon as he can get to the matter after his return, he will write you. You request the return of Mr. Waterman's letter. I have had a copy made for Mr. Gomers and return the original herein. Sincerely yours, R. Lee Girard Secretary to President Gompers Enclosure:583 LF March 13, 1911 Mr. Frank Insley, Secretary Clay Miners Union #9985 513, West High St. Uhrichsville, Ohio Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of March 9th is received and contents noted. You say that the next regular meeting of your organization will be on March 21st. I have so informed Organizer Cal Wyatt, who at present is located in Altoona, Pa. and he will so arrange his affairs as to enable him to go to Uhrichsville for that date. In your letter you enclose copy of the new wage scale which your organization has decided to present to the operators on April 1st, the date when the present scale expires. We do not have any record of the present scale under which your members are working that has been submitted to this office for the consideration of approval of the Executive Council. You do not say whether you desire new scale to be submitted to the Executive Council, but I take it that that is what you had in mind in sending it to me. I also take it that in the event of any trouble arising between the members of your union and the company, you would expect the financial support of the American Federation of Labor.584 Mr. Frank Insley -- 2 I enclose you herein copy of the constitution of the A. F. of L. and would call your attention to Article XIII, relating to the defense fund for local trade unions and for federal labor unions. You will observe Section 2, Article XIII of the constitution provides that in the event of any disagreement between a local union and an employee, which, in the opinion of the local may result in a strike the union is required to notify the President of the A. F. of L. who will investigate, or cause to be investigated, the disagreement and endeavor to effect an adjustment of the difficulty. If an adjustment is not brought about it will be necessary for the President of the A.F. of L. to notify the Executive Council, and if the Council approve the strike, the union will be notified that it is authorized to enter upon the strike and be entitled to the benefits provided by the constitution. Your attention is called further to the same section, wherein it provides imperatively that no strike or lockout shall be deemed legal or moneys expended from the defense fund on that account unless the strike or lockout shall have been recognized by the President and approved by the Executive Council. Your attention is also called to Section 7, Article XIII which reads as follows: "No union inaugurating a strike without the approval of the Executive Council shall receive benefits on account of said strike." I sent copy of your letter to Organizer Wyatt and am also sending him copy of my reply to you. He will also make report to me as to the matter of the wage scale. In the meantime I would585 Mr. Frank Insley--3 like you to give me the following information: The name of the company employing your members. If there is more than one company, so state. If more than one company, is the wage scale to be submitted to each company? How does the rate of wages as called for in your new wage scale compare with wages as paid for similar lines of work in your locality? Are all the men in your locality working as clay miners, members of your union? If no, how many are members of other organizations, or not members of any organization? Your attention is called to the fact that there is no mention in the wage scale as to whether this work shall be eight, nine, ten or more hours per day. What provision has been made as to this? In view of the requirements of the constitution of the American Federation of Labor as above specifically referred to, no action should be taken by your organization to look into the enforcement of your wage scale until the Executive Council has had the opportunity of considering the same. Organizer Wyatt will counsel and advise with you and your colleagues as to the entire matter and make report to me. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you at your early convenience, I remain, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor.586 LF March 13, 1911 Mr. Cal Wyatt, Organizer, General Delivery Altoona, Pennsylvania. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 9th instant is received and contents noted. The first part of your letter deals with the subject matter of Clay Miners' Union #9985 of Uhrichville, Ohio, about which I wrote you a few days ago. I am now in receipt of another letter from the Secretary of that union, copy of which you will please find enclosed herein. You will note that the secretary says the next meeting of the organization will be March 21st. You will, therefore, please make arrangements to go to Uhrichville for that date. As you will further note from the enclosed, Secretary Insley submits new wage scale adopted by his organization, to go into effect April 1 and which he desires endorsed by the Executive Council of the A. F. of L. I have just written to Secretary Insley in regard to the wage scale he submits and for your information enclose a copy of that letter herein. You will also have this matter in mind when you visit Uhricheville and give me the benefit of your advice in regard thereto.587 Mr. Cal Wyatt--2 I note with interest what you say as regards the special work of organizing the employees of the Pennsylvania system. I cannot say that I am surprised at the conditions as you describe them to exist. However, I will endeavor to write you further along this line at an early date. Please do not fail to make full report to me as to the result of your visit to Uhrichsville. With kind regards, I remain, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor Enclosure:588 LF March 13, 1911 Mr. Harry Mountford, Secretary, Board of Directors, White Rats Actors' Union of America, 1553 Broadway, New York, N.Y. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 9th instant in which you enclose letter your Union is sending out to the Central Labor Unions, upon which you request President Gompers' endorsement. Your letter will be brought to Mr. Gompers' attention as soon as possible upon his return. Very truly yours, R. Lee Girard Secretary to President Gompers.589 X. March 14, 1911. Mr. A. L. Urich, 411 Eighth Street, Des Moines, Iowa. Dear Sir and Brother: On December 19, 1910 you wrote to me in reply to my communication to you in regard to Mr. H. E. Boyer, a prisoner in the Fort Madison penitentiary. The report you made was not very favorable to Mr. Boyer, but you said that the executive board of the Iowa State Federation of Labor would meet about the 22d. of January and the case would then for the second time be taken up. Since then I have heard nothing further from you in regard to the matter. I am now in receipt of a letter signed by Miss Margaret Morris, of Iowa City, to which I have not as yet made any reply. I enclose a copy herein and would appreciate your advice. Hoping to hear from you at your early convenience, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor.COPY. 590 Iowa City, Ia., March 11, 1911. Mr. Samuel Gompers, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: In behalf of Mr. H. E. Boyer will write you as he is at prison at Anamosa, Iowa, and not allowed to write but one letter each week. He had written and asked the Federation of Labor of Iowa to do all they could for his pardon, they never even answered his letters. Now dear sir, I ask you to address a letter to the Parole Board of Iowa, as they meet at Anamosa, April 1, and Mr. Boyer's case is to be heard at that time. Now his punishment is undeserved and I ask you to do all you can for him so he can be released soon. I am the girl who he married and he truly thought he was free to do so. Now answer this letter to him at once. His address is Mr. H. E. Boyer, Anamosa, Iowa, #6580. I truly trust you do this kind act. Very truly yours, (Signed) Miss Margaret Morris, 20 1/2 S. Clinton St., Iowa City, Ia. P. S. In writing to Board of Parole is Des Moines, Iowa, c/o Board of Parole.X. March 14, 1911. Mr. R.W. Nelson, University Station. Enid, Oklahoma. Dear Sir: Your card of the ninth instant is received and contents noted. You say that you are preparing to take part in a debate on the labor question and you request some material, data, facts, etc., to be used by you in the preparation of your debate. You do not state, however, with which particular phase of the labor question your debate will deal. I am therefore at a loss to know just what to send you. However, I enclose herein list of pamphlets printed by this office. Should you desire to consult any of them your order will be given prompt attention. Hoping to hear from you further, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.592 X. March 14, 1911. Mr. Owen Miller, Secretary, American Federation of Labor, 3535 Pine Street, St. Louis, Mo. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers, I beg to enclose to you herein copy of letter which has just been received from Mr. D. O'Keefe, President of Iron Molders' Union #241, New Britain, Conn., in regard to the local union of Musicians in that city, which he says he originally organized. As the matter about which he writes comes directly under the jurisdiction of your organization, Mr. Keefe has been advised that his letter has been referred to you, and that you will communicate with him direct. Very truly yours, R. Lee Girard Secretary to President Gompers.593 COPY. IRON MOLDERS' UNION OF NORTH AMERICA. New Britain, Conn., March 10, 1911. Mr. Samuel Gompers, Pres. A. F. of L., Washington, D. C. Dear Sir and Brother: I wish to call your attention to a matter relating to the Musicians Union of New Britain, a local I organized here some time ago. Now the Catholic Total Abstinence Union of Conn., is going to hold a parade on Field Day in New Britain, Conn., June 24, 1911 under the auspices of the Young Men's Total Benevolence Society. I am a member of that society and a member of the Committee thats making arrangements for the same, the matter of music for the parade was brought up at the last meeting of the General Committee, they want to hire the Philimanid band of New Britain as several of the members of the society are members of it. Now I hold that the Philimonic band is not a union band as one of its members, a small contractor running a carpenter and joiner shop, is running a scab or what he says an open shop now I claim that he cannot be a union musician and hiring non-union men because the Committee passed a motion that no musicians would be allowed in the parade but union men. Now the President of the Musicians Union, a Mr. Parker, who never had much use for any kind of a union, and he is a machinist by trade, says that this same member, A. Binkstrom, the party we object to, is all right. Now what I want you to give me your opinion of the unionism of this band as I place your authority above all the others on this matter.594 -2- Hoping that you will give this matter your immediate attention, I remain, Yours in union, (Signed) D. O. Keefe, Pres. I. M. U. P. S. Please send me the address of the Pres. of the International Musicians Union, as I may want it.595 X. March 14, 1911. Mr. D. O. Keefe, President, Iron Molders' Union, Local #241, New Britain, Conn. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of March the tenth in regard to your dispute with the local union of Musicians in New Britain. Copy of your letter is being sent to Mr. Owen Miller, Secretary of the American Federation of Musicians, 3535 Pine Street, St. Louis, Mo., with the request that he kindly take the matter up direct with you. Very truly yours, R. Lee Girard Secretary to President Gompers.596 X. Mar. 14, 1911. Mr. Chas. B. Malpas, Secretary, Central Federated Union, 130 Washington Street, Providence, R. I. Dear Sir: Your favor of March the third duly received and has been held awaiting President Gompers personal attention. He was away at the time of its receipt and is now absent from headquarters on official business, and I am therefore making this acknowledgement of the receipt of your letter until such time as he can give the matter about which you write his personal attention. Very truly yours, R. Lee Girard Secretary to President Gompers.597 X. March 14, 1911. [*COPIED. MAR 14 1911*] Mr. W. M. Gardner Iowa State College, Ames, Iowa. Dear Sir: Your favor of the ninth instant is received and contents carefully noted. In reply thereto I bet to enclose to you herein copy of a pamphlet by the undersigned entitled "No Compulsory Arbitration", in which I discuss fully the subject of compulsory arbitration. If you could refer to a file of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST the official monthly publication of the American Federation of Labor, of which I am editor, and consult the issues of March and April, 1901, you would find several editorials which I wrote upon that subject. Also if you could refer to the Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, July, 1902, you would secure some very valuable matter as that issue contains a number of addresses delivered upon this subject. Very truly yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.598 [*COPIED MAR 14 1911*] X. March 14, 1911 Mr. Arnold B. Hall, Gainesville, Georgia. Dear Sir: By direction of President Gompers I am sending you the March issue of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST. You should be able to get the FEDERATIONIST from some news dealer at Atlanta. If you cannot, let us know and we will take up the matter with the Washington News Agency. Very truly yours. R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.599 [*COPIED. MAR 14 1911*] X. March 14, 1911. Mr. H. W. Gauding, Managing Editor, The Commoner and Glassworker, 121 Fourth Avenue, Pittsburg, Pa. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 13th instant is received, and under separate cover marked copy of The Commoner and Glassworker, for which please accept my thanks. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours. Sam'l Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.600 [*COPIED. MAR 14 1911*] X. March 14, 1911. Mr. F. W. Hawley, President. Switchmen's Union, 326 Brisbane Bldg, Buffalo, N. Y. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers on official business, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the sixth instant, which will be brought to his attention immediately upon his return to headquarters. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.601 [*COPIED. MAR 14 1911*] X. March 14, 1911. Mr. F. J. Becker, 3018 So. 8th Street Tacoma, Washington, Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the fourth instant, which will be brought to his attention immediately upon his return to headquarters. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.602 [*COPIED. MAR 14 1911*] X. March 14, 1911 William H. Guild and Co's Subscription Agency, 120 Tremont Street, Boston, Mass. Gentlemen: Replying to your postal card of the 11th instant, I beg to say that #1 of Volume 1[?] of the American Federationist commenced with the January, 1911, number. Very truly yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor, EDITOR, AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST.603 [*COPIED. MAR 14 1911*] X. March 14, 1911. NO. 23. EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, AMERICAN FEDERATION OF LABOR. COLLEAGUES: Under date of February 20, the secretary of Paste Makers' Union #10567 of San Francisco, submitted copy of wage scale and agreement which the organization desired to be approved by the Executive Council. As the scale provided that there was a provision in the agreement to the effect that it should be in full force for two years, from "April 1, 1909 to April 1, 1911" I immediately wrote to the secretary, calling his attention to the fact that he had sent me copy of the old agreement instead of the new agreement which he desired endorsed by the Executive Council. At the same time I also requested him to advise me whether the agreement under which the members of his organization have been working for the past two years was granted by the company without any controversy, and whether any trouble is expected in having the new agreement signed. I am now in receipt of his reply under date of March the eighth, copy of which you will please find enclosed herein, and also copy of the wage scale and agreement. You will note that he says there is no change to be made in the agreement and that he does not anticipate any trouble in having it renewed. Paste Makers' Union #10567 was chartered December 11, 1902,604 Executive Council -2- and pays per capita tax upon twenty members. The question submitted to the Executive Council for a vote is: Shall the wage scale and agreement of Paste Makers' Local #10567 be approved and the members of that organization be granted assistance from the defense fund of the A. F. of L. should any trouble arise in securing its enforcement? The Executive Council has approved the wage scale of Union #7087, Belleville, Illinois, 55 members. The Executive Council has approved the wage scale of Undertakers' Union #9049, San Francisco, 50 members. The Executive Council has approved the wage scale of Baggage Passenger Union #10167, 50 members. The Executive Council has under consideration by Document 22, dated March 11, 1911, the request for lookout benefits of Tobacco Strippers' Union #12722, Bayamon, P. R., 14 members. Please return your vote upon the above at your earliest convenience, and oblige, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.605 COPY PASTE MAKERS' UNION #10567. San Francisco, Cal., Mar. 8, 1911. Dear Sir and Brother: In answer to yours of the 2d instant I will say that the dates are wrong but the new agreement to be signed by our employers is the same. Of course the agreement signed March 26, 1909, was a shop we had a little time in getting them to sign but he signed without trouble and at that time we asked for 25¢ a day more and 8 1/2 hrs. a day which was one-half hour a day less work which we won. Two years ago we had two weeks strike with C.R. Spuivalo and Co. and won but we do not anticipate any trouble at the present scale; because there isn't any change and things are running fine; wouldn't want them running any better. Hoping you will overlook the old dates, I remain, Yours fraternally (signed) John L. Damozonio, Secretary, Paste Makers' Union #10567.606 COPY. San Francisco, Cal., __________ AGREEMENT Between the firm of __________ and the Paste Makers' Union, No. 10567, A. F. of L. 1. Eight and a half hours shall constitute a day's work __________ ____________________________________________________________ 2. All Sunday work or overtime shall be time and a half. Christmas, 4th of July, Labor Day and 1st of January, shall be considered holidays by this Union. No member shall be allowed to work. 3. None but members of the Paste Makers' Union shall be employed. 4. Wages for Pressmen, Spreaders and Packers shall be $2.75 per day. 5. Apprentices shall not receive less than $1.00 per day. They must be at least sixteen years of age and must be a member of the Paste Makers' Union. 6. All wages shall be paid weekly. 7. The terms of this agreement shall not be construed so as to reduce the wages of any person at present employed. 8. This agreement shall be in full force and effect for two years from April 1, 1909, to April 1, 1911. Unless either party to this agreement desires a change at its expiration, of which thirty days previous notice shall be given, this agreement shall continue in full force and effect until such notice of a desire to change the same has been given by either party hereto. ____________________ ____________________ Signed for the Union Signed for the Employer.607 [*COPIED. MAR 14 1911*] X. March 14, 1911. Miss Agnes E. Ryan, Business Manager, The Woman's Journal, 585 Boylston Street, Boston, Mass. Dear Madam: Your favor of March 11th received and contents noted. Referring to your previous letter, you say that what you had in mind was the publication of an advertisement of the Woman's Journal in the American Federationist. I have therefore referred your letter to our Advertising Manager, Mr. John Morrison, 25 Third Avenue, New York City, who will either communicate with you or have his canvasser in your territory call upon you. Trusting that I may hear from you further, I am, Very truly yours. Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. EDITOR, AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST.608 X. March 14, 1911. COPIED MARCH 14 1911 Mr. John L. Damozonio, Secretary Paste Makers' Local #10567, 40 Graham Place, San Francisco, Cal. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of March eighth received and contents noted. Beg to say in reply that I have submitted by mail to my colleagues of the Executive Council the wage scale and agreement of your local union, and just as soon as a conclusion is reached by the Executive Council you will be promptly advised. As the Council is not in session the matter has been submitted by mail, and as you can realize some days will elapse before a final vote can be given. In connection with this entire subject matter, and although you say that you do not anticipate any trouble in having the agree- ment signed, yet I take it that in the event of any trouble arising between the members of your union and the company named, you would desire and expect the financial support of the American Federation of Labor. I enclose to you herein copy of the constitution of the A. F. of L. and would call your attention to Article X111, relating to the defense fund for local trade unions and for federal labor unions. You will observe Section 2, Article X111 of the constitution provides that in the event of any disagreement between a local union and an employer, which in the opinion of the local may result in a 609 Mr. John L. Damozonio -2- strike, the union is required to notify the President of the A. F. of L. who will investigate, or cause to be investigated, the disagreement and endeavor to effect an adjustment of the difficulty. If an adjustment is not brought about it will be necessary for the President of the A. F. of L. to notify the Executive Council, and if the Council approve the strike, the union will be notified that it is authorized to enter upon the strike and be entitled to the benefits provided by the constitution. Your attention is called further to the same section, wherein it provides imperatively that no strike or lockout shall be deemed legal or moneys expended from the defense fund on that account unless the strike or lockout shall have been recognized by the President and approved by the Executive Council. Your attention is also called to Section 7, Article X111, which reads as follows: "No union inaugurating a strike without the approval of the Executive Council shall receive benefits on account of said strike." Therefore, in view of the requirements of the Constitution of the A. F. of L. as above specified, no further action should be taken by your organization until the Executive Council has reached a conclusion and you have been officially notified thereof. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers (sig) President, American Federation of Labor.610 LF March 14, 1911 When replying, kindly refer to Resolution #119 [*COPIED. MAR 11 1911*] Mr. M. F. Ryan, President Brotherhood of Railway Carmen, 503 Hall Building, Kansas City, Mo Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 9th instant is received and contents noted. Of course by this time you have received my letter of the 8th advising you that a conference between the Carmen and the Painters has been called for New York City, Monday, March 20th. I should be glad to concede further to your wishes in the matter, but inasmuch as the conference has now been definitely called for March 20th, I fear it will not be practicable or advisable to make the change you suggest. I therefore count upon you or the representatives of your Brotherhood being present at the time and place stated. With kind regards, I remain, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor611 [*COPIED. MAR 14 1911*] LF March 14, 1911 Mr. Jacob Tazelaar, Organizer c/o The Artisan, Holyoke, Mass. Dear Sir and Brother: Through Brother Robert S. Maloney of Lawrence, Massachusetts who recently visited Brattleboro, Vermont, the Central Labor Union of that city and the officers of the Vermont State Federation of Labor have made a special request that you should visit Brattleboro for a day or two. Just as soon, therefore, as you can conveniently do so consistent with the work that has already been assigned you, I would like you to make a trip to Brattleboro. It would be well for you to write in advance to the officers of the Central Labor Union so that such arrangements may be made as to your visit as will insure your meeting as many of the representative labor men as possible and accomplishing the best possible results in the interests of our movement. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor.[*612*] [*COPIED. MAR 14 1911*] LF March 14, 1911 Mr. Robert S. Maloney, Organizer I.T.U. Lawrence, Massachusetts. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of March 10th written from Bridgeport, Connecticut has been duly received and contents noted. Acting upon the request of the Central Labor Union of Brattleboro, Vermont, which you conveyed to me, I have just written to Organizer Tazelaar and requested him to arrange to visit Brattleboro for a day or two, just as soon as he can conveniently do so consistent with other work which has been assigned him. With kind regards and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor.[*613*] LF March 24, 1911 Mr. John Oliver, Secretary Fargo Trades and Labor Assembly, P. O. Box 704, Fargo, N. D. COPIED. MAR 14 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of March 10 to Secretary Morrison has been handed to me for reply. I beg to say that we have no large picture of the Executive Council of the American Federation of Labor but we have a small artist proof of the members of the E. C. and the fraternal delegate to the St.Louis Convention of the A. F. of L., copy of which I am sending to you under separate cover, together with one of my pictures. Kindly acknowledge receipt of same, and oblige, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President American Federation of Labor 614 LF March 14, 1911 COPIED MAR 14 1911 MR. H. S. Jeffery 600 Keefer Place, N. W., Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: President Gompers directs me to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 11th instant and to say to you that he has set aside about a half hour at twelve o'clock, March 23rd to see you about the several matters about which you desire to consult him. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers [*615*] X. March 11, 1911. COPIED. MAR 14 1911 Mr. John Mitchell, Vice-President, American Federation of Labor, 10096 Metropolitan Bldg., New York City. Dear Sir and Brother: I am to be in New York on Monday morning, to meet in conference with the several parties interested in the controversy over the Blue Stone Cutters. The conference will be held at ten o'clock, at Beethoven Hall, 210 E. 5th Street. I would very much like if you could also attend the conference. Hoping that I may see you on Monday morning as above, I am, Fraternally yours, President, American Federation of Labor.[*616*] COPIED. March 15 1911 X. March 15, 1911. Mr. Henry O. Severance, Librarian, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri. Dear Sir: Your favor of the tenth instant is received and contents noted. In reply I beg to say that we could let you have a complete set of the bound proceedings of the conventions of the American Federation of Labor from 1881 to date, at a cost of $17.25. As the proceedings of the first twelve or fifteen years had become practically exhausted a few years ago, the convention of the A. F. of L. directed that the proceedings be reprinted and rebound. This was done, and at a heavy expense to the A. F. of L. Therefore, under these circumstances we could not break a set. I should be pleased to hear from you further as to whether you desire a complete set sent to you. With best wishes, I am, Very truly yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*617*] X. March 15, 1911. Mr. Wm. W. Brocious, Secretary, Local #1358, United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners, 1405 W. Luzerne Ave., Baltimore, Md. COPIED. MAR 15 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of March 13th is received and contents noted. I have forwarded a copy of your letter to Organizer Gustav Mechau, 700 East Baltimore Street, Baltimore, requesting him to get in touch with the employes of the Baltimore and Ohio freight warehouse and use his utmost endeavors to form an organization among them. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. [*618*] X. March 15, 1911. Mr. Gustav Mechau, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, 700 East Baltimore St., Baltimore, Md. COPIED. MAR 15 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: Enclosed you will please find copy of letter which I have just received from William W. Brocious, Secretary of Local #1358, United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners, which is self-explanatory. Will you kindly get into communication with him at your earliest convenience, and advise me as to the result of the effort to organize the employes of the Baltimore and Ohio freight warehouse. I have advised Mr. Brocious that his letter has been referred to you as the official representative of the A. F. of L. in Baltimore, and that you will get intocommunication with him. Hoping to receive your early reply, and with kind regards, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. 619 COPY. LOCAL #1358, UNITED BROTHERHOOD OF CARPENTERS AND JOINERS, Baltimore, Md., Mar. 13, 1911. Mr. Samuel Gompers, President, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir and Brother: I have been approached by a person by the name of Edwin I. Hamilton, #5 S. Poppleton Street, Baltimore, Md., he informs me that he is working in the B and O R. R. freight warerooms in this city and they are very anxious to be organized into a labor body. They would be pleased to have some literature to give to the different persons working there and an organizer or representative of the labor movement to meet them. I am sending this information to you, I not knowing the proper authorities in this city. Hoping to have an early reply, and see good results, I remain, Fraternally yours, (Signed) Wm. W. Brocious, 1405 N. Luzerne Ave.[*620*] X. March 15, 1911. [*COPIED. MAR 15 1911*] Mr. Hugh Frayne, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, 25 Third Avenue, New York City. My dear Mr. Frayne: Enclosed is a letter addressed to President Gompers by George W. Da Cunha, Upper Montclair, New Jersey. Do you know anything about him and whether he should have the information which he requests? If so, will you kindly give the matter your attention and advise Mr. Gompers in regard thereto, at the same time returning the enclosed, as I am sending you his original letter. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*621*] X. March 15, 1911. Mr. Frank Feeney, Delegate, International Union of Elevator Constructors, 2336 S. 15th Street, Philadelphia, Pa. COPIED. MAR 15 1911 Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 13th instant, together with newspaper clippings giving the action of the Central Labor Union of Philadelphia in regard to the Civic Federation. You will please accept Mr. Gompers thanks for your courtesy. Feeling that you may not have had the opportunity of readings his article in the March issue of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST entitle "Organized Labor and the National Civic Federation", I am sending copy of that issue to you under separate cover marked personal. I think you will find it interesting. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*622*] X. March 15, 1911. Mr. Theodore Eichhorn, Secretary, Erie Central Labor Union, 234 West 23d Street, Erie, Pa. COPIED. MAR 15 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 12th instant received and contents noted. I beg to say that I have just written to the executive officers of the Longshoremen, Carpenters, Plasterers and Stone Cutters, calling their attention to the provisions of the Constitution of the A. F. of L. as regards the affiliation of the locals of International Unions with central bodies, and asking them to take the matter up immediately with their locals in Erie, to the end that prompt steps may be taken, whereby these locals may become represented in your Central Labor Union. I wish you would write me further in regard to this in the course of a few weeks. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. 623 [*COPIED. MAR 15 1911*] X. March 15, 1911. Mr. James F. McHugh, Secretary, Journeymen Stonecutters' Association, 520 6th Street, N. W., City. Dear Sir and Brother: In a letter just received from Secretary Treasurer Thodore Eichhorn, of the Central Labor Union of Erie, Pennsylvania, he calls attention to the fact that your local union in that city is not represented in the Central Labor Union. The Constitution of the A. F. of L., Section 2, Article 11, provides that "It shall be the duty of all National and International Unions affiliated with the American Federation of Labor to instruct their Local Unions to join chartered Central Labor Bodies, Departments, and State Federations in their vicinity where such exist." I trust you will give this matter your immediate attention and that you will urge upon your local in Erie the advisability and necessity of their becoming affiliated with the Central Labor Union as provided by the Constitution of the A. F. of L. Trusting that you will let me have a word from you in regard thereto, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*624*] X. March 15, 1911. Mr. T. A. Scully, Secretary, Operative Plasterers' International Association of the United States and Canada, 442 East Second Street, Middletown, Ohio. [*COPIED. MAR 17 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: In a letter just received from Secretary Treasurer Theodore Eichhorn, of the Central Labor Union of Erie, Pennsylvania, he calls attention to the fact that your local union in that city is not represented in the Central Labor Union. The Constitution of the A. F. of L., Section 2, Article 11, provides that "It shall be the duty of all National and International Unions affiliated with the American Federation of Labor to instruct their Local Unions to join chartered Central Labor Bodies, Departments, and State Federations in their vicinity where such exist." I trust you will give this matter your immediate attention and that you will urge your local in Erie the advisability and necessity of their becoming affiliated with the Central Labor Union as provided by the Constitution of the A. F. of L. Trusting that you will let me have a word from you in regard thereto, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*625*] X. March 15, 1911. Mr. Frank Duffy Secretary, United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners, Carpenters' Bldg., Indianapolis, Indiana. [*COPIED. MAR 15 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: In a letter just received from Secretary Treasurer Theodore Eichhorn, of the Central Labor Union of Erie, Pennsylvania, he calls attention to the fact that your local union in that city is not represented in the Central Labor Union. The Constitution of the A. F. of L., Section 2, Article 11, provides that "It shall be the duty of all National and International Unions affiliated with the American Federation of Labor to instruct their Local Unions to join chartered Central Labor Bodies, Departments, and State Federations in their vicinity where such exist." I trust you will give this matter your immediate attention and that you will urge your local in Erie the advisability and necessity of their becoming affiliated with the Central Labor Union as provided by the Constitution of the A. F. of L. Trusting that you will let me have a word from you in regard thereto, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*626*] X. March 15, 1911. Mr. T. V. O'Connor, President, International Longshoreman's Association, Mutual Life Building, Buffalo, N. Y. [*COPIED. MAR 15 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: In a letter just received from Secretary Treasurer Theodore Eichhorn, of the Central Labor Union of Erie, Pennsylvania, he calls attention to the fact that a number of local unions in that city are not represented in the Central Labor Union. Among them are the following locals of your association: General Fishermen's Union, Ore Handlers' Union #64, Grain, Lumber and Pulpwood Handlers' Union #116, Licensed Tugmen's Union, Twine Stringers' Union. The Constitution of the A. F. of L., Section 2, Article 11, provides that "It shall be the duty of all National and International Unions affiliated with the American Federation of Labor to instruct their Local Unions to join chartered Central Labor Bodies, Departments, and State Federations in their vicinity where such exist." I trust you will give this matter your immediate attention and that you will urge upon your several local in Erie the advisability and necessity of their becoming affiliated with the Central Labor Union as provide by the Constitution of the A. F. of L.[*627*] Mr. T. V. O'Conner -2- Trusting that you will let me have a word from you in regard thereto, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*628*] COPIED. MAR 15 1911 X. March 14, 1911. Mr. F. W. Hawley, President Switchmen's Union of North America, 326 Brisbane Bldg., Buffalo, N. Y. Dear Sir and Brother: I beg to acknowledge receipt of the bound volume of the Journal of the Switchmen's Union for 1909-1910, for which you will please accept my thanks. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*629*] X. March 15, 1911. COPIED. MAR 16 1911 Mr. J. R. Harris, Secretary, Central Labor Council, Box 1874, Seattle, Washington. Dear Sir and Brother: Please find enclosed copy of a letter from Mr. Nicholas Hawkins, Pearl River, New York, asking the conditions of labor on railroads around Seattle or other roads in the West. Will you please write him direct, giving him such information as you can. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. [*630*] COPY. Pearl River, N. Y., Mar. 13, 1911. Gentlemen: Can you give me information regarding the conditions of railroading in Seattle or other roads in the far west. I have read a very rosy report of labor conditions. I ask you again to give me information as stated above. Have been a railroader for four years. Hoping you will answer to my satisfaction, I remain as ever, Yours sincerely, (Signed) Nicholas Hawkins.[*631*] X. March 15, 1911. Mr. Nicholas Hawkins, Pearl River, New York. COPIED. MAR 15 1911 Dear Sir: Your favor of the 13th instant is received and contents noted. I have forwarded copy of your letter to Mr. J. R. Harris, Secretary, Central Labor Council, Box 1874, Seattle, Washington, requesting him to write you direct giving you the desired information. Very truly yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. [*632*] LF March 15,1991 COPIED. MAR 15 1911 Mr. J. H. Catts, M. P. General Secretary, Amal. Railway and Tramway Service Assn. Trades Hall, Goulburn St. Sydney, Australia Dear Sir: Your favor of the 9th of February is received and contents noted. I want to thank you for your promise to send "The Co-operator" to me weekly, and in compliance with your request have placed your name on our exchange list to receive our official magazine, the American Federationist regularly. Very truly yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. [*633*] LF March 15, 1911 Mr. B. A. Larger, General Secretary United Garment Workers of America Rooms 116-117-123 Bible House, New York,N.Y. COPIED. MAR 15 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 14th instant is received and contents noted. In compliance with the request contained therein, I am sending to you under separate cover copy of the American Federation of Labor printed proceedings for the year 1906. With kind regards, I remain, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President American Federation of Labor. [*634*] LF March 15,1911 Mr. George Thompson, Flint, Michigan. COPIED. MAR 15 1911 Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 11th instant in which you enclose letter received from the Trades and Workers Association of Battle Creek, Michigan, postal card of the sanitarium there and a newspaper clipping on the leasing of the Phelps Sanatorium, for all of which you will kindly accept his thanks. In addition let me say that Mr. Gompers will appreciate your gratulations upon his re-election as first Vice-President of the Cigar Makers International Union and as delegate to the American Federation of Labor. He has received a number of similar letters and yours will be placed with them to be brought to his attention upon his return. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers[*635*] LF March 15, 1911 COPIED. MAR 15 1911 Mr. John Morrison 25 Third Ave., New York, N.Y. My dear Mr. Morrison: As you know, several months ago we went out a circular letter to the Labor Press in regard to clubbing rates with the American Federationist. We did not receive many replies. However I thought you would be interested in a reply received this morning from the Wheeling Majority of Wheeling, West Virginia. Copy is enclosed herein. Very tuly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers Enclosure: Hope you are well again. Regards to Mrs. Morrison.[*636*] LP Copy THE WHEELING MAJORITY 1141 Market St. Wheeling, W. VA. Mar 15,1911 Samuel Gompers, President A. F. of L. 809 G St. N. W., Washington D. C. COPIED MAR 14 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: We are in receipt of your circular suggesting clubbing rates with the "American Federationist" and asking for a reply. We consider the "Federationist" about the hardest stumbling block that confronts the weary editor of a struggling local Labor paper. Whenever we try to secure a national advertiser, we get: "Dear Sir: All our advertising of the charter is place in the 'American Federationist', official organ of the A. F. of L." Therefore, we are not what you might call enthusiastic about the "Federationist". We are not so antagonistic toward it, however, that we would refuse to publish an advertisement of it at the regular rates, or even below, and we hereby pledge ourselves that we will use the money in the interests of boosting organized Labor in West Virginia and Ohio. Fraternally, Majority Company W. R. Hilton, Mr.[*637*] LF March 15, 1911 Mr. Joseph F. O'Lone, Secretary Central Labor Union, 869 Bloomfield St., Hoboken, N. J. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 13th instant is received and contents noted. You say that there is to be a mass meeting in Jersey City, March 18th and you request that Mr. Thomas F. Tracy, Secretary of the Union Label Trades Department should be assigned to address that meeting. In reply let me say that I have transmitted copy of your letter to Mr. Tracy and he will advise you direct as to whether he can accept your invitation. With kind regards, I remain, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.[*638*] LF March 15,1911 COPIED. MAR 15 1911 Mr. Thomas F. Tracy, Secretary Union Label Trades Department, A. F. of L. Room 798 Ouray Bldg., Washington, D. C. Dear Sir and Brother: Enclosed please find copy of letter just received from the Secretary of the Central Labor Union, Hoboken, New Jersey, in which he requests that you should address a mass meeting which will be held in Jersey City on Saturday evening, March 18th. Will you please write him direct in regard to the matter. With kind regards, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. Enclosure:638 LF March 16,1911 Mr. Thomas F. Tracy, Secretary Union Label Trades Department, A.F. of L., Room 79S Ouray Bldg., Washington, D.C. Dear Sir and Brother: Enclosed please find copy of letter just received from the Secretary of the Central Labor Union, Hoboken, New Jersey, in which he requests that you should address a mass meeting which will be held in Jersey City on Saturday evening, March 18th. Will you please write him direct in regard to the matter. With kind regards, I remain, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor Enclosure: [*COPIED. MAR 16 1911*] 639 LF Copy CENTRAL LABOR UNION Hoboken, N. J., March 13, 1911 Mr. Samuel Gompers, President, A.F. of L., Dear Sir and Brother: Under the auspices of the Central Labor Union of Hudson County a mass meeting will be held in Pohlman's Hall, Jersey City, on Saturday evening, March 18th in the interests of the union bakers and their fight against the Bread Trust. Would you kindly assign Mr. Tracey to address this meeting and by so doing assist in making it a success. Organizer Ford of Hudson County is to be one of the speakers, and we trust you will assist us in this matter. Fraternally (Signed) Joseph P. O'Lone, Sec. 809 Bloomfield St. Hoboken, N.J.640 LF March 15, 1911 [*COPIED. MAR 15 1911*] Mr. Charles F. Dermigny, Organizer 317 8th St. Miami, Florida Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 12th instant is received and contents noted. You say that you are leaving Miami for the north and therefore tender your resignation as volunteer organizer for Miami and vicinity. Of course, under the circumstances I can but accept your resignation. At the same time I desire to thank you for your cooperation and assistance in the organizing work in your locality. I trust that wherever you may be located you will continue to be helpful in any way you can in promoting the interests of the movement which we have the honor to represent. Hoping to hear from you from time to time, and with best wishes, I remain, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor.641 March 15, 1911 LF [COPIED. MAR 15 1911] Mr. William Dobson, Secretary Bricklayers, Masons and Plasterers' International Union 711 Odd Fellow Building, Indianapolis, Ind. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 13th instant and to thank you in his name for your courtesy in sending him the 15 additional copies of your Circular #1. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.642 March 15, 1911 LF [COPIED. MAR 15 1911] Mr. Santiago Iglesias, Organizer American Federation of Labor 11 Allen St., San Juan, Porto Rico. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 8th instant is received and contents noted. I have also noted the enclosure you make being copy of letter you have just written Mr. Perkins, President of the Cigar Makers' International Union, advising him that the strike of the Cigar Makers in San Juan and Bayamon against the Porto Rican American Tobacco Company has been settled. I take it that this also means the settlement of the lock-out of the Tobacco Strippers Union #12722. I wish you would immediately advise me as to this, giving me the exact date when the lock-out occurred, the exact date when the strike of the Cigar Makers was adjusted and the Strippers returned to work. The entire matter was submitted to the Executive Council on March 11th. I am gratified to know that my editorial in the American Federationist in regard to the Porto Rico has been translated into Spanish and that in your opinion it will be of much help to the643 Mr. Santiago Iglesias -- 2 movement there. Your favors of February 27th and March 1st making report upon the two matters I referred to you, that is the paper submitted by Mr. Caballero and the circular issued by some of the expelled members of the organizations of Porto Rico have been duly received and I note your comments thereon. These matters will be filed for future reference. Hoping to receive your early reply and with kind regards, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor.644 [*COPIED. MAR 16 1911*] Washington, D. C., March 16, 1911. Mr. M. F. Ryan, 503 Hall Bldg., Kansas City, Mo. In view of your and Mr. Mavell's statement that it is most inconvenient and almost impossible for you to attend conference in New York Monday March twentieth the conference set for that date is postponed until a later date to be arranged by mail. SAMUEL GOMPERS. Charge A. F. of L.645 DAY LETTER. Washington, D.C., Mar. 16, 1911 [*COPIED. MAR 15 1911*] Mr. William P. Mavell, 403 South Division Street, Buffalo, N.Y. In view of your and Mr. Ryan's statement that it is most inconvenient and almost impossible for you to attend conference in New York Monday March twentieth the conference set for that date is postponed until a later date to be arranged by mail. SAMUEL GOMPERS. Charge A. F. of L.646 DAY LETTERS. Washington, D. C., March 15, 1911. [*COPIED. MAR 15 1911*] Mr. J. C. Skemp, Drawer 99, Lafayette, Ind. In view of statement from Carriage and Wagon Workers and Brotherhood Railway Carmen that it is most inconvenient and almost impossible for them to attend conference in New York Monday March twentieth the conference set for that date is postponed until a later date to be arranged by mail. SAMUEL GOMPERS. Charge A. F. of L.647 LF March 15, 1911 [COPIED. MAR 15 1911] Mr. A. J. Berres, Secretary Metal Trades Dept. A. F. of L., Room 513 Ouray Bldg., Washington, D.C. Dear Sir and Brother: Enclosed please find copy of letter written me by the Secretary of the Central Labor Council of Waco, Texas, in which you will note he requests information from your Department as to existing conditions at Homestead, Pa. Of course I know in a general way as to conditions in Homestead, but if you have any specific or detailed data or information, I would appreciate it very much if you would advise me so that I can write Mr. Corneliusen fully in reply to his letter. Thanking you in advance, and with kind regards, I remain, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor Enclosure:648 LF Copy. Waco, Texas. March 8, 1911 Mr. Samuel Gompers Washington, D.C. Dear Sir and Brother: We have been asked for some information as to present conditions at Homestead, Pa., where it is reported that union workmen are not employed, nor allowed to reside. It is said that conditions surrounding the workmen now employed there, are very bad, and that the union cannot secure a foothold there. We thought that through your Iron Trades Dept. we might be able to secure some data that would enlighten us on this subject. I am, therefore, addressing this to you, trusting you may be able to secure this matter for us. Thanking you in advance, I beg to remain, Fraternally yours, (Signed) A. H. B. Corneliusen, Secretary Central Labor Council.649 LF March 15, 1911 When replying, kindly refer to Resolution #89 [COPIED. MAR 15 1911] Mr. Frank Butterworth, President International Brick, Tile and Terra Cotta Workers' Alliance Room 409, 56 Fifth Ave., Chicago, Ill. Dear Sir and Brother: In continuation of my letter to you of the 11th instant I beg to enclose to you herein copies of letter which I have just received from Mr. George C. Prussing and Mr. C. D. Howell, directors of the Purington Paving Brick Company of Galesburg, Ill., and who you advised me were friendly disposed to organized labor. I should like to have a word from you in regard to the matter. With kind regards, I remain, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor. Enclosures:650 LF Copy Geo. C. Prussing, 1516 Dearborn Ave. Chicago, March 13, 1911 Mr. Samuel Gompers, 801 G St., N. W., Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: Yours of March 11th is at hand. In reply let me say regarding the "friendly disposition toward organized labor" ascribed to me that I recognize in organizations the larger means for human advancement and progress. As a builder I have come in varied contact with labor unions - sometimes pleasant and frequently quite the reverse. In Galesburg as far as I am informed there is no controversy between the organization represented by Mr. Butterworth and the Company of which I am a Director. An effort made last year to interrupt the harmonious relations between our employees and the Company has failed. As far as I know everybody is now employed though not all may be making brick. Sincerely yours (Signed) Geo. C. Prussing. 651 LF Copy. 330 Greenwood Boulevard Evanston, Illinois. Evanston, March 13, 1911 Mr. Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. Dear Sir: In reply to yours of March 11th permit me to say that the controversy of last year between the union and the Purington Paving Brick Co. of Galesburg was, in my opinion, entirely uncalled for, that the company was right in its position. We have no quarrel with union labor, we are paying the best wages paid by any paving Brick Company in America, our men are happy and we are happy, and we trust that those who left our employ last year are also happy. I would be pleased to talk with you in regard to this matter any time you might be in Chicago. Very truly yours (Signed) C. D. B. Howell. 652 LF March 15,1911 [*COPIED. MAR 15 1911*] Mr. Charles A. Miles, 1073 Madison Ave., Paterson, N.J. Dear Sir and Brother: In conformity with the arrangement made with President Golden of the United Textile Workers of America, I beg to say that I am sending you under separate cover commission as special organizer for the United States, for the Textile Workers for a period of six months, beginning March 20. Secretary Morrison has already written President Golden as to the matter of your expenses, reports, etc. and therefore it is unnecessary that I should make a repetition in this letter. With the best wishes for the success of your work and trusting that I may hear from you from time to time, I remain, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President American Federation of Labor.653 LF March 15, 1911 Copied Mar 15 1911 Mr. John Golden, President United Textile Workers of America, Box 742, Fall River, Mass. Dear Sir and Brother: Your letter of the 10th instant is received and contents noted. I have been away from headquarters for several days and your letter is one of the first matters to receive my attention upon my return. You say that the representative of the Textile Workers, Mr. Charles A. Miles, 1073 Madison Ave. Patterson, N. J is now ready to commence active work as special organizer for the Textile Workers for six months under the terms agreed upon by the Executive Council, that is, the Textile Workers to pay half of the expenses, the American Federation of Labor to pay half. I have, therefore issued commission to Mr. Miles, dating it Monday, March 20th, as special organizer for the Textile Workers for the United States for six months. It has been sent to him, together with such printed matter and other data as will be of assistance to him in his work. Secretary Morrison has already written you in detail as to how and when Organizer's Miles' bills and reports should be made to this office.654 Mr. John Golden--2 With best wishes for the success of this work, and hoping to hear from you often, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President American Federation of Labor. 655 Mr. John Golden--2 With best wishes for the success of this work, and hoping to hear from you often, I am, Fraternally yours, President American Federation of X. Mar. 14, 1911. Mr. Edgar A. Perkins, President, Indiana State Federation of Labor, 411 Lemcke Bldg., Indianapolis, Indiana. [*COPIED. MAR 15 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of March the 11th is duly received and contents noted. I have consulted with Secretary Morrison as to the state of the Federation treasury and for the life of me I do not see how it would be possible now to appoint an organizer specially for two or three months in Indiana, and in view of work as already determined upon to be carried out in various sections of the country I cannot now make any definite promise as to one of the organizers who is already at work for the A. F. of L., going into Indiana for any length of time. We may be able later on to have one of the organizers visit your state, but to have him devote two or three months to the work there is more than I am in a position now definitely to promise. In the last few days I have received a number of similar requests from as many different states. I am sure you would realize that if it were at all possible to comply with these requests it would certainly afford me the greatest pleasure to do so. You also realize, I know, that so long as the unions affiliated to the A. F. of L. refuse to provide financial means by which to extend our opportunities for the great work to be done, our efforts must be necessarily limited. We are doing the very best we can, and656 Mr. Edgar A. Perkins -2- we get results, but by no means what could be done with ample means. You refer particularly to special effort being made to have the local unions throughout the state affiliate with the State Federation of Labor. Let me say that just a few weeks ago a letter was sent out to all of the affiliated national and international unions urging them to see to it that their local unions in the various states should take prompt steps to become affiliated with the State Federation of Labor and the City Central Bodies as provided by the constitution of the A. F. of L., and as specifically directed by the St. Louis convention. If there is anything further which this office can do along this particular line, please advise me and the matter will be given prompt attention. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. 657 X. March 15, 1911. Mr. Chas. N. Glover, Vice-President, International Brotherhood of Blacksmiths and Helpers, 570-585 Monon Bldg., Chicago, Ill. [*COPIED. MAR 15 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the tenth instant is received and contents noted. In referring to the general matters of controversy between your Brotherhood and the Carriage and Wagon Workers' International Union, you make the particular complaint that the latter organization is accepting to membership applicants who formerly held membership in your Brotherhood and upon whom you organization for various reasons has placed fines. May I inquire whether you and your colleagues have officially notified the officers of the Carriage and Wagon Workers' International Union of the names of such men, at the same time protesting against their application for membership being accepted by the Carriage and Wagon Workers? I am still endeavoring to arrange a conference between the representatives of the two organizations as directed by the St. Louis Convention of the A. F. of L. With kind regards, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.658 X. March 11, 1911. Mr. Leopold August, W. Neustadt, Raugasse 22, Lower Austria. [*COPIED. MAR 15 1911*] Dear Sir: Upon receipt of your favor of February ninth, in regard to you and several of your colleagues who are skilled lace operatives coming to this country to seek employment in your trade, I transmitted copy of your letter to the Secretary of the Amalgamated Lace Operatives of America, who under date of March ninth writes me as follows: "I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter of March 3, accompanying which was a copy of a translation of a letter received by you from Mr. Leopold August of Austria. "As you undoubtedly know, it would be out of the question for us to offer any inducements to any one outside of the United States so far as securing a situation is concerned, but I will state however, for your information, that the margin of unemployed Levers lace operatives is very close. "Of course, this branch of the trade is as yet in its infancy and consequently, requires skilled operatives while in that stage, preparatory to teaching native born Americans. "It might be just as well to add, that things are just at present in an unsettled state owing to the absence of a universal wage system, to which we are now directing our efforts." In view of the situation as set forth in the above quoted letter, I take it that you and your colleagues would scarcely care to assume the financial obligations which would be incurred by such a trip to this country. Very truly yours, President, American Federation of Labor.659 X. March 11, 1911. Mr. George J. Raiser, Secretary, Amalgamated Lace Curtain Operatives of America, 3021 North Fifth St., Philadelphia, Pa. [*COPIED. MAR 15 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the ninth instant is received and contents noted. I thank you for the information you give in reply to my letter of March the third, in which I submitted to you copy of the letter written me by Mr. Leopold August, of Austria, relative to his contemplated trip to this country to take up his work as lace curtain operator. I shall advise Mr. August of the condition of the trade as stated by you, and I hardly thing, in view of what you say, that it would be worth while to send him the list of manufacturers of Levers laces which you enclose. With kind regards, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. 660 X. March 11, 1911. Mr. George L. Berry, .President, International Printi[?] Pressmen and Assistants' Union, Second National Bank Bldg., Cincinnati, Ohio. [*COPIED. MAR 15 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 16th instant is received and contents noted. I have made a memorandum of the date of [which] the twenty-third annual convention, the nineteenth of June at Rogersville, Tennessee, and if I can so arrange it as to be present you can rest assured that it will afford me great pleasure to do so! Of course, we do not know when the Supreme Court of the United States may hand down its decision in our case, nor what that decision will be, and therefore my movements for the future will be governed thereby. In compliance with your request, I am sending you under separate cover one of my autographed photographs for the library of the institution of your International Union at Rogersville. Will you please accept it with the sincere good wishes of, Yours fraternally, Sam G[?] President, American Federation of Labor.661 [*COPIED. MAR 16 1911*] LF March 16, 1911 Mr. John B. Lennon, Hotel Grand, Muscatine, Iowa. Dear Sir and Brother: Upon my return to headquarters this morning I find your favor of March 10th awaiting me and thank you for your report. I most sincerely trust that you will succeed in bringing about an adjustment with advantage to the Button Workers. I note what you say in regard to the Socialist Movement and the antagonism to the trade unions all along the line wherever they are located. The Button Workers would better be careful and hold on to their own organization and stand true to it for their interests will be frittered away and they will be unable to protect themselves or to secure better conditions. I suppose you saw the attack published in the Bakers' journal. The Bakers' International Union is perhaps one of the weakest in all the country but yet they undertake to lecture the trade unionists who have done so much to bring their trade and their organization to the fore-front whereby the members enjoy the improved conditions which now prevail. I wish you would impress upon the minds of the Button Workers the necessity for their centering their energies upon build-[*662*] Mr. John B. Lennon --2 ing up and maintaining their trade union for they will find it their very best safe-guard for what they already have and their best promoter to secure improved conditions. With kind regards and hoping to hear from you often, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President American Federation of Labor. COPIED MAR [?] 1911 P. S. Got your two telegrams written one hour of each other Hope you will have success in [adj?] of [?] SG663 LF March 15, 1911 [*COPIED. March 16 1911*] Mr. J. M. McIntosh, Secretary Kern County Labor Council, 2022 I St., Bakersfield, Cali. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 8th instant is received in which you transmit copy of resolutions adopted by your Central Labor Union at its last regular meeting re-affirming your endorsement of F. L. Gribble as volunteer organizer for the A. F. of L. You further say that the original draft of resolution is being submitted to each of the local unions affiliated with your central body for their endorsement and that the paper will be forwarded to me at the earliest opportunity. I will therefore await further advice from you in the matter. In the meantime I am writing to the several international unions by reason of [this] whose complaint against Mr. Gribble I wrote to you transmitting to them copy of your letter, together with copy of the resolutions adopted by the central body, and no further action will be taken by the undersigned until full opportunity has been afforded to both you and them to advise me further in the premises With kind regards, I remain, Fraternally yours, Sam Gompers President American Federation of Labor664 LF March 15, 1911 [[*COPIED. MAR 16, 1911*]] Mr. J. W. Kline, President International Brotherhood of Blacksmiths, Monon Building, 324 Dearborn, St., Chicago, Ill. Dear Sir and Brother: On February 27th, as you recall, I wrote you in reply to your letter of February 23rd, in which you transmitted protest from your representatives in Bakersfield, California against the continuation of Mr. F. L. Gribble as volunteer organizer for Bakersfield and vicinity. As I stated in that letter, I took the matter up with the secretary of the Bakersfield labor Council, as it was upon the recommendation of that organization that commission was issued to Mr. Gribble. You will please find enclosed herein copy of letter I have just received from Secretary McIntosh of the Bakersfield central body, together with copy of the resolutions to which he refers as having been adopted by the central body on the evening before he wrote. You will note that the resolutions are being submitted to all the local unions affiliated with the central body for their endorsement. I will therefore await further advice from the central body and in the meantime I should be glad to have you take the matter up further with your Bakersfield representative.665 Mr. J. W. Kline--2 Trusting that I may hear from you further in regard to the matter as soon as convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. Enclosures:666 LF March 16, 1911 [[*COPIED. MAR 16, 1911*]] Mr. James O'Connell, President International Association of Machinists McGill Building, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir and Brother On February 27th, as you recall, I wrote you in reply to your letter of February 21st, in which you transmitted protest from your representatives in Bakersfield, California against the continuation of Mr. F. L. Gribble as volunteer organizer for Bakersfield and vicinity. As I stated in that letter, I took the matter up with the secretary of the Bakersfield labor Council, as it was upon the recommendation of that organization that commission was issued to Mr. Gribble. You will please find enclosed herein copy of letter I have just received from Secretary McIntosh of the Bakersfield central body, together with copy of the resolutions to which he refers as having been adopted by the central body on the evening before he wrote. You will note that the resolutions are being submitted to all the local unions affiliated with the central body for their endorsement. I will therefore await further advice from the central body and in the meantime I should be glad to have you take the matter up further with your Bakersfield representative.667 Mr. James O'Connell--2 Trusting that i may hear from you further in regard to the matter as soon as convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. Enclosures:668 LF March 16, 1911 [[*COPIED. MAR 16, 1911*]] Mr. James Wilson, President Pattern Makers' League of North America Second National Bank Bldg., Cincinnati, Ohio Dear Sir and Brother On February 27th, as you recall, I wrote you in reply to your letter of February 21st, in which you transmitted protest from your representatives in Bakersfield, California against the continuation of Mr. F. L. Gribble as volunteer organizer for Bakersfield and vicinity. As I stated in that letter, I took the matter up with the secretary of the Bakersfield Central Labor Union, as it was upon the recommendation of that organization that commission was issued to Mr. Gribble. You will please find enclosed herein copy of letter I have just received from Secretary McIntosh of the Bakersfield central body, together with copy of the resolutions to which he refers as having been adopted by the central body on the evening before he wrote. You will note that the resolutions are being submitted to all the local unions affiliated with the central body for their endorsement. I will therefore await further advice from the central body and in the meantime I should be glad to have you take the matter up further with your Bakersfield representative.669 Mr. James Wilson--2 Trusting that I may hear from you further in regard to the matter as soon as convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, President American Federation of Labor. Enclosure: 670 LF Copy. F. L. Gribble, Pres. C. P. Fletcher, Vice-Pres. J. M. McIntosh, Sec. A. J. Kemp, Treasurer. Kings County Labor Council. 2022 I Street Bakersfield, Cal. 3/8/11 Samuel Gompers, Pres. A. F. of L., Washington, D. C. Dear Sir and Brother: In reply to yours of the 27th ult. I enclose copy of resolution adopted at last nights session of our Council. A committee was also appointed to write you a history of the Bakersfield Iron Works trouble from our point of view. As you can see by the stationery I am using, Brother Gribble is a former Pres. of our council and could have been re-elected if his other duties and health would have permitted. The protest that Bro. Gribble is a contractor is true, but he is a member in good standing of Local #743 C. & J. of A. and is not a member of the Builders Exchange. The Protest that he is a member of the City Council is also true, and we are proud to say that Organized Labor helped elect him, for he was our candidate, and at the coming election to be held on the 10th of this month we expect to re-elect him. That he has aided the Bakersfield Iron Works, is not true, and I think that our Committee's history of the case will convince you that it is not. I will forward original Resolution as soon as it can be brought before our affiliated unions for endorsement, which will take some time, as some of them only meet once a month. With best wishes, I am, Yours truly, (Signed) J. M. McIntosh, Secretary.671 LF Copy.s KERN COUNTY LABOR COUNCIL. Bakersfield, Cal. Mar. 8, 1911 This is to certify that at at regular meeting of Kern County Labor Council held 3/7/11 the following Resolutions were adapted by unanimous vote of this Council: RESOLVED, That the secretary be instructed to write to Samuel Gompers, President of the American Federation of Labor and assure him that his Council esteems Brother F. L. Gribble as an honest and reliable Organizer and recommend that he be reappointed Organizer for this District, and be it further RESOLVED, That these Resolutions be sent to all Locals affiliated with this Council for their endorsement. Attest: J. M. McIntosh, Secretary. R. B. Moore Pres Kern Co. Labor Council.672 LF March 16, 1911 [[*COPIED MAR 16 1911*]] Mr. F. R. Dailey, c/o May Nannery & Co. "The Hand that Rules." At Theatre, Allentown, Pa. Dear Mr. Dailey: Your very interesting letter of the 10th instant has been duly received and contents noted. I thank you for sending me the enclosure and judge from the editorial comment, as well on the pithy statements the playlet "The Hand that Rules" must be intensely interesting and helpful in the great cause of the common uplift. Of course you know that the organized labor movement is so much misunderstood and misrepresented that the deep, human side of it is belittled and like every other cause in the past that has made for the best interests of the masses of the people, it has always been ridiculed and attacked. But people are gradually and surely coming to understand that the labor movement is the great factor of our day to dispel misery and to bring sunshine and hope into the lives of the masses of the workers, and necessarily to make better, brighter and more intelligent and just people. Organized labor is synonymous with truth, justice and freedom for common humanity. Many thanks for your invitation to see the playlet, "The 673 Mr. W. R. Dailey--2 Hand that Rules". I hope that the opportunity may present itself when I shall witness its performance. With best wishes, I am, Very sincerely yours, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor [[COPIED MAR 16, 1911*]] [[COPIED MAR 16, 1911*]]674 LF March 16, 1911 Mr. J. D. Pierce The Lochiel Harrisburg Pa. Dear Sir and Brother: Your interesting favor of the 11th instant I find awaiting me upon my return to the city after an absence of some days on official business. I shall certainly endeavor to have some investigation made in Philadelphia in regard to Mr. Kelso of the Brotherhood of Railway Mechanics. More than likely your surmise may be justified in regard to this so-called Brotherhood of Railway Mechanics. The conditions confronting you and the other organizers engaged in this work on the Pennsylvania system are discouraging, but yet I know that you will not allow yourself to become unduly discouraged, but will keep on with the work and will do the best you can. Let me hear from you whenever convenient. With best wishes for success, I remain, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor.675 LF March 16, 1911 Hon. David Lubin, Delegate, Institut International d'Agriculture, Rome, Italy. Dear Mr. Lubin: As stated in my letter to you on March 9th I sent you a cablegram on March 9th. I am now writing to say that the telegraph company here advises me that the cable department in New York reports that my cable to you of March 9th is undelivered as "Lubin Ceres Rome is unknown." I am very sorry about this, but of course it is evidently due to some fault on the part of the cable office in Rome. In any event I presume by now or in the course of a day or two you will have received my letter. With kindest regards, I remain, Sincerely yours, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor.676 LF March 16, 1911 Mr. R. E. Pinner, c/o Hanson, 213 Bowery New York, N Y. [COPIED. MAR 16 1911] Friend Pinner: Your favor of a few days ago came duly to hand. I have been away considerable of the time and therefore have been unable to answer. Many thanks for your congratulations. Our union boys will have to be up and doing if they want to protect the International Union from being side-tracked and shunted and perhaps ruined. Replying to your question, I should say that Mrs. Gompers is still very seriously ill. It has now been nearly four weeks that she has been confined to her bed with excruciating pain and she is delirous a good part of the time. Her nerves too are all unstrung, and there is no doubt but that it is due to the worry and apprehension in regard to the case pending in court. The doctor says that it will be a couple of months, under the most favorable circumstances, before it will be possible for her to go anywhere even for recuperation. With the best of wishes for you and yours and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Sincerely yours, Saml Gompers677 X. March 16, 1911. Mr. G. W. Perkins, President, Cigar Makers' International Union, Monon Building, Chicago, Illinois. Dear Sir and Brother: Not having heard from Mr. Clifford since our conference in Chicago on February sixth, I have just written him and beg to enclose to you herein copy of my letter. I thought that you should be advised in regard thereto. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.678 X. March 16, 1911. Mr. Eugene Clifford, 79 Dearborn Street, Chicago, Illinois. Dear Sir: On February sixth you and I conferred to regard to the completion of the mission you undertook to fulfil, that is, the preparation of a digest of laws of the several states bearing upon union labels, and prosecution for the misuse and counterfeiting of those labels. I called your attention to the fact that all I had received from you was manuscript typewritten copy of the label laws of the several states. You said that you prepared and had written and directed to be sent to me the digest, with all of the matter which you agreed to furnish; that you would look the matter up and let me have it in full in the course of a week or ten days from the time of our conference. Thus far you have not fulfilled your original mission nor carried out your promise. I have on several occasions called your attention to the fact that I have been called to account by the officers of the organizations which have contributed the money for the preparation of this matter and by the Executive Council of the American Federation of Labor for your failure to carry out the agreement and complete the work. You have received Six Hundred Dollars on account of the679 Mr. Eugene Clifford -2- complete work. In its incomplete condition it is entirely worthless to me, and I now feel constrained to say that unless I received from you the work complete within thirty days from the date of this letter, I ask you to return to me the Six Hundred Dollars paid you on account, and I will return to you the manuscript (the copy of the existing laws). I trust that you will comply with the request contained in this letter on or before the time set. Very truly yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.680 X. March 16,1911. Mr. John Golwitzer, Secretary, Trades and Labor Assembly, 412 Lee Street, Marshalltown, Iowa. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 14th instant received and contents noted. In reply I beg to say that it will be impossible for me to go to Marshalltown to address a meeting on March the 27th, for I have an engagement in Atlanta, Georgia, for that date. Why not invite Treasurer John B. Lennon? I do not know what his engagements are, but you might be able to secure his services for that date. As you will see from this letterhead, he is located at Bloomington, Illinois. I most sincerely trust that organized labor will succeed in electing its candidates for the municipal government, and trust you will keep me advised fully in regard thereto. with best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.681 X. March 16, 1911. Copied Mar 16 1911 Mr. Hugh Frayne, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, 25 Third Avenue, New York City. Dear Sir and Brother: As the Carriage and Wagon Workers and the Brotherhood of Railway Carmen advise me that it would be most inconvenient for their representatives to meet in conference on March the 20th, the conference has been postponed until a later date. When a definite date has been decided for the conference and if it is to be held in New York City, I will advise you. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.682 X. March 16, 1911. WHEN REPLYING PLEASE REFER TO RESOLUTION #119. Mr. J. C. Skemp, Secretary, Brotherhood of Painters, Decorators and Paperhangers of America, Drawer 99, Lafayette, Indiana. Dear Sir and Brother: I have just wired you as follows: "In view of statement from Carriage and Wagon Workers and Brotherhood Railway Carmen that it is most inconvenient and almost impossible for them to attend conference in New York Monday March twentieth the conference set for that date is postponed until a later date to be arranged my mail." I am now writing to the executive officers of both the Carriage and Wagon Workers and the Brotherhood of Railway Carmen, requesting them to advise me at the earliest possible date just when it will be most convenient for them to meet in conference. In their recent letters to me stating that it will be almost impossible for them to be represented at New York on March the 20th, they stated that the latter part of April would be very much more convenient. I would appreciate it if you would advise me if some time the latter part of April would also be agreeable and convenient to you. Hoping to receive your early reply, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.683 X. March 16, 1911. WHEN REPLYING PLEASE REFER TO RESOLUTION #119. Mr. William P. Mavell, Secretary, International Carriage and Wagon Workers, 10 Chapin Block, Buffalo, N. Y. Dear Sir and Brother: I have just wired you as follows: "In view of your and Mr. Ryan's statement that it is most inconvenient and almost impossible for them to attend conference in New York Monday March twentieth the conference set for that date is postponed until a later date to be arranged my mail." You and Mr. M. F. Ryan, President, Brotherhood Railway Carmen, both advise me that March 20th would be inconvenient for you to meet in conference and that the latter part of April would be more agreeable. I would therefore be glad to have both of you advise me exactly which day in April would be most agreeable and convenient for the representatives of your respective organizations to meet in conference in New York City, or here, as provided by Resolution #119. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.684 X. March 16, 1911. WHEN REPLYING PLEASE REFER TO RESOLUTION #119. Mr. M. F. Ryan, President, Brotherhood of Railway Carmen, 503 Hall Building, Kansas City, Mo. Dear Sir and Brother: I have just wired you as follows: "In view of your and Mr. Mavell's statement that it is most inconvenient and almost impossible for you to attend conference in New York Monday March twentieth the conference set for that date is postponed until a later date to be arranged by mail." You and Mr. Wm. Mavell, Secretary, International Carriage and Wagon Workers, both advise me that March 20th would be inconvenient for you to meet in conference and that the latter part of April would be more agreeable. I would therefore be glad to have both of you advise me exactly which day in April would be most agreeable and convenient for the representatives of your respective organizations to meet in conference in New York City, or here, as provided by Resolution #119. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.685 LF March 15, 1911 No. 24. EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AMERICAN FEDERATION OF LABOR COLLEAGUES: A few days ago Secretary Dobson of the Bricklayers, Masons and Plasterers' International Union of America sent me copy of Circular #1, issued by the Executive Board of that organization of February 28, 1911 in regard to agreement between that International Union and the Operative Plasterers International Association. I requested him to send me additional copies. He did so. I made the request because it seemed to me that the members of the Executive Council should be in possession of the circular. You will please find copy enclosed herein. With kind regards, I remain, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor. Enclosure: 686 LF March 16, 1911 Mr. Thomas Reece, 418-422 Strand London, England. Dear Sir: Your favor of the 1st instant, together with manuscript for publication in the American Federationist has been received. I find that I can use this article and therefore enclose to you herein international post office money order for $3.00. If you care to send me further manuscripts you may do so, with the understanding that if I find I can use them remittance will be made promptly to you, otherwise the manuscripts will be returned. Very truly yours, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor. Enclosure:687 X. March 16, 1911. Mr. John Morrison, 25 Third Avenue, New York City. Dear Sir: Your favor of the tenth instant is at hand. In it you enclose copy of bill introduced in the New York Assembly by Mr. Foley, February 27, 1911, being an Act to amend the penal law, section two hundred and eighty, in relation to corporation not to practice law, No. 804, Int. 734. I have no had the opportunity to give the bill the deep consideration which a bill of this character warrants. It is emphatic in every respect and far reaching. I am apprehensive that the inclusion of the words "voluntary associations" in the act may some time be stretched or interpreted to be applied to labor organizations. I notice on page two of the bill, lines two and three, that it is provided that it shall be unlawful for "corporations or voluntary associations" to "render or furnish legal service or advice or to furnish attorneys or counsel, etc., etc." I understand the purpose of the bill, but I apprehend that it would be hazardous and prove a double edged sword. I therefore suggest that no effort be made for its enactment, certainly not until after much more deliberation and when we know that it will not react against the cause of organized labor. Very truly yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.688 X. March 16, 1911. Mr. Frank J. McNulty, President, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Pierick Building, Springfield, Ill. Dear Sir and Brother: I have just had occasion to write to Mr. W. D. Lang, Secretary of Local 335, International Alliance Theatrical stage Employes, and it seemed to me that you should be informed as to what I said to him. I therefore enclose a copy of my letter herein. In connection with this general subject matter, I wish you would advise me if it would be convenient for you to participate in a conference held in this city some time about the tenth of April? Hoping to receive your early reply, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.689 X. March 16, 1911. Mr. Lee M. Hart, Secretary, International Alliance Theatrical Stage Employes, State Hotel, State and Harrison Streets, Chicago, Ill. Dear Sir and Brother: Some days ago I received a letter from Mr. W. D. Lang, representing your local #35 of New York City, as follows: "Your letter of March 1st to hand and will state that it does not clear the situation and again I wish to call your attention to the fact that when the matter was before the Executive Council at the meeting at Headquarters you must surely call to your mind that the subject of the operation of front lamps and picture machines with the Darling of the Gods, Belasco's show and others and it was the unanimous decision of the Executive Council that the jurisdiction belonged to the I. A. T. S. E. and with this understanding as you will see by the enclosed the I. A. has organized 40 or 50 picture operators unions through the country and from my point of view, you can decide this point at once and be the means of not having two Internationals fighting and the I. W. W. getting in between." I have just replied to him and it seemed to me that you should have a copy of my letter to him. You will therefore please find it enclosed herein. In connection with this general subject matter, I wish you would advise me if it would be convenient for you to participate in a conference held in this city some time about the tenth of April? Hoping to receive your early reply, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.690 X. March 16, 1911. Mr. W. D. Lang, Secretary, Local #35, Theatrical Stage Employes, 1431 Broadway, New York City. Dear Sir and Brother: Your two favors of recent date have been duly received but I have been almost constantly away from headquarters since their receipt and while here have been so crowded with other pressing and important work that I have been unable to reply until this time. In regard to the general subject matter of jurisdiction over moving picture machine operators, I beg to advise you that the seventeenth annual convention of the American Federation of Labor held at Nashville, Tennessee, 1897, decided that all work done back of the curtain is to be done under the jurisdiction of the Theatrical Stage Employes' International Alliance. This declaration of the Nashville Convention, however, did not include either engineers or firemen. Some claim arose between the Theatrical Stage Employes and the Brotherhood of Electrical Workers as to disputed points of jurisdiction. This matter, however, was referred to the Executive Council of the A. F. of L. to bring about an adjustment. By direction of the Executive Council I have participated in several conferences between the representatives of the two organizations. As further directed by the St. Louis convention of the A. F. of L. held in November, 1910, I have been in correspondence with the691 Mr. W. D. Lang -2- executive officers of the two national organizations with the object in view of arranging another conference at a time mutually convenient. I have not yet been able to arrange the conference at a time conven- ient for both organizations, but I trust that I may succeed in mak- ing satisfactory arrangements in the very near future. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.692 X. March 16, 1911. Hon. Seth Low, President, The National Civic Federation, One Madison Avenue, New York City. Dear Sir: Replying to yours of March the 14th I beg to say that nothing unforeseen occurring it will afford me pleasure to attend a dinner which you will give at eight o'clock on the evening of March 31, at #50 East 64th Street, to meet Mr. John Mitchell before he retires from the National Civic Federation. Very truly yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.693 X. March 16, 1911. Mr. Harry Mountford, Secretary, White Rats Actors Union of America, 1553 Broadway, New York City. Dear Sir and Brother: Receipt of your favor of the ninth instant has already been acknowledged. I have been out of the city and otherwise so busily engaged with other important and pressing matters, that I could not before get to the proper consideration of your request. I have looked over the draft of the circular which you sent me. I should very much like to go over it with you before you send it out. It seemed to me that there are some matters in there which could with great advantage be changed. Nothing unforeseen occurring, I shall be in New York on Tuesday, March 21st, and should like to see you, if you could come to the Victoria Hotel on Monday evening at 8:30 or Tuesday morning at 9:30. Let me have a word from you as to which hour will be most convenient. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.694 X. March 16, 1911. Dr. M. R. Leverson, 927 Grant Avenue, Bronx, New York. Dear Sir: Replying to your favor of March the 14th, I beg to say that I have written to Organizer Frayne as to the matter of his meeting you and the gentleman to whom you refer on Sunday March the 26th, or on Sunday, March the 19th. I hope that his engage- ments may be such as to permit him to act upon your suggestion. Very truly yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.695 X. March 16, 1911. Mr. Jos. F. Valentine, President, Molders' Union of North America, Commercial Tribune Bldg., Cincinnati, Ohio. Dear Sir and Brother: I wish you would please advise me whether the controversy between your organization and the York Manufacturing Company, of York, Pennsylvania, has ever been adjusted. The last information I had from you some months ago was to the effect that no settlement had been reached. Thanking you in advance for your prompt reply, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.696 X. March 16, 1911. Mr. John Morrison, 25 Third Avenue, New York City. Dear Sir: Your favor of the 15th instant is at hand and content noted. You desire to know whether we would accept an advertisement from the York Manufacturing Company, of York, Pennsylvania. I am unable at this writing to say definitely whether such an advertisement could be accepted. The last information I have from the officers of the Iron Molders' Union was to the effect that no adjustment had been reached between that organization and the company. However, I am writing to President Valentine again by this mail and will advise you upon receipt of his reply. Very truly yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor, EDITOR, AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST.697 X. March 16, 1911. Mr. Hugh Frayne, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, 25 Third Avenue, New York City. Dear Sir and Brother: Referring further to our correspondence in regard to Dr. Leverson, I beg to enclose to you herein copy of letter which I have received from the Doctor, and which is self-explanatory. If you can arrange to meet him as suggested please advise me as to the result of your interview, and oblige, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.698 COPY 927 Grant Ave., Bronx, New York, March 14, 1911. Dear Sir: I wrote to Mr. Frayne immediately I received your letter of March 7th but have had no reply. I have written to him by same mail asking him to call here Sunday or Sunday week, when I will have a gentleman here to meet him if he will fix the hour and the day. Sunday is the only day of the week the gentleman could meet him here and he would be afraid to meet him in Newark. I've written Mr. Frayne not to put it off beyond Sunday the 26th for I am going abroad. Please write and insist on his making an appointment here for Sunday next or for the 26th. It he makes it for next Sunday, to make it after three P. M; or any time on the 26th instant. Yours respectfully, (Signed) M. R. Leverson699 COPIED. MAR 17 1911 LF March 17, 1911 Mr. Henry M. Walker, The Labor Advocate, Lock Drawer 698, El Paso, Texas. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of March 1st has been duly received, but I have been absent almost all of the time since your letter reached here and while at headquarters have been so crowded with other pressing and important work have been unable to reach it until now. You refer to Mr. Herbert H. Morley of Springfield, Ohio and enclose copy of the correspondence which passed between you and him. You then desire to know whether I can give you any information in regard to Mr. Morley. I do not know the man, never heard of him until I read your letter. I would like to see copy of the matter he sent you. Send it to me in an envelope marked "personal" so that it will be sure to reach my hands. I am indeed delighted to know that your health is so greatly improved. I most earnestly hope that it will be entirely restored. Hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, and with best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President American Federation of Labor.700 LF March 17, 1911 Mr. E. E. Greenawalt, President Pennsylvania State Federation of Labor, 203 Keystone Building, Lancaster, Pa. Dear Sir and Brother: My attention has recently been called to some of the decision of the Pennsylvania courts in so-called "master and servant cases", particularly the decision by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court found in 180 Pa. St. 474. As you know, the Pennsylvania State Legislature passed an act, approved May 11, 1893, which declares it to be the duty of any party in charge of the construction of any new building being erected in the commonwealth to have joists and girders of each floor above the third story covered with rough boards, or other material so as to protect the workmen. It is further provided by that law that a penalty not exceeding $100 shall be imposed for its violation to be collected as fines and penalties are usually collected. In the case in question the plaintiff's husband fell through the girders of a building where he was employed, and she brought suit for damages under her common law rights. The Court of Common Pleas entered a compulsory non suit on the ground that the act did not make a failure to perform a statutory duty, negligence per se: it simply provided a penalty for the non-performance of the duty imposed, and is in the nature of a police regulation. It was held701 Mr, E. E. Greenawalt --2 also that to recover, the plaintiff must show negligence on the part of the defendant outside and beyond a failure to comply with the provisions of the act. An appeal was taken to the Supreme Court, and Judge McCollum, writing the opinion, ruled that the money penalty provided by the act is exclusive of all other remedies, and an action for damages for injuries could not be sustained and that if the Legislature intended that, in addition to the penalty imposed by the statute for the non-performance of the duty prescribed by it, the party injured by such non-performance should have an action for the damages sustained thereby, it would have said so. On its face to one unfamiliar with the decisions of the court, this act seems to be for the protection of the laboring man, but by restricting the recovery to the miserably small sum named in the second section of the bill and preventing a recovery of damages under the common law, it seems to me to be an infamous statute. I do not know whether the Pennsylvania State Federation of Labor has taken any action in regard to having the law amended so that the injured and personal representatives of the dead may be able in the future to recover something like adequate damages for the failure of contractors and builders to comply with the requirements of the first section of the act. I wish you would let me have a word from you as to whether anything has been or is being done to have the Pennsylvania Legislature modify the Employers Liability Law, or make provision for investigation of Workmen's Compensation.702 Mr. E. E. Greenawalt --3 Trusting that I may hear from you at your early con- venience, and with kind regards, I remain, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President American Federation of Labor.703 X. March 17, 1911. Mr. H. A. Hanson, Secretary, Central Trades and Labor Council, Joliet, Illinois. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 13th instant received and contents noted. In reply I beg to say that it will be impossible for me to go to Joliet to attend a banquet during the latter part of April. I have no engagements that would take me west around that time, and have several conferences already arranged to be held at headquarters during the month of April. Then, too, the Supreme Court of the United States has not yet rendered a decision on our case, and my future plans must necessarily be subject to whatever decision they may hand down. Wishing you success, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. P.S. Mr. John Mitchell's address is, until March 31st, 10096 Metropolitan Building, New York, N. Y.704 LF March 17, 1911 Mr. James Curran, Secretary-Treasurer United Order of Box Makers and Sawyers of America, 2023 Throop St., Chicago, Ill. Dear Sir: Owing to circumstances entirely beyond my control, I have just been able to reach your favor of February a receipt of which has already been acknowledged. In your letter you again take up the subject matter of affiliation of the Box Makers and Sawyers with the American Federation of Labor. I beg to assure you that I appreciate the circumstances as you state them to exist, and would say that I shall be glad to do what I can to bring about some adjustment of the matter, but whether a charter can be issued to your organization I cannot say for, as you know, I have not the power to issue charters. The matter is in the hands of the Executive Council of the A. F. of L. and in connection therewith also the claims of jurisdiction of existing organizations. You say that you should like to appear before the Execu- tive Council at its next meeting. At present I cannot advise you when the Executive Council will meet, but I would suggest that you write me again in the course of five or six weeks in regard thereto.705 Mr. James Curran --2 I hope to hear from you again soon and I may be able to give a more definite answer. Very truly yours, Saml Gompers President American Federation of Labor.706 LF March 17, 1911 [COPIED. MAR 17 1911] Mr. John G. Meiler, Secretary Amal. Wood Workers' Intl. Union of America, 3538 North Albany Ave., Chicago, Ill. Dear Sir and Brother: Some weeks ago I received a letter from Mr. James Curran, Secretary of the United Order of Box Makers and Sawyers of America, in which he says: "I am taking the liberty of writing you, with a hope that you will able to give us your assistance, in the securing for us a charter of affiliation with the A. F. of L. For years past have been trying to secure said charter, but as the Wood Workers' International Union objected to this, we were always denied said charter. Time and conditions have changed since we were refused our charter, therefore, we appeal to you personally to help us secure it at this time. We have had an uphill fight of it for the last fifteen (15) years, and while we were able to hold our own standing alone, this should be an indication that with the assistance of the A. F. of L. we would be able to organize the trade from end to end. We desire to say that while we have not as many members as we formerly had, this is due to the fact that at one time, we had within our membership at Chicago, 7,000 paper box makers, and when the Federation gave jurisdiction of the Paper Box Makers to the Box & Novelty Workers, we gave up jurisdiction of them. At the present time we have the following cities organized: Chicago, Illinois - Three Locals St. Louis, Missouri - One " Milwaukee, Wisconsin - One " Cleveland, Ohio - One " New York City - Two " Grand Rapids, Michigan - One " Matwood, Illinois - One " Canton, Illinois - One " Geneva, Illinois - One " Lansing, Michigan - One "707 Mr. John G. Meiler -- 2 Toledo, Ohio - One Local South Bend, Indiana - One Local Muscatine, Iowa - One Local Detroit, Michigan - One Local Terre Haute, Indiana - One Local Jersey City, New Jersey - One Local Sheldon, Illinois - One Local Sioux City, Iowa - One Local Aside from the above cities that we have organized, and our members working under signed agreements, we have four (4) cities which we can get hold of as soon as we get our Charter. These cities are already organized but are independent of us, holding that without the aid of the Federation it would be useless for them to become affiliated with us. The writer would be pleased to be given a hearing before the next meeting of the Executive Council of the Federation, on the question of granting us a charter, I remain, James Curran." You will note what Secretary Curran says as regards the change in conditions since his organization formerly made application for charter against the issuance of which your International Union entered protest. You will further note that he desires to appear before the Executive Council at its next meeting, so as to make personal re-application for charter. I am quoting Secretary Curran's letter to you in full and would ask that you give the matter your very careful consideration and best thought and write me in regard thereto as to whether your International Union has in any way changed its position upon the matter. Hoping to receive your early reply, and with kind regards, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor.708 LF March 17, 1911 PERSONAL Mrs. George Gall, R. F. D. #4, Box 61, Lansing, Michigan. My dear Madam: Your favor of recent date came duly to hand, but owing to circumstances entirely beyond my control, I have been unable to reach it until this date, for my work has been so pressingly important, and I have been away so much that it has been necessary for me to delay replies to a number of my correspondents. I should like very much to help your father if it were or if it be in my line. The difficulty is in determining how. You know that I am not the executive officer of the International union and I cannot write to the local. If it is not too late, and I hope it is not, I ask you to write me, suggesting anything you think I can do and if it be within my power, I shall do so. With best wishes to you and your husband, your father and mother, I am, Very truly yours, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor Mae.709 M March 17, 1911. Mr. William Stanley, Secretary, Central Labor Union, P. O. Box 104, Amsterdam, N. Y. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 11th instant is at hand, in which you state the Central Labor Union recommends the appointment of John J. Leonard as volunteer organizer for Amsterdam and vicinity. It affords me pleasure to comply with the request and recommendation made, and commission will be issued and forwarded to Brother Leonard in accordance therewith. There will also be forwarded to him a package of literature and documents published by this office which I am sure he will find of assistance in the discharge of his duties as the representative of the A. F. of L. for that section. With kind regards and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor.M March 17, 1911. Mr. Henry W. E. Rabe, 2012 Avenue M, Galveston, Texas. [*COPIED MAR 17 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of March 7th has been received, enclosing letter from President William D. Huber of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America. In accordance with the information contained therein, commission as general volunteer organizer for the United States will be issued and forwarded to you: Kindly return the commission you now hold as district organizer to this office. In compliance with your request I enclose to you herein application blanks for federal and central labor unions: also letter addressed to you by President Huber. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers (signature) President American Federation of Labor.711 March 17, 1911 Copied Mar 17 1911 Fr. Frank Lightfoot, Secretary, Trades Council, Phoenix, Arizona. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor the 8th instant to Secretary Morrison has been brought to my attention in which you state the Trades Council recommend the appointment of Thomas H Adams as volunteer organzer for Phoenix and vicinity. It affords me pleasure to comply with the request and recommendation made, and commission will be issued and forwarded to Brother Adam in accordance therewith. There will also be forwarded to him a package of literature and documents published by this office which I am sure he will find of assistance in the discharge of his duties as the representative of the A.F. of L. for this section. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President American Federation of Labor.712 M March 17, 1911 Copied Mar 17, 1911 Mr. Fred Loessell,, Secretary, Central Trades Council, 1504 Tenth St., Bay City, Michigan Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor the 8th instant is at hand, in which you state the Central Trade Council recommends gh appointment of M.A. Oakley as volunteer organizer for Bay City and vicinity, It affords me pleasure to comply with the the request and recommendation made and commission will be issued and forwarded to Brother Oakley in accordance therewith. There will also be forwarded to him a package of literature and documents published by this office which I am sure he will find of assistance in the discharge of his duties as the representative of the A. F. of L. for that section. With kind regards and hoping to her from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President American Federation of Labor.[*713*] M March 17, 1911. Mr. W. D. Maitland, Secretary, Central Labor Union P.O. Box 485, Rome, Georgia. [*COPIED MAR 19 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 8th instant is at hand, in which you state that the Central Labor Union recommends the appointment of T. H. Caldwell to succeed Brother A. W. Clinton, who has resigned. It affords me pleasure to comply with the request and recommendation made, and commission will be issued and forwarded to Brother Caldwell in accordance therewith. There will also be forwarded to him a package of literature and documents published by this office which I am sure he will find of assistance in the discharge of his duties as the representative of the A. F. of L. for that section. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President American Federation of Labor.[*714*] X March 17, 1911. Mr. J. T. Carey, President-Secretary, International Brotherhood of Paper Makers, 44-46 Bensen Bldg., Albany, New York. [*COPIED MAR 17 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 14th instant is received and contents noted. You enclose a letter addressed to you by the American Academy of Political and Social Science, of Philadelphia, in regard to the annual meeting of that institution on April 7th and 8th, the meeting to be devoted to the discussion of *Risks in modern industry*. Referring to the request of the Academy that five delegates be appointed as the official representatives of the International Brotherhood of Paper Makers, you desire to have my advice. I beg to say in reply that I am a member of the Academy, and that if my engagements will permit, I anticipate attending the meeting on April 7th and 8th. I think that your Brotherhood should accept the invitation. As per your request, I return their letter to you herein. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*715*] X. March 17, 1911. Mr. R. S. Johnson, 3754 La Salle Street, Chicago Illinois. [*COPIED. MAR 17 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 14th instant is received and contents noted. You desire advice as to organizing an independent union of lathers in Chicago, to be directly affiliated to the American Federation of Labor. I beg to say in reply that under the laws of the American Federation of Labor, a charter could not be issued to any organization, the trade of which properly comes under the jurisdiction of an existing organization, unless it be with the consent of the affiliated body. Under these circumstances you will very readily appreciate the fact that unless the Lathers' International Union would give its consent to the A. F. or L. issuing a charter to the local union of lathers in Chicago, favorable action could not be taken upon any much application. I would recommend that you take the matter up direct with the executive officers of the International Union of Wood, Wire and Metal Lathers, Mr. Ralph V. Brandt, Secretary, 401 Superior Building, Cleveland, Ohio. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.716 X March 17, 1911. Mr. W. H. Short, Executive Secretary, The New York Peace Society, 507 Fifth Avenue, New York City. (*COPIED MAR 17 1911*) Dear Sir: Your favor of March 13th received and contents noted. In reply I beg to say that the title of my address in Cooper Union April 18, will be "International Peace, Its Humanity and Necessity". I note your suggestion as to my address being prepared in manuscript form in advance, but I very much fear that as I am so greatly crowded with other pressing and important matters, that it may not be within my power to do so. If the United States Supreme Court shall decide that I may enjoy my freedom from incarceration, I expect to deliver the address extempore. If it decides otherwise, I shall endeavor to prepare a paper and send it to you. Very truly yours, [signed] Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*717*] [COPIED. MAR 17 1911*] x. March 17, 1911. Mr. Geo. B. Edgell, Secretary, Leavenworth Trades and Labor Council, 315 Delaware Street, Leavenworth, Kansas. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 19th instant is at hand and contents noted. I have also noted your enclosure, being the platform of organized labor of Leavenworth in the election for City Commissioner. I beg to say in reply that the platform as adopted is excellent and is in no way a violation of the Constitution of the A. F. of L. I would appreciate it if you would inform me as to the result of the election, and whether organized labor succeeded in electing its candidates. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, [signed] Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*718*] [*COPIED. MAR 17 1911*] X. March 17, 1911. Mr. Geo. Trumbore, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, South Perkasie, Pa. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 15th instant is received and contents noted. I am sending a copy of your letter to Mr. Thomas F. Tracy, Secretary, Union Label Trades Department, A. F. of L., asking him to write you direct. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, [signed] Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*719*] [*COPIED. MAR 17 1911*] X. March 17, 1911. Mr. Thomas F. Tracy, Secretary, Union Label Trades Department, A. F. of L., Ouray Building, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir and Brother: I am in receipt of the following letter from Organizer George Trumbore, South Perkasie; "We have had some little trouble here in getting union shirts. I have banded together about fifty men who are determined on none other. Looking over list of labeled goods in catalog sent me from your office, I fail to find a shirt makers union. Will you kindly inform where I can get the necessary information. Do so at once, as I believe the time is ripe for some work to be done along this line that probably will strike its root deeper." I have written him that you would reply to his letter direct, giving him the desired information. Fraternally yours, [signed] Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*720*] [*COPIED. MAR 17 1911*] M March 17, 1911. Mr. William Wissink. 124 Columbia St., Grand Haven, Michigan. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 10th instant is received, in which you return your commission as volunteer organizer for Grand Haven and vicinity, stating that at the present time you do not feel in a position to accept the same. I very much regret that you can not act as organizer, but of course, can only accept your resignation, and trust that some other good trade unionist may be recommended to me for appointment as your successor. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, [signed] Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor.[*721*] [COPIED. MAR 17 1911*] M March 17, 1911. Mr. Rufus B. Easton, 61 North Main St., Wilkesbarre, Pa. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 9th instant is at hand, in which you tender your resignation as volunteer organizer for Wilkesbarre and vicinity, stating that owing a change of occupation you can no longer act in that capacity. I very regret that you can not continue your work as organizer, but of course, under the circumstances, I can only accept your resignation, and take this opportunity to thank you for the good work performed by you while acting as the representative of the A. F. of L. I trust that although no longer our official organizer you will yet lend your influence wherever possible to the strengthening and advancement of our great cause. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you whenver convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor.[*722*] [*COPIED. MAR 17 1911*] M March 17, 1911. Mr. Vincent Maloney, 241 East Tenth St., Oswego, N. Y. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 8th instant is at hand and contents noted. Relative to issuing commission to Theo L. Millis, I beg to say that before commission can be issued to Brother Millis it will be necessary for him to receive the official endorsement of the United Trades and Labor Council of Oswego. You will understand this is the course always followed by this office in the appointment of volunteer organizers, when there is a central body in the locality- Upon receipt of this endorsement the matter will be given prompt consideration. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you further, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor.[*723*] [*COPIED. MAR 17 1911*] X. March 16, 1911. Mr. H. L. Eichelberger, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, Brill Hotel, Philadelphia, Pa. Dear Sir and Brother: Enclosed you will please find copy of letter which I have just received from Louis T. Ramagnoli, under date of March 15th. His letterhead shows that he is general organizer for the Tailors' Local Union #56, of Philadelphia. Can you give me any information whatever as to the convention of Italians of the United States which Mr. Ramagnoli says will be held March 27-29 in Philadelphia, and if so whether it would be advisable to have a representative of the A. F. of L. present. Hoping to receive your early reply, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*724*] COPY. JOURNEYMEN TAILORS UNION. Philadelphia, March 15, 1911. Office of the General Organizer, Local Union No. 56, of Phila., Pa. Mr. Samuel Gompers, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir and Brother: I write these few lines, to inform you that the 27-28-29 of March a congress or convention of the Italians in the United States will be held in this city. I am now trying to organize in Italians here and I believe that would help the movement somewhat, if the Federation of Labor would be represented there, as I am informed that some important questions are going to come up in reference to the Italians working in this continent. The expense to have one delegate there would be $10.00 with voice and vote, so if you feel that would be worth while to spend that sum, I would act as delegate, and make the application to be admitted there, as the time is short. Answer me soon as to what you like to do. Hoping to hear from you, with kind regards, I remain, Yours fraternally, (Signed) Louis T. Romagnoli, 2410 So. Clarion St.[*725*] [COPIED. MAR 17 1911*] M March 17, 1911. Mr. C. E. Watson, Box 243, Salina, Kansas. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 7th instant to Secretary Morrison has been brought to my attention, in which you state you have been chosen as district organizer to fill a vacancy caused by resignation. I take it from your letter that the Central Labor Council of Salina has recommended your appointment as volunteer organizer, but inasmuch as you to not say so definitely in your letter, would kindly ask you to forward the official endorsement of that body, when commission will be issued and forwarded to you. Our records show that we have two organizers in Salina, and as you fail to mention the one who is resigning, I would also ask you to furnish me with this information. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you further, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor.[*726*] [*COPIED MAR 17 1911*] M March 17, 1911. Mr. Ernest Romany, Secretary, Cigarmakers Local No. 3, 208 Kearney St., Paterson, N. J. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 11th instant is at hand, and I note what you say relative to issuing commission to Frank Hubsmith, and beg to say that same was issued and forwarded to Brother Hubsmith on the 11th instant. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor.727 LF March 17, 1911 Mr. E. G. Routzhan, Director American Tuberculosis Exhibition, Mobile, Alabama. [*COPIED. MAR 17 1911*] Dear Sir: Your favor of the 7th instant is received and I have read it with a great deal of interest. You suggest a brief statement from me for publication in the special edition of Mind and Body, a magazine which you say circulates chiefly among teachers and particularly trachers of physical education. As you can very readily imagine I am extremely busy and crowded, and I would therefore suggest that you make me a rough draft of such a statement as you think I should make for your magazine and sent it on to me. If I can approve it I will be glad to do so and then you can have it published. I need scarcely say to you how thoroughly I am in sympathy with every effort which is being made to stamp out the dreaded plague of tuberculosis. Very truly yours, Saml Gompers President American Federation of Labor.728 LF March 17, 1911 Mr. Harry L. Eichelberger, Organizer Brill Hotel, Philadelphia, Pa. Dear Sir and Brother: You of course know something of the special effort which the several international organizations interested, as well as the American Federation of Labor, are making to organize the employes of the Pennsylvania Railroad system. One of the A. F. of L. organizers assigned to this work is Mr. J. D. Pierce, who at present is located in Harrisburg. In his last report to me, among other things, he says: "On investigation here as regards the Penn. R. R. Shops, I found that there is an organization already existing which takes in all employes outside of the operating department, known as the Brotherhood of Railway Mechanics, with a President located at Philadelphia by the name of Mr. Kelso. As far as I can learn they have locals at Wilmington, Philadelphia, and Harrisburg. The one here having, so they claim, about 6 or 7 hundred members. I succeeded by sending out circular letters in getting in touch with the local Pres. and 9 other active members here at the Hotel. Mr. Forney and Mr. Sweeney first of Machinists, second of Boiler Makers with me. We had a long conference with them and found that the Pres. was inclined to block our move to organize the men right. They claim "That abour 125 of their members have been discharged here for joining their organizations and have been told they could come back when they have up their union." The strange thing about it is, that the officials of the company have not disturbed Mr. Kelso at Philadelphia or the local President here. I am of the opinion that both of the above are company729 Mr. Harry L. Eichelberger--2 men, cannot prove it yet, but shall try to get the goods. Some one ought to look up this Kelso at Philadelphia. Do not know his first name, but understand he is a car inspector. There is not a particle of doubt in my mind that we will have the same opposition to meet in this move that the Amalgamated Steel Workers were up against, that is, the United Steel Company; and I feel that in order to be anywhere near successful a plan of campaign should be mapped out and when once started should be carried out. It is of no benefit to place men in this or that place and just as they begin to get a line on the situation to pull them out and send them somewhere else. We would be better off to postpone action until we can center our forces. The general movement here is deplorable, the central body a farce, caused mainly by internal strife. Will try to do something to get it in better shape. The State Federation meets here next Tuesday in convention. With conditions as they are today it is almost impossible to get men employed directly or indirectly by the Steel Trust to join an organization for the reason that they lose their jobs and that puts the fear in their hearts. That corporation fears only one thing today and that is Publicity and if we could once educate our members and others of just what the Trust means, we may then be able to successfully organize its employes." I would like you to make as thorough an investigation of this matter as it will be possible for you to do in a most guarded and circumspect manner. I know you appreciate how carefully such an investigation should be conducted. Let me have a word from you as to this as early as possible, and oblige, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor.730 X. March 17, 1911. NO. 26. EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, AMERICAN FEDERATION OF LABOR. COLLEAGUES: You will recall that at the last meeting of the Executive Council, certain action was decided upon in regard to the Blue Stone Cutters of New York, their relation to the Granite Cutters' International Association, and that the Central Federated Union of New York be advised that unless the Blue Stone Cutters became affiliated to the Granite Cutters on or before March 1, 1911, the Central Federated Union be directed by the President of the A. F. of L. to disconnect and refuse representation to the Blue Stone Cutters in the Central Federated Union; that if this is not carried out and the decision complied with by the C. F. U., the undersigned be directed to notify the C. F. U. of New York that its charter will be revoked on March 15, 1911. I communicated the Executive Council's decision to the Central Federated Union and forwarded a copy to Organizer Hugh Frayne, and requested him to appear before the first meeting of the C. F. U. to convey the official information to that body. The matter was discussed at great length and the C. F. U. appointed a committee, upon whose arrangement a conference was held. The representatives of the Granite Cutters' International Association, The Central Federated Union, The Blue Stone Cutters, Flaggers, Bridge731 Executive Council -2- and Curb Stone Setters, International Union of Pavers and Rammermen, and of the American Federation of Labor were in attendance. The conference occupied the entire day of Monday and about an hour on Tuesday. An agreement was reached, a copy of which you will please find enclosed. You will observe that the request is therein made and provided, "That the Executive Council of the American Federation of Labor be requested to defer the carrying out of its decision in regard to the Blue Stone Cutters, Flaggers, Bridge and Curb Stone Setters, and in regard to the Central Federated Union of New York, until May 15, 1911." Please return your vote whether the request meets with your approval. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor.732 LF March 17, 1911 Mr. Fred Brockhausen, Assembly Chamber, Madison, Wisconsin. Dear Sir and Brother: Acknowledgment of receipt of copy of your bill in regard to the "third degree" has already been made. Owing to continuous absence from headquarters on official business, and a very great pressure of other important matters while here, I have just been able to reach your note. Your bill, I note adds a new section to 4497m of the statutes relating to confessions of guilt obtained from prisoners through abuse, etc. The first few lines seem to me to be insufficient. It is provided that any sheriff, chief of police or other person having the custody of any person detained, etc. etc. As a matter of fact frequently the sheriff, the chief of police, the jailer or other person having the custody of persons detained because of the commission of a crime do not themselves intimidate, threaten, or in any other way perform the "third degree." The bill as drawn would not prevent any of the underlings of these officials from exercising the "third degree" upon a person detained because a crime has been committed. For that reason I think your bill should be amended so as to not only prohibit these officials733 Mr. Fred Brockhausen--2 from doing the thing stated therein, but that they also ought to be prohibited from permitting anyone to work the "third degree" upon a person held in custody. If your bill has been introduced I wish you would let me see a copy of it. I appreciate very much your effort along the line of my suggestion. Hoping to hear from you again at your convenience, and with kind regards, I remain, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor [COPIED MAR 17 1911]734 Z March 17, 1911. Mr. George Da Cunha, 771 Valley Road, Upper Montclair, N. J. Dear Sir: Your favor of the 13th instant is received and contents noted. You desire the names of men who are the heads of the various unions located in the City of New York. In reply I would suggest that you write to Mr. Ernest Bohm, Secretary of the Central Federated Union of New York, 210 East 5th Street, who will be able to give you the desired information. Very truly yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. [COPIED MAR 17 1911]735 Y. March 18, 1911. Mr. Clarence Neely, c/o The Michigan Presbyterian, #60 Washington Avenue, Detroit, Michigan. My dear Mr. Neely: I have your favor of the 8th instant, in which you ask me for articles for use in the Michigan Presbyterian. In reply thereto, I am sending you, under separate cover, a copy of each of the following pamphlets: My report to the St. Louis Convention of the American Federation of Labor, in which you will find the following subjects: "Congress--Its Decadence and Renaissance," page 11; "Trade Union Movement not Narrow," page 3; "Convict Labor," page 23. "Child Labor," pages 31-33, "Labor's Practical Political Action," "Irrational Antagonism to Organized Labor's Protest & Progress" A pamphlet containing an article on Immigration written by Mr. Mitchell and myself. Immigration Hearings. Workmen's Compensation. A copy of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST for August, 1916, containing an article entitled "The Price We Pay." Hoping that the above matter will be of assistance, I am, Very truly yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.736 Z March 17, 1911. NO. 25. EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, AMERICAN FEDERATION OF LABOR. COLLEAGUES: On March 21st, 1910, the Secretary of Spring Bed Workers' Union #12103 of New York City notified me that it was anticipated that an effort would be made on the first of April by the companies employing members of that union to reduce the wages of the men. The matter was immediately placed in the hands of Organizer Hugh Frayne. On April 13, 1910, by Document No. 35, the entire subject matter, together with the report of Organizer Frayne, in which was embodied a list of shops employing the members of Local #12103, together with the prevailing wage schedules in force in each shop, was submitted to the Executive Council. It was the intention of the Union to take the highest rate paid in all branches and make that rate the minimum rate of all other shops and factories. The Executive Council, in considering Document No. 35, did not endorse the application of Local #12103, that is that in the event of a strike occurring in any one of the shops that the members thereby affected should be given financial support from the defense fund of the A. F. of L. Previous to the submission of this matter to the Executive Council there was a strike on in the shop of Mr. Berman. Sometime thereafter settlement was reached. Mr.737 EXECUTIVE COUNCIL--2. Berman, however, failed to live up to the agreement. This, briefly, is the history of the Local #12103. Since the incidents to which I refer in the foregoing transpired, I have had no further correspondence either with Organizer Frayne or the officers of Local #12103 until March 15, 1911. On that date Mr Frayne submits a long report and so also does the Secretary of Local #12103, as to the lockout by the United States Cabinet Bed Company of February 27th and the strike against the Automatic Woven Wire Supply Company on March 3rd, makes application for the financial assistance from the defense fund of the A. F. of L. Copies of both letters are enclosed herein. They give a full account of the entire transaction. You will note that Organizer Frayne recommends that the fifty-two members involved in this controversy be granted strike benefits. Local #12103 was chartered May 18, 1906, and has paid per capita tax for the past year as follows: March, 1910 100 Members. April, " 100 " May, " 30 " June, " 30 " July, " 30 " August, " 35 " Sept., " 35 " Oct., " 40 " Nov., " 40 " Dec., " 40 " Jan. 1911, 45 " Feb. " 45 " The question submitted to the Executive Council for a vote is: Shall the application of Spring Bed Makers Protective Union #12103 for strike benefits, and approved by Organizer Frayne, be endorsed, and if so for how many weeks?738 EXECUTIVE COUNCIL--3. At present there are no benefits being paid to any organization. The Executive Council, however, has endorsed the wage scale of Union 3087 of Belleville, Illinois, 55 members. Undertakers' Union 39049, San Francisco, Cal., 50 members. Baggage Messengers' Union #10167, San Francisco, Cal., 50 members. Paste Makers' Union #10567, San Francisco, Cal., 20 members. The Executive Council has under consideration, by Document No. 22, the application for lockout benefits of Tobacco Strippers Union #12722, Bayamon, P. R. I am now advised, however by Organizer Iglesias that the strike of the Cigarmakers of Bayamen has been settled and I have written to him making inquiry as to whether this also involved the settlement of the lockout of the Tobacco Strippers. Please return your vote upon the foregoing at your early convenience and oblige Yours fraternally, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.739 COPY. New York, March 15, 1911. Mr. Samuel Gompers, President. American Federation of labor. Curay Building, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir and Brother: This morning I received a letter from the Secretary of Bed Spring Makers Union Local 12103 A. F. of L., a copy of which I send you. I am informed by a committee, one of which was the Secretary, that they have sent you the original letter. The statement of facts set forth in this letter is correct in detail except in the statement that I ordered the men on strike employed by the Automatic Woven Wire Supply Company. As stated in their letter the U. S. Cabinet Bed Company and the Automatic Woven Wire Supply Company are controlled by the same Company. The men employed some 33 in number, by the U. S. Cabinet Bed Company became involved over certain changes that were to made in the shop, namely the changing of work of the punchers from piece work to week work. We agreed at the time of the conference that there would be no objection to this change, providing it did not reduce the wages of the men. Mr. Weiss, the manager of the Company, in a conference with President Lebowitz of the Bed Spring Makers Union, insisted upon making the change and reducing the wages of one of the punchers who was making at least $18.00 a week on piece work, and offered him $12.00 per week, as a week worker. This proposition was refused by President Lebowitz and the committee, and Mr. Weiss declared that he would have nothing further to do with the members of the union and loudly declared that they were to get out of his shop, with the result that 33 men left the shop which has since been on strike. The company, however, has been able to740 -2. secure a few incompetent men as strike breakers, with very unsatisfactory results. This occurred on February 27th. on March 3rd the regular meeting of the organization was held and the matter of the 13 men employed by the Automatic Woven Wire Supply Company was taken up. After a general discussion was had upon the subject, at which I explained the laws of the Federation, I left the matter entirely to the organization for their decision. The principle involved being a serious one as the weavers employed by the Automatic Woven Wire Supply Company were supplying material for the strike breakers in the adjoining shop controlled by the same company, where their members were on strike. The President of the union asked all of the weavers employed in that shop to stand up. He asked them if they were willing to assist the men on strike in the other plant to which they all gave an affirmative reply and on Saturday morning, March 4th, the weavers in the Automatic Woven Wire Supply Company plant went out on strike. Three of the weavers have returned to work since that time, leaving the number of weavers still on strike, ten. The combined number of weavers and bed spring and couch makers in the different branches is 42 men on strike. I desire to say that I have given considerable time and attention to this organization since coming here to New York and it has had a very hard time to keep in existence. They had a bad strike in the Berman plant last summer, which practically bankrupted their treasury and was the cause of many members employed in other plants dropping their membership in the union. The present membership is between 60 and 70 members in good standing. The organization has always been recognized as a good one and has been able to accomplish a great deal in the interest of the men employed in the different branches of the industry.741 -3- I reported this matter when it occurred, to Secretary Morrison and since that time have made weekly mention of it in my report. As stated in their communication which the union has sent you, the situation is a serious one and means the very life of the organization. Under the circumstances which caused the strike, it was simply impossible to continue the men at work any longer. There seemed to be a determination on the part of the firm who were very anxious to have an agreement with the union when I first took up negotiations with them, but they later changed their minds and injected a whole lot of matters the principal one being the changing of the men employed as punchers from piece work to week work. This is the only question of wages involved. No demands were made of any kind for an increase in prices and the agreement was simply to establish harmony between the firm and the men so that no strikes could occur during the life of the agreement. The men on strike have been picketing the shops successfully and have been able to get several of the strike breakers who took their places, to quit. The treasury of the union is very low and on account of so many strikes having occurred here in the past few months, it is impossible to get financial assistance from the different unions. This strike must be won because it means the very life of the organization. Without finances we will not be able to win. I therefore recommend that the 42 members be granted strike benefits as prescribed by the constitution of the A. F. of L. as I believe that the strike can be won and will be the means of thoroughly organizing the industry in this city. As this is a very urgent case, I would ask that action be taken upon same immediately.742 -4- Trusting to hear from your at your earliest convenience and with best wishes, I beg to remain, Fraternally yours, (Signed) Hugh Frayne, General Organizer, American Federation of Labor, Enclosure:743 COPY. New York, March 15, 1911. Samuel Gompers, Esq., Pres. American Federation of Labor, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir and Brother: You must have been informed by Brother Frayne, Organizer in New York City for the American Federation of Labor of the trouble in which the Bed Springs Makers Protective Union, Local No. 12103 A. F. of L. are; but to further bring this matter to your attention we beg to submit to you the facts as they are. On the 27th day of February, 1911, the members of our Local in the employ of the United States Cabinet Bed Company, after negotiations between Mr. Frayne and them for a long time with reference to questions in dispute between the Union and the Employers, were locked out on the above date. They were told by the employers that all those who are members of the Union shall get out of the place forthwith. Of course, under such circumstances there was nothing else to do for the members of the Union but to leave. This was not a strike on the part of the members of the Union. The Union desired to continue its members in the employ of the firm and continued the negotiations between the firm and Mr. Frayne for the purpose of a possible adjustment of the questions in dispute in an amicable manner. The untiring efforts of Mr. Frayne went for naught and the firm on the 27th day of February, took the aggressive and locked us out. On the 3rd of March, 1911, Mr. Frayne, the Organizer of the A. F. of L. advised a strike of our members in the employ of the Automatic Woven Wire Supply Company, the firm supplying the wire necessary in the manufacture of the articles made by the United States Cabinet Bed Company, and the President of both [cor-]744 -2- [cor]porations being the same person, the Union saw the logic of and concurred in the advice of Brother Frayne, and a strike was ordered in that firm. We not have in both places forty-five members of our Union on strike. We have been affiliated with the A. F. of L. for a period of about ten years and we were always good standing, paying our dues regularly and since our existence we have never received any financial assistance from the A. F. of L. The Union at present time is financially in a precarious condition and in order to prosecute this strike to a successful conclusion it is necessary that our members receive financial aid. Under the Constitution of the A. F. of L. these of our members who have been locked out by the United States Cabinet Bed Company are entitled to financial support in the form of strike benefits and under the provisions of the Constitution our members who are on strike against the Automatic Woven Wire Company, having been advised and counseled by the Organizer of the A. F. of L. to go out on strike, are also entitled to financial aid in the form of strike benefit. It is our desire, dear sir and brother, to call your attention to the fact that the life of the Organization largely depends upon the successful termination of these, our present difficulties. The membership at large are discourage and apathetic, especially because of the inability to procure financial aid of our fellow workers when we are in trouble and we have had more trouble than we could stand within the last two years. It was strike after strike fight after fight, and it taxed our finances and ability to the utmost. We appeal to you to furnish us the strike and lockout benefit that we are entitled to under the Constitution as speedily as745 -3- We appeal to you to furnish us the strike and lockout benefit that we are entitled to under the Constitution as speedily as possible so that we may be able to pay said strike and lockout benefit to our members by Saturday. Thanking you in advance, we remain, Respectfully yours, (Signed) N. Buchman, Cor. Secretary, 281 Stanton St., N.Y. c/o Mr. Bloom[*746*] [*COPIED MAR 18 1911*] March 18, 1911. Y. Mr. Esteban Padilla, Allen 4, Apartado 85, Arecibo, Porto Rico. Dear Sir and Brother: Replying to your favor of February 7th, I send you herewith copy of the decision of the United States Supreme Court on "The United States, Plaintiff in Error vs. Press Publishing Company." This is the case you asked for in which Ex-President Roosevelt and the Editor of the New York World and the Indianapolis News were involved. The Aybar case, the proper title of which is "The People of Porto Rico vs. Julio Aybar", was dismissed by the Supreme Court for want of jurisdiction on December 12th, 1910. No written record of this case has been made. Hoping this will meet your purpose, I remain, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. (Enclosure)[*747*] [*COPIED MAR 18 1911*] Z. March 18, 1911. Mr. A. J. Berres, Secretary, Metal Trades Department of the A. F. of L. Room 513 Ouray Building, City. Dear Sir and Brother: I am just in receipt of a communication from Mr. Ernest Bohm, Secretary of the Central Federated Union of New York City, 210 East 5th St., which reads as follows: "The Metal Polishers' Union have for some months been waging a war upon the Chandelier Manufacturers demanding union conditions. To struggle along as they have done means to them igniminious defeat. Many unions in the Building Trades Department could be of great assistance to them if they were imbued with that spirit of solidarity and unity of action, which should be inherent to the trades union movement and which basic principles would lead to success. Unfortunately for the movement we are not thus far advanced as yet, and hence continuous prodding seems necessary to awake the Building Trades to a sense of duty. With this purpose in view I have been instructed to call your attention to the struggle of the metal polishers and request that you arouse these trades to rally to the support, which we are informed by the parties at interest can be done without any needless sacrifice or injury to those appealed to." Inasmuch as it is the Metal Polishers who are involved in this matter I thought it might be well to take the matter up also with the Metal Trades Department of the A. F. of L., with the request that all possible assistance be rendered in this struggle. I have advised Mr. Bohm that the matter has been referred to you as well as to Mr. Spencer.748 Mr. A. J. Berres---2. With assurance of my best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Samu'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. COPIED. MAR 19 1911749 Z March 18, 1911. Mr. Ernest Bohm, Secretary, Central Federated Union, 210 East 5th St., New York, N. Y. Dear Sir and Brother: Your letter of the 19th instant in which you advise that the Metal Polishers of New York City are demanding union conditions from the Chandelier Manufacturers has been duly received. I note what you say about the Building Trades Department being able to be of great assistance to the Metal Polishers and have today taken the matter up with Mr. William J. Spencer, Secretary of the Building Trades Department of the A. F. of L., Quray Building, this city. Inasmuch as the Metal Polishers' Union is involved in this matter I am also taking this matter up with Mr. Berres, Secretary of the Metal Trades Department of the A. F. of L., Quray Bldg., city, requesting him also to give whatever assistance he can. Any information which I may get upon this subject will be promptly transmitted to you. With best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*750*] [*COPIED. MAR 18 1911*] LF March 17, 1911 Rt. Hon. Earl Gray, House of Commons, London, England. Sir: I read with a great deal of interest the cable press reports of the recent speech you made in the House of Commons upon the subject of International Peace. That portion of your speech which was cabled to the United States was read with the deepest interest by our people. I should esteem it a great favor if you would be so good as to have sent to me a full copy of your remarks. Thanking you in advance for your courtesy, I am, Very truly yours, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor.[*751*] [*COPIED. MAR 18 1911*] M March 18, 1911. Mr. Matt J. Burg, Secretary, Trades and Labor Council, Kenosha, Wisconsin. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 15th instant is at hand, in which you state that the Trades and Labor Council recommends the appointment of Wm. Kaufman and John Brown as volunteer organizers for Kenosha and vicinity. In reply I beg to say that Brother Kaufman's commission will be renewed and forwarded to him March 24, the date of its expiration. Comission as volunteer organizer for Kenosha and vicinity will be issued and forwarded to Brother Brown; also package of literature and documents published by this office which I am sure he will find of assistance in the discharge of his duties as the representative of the A. F. of L. for that section. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor.[*752*] [*COPIED. MAR 18 1911*] Z March 18, 1911. Mr. Hugh Frayne, Organizer, 25 Third Avenue, New York, N. Y. Dear Sir and Brother: In connection with my letter to you of a few days ago in regard to the Whitehead-Hoag Company of Newark, N. J., I beg to enclose to you herein a copy of a letter which I have just received from Secretary Bohm of the New York Central Federated Union, which you will please consider in connection with the other matters to be taken up with the representatives of the Company when the conference in finally arranged. With best wishes, Iam Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. [*P.S. The W. H. Co wrote me that they are trying to get in touch with you for a conference [?] S.G.*]753 COPY. GENERAL FEDERATED UNION. New York, March 15, 1911. Mr. Samuel Gompers, Pres., American Fed. of Labor. Dear Sir and Brother: For sometime effort has been made to unionize the firm of Whitehead, Hoag Co. at Newark, N. J., for the Badge, Banner and Regalia Makers' Union and the Jewelers' Union. Letters were forwarded the Essex Trades Council Newark, N.J. Central Labor Union of Hudson Co. and said firm, but neither of these concerned had the common courtesy of acknowledging the letters or acting upon the same. While the firm, as we understand, employes members of 18 different trades it seems strange that two, certainly of account in so far as badge making is concerned should have been left off the union roster. Hence by direction of this body the matter is referred to you with the request to induce that firm to employ union people of the two unions mentioned. Mayhap Organizer Ford knows of the conditions existing. Fraternally, (Signed) (Ernest Bohm, Cor. Sec.754 LF March 17, 1911 Mr. W. H. Thompson, Editor Switchmen's Journal, 326 Brisbane Building, Buffalo, N.Y. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 11th instant was duly received, in which you say you are sending me by express a bound volume of your Journal for 1910. In reply let me say that the same was received under date of the 14th instant and you will kindly accept my sincere thanks for your courtesy in sending same to me. With best wishes, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor.755 LF March 17, 1911 Mr. Theodore Eichhorn, Secretary Central Labor Union, 234 West 23rd St. Erie, Pa. Dear Sir and Brother: In continuation of my letter to you of the 15th instant in regard to the several local unions of internationals which are not represented in the Erie Central Labor Union, I beg to advise you that under date of March 16th, Secretary James McHugh of the Journeymen Stone Cutters Association writes me as follows: "In reply to your communication of yesterday, advising of the non-affiliation of our Erie, Pa. Branch with the Central Labor Union of that city, will say that I have promptly taken up the matter with them urging the advisability and necessity of that affiliation. I assure you that my best efforts will be put forth to not only have the above named local fall in line but every other of our branches that may have neglected to secure proper representation in their town for we are firm believers in the complete unification of all trades unions." With kind regards, I remain, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor.756 LF March 17, 1911 Mr. J. D. Schriner, President Hod Carriers and Building Union of Savannah 314 Henry St. W., Savannah, Ga. Dear Sir: Your favor of the 15th instant is received and contents noted. You say that you represent an organization of Hod Carriers and Building Laborers in Savannah and that you desire to become affiliated to the American Federation of Labor. I am therefore referring your letter to Mr. D. D'Alessandro, President of the Hod Carriers and Building Laborers International Union, 2 1/3 Charter St., Boston, Mass., and he will write you direct, giving you full information as to the cost of charter, etc. Of course you understand that your affiliation with the International Union also implies your affiliation through the International Union with the American Federation of Labor. Very truly yours, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor.757 LF March 17, 1911 Mr. D. D'Alessandro, President Hod Carriers and Building Laborers International Union, 2 1/3 Charter St. Boston, Mass. Dear Sir and Brother: Enclosed please find copy of letter just received from J. D. Schriner, President of Hod Carriers and Building Laborers Union of Savannah, Georgia, and in which he desires to become affiliated to the American Federation of Labor. Kindly write to Mr. Schriner direct, giving him the information he desires. I have acknowledged receipt of his letter and told him that it has been referred to you for reply. Thanking you in advance for your compliance with the above, and with kind regards, I remain, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor Enclosure:758 LF Copy. Savannah, Georgia, March 15, 1911 Mr. Samuel Gompers, President Dear Sir: I write to you to ask the information that we would like to go in the American Federation of Labor. We are of the Hod Carriers and Building Laborers Union of Savannah local and we would like to get a charter from the American Federation as there are no chartered body of this kind in the said city of Savannah. We would like you to send us a copy of your general laws and also let us know the per capita tax per month and what protection we would have under your charter. Please answer this at once as we would like to go in this at once. As we meet every Monday night and we would like to get an answer by our next meeting if possible. We are now a simple original body without a charter, I remain, Yours truly, J. D. Schriner, Pres, Hod Carriers and Building Union of Savannah #314 Henry St. W., Savannah, Ga.759 M March 17, 1911. Copied Mar 19 1911 Mr. J. C. Hymen, 11 West 112th St., New York City. Dear Sir: Your favor of the 14th instant is at hand, in which you ask for information on the negative side of the question "Resolved, That we favor the Open Shop." As I have discussed the question of the union shop so fully in editorials in the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST and there are so many requests made to me for information along this line I had these editorials published in pamphlet form and send copy to you under separate cover, together with a copy of a pamphlet entitled "Has the Non-Unionist a Moral Right to Work How, When and Where he Pleases," by Frank K. Foster. Your attention is also called to a pamphlet by Clarence S. Darrow entitled "The Open Shop" published ny the Hammersmark Publishing Company, 151-153 Wabash Ave., Chicago, Ill. I am sure you will appreciate the fact that as the subject is so fully discussed in the printed matter I am sending you and to which I referred you, that in view of the many demands made upon my time I can not undertake on an individual letter to discuss it760 J. C. H. it at greater length. Very truly yours, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor.761 The remaining three pages of this letter are in neostyle form, kept regularly in stock, and of which a letter press copy can not be made. M March 17, 1911. Mr. W. H. Hertzog, Baldwin, Kansas. [*COPIED MAR 18 1911*] Dear Sir: Your favor of the 13th instant is at hand, in which you request some literature concerning the benefits accruing to society from the unions or against the same. Enclosed you will please find list of pamphlets published by this office, some of which would be of assistance and interest to you in the preparation of your argument. Inasmuch as the A. F. of L. represents over 2,000,000 wage workers and is the federated body of the entire organized labor movement of the continent, the history of its growth and progress during the thirty years of its existence would be the most direct and succinct form of obtaining an idea of what the organized labor movement of the country has achieved during the past two decades. For this you should consult the Proceedings of the Annual Conventions of the A. F. of L., and also the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST, our official monthly monthly publication which is now in the eighteenth year of its existence. We would not be able to furnish you with complete sets of either the bound proceedings or the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST, but you could doubtless secure or consult these at some public library.762 [*COPIED. MAR 18 1911*] M March 17, 1911. Mr. H. E. Johnson, c/o College of Idaho, Caldwell, Idaho. Dear Sir: Your favor of the 12 instant is at hand, in which you state you are preparing for a debate on the question "Closed Shop vs. Open Shop", and that you are upholding the closed shop side, and desire some material on this subject. As I have discussed the question of the union shop so fully in editorials in the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST and there are so many requests made to me for information along this line I had these editorials published in pamphlet form and send copy to you under separate cover, together with a copy of a pamphlet entitled "Has the Non-Unionist a Moral Right to Work How, When and Where He Pleases" by Frank K. Foster. Your attention is also called to a pamphlet by Clarence S. Darrow entitled "The Open Shop" published by the Hammersmark Publishing Company, 151-153 Wabash Ave., Chicago, Ill. I am sure you will appreciate the fact that as the subject is so fully discussed in the printed matter I am sending you and to which I referred you, that in view of the many demands made763 R.E.J. 2 upon my time I can not undertake in an individual letter to discuss it at greater length. Very truly yours, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED MAY 18 1911*]764 M March 18, 1911. [*COPIED. MAR 18 1911*] Mr. Carl F. Blakeman, 406 12th Ave. No., Minneapolis, Minn. Dear Sir: Your favor of the 13th instant is at hand, in which you request some information and literature in favor of the "Closed Shop." As I have discussed the question of the union shop so fully in editorials in the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST and there are so many requests made to me for information along this line I had these editorials published in pamphlet form and send copy to you under separate cover, together with a copy of a pamphlet entitled "Has the Non-Unionist a Moral Right to Work How, When and Where he Pleases", by Frank K. Foster. Your attention is also called to a pamphlet by Clarence S. Darrow entitled "The Open Shop", published by the Hammersmark Publishing Company, 151-153 Wabash Ave., Chicago, Illinois, and listed at ten cents per copy. I am sure you will appreciate the fact that as the subject is so fully discussed in the printed matter I am sending you and to which I referred you, that in view of the many demands made upon765 C. F. B. 2. my time I can not undertake in an individual letter to discuss it at greater lengths. Very truly yours, Sam'l Gompers President American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. Mar 13, 1911*]766 Z March 18, 1911. [*COPIED. MAR 18 1911*] Mr. William J.Spencer, Secretary, Building Trades Department, A. F. of L., Ouray Building, City. Dear Sir and Brother: Secretary Bohm of the Central Federated Union of New York City has just written me in regard to the effort which has been and is being made by the Metal Polishers' Union of that City to secure union hours, wages and other conditions for the men of the trade who are employed by the Chandelier Manufacturers. He expresses the opinion that many unions in the Building Trades Department could be of great assistance to the Metal Polishers' Association. You will please find enclosed herein a copy of Secretary Bohm's letter and I would appreciate it if you would take the matter up direct with him. I am writing him that it has been referred to your Department. With best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.767 COPY. CENTRAL FEDERATED UNION, New York, March 15, 1911. Mr. Samuel Gompers, Pres., American Federation of Labor. Dear Sir and Brother: The Metal Polishers' Union have for some months been waging a war upon the ChandIlier Manufacturers demanding union conditions. To struggle along as they have done means to them ignominious defeat. Many unions in the Building Trades Department could be of great assistance to them if they were imbued with that spirit of solidarity and unity of action, which should be inherent to the trades union movement and which basic principles would lead to success. Unfortunately for the movement we are not thus far advanced as yet, and hence continuous prodding seems necessary to awake the building trades to a sense of duty. With this purpose in view I have been instructed to call your attention to the struggle of the metal polishers, and request that you arouse these trades to rally to the support, which we are informed by the parties at interest can be done without sacrifice or injury to those appealed to. Hoping you will give this subject matter your earnest and immediate attention, I am fraternally (Signed) Ernest Bohm, Cor. Secretary. P. S. A letter similar to this has been forwarded to the New York Building Trades Department.768 Z March 19, 1911. [*COPIED. Mar 18 1911*] Mr. Ernest Bohm, Secretary, Central Federated Union, 210 East 5th St., New York, N.Y. Dear Sir and Brother: Replying to your favor of the 15th instant in regard to the Whitehead, Hoag Company of Newark, N. J., I beg to say that this matter has been the subject of correspondence with Organizer Hugh Frayne for quite sometime and he is now endeavoring to arrange a conference with the representatives of that firm. I am sending him a copy of your letter to me for his information and consideration in connection with the other matters about which I have written you. With best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.769 X. March 17, 1911. [*COPIED. MAR 18 1911*] Mr. William Young, Secretary, International Union of Elevator Constructors, 1952 N. 19th St, Philadelphia, Pa. Dear Sir and Brother: In compliance with the action of the St. Louis Convention of the American Federation of Labor and of the Executive Council, a conference was held in this office the entire day, the representatives of your organization and of the International Association of Machinists being in attendance, and I had the pleasure of participating therein. An agreement was reached of which the enclosed is a copy, signed by the representatives of your International Union and of the International Association of Machinists, as well as myself. The representatives of your International Union informed me that your General Executive Board would be in session during the coming week, when the agreement will be made a part of the business for discussion and reference. The hope is entertained that your Executive Board will find it feasible and advisable, as well as advantageous, to favorably and strongly recommend the ratification of the agreement by the membership. I am sure that I can but add this word, that if the agreement is ratified, your organization will maintain its integral character and be more potent than ever to protect and promote the interests of all the men engaged in your line770 Mr. William Young -2- ofwork. Particularly is this agreement most desirable when you will have the alliance, c-operation and support of the International Association of Machinists, as well as the general labor movement. There is nothing that your organization surrenders by this agreement of any substantial character, while in return it will receive the support of an enlightened sentiment and a broader understanding of the organized labor movement of our country. The agreement is one of those measures which must prove advantageous not only to the machinists, not only to the men engaged in the work of elevator construction, but to the great common uplift for the toilers of our country. Sincerely hoping that your Executive Board will take the action suggested and that the membership of your International Union will ratify it by a practically unanimous vote, and wishing you the good will and the spirit of a Saint Patrick's day's greeting, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*771*] Z March 18, 1911. Editor, "The Gateway, Detroit, Michigan. [*COPIED. MAR 18 1911*] Dear Sir: Will you kindly forward to me at your earliest convenience a copy of the January, 1911, issue of your magazine? Upon its receipt, the price of same will be promptly remitted. I am sending to you under separate cover a copy of the March issue of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST, our official monthly magazine, and would like to put you upon our exchange list if agreeable to you. Very truly yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. Editor, AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST.772 DAY LETTERGRAM. Washington, D. C., March 18, 1911. Mr. John B. Lennon, Grand Hotel, Muscatine, Iowa. Letters from you and officers received. You know restrictions Executive Council adopted last meeting regarding the issuance of such documents. I suggest that appeal be issued directly by the union, endorsed by yourself as Treasurer and representing American Federation of Labor in charge of the defense of the workers locked out. You can attest to the truth of the statements contained in appeal and the deserving character thereof. SAMUEL GOMPERS Charge A. F. of L. [*COPIED. MAR 18 1911*][*773*] X. [*COPIED. MAR 18 1911*] March 18, 1911. Mr. R. Flores Nagon, Headquarters of the Junta of the Mexican Liberal Party, 519 1/2 E. 4th Street, Los Angeles, Cal. Dear Sir: Your favor of the 11th instant to hand and contents noted. It is impossible to attempt to convey to you the intense interest I feel in the military movements now being conducted under direction of the President of the United States. It is difficult and may be simply a matter of surmise of the ultimate purpose of these "maneuvers." vers". Thinking, earnest Americans who love our [country] Republic and the principles upon which it is founded can only entertain the hope that your apprehensions may be unfounded. I say this not simply for the preservation of the rights of the people of Mexico to the government of their own affairs, but also for the integrity of the United States and the liberty of our people. After receiving your letter with its request to me to enter protest, my first impulse was to refer the matter to the Executive Council of the American Federation of Labor for decision, but before so doing I should say to you that I have not seen concretely stated the principles and purposes for which the revolutionary movement in Mexico was begun. I do not refer to the negative side, but to the affirmative. I think the American people should be told by the authorized spokesman of the revolutionary movement of Mexico, what[*774*] Mr. R. Flores Magon -2- it aims to accomplish as a constructive power if entrusted with the powers of government of Mexico. If the present regime is to be supplanted by another, the present revolutionary party, without fundamentally changing the conditions which shall make for the improvement of the workers' opportunities, and a greater regard for their rights and their interests, then the American labor movement can look upon such a change with entire indifference. If you will communicate to me the information which I seek, I shall in turn communicate it to my colleagues of the Executive Council of the A. F. of L. for their instructions in the premises. I assume that you are aware that it would be impossible for me to take any definite action upon so momentous a matter as the one under consideration without the approval of my colleagues. I repeat, however, that it is my sincere hope that the military movements of the troops of the United States may have no further purpose than at first stated by Presudent Taft, "maneuver and mobilization of the forces for educational purposes". Hoping for an early reply, I am, Very truly yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor775 [*COPIED. MAR 18 1911*] X. March 18, 1911. Hon. Alton B. Parker, 37 Wall Street, New York City. My dear friend: By this morning's mail I am in receipt of a letter from Mr. Mulholland and one from Judge Beach, recounting a few incidents in connection with the argument before the United States Court of Appeals on the Hatters' case, their satisfaction with the magnificent argument which you made before the court, and both declared that the court manifested sympathetic interest. They seemed sanguine that the court will sustain the contentions which you have submitted. They tell me also of the conference they had with you after the close of the argument, and that they agreed with you that the case is in excellent shape for consideration of the court. Mr. Mulholland, anticipating that I am anxious to know when the court may hand down its decision, says that though he can give but little information he states that "If the Court in an early investigation of the record decide that there are matters which should have been submitted to the jury, they will probably reverse this case without going into or mentioning other questions raised by our brief and in that event will decide the case much earlier than otherwise. If they are not satisfied that this condition exists, and have to go at length into our record, we will probably776 Hon. Alton B. Parker -2- hear nothing from them for a considerable length of time." I assume that this is an accurate statement of the situation. Permit me to express my great appreciation of your splendid presentation of the case before the court. I knew that you would do so without any declaration of this character by your associates, yet it is more than reassuring and it must be additionally satisfactory to you when your colleagues are a unity in their praise on this point. For myself, let me say that I regret exceedingly that I was denied the privilege of hearing your argument. I counted upon it an had no doubt that I would have the opportunity and the satisfaction, but I had received a long distance telephone message informing me that Mrs. Gompers in her very serious and long illness had a turn for the worse. It is now nearly five weeks since she has been confined to her bed, suffering excruciating physical pain and metal anguish, all of it superinduced by her apprehensions regarding me. I could wish that she would look upon the situation as philosophically as I have and do, but she simply can't do it. She has been delirious half the time and then almost shrieks as to the tortures to which I am being subjected. So you can readily realize that when this message came to me, I felt that it was imperative for me to hasten to her side. She has been suffering greatly since my return, but today her attending physician informed me that she is somewhat relieved. However, under the best of conditions she will be unable to leave her bed for weeks, perhaps months. I mention these facts so that you will know how necessary it was for me to leave New York so hurriedly. With it all, I have been at my desk and in conference every day, giving the very best possible attention to the intensely interesting work and duties committed to my care.777 Hon. Alton B. Parker -3- With renewed assurances of my deep respect and high regard, I have the honor to remain, Your sincerely, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.778 X. March 18, 1911. [*COPIED. MAR 18 1911 COPIED. MAR 18 1911*] Post Master, London, England. Dear Sir: Today I mailed a letter addressed to Right Honorable Earl Grey, House of Commons. It should have been Right Honorable Edward Grey, House of Commons. Will you kindly see that the letter is delivered, and oblige, Very truly yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor779 X. March 17, 1911. [*COPIED. MAR 18 1911*] Mr. James O'Connell, President, International Association of Machinists, McGill Building, City. Dear Sir and Brother: Conforming to the understanding reached at this office in the conference between the representatives of your International Association, the officers of the International Union of Elevator Constructors, and the undersigned, I enclose to you herein a copy of the agreement reached and signed by all parties participating in the conference. Inasmuch as the General Executive Board of the I. A. of M. were empowered to and did enter into the agreement, I take it that no further action on your and their part is necessary, except as it may be deemed advisable for you to write a letter to the I. U. of E. C. stating some of the advantages which would accrue by the adoption and ratification of the agreement and the consequent amalgamation. Enclosed you will find a copy of a letter which I sent to Mr. Young, Secretary of the I. U. of E. C. which I trust may be helpful. Entertaining the hopes and beliefs expressed in my letter to Secretary Young, and which are equally conveyed to you, and the organization of the International Association of Machinists, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.780 [*COPIED. MAR 1911*] Washington, D.C., March 17, 1911. Mr. William Young, Secretary, International Union of Elevator Constructors, 1952 N. 19th Street, Philadelphia, Pa. Dear Sir and Brother: In compliance with the action of the St. Louis Convention of the American Federation of labor and of the Executive Council, a conference was held in this office the entire day, the representatives of your organization and of the International Association of Machinists being in attendance, and I had the pleasure of participating therein. An agreement was reached of which the enclosed is a copy, signed by the representative of your International Union and of the International Association of machinists, as well as myself. The representatives of your International Union informed me that your General Executive Board would be in session during the coming week, when the agreement will be made a part of the business for discussion and reference. The hope is entertained that your Executive Board will find it feasible and advisable, as well as advantageous, to favorably and strongly recommend the ratification of the agreement by the membership. I am sure that I can but add this word, that if the agreement is ratified, your organization will maintain its integral character and be more potent than ever to protect and promote the interests of all the men engaged in your line of work. Particularly is this agreement most desirable when you will have the alliance, co-operation and support of the International Association of Machinists, as well as the general labor movement.781 Mr. William Young -2- There is nothing that your organization surrenders by this agreement of any substantial character, while in return it will receive the support of an enlightened sentiment and a broader understanding of the organized labor movement of our country. The agreement is one of those measures which must prove advantageous not only to the machinists, not only to the men engaged in the work of elevator construction, but to the great common uplift for the toilers of our country. Sincerely hoping that your Executive Board will take the action suggested and that the membership of your International Union will ratify it by a practically unanimous vote, and wishing you the good will and the spirit of a Saint Patrick's day's greeting, I am, Fraternally yours, (Signed) SAMUEL GOMPERS, President, American Federation of Labor.782 [*COPIED. MAR 13 1911*] Washington,D. C., March 13, 1911. Mr. Hardy, Anglo-American Co., 8 Broad St.,New York City. Sir Edward Grey's speech in the House of Commons thrilled the hearts of our people. It is glorious to learn that it met with practically unanimous enthusiastic approval of the commons and Britons. Peace absolutely assured between the United States and Great Britain will abolish international war, and give full play for constructive uplift work for common humanity. SAMUEL GOMPERS. COLLECT.783 [*COPIED. MAR 20 1911*] X. March 18, 1911. [*COPIED. MAR 20 1911*] Mr. John R. Dunne, Secretary, Newspaper Mail Deliverers' Union #9463, 25 Frankfort Street, New York City. Dear Sir and Brother: Replying to your favor of the tenth instant, I beg to advise you that by this mail I am writing to President Tobin of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, and forwarding to him copy of your letter to me as you request. I read with much interest your detailed statement as to conditions as they exist in Hoboken and note your suggestion as to conference with President Tobin. Just as soon as I hear anything from him in regard to the matter I will write you further. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.784 X. March 18, 1911. [*COPIED. MAR 20 1911*] Mr Daniel J. Tobin, President, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Chauffeurs, Stablemen, and Helpers of America, 222 E. Michigan Street, Indianapolis, Ind. Dear Sir and Brother: Your two favors of March the first and fourth were received here during my absence and acknowledgement has already been made to you. In connection with the general subject matter about which you write as regards the Newspaper and Mail Deliverers' Union of New York and vicinity, and the conditions which at the present time exist in Hoboken, I beg to any that under the tenth instant Secretary Dunne of Newspaper Mail Deliverers' Union #9463, writes me in detail as to the situation. He requested that I should notify you of the facts in the case as he sets forth in his letter. Inasmuch as his letter was so lengthy, he had a duplicate copy made which he signed, so that it could be forwarded to you. You will find it enclosed herein. You will note the suggestion he makes in the concluding paragraph of his letter that if it be deemed necessary for a conference to be held between the representatives of his organization and with you representing the Teamsters, that the representatives of his organization will gladly attend such a conference. The entire matter as submitted to me by Secretary Dunne is herewith placed in your hands for your consideration, and I trust785 Mr. Daniel J. Tobin -2- your early reply. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. MAR 20 1911*]786 X. March 18, 1911. [*COPIED. MAR 20 1911*] Mr. John A. Moffitt, President, United Hatters of North America, 11 Waverly Place, New York City. Dear Sir and Brother: I presume of course you were in court last week and heard the argument made by Judge Parker and the presentation of our case. Nevertheless, it seemed to me that you should have copies of he letters which Judge Beach and Mr. Mulholland have just written me in regard to the proceedings of the court. You will find them enclosed herein. They speak for themselves. It is needless to say how greatly pleased I am that the prospects for a favorable decision from the court are so promising. With kindest regards, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.787 X. March 18, 1911. [*COPIED. MAR 20 1911*] Hon. John K. Beach, 865 Chapel Street, New Haven, Conn. My dear Judge Beach: I have just received your letter of the 17th instant, and needless to say I read it with the greatest pleasure. The report you give is indeed encouraging. Mr. Mulholland has also advised me as to the attitude of the court, and also how the court's attitude seemed to impress Messrs. Davenport, Merritt, and Loewe. Of course you will not fail to write me whenever anything of importance transpires. Very sincerely yours, Samu'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.788 X. March 18, 1911. [*COPIED. MAR 20 1911*] Hon. Frank. L. Mulholland, 1311-1317 Nicholas Building, Toledo, Ohio. My dear Mr. Mulholland: I was indeed pleased to read your letter of the 16th instant, in which you make such an encouraging report as to the prospect for the court sustaining our contention in the Loewe case. I regret more that I can say that I was unable to be present when the argument was made. I counted upon being there and had no doubt but that I would have the opportunity of being present and hearing Judge Parker's argument, but I received a long distance telephone message informing me that Mrs. Gompers in her very serious illness had a turn for the worse. It is now nearly five weeks since she has been confined to her bed, suffering excruciating physical pain and mental anguish, all of it superinduced by her apprehensions regarding me. I could wish that she would look upon the situation as philosophically as I have and do,but she simply can't do it. She has been delirious half the time and then almost shrieks as to the tortures to which I am being subjected. So you can readily realize that when this message came to me, I felt that it was imperative for me to hasten to her side. She has been suffering greatly since my return, but today her attending physician informed me that she is somewhat relieved. However, under the best of con-[*789*] Hon. Frank L. Mulholland -2- she will be unable to leave her bed for weeks, perhaps months. I mention these facts so that you will know how necessary it was for me to leave New York so hurriedly. With it all, I have been at my desk and in conference every day, giving the very best possible attention to the intensely interesting work and duties committed to my care. It was very good and thoughtful of you to take a note of the reference Judge Parker made to me in his argument before the court. I so highly value what he says that I hardly know how to express myself, but I am sure you understand that. I have already written to the Judge explaining why I was prevented from hearing his argument and expressing my great regret. Thanking you for your good wishes, which are fully reciprocated, and hoping to hear from you often, I am, Sincerely yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. COPIED. MAR 20 1911 MAR 20 1911*]790 X. March 18, 1911 NO. 27. EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, AMERICAN FEDERATION OF LABOR. COLLEAGUES: [*COPIED MAR 20 1911*] As you are already advised, Hon., Alton B. Parker was retained as a leading counsel and in association with Hon. John K. Beach and Hon. Frank L. Mulholland, in the appeal of the Hatters' case to the United States Court of Appeals. The argument was made by Judge Parker, supplemented by Judge Beach and Mr. Mulholland, Tuesday and Wednesday, March 14th and 15th, the latter gentlemen upon the facts in the case, Judge Parker upon the great principles involved. This morning I am in receipt of two letters, one from Mr. Mulholland, the other from Judge Beach, and because of their importance I have had copies made of them and you will find one of each enclosed herein marked A and B. These documents are forwarded to you for your information and for your archives. It is quite evident that the argument of Judge Parker was masterful. It may be interesting for you to know that Judge Parker on several occasions within this past year has said that he has never felt an interest in any case as he has in the case of the Buck's Stove and Range Company vs. the A. F. of L., and the contempt case, and in the Hatters' case, and that the deep study necessary in these cases has given him a deeper insight and a better conception of the great791 Executive Council -2- principles and the humanitarism for which the labor movement stands. Let me note this also as an interesting fact, that before the argument in each one of these cases, Judge Parker has for a week or more kept himself in entire seclusion and as he himself said for the purpose of "saturating" his entire being with the facts, the principles and the atmosphere of the cause. I take it that from pure modesty Judge Parker has not written me upon the argument that he made. I have written him a letter today and perhaps I may get a word from him. If I do, a copy will be forwarded to the members of the Executive Council. Sincerely trusting that the hopes and views expressed by our counsel may be verified by the court's decision, I am, with best wishes, [*COPIED. Mar 20 1911*] Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of LaborCOPY 792 EXHIBIT A. INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF MACHINISTS, LEGAL DEPARTMENT, FRANK L. MULHOLLAND, GENERAL COUNSEL. 1311-1817 Nicholas Bldg. Toledo, Ohio., March 16th 1911. Mr. Samuel Gompers, American Federation of Labor, Washington, D. C. My dear Mr. Gompers: I have just returned to Toledo from New York. We completed the presentation of the Hatter's case in the U.S. Court of Appeals, Wednesday afternoon at 1:30. Thereafter in consultation with Judge Parker and Judge Beach we reached the conclusion that we had received very courteous attention from the judges of the Court of Appeals, and we are unanimous in the opinion that what was said to them in the presentation of our side of the controversy seemed at least to have considerable effect upon them. In watching the presentation of the matter, particularly as to how the Court seemed to receive it, I am very strongly of the opinion that they acquiesce in our view that there are matters presented in the record which should have been submitted to the jury for their consideration and determination. With my associates, I am sanguine of our success, and will be greatly surprised indeed if the case is not reversed. When Judge Parker completed his argument Tuesday, he immediately stepped over to me and inquired as to why Mr. Gompers had not appeared. I 'phoned you at the Victoria Hotel from his office, and was informed by Mr. Duncan that you were on your way to the court room. Later I understood that you had some news to the effect that Mrs. Gompers had taken a turn for the worse and that you hurried home to be with her. I suggested this fact to[*793*] -2- Judge Parker, so if you will allow me to make a suggestion, will say that it might be well for you to drop Judge Parker a line regretting your inability for these causes to be present. Judge Parker in the course of his argument paid you a very pretty compliment, and he did it so nicely that I wrote it out in order that I would not be compelled to trust my memory in the matter, end with the idea of informing you of the fact. Speaking of the testimony introduced in the case, he said: "Mr. Gompers testified at length in this cause and Mr. Gompers never varies his testimony or deviates a hair's breadth from the exact truth, regardless of whether it hurts him or not". That fact, stated in the way Judge Parker has of expressing his ideas, "listened" good to me. You will probably be wondering as to how soon we can hope for a decision from the Court. I can give you but little information. "If the Court in an early investigation of the record decide that there are matters which should have been submitted to the jury, they will probably reverse this case without going into or mentioning other questions raised by our brief, and in that event will decide the case much earlier than otherwise. If they are not satisfied that this condition exists, and have to go at length into our record, we will probably hear nothing from them for a considerable length of time." I regretted my inability to see you again, but sincerely hope that Mrs. Gompers has much improved since your return. With kind regards and best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, (signed) Frank Mulholland.[*794*] COPY. EXHIBIT B. BRISTOL, STODDARD, BEACH AND FISHER. 865 Chapel Street, New Haven, Connecticut. Samuel Gompers, Esq., 801 G St., N. W., Washington, D.C. My Dear Mr. Gompers: I don't know whether you have heard from Mr. Mulholland or from Judge Parker relative to the to the argument of the Loewe case, which began on Tuesday and was concluded on Wednesday of this week. Of course it is impossible to say what the Court is going to do when it finally comes to a closer examination of the case, but I think everybody interested in the case, including Mr. Davenport, Mr. Merritt and Mr. Loewe himself, who listened to the arguments, was entirely satisfied that the temper of the Court was decidedly in favor of the plaintiffs in error. This seemed especially so in regard to the 180 defendants whose sole offense consisted in membership of the union. But I thought they were also inclined to favor our side of the case upon the question of whether any conspiracy at all had been so conclusively proved that that question should have been taken away from the jury. I thought also that on the third question, that is, of damages, the Court was with us upon our claim that that branch of the case was allowed to go to the jury without proper instructions from the Court. In short, we got our case before the Court as well as was possible within the limited time allowed to us, and in such a way that the sympathies of the Court were noticeably with us.795 -2- All we can do now is to hope that the Court may remain in the same temper which it manifested on the argument, and if so I look for a reversal of the judgment. I know Mr. Mulholland was of the same opinion, and I am satisfied from the way that Merritt, Davenport, and Loewe behaved, that they also felt the same way. In other words, we have got a good chance and i think there is reason for hoping that we may win out. Very truly yours, (Signed) John k. Beach.796 Z March 20, 1911. Mr. Charles W. Hanscom, Room 8, Johnson Building, Quincy, Mass. [*COPIED. MAR 20 1911 COPIED.*] Dear Sir: Your favor if the 13th instant is received and I have noted all that you say in reference to the action of the Central Labor Union of Quincy as regards the matter of your holding a commission as volunteer organizer for the American Federation of Labor. Of course you appreciate the fact, as stated in my previous letter, that when an organizer ceases to receive the cooperation and support of the organized labor movement as represented by the Central Labor Union of that locality his usefulness in that direction is greatly impaired if not absolutely destroyed. I can only reiterate the statement made in my letter to you of the 9th instant as to my being guided in matters of this character by the wishes of the organized labor movement in any locality as represented by the Central Labor Union. Very truly yours, Sam Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. [*797*] LF March 20, 1911 PERSONAL Mr. John J. Henley, President Trades Assembly, 708 Huron St., Schnectady, N. Y. [*COPIED. MAR 20 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: The enclosed letter is intended for such use as you care to make of it. It is unfair that the preambles and resolutions should go before the membership of the local unions from your Assembly without their having the truth laid before them at the same time when they are considering the attacks. It is for that reason that I have written the enclosed letter commenting upon the matters contained in the preambles and resolutions. I wish that I could have the article in the American Federationist placed in the hands of the local unions and also that they might have copy of the enclosed letter. It might not be amiss for you or if some other delegate of the Trades Assembly would offer resolutions recounting the good work done by the trade unionists of the country and expressing confidence in their integrity and their good work. Surely you know that our men have been true to the cause of labor. Write me as soon as you can, and oblige, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, A.F. of L.798 LF March 20, 1911. Mr. John J. Henley, President, Trades Assembly, 708 Huron St., Schnectady, N. Y. [*COPIED. MAR 20 1911*] Dear sir and Brother: Your favor of the 14th instant with copy of resolutions endorsed by your Trades Assembly came duly to hand. You say that some "old I. W. W. people" are still active and surely the introduction of the resolution gives evidence of that fact. These men are engaged in a destructive work, instead of constructive in the interests of the working people. Anything that will help to bring about improvement in the conditions of the working people, anything that will make for their advancement, simply proves conclusively that sophistry, misnamed philosophy, of the socialists is without any foundation, so that when trade unionists are engaged in the work for improving the conditions of the working people, these socialists will of course antagonize it and try to destroy it by every means within their power, and one effective means to destroy that work is to attack directly or indirectly the active trade unionists. Your reference to the fact of these "old I. W. W. people" being still active will bring to your mind that time a few years ago when due to their attacks, they almost disrupted and destroyed the labor movement of your city.Mr. John J. Henley--2 [*799*] I think I should make some comment upon the preambles and resolutions which were introduced in your Trades Assembly. First, then let me say that no trade unionist, nor does the Civic Federation, pretend, much less declare, that the interests of workmen and capitalists are identical. On the contrary I quote you the preamble of the Constitution of the American Federation of Labor. It is as follows: "WHEREAS, A struggle is going on in all the nations of the civilized world between the oppressors and the oppressed of all countries, a struggle between the capitalist and the laborer, which grows in intensity from year to year, and will work disastrous results to the toiling millions if they are not combined for mutual protection and benefit. It, therefore, behooves the representatives of the Trade and Labor Unions of America, in Convention assembled, to adopt such measures and disseminate such principles among the mechanics and laborers of our country as will permanently unite them to secure the recognition of rights to which they are justly entitled. We, therefore, declare ourselves in favor of the formation of a thorough Federation, embracing every Trade and Labor Organization in America, organized under the Trade Union system." Upon reading this carefully any one who will repeat the statement that trade unionists stand for or have declared that the interests of the workmen and the employers are identical states that which he knows to be false and states it simply to confuse the minds of the unthinking. It is an absolute falsehood to say that the Civic Federation is "founded by the capitalists for the purpose of pensioning off retired labor leaders." There has not been any labor leader either retired or pensioned by that organization or by any other organization. It is absolutely false to say that there is any effort made "to lull into quiet the organizations under the control of the labor leaders and to defeat the purposes for which the labor organizations are formed." As a matter of fact the affairs of a bonafide labor organization come directly under the control of the membership.Mr. John J. Henley--3 [*800*] The leaders are simply the administrators of the affairs of the organizations and give expression to the organizations' attitude, and it may be interesting as a statement beyond question that the trade unions which are more alert to the interest of their fellow workmen and better capable of protecting and promoting their interests are just those organizations and leaders against which the socialist political partisans direct their shafts of attack. There may be exceptions, but as a rule show me a so-called radical socialist in an organization, and I will show you that they are less capable of defending the rights and interests of their fellow workers. There is not a labor organization that has been either disrupted or injured, but on the contrary has been benefitted by their men combatting, contending and defending the interests of the working people with the employers, whether these employers have been members of the Civic Federation or have not been members thereof. It is absolutely false and untrue that all work done by the Civic Federation is done in secret. On the contrary, all the work of whatever kind is done in the open where all persons having an interest in the subjects under consideration and discussion are welcome. Indeed the representatives of the press are always in attendance and official and unofficial stenographers present to take down every utterance. Let me say this in addition, that while there are some capitalists who attend the Civic Federation meetings who are not in love with organized labor, yet I challenge the worst enemy of that body or the worst anti-trade unionist, or the most bitter socialist to point to one remark made by any one at the Civic Federation meetings that is hostile to the organizedMr. John J. Henley--4 [*801*] labor movement of America. It is absolutely false to say that the representatives of capital who belong to the National Civic Federation have been and are the worst enemies of organized labor. It is true that all of the capitalists who are members of the Civic Federation are not in love with organized labor. It is true that some of them are enemies of organized labor, but the fact is that the representatives of capital in the Civic Federation have made the following declaration regarding the relations between the workmen and employers: "The scope and province of this department of the Civic Federation shall be to do what may seem best to promote industrial peace; to be helpful in establishing rightful relations between employers and workers; by its good offices to endeavor to obviate and prevent strikes and lockouts; to aid in renewing industrial relations where a rupture has occurred. That at all times representatives of employers and workers organized or unorganized, should confer for the adjustment of differences or disputes before an acute stage is reached and thus avoid or minimize the number of strikes or lockouts. That mutual agreements as to conditions under which labor shall be performed should be encouraged and that when agreements are made the terms thereof should be faithfully adhered to, both in letter and in spirit by both parties. This department, either as a whole or a sub-committee by if appointed, shall when requested, act as a forum to adjust and decide upon questions at issue between workers and their employers, provided in its opinion the subject is one of sufficient importance. This department will not consider abstract industrial problems. This department assumes no powers of arbitration unless such powers be conferred by both parties to a dispute." These declarations of purpose are submitted to the judgment of thoughtful, sincere trade unionists and others. We challenge the criticism of any one to point out wherein it offends against trade unionism; wherein the interests of the workers are not advanced. One step has been gained which can never be lost; that is, the largest representative employers of America have met, and802. Mr. John J. Henley--5. in their meeting declared that it is the duty of all employers to confer with workmen to avoid conflicts; or when conflicts have occurred, conferences should be had to restore peace. It is a declaration in fact that employers no longer regard themselves as possessing the sole right to determine what wages, hours, and other conditions of labor are just; that workmen have the right jointly to have a voice in the final settlement of the conditions under which they shall labor. You can readily see how ridiculous is the statement in the preambles and resolutions submitted when the declaration is made that the capitalists in the Civic Federation are the worst enemies of organized labor. What about the National Association of Manufacturers? The Posts, the Kirbys, the Davenports and the Emorys? The so-called Anti-Boycott Association? If the capitalists in the Civic Federation are the worst enemies of organized labor, then the men whose names I have mentioned must be enemies of a lesser degree of organized labor. The mere statement carries with it its own refutation. It is absolutely untrue that the Civic Federation is the organization of labor's enemies. It is false to say that that organization is hostile to the interests of labor. It is equally false to say that the leaders of the trade unions or of the American Federation of Labor belong to any organization or have any alliance with any organization which is hostile to the interests of the working people. Under separate cover I am sending you a copy of the March, 1911 issue of the American Federationist. It contains an article by me upon the subject of organized labor and the National Civic803 Mr. John J. Henley--6 Federation which I should like you to regard as part of this letter to you. It may not be an uninteresting item for you to know that notwithstanding the fact that the labor movement of Germany is accepted by the Socialists as the best expression of the most radical type, and yet when the strike of the Building Trades of Germany was on several months ago, the case was finally submitted to a Board of Arbitration, the arbitrators being Government Councillor Dr. Wiedfeldt; Dr. Bentler, Mayor of Dresden; Dr. Prenner, President of the Munich Industrial Court. You will thus observe that not one labor man was on that board of arbitration. It was composed of three men entirely removed from the ranks of labor. In the entire history of the labor movement of America, I know of no instance in which any organization or any set of workmen even unorganized, would consent to submit a case to a board of arbitration upon which a labor man was not a member. Of course you can understand that in five minutes any vicious person can make more charges and indulge in more insinuations directly or indirectly attacking the characters of men than any man can undertake to [repudiate] refute and disprove in a year. It is so easy to indulge in attacks and diatribes. It is not difficult to assail mens motives and honor and character. Misrepresentation and character assassination are not difficult to men whose minds are depraved. A man may give his whole life to consistent, persistent work in the interests of his fellow men and not be safe from assault of this kind, but thinking, earnest, unselfish men will continue [the] to work on and on without regard to the malicious or shallowpated who [will] would destroy what has taken years to up-build. The satisfaction which comes to the honest men in the labor movement is the consciousness of having done and doing their whole duty804 Mr. John J. Henley--7 to the working people of today and of the time to come. with best wishes and hoping to hear from you soon and often, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam Gompers President American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. MAR 20 1911*]805 X. March 18, 1911. Mr. Frederic W. Gardner, Southern Hotel, St. Louis, Mo. [*COPIED. MAR 20 1911*] My dear Mr. Gardner: My secretary has already acknowledged receipt of your several letters and advised you that owing to my continued absence from headquarters and the pressure of other important matters during the brief time I have been here, I have been unable to write you earlier. I have read the several communications you forward, and beg to again assure you that I am doing everything I possibly can. I have written a personal letter to the central bodies in the several states from which your correspondents have written you, calling their attention to the harmonious and friendly relations existing between your company and organized labor, and requesting them to have committees appointed to wait upon the stove dealers and advise them fully as to our present relations. As I have stated to you from time to time when we have met, it will not be an easy thing to overcome the feeling against your company, even though the official notification is sent out broadcast from this office and published and re-published in our official magazine. It will take time, persistence and patience. I want again to assure you of my most earnest desire to do everything possible within my power. 806 Mr. Frederic W. Gardner -2- I regret very much indeed to learn that Mrs. Gardner is suffering so greatly. I most earnestly hope that now with the spring weather her health will greatly improve. I wish you would most kindly remember me to her. Mrs. Gompers has been seriously ill and confined to her bed for the past five weeks. She is improving somewhat but the doctor advises me that it is hardly possible that she will be out for two or three months. With warmest regards to you and Mrs. Gardner, and hoping to hear from you from time to time, I am, Sincerely yours, Sam Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED MAR 20 1911*]Z March 20, 1911 Mr. John R. Alpine, President, United Association of Journeymen Plumbers, Gas Fitters, Steam Fitters and Steam Fitters' Helpers, 411-416 Bush Temple of Music, Chicago, Illinois. COPIED. MAR 20 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 11th instant reached this office while I was absent and was held for my personal attention upon my return. I read your letter with the deepest interest and concern, and regret more than I can say that such an injunction should have been issued against your organization and its members. It is bound to re-act upon the whole labor movement. Without discussing at all the merits of the controversy it is wrongful and injurious to have the courts undertake to adjust the differences existing between workmen in their organized effort to protect and advance their interests. With best wishes for success in the dissolution of the injunction and asking you to keep me advised in regard thereto, I am Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. March 20, 1911. X. NO. 28 EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, AMERICAN FEDERATION OF LABOR. COLLEAGUES: I am in receipt of a letter from the Executive Board of District No. 5, United Mine Workers of America, a copy of which you will please find enclosed. In accordance with the request to have a representative of the American Federation of Labor attend the annual convention, I have requested Vice-President John Mitchell to act in that capacity. The question submitted to the Executive Council is: "Shall the action of President Gompers in appointing Vice-President John Mitchell to attend the Annual Convention of District No. 5, U. M. W. of A., be approved?" Please return your vote on this matter at your earliest convenience, and oblige, Fraternally yours, [signed] Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. COPY. DISTRICT 5 UNITED MINE WORKERS OF AMERICA. Pittsburg, Pa., March 18, 1911. Mr. Samuel Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir and Brother: At a meeting of our District Executive Board this date we were instructed to inform you of the condition of affairs in our District organization and request you to send one member of the Executive Council to represent the American Federation of Labor at our District Annual Convention, which will convene in Union Labor Temple, Pittsburg, Pa., March 27th, at 10 a. m. A dual organization has been established here in Western Pennsylvania by members of our own organization. This is the result of an illegal convention held February 28th in Pittsburg, Pa., which was called and attended by an element in our District, men who we believe to be influenced in their action by a representative of Union wrecking agencies which are supported by finance received from the coal companies. For the past several months there has been one of the worst conspiracies that ever existed at work here putting forth an organized effort to destroy the efficiency of our organization and secure control. Daily newspapers have been subsidized and weekly fake labor sheets have been issued in different languages and thousands of copies have been distributed daily among our membership. If these agencies can succeed in controlling or disrupting our District organization it is generally believed that they will immediately make a similar attack on either trade organizations in the Western part of this state, and if this method is a success the [*810*] -2- employer of labor will find it less expensive to destroy and corrupt the labor organizations by employing these agencies and newspapers they control to do the work in preference to engaging in expensive strikes on the industrial field. We believe it will be helpful to the labor movement of this country for the Executive Council to have a representative at our District Annual Convention in order that he may secure the necessary information and keep the Executive Council fully informed on the practices resorted to by the enemies of organized labor in this part of the state. Trusting you will comply with our request by sending a member of the Executive Council to attend the sessions of our District Annual Convention, we remain, Yours very truly, (Signed) Francis Feehan, President, T. Donovan, Sec.-Treas. Districts #5, U. M. W. of A.[*811*] X. March 20, 1911. Mr. John Mitchell, Vice-President, American Federation of Labor, 10096 Metropolitan Building, New York City. [*COPIED. MAR 20 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: The Executive Board of District No. 5, United Mine Workers of America, has written me urgently requesting that a member of the Executive Council of the American Federation of Labor attend the District Annual Convention, to be held at Union Labor Temple, Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, beginning Monday morning, March 27. For your convenience I am enclosing a copy of the letter sent me. Inasmuch as you are a Miner and a member of the United Mine Workers of America, I deem it most appropriate that you should be selected to attend that meeting. I therefore request you, as Second Vice-President of the A. F. of L., to attend the Annual Convention of District No. 5, U. M. W. of A., which is to take place at the time and place above stated. I shall submit my action in selecting you as a representative of the A. F. of L. to the Executive Council for approval. I am confident that you will fulfil the mission with success. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. P.S. will you kindly submit a report of any matter of interest after the conclusion of the convention?[*812**] [*COPIED. MAR 20 1911*] X. March 20, 1911. Mr. Francis Feehan, President, Mr. T. Donovan, Secretary, District #5, United Mine Workers of America, 414 Ferguson Block, Pittsburg, Pa. Dear Sirs and Brothers: Your favor of the 18th instant conveying to me the request of the District Executive Board of #5, United Mine Workers of America, to have a member of the Executive council attend the annual convention of your District, came duly to hand. In connection therewith permit me to say that I have submitted to the Executive Council the question of having Mr. John Mitchell, Second Vice-President of the A. F. of L., attend your District annual convention, beginning Monday, March 27, 1911, at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. I have no hesitancy in believing that the Executive Council will approve the proposition and that Brother Mitchell will be in attendance. With best wishes for the success of the Miners, and that the convention may be productive of good results in their interest and for the great uplift work for the working people of our common country, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.813 M. March 30, 1911. Mr. W. H. Best, Secretary, Local No. 113, International Association of Car Workers, 324 South Fourth St., Wilmington, N. C. [*COPIED MAR 20 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 16th instant is at hand, in which you request list of garments and shoes bearing the union label, and in reply would say that I am referring your letter to Secretary Thomas F. Tracy, of the Union Label Trades Department of the A. F. of L., 708 Ouray Bldg., Washington, D. C., who will furnish you with this information. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor. 814 M March 20, 1911. Mr. W. E. Lang, Member, Local 73, International Brotherhood of Operative Potters, Box 21, Cameron, West Virginia. [*COPIED: MAR 20 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: Your card received, and in compliance with your request I enclose to you herein two lists of Manufacturers Using Labels of Unions. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President American Federation of Labor.815 M March 20, 1911. Mr. Charles H. Sheraton, 314 West St., New York City. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 18th instant is at hand and contents noted. In reply I beg to say that your commission does not expire until April 28, and if you will furnish me with your address about that time, it will be renewed and forwarded to you. With kind regards, and best wishes for success, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President American Federation of Labor.[*816*] [*COPIED. MAR 20 1911*] M March 20, 1911 Mr. Emanuel Koveleski, 104 Reynolds Arcade, Rochester, N. Y. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 17th instant is at hand, and in reply would say that your commission was renewed and forwarded to you on March 17, and you have no doubt received it by this time. I was away from headquarters for several days on official business, hence the delay in sending renewal of your commission. With kind regards and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President American Federation of Labor.[*817*] [*COPIED. MAR 20 1911*] M March 20, 1911. Mr. Thomas F. Tracy, Secretary, Union Label Trades Department A. F. of L., 708 Ouray Bidg., Washington, D. C. Dear Sir and Brother: Enclosed please find copy of letter received at this office, which is self-explanatory. I have advised Mr. Best that his letter was being referred to you, and that you would furnish him with the information desired. With kind regards, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers American [Federation of Labor]818 COPY Wilmington, N. C., March 16, 1911. Mr. Samuel Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir and Brother: I will be pleased if you will have sent me a list of garments and shoes that have the union label on them: also the name of the company that manufacture the goods, so that the members of this lodge can get them. Please attend to this as soon as you can. Also all the dry goods that carry the label. The brothers on the A. C. line R. R. Co. are getting along very well. We have every man here in the union. Wishing you and the officers of the A. F. of L. much success, I am, Yours truly, W. H. Best, F. S. Local 113, Int'l Assn. of Car Workers 324 South Fourth St.819 M March 20, 1911. Mr. Hugh Frayne, 25 Third Ave., New York City. Dear Sir and Brother: Under date of the 17th instant I received a letter from Mr. Arthur Kraus, Secretary of the Badge, Banner and Regalia Makers Union No. 12249, New York City, sending in union label contracts between his organization and the firm of Louis Kuhn. Enclosed find letter and contracts. Kindly advise me whether the contracts should be signed. Hoping to receive your early reply, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President American Federation of Labor,[*820*] [*COPIED. MAR 20 1911*] M March 20, 1911. Secretary of State, Columbus, Ohio. Dear Sir: I would appreciate it very much if you would kindly have sent to me at your earliest convenience several copies of the Reynolds Non-Partisan Judicial Bill. Thanking you in advance for your courtesy, i am, Very respectfully yours, Saml Gompers President American Federation of Labor.821 Z March 20, 1911. Mr. John Morrision, 25 Third Avenue, New York, N. Y. Dear Sir: Your favor of the 17th instant received and contents noted. Now in regard to the matter of the bill introduced by Assemblyman Foley in the New York State Legislature being an amendment to Penal Law Section 288 in relation to corporations not to practice law about which we have been corresponding, I shall endeavor to get a legal expression upon the entire subject matter. In the amendment I understand of course, just as you say in your letter, that the bill if enacted into law would not prohibit the labor organizations from using their funds to defend THEIR members either in a civil or a criminal action. The question is -frequently labor organization undertake the defense of workmen who are not members of the organization. That point should be considered. However, I am taking the matter up further for legal advice and hope to write you again in the near future. With kind regards and sincerely trusting that you are feeling very much better, I am Very truly yours, [?] President, American Federation of Labor.[*822*] COPIED. MAR 20 1911 M March 20, 1911. Mr. Arthur Kraus, Secretary, Badge, Banner and Regalia Makers No. 12249, 850 Longwood Ave., Bronx, New York City. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 17th instant is received, in which you enclosed union label contracts in triplicate between your organization and the firm of Louis Kuhn, which you desire approved. You also request information as to what has become of the contracts you previously sent in between your local union and the George Sutton Company. The have now been signed and two of them returned to you under spearate cover. The matter of the contract with Louis Kuhn will be given attention by later mail. In connection with this entire subject matter I get to call your attention to a letter under date of March 3, as follows: "On February 11th I wrote you as follows: In my letter of January 13th I requested that you should give me the exact number of members of your union who are bona fide wage earners: further that you should advise me whether any of your members manufacture the goods they have for sale in the shop or factory or in their own homes. In giving me the number of members I would like you to designate each member by name and where and how employed." I would again request that you give me this informationA. K. B. at the earliest possible moment. with kind regards, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam’l Gompers President American Federation of Labor.824 Z March 20, 1911 Mr. Edwin A. Brown. Hotel Alexandria Chicago, Illinois. Dear Sir: Your favor of March 15th has been duly received and contents noted. I am particularly interested in what you say in regard to your having started a strong and powerful thought all over the nation for the privilege of labor in the Municipal Emergency Home. I wish you would write me further upon this matter. I note your reference in regard to the "Third Degree" and will call your attention to that section of my report to the last annual convention of the American Federation of Labor, held at St. Louis, Missouri, last November, in which I took up the subject at length. A copy of my report is sent to you under separate cover. It was fully approved by the convention and by the direction of the convention I have been and am in correspondence with the executive officers of the affiliated state federations of labor, and city central bodies with the purpose in view of having such laws unacted as will do away with such practices.825 Mr. Edwin A. Brown---2. Hoping to hear from you again, I am Very truly yours, Sam'l Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.826 Z March 20, 1911. Dr. E. White Stagg, Secretary, National Committee on Prison Labor, 27 East Twenty-Second Street, New York, N. Y. My dear Sir: Your favor of the 18th instant is received and contents noted. I note the action which you have taken in regard to having my recent editorial republished and given greater publicity. In compliance with your request, I am sending to you under separate cover a copy of the Maron issue of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST containing the editorial referred to. Our supply has run quite short and I regret not being able to send you more copies. Very truly yours, Sam'l Gompers President, American Federation of Labor827 X. March 20th, 1911. Mr. Daniel Harris, President, New York State Federation of Labor, 190 Bowery, New York City. Dear Sir and Brother: [*COPIED. MAR 20 1911*] Enclosed you will find a circular letter issued by Mr. George Blair, and also a copy of a bill introduced in the Senate by M. McClellan, February 22, 1911, being "An Act to amend the labor law, in relation to the employment of children in tenement manufacturing, No. 476, Int. 446. On reading the Bill as well as the circular letter which Mr. Blair has sent to the Senate Committee on Labor and Industries, let me say that it seemed to me to be an entirely meritorious measure and one which ought to be enacted into law at the earliest possible moment. The circular letter reached here too late for incorporation in the April issue of the American Federationist, and I have so informed Mr. Blair. Of course I know that you are entirely familiar with the growing evil of child labor in industries carried on in tenements and a bill of the character such as Senator McClellan's ought to be pressed home upon the legislature and it should become a law. I take it that you have done and are doing your full duty in the premises. I would like to have a word from you upon the subject at the earliest possible moment. Surely an opportunity is presented828 Mr. Daniel Harris -2- to exploit this humanitarian question so that the public conscience of the people of the State of New York may be reached in order to awaken the demand on their part for the enactment of this measure. I have not the slightest doubt but what the newspapers would be glad to publish a series of articles or interviews covering this subject. After noting the circular and bill, kindly return them to me, and oblige, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers [*COPIED. MAR 20 1911*] President, American Federation of Labor.829 X. March 20, 1911 Mr. George Blair, 57 West Tenth Street, New York City. My dear Mr. Blair: [*COPIED. MAR 20 1911*] Your circular letter of the 14th instant, with copy of Mr. McClellan's bill, came duly to hand. Glad to hear from you. It reached here too late to be published in the April issue of the American Federationist. That issue has already gone to press. I shall endeavor to have our friends in the labor movement aid in the enactment of the McClellan Bill, which I regard as entirely meritorious. With best wishes, I am, Very truly yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.830 LF March 20,1911 Mrs. Marion Webster, President, Miss Dagmar Nielsen, Secretary, [*COPIED. MAR 20 1911*] Stenographers, Typewriters, Bookkeepers & Assistanta Union #11773 Ouray Building, Washington, D.C. My dear Mrs. Webster and Miss Nielsen: The receipt of your favor of January 30th has been acknowledged. You know that I have been so overwhelmed with important work at headquarters, as well as elsewhere throughout the country that I have been unable to give the question you ask the due consideration it deserves. You say that you have been instructed to ask my opinion upon the constitutionality of the following section of the constitution of your organization: "Sec. 3. Article VI. All dues, fines and assessments shall be paid to the Financial Secretary, at the regular monthly meetings of this Association, or at any other time or place. Any member being two months in arrears for dues shall be notified of that fact by the Financial Secretary on blanks provided for that purpose, and if at the expiration of three months the dues, fines and assessments, equivalent to the amount of three months' dues are not paid, said member shall stand suspended from membership in the Union, and in order to be reinstated in membership said member shall pay all back indebtedness, together with a fine of one dollar. Any member being six months in arrears for dues shall be dropped. In order for a "dropped" member to be reinstated into membership said member must pay a reinstatement fee of $25 (twenty-five dollars). A suspended member shall not be privileged to admission into the meetings until reinstated." Replying, I would say that Section 3 of Article VI contains a peculiar distinction between "suspension" and "dropped."831 Mrs. Marion Webster, Miss Dagmar Nielsen--2 If a member has been suspended, he or she is dropped form membership. Your union has the right to provide that any member owing three months' dues shall be suspended or dropped from membership and the indebtedness of such a member should stand against his or her account on the financial books. Your union has the right to require any suspended or dropped member to pay the three months' dues and fines and assessments standing against his or her account and to be required to pay the regular initiation fee in order to be privileged to re-admission to the union. The imposition of the re-instatement fee of $25.00 or any other amount than herein stated is in conflict with trade union law and would mitigate against the interest of the members of your organization and prove an obstacle to the more thorough organization of the Stenographers, Typewriters, Bookkeepers and Assistants and their becoming members of your union. Permit me to suggest, if it be agreeable to your organization, that a committee be appointed of one or two of its members and that I should be glad to assist in drafting a section that will meet the situation and which I trust will be of benefit to your organization. With best wishes, I remain, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor.832 LF March 20, 1911 Mr. John T. Smith, Secretary Missouri State Federation of Labor, Labor Temple, 15th & Woodland, Kansas City, MO. [*COPIED. MAR 20 1911*] Dear Sir: Your favor of the 16th instant reached Mr. Gompers today just an hour or two before his leaving the city on an important mission connected with the movement. He was very much interested indeed in the information you give that Governor Hadley has signed the Convict Labor bill and it is now the law of the state of Missouri. He would be glad if you would kindly send him copy of the bill in the shape in which it was enacted into law and signed by the Governor. He would be glad if either you or Mr. Fitzpatrick would keep him advised as to the final disposition of the Factory Inspection, the Child Labor Bill and the Women's Fifty-four Hour a Week Bill. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.833 LF March 20,1911 Mr. W. E. McEwen, Minnesota Employees Compensation Commission, 580 Capitol Boulevarde, St. Paul, Minn. [*COPIED MAR 20 1911*] Dear Sir: Your favor of the 17th instant reached Mr. Gompers today just an hour or two before his leaving the city on an important mission connected with the movement. He read your letter with interest and wanted to write to you personally, but was so crowded with other matters he did not have the opportunity of doing so. He directed me to acknowledge its receipt and to ask you to write him from time to time, keeping him advised as to what action is taken by the Minnesota State Legislature upon the Employers Liability Bill, which you recently introduced. He also thanks you for the clipping which you enclose and hopes to hear from you soon and often. Very truly yours, R Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.834 LF March 20,1911 Mr. Arthur W. Puttee, Editor, The Voice Publishing Company 211 Rupert St., Winnipeg, Man. Canada. [*COPIED MAR 20 1911*] Dear Sir: Your favor of the 15th instant reached Mr. Gompers today just an hour or two before his leaving the city on an important mission connected with the movement. He read your letter with interest and wanted to write to you personally, but was so crowded with other matters he did not have the opportunity of doing so. You enclose copy of the Manitoba Workmen's Compensation Act which went into effect last January. Mr. Gompers want to look this over carefully upon his return and thanks you for sending it to him. He will be glad to hear from you as often as you may find it convenient to write. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*835*] [*COPIED. MAR 21 1911*] X. March 21, 1911. Mr. G. W. Elliott, Secretary, Federal Labor Union #12700, Norwich, New York. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of March the 12th, addressed to Secretary Morrison has been handed to me for further reply. You say that your members are contemplating going out on strike if necessary to secure an advance in wages and that the approval of the Executive Council is desired in case such a step is taken so that the memners may be entitled to financial assistance from the defense fund of the A. F. of L. I enclose you herein copy of the constitution of the A. F. of L. and would call your attention to Article XIII, relating to the defense fund for local trade unions and for federal labor unions. You will observe Section 2, Article XIII of the constitution provides that in the event of any disagreement between a local union and an employer, which, in the opinion of the local may result in a strike, the union is required to notify the President of the A. F. of L. who will investigate, or cause to be investigated, the disagreement and endeavor to effect an adjustment of the difficulty. If an adjustment is not brought about it will be necessary for the President of the A. F. of L. to notify the Executive Council, and if the Council approve the strike, the union will be notified that[*836*] Mr. G. W. Elliott -2- it is authorized to enter upon the strike and be entitled to the benefits provided by the constitution. Your attention is called further to the same section, wherein it provides imperatively that no strike or lockout shall be deemed legal or moneys expended from the defense fund on that account unless the strike or lockout shall have been recognized by the President and approved by the Executive Council. Your attention is also called to Section 7, Article XIII, which reads as follows: "No union inaugurating a strike without the approval of the Executive Council shall receive benefits on account of said strike." In view of the above, therefore, you will please give me the following information: Name of the company employing your members. Are all of the employes of this company either members of your organization or members of other labor organizations? How do the rate of wage and the hours which the members of your organization work for this company compare with the hours and wages as given by other companies in your locality in the same line of work? What efforts have been made by your organization to have the company grant the increase of wages requested? In fact, I desire full and detailed information as to the entire situation, so that the matter will be in proper shape for submission to the Executive Council as provided by the Constitution of the A. F. of L. In view of the requirements of the Constitution of the A. F. of L., as above specifically set forth, you will please give me the information requested at your earliest convenance. I would also recommend that no action should be taken by the members837 Mr. G. W. Elliott -3- of your organization until the Executive Council has had the opportunity of giving a decision in the case. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.838 AH March 21, 1911. TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: This is to certify that Mr. E. W. Barnes, is hereby duly authorized to install the officers and initiate the members of Railroad Helpers and Laborers' Union #13172, Hamlin, Texas. [*COPIED. MAR 21 1911*] Yours fraternally, Samuel Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.[*839*] The remaining three pages of this letter are in neostyle form, kept regularly in stock, and of which a letter press copy can not be made. M March 21, 1911. [*COPIED Mar 21 1911*] Mr. Miles Wolfe, 922 South Main St., Ottawa, Kansas. Dear Sir: Your favor of the 17th instant is at hand, in which you request some material and information on the question "Resolved, That benefits to society are not sufficient to warrant the continuation of labor unions," and that you are to defend the negative side. Enclosed you will please find list of pamphlets publisheed by this office, some of which would be of assistance and interest to you in the precaration of your argument. Inasmuch as the A. F. of L. represents over 2,000,000 wage workers and is the federated body of the entire organized labor movement of the continent, the history of its growth and progress during the thirty years of its existence would be the most direct and succinct form of obtaining an idea of what the organized labor movement of the country has achieved during the past two decades. For this tou should consult the Proceedings of the Annual Conventions of the A. F. of L. and also the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST, our official monthly publication, which is now in the eighteenth year of its existence. We would not be able to furnish you with complete sets of either the bound proceedings or the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST, but you could doubtless secure or consult these at some public library.[*840*] M March 21, 1911. Mr. Fred C. Fenton, 2210 Boone St., Ames, Iowa. [*COPIED MAR 21 1911*] Dear Sir: Your favor of the 18th instant is at hand, in which you request some material on the Canadian Industrial Disputes Act, and in reply I beg to enclose to you herein copy of a pamphlet by the undersigned entitled "No Compulsory Arbitration", in which I discuss full the subject of compulsory arbitration. If you could refer to a file of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST the official monthly publication of the American Federation of Labor, of which I am editor, and consult the issues of March and April, 1901, you would find several editorials which I wrote upon that subject. Also if you could refer to the Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, July 1902, you would secure some very valuable matter as that issue contains a number of addresses delivered upon this subject. Very truly yours, Samuel Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.841 M March 20, 1911 Mr. J. J. McNamara, Secretary, Bridge and Structural Iron Workers, 422-424 American Central Life Bldg., Indianapolis, Ind. [*COPIED MAR 21 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: We are just in receipt of a letter from Organizer N. R. Tustison, enclosing a letter from your Local No. 24, Denver, Colorado, addressed to the Trades and Labor Assembly of that city, which is as follows: "I have been instructed by this union to notify your organization that this union voted on March 1st at their regular meeting to withdraw from your Body." I am sure you realize the disadvantage which result from such a course being followed by a local union attached to its International, and I would, therefore, appreciate it very much if you would kindly communicate with your local in the city named and urge upon it the necessity and advisability of taking prompt steps to become affiliated with the Central Body, as provided by the Constitution of the American Federation of Labor, Section 2, Article XI. Trusting this will receive your prompt attention,and thanking you in advance. I am, Fraternally Yours, Samuel Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.842 M March 20, 1911. Mr. N. R. Tustison, Organizer, 1225 West Ninth Ave., Denver, Colorado. [*COPIED. MAR 21 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 16th instant is at hand, in which you enclose letter from Local No. 24, International Association of Bridge and Structural Iron Workers, in which they withdraw from the Trades and Labor Assembly. In reply I beg to say that I am taking this matter up with the officers of the International Association, requesting them to urge upon their local the advisability and necessity of being represented in the central body, and trust this may have the desired result. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. P.S. I note that you have acquired the eight hour day on the n. P. R. G. R. R. , and hope the good work will continue on other roads.843 M March 20, 1911. Mr. F. Blumenstein, Secretary, Harrisburg Musical Association, 274 Peffer St., Harrisburg, Pa. COPIED. MAR 21 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 19th instant is at hand, and in reply to your inquiry beg to say that the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen is not affiliated with the American Federation of Labor, Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. [*844*] Z March 21, 1911. Mr. Louis Kemper, Secretary, International Union of the United Brewery Workmen, Cor. Vine and Calhoun Streets, Cincinnati, Ohio. [*COPIED MAR 21 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 17th instant is at hand and comments noted. You desire to know whether the American Federation of Labor would give its consent to the Mineral Water Bottlers' Union at St. Louis returning its charter to the American Federation of Labor and the men becoming members of the Brewery Workers' Organization. I beg to say in reply that your letter will be placed before my colleagues of the Executive Council at their next meeting for consideration and action. Of course I do not know what conclusion will be reached. I shall endeavor to advise you in regard thereto but at this writing I cannot definitely say when the Council will hold a meeting. With best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*845*] Z March 21, 1911. Mr. Watson F. Dudbridge, Secretary, Rubber Workers' Union No. 12420, 47 Buttonwood Street, Lambertville, New Jersey. [*COPIED. MAR 21 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 13th instant, which has been partly answered by Secretary Morrison, has been referred to me for further reply. You refer to the controversy between your organization and the Lambertville Rubber Company and desire to know whether a circular appeal for financial assistance to be sent to all organized labor would be endorsed by the A. F. of L. In reply let me call your attention to the fact that several such appeals have recently been issued - an appeal in behalf of the men on strike in Los Angeles and on the Pacific Coast, in behalf of the Garment Workers, on behalf of the Button Workers of Iowa who are engaged in a trade dispute. It is doubtful under these circumstances whether any good results would follow from the issuance of another circular appeal for financial assistance at this time. With kind regards and hoping for the ultimate success of your organization, I am Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*846*] [*COPIED MAR 22 1911*] X. March 22, 1911. Mr. John Mitchell, Vice-President, American Federation of Labor, 10096 Metropolitan Bldg., New York City. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 10th instant at hand, together with the [o]letter written you by several parties from Harlan, Kentucky, requesting information as to organizing a union in direct affiliation with the American Federation of Labor. I am writing to the gentlemen by this mail giving them the desired information. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samu'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*847*] I. March 22, 1911. Mr. J. D. Jones, Harlan, Kentucky. [*COPIED. MAR 22 1911*] Dear Sir: Vice-President Jon Mitchell has forwarded to me your letter to him of March the fourth, in which you say that you are desirous of organizing a union to be affiliated with the American Federation of Labor, and requesting information as to the proper procedure. I wish you would please advose me as to the work in which the men are engaged, and I will then be able to give you definite information as to what to do. Of course you understand that if you and your colleagues are working at a trade of which there is a national or international union, it will be necessary for you to organize under the auspices of that organization, make application for charter and through the international union become affiliated with the A. F. of L. If, however, there is no international union of the trade, then when organized, application should be made to the American Federation of Labor. However, let me hear from you fully as to the matter, and it will be given my prompt attention. Very truly yours, Samuel Gompers President,[*848*] X. March 22, 1911. Mr. John A. Flett, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, Hotel Riendeau, Montreal, Can. [*COPIED. MAR 22 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 30th instant received and contents noted. Thanks for the clipping you enclose from the Hamilton Herald, giving an editorial on the recent action of the Convention of the United Mine Workers of America. I would appreciate it if you would send me the clippings from time to time from the Canadian papers that may come under your notice, dealing with matters in which I am particularly interested. No, the Supreme Court has not as yet handed down its decision. It met last Monday and took a recess for two weeks. We have no idea when the decision will be given. With best wishes, and hoping to hear from you often, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*849*] X. March 22, 1911. Dr. M. R. Leverson, 927 Grant Avenue, Bronx, New York City. [*COPIED. MAR 22 1911*] Dear Sir: Your favor of March 20th is received and contents noted. I am just in receipt of a letter from Organizer Frayne, who advises me that he has already explained to you why it was impossible for him to call at your house on March the 19th, and that it will be equally impossible for him to do so on Sunday, March 26th. He further says that he has referred the matter to the Third Vice-President of the Retail ClerksProtective Association, Mr. Kerins, who is located at Stapleton, Staten Island, and requested him to confer with you. I am sure Mr. Kerins will be glad to give the matter his prompt and sympathetic attention. Very truly yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*850*] X. March 22, 1911. Mr. J. P. Bleasius, Secretary, Central Labor Union, 34 Hitchcock Street, Holyoke, Mass. [*COPIED. MAR 22 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 19th instant is received and contents noted. I am exceedingly glad to know that Organizer Tazelaar's work in Holyoke and vicinity meets with the hearty commendation and and approval of your central body. I should like to be able to comply with your request and have him remain there longer, but it is exceedingly doubtful that that can be done. He was originally assigned to that field for three months. The three months has almost expired. There are urgent demands from other localities for the assistance of a special organizer, work that must be taken care of. I am sure you will agree with me that by having Organizer Tazelaar devote three months of his time entirely to the work in Holyoke is dealing very fairly and generously with the movement there, particularly when there is taken into consideration the many requests from every section of the country for the assistance of special organizers. It seems to me now that the local movement should be able to take care of the work. With best wishes, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*851*] X. March 23, 1911. Mr. W. G. Hudnall, District Council, United Brotherhood of Carpenters sn and Joiners of America, Lynchburg, Virginia. [*COPIED. MAR 22 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 17th instant received and contents noted. You say that it has just come to your knowledge that the Boot and Shoe Workers of Lynchburg have been organized in the Knights of Labor, and you request information as to the organization. The International organization of Boot and Shoe Workers affiliated to the American Federation of Labor is known as "The Boot and Shoe Workers Union". Mr. John Tobin is President, 246 Summer Street, Boston, Mass. I have just written to him, sending copy of your letter to me. In the meantime, as to the Knights of Labor, let me say that if there ever was, there certainly is not now, any good reason why the workers should be organized in a K. of L. Assembly, or in the very small remainder of the K. of L. which is left. The Trade Union is the natural as well as the traditional organization for the workers to form and join. There is no good reason why any workers in any particular trade, whether skilled or unskilled, should refrain from forming or joining a union of that trade or calling. If, on the other hand, for any reason there be any necessity for organizing[*852*] Mr. W. G. Hudnall -2- a body of workers of mixed callings, then they can form a federal labor union in full affiliation to the American Federation of Labor. It might not be uninteresting to add further that, as stated above, there are but a few remnants of the K. of L. left, and these are torn asunder with two general executive officers, with two separate and rival and antagonistic jurisdictions. It seems to me that if the men who have formed that local assembly of the K. of L. in your city were fully acquainted with the conditions and circumstances, they would follow the advice and suggestion herein contained, and in the event of their failure to do so, I cannot realize that they should be entitled to representation in your central body. The trend of our times is that the wealth possessors of our country are organizing and concentrating their wealth, their power, and their forces, and it is the part of wisdom to protect and promote the interests of the workers that they should form and join unions of their respective trades and callings, be in full affiliation with their central bodies, with the national and international unions, and with the central body of organized labor of America,[k] under the banner of the American Federation of Labor, the most far reaching, comprehensive, liberal, progressive federation of labor ever organized here or elsewhere. Hoping to hear from you further, and with kind regards, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.853 X. March 21, 1911. [*COPIED. MAR 22 1911*] Mr. John Tobin, President, Boot and Shoe Workers'Union, 246 Summer Street, Boston, Mass. Dear Sir and Brother: Enclosed you will please find copy of a letter that I have just received from Mr. W. G. Hudnall, of the Carpenters' District Council of Lynchburg. It seemed to me that you should have the in- formation he gives to the organization of the Boot and Shoe Workers of the city under the auspices of the Knights of Labor. I also enclose to you herein copy of my reply. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.854 COPY. DISTRICT COUNCIL UNITED BROTHERHOOD OF CARPENTERS AND JOINERS OF AMERICA Lynchburg, Va. March 17, 1911. Mr. Samuel Gompers, Dear Sir and Brother: It has just come to my knowledge that the Boot and Shoe Workers of this city has been organized by the Knights of Labor. They do not seem to take on to the Boot and Shoe Workers Union at all. Is the Knights of Labor recognized by the A. F. of L. or not, please advise me at once, and oblige, Yours with best wishes, (Signed) W. G. Hudnall,855 X March 21, 1911. COPIED. MAR 22 1911 Mr. John Morrison, 25 Third Avenue New York City. My dear Mr. Morrison: Mr. Gompers left for New York yesterday before he had the opportunity of reading your letter of the 18th, which was received yesterday morning. It may be that you will see him while there but in any event I thought that I would write you a line in reply to say that Mrs. Gompers has taken a turn for the better and hope now that she will get along all right. She has been very sick indeed but when I saw her Sunday, although she was lying in the bed helpless, yet she looked very much better. I am very sorry indeed to know that Mrs. Morrison has been so sick, and I hope that she is feeling much better now. There seems to have been a perfect epidemic of grippe in Washington this winter, and evidently you New Yorkers must also have had your share of it. When I saw Mrs. Gompers Sunday she was telling me what a very hard time you have had. I knew you had been quite sick but I did not know you had been so bad off. I am very glad to know that you are better, and hope you will soon be all right. With kindest regards to both you and Mrs. Morrison, I am, Sincerely yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers856 X. March 21, 1911. COPIED. MAR 22 1911 Mr. E. M. Mann, Attorney-at-Law, Mart, Texas. Dear Sir: Your favor of the 17th instant received and contents noted You request data and information to be used by you in your investigation of the subject of the initiative and referendum. Under separate cover I am sending you copy of the March issue of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST, and would refer you to an article on page 198, entitled "Initiative and Referendum and the A. F. of L." by G. W. Perkins, President of the Cigar Makers' International Union. I am also sending you copy of speech by Hon. Jonathan Bourne, Jr., United States Senator from Oregon, delivered in the Senate during the last session of Congress. He discusses this subject very fully. Then in you would correspond with Mr. George H. Shibley, Chairman, People's Rule League of America, Bliss Building, Washingotn D. C., I am sure he would be able to give you printed matter and further data which might be of interest to you. Very truly yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federationof Labor.857 X. March 21, 1911. COPIED. MAR 22 1911 Mr. Albert L. Leubuscher, Water Mill, New York. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 17th instant in which you enclose matter for publication in the American Federationist. It will be held for his attention upon his return, and should you receive no further reply from him you will kindly understand the matter you enclose is not available. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.858 X. March 21, 1911. COPIED MAR 22 1911 Mr. H. S. Rowe, American Academy of Political and Social Science, Philadelphia, Pa. Dear Sir: In some way your telegram to Mr. Gompers of the 18th was mislaid and so far as I know no answer was made to you. He is now absent from the city, and in acknowledging receipt of your telegram I beg to say that he has a memorandum on his desk of the meeting on April the seventh, and that he will attend if he can possibly do so. It is impossible for him at this time, owing to a combination of circumstances, to say definitely whether he can or cannot attend the meeting. He hopes to be able to accept the invitation, but it would be better that he is not advertised as one of the speakers until he can definitely assure you as to the probability of his being present. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.859 X. March 22, 1911. COPIED. MAR 22 1911 Mr. Geo. J. Thompson, Bryant Hotel, Flint, Michigan. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers on official business, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 20th instant, which will be brought to his attention on his return to headquarters. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.860 M March 22, 1911. COPIED. MAR 22 1911 Mr. O. M. Heath, Organizer, 120 N. A St., Arkansas City, Kansas. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 20th instant is at hand, and contents noted. In reply I beg to say that our records show that commission as volunteer organizer was renewed and forwarded to you March 17, 1911. No doubt you have received it before this. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.861 M March 22, 1911. COPIED. MAR 22 1911 Mr. William La Fontaine, 230 West Drinker St., Dunmore, Pa. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers and acknowledging receipt of your letter of the 13th instant, in which you refer to the matter recently under consideration at the meeting of the Central Labor Union of Dunmore, that is, the Civic Federation, etc., I beg to enclose to you herein copy of letter which President Gompers wrote to the President of the Trades Assembly of Schnectady, N. Y., on March 20. In this letter he discusses at length the preambles and resolutions adopted by the Trades Assembly of Schnectady in regard to the Civic Federation. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers,862 M March 22, 1911. COPIED. MAR 22 1911 Mr. Will Herman, Secretary, Tin, Steel, Iron and Granite Ware Workers No. 10943, 2034 Dewey Ave., Granite City, Illinois. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 18th instant received and contents noted. I am sending copy of your letter to President McArdle, of the Amalgamated Association of Iron, Steel and Tin Workers for his consideration, in connection with our previous correspondence upon this subject matter of the desire of the members of Local No. 8 to give up their charter and become members of Local No.10943. Therefore, I am merely making this acknowledgment of the receipt of your letter until I hear further from President McArdle. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers, President American Federation of Labor.863 M March 21, 1911. COPIED. MAR 22 1911 Mr. P. J. McArdle, President, Amal. Assn. of Iron, Steel and Tin Workers, House Bldg., Pittsburg, Pa. Dear Sir and Brother: In continuation of our correspondence in regard to the situation at Granite City, Illinois, and the conference which you and the other interested parties were to have as to the matter of the withdrawal of the members of your local No.8, and their transfer to and becoming a part of the Tin, Steel, Iron and Granite Ware Workers No. 10943, I beg to enclose to you herein copy of letter which I have just received from the Secretary of the latter named organization. As you will note it is in reply to my letter to him of February 15, copy of which was sent to you at the time. I have not yet heard from you as to whether the conference was held, and if so with what results. I would, therefore, be glad to have a word from you and also an expression from you as to the enclosed. Hoping to receive your early reply and with kind regards, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.864 COPY TIM, STEEL, IRON AND GRANITE WARE WORKERS Lodge No. 10943. Granite City, Ill., March 18, 1911. Mr. Samuel Gompers, President A. F. of L. Dear Sir: I received your letter of February 15, and in reply will state, that Good Friday Lodge #8, of the Amalgamated Association of Iron, Steel and Tin Workers, is so closely allied with 10943 in their work that I can not see why the Amalgamated Association of Iron, Steel and Tin Workers can not turn them loose to become members of our local. In order for you to understand the matter will say that this black steel ware is first pickled in acid by men of 10943. From there it goes to the dryer men also of 10943: then it goes to girls, who dip the same in this enamel, after which it goes to burners #8, who burn the same: from them it comes back to the assorters who are men of 10943, and so on down the line until it is shipped which is also done by men of 10943. With the exception of the girls who dip this ware and the girls who wrap the same in paper this ware is handled by union men. Of course, in factory department we are unorganized as President McArdie says, but I think still that we can control things if both locals get together. You can see that it is to our interest if this can be done. As they have a scale which runs out in July while ours runs out in August. Now I think there would be considerable trouble if one of the locals could not sign up. The question was raised at our last meeting what action would the A. F. of L. take in case the men of #8 send back their charter and desired to become members of our local. Will be in a position to advise you more fully after our nest meeting what action #8 is865 S. G. 2. going to take. In conclusion will say that the Amalgamated has jurisdiction over the rolling mill in Granite City and in St. Louis, but I can not see where they have it on the men of #8 lodge. Trusting to hear from you at an early date and hoping this matter is settled in a friendly spirit, I am with best wishes, for success, Yours fraternally, Will Herman, Secretary. 2034 Dewey Ave. COPIED. MAR 22 1911[*866*] M March 21, 1911. [*COPIED. MAR 22 1911*] Mr. Dave Gross, Secretary, Marble-Mosiac and Terraza Workers' Union, Local No. 12707, 142 Woodland St., Kansas City, Mo. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 17th instant is at hand, in which you enclose copy of the new wage scale adopted by your organization, and which you desire endorsed by the American Federation of Labor. You fail to say either in your letter or in the wage scale when it is to go into effect. You will, therefore, please give me at your earliest convenience the following information: Are your members now working under a signed agreement and wage scale? When is the present scale to go into effect? The name of the Company employing your members. Are all the employes of this Company members of your organization? If not, of what organization are they members or are they non-union. How do the wages and hours under which your members work compare with wages and hours in similar lines of work in your city. Are all the men in your line of work members of your organization?[*867*] H. G. 2. In connection with this matter your attention is called to Article XIII of the Constitution of the American Federation of Labor copy of which you will please find enclosed herein. You will observe that Section 2, Article XIII of the Constitution provides that in the event of any disagreement between a local union and an employer, which, in the opinion of the local union may result in a strike, the union is required to notify the President of the A. F. of L., who will investigate, or cause to be investigated, the disagreement and endeavor to effect and adjustment of the difficulty. If an adjustment is not brought about it will be necessary for the President of the A. F. of L. to notify the Executive Council, and if the Council approve the strike, the union will be notified that it is authorized to enter upon the strike and be entitled to the benefits provided by the constitution. Your attention is called further to the same section, wherein it provides imperatively that no strike or lockout shall be deemed legal or moneys expended from the defense fund on that account unless the strike or lockout shall have been authorized and approved by the President and Executive Council. Your attention is also called to Section 7, Article XIII, which reads as follows: "Any union inaugurating a strike without the approval of the Executive Council shall not receive benefits on account of said strike." Therefore in view of the requirements of the A. F. of L. as above set forth, you will please give me the information I desire at your earliest convenience, so that the matter may be submitted868 D. G. 2. to my colleagues of the Executive Council. I would also suggest that no further steps should be taken by your organization in regard to your new wage scale until it has been submitted to the Executive Council. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you at your earliest possible moment, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers, President American Federation of Labor.869 COPIED. MAR 22 1911 M March 21, 1911. Mr. Henry T. Buffington, Bureau of Labor, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 17th instant, and to thank you in his name for the date which you submit for his information. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.870 COPIED. MAR 22 1911 M March 21, 1911. Mr. C. W. Woodman, c/o Union Banner, Ft. Worth, Texas. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers I beg to acknowledge receipt of your two favors of the 16th instant, and to say that will be brought to his attention at the earliest opportunity. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.871 COPIED MAR 23 1911 D Y TELEGRAM. Washington, D. C., March 23, 1911. Mr. Jerome Jones, 14 1/2 N. Forsyth Street, Atlanta, Georgia. Morrison Spencer Tracy and I are due Atlanta ten-thirty Sunday morning Southern railroad Will you please telegraph at once name of hotel where we will stop? SAMUEL GOMPERS. Charge A. F. of L.[*872*] [*COPIED. MAR 23 1911*] X. March 22, 1911. Mr. J. R. Harris, Secretary, Central Labor Council, Box 1874, Seattle, Washington. Dear Sir and Brother: The President of the Buck's Stove and Range Company of St. Louis has recently written me sending copy of letter written him by one of his traveling men who recently visited Seattle. This party states that the stove dealers in Seattle are very reluctant or refuse to handle the Buck's Stoves and ranges because of the attitude of organized labor to the company. Enclosed you will also please find copy of circular which was recently issued by this office in regard to the harmonious and friendly relations now existing between organized labor and the Buck's Stove and Range Company, and calling attention to the fact that the management of that company could not by anything it could possibly do put an end to the cases pending in the United States Supreme Court, and that justice and right demand that all should be informed that the Buck's Stove and Range Company is entitled to the encouragement and patronage of all labor's friends and sympathizers. I would therefore suggest that a committee should be appointed by your central body to wait upon the dealers in your city to formally and officially advise them of the facts as set forth in the enclosed circular. You will appreciate that it is not only to[*873*] Mr. J. B. Harris -2- the interests of the company, but to the best interests of organized labor that the greatest possible publicity should be given to labor's present relations with that company. I would appreciate it if you would let me have a word from you in regard to the above. With best wished, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. COPIED. MAR 23 1911874 X. March 22, 1911. COPIED. MAR 23 1911 Mr. L. A. Barth, Secretary, Central Labor Union, Room 4, Talbott Block, Indianapolis, Ind. Dear Sir and Brother: The President of the Buck's Stove and Range Company of St. Louis has recently written me sending copy of letter written him by one of his traveling men who recently visited Indianapolis. This party states that the stove dealers in Indianapolis are very re- luctant or refuse to handle the Buck's stoves and ranges because of the attitude of organized labor to that company. Enclosed you will also please find copy of circular which was recently issued by this office in regard to the harmonious and friendly relations now existing between organized labor and the Buck's Stove and Range Company, and calling attention to the fact that the management of that company could not by anything it could possibly do put an end to the cases pending in the United States Supreme Court, and that justice and right demand that all should be informed that the Buck's Stove and Range Company is entitled to the encouragement and patronage of all labor's friends and sympathizers. I would therefore suggest that a committee should be appointed by your central body to wait upon the dealers in your city to formally and officially advise them of the facts as set forth in the enclosed circular. You will appreciate that it is not only to875 Mr. L. A. Barth -2- the interests of the company, but to the best interests of organized labor that the greatest possible publicity should be given to labor's present relations with that company. I would appreciate it if you would let me have a word from you in regard to the above. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.876 X. March 22, 1911. COPIED. MAR 23 1911 Mr. E. N. Nockels, Secretary, Chicago Federation of Labor, 275 La Salle Street, Chicago, Ill. Dear Sir and Brother: The President of the Buck's Stove and Range Company of St. Louis has recently written me sending copy of letter written him by one of his traveling men who recently visited Chicago. This party states that the stove dealers in Chicago are very reluctant or refuse to handle the Buck's stoves and ranges because of the attitude of organized labor to that company. Enclosed you will also please find copy of circular which was recently issued by this office in regard to the harmonious and friendly relations now existing between organized labor and the Buck's Stove and Range Company, and calling attention to the fact that the management of that company could not by anything it could possibly do put an end to the cases pending in the United States Supreme Court, and that justice and right demand that all should be informed that the Buck's Stove and Range Company is entitled to the encouragement and patronage of all labor's friends and sympathizers. I would therefore suggest that a committee should be appointed by your central body to wait upon the dealers in your city to formally and officially advise them of the facts as set forth in the enclosed circular. You will appreciate that it is not only877 Mr. E. N. Nockels -2- to the interests of the company, but to the best interests of organized labor that the greatest possible publicity should be given to labor's present relations with that company. I would appreciate it if you would let me have a word from you in regard to the above. With best wished, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.878 X. March 23, 1911. COPIED. MAR 23 1911 Mr. John Mitchell, Vice-President, American Federation of Labor, 10096 Metropolitan Bldg., New York City. Dear Sir and Brother: Upon my return to headquarters this morning, I find awaiting me your favor of the 21st, in which you say that although you will not be able to attend the opening of the convention of District #5, United Mine Workers of America, on March the 27th, yet you will be there by March the 31st, or the morning of April first. I am very glad indeed that you are able to undertake this mission. There are two other matters which I have in mind about which I desire to consult you. By resolution #119, the St. Louis convention directed that a conference be held between the representatives of the Painters and the representatives of the Brotherhood of Car Workers. Since the adjournment of the convention, I have been in continuous correspondence with the officers of both organizations. The conference had been called for two separate dates, when at the last moment either one or the other of the two organizations were unable to be represented and the conference was called off. It now appears that arrangements can be made for the conference for the middle of April, probably about April 20th or 25th. The Painters suggest that it should be held in Chicago. If the 25th is decided upon and Chicago879 Mr. John Mitchell -2- the place, would it be possible for you to act as the representative of the A. F. of L.? Then there is another conference as provided by resolutions 22 and 81, in which the representatives of the Painters, Carriage and Wagon Workers, the Blacksmiths and the Upholsterers will participate. I think this conference could be called for Chicago on the 24th. If these two conferences can be arranged for the 24th and 25th of April would it be possible for you to attend both as the representative of the A. F. of L.? Please advise me as to this at your early convenience, and I will then take the matter up further with the several organizations interested. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.880 COPIED. MAR 23 1911 M March 20, 1911. Mr. A. H. B. Corneliusen, Secretary, Central Labor Union, 500 North Ninth St., Waco, Texas. Dear Sir and Brother: In continuation of my letter to you of the 15th instant I beg to advise you that Secretary Berres of the Metal Trades Depart- ment of the A. F. of L. writes me as follows: "I have before me your favor of the 15th instant, with letter enclosed from A. H. B. Corneliusen, Secretary of the Central Labor Council of Waco, Texas. In reply permit me to say that I have no specific or detailed data or information concerning existing con- ditions at Homestead, Pa. I note that not one of our affiliated international organizations, however, have a local union at Homestead. This in itself is significant." If there is any further assistance which I can give you in this matter please advise me. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*881*] COPIED. MAR 23 1911 M March 20, 1911 Mr. V. A. Schiefelbusch, 1001 S. Florence St., Kirksville, Missouri. Dear Sir: Your favor of the 16th instant is at hand, in which you ask my position on compulsory industrial insurance, for the laboring man in the United States. In reply I beg to say that a similar proposition was submitted by one of the delegates to the San Francisco Convention of the the American Federation of Labor, but it was rejected. We believe in insurance in the unions, and many of our international unions have established a system of benefits in case of out of work, loss of tools, sickness, death, travelling and various other benefits and insurance features. Very truly yours, Saml Gompers President American Federation of Labor.882 COPIED. MAR 23 1911 M March 20, 1911. Mr. C. D. Pierce, Secretary, Central Labor Union, 301 Front Ave., Miami, Florida. *COPIED. MAR [????]* Dear Sir and Brother: We are in receipt of a letter from President B. Sutton, of the Central Labor Union, enclosing the endorsement of that body, for his appointment as volunteer organizer for Miami and vicinity. It affords me pleasure to comply with the request and rec- ommendation made, and commission will be issued and forwarded to Brother Sutton in accordance therewith. There will also be forwarded to him a package of litera- ture and documents published by this office which I am sure he will find of assistance in the discharge of his duties as the representative of the A. F. of L. for the section. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor.[*883*] [*COPIED. MAR 23 1911*] Z March 22, 1911. Mr. James O'Connell, Vice-President, 407 McGill Building, City. Dear Sir and Brother: Enclosed please find a copy of a letter which I am sending to the members of the Sixty-second Congress who are also members of organized labor, inviting them to attend a conference at the headquarters of the A. F. of L. at 8 o'clock on Wednesday evening, April fifth. It is desired that the resident members of the Executive Council as well as the officers of the several Departments of the A. F. of L. and the Legislative Committee should participate in that conference and an invitation is therefore extended to you to be present at the time and place stated. With best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*884*] [*COPIED. MAR 23 1911*] Z March 22, 1911. Mr. A. J. Berres, Secretary, Metal Trades Department A. F. of L. Ouray Building, City. Dear Sir and Brother: Enclosed please find a copy of a letter which I am sending to the members of the Sixty-second Congress who are also members of organized labor, inviting them to attend a conference at the headquarters of the A. F. of L. at 8 o'clock on Wednesday evening, April 5th. It is desired that the resident members of the Executive Council as well as the officers of the several departments of the A. F. of L. and the Legislative Committee should participate in that conference and an invitation is therefore extended to you to be present at the time and place stated. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*885*] [*COPIED. MAR 23 1911*] Z March 22, 1911 Mr. William J. Spencer, Secretary, Union Label Trades Department, A. F. of L., Ouray Building, City. Dear Sir and Brother: Enclosed please find a copy of a letter which I am sending to the members of the Sixty-second Congress who are also members of organized labor, inviting them to attend a conference at the headquarters of the A. F. of L., at 8 o'clock on Wednesday evening, April 5th. It is desired that the resident members of the Executive Council as well as the officers of the several De- partments of the A. F. of L. and the Legislative Committee should participate in that conference and an invitation is therefore extended to you to be present at the time and place stated. With best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*886*] COPIED. MAR 23 1911 Z March 22, 1911. Mr. Thomas F. Tracy, Secretary, Union Label Trades Department, A. F. of L., Ouray Building, City. Dear Sir and Brother: Enclosed please find a copy of a letter which I am sending to the members of the Sixty-second Congress who are also members of organized labor, inviting them to attend a conference at the headquarters of the A. F. of L. at 8 O'clock on Wednesday evening, April fifth. It is desired that the resident members of the Executive Council as well as the officers of the several Departments of the A. F. of L. and the Legislative Committee should participate in that conference and an invitation is therefore extended to you to be present at the time and place stated. With best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*887*] COPIED. MAR 23 1911 Z March 22, 1911. Hon. J. Campbell Cantrill, Member Sixty-second Congress, Georgetown, Kentucky. Dear Sir: During the Sixtieth and Sixty-first Congresses from time to time the members of Congress, who were members of organized labor, met in conference with the resident members of the Executive Council, the officers of the several Departments of the A. F. of L., and the A. F. of L. Legislative Committee. These conferences were productive of much good and afforded the opportunity for a full and free discussion of legislation, of the several bills which labor seeks to have enacted into law, and also afforded the opportunity for deciding upon plans and measures tending to advance the enactment of our various bills. Having these matters in mind, it seemed to me that upon the opening of the extra session of the Sixty-second congress, that it would be well and for the best interests of all if conferences of the character above indicated should be held. I am therefore writing to you and to other members of Congress, members of organized labor, to invite you and them to meet in conference at eight o'clock Wednesday evening, April 5th, at Room 401, Ouray Building. The resident members of the Executive Council will also be present, as will the executive officers of the several Departments of the A.F.of L.[*888*] [*COPIED. MAR 23 1911*][ Hon. J. Campbell Cantrill---2. and the Legislative Committee. I most sincerely trust that your engagements are of such a character as will permit your attending the conference. May I ask that you kindly let me have a word from you in regard to the matter at your early convenience? Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. [*889*] [*COPIED. MAR 23 1911*] Z March 22, 1911. Hon. James T. McDermott, Member Sixty-second Congress, 4300 Emerald Avenue, Chicago, Illinois. Dear Sir: During the Sixtieth and Sixty-first Congresses from time to time the members of Congress, who were members of organized labor, met in conference with the resident members of the Executive Council, the officers of the several Departments of the A. F. of L., and the A. F. of L. Legislative Committee. These conferences were productive of much good and afforded the opportunity for a full and free discussion of legislation, of the several bills which labor seeks to have enacted into law, and also afforded the opportunity for deciding upon plans and measures tending to advance the enactment of our various bills. Having these matters in mind, it seemed to me that upon the opening of the extra session of the Sixty-second Congress, that it would be well and for the best interests of all if conferences of the character above indicated should be held. I am therefore writing to you and to other members of congress, members of organized labor, to invite you and them to meet in conference at eight o'clock Wednesday evening, April fifth, at Room 401, Ouray[*890*] [*COPIED. MAR 23 1911*] Hon. James T. McDermott---2. Building. The resident members of the Executive Council will also be present, as will the executive officers of the several Departments of the A. F. of L. and the Legislative Committee. I most sincerely trust that your engagements are of such a character as will permit your attending the conference. May I ask that you kindly let me have a word from you in regard to the matter at your early convenience? Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*891*] [*COPIED. MAR 22 1911*] Z March 22, 1911. Hon. Frank Buchanan, Member Sixty-second Congress, 3502 North Central Park Avenue, Chicago, Illinois. Dear Sir: During the Sixtieth and Sixty-first Congresses from time to time the members of Congress, who were members of organized labor, met in conference with the resident members of the Executive Council and the officers of the several Departments of the A. F. of L., and the A. F. of L. Legislative Committee. These conferences were productive of much good and afforded the opportunity for a full and free discussion of legislation, of the several bills which labor seeks to have enacted into law, and also afforded the opportunity for deciding upon plans and measures tending to advance the enactment of our various bills. Having these matters in mind, it seemed to me that upon the opening of the extra session of the Sixty-second Congress, that it would be well and for the best interests of all if conferences of the character above indicated should be held. I am therefore writing to you and to other members of Congress, members of organized labor, to invite you and them to meet in conference at eight o'clock Wednesday evening, April fifth, at Room 401, Ouray Building. The resident members of the Executive Council will also[*892*] COPIED. MAR 23 1911 Hon. Frank Buchanan---2. be present, as will the executive officers of the several Departments of the A. F. of L. and the Legislative Committee. I most sincerely trust that your engagements are of such a character as will permit your attending the conference. May I ask that you kindly let me have a word from you in regard to the matter at your early convenience. Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*893*] [*COPIED. MAR 23 1911*] Z March 22, 1911. Hon. James P. Mather, Member Sixty-second Congress, Brooklyn, N. Y. Dear Sir: During the Sixtieth and Sixty-first Congresses from time to time the members of Congress, who were members of organized labor met in conference with the resident members of the Executive Council, the officers of the several Departments of the A. F. of L., and the A. F. of L. Legislative Committee. These conferences were productive of much good and afforded the opportunity for a full and free discussion of legislation, of the several bills which labor seeks to have enacted into law, and also afforded the opportunity for deciding upon plans and measures tending to advance the enactment of our various bills. Having these matters in mind, it seemed to me that upon the opening of the extra session of the Sixty-second Congress, that it would be well and for the best interests of all if conferences of the character above indicated should be held. I am therefore writing to you and to other members of Congress, members of organized labor, to invite you and them to meet in conference at eight o'clock Wednesday evening, April fifth, at Room 401, Ouray Building. The resident members of the Executive Council will also be present as will the executive officers of the several Departments[*894*] COPIED. MAR 23 1911 Hon. James P. Mather---2' of the A. F. of L. and the Legislative Committee. I most sincerely trust that your engagements are of such a character as will permit your attending the conference. May I ask that you kindly let me have a word from you in regard to the matter at your early convenience? Fraternally yours. Saml. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[* 895 *] [* COPIED MARCH 23 1911 *] Z March 22, 1911. Hon. John R. Farr, Member Sixty-second Congress, Scranton, Pennsylvania. Dear Sir: During the Sixtieth and Sixty-first Congresses from time to time the members of Congress who were members of organized labor, met in conference with the resident members of the Executive Council, the officers of the several Departments of the A. F. of L. and the A. F. of L. Legislative Committee. These conferences were productive of much good and affoVded the opportunity for a full and free discussion of legislation, of the several bills which labor seeks to have enacted into law, and also afforded the opportunity for deciding upon plans and measures tending to advance the enactment of our various bills. Having these matters in mind, it seemed to me that upon the opening of the extra session of the Sixty-second Congress, that it would be well and for the best interests of all if conferences of the character above indicated should be held. I am therefore writing to you and to other members of Congress, members of organized labor, to invite you and them to meet in conference at eight o'clock Wednesday evening, April fifth, at Room 401, Ouray Building. The resident members of the Executive Council will also[* 896 *] Hon. John R. Farr --- 2. be present, as will the executive officers of the several Departments of the A. F. of L. and the Legislative Committee. I most sincerely trust that your engagements are of such a character as will permit your attending the conference. May I ask that you kindly let me have a word from you in regard to the matter at your early convenience? Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. [* COPIED MAR 23 1911 *][* 897 *] [* COPIED MARCH 23 1911 *] Z March 22, 1911. Hon. E. E. Roberts, Member Sixty-second Congress, Carson City, Nevada. Dear Sir: During the Sixtieth and Sixty-first Congresses from time to time the members of Congress, who were members of organized labor, met in conference with the resident members of the Executive Council, the officers of the several Departments of the A. F. of L., and the A. F. of L. Legislative Committee. These conferences were productive of much good and afforded the opportunity for a full and free discussion of legislation, of the several bills which labor seeks to have enacted into law, and also afforded the opportunity for deciding upon plans and measures tending to advance the enactment of our various bills. Having these matters in mind, it seemed to me that upon the opening of the extra session of the Sixty-second Congress, that it would be well and for the best interests of all if conferences of the character above indicated should be held. I am therefore writing to you and to other members of Congress, members of organized labor, to invite you and them to meet in conference at eight o'clock Wednesday evening, April fifth, at Room 401, Ouray Building. The resident members of the Executive Council will also be present, as will the executive officers of the several Departments of the[* 898 *] Hon. E. E. Roberts --- 2. A. F. of L. and the Legislative Committee. I most sincerely trust that your engagements are of such a character as will permit your attending the conference. May I ask that you kindly let me have a word from you in regard to the matter at your early convenience? Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. [* COPIED MAR 23 1911 *][* 899 *] [* COPIED MA 23 1911 *] Z March 22, 1911. Hon. Isaac R. Sherwood, Member Sixty-second Congress, Toledo, Ohio. Dear Sir: During the Sixtieth and Sixty-first Congresses from time to time the members of Congress, who were members of organized labor, met in conference with the resident members of the Executive Council, the officers of the several Departments of the A. F. of L., and the A. F. of L. Legislative Committee. These conferences were productive of much good and afforded the opportunity for a full and free discussion of legislation, of the several bills which labor seeks to have enacted into law, and also afforded the opportunity for deciding upon plans and measures tending to advance the enactment of our various bills. Having these matters in mind, it seemed to me that upon the opening of the extra session of the Sixty-second Congress, that it would be well and for the best interests of all if conferences of the character above indicated should be held. I am therefore writing to you and to other members of Congress, members of organized labor, to invite you and them to meet in conference at eight o'clock Wednesday evening, April fifth, at Room 401, Ouray Building. The resident members of the Executive Council will also be present, as will the executive officers of the several Departments[* 900 *] Hon. Isaac R. Sherwood --- 2. departments of the A. F. of L. and the Legislative Committee. I most sincerely trust that your engagements are of such a character as will permit your attending the conference. May I ask that you kindly let me have a word from you in regard to the matter at your early convenience? Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. [* COPIED MAR 23 1911 *][*901*] [*COPIED. MAR 23 1911*] Z March 22, 1911. Hon. Carl C. Anderson, Member Sixty-second Congress, Fostoria, Ohio. Dear Sir: During the Sixtieth and Sixth-first Congresses from time to time the members of Congress, who were members of organized labor, met in conference with the resident members of the Executive Council, the officers of the several Departments of the A. F. of L., and the A. F. of L. Legislative Committee. These conferences were productive of much good and afforded the opportunity for a full and free discussion of legislation, of the several bills which labor seeks to have enacted into law, and also afforded the opportunity for deciding upon plans and measures tending to advance the enactment of our various bills. Having these matters in mind, it seemed to me that upon the opening of the extra session of the Sixty-second congress, that it would be well and for the best interests of all if conferences of the character above indicated should be held. I am therefore writing to you and to other members of congress, members of organized labor, to invite you and them to meet in conference at eight o'clock Wednesday evening, April fifth, at Room 401, Ouray Building. The resident members of the Executive council will also be present, as will the executive officers of the several Departments902 Hon. Carl C. Anderson--2. of the A. F. of L. and the Legislative Committee. I most sincerely trust that your engagements are of such a character as will permit your attending the conference. May I ask that you kindly let me have a word from you in regard to the matter at your early convenience? Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. COPIED. MAR 23 1911[*903*] COPIED. MAR 23 1911 Z March 22, 1911 Hon. Thomas L. Reilly, Member Sixty-second Congress, Meriden, Connecticut. Dear Sir: During the Sixtieth and Sixth-first Congresses from time to time the members of Congress, who were members of organized labor, met in conference with the resident members of the Executive Council, the officers of the several Departments of the A. F. of L., and the A. F. of L. Legislative Committee. These conferences were productive of much good and afforded the opportunity for a full and free discussion of legislation, of the several bills which labor seeks to have enacted into law, and also afforded the opportunity for deciding upon plans and measures tending to advance the enactment of our various bills. Having these matters in mind, it seemed to me that upon the opening of the extra session of the Sixty-second congress, that it would be well and for the best interests of all if conferences of the character above indicated should be held. I am therefore writing to you and to other members of congress, members of organized labor, to invite you and them to meet in conference at eight o'clock Wednesday evening, April fifth, at Room 401, Ouray Building. The resident members of the Executive council will also be present, as will the executive officers of the several[*9?*] COPIED. MAR 23 1911 Hon. Thomas L. Reilly--2. Departments of the A. F. of L. and the Legislative Committee. I most sincerely trust that your engagements are of such a character as will permit your attending the conference. May I ask that you kindly let me have a work from you in regard to the matter at your early convenience? Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*905*] COPIED. MAR 23 1911 Z March 22, 1911. Hon. Henry George, Member Sixty-second Congress, New York, N. Y. Dear Sir: During the Sixtieth and Sixth-first Congresses from time to time the members of Congress, who were members of organized labor, met in conference with the resident members of the Executive Council, the officers of the several Departments of the A. F. of L., and the A. F. of L. Legislative Committee. These conferences were productive of much good and afforded the opportunity for a full and free discussion of legislation, of the several bills which labor seeks to have enacted into law, and also afforded the opportunity for deciding upon plans and measures tending to advance the enactment of our various bills. Having these matters in mind, it seemed to me that upon the opening of the extra session of the Sixty-second congress, that it would be well and for the best interests of all if conferences of the character above indicated should be held. I am therefore writing to you and to other members of congress, members of organized labor, to invite you and them to meet in conference at eight o'clock Wednesday evening, April fifth, at Room 401, Ouray Building. The resident members of the Executive council will also906 COPIED. MAR 23 1911 Hon. Henry George---2. be present, as will the executive officers of the several Depart- ments of the A. F. of L. and the Legislative committee. I most sincerely trust that your engagements are of such a character as will permit your attending the conference. May I ask that you kindly let me have a word from you in regard to the matter at your early convenience? Fraternally yours, Sam Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*907*] COPIED. MAR 23 1911 Z March 22, 1911. Hon. Charles B. Smith, Member 62nd Congress, Buffalo, N. Y. Dear Sir: During the Sixtieth and Sixth-first Congresses from time to time the members of Congress, who were members of organized labor, met in conference with the resident members of the Executive Council, the officers of the several Departments of the A. F. of L., and the A. F. of L. Legislative Committee. These conferences were productive of much good and afforded the opportunity for a full and free discussion of legislation, of the several bills which labor seeks to have enacted into law, and also afforded the opportunity for deciding upon plans and measures tending to advance the enactment of our various bills. Having these matters in mind, it seemed to me that upon the opening of the extra session of the Sixty-second congress, that it would be well and for the best interests of all if conferences of the character above indicated should be held. I am therefore writing to you and to other members of congress, members of organized labor, to invite you and them to meet in conference at eight o'clock Wednesday evening, April fifth, at Room 401, Ouray Building. The resident members of the Executive council will[*908*] COPIED. MAR 23 1911 Hon. Charles B. Smith--2. also be present, as will the executive officers of the several Departments of the A. F. of L. and the Legislative Committee. I most sincerely trust that your engagements are of much a character as will permit your attending the conference. May I ask that you kindly let me have a work from you in regard to the matter at your early convenience? Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*909*] COPIED. MAR 23 1911 Z March 22, 1911. Hon. David J. Lewis, Cumberland, Md. Dear Sir: During the Sixtieth and Sixth-first Congresses from time to time the members of Congress, who were members of organized labor, met in conference with the resident members of the Executive Council, the officers of the several Departments of the A. F. of L., and the A. F. of L. Legislative Committee. These conferences were productive of much good and afforded the opportunity for a full and free discussion of legislation, of the several bills which labor seeks to have enacted into law, and also afforded the opportunity for deciding upon plans and measures tending to advance the enactment of our various bills. Having these matters in mind, it seemed to me that upon the opening of the extra session of the Sixty-second congress, that it would be well and for the best interests of all if conferences of the character above indicated should be held. I am therefore writing to you and to other members of congress, members of organized labor, to invite you and them to meet in conference at eight o'clock Wednesday evening, April fifth, at Room 401, Ouray Building.[*910*] COPIED. MAR 23 1911 Hon. David J. Lewis---2. The resident members of the Executive Council will also be present, as will the executive officers of the several Departments of the A. F. of L. and the Legislative Committee. I most sincerely trust that your engagements are of such a character as will permit your attending the conference. May I ask that you kindly let me have a word from you at your early convenience? Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*911*] COPIED. MAR 23 1911 Z. March 22, 1911. Hon. Adam Littlepage, Member 62nd Congress, Charleston, W. Va. Dear Sir: During the Sixtieth and Sixth-first Congresses from time to time the members of Congress, who were members of organized labor, met in conference with the resident members of the Executive Council, the officers of the several Departments of the A. F. of L., and the A. F. of L. Legislative Committee. These conferences were productive of much good and afforded the opportunity for a full and free discussion of legislation, of the several bills which labor seeks to have enacted into law, and also afforded the opportunity for deciding upon plans and measures tending to advance the enactment of our various bills. Having these matters in mind, it seemed to me that upon the opening of the extra session of the Sixty-second congress, that it would be well and for the best interests of all if conferences of the character above indicated should be held. I am therefore writing to you and to other members of congress, members of organized labor, to invite you and them to meet in conference at eight o'clock Wednesday evening, April fifth, at Room 401, Ouray Building. The resident members of the Executive council will also[*912*] COPIED. MAR 23 1911 Hon. Adam Littlepage--2. be present, as will the executive officers of the several Departments of the A. F. of L. and the Legislative Committee. I most sincerely trust that your engagements are of such a character as will permit your attending the conference. May I ask that you kindly let me have a word from you in regard to the matter at your early convenience? Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*913*] COPIED. MAR 23 1911 Z. March 22, 1911. Hon. William Hughes, Member Sixty-second Congress, Patterson, New Jersey. Dear Sir: During the Sixtieth and Sixth-first Congresses from time to time the members of Congress, who were members of organized labor, met in conference with the resident members of the Executive Council, the officers of the several Departments of the A. F. of L., and the A. F. of L. Legislative Committee. These conferences were productive of much good and afforded the opportunity for a full and free discussion of legislation, of the several bills which labor seeks to have enacted into law, and also afforded the opportunity for deciding upon plans and measures tending to advance the enactment of our various bills. Having these matters in mind, it seemed to me that upon the opening of the extra session of the Sixty-second congress, that it would be well and for the best interests of all if conferences of the character above indicated should be held. I am therefore writing to you and to other members of congress, members of organized labor, to invite you and them to meet in conference at eight o'clock Wednesday evening, April fifth, at Room 401, Ouray Building. The resident members of the Executive council will also[*914*] COPIED. MAR 23 1911 Hon. William Hughes---2. be present, as will the executive officers of the several Departments of the A. F. of L. and the Legislative Committee. I most sincerely trust that your engagements are of such a character as will permit your attending the conference. May I ask that you kindly let me have a word from you in regard to the matter at your early convenience: Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.915 Z. March 22, 1911. COPIED. MAR 23 1911 Hon. Victor L. Berger, Member Sixty-second Congress, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Dear Sir: During the Sixtieth and Sixth-first Congresses from time to time the members of Congress, who were members of organized labor, met in conference with the resident members of the Executive Council, the officers of the several Departments of the A. F. of L., and the A. F. of L. Legislative Committee. These conferences were productive of much good and afforded the opportunity for a full and free discussion of legislation, of the several bills which labor seeks to have enacted into law, and also afforded the opportunity for deciding upon plans and measures tending to advance the enactment of our various bills. Having these matters in mind, it seemed to me that upon the opening of the extra session of the Sixty-second Congress, that it would be well and for the best interests of all if conferences of the character above indicated should be held. I am therefore writing to you and to other members of Congress, members of organized labor, to invite you and them to meet in conference at eight o'clock Wednesday evening, April fifth, at Room 401, Ouray Building. The resident members of the Executive Council will also be present,916 Hon. Victor L. Berger---2. as will the executive officers of the several Departments of the A. F. of L. and the Legislative Committee. I most sincerely trust that your engagements are of such a character as will permit your attending the conference. May I ask that you kindly let me have a word from you in regard to the matter at your early convenience? Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. COPIED. MAR 23 1911917 Z. March 22, 1911. COPIED. MAR 23 1911 Hon. William J. Cary, Member Sixty-second Congress, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Dear Sir: During the Sixtieth and Sixth-first Congresses from time to time the members of Congress, who were members of organized labor, met in conference with the resident members of the Executive Council, the officers of the several Departments of the A. F. of L., and the A. F. of L. Legislative Committee. These conferences were productive of much good and afforded the opportunity for a full and free discussion of legislation, of the several bills which labor seeks to have enacted into law, and also afforded the opportunity for deciding upon plans and measures tending to advance the enactment of our various bills. Having these matters in mind, it seemed to me that upon the opening of the extra session of the Sixty-second Congress, that it would be well and for the best interests of all if conferences of the character above indicated should be held. I am therefore writing to you and to other members of Congress, members of organized labor, to invite you and them to meet in conference at eight918 Hon. William J. Cary--2. o'clock on Wed. evening, April fifth, at Room 401, Ouray Building. The resident members of the Executive Council will also be present, as will the executive officers of the several Departments of the A. F. of L. and the Legislative Committee. I most sincerely trust that your engagements are of such a character as will permit your attending the conference. May I ask that you kindly let me have a word from you in regard to the matter at your early convenience. Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. COPIED. MAR 23 1011919 Z. March 22, 1911. COPIED. MAR 23 1911 Hon. John A. Martin, Member 62nd Congress, Pueblo, Colorado. Dear Sir: During the Sixtieth and Sixth-first Congresses from time to time the members of Congress, who were members of organized labor, met in conference with the resident members of the Executive Council, the officers of the several Departments of the A. F. of L., and the A. F. of L. Legislative Committee. These conferences were productive of much good and afforded the opportunity for a full and free discussion of legislation, of the several bills which labor seeks to have enacted into law, and also afforded the opportunity for deciding upon plans and measures tending to advance the enactment of our various bills. Having these matters in mind, it seemed to me that upon the opening of the extra session of the Sixty-first Congress, that it would be well and for the best interests of all if conferences of the character above indicated should be held. I am therefore writing to you and to other members of Congress, members of organized labor, to invite you and them to meet in conference at eight920 Hon. John A. Martin---2. o'clock on Wednesday evening, April 5th, at Room 401, Ouray Building. The resident members of the Executive Council will also be present, as will the Executive officers of the several Departments of the A. F. of L. and the Legislative Committee. I most sincerely trust that your engagements are of such a character as will permit your attending the conference. May I ask that you kindly let me have a word from you in regard to the matter at your early convenience? Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. COPIED. MAR 23 1911921 Z. March 22, 1911. COPIED. MAR 23 1911 Hon. Robert E. Lee, Member 62nd Congress, Potteville, Pennsylvania. Dear Sir: During the Sixtieth and Sixth-first Congresses from time to time the members of Congress, who were members of organized labor, met in conference with the resident members of the Executive Council, the officers of the several Departments of the A. F. of L., and the A. F. of L. Legislative Committee. These conferences were productive of much good and afforded the opportunity for a full and free discussion of legislation, of the several bills which labor seeks to have enacted into law, and also afforded the opportunity for deciding upon plans and measures tending to advance the enactment of our various bills. Having these matters in mind, it seemed to me that upon the opening of the extra session of the Sixty-second Congress, that it would be well and for the best interests of all if conferences of the character above indicated should be held. I am therefore writing to you and to other members of Congress, members of organized labor, to invite you and them to meet in conference at eight922 Hon. Robert E. Lee---2. o'clock on Wednesday evening, April 5th, at Room 401, Ouray Building. The resident members of the Executive Council will also be present, as will the executive officers of the several Departments of the A. F. of L. and the Legislative Committee. I most sincerely trust that your engagements are of such a character as will permit your attending the conference. May I ask that you kindly let me have a word from you in regard to the matter at your early convenience? Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. COPIED. MAR 23 1911 [*923*] [*COPIED. MAR 23 1911*] Z March 22, 1911. Hon. W. B. Wilson, Member Sixty-second Congress, Blossburg, Pa. Dear Sir: During the Sixtieth and Sixty-first Congresses from time to time the members of Congress, who were members of organized labor, met in conference with the resident members of the Executive Council, the officers of the several Departments of the A. F. of L. and the A. F. of Legislative Committee. These conferences were productive of much good and afforded the opportunity for a full and free discussion of legislation, of the several bills which labor seeks to have enacted into law, and also afforded the opportunity for deciding upon plans and measures tending to advance the enactment of our various bills. Having these matters in mind, it seemed to me that upon the opening of the extra session of the Sixty-second Congress, that it would be well and for the best interests of all if conferences of the character above indicted should be held. I am therefore writing to you and to the other members of Congress, members of organized labor, to invite you and them to meet in conference at [*924*] Hon. W. B. Wilson---2. o'clock on Wednesday evening, April 5th, at Room 401, Ouray Building. The resident members of the Executive Council will also be present, as will the executive officers of the several Departments of the A. F. of L. and the Legislative Committee. I most sincerely trust that your engagements are of such a character that as will permit your attending the conference. May I ask that you kindly let me have a word from you in regard to the matter at your early convenience? Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*925*] X. March 22, 1911. [*COPIED. MAR 23 1911*] Mr. W. H. Brett, Librarian, Cleveland Public Library, Cleveland, Ohio. Dear Sir: Your favor of the 17th instant is received and contents noted. In reply I beg to say that I fear it would not be possible for me to comply with your request to furnish you with a complete set of the bound volumes of the American Federationist. The magazine up to volume eight is exhausted, except those that are kept for the records of our office. From volume eight to volume thirteen, inclusive, bound, we could let your library have at the following rates: Volume 8, 1901, $3.00 " 9, 1902, 3.00 " 10, 1903, 3.50 " 11, 1904, 3.50 " 12, 1905, 3.50 " 13, 1906, 3.50 " 14, 1907, 3.50 " 15, 1908, 3.50 " 16, 1909, 3.50 " 17, 1910, 3.50 This price is made just sufficient to cover the cost of[*926*] Mr. W. H. Brett -2- binding, handling, and shipping. I will be glad to place your library upon our mailing list hereafter, so that the magazine will be sent to you from month to month, commencing with the March, 1911, issue. Enclosed you will find a list of pamphlets published by this office. I am sending you two sets of all of these pamphlets for the files of your library. You should also have for reference a complete set of the bound proceedings of the annual conventions of the American Federation of Labor. A few years ago, as the demand for these proceedings had been so great, the first ten or twelve volumes had become exhausted. The convention directed their reprint. This was done and at a very heavy expense to the A. F. of L., as you can readily understand. We can now furnish the complete set of the bound proceedings from 1881 to date for $17.25, which includes the proceedings of 1910 in paper covers. The proceedings of 1910 and 1911 will be bound in cloth after the 1911 convention. I should indeed be glad to be in a position to present to your library a complete set of the bound proceedings and of the magazine. If the A. F. of L. had any fund at its command to pay for these publications for distribution in the libraries throughout the country, I realize what a great advantage it would be to the labor movement, to thus afford to the student and investigator an easy opportunity of consulting the records of the history and work of the organized labor movement as represented by the American Federation of Labor, but the funds of the Federation are very meager and our educational work is thereby greatly restricted. Trusting that I may hear from you further at your early convenience, I am, Very truly yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.927 M March 22, 1911. COPIED. MAR 23 1911 Mr. A. E. Bogue, Secretary, Local No. 76, Int'l Union Shipwrights, Joiners, etc. Box 121, Miami, Florida. Dear Sir and Brother: Acknowledging receipt of your favor of the 14th instant I beg to say that I have sent copy of it to Secretary G. D. Pierce of the Central Labor Union, for a statement from him, for as you can very readily appreciate I would not undertake to express an opinion upon the matter without having heard from both sides of the controversy. Therefore, your letter will be held awaiting a statement from the central body, when I shall endeavor to give it my earliest attention. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.928 LF March 23, 1911. COPIED. MAR 23 1911 Mr. J. N. Whittaker, Official Stenographer, United States Courts, Richmond, Virginia. Dear Sir: Your favor of the 18th instant is received and contents noted. I am also in receipt of a letter from Organizer E. C. Davison He advises me of his interview with you and that he sees no reason why an effective organization of Stenographers, Typewriters, Bookkeepers and Office Assistants could not be formed in your city. I have just written to him upon the subject and shall continue the correspondence and be helpful in every way within my power to bring about the desired result. There are already affiliated to the American Federation of Labor organizations of this character in Washington, D. C., Chicago, Ill., Indianapolis, Ind., and New York City. We are constantly endeavoring through the assistance of the A. F. of L. organizers to look after the interests of the men and women of this calling whenever the opportunity presents itself. Thanking you for the interest you manifest in the matter and expressing the hope that I may hear from you again, I am, Very truly yours, Sam'l Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.929 LF March 23, 1911 COPIED. MAR 23 1911 Mr. E. C. Davison, Organizer 2132 Pleasant Street, Richmond, Va. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 16th instant is received and contents noted. I am also in receipt of another letter from Mr. J. N. Whittaker Clerk of the United States District Court, in which he advises me that he had had a talk with you in regard to organizing the Stenographers and Typewriters of Richmond. He expresses himself as being desirous of giving any aid within his power. There are already affiliated to the American Federation of Labor Organizations of Stenographers, Typewriters and Office Assistants as follows: Stenographers, Bookkeepers, Typewriters and Assistants #11773, Miss Dagmar J. Nielsen, 4309 8th St., N. W., Washington, D. C. Bookkeepers and Assistants, Association #13092 Mr. Michael A. Graham, 3350 Beach Ave., Chicago, Ill. Stenographers and Typists Association #12755, Miss Mabel E. Dopson, Room 39, 92 La Salle St., Chicago, Ill. Stenographers, Typewriters, Bookkeepers and Assistants #11597, B. E. Hinkle, 642 Newton Claypool Bldg., Indianapolis, Ind. Bookkeepers, Stenographers and Accountants #12646, Miss Inez J. Gardner, 43 E 22nd St., New York, N. Y.[930] Mr. B. C. Davison--2 Therefore, in organizing the Stenographers in Richmond there is no reason why the Typewriters, Bookkeepers and Office Assistants should not be organized at the same time. I take it from Mr. Whittaker's letters to me that he did not have in mind the matter of court reporters, as they being the highest skilled representatives of the profession of stenographers are not subject to the conditions under which stenographers and typewriters in commercial houses, lawyers offices, etc. etc. are employed. However this point is immaterial at this time. COPIED. MAR 2 [????] If there is any printed matter or any other data of any kind which I can give you to be of assistance in this work, please advise me. Hoping to hear from you at your early convenience, and with best wishes for success, I remain, Fraternally yours, [Samuel Gompers.] President American Federation of Labor. [931] LF March 23, 1911 COPIED. MAR 23 1911 Mr. E. H. Christ, Member Committee Intl. Bro. of Electrical Workers Local #144 116 E Lewis St., Wichita, Kansas. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 17th instant is received and contents noted. In reply thereto I beg to say that the officers of the A. F. of L. are using their best efforts to carry out the instructions of the St. Louis Convention of the Executive Council in regard to the joint convention of the two branches of the Electrical Workers with the purpose of eventually amalgamating the two bodies. I would infer from your letter that you have not been made acquainted with the action taken by the Executive Council at its last meeting in this city, January 16-27. You will please find copy enclosed herein. I am now in correspondence with the executive officers of your Brotherhood, as well as the executive officers representing the unaffiliated branch. I count upon the hearty cooperation and assistance of your local in bringing about the desired result. With kind regards, I reamin, Fraternally yours, Enclosure: [Samuel Gompers.] President, A. F. of L. [932] M March 23, 1911. Mr. H. J. Dorow, Secretary, Central Labor Union, 344 Harrison St., Marquette, Michigan. COPIED. MAR 23 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 16th instant to Secretary Morrison has been brought to my attention, in which you give the list of officers elected, and further stating that you were recommended for appointment as volunteer organizer for Marquette and vicinity in place of W. J. Clendenning, who is Factory Inspector of the Upper Peninsular of Michigan. In reply I beg to say that we will be pleased to issue commission to you in accordance with the above, but there is no reason why Brother Clendenning can not retain his commission if he so de-sires. Kindly let me hear from you in regard to this at your earliest convenience. I am also sending you under separate cover package of literature and documents published by this office which I am sure you will find of assistance in the discharge of your duties as the repre-sentative of the A. F. of L. for that section. 933 Mr. R. J. B. 2. In compliance with your request I enclose to your herein a sample working card of the Building Trades Council. With kind regards, and best wishes for success, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. COPIED. MAR 23 1911[934] X. March 22, 1911 Miss Edith E. Denison, Norman, Oklahoma' COPIED. MAR 23 1911 Dear Madam: Your favor of the 13th instant addressed to Secretary Morrison, has been handed to me for reply. You say that you are preparing a paper on the life of the undersigned and you request any printed matter or references which would aid you in the preparation of your paper. Let me say that there appears in the Biographical Encyclopedia a sketch, copy of which I am enclosing, also an extract from Men of Mark in America. Of course, you will realize that this latter sketch, was written a number of years ago and that I have now been President of the American Federation of Labor for thirty years, the first seven years of which I served without salary or compensation. I should further say that the membership of the Cigar Makers International Union is now about forty thousand. In addition thereto, I also refer you to a few of the sketches of the undersigned which have been published from time to time. They are published in the following: "Men of Mark in America" Review of Reviews, [?]uly, 1894. The Plate Printers, Washington, D. C., Jan. 1, 1904. The Sunday Call, Newark, N. J., Jan. 17, 1904. Review of Reviews, Jan. 1905.935 Miss Edith B. Denison -2- Springfield, Ohio Sun, March 31, 1905. Buffalo News, April 1, 1905. National Daily Review, Chicago, June 12, 1905. Washington Post, August 6, 1905. Frank Leslies, August, 1905. Detroit, Free Press, Oct. 18, 1896." When your paper is prepared andpublished I would appre-ciate it very much if you would kindly send copy of it to me marked personal. Very truly yours, Sam Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. COPIED March 23 1911[936] X. March 22, 1911. COPIED. Mar 23 1911 Mr. W. A. Appleton, Secretary, General Federation of Trades Unions, S Adelphi Terrace, Adam Street, Strand, London. England. Dear Sir and Brother: I am in receipt of a letter from the Upholsterers' International Union of North America, in which its President desires to know the addresses of the unions of his craft in Europe, in order to correspond with them on the subject of wages, hours, etc. Will you please give me the name and address of the Secretary of the Upholsterers' Union of England, and greatly oblige. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, President, [Samuel Gompers.] President, American Federation of labor.March 22, 1911. X. Mr. Jas. H. Hatch, presidant, Upholsterers' International Union of America, 159 East 57th Street, New York City. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 21st instant is received, stating that you will hold your next convention in July, and that you desire to get into communication with European unions of your craft. On looking through the list of unions represented at the Paris congress of 1909, I find the following: J. P. Jonson, Secretary, Saddlers and Upholsterers, Longaggstrade 23, Kopenhagen, Denmark. Mr. P. Aaroe, Secretary, Furniture Makers, Folkete hus, Christiania, Norway. Mr. F. Spliedt, Secretary, Upholsterers, Kopenickerstr. 49, Berlin, S. O. 16, Germany. Union of Building Trades Paviers, Upholsterers, Kosowaka ul 41, Belgrade, Servia. I am also writing to Mr. W. A. Appleton, Secretary of the British Trades Unions, asking him to give me the address of the union of your craft in England. If you will write me again in the course of three foru weeks, I will doubtless have heard from 938 Mr. Jas. H. Hatch P2- Mr. Appleton and be in a position to advise you further. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. COPIED. MAR 23 1911 COPIED. MAR 23 1911[*939*] X. March 22, 1911. COPIED. MAR 23 1911 Mr. Guy T. White, Secretary, District Council No. 3, Int'l. Brotherhood of ElectrIcal Workers , Box 731, Dallas, Texas. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 19th instant is received and contents noted with a very great deal of interest. I an exceedingly gratified with the action taken by your District convention as regards the course now being followed by the Executive Council of the A. F. of L. in our endeavor to effect the amalgamation of the two organizations of Electrical Workers. You may rest assured that we are doing everything within our power and we hope yet for success. It is gratifying that District Council No. 3 is so heartily in sympathy with the effortsbeing made and so ready to co-operate in bringing about the desired result. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[940] M March 22, 1911. Mr. C. D. Pierce, Secretary, Central Labor Union, 301 Front Ave., Miami, Florida. COPIED. MAR 23 1911. Dear Sir and Brother: I am just in receipt of a letter from Secretary A. R. Bogue, of Local No. 76, of the International Union of Shipwrights, Joiners and Caulkers, etc., of your city, in which he [???]ces before me the recent action of your Central Body in the matter of the elec-tion of a business agent, and requests a decision from me. Of course, before giving the matter any further consideration I desire to have a statement from your Central Body, and therefore, enclose copy of letter from Local No. 76. I would. appreciate your early reply. With kind regards, I am, Fraternally yours, [Samuel Gompers.] President American Federation of Labor.[941] COPY. Miami, Fla., March 14, 1911. Mr. Samuel Gompers, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir and Brother: At the regular meeting of the Central Labor Union two weeks ago, it was voted on and carried that each local affiliated with the central body send into the central the names of two members to select, nominate and elect a general business agent for all locals. Now the President of the Central Body, who is a member of Local 993. House Car-penters and Joiners gets up in regular meeting following and [???] they must have the appointment for their own *local* or they can't abide by the motion carried by central body. Our local No. 76, of Shipwrights, Joiners, and Caulkers and Boat Builders want to know positively for their delegates to central body instructions, if any one local who are in the central body can openly dominate the carried motions or disregard the wishes of assembled locals and their delegates. We want exact law or rulings on this as a guidance. Thanking you in advance for instructions to our delegates I am, Yours respectfully, A. E. Bogue, Fin. Sec. Local 76.March 28, 1911. M Mr. James W. Ripley, Cor. Rep., International Noulders Union No. N6, 159 Mary St., Hamilton, Canada. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 19th instant received and content noted. In reply to your question as to jurisdiction over brass molders I beg to call your attention to the notion of the last annual Convention of the American Federation of Labor, held at St. Louis, Missouri, last November, when there was under consideration the matter of the report of the Executive Council on the jurisdictional dispute over brass molders, and also Resolution No.62 of that Convention, introduced by the delegate from the International Moulders Union. The Committee on Adjustment to which this matter was referred reported to the Convention and adopted the following *Secretary Golden - Resolution N. 99, and that portion of the report of the Executive Council undr the caption "Brass Moulders," was referred to this Committee. The two parties at issue have come to an agreement, and instead ofreading the resolution, I will read the agreement entered into. The following agreement has beresched between the duly accredited representatives of the Metal Pushers, Brass & Silver Workers International Union adn the International Molders' Union of Norht America, as an adjustment of the question of jurisdiction over brass molders and coramakers. 1. That brass molders and brmeakers will be turned over [*943*] J. W. R. 2. to the International Molders' Union of North America, and the International Molders' Union of North America will accept without any discrimination all members, except those who as previous members of the International Molders' Union of North America may have embezzled the funds of that organization, or have been duly found guilty of scabbing against the International Molders' Union of North America, in a strike sanctioned by the Executive Board of that organization. 2. That no initiation or reinstatement fee, or any penalty of any character be required of brass molders and coremakers transferred by the Metal Polishers, Brass and Silver Workers' International, to the International Molders' Union of North America, with the exception of those who would come under the specifications laid down in the first clause. 3. That the same amount of funeral benefits to which these members are now entitled in the Metal Polishers, Brass and Silver Workers' International Union be granted to such transferred members by the International Molders' Union of North America immediately upon their transfer. 4. That the brass molders and the coremakers shall have the right to regulate their own affairs in their locale, in accordance with the constitution of the International Molders' Union of North America. 5. That if the brass molders and the coremakers, members of the Metal Polishers, Brass & Silver Workers' International Union, refuse to transfer to the International Molders' Union of North America, on the above specified conditions, that in such case their membership in the Metal Polishers,Brass and Silver Workers' International Union will be cancelled by the organization. 6. That the provision of this agreement providing for free entrance into the International Molders' Union of North American shall be in effect until March 1, 1911, after which no brass molder or coremaker will be entitled to any of the provisions as above set forth. Signed on behalf of the Metal Polishers Brass and Silver Workers' International Union: T. M. Daly, International President. John J. Flynn, Vice-President. George Leary, Vice-President. Ed. Leberman, Vice-President. Thos. Rumsey, Delgate A. F. of L. Signed on behalf of the International Molders Union of North America: Jos. F. Valentine, President. John P. Frey, Editor. John O!Neill. Wm. Schwab. John F. Dunachie. 944 J. W. R. 2. I am sending this letter in duplicate, so that you can transmit copy of it to your correspondent. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from whenever conven-ient, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. COPIED. Mar 23 1911[945] M March 22, 1911. Mr. Robert R. Hean, Secretary, Central Labor Union, 607 South Duke St., Lancaster, Pa. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 18th instant received and contents noted. In reply I beg to say that it will be necessary for me to go to Atlanta, Georgia about the 30th of this month, and, therefore, it will not be within my power to address the mass meeting at Lan-caster on Thursday evening, March 30. Let me suggest that you extend an invitation to Vice-President John Mitchell. It may be that he could address the meeting, although of course I am unable to give you any definite information as to that. In any event it would be well for you to write to him. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you when ver convenient, I am, Fraternally yours. [Samuel Gompers.] President American Federation of Labor. P. S. If Mr. Mitchell is not able to accept the invitation, why not invite one of the other of the Vice-Presidents whose names and addresses appear on this letter head.[946] LF March 21, 1911 Mr. Paul Scharrenberg, Secretary-Treasurer California State Federation of Labor, 316 14th St., San Francisco, California. Dear Sir and Brother: I have your favor of recent date, in which you send me copy of a bill introduced in the California Senate, which aims to establish a Canadian Industrial Arbitration Act in California. I also note what you say, that it is your intention to continue fighting this bill on the floor of the Senate and in the Assembly. In a letter which I have just written to Mr. T. D. Fitzgerald, Chairman of the Legislative Committee of the New York State Federation of Labor, I have discussed at considerable length the subject of compulsory arbitration. I therefore, for your information, enclose copy of that letter herein and also copy of the address which I delivered several years ago upon the sub-ject of the compulsory arbitration. They are commended to your care-ful consideration. I trust that you will not fail to keep me advised as to what disposition is made of the bill now before your State Leg-islature. With kind regards, I remain, Fraternally yours, Enclosure: [Samuel Gompers.] President. A. F. of L. [*947*] COPIED. MAR 23 1911 LF March 21, 1911 Mr. T. D. Fitzgerald, Chairman Legislative Committee, New York State Federation of Labor, #51 Benson Building, #88 State Street, Albany, New York. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of March 2nd, enclosing copy of a bill before the New York State Assembly, entitled "An Act to amend the labor law in relation to the settlement of industrial disputes," to hand. I note your request that I write you briefly my opinion of same. The bill as drafted appears to be quite innocently drawn, and its purpose may be to get the principle established during this session of the legislature, and then later add features to it by amendments that will be injurious to the best interests of labor. I note paragraph No. 141 provides "either party to an industrial dispute may apply to the State commissioner of Labor for appointment of a Board of conciliation and the investigation as authorized by this article." That would imply that the second party to an industrial dispute would be forced to appear before the State Arbitration Board. Such an action would immediately destroy all of the beneficial effects of conciliation and voluntary arbitration, and there can be no arbitration except where the dispatents 948 COPIED. MAR 23 1911 Mr. T. D. Fitzgerald--2 dispatents mutually and voluntarily consent to meet each other. The initiative for such a meeting should be private, not official. It should take place between the immediate parties at interest without the irritation of an outside third party who would not or could not know the merits of the technical points at issue. Voluntary arbitration is the only sort of arbitration that is worth advocating and that principle is being reported to frequently. It might not be too strong to say that such arbitration is resorted to almost every day. As I say, arbitration to be of a practical character must be voluntarily entered into by both parties and the award voluntarily and faithfully adhered to. Entrance of the state with its power into an industrial dispute, and through direct or indirect means to secure jurisdiction, and then make a finding and award, and then by the power of the state to enforce it, is repulsive to the best concept of liberty and perversive of Republican institutions. Section150-1. Discloses the fact that the voluntary character is dispelled and compulsion substituted. Ostensibly it provides for the report and recommendation and yet there are compulsory terms used in the following paragraph: "Wherever it appears to the board expedient, its recommendation SHALL also state the period during which the proposed settlement SHALL CONTINUE IN FORCE." Even the word may or should has always been construed by the courts to be mandatory. Section 150-j. Provides that: "The recommendation may be ENFORCED in the same manner and with the same force and effect949 Mr. T. D. Fitzgerald--3 AS AN ORDER OF THE SUPREME COURT." Section 150-m. Provides: "Neither of the parties affected shall alter the conditions of employment with respect to wages and hours, etc. etc." Then again in the same section the bill provides for a penalty for the violation of its terms that "Such parties shall be liable to a penalty of $500." Suppose workman cannot respond to the payment of such a penalty. What is the alternative if not imprisonment? It may be said that employers would suffer the same penalty and that if they did not pay the fine, then they would be subject to the imprisonment. But conditions are such that employers have financial means and as a rule workmen have not. Section 150-n. Provides against lockouts on the part of employers and strikes on the part of workmen. Without attempting to deal comprehensively with the broad view of this question, your attention is called to the fact that employers have, in the past, concealed a lockout of their workmen under the pretence that they have shut down their plant for repairs and then started it up again with a "reorganized" force of workmen. It may be interesting for you to know that when the Boot and Shoe Workers of New Zealand a few years ago had a dispute with their employers it was decided by the board of arbitration that made the award in favor of the workmen. The manufacturers if they desired to continue to manufacture shoes would have been compelled to comply with the court's award and decision, yet as a master of fact they ended it by closing down their plants and began the importation of shoes from England and the United States. So that, as a matter of fact, the men had the award, but they did not have any950 Mr. T. D. Fitzgerald---4 work to do under its terms. Section 150-p. Provides for the issuance of injunctions by the court denying the exercise of inherent and constitionally guaranteed rights. It creates by statute the authority and law for the issuance of injunctions under which labor has suffered so long and against which we have found it necessary to protest and for which labor is seeking relief at the hands of our legislatures and of Congress. Continuing under Section 150-p, there is a provision that: "ANY EMPLOYEE WHO GOES ON STRIKE CONTRARY TO THE PROISIONS OF THIS ARTICLE SHALL BE LIABLE TO A FINE OF TEN DOLLARS PER DAY FOR EACH DAY THAT SUCH EMPLOYE IS ON STRIKE." And then again in the same section it is provided that: "Any person who incites, encourages or aids in any manner any employer to declare or continue a lockout, or any employe to go or to continue on strike,"etc. etc." shall be guilty of a MISDEMEANOR liable to a fine of not less than fifty [or] nor more than five hundred dollars." In other words, if thinking, earnest labor men should discover that their fellow workers have been mistreated and urge them to defensive action by leaving their employment, or if the men themselves feel that they have been outrageously treated and should of their own account strike, and active men in the labor movement should aid them in their efforts to secure fairer conditions, these active labor men would be guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to a fine of from fifty to five hundred dollars, and if the workmen themselves did not pay the fine, or if the active workers who assisted did not pay the fine, as you can readily understand they could not pay such a fine, what would become of them? They would be cast into jail to serve out sentences951 Mr. T. D. Fitzgerald---5 usually computed upon the amount of the fine. It is true that the section applies to persons who might encourage, incite or aid employers to declare or to continue a lockout, but who needs to incite employers to that course of action? Or if incited, where could the evidence be adduced to prove it? Employers are in comparatively small numbers. They meet in their inner offices and in closed councils. the workmen are in large numbers. No matter to what they may resort to maintain secrecy their very numbers preclude the possibility of concealing their actions, and I take it there ought not be to any concealment of the aims and purposed of the work of the movement to protect and advance the interests of the toiling masses. The great danger of the proposition contained in the bill that you sent me is that once such a scheme is established even without compulsory jurisdiction, and it should be found to be incompetent to amicably settle some dispute or disputes submitted to it, a cry would be immediately set up to grant the Board power to enforce its decrees; consequently, and description of official political investigation and report acts as the open door to the danger of compulsory arbitration, and we hold that to enforce an award against employers backed up by the law and by the government would be equivalent to confiscation. And, on the other hand, the enforcement of an award by law and by the government when such an award is against workmen involves compulsory arbitration or involuntary servitude. In other words, it would be equivalent to slavery. Organized labor believes in a policy of conciliation and arbitration, but believes in arbitration only where conciliation has failed. Organized labor contends for arbitration. But when entered952 Mr. T. D. Fitzgerald---6 into it should be voluntarily. This method is the only practical one open that will insure and maintain the largest degree of industrial peace, consistent with human liberty and personal dignity. Organized labor is out spokenly in favor or publicity in all things pertaining to the relations between capital and labor, or between employers and employes, and of any sensible practical method or plan that it economically right or that has a tendency to minimize industrial warfare, but organized labor does not believe in settlement of these questions under government domination any more than it does in government by injunction, government by discretion, personal, irresponsible government. The entire question of arbitration and conciliation and particularly efforts made by states or countries to enforces some species of compulsory investigation or compulsory arbitration is fraught with the greatest dangers to the liberty of the workers now and for the future. It is a subject which requires the most careful consideration and my only regret is that though this may be regarded as a lengthy letter it only deals with the fringes of the subject. I have endeavored to touch a few of the vital points at issue. I earnestly hope that you will proceed very cautiously before you lend the powerful influence of the New York State Federation of Labor in behalf of this subtle proposal. You will not fail of course to keep me fully advised and informed as to just what is done by the Assembly in connection with this matter. With kind regards, I remain, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. [*953*] The remaining three pages of this letter are in neostyle form, kept regularly in stock, and of which a letter press copy can not be made. M March 23, 1911. Mr. James a. Rees, Randolph-Macon Academy, Redford City, Virginia. COPIED. MAR 23 1911 Dear Sir: Your favor of the 21st instant is at hand, in which you request some information on the subject of Labor Unions. Enclosed you will please find list of pamphlets published by this office, some of which would be of assistance and interest to you. Inasmuch as the A. F. of L. represents over 2,000,000 wage workers and is the federated body of the entire organized labor movement of the continent, the history of its growth and progress during the thirty years of its existence would be the most direct and succinct form of obtaining an idea of what the organized labor movement of the country has achieved during the past two decades. For this you should consult the Proceedings of the annual conventions of the A. F. of L. and also the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST, our official monthly publication, which is now in the eighteenth year of its existence. We would not be able to furnish you with complete sets of either the bound proceedings or the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST, but you could doubtless secure or consult these at some public library.[*954*] LF March 23,1911 COPIED. MAR 23, 1911 Mr. John Morrison, 25 Third Ave., New York,N.Y. My dear Mr. Morrison: Replying to your favor of the 18th instant you will please find enclosed herein copy of the circular letter we sent out September 27th, to the Labor Press in regard to club rates with the American Federationist and also find enclosed such replies as were received from that letter. I note your suggestion as to dropping the Wheeling Majority from our published list. This matter will be brought to the attention of President Gompers. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers Enclosures:955 LF March 23, 1911 COPIED. MAR 23 1911 Mr. Joseph A. Bauer, Organizer Lock Box #125, Zanesville, Ohio Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 21st instant is received and was glad to have word from you. I thank you for your congratulations upon my re-election as first vice-president of the Cigarmakers International Union. In connection therewith you might be interested in reading the enclosed circular latter which I recently sent out to all of the Cigarmakers local unions. I note what you say in your reference to your desire to change your employment and I trust that the opportunity may be afforded and your wishes carried out in this regard. Reciprocating your good wishes and hoping to hear from you again at your convenience, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor. Enclosure:956 LF March 23,1911. COPIED. MAR 23 1911 Mr. Arnold B. Hall, Gainesville Ga. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 21st inst. in which you enclose manuscript for publication in the American Federationist. The matter will be held for his personal attention and if it is found that your manuscript is not suitable for publication in the American Federationist, it will be returned to you as per your request. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.957 LF March 23, 1911. Copied. Mar 23 1911 Mrs. Ethel McVeety, Librarian North Dakota Agricultural College, Agricultural College, North Dakota. My dear Madam: Replying to your favor of the 20th instant I beg to say that we can let you have bound volume of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST for 1903 for $3.50. Please advise us if you desire the volume sent you, and oblige, Very truly yours, Samuel Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.958 M March 23, 1911. Copied. Mar 23 1911 Mr. T. John Hill, 2866 West St., Ames, Iowa. Dear Sir: Your favor of March 21st is at hand, and in compliance with your request I enclose to you herein pamphlet entitled "No Compulsory Arbitration" by the undersigned. Very truly yours, Samuel Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. 959 M March 24, 1911. Copied. Mar 23 1911 Mr. Emil Levy, President, Cigar Makers' Blue Label League of Indiana, 525 Line St., Evansville, Indiana. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of March 21st is at hand and contents noted. Relative to the renewal of your commission I beg to say that when same is renewed it will be for District instead of Associate Organizer, as per your request. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor. 960 X. March 22, 1911. Mr. Geo. W. Phillip, Secretary, [COPIED. MAR. 23 1911] Hutchinson Trades and Labor Council, Hutchinson, Kansas. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 16th instant is received, in which you ask whether the Reod and Murphy faction of the Electrical Workers is recognized by the American Federation of Labor. In connection therewith your attention is called to Section 1, Article II of the Constitution of the A.F. of L., which reads as follows: "No Central Labor Union, or any other central body of delegates, shall admit to or retain in their councils delegates from any local organization that owes its allegiance to any other body, National or International, hostile to any affiliated organization, or that has been suspended or expelled by, or not connected with, a National or International organization of their trade herein affiliated, under penalty of having their charter revoked for violation of their charter, subject to appeal to the next Convention." In addition thereto your attention is further called to the fact that the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers of which F. J. McNulty is President and Peter W. Collins the Secretary, is the organization of Electrical Workers affiliated to and recognized by the A, F, of L. The American Federation of Labor has specifically directed that local unions of Electrical Workers not part of the International Unions of Electrical Workers affiliated to the A. F. of L. shall not be allowed representation961 Mr. Geo. W. Phillips 2- in affiliated Central Bodies and State Federations of Labor. I have no alternative to advise you other than as directed by the American Federation of Labor. In addition, let me say that the Executive Council is still using its best endeavors to effect the amalgamation of the two bodies and it hoped that the influence of the Hutchinson Central Labor Union as well as the influence of every State Federation of Labor will be exerted in that direction. Trusting that I may hear from you at your early convenience, and with best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam [?] President, American Federation of Labor.962 [*Copied. MAR 23 1911*] M March 23, 1911. Mr. G. F. Leonard, Secretary, Trades and Labor Council, 319 Lahr St., Danville, Illinois. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 20th instant is at hand, in which you state that have been requested to ask for the assistance of an organizer. In reply I beg to say that it is impossible just now to send a special organizer to Danville. We are running to the full limit of our financial ability in the appointment of special organiz- ers, and those already in the field are engaged in important work in other sections. However, your letter will be borne in mind and if possible at any time in the near future to act in accordance with your request, and the funds of our organization will warrant, your application will receive consideration and you will be advised thereof. Regretting my inability to comply with your request, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.963 COPIED. MAR 23 1911 M March 23, 1911. Mr. A. G. George, German-English Academy, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Dear Sir: Your undated favor is received, in which you state you are on the affirmative of the argument "Resolved, That the Closed Shop should receive the support of public opinion," and you desire some information on the subject. As I have discussed the question of the union shop so fully in editorials in the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST, and there are so many requests made to me for information along this line I had these edi- torials published in pamphlet form and send copy to under separate cover, together with a copy of a pamphlet entitled " Has the Non- Unionist a Moral Right to Work, How, When and Where He Pleases", by Frank K. Foster. Your attention is also called to a pamphlet by Clarence S. Darrow entitled "The Open Shop", published by the Hammersmark Publishing Company, 151-153 Wabash Avenue, Chicago, Illinois. I am sure you will appreciate the fact that as the sub- ject is so fully discussed in the printed matter I am sending you[*964*] A. G. G. 2. and to which I referred you, that in view of the many demands made upon my time I can not undertake in an individual letter to discuss it at greater length. Very truly yours, Samuel Gompers. President American Federation of Labor [*COPIED.*] [*MAR 23 1911*][*965*] [*Copied. MAR 23 1911*] M March 23, 1911. Mr. Lee Anderson, Secretary, Trades and Labor Assembly, 408 Johnson St., Ionia, Michigan. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 20th instant at hand in which you state that the blacksmiths and helpers union, and the machinists locals do not send delegates to the Local Council. Before taking the matter up with the international officers I wish you would advise the number of the locals mentioned in your letter, and the matter will then receive prompt attention. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you at your earliest convenience, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor.[*966*] [*Copied. MAR 23 1911*] X. March 22, 1911, Mr. Aubrey J. Swift, Ames, Iowa. Dear Sir: Your favor of March 18th has been duly received and contents noted. In reply thereto I beg to enclose to you herein copy of a pamphlet by the undersigned entitled "No Compulsory Arbitration", in which I discuss fully the subject of compulsory arbitration. If you could refer to a file of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST the official monthly publication of the American Federation of Labor, of which I am the editor, and consult the issues of March and April, 1901, you would find several editorials which I wrote upon that subject. Also if you could refer to the Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, July, 1902, you would secure some very valuable matter as that issue contains a number of addresses delivered upon this subject. Very truly yours, Saml. Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor.967 Copied. MAR 23 1911 X. March 22, 1911. Mr. Robert S. Sturtevant, Ass't Manager, American Agency Bulletin, Boston, Massachusetts. Dear Sir: Your favor of the 17th instant is received, stating that The American Federationist has been placed on your exchange list, and we take pleasure adding your name to our list to receive the magazine monthly, The March issue is going forward under separate cover. Very truly yours, Saml. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor, EDITOR, AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST.[*968*] [*COPIED. MAR 23 1911*] X. March 23, 1911. Mr. John Mitchell, Vice-President, American Federation of Labor, 10096 Metropolitan Building, New York City. Dear Sir and Brother: I regret exceedingly that I did not get a chance to hear you deliver the lecture at the Berkeley Theater last Tuesday morning and because when we were together we were all of us so engrossed with other matters, I could not even get a chance to explain the cause of my absence to you. As a matter of fact, I had several conferences on Tuesday morning, one with the representatives of the White Rats Actors Union of America, and then with the officers of the International Typographical Union and of the International Brotherhood of Bookbinders, this last one in reference to the jurisdiction claim over single wrapping. You will recall the subject was up before the St. Louis Convention and referred to the Executive Council and in turn referred to me for conference with the representatives of the organizations named. My regret at not having been able to hear your lecture on Tuesday morning I feel all the more by reason of the fact of the special reason for which you asked me to be present. However, I am sure that any lecture by you on the subject of industrial accidents, or any other phase of organized labor, will I am sure appeal969 COPIED MAR 23 1911 Mr. John Mitchell -2- to an audience, whether composed of workmen exclusively, or a mixed audience. We had a most interesting gathering Tuesday evening, and I am sure that you have cause for satisfaction and gratification, not only in regard to the utterances regarding yourself, but the splendid feeling of good will manifested toward you. Please let me hear from you as often as convenient. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. 970 X. March 23, 1911. Mr. Ira H. Markwith, Secretary, Trades and Labor Council, 1536 H St., San Diego, Cal. [*COPIED. MAR 23 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 13th instant is received and contents noted. You refer in detail to the trouble between the Carpenters local union and the concern which is erecting a building for a theater in San Diego, the trouble having resulted in your Central Body de- claring the building unfair. You then desire to know whether the members of any local union affiliated to your central body could legally work on the building, or for that matter on any other build- ing, so long as it has been declared unfair. You further desire to know whether the members of the Actors' Union could perform in such a house. Section 7, Article XI of the Constitution of the American Federation of Labor provides: "No Central labor union, or other central body of dele- gates, shall have authority or power to originate a boycott, nor shall such bodies indorse and order the placing of the name of any person, firm or corporation on an unfair list until the Local Union desiring the same has before declaring the boycott, submitted the matter in dispute to the central body for investigation, and the best endeavors on its part to effect an amicable settlement. Violation of this section shall forfeit charter. Section 9 of the same article further provides:971 Mr. Ira B. Markwith -2- "NO Central Body shall take part in the adjustment of wage contracts, wage disputes or working rules of local unions, af- filiated with a national or international union, unless the laws of the national or international union permit, except upon request of consent of the executive officer of the national or international union affected." I understand that the local union primarily involved in this controversy, that is, the carpenters conferred with the con- tractor of the building when the work began, and was unable to make arrangements whereby union carpenters would be employed. The matter was then placed in the hands of the Building Trades Council, which [*COPIED.*] [*MAR 23 1911*] recommended that the building be placed upon the unfair list. It then came up to your central body and was referred to the Arbitration Board, and after investigation and endeavor to adjust the matter, the Arbitration Board recommended that your Trades Council declare the building as unfair. In view of the procedure followed in this case as above indicated all of the affiliated local unions affiliated to your central body having had opportunity to consider the matter, and it having been decided to declare the building as unfair, it becomes the moral duty of all affiliated local unions to abide by the action of your central body, and to render such assistance as they can. However, your attention is called to this fact, that the matter of withdrawing workingmen or performers is a subject which the unions of the trade or profession must themselves determine. It is not within the power of a central body, nor is it in the power of the American Federation of Labor itself, to order men on strike. Further on in your letter you request advice as to whether the delegates from the Woman's Label League should be given the privilege of a vote in the meetings of your central body, I beg to reply in the negative. This applies equally to the conventions of the American Federation of Labor. The fraternal delegates from the[*972*] Mr. Ira B. Markwith -3- ministerial associations, from the International Woman's Trade Union Label League, from the farmers' organization,etc., etc., while accorded every courtesy and shown every consideration in the annual conventions of the A. F. of L. yet are not allowed the privilege of voting upon matters before the house. This question of the delegates from the label leagues being allowed to vote in the central labor union meetings has come again and again before the central bodies, to all of which I have replied as above. The privilege of a voice in the affairs of a central body, or in the conventions of the American Federation of Labor by delegates from the National Women's Trade Union Leagues, Women's International Union Label League, Federal Council of the Churches in Christ, American Federation of Catholic Societies, Wage Earners' Suffrage League, American Society of Equity, has its influence and it should rightly have its influence, but the question of finally voting upon matters affecting the vital interests of the workmen, members of the unions, should be left with the delegates from those unions interested or with the membership [thereof] themselves. After all, the fraternal delegates from these organizations are intended to give sympathetic advice and support to the organized labor movement. Therefore, such delegates should have a voice but not a vote nor are they eligible to be elected to any office of the central body, or as delegates from the central body to the conventions of the State Federations of to the conventions of the American Federation of labor. Indeed, the constitution of the A. F. of L. prohibited even Federal Labor Unions from electing a member of that body who may at the same time be a member of a local trade union from being a delegate to a central body, state federation, or conventions of the A. F. of L., and quite recently973 Mr. Ira B. Markwith -4- the Constitution of the A. F. of L. was amended so as to exclude members of a local trade union from being members of a Federal Labor Union. I quote these facts simply to show you the consistent course pursued by the trade union movement as represented by the American Federation of Labor, that in the determination of the vital interests affecting the working people, members of the trade unions must themselves decide by their vote. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am [*COPIED *] [*MAR 24 1911*] Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*974*] [*COPIED.*] [*MAR 24 1911*] Washington, D. C., March 24, 1911. Mr. D. D'Alessandro, 2 1/2 Charter Street. Boston, Mass. Letters received. Have submitted them to commissioner General Immigration with request for prompt action. SAMUEL GOMPERS. COLLECT.975 [*COPIED.*] [*MAR 24 1911*] X. March 24, 1911. Sir: This morning I am in receipt of two letters, one from Mr. John Weaver Sherman, Chairman of the Legislative Committee of the Massa-chusetts State Branch of the A. F. of L. and the other from Mr. D. D'Alessandro, President, Hod Carriers' and Building Laborers' Union of America. The letters relate to the detention and possible deportation from the Port of Boston of Miss Filomena Di Cesare. The letters are exceedingly interesting and I enclose the originals herein for your information and observation, and for such action which you in your judgement may deem requisite in the premises. Of course you will readily understand that I am not familiar with the circumstances, but am confident these men would not consciously misrepresent the facts in the case to me. It is quite evident that if you will take any action in the premises it will be necessary that it be taken promptly. Kindly advise me at your convenience as to the conclusion you will reach, the action you will take and please return the enclose. letters to, Yours very truly, Saml. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. Hon. Daniel J. Keefe, Commissioner General of Immigration, Washington, D. C.[*976*] [*COPIED.*] [*MAR 24 1911*] Washington, D. C., March 23, 1911. Cornelius Ford, 808 Bloomfield Street, Hoboken, New Jersey. Telegram received. Assist Local No. twelve seven eighty-one. Endeavor to secure settlement. Make full report to me. Samuel Gompers. (Charge A. F. of L.,)[*977*] M March 24, 1911. Mr. John L. Damozonio, Secretary, Paste Makers Local No. 10567, 40 Graham Place, San Francisco, Cal. [*COPIED.*] [*MAR 24 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: I beg to advise you that wage scale submitted by your local for the approval of the Executive Council was placed before that body and same approved. This approval carries with it the authorization of your union to go out on strike if necessary in order to maintain your position, and your members thereby be entitled to benefits from the defense fund, in accordance with sections 4 and 5 of Article XIII of the Constitution. I sincerely trust, however, that it will not be necessary for your organization to have recourse to the extreme measure of going out on strike in order to secure the enforcement of your wage scale, and I want to take this opportunity of expressing the hope that no action will be taken without the matter being given careful consideration. I also trust that you will keep me advised fully just what is done and the results achieved. Asking you to let me hear from you at your early convenience, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers President American Federation of Labor.[*978*] [*COPIED.*] [*MAR 24 1911*] M March 24, 1911. Mr. E. Boyd, Secretary, Central Labor Council, Box 55, Globe, Arizona. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 16th instant to Secretary Morrison has been brought to my attention, in which you desire information as to how to proceed to obtain an organizer's commission. In reply I beg to say that if you will have the Central Labor Council officially endorse your application, and forward same to this office, I will be pleased to issue commission to you as volunteer organizer for Globe and vicinity. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you further as to the above, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.[*979*] X. March 23, 1911. WHEN REPLYING PLEASE REFER TO RESOLUTION NO. 89. Mr. William Van Bodegraven, Secretary, Int'l. Brick, Tile and Terra Cotta Workers' Alliance, Room 409, 56 Fifth Ave., Chicago, Illinois. [*COPIED.*] [*MAR 24 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: In continuation of my several letters to you of recent date, is which I transmitted copies of letters written me by the several directors of the Purington Paving Brick Company of Galesburg, Illinois, I beg to enclose to you herein copy of letter which I have just received from Mr. Patrick T. Walsh, one of the Directors, of Davenport, Iowa. I should be glad to hear from you in regard to the several letters, copies of which I have transmitted to you. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.980 COPY. Davenport, Iowa, March 21, 1911. Mr. Samuel Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor, Washington, D. C. My dear Mr. Gompers: I have just returned from a trip East and find on my desk your letter of March 11th, in which you solicit my sympathetic co- operation in an adjustment of the controversy between the Purington Paving Brick Company, of which I am one of the directors, and the Brick Tile and Terra Cotta Workers' Alliance. [*COPIED.*] [*MAR 24 1911*] You state that your understanding is that I am friendly disposed to labor, and I assure you in this you are correctly in- formed. My life has been spent in honest toil and in the company of workingmen. It has been my constant aim to treat an employe with the same consideration I would accord myself, and my entire career is open to inspection along these lines. While it is true that I am one of the directors of the Purington Paving Brick Company, yet I was only elected to that position about the first of the present year, so you will see I have been filling that position but a very short time, and am not in any way connected with its active management. I have always striven to obtain the best hours and wages possible for all employes of concerns in which I have any interest, and have generally succeeded. As a man of business you will understand how impossible it would be for any one man to dictate the entire policy of an organization of which he was only a part. With very good wishes, believe me, Very truly, (Signed) P. T. Walsh.[*981*] Z March 24, 1911. Mr. G. W. Elliott, Secretary, Federal Labor Union #12700, 29 Conkey Avenue, Norwich, New York. [*COPIED.*] [*MAR 24 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: Your two favors of the 22nd and 23rd instants have been received and contents noted. After giving the detailed information I requested as to the condition of your organization, the wages of the men, etc., you state you state that you know under the provisions of the Constitution of the A. F. of L. your members will not be entitled to any benefits from the defense fund should they become involved in a strike. However, I have referred the entire matter to Special Organizer Stuart Reid, Delmar, New York, who will visit Norwich in the course of a few days and as the representative of the A. F. of L. confer with you and the other officers of your union and will do all that he can to secure a satisfactory settlement. He will advise you in advance of the probable time of his arrival so that arrangements may be made whereby he can meet as many of the officers and members of your union as possible. With best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*982*] Z March 24, 1911. [*COPIED.*] [*MAR 24 1911*] Mr. Stuart Reid, Organizer, Delmar, New York. Dear Sir and Brother: On March 12th the Secretary of Federal Labor Union No. 12700 of Norwich, N. Y., Mr. G. W. Elliott, wrote to Secretary Morrison stating that the members of that union contemplated going out on strike if necessary to secure an increase in wages and that they desired the approval of the Executive Council in case such a step was taken so that the members might become eligible for assistance from the defense fund of the A. F. of L. He further said that they contemplated making this move on the first of April. His attention was called to the provisions of article 13 of the Constitution of the A. F. of L., and at the same time he was asked to give further and more detailed information. Under dates of March 22nd and March 23rd he writes me in reply thereto, both letters being received today, copies of which are enclosed herein. You will note that in his letter of March 23rd he states that he is aware that the members of his union will not be eligible for assistance from the defense fund as they have not been paying dues of fifty cents per month, as required by article 13 of the Constitution, Therefore, should the men become in-[*983*] Mr. Stuart Reid--2. volved in a controversy with the several firms by which they are employed they would not be eligible for any assistance from the defense fund. I am sending all of this to you with the request that you arrange you go to Norwich as soon as possible after the receipt of this letter and see if there is not something which [*COPIED*] [*Mar 24 1911*] can be done to adjust matters without the men becoming involved in a strike. I know that you will do your very best and that if a settlement can be reached you will leave no honorable effort untried to secure the same. I am writing to Secretary Elliott by this mail that the matter has been referred to you as the official representative of the A. F. of L.; that you will visit Norwich in a few days, and that you will advise him in advance of the date of your probable arrival so that arrangements may be made for you to meet as many of the officers and members of the union as possible. Of course you will not fail to report to me fully as to the result of your visit there. With best wishes for success, I am Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.984 COPY. Norwich, N. Y., Mar. 23, 1911. Samuel Gompers, President A. F. of L., Washington, D. C. Dear Sir and Brother: I meant to say in my letter of the 22nd and did not is this. We do not expect any benefit from the defense fund. I believe we are not entitled to any as sometime since I received a notice from Sec'y Morrison regarding what F. L. Unions must do to secure benefits; the point was that the dues of the local must be such an amount whereas our dues have been just enough to meet our expenses and we did not comply with the requirements of the case. All we want is quick action by the board and support of the A. F. of L. and the Union members. Fraternally yours, (Signed) G. W. Elliott. Secretary F. L. Union 12700. (His address is given on the list) (as 29 Conkey Avenue.)985 COPY. Norwich, N. Y., March 22, 1911. Samuel Gompers, President A. F. of L., Washington, D. C. Dear Sir and Brother: Yours of the 21st received. In reply I will state that Federal Labor Union #12700 is composed of Tinners and Plumbers with charter granted by the A. F. of L. with the approval of the International Association of Sheet Metal Workers and Plumbers as I understand the matter. We are not all working for the same firm, in fact for several firms, namely: Burchard Bros. Co., C. H. Latham, Nash and Robinson, and Anderson and Potter, with from two to four men in each shop all of whom are members of our Local. we have no comparison therefore of wages with others in the same line of trade here. The conditions are the following. One year ago in March, 1910, we asked the employers to voluntarily raise the wages of each mechanic 25 cents per day to all in their employ. They refused to consider anything of the kind and so notified us. As that was just a request we dropped the matter and continued at the old scale of wages which is minimum rate $2.50 per day, whereas they are receiving from 4 to $4.50 for our labor, which we do not consider an adequate division of the fruits of our labor. And the remuneration of $2.50 per day is certainly small for skilled labor when common labor and hod carriers receive from $2 to $2.25 here in this town. This year we determined to secure what our services were worth, so asked the employers for $3.00 per day of nine hours instead of $2.50 which we now receive except in two or three cases where the men receive $3.00 now they ask for forty cents per hour. We appointed one in each shop to986 -2- ask their employers if they would give the raise if the others would. The employers held a meeting and refused to consider any request from the union but would talk it over with each man in- dividually. That is the condition at present and they insist they will not recognize the union at all in this. We have no desire for a strike but see no other way to get an advance. What we wish is authority to declare a strike and be in a position to demand the support of the carpenters and other unions in this place. We also expect that no other union men would take our places. As there has been some discussion regarding this, owing to our not just understanding the charter which we have please enlighten me regarding just what position the International Association of Sheet Metal Workers and the International Association of Plumbers would take regarding us. We do not think we have asked for an advance which is anymore than we are entitled too. In Utica, Syracuse, and Binghampton the nearest locals here the minimum rate is from $3.60 to $4.00 for eight hours. Trusting I have made all points clear to you and hoping for quick action of some kind by the Executive Board, Fraternally, (Signed. G. W. Elliott, Federal Labor Union 12700 Sect.987 [*COPIED MAR 24 1911*] X. March 24, 1911. Mr. Arthur Kraus, Secretary, Badge, Banner and Regalia Makers Union #12249, 850 Longwood Ave., Bronx, New York City. Dear Sir and Brother: I beg to return to you herein the union label agreements of your organization, about which I have been in correspondence with organizer Frayne, he having returned them to me in a letter under date of March the 22d. I note, however, that they have not as yet been signed by the proper officers of your union, and I am therefore sending them to you to be properly signed, when they will be promptly approved by the undersigned. Hoping to receive your early reply, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor.[*988*] X. March 24, 1911. Mr. Phil Warn, Jr., President, [*COPIED. MAR 24 1911*] Decorators, Costumers, and Badge Makers Union #11555, 211 York Street, Jersey City, N. J. Dear Sir and Brother: In a letter to you under date of March third I said: "On February 11th I wrote you as follows: "In my letter January 13th I requested that you should give me the exact number of members of your union who are bona fide wage earners; further that you should advise me whether any of your members manufacture the goods they have for sale in the shop or factory or in their own homes. In giving me the number of members I would like you to designate each member by name and where and how employed." Please let me have this information at your earliest possible convenience." I have not yet received any reply from you nor have you given the information I ask in that letter and which was previously asked in a letter to you under date of February 11th. I again request that you let me have this information at you earliest possible convenience, and oblige, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor.[*989*] X. March 24, 1911. Mr. Hugh Frayne, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, 25 Third Avenue, New York City. [*COPIED. MAR 24 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 22d. instant received and contents noted. You return the union label agreement of Local #12249 and say that there is no reason why these should not be approved by the undersigned. I note that the agreements are not signed by the union although they are signed by the company. I am therefore returning them to Secretary Kraus for the signature of the officers of the union and then they will be approved by the undersigned and so entered on our records. I note your reference to Local #11555 and am again writing to the Secretary of that union requesting that he give me immediately the information asked of him on March the third, which will be furnished you just as soon as it is received here. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor.990 [*COPIED. MAR 31 1911*] Z March 24, 1911. Mr. H. L. Eichlerberger, Organizer, Brill Hotel, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Dear Sir: I am informed that Mr. Gompers' editorial in the March issue of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST entitled "Organized Labor and the National Civic Federation" was reprinted in full in the Philadelphia Ledger, Sunday edition, sometime since February 24th. Will you kindly secure a copy of this issue and send it to me at your earliest convenience? Thanking you in advance for your kindness in the matter, I am Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to the President, American Federation of Labor.991 LP March 24, 1911 Mr. Frazer Allardyce, Secretary-Treasurer R.R. Machinists Helpers #13042 1436 So. Los Angeles St., Los Angeles, Cal. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of March 11th is received and contents noted. You say that your organization did not expect financial assistance from the defense fund of the American Federation of Labor, as you understand the laws governing the defense fund, but what you did desire is that the 19 members of your organization who are out by reason of the strike of the machinists should be exempt from the payment of per capita tax. You further state that these 19 members are receiving $7.00 per week from the Metal Trades Union. In reply let me say that under the laws of the American Federation of Labor I have no authority to exempt these 19 members of your organization from payment of dues. However, it is within the power of your union to pay per capital tax to the A. F. or L. upon just those members of your union from whom you have received per capita tax. However, should there come up the question at any time in the future of the payment of strike benefits to your members, that is after your organization shall have been in affiliation with the A. F. of L., for a period of one year, under the provisions of Article XIII of the Constitution of the A. F. of L..Mr. Frazer Allardyce-2 benefits will be paid only upon as many members of your organization as have been in good standing in the union for a period of one year. If it should be desired for the time that these 19 members are out, by reason of the strike of the Machinists, your organization could make provision to remit part of their dues, but at the same time pay to the A.F. of L. the 10 cents per capita tax per member as provided by the Constitution of the A.F. of L. With kind regards and hoping to hear from you further at your convenience, I remain, Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers President American Federation of Labor993 March 21, 1911. [*COPIED. MAR 24 1911*] To City Central Bodies Affiliated to the American Federation of Labor. Dear Sirs and Brothers: The White Rats Actors Union of America is whose name the above circular and appeal is issued is entitled to the support and co-operation in the effort to thoroughly organize the theatrical profession for the protection and promotion of the rights and in- terests of the theatrical performers of America. I bespeak for the White Rats Actors Union of America your compliance with the request that all Central Bodies appoint committees to wait upon managers and respectfully yet insistently urge that they book or arrange for the booking of performers in their respective places of amusement who are members of the White Rats Actors Union of America. With best wishes and thanking you in advance for your co-operation, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.994 M March 24, 1911. [*COPIED. MAR 24 1911*] Mr. Joseph Woodhead, Secretary, Street Sweepers Union Mo. 13114, Bloodgood St., Pawtucket, R. I. Dear Sir and Brother: The copy of your constitution submitted to this office for approval came duly to hand. In reply I beg to call your attention to Section 5, of Article III, which says that the dues shall be 25¢ per month. I also desire to call your attention to Section 12 of Article XIII, of the Constitution of the American Federation of Labor which says: "No local shall be entitled to any of the benefits of the defense fund unless it requires its members to pay not less than fifty (50) cents per month." You of course realize, that your organization in accord- ance with the Constitution of the American Federation of Labor must pay per capita tax of ten cents per member per month to this office, five cents of which must go to the defense fund for the purpose of paying strike and lockout benefits to affiliated local unions. If your organization does not comply with this section and pay the stated monthly dues of 50 cents, in the event of becoming engaged in any difficulty you would not be entitled to any benefits as provided by the constitution of the American Federation of Labor. Your members will realize the necessity of complying with the constitution and995 J. W. 2. insert 50 cents per month in place of 25 cents. After having made this change you will submit the same to this office for approval. With kind regards and hoping to hear from you at your earl- iest convenience, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. MAR 24 1911*]996 M March 24, 1911. Mr. W. H. Mishoe, Secretary, Federal Labor Union No. 13056, Box 11, E. Millinocket, Maine. [*COPIED. MAR 24 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: Copy of the proposed constitution and by-laws of your or- ganization submitted for approval has been received, and I desire to call your attention to Section 5, Article I, which provides for initiation fee. In this section there are several charges for ini- tiation, which is contrary to the usual custom. It is absolutely necessary that the initiation fee shall be uniform for all members. I also desire to call your attention to the fact that no provision is made for the payment of monthly dues. Section 12 of Article XIII of the Constitution of the American Federation of Labor says: "No local shall be entitled to any of the benefits of the defense fund unless it requires its members to pay not less that fifty (50) cents per month." You of course, realize that your organization in accord- ance with the Constitution of the American Federation of Labor must pay per capita tax of ten cents per member per month to this office, five cents of which must go to the defense fund for the purpose of paying strike and lockout benefits to affiliated local unions. If your organization does not comply with this section and pay the stated997 W. H. M. 2. monthly dues of 50 cents, in the event of becoming engaged in any difficulty you would not be entitled to any benefits as provided by the constitution of the American Federation of Labor. Your members will realize the necessity of complying the with the constitution in this regard if it does not already do so. After having made the necessary changes, kindly submit the same to this office for approval. With kind regards, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President American Federation of Labor.998 M March 24, 1911. [*COPIED. MAR 24 1911*] Mr. B. Threthewey, Secretary, Central Labor Union, Livermore Falls, Box 11, Chesholm, Maine. Dear Sir and Brother: The copy of the Constitution of the Central Labor Union submitted for approval came duly to hand. In reply I beg to call your attention to the fact that no provision is made for meetings and the time they should open and close. There should be a provision in the Constitution setting the time of the meeting: also the time to close the meeting, the time to close to be not later than 10:30 p. m. Oftentimes the meetings are prolonged until a late hour, and many of the members being com- pelled to leave before adjournment, if often occurs that legislation that is not for the best interests of the organization is enacted. If the majority of the members present know that the meeting is to close at a given hour, unless otherwise ordered by at least a two- thirds vote, it will have a tendency to have the members remain and transact the business in a manner that will be a credit to the organ- ization. I would suggest, therefore, that you incorporate such a clause in your By-laws. After having done this please submit same this office for approval.[999] B. T. 2. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you at your earliest convenience, I am, Fraternally yours, [Samuel Gompers.] President American Federation of Labor. COPIED. Mar 24 19111000 M March 24, 1911. COPIED. MAR 24 1911 Mr. E. A. Rohrkaste, Secretary, Trades and Labor Council, 214 Garden St., Edwardsville, Illinois. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 12th instant to Secretary Morrison has been brought to my attention, in which you state the Trades and Labor Council recommends the appointment of John Wentz as volunteer organizer for Edwardsville and vicinity. It affords me pleasure to comply with the request and recommendation made, and commission will be issued and forwarded to Brother Wentz in accordance therewith. There will also be forwarded to him a package of literature and documents published by this office which I am sure he will find of assistance in the discharge of his duties as the presentative of the A. F. of L. for that section. Our records show that we have as volunteer organizers for Edwardsville, James Conway, Peter Dresch and Nick Teasdale. Kindly advise if the Trades and Labor Council desire these men continued as organizers. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, [Samuel Gompers.] President American Federation of Labor.1001 X. March 24, 1911. COPIED MAR 24 1911. Mr. H. L. Eichelberger, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, Brill Hotel, Philadelphia, Pa. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 18th instant received and contents noted. I have just written to Mr. Romagnoli and authorized him to attend the convention of the Italians of the United States which will be held in Philadelphia March 27-28-29, he to attend as the respresen- tative of the A. F. of L., and at an expense as he states of Ten Dollars. I am authorizing Mr. Romagnoli to do this as you advise that it would be a good move for the A. F. of L. to be represented at the convention. Of course, if you spoke Italian I should have preferred to have had you represent the A. F. of L . In any event, I want you not to lose sight of the convention or of Mr. Romagnoli, and to give me any information you can after the adjournment of the convention, as to this work. You say that the President of the Street Cleaners' Union #13024 will also be a delegate to the Italian convention. You, of course will keep in touch with him as well as Mr. Romagnoli. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, [Samuel Gompers.] President, American Federation of Labor.[*1002*] X. March 24, 1911. A. J. Berres, Secretary-Treasurer, Metal Trades Department, A. F. of L., 513 Ouray Building, City. [*COPIED.*] [*MAR 24 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of March 17th received and contents noted. You say that you have recently received a letter from the Metal Trades Council of Hartford, Connecticut, in which the following question is asked: "Why are members of the Musicians Union in Hartford not compelled to join the local of the trade which they are regularly employed at? In other words can a man be union in the one instance and non-union in the other?" You then refer to me for a decision the point as to whether a man can be union in one instance and non-union in another. I am sure you will agree with me that for a man to be recognized as a union musician, he should be a member of the American Federation of Musicians. Men who are working at their trades, as machinist, tailors, printers, etc., if they hire themselves out as musicians, certainly cannot be recognized as union musicians. That they are union machinists, union tailors, union printers, etc., if members of their respective trades, no one could dispute, but to be known as a union musician, it is necessary that they should be members of the American Federation of Musicians.[*1003*] Mr. A. J. Berres -2- If a man were member of the American Federation of Musicians, and undertook to do the work of a printer or tailor, he would not be regarded as a union printer or tailor upon the strength of his membership in the A. F. of M., but he would be required to become a member of the tailors or printers union. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED.*] [*Mar 24 1911*][*1004*] X. March 23, 1911. [*COPIED.*] [*MAR 24 1911*] Mr. Herman Robinson, 277 Broadway, New York City. Dear Sir: President Gompers returned to headquarters today, and his personal mail was the first to be given his attention. Among those letters was yours of March 21st. He directed me to acknowledge its receipt and to return to you herein as per your request, the copy of your reply to the Mayor, dealing with the charges filed against you by the White Rats. He hopes to write you personally at a later date. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*1005*] X. March 23, 1911. [*COPIED.*] [*MAR 24 1911*] Mr. Frank Duffy, Secretary, United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners, Carpenters' Building, Indianapolis, Indiana. Dear Sir and Brother: As per my promise to you during our conversation in my office this afternoon, I am sending to you under separate cover three copies of pamphlet published by this office entitled "Buck's Stove and Range Company Injunction Suit and Contempt Proceedings". As I stated to you, it would be well for you to place this matter in the hands of your attorneys. I am also including in the package three copies of my report to the St. Louis Convention of the A. F. of L., and would refer you to that part of it in which I discuss the injunction, our appeal case before the Supreme Court, and pending suits under the Sherman Anti-trust Law. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor. Reform is our friends[*1006*] LF March 24, 1911 Mr. John Mitchell, Vice-President American Federation of Labor, 10096 Metropolitan Bldg., New York, N. Y. [*COPIED.*] [*MAR 24, 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: Referring further to attending the annual convention of United Mine Workers District #5, I beg to say that Vice-Perham is very desirous that in connection with your attending that convention that you should address a large union meeting of employes of the Pennsylvania Railroad to be held in the Lyceum Theatre, Pittsburg, Pa., Sunday, April 2nd. Mr. Perham says: "With reference to your No. 28. If Brother Mitchell goes to Pittsburg to attend the District Annual Convention of the United Mine Workers about March 27th next as a representative of the Executive Council, would it be possible for him to attend a large union meeting of Pennsylvania Railroad employees to be held in the Lyceum Theatre, Pittsburg, Pa., Sunday, April 2nd next. They will have a morning and evening session and I anticipate immense crowds. The men in the shop trades are being hard pressed there. I am informed that they are being organized in the thousands and dismissed from the service by the hundreds. It is a most peculiar situation, but it portends the emancipation of thousands of men from conditions closely bordering on slavery. I am unable to take part in the work because I have negotiations pending in Chicago and St. Louis of the very highest importance to the Order of Railroad Telegraphers, but I would like to be there." As you know, several special organizers of the A. F. of L. have been for sometime past assigned to the work of organizing[*1007*] Mr. John Mitchell--2 the employes of the Pennsylvania system. A number of representatives of the different national organizations whose trades are involved are cooperating with them. The meeting is being arranged by these special representatives of the A. F. of L. and of the several national organizations. I most sincerely trust that you can undertake the mission. Kindly let me have a word from you in regard to this at your early convenience, and oblige, [*COPIED.*] [*MAR 24 1911*] Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers, President American Federation of Labor.[*1008*] [*COPIED.*] [*MAR 24 1911*] LF March 24,1911 Mr. H. B. Perham, Vice-President American Federation of Labor Star Building, St .Louis, Mo. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 22nd instant is at hand and contents noted. In regard to the meeting in Pittsburg on Sunday, April 2nd Organizer Flynn who is chairman of the organization committee, has written to Secretary Morrison and me in regard to us addressing a meeting, but that is out of the question. We will leave here tomorrow, Saturday, for Atlanta, be there for several days and will not more than have gotten back to headquarters by the end of next week. However, as Mr. Mitchell is going to attend the Convention of the United Mine Workers District #5, I feel quite confident that he can arrange to address the meeting. I am writing him by this mail and sincerely trust that he can act upon my suggestion. Thanks for your kind inquiry in regard to Mrs. Gompers, She is still very ill and is as yet confined to the bed. We are in hopes that with the advance of the coming of the spring weather she will gradually regain her health and strength.1009 COPIED. MAR 24 1911 Mr. H. B. Perham--2 With best wishes, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.1010 COPIED. MAR 24 1911. X March 24, 1911. Mr. Francis Feehan, President, District No. 5, United Mine Workers of America, 416 Ferguson Block, Pittsburg, Pa. Dear Sir and Brother: In continuation of my recent letter to you I have to ad- vise you that Mr. Mitchell writes me that he will be able to attend the Convention of District No. 5, but he doubts if he will be able to be there on the opening day, but he thinks he can be there by April 1. With kind regards, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.1011 LF March 24,1911 Hon. Alton B. Parker, 37 Wall St., New York, N.Y. COPIED. MAR 24 1911 My dear Judge Parker: I cannot tell you how much I appreciate your letter. It cheers, strengthens and encourages me. I thank you for your sympathetic expressions in regard to Mrs. Gompers. She is yet confined to her bed, though today she is a little better and we are hoping that she will soon regain her strength. I wish you would please let me know if your argument was stenographically reported. I should very much like to have it. Reciprocating all of your good wishes, I am, Cordially yours, Samuel Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.1012 Z March 25, 1911. Mr. Louis T. Romagnoli, Organizer, Local No. 56, Journeymen Tailors' Union, 2410 So. Clarion St., Philadelphia, COPIED. MAR 24 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: I have just returned to headquarters after an absence of some days on official business and find your favor of the 15th instant awaiting me. I would say in reply that I will be glad to have you attend the convention of the Italians of the United States which you say will be held in Philadelphia on the 27th-28th- 29th. You further say that the expense of your attending the con- vention will be about Ten Dollars. Upon that basis you may con- sider this letter as your authority to represent the A. F. of L. In connection with the above it might not be amiss to call your attention to the Resolution adopted by the convention of the American Federation of Labor held in Toronto, Canada, November, 1909, which reads as follows: "WHEREAS, In localities other than cities and thickly settled centers, in the digging and construction of work undertaken by the Federal and State governments, as well as by private cor- porations, conditions which are destructive of health and morals and dangerous to life generally obtain; that is, the workmen are generally huddled in large numbers in tiers of bunks, in freight cars, in cabooses, in sheds, with plain boards for beds, with only sufficient room for the men to lie in rows, where for months at a time they have neither the facilities nor the opportunity to dis- robe or attend to the most ordinary requirements of cleanliness1013 Mr. Louis T. Romagnoli--2. and necessary changes of clothing, thereby impairing not only their own health, but helping to spread filth and disease among the people with whom they come in contact after the season's work is closed; and WHEREAS, Such condition of affairs is not only brutal to the men employed on such work, but is dangerous to all our people and is repugnant to the spirit and concept of our times; therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the American Federation of Labor in con- vention assembled hereby expresses its abhorence and condemnation of such treatment accorded to human beings; RESOLVED, That the Executive Council of the American Federation of Labor is hereby directed to demand from the Federal Congress such legislation and from the executive heads and Govern- mental departments that they shall provide for such laws and re- gulations as will afford workmen engaged in the lines of work in- dicated in the preambles to these resolutions, such quarters and sleeping accommodations as will conform to some such reasonable degree of sanitary and healthful conditions as can be provided in the prosecution of such work. RESOLVED, That the same efforts be made by the officers of the Federation of Labor of the different States, coming within the jurisdiction of the various states, and that copies of these preambles and resolutions be furnished by the President of the American Federation of Labor to the officers of such State Federa- tion of Labor." The matter was fully taken up with the various State Federations of Labor affiliated with the American Federation of Labor, and I received a number of letters in reply stating that the matter would be taken up by their respective State Branches and ef- forts be made to have such laws enacted by the various State Legis- latures as would rectify the wrong complained of. I was also in constant correspondence with President D'Alessandro of the Hod Carriers and Building Laborers' International Union all that year in connection with this matter. This entire matter is cited as one instance of what we have endeavored and are endeavoring to do in behalf of the Italian workers of the Country.1014 Mr. Louis T. Romagnoli--3. . I should like you upon the adjournment of the convention to report to me fully in regard thereto. With best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Sam Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.1015 [*COPIED. MAR 25 1911*] X. March 24, 1911. Mr. John Mitchell, Vice-President, American Federation of Labor, 10096 Metropolitan Bldg., New York City. Dear Sir and Brother: I am just in receipt of the March issue of the Cigar Makers' Official Journal, and I am sending it to you. It contains a number of matters of exceeding interest, and it will have a par- ticular interest to you. You will find an article on page three, under the heading of "Correspondence" written by Mr. John S. Kirshner of Philadelphia. There are editorials in the journal which I think will also interest you. You might show Mr. Kirshner's article to some of our friends. Your attention is also called to the April issue of the American Federationist, pages 307[0]-8-9. Copy of this will reach you in a few days. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, President, American Federation of Labor.1016 [*COPIED. MAR 25 1911*] X. March 24, 1911. Mr. Santiago Iglesias, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, 11 Allen Street, San Juan, P. R. Dear Sir and Brother: Your letter of the 16th just to hand with enclosures, and I desire to acknowledge the receipt of the same, although it must be briefly if the letter is to be in the mails on the steamer leaving New York tomorrow, Saturday. I am pained beyond expression at the incidents which you relate and regret very much that there should have been any such evil results from the mentally deranged former member of the union. These conflicts must of necessity be injurious to our fellow workers and to the cause of labor, notwithstanding how innocent any of our men may be of real wrong-doing. I am glad you sent copy of the petition to the office of the International President of the Cigar Makers' International Union, and trust that good results may follow. I assume that you will do all in your power to be helpful in bringing about an honorable adjustment of the present controversy. With best wishes for success, and hoping to hear from you often, I am, Fraternally yours, President, American Federation of Labor.1017 LF Washington, D.C. March 25,1911 Boston Chamber of Commerce Boston, Mass. Telegram received too late to reply yesterday. Answering would say that H. I. Brigance is the only party in Boston or New England authorized to solicit advertisements for American Federationist Samuel Gompers COLLECT [*COPIED. MAR 25 1911*][*1018*] [*COPIED. MAR 25 1911*] Z March 25, 1911. Mr. E. A. Goggin, Organizer, P. O. Box No. 103, Winchester, Mass. Dear Sir and Brother: As per your request, the change of your address has been noted and will be made on our next list of volunteer organizers. With best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.1019 [*COPIED. MAR 25 1911*] Z March 25, 1911. Mr. Cecil Horne, Eureka, Kansas. Dear Sir: Your favor of the 22nd instant has been duly received in which you ask for information on the subject of compulsory arbitration, to be used by you in preparation for a debate upon the subject. Replying thereto I beg to say that the American Federation of Labor has declared in favor of voluntary arbitration, and is opposed to compulsory arbitration. I may not be amiss to call your attention to a statement which I mae in an address before the Arbitration Congress held in Chicago December 17th, 1900, which is as follows: "Arbitration is only possible when voluntary. It never can be successfully carried out unless the parties to a dispute or controversy are equals, or nearly equals, in power to protect or defend themselves, or to inflict injury upon the other party." I am sending to you herein copy of this address which was published in pamphlet form. I would also suggest that if you have a file of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST that you should refer to my editorials upon this subject in the FEDERATIONIST for March and April issues, 1901. Also if you can refer to the Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, July, 1902, you can find some helpful matter in that, as that issue contains a1020 Mr. Cecil Horne---2. number of addresses delivered upon that subject. "Compulsory courts could not enforce their decrees" except the State would re-establish involuntary servitude; in other words, slavery. And to abolish slavery, even revolution would be justifiable. By reason of the large numbers of workmen, any action which they might take for the purpose of evading award, would practically be a public act and render them liable under such a law. The employer on the other hand, could readily close down his plant by assigning any reason, and then re-open anew under any name or he might close down and "re-organize" his labor forces. Either method would help him evade such a law. On the other hand, if the award was enforcible against the will of the employer, it would practically be confuscation. Then again there are other methods by which employers can evade an award, one of which was resorted to several years ago in New Zealand, where a Court of Arbitration decided in favor of the employes. The employer closed his plant and began order- ing goods in his line from England. Whether such an employer could, at some future time, re-open his business and proceed to manufacture with other workmen upon the ground that they are not the same parties, and thus evade the award, I am not quite certain, but I have shown that there are sufficient means by which employers can evade an award. The wage earners are earnestly striving to obtain a living wage, which, when expended in the most economical manner, shall be sufficient to maintain an average-sized family in a manner consistent with whatever the contemporary local civilization1021 Dear Cecil Horne---3. recognizes as indispensable to physical and mental health, or as required by the rational self-respect of human beings. That living wage changes continually for what constitutes as living wage today may be entirely insufficient a decade hence. It may not be amiss to say that one of the chief advocates of the compulsory arbitration law of New Zealand, who was largely instrumental in securing its enactment in that country, is a Mr. Lusk who was in the United States in 1900, and left no way untried to laud the compulsory arbitration law of New Zealand, urging its adoption by the people of this country. At that time I protested against such a law being applied to our country, and stated that it may seem to act fairly well during fair times, but the law had not been put to a test through periods of industrial depression. The same Mr. Lusk after having spent several years in New Zealand since 1900, came to the United States a few years ago, and has since publicly admitted that the compulsory arbitration law of New Zealand was not a success. As a matter of fact, it is an effort to pursue an unnatural course to meet a natural situation and condition. It would be the most unwise course for labor to pursue to advocate compulsory arbitration as a means of preventing or adjusting labor disputes. Labor wants to maintain industrial peace, but it must be with honor and justice, and it must not conflict with natural human rights. Labor must organize and possess power and wield that power intelligently and discreetly. We want conciliation, and if necessary arbitration, but arbitration voluntarily entered into, and its terms and awards voluntarily adhered to, but compulsory arbitration, never.1022 Mr. Cecil Horne -- 4. At the annual meeting of the Civic Federation held in New York December 17th, 1907, when the subject "Is Compulsory Arbitration Practicable" was under discussion, Mr. Lusk was one of the speakers, and it was then that he admitted that the Compulsory Arbitration Law of New Zealand was a failure. Summary of his address was published in the National Civic Federation Review of February, 1908. Very truly yours, Samuel Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor.1023 COPIED. MAR 25 1911 Z March 25, 1911. Mr. John Fitzpatrick, Organizer, Rooms 501-3 - 277 La Salle Street, Chicago, Illinois. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 22nd instant, in reply to mine of March 3rd regarding the organization of a local branch of the Union Label Trades Department of the A. F. of L., has been duly received and contents carefully noted. I have sent a copy of the same to Mr. Thomas F. Tracy, Secretary of the Department, with the request that he communicate with you direct in regard to the matter. With best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.1024 COPIED. MAR 25 1911 Z March 25, 1911. Mr. Thomas F. Tracy, Secretary, Union Label Trades Department, A. F. of L., Ourey Building, City Dear Sir and Brother: In compliance with your request I wrote to the organizers in the cities of one hundred thousand or more inhabitants in the states of Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio and Indiana in regard to the matter of organizing local branches of the Union Label Trades Department. Organizer Fitzpatrick of Chicago has just written me in reply to my letter upon this subject. A copy of his letter is enclosed herein. I would be glad if you would write to him in regard to the matter; I am advising him that his letter is referred to you and that you will communicate direct with him. With best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.1025 COPY. Chicago Federation of Labor, March 22, 1911. Mr. Samuel Gompers, President of A. F. of L., Dear Sir and Brother: I received your letter of March 3rd in regard to moving picture show of the Union Label Dept. of the A. F. of L. and in reply will say Sec'y Nockels had the matter under consideration and if we find an opportunity to use the show, we will be glad to do so. You also mention in said letter that "A most favorable opportunity is now presented for the organization of a branch of the Union Label Trades Department in your city." We have a splendid Union Label League in Chicago embracing most all the Label Trades. They made application for affiliation with the Label Dept. and the Dept. rejected the application because the League has in its membership one Local Union which is not affiliated with the International Union claiming jurisdiction. That local is the Box Makers. Under the circumstances it seems to me that the wise thing to do in this situation would be to issue the charter and then proceed to have the League conform to the rules of the Dept. then it would be a question the enforcement of the laws whereas on the other hand it means organizing another Union Label League which would only tend to complicate and confuse the entire matter. Hoping to hear further from you in regard to this matter, I am Sincerely, (Signed) John Fitzpatrick.1026 AH March 25, 1911. TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: This is to certify that Mr. C. V. Eppinger, is hereby duly authorized to install the officers and initiate the member of Porcelain Enamellers' Union #13177, Port Hope, Ontario, Canada. Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. COPIED. MAR 26 19111027 X. March 25, 1911. Mr. William Lodge, Secretary, Allied Trades and Labor Association, 21 Creighton Street, Ottawa, Ont., Canada. COPIED. MAR 25 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 20th instant is received and contents noted. I am sending a copy of your letter to Mr. Lee M. Hart, Secretary, International Alliance Theatrical Stage Employes, asking him to give the matter his attention and get into correspondence with you at his earliest convenience. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.X. March 25, 1911. Mr. Lee M. Hart, Secretary, Theatrical Stage Employes' International Alliance, State Hotel, Chicago, Illinois. Dear Sir and Brother: In a letter just received from William Lodge, Secretary, Allied Trades and Labor Association Ottawa, Canada, he says: "The Central Labor body have instructed me to write you and ask the International officials of the Theatrical Stage Employes, to interest themselves in the local here No. 95, as they now have trouble on their hands and claim that even their communications are ignored. "They are anxious to have an official here and ask your good offices in this regard, and I would state that the situation is acute." I have just written him that his request has been referred to you. I trust you will give the matter your attention as early as convenient. Mr. Lodge can be reached at 21 Creighton Street, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor.1029 M March 25, 1911. Mr. Fred C. Dobbin, Secretary, Trades and Labor Council, 176 Rubridge St., Peterboro, Ontario. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 22nd instant received and contents noted. I have before me our previous correspondence in regard to the matter of a volunteer organizer for Peterborough, and I understood from your letter that you would act in that capacity, and therefore, issued a commission to you. I note from yours of the 22nd that your time is so fully taken up with your daily work and the duties of your position with the Trades Council that you have very little time to devote to the duties of organizer. I will be glad, however, for you to continue to hold the commission and act in that capacity until such time as your central body will recommend to me the name of some other active loyal trade unionist to whom commission can be issued. Kindly let me hear from you further as to this and believe me to be with best wishes, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. MAR 25 1911*]1030 LF March 24, 1911 Mrs. Rosalind Beazley, Orlando Ky My dear Madam: Replying to your favor of the 15th instant I beg to say that I should be very pleased to have you send me copy of your book entitled "Virginia Rose". Hoping to hear from you further, I am, Very truly yours, Sam Gompers President American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED MAR 25 1911*]1031 [*COPIED. MAR 25 1911*] LF March 24, 1911 Mr. John Morrison, 25 Third Ave., New York,N.Y. Dear Sir: Replying further to your favor of March 18th, I beg to say that I have directed that the "WHEELING MAJORITY" of Wheeling, West Virginia be dropped from our lists receiving the American Federationist hereafter. Very truly yours, Saml. Gompers President American Federation of Labor.1032 COPIED. MAR 25 1911*] LF March 25, 1911. No. 26-B EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, AMERICAN FEDERATION OF LABOR. COLLEAGUES: In document #26, under date of March 17th, I submitted to you copy of the agreement reached in the conference between the representatives of the Granite Cutters' International Association, the Central Federated Union, the Blue Stone Cutters, Flaggers, Bridge and Curb Stone Setters, the International Union of Pavers and Hammermen and the American Federation of Labor. I also submitted the proposition to defer carrying out the decision of the Executive Council in regard to the Blue Stone Cutters until May 15, 1911. I beg to advise you that I am in receipt of a letter from Secretary Bohm of the New York Central Federated Union, in which he says: "I am happy to report that the resolution presented in the matter of the Granite Cutters Union and the Blue Stone Cutters' Union has been unanimously adopted on March 14, 1911." It seemed to me that you should be in possession of this information and in view of the fact that the Executive Council approved the proposition which I submitted, I suggest that you make1033 H. C. --2 This part of Document #26. With kind regards, I remain, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President American Federation of Labor.1033 H. C. --2 This part of Document #26. With kind regards, I remain, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President American Federation of Labor.1034 LF March 25, 1911 Mr. D. D'Alessandro, President International Hod Carriers and Building Laborers Union 82 State St., Albany, N.Y. COPIED MAR 25 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of March 21st is received and contents noted. Now in regard to the matter of conference between the Hod Carriers and Building Laborers and the Cement Workers , I beg to say that in my opinion the best time for such a conference would be either during the meeting of the Executive Council, or a day or so prior thereto. The Executive Council has not as yet designated the exact date for its next meeting. When it is decided I will advise you and the other interested parties so that arrangements may be made for the conference. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers President American Federation of Labor.1035 LF March 25,1911 When replying, kindly refer to Resolution #99 Mr. L. E. Hersey, Secretary Rhode Island State Federation Room 5, Labor Temple, Providence, R. I. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 22nd instant is received and contents noted. Now in connection with the matter of financial assistance in the legislative work of the Rhode Island State Federation of Labor, I beg to enclose to you herein copy of letter which I wrote, under date of March 3rd, to Mr. Charles H. Lee, Chairman of your Legislative Committee, and which I ask you kindly to accept as equally addressed to you. With kind regards and with best wishes for success, I remain, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor. Enclosure: 1036 LF Copy March 3, 1911. In replying please refer to Resolution #99 Mr. Charles H. Lee, Chairman, Legislative Committee, Rhode Island State Branch 725 Potter Avenue, Providence, R. I. Dear Sir and Brother: Owing to circumstances entirely beyond my control I have just been able reach your letter of February 9th, receipt of which has already been acknowledged. I note all that you say in reference to the situation as regards the continuation of the legislative program of the Rhode Island State Federation of Labor and the necessity for financial assistance if the work is to be kept up. As such a length of time has elapsed since your letter to me I take it that the Legislature has disposed of the bill for the repeal of the property qualification law. I wish you would advise me definitely in regard thereto. As to the financial assistance in the prosecution of the legislative program of the Rhode Island State Federation of Labor, I regret to say that the treasury of the A. F. of L. is such as to preclude the possibility of our rendering any financial assistance in the work. It would be unnecessary for me to say to you that our moral and actual support and assistance will be given to the very fullest limit of our ability. Trusting that I may hear from you at your early convenience, and with kind regards. I am, Fraternally yours, (Signed) Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor. 1037 LF March 25, 1911 Mr. Francis Feehan, President District #6, United Mine Workers of America 414 Ferguson Block, Pittsburg, Pa. Dear Sir and Brother: I beg to say that this morning I am in receipt of a letter from Vice-President Mitchell, in which he says that he is now arranging to leave for Pittsburg on the night of Wednesday, March 29th and he will therefore be there for the session of your convention on Thursday, March 30th. With kind regards, I remain, Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers, President American Federation of Labor. COPIED. MAR 25 19111038 LF March 25, 1911 Mr. A. J. Emmerton, Secretary United Brotherhood of Carpenters, Local #118 Box 623, Butte, Mont. COPIED. MAR 25 1911 Dear Sir: President Gompers directs me to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 15th instant in which you enclose certified copy of the circular letter which has been sent out by President Moyer of the Western Federation of Miners to the different local unions of that organization. He thanks you for sending it to him and the matter will be given his further attention. We will be glad to hear from you whenever convenient. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard (signature) Secretary to President Gompers.