Samuel Gompers Letterbooks volume 168 April 20, 1911 - May 27, 1911 ac. 13,745[*A*] Abraham, Henry 15 Allen, W. W. 156 Albrecht, J. M. 169 Atkinson, Thos. 228-496-1006 Anderson, J. W. 253 Alexander, L. L. 255 Askwith, G. R. 339 Alpine, John R. 417-418-600-853--970 Andrews, John B. 478-571-653-723 Adler Felix, Prof 505 Appleton, W. A. 539 Anderson, C. C. (Hon.) 582-761 Andrews, W. C. 808 Allen, A. A. 802 Alphonse, Jos. N. 816 American Purity Co. 868 Allen, John L. M. 962 Adams K. C. 1018 Allen Ernest 1030[*BA*] Beckett, Chas. S. 81 Barrett, Chas. S. 95 Bernier, Chas. D. 138 Beck, J. D. 201 Bechtold, Geo. 227 Barnes, J. Mahlon 303 Behrens, H. E. 379 Bevan, Alexander 497 Baker, Sylvester A, 579-757 Barber, E. 638 BePrue, Henry E. 659 Bennett, Chas. A. 683-1013 Baskin, Salem N. 685 Baldrige, Alfred 718 Baehr, F. H. 721-963 Baker, W. J. 767 Barnhart, G. W. 798 Ballard, E. G. (Hon.) 837 Benson, Allan L. 869 Benes, A. J. 878-925 Berger, Victor (Hon.) 904BL Burke John 1016- Broderick Edw. 1007- Bohrer, P. Jr. 21 Bohm, Ernest 23-143-291-413-590 Brice, P. J. 55 Buhr, Victor 87 Brewster, Eugene V 94 Borland, F. L 164 Black, Elmer, Mrs. 168 Butler, Thos. P. 172 Brandt, Ralph V. 205-826-892 Buffington, Henry F. 224 Boyd, Andrew 252 Burg, Matt 288-705 Brittiany Geo. 296 Bullock, Henry W. 294-631 Brooks, A. A. 304 Blatch, Harriet Stanton 312 Brown, Edwin A. 428 Buchanan, Wm. 429 ½ Bonner, W. A. 457-675 Burg, Matt 586 Burton, Chas. H. 662-945 Boyd, Arthur 696 Bowen, Norris L. 707 Burton, Chas. J. 730 Bolles, B. S. 772 Brady, Harry T. 795 Bo[rer?]e, G. L. 834 Breslin, J. J. 836Borland, W. R. 848 Black, Frank D. (Hon.) 858 Burke, Thos. E. 890 Bray, John E. 893- 998 [*100*] Butler, L. W. 940 Boss, Wm. 956 Boas, Wm 1002 Britton S. C. 1026Civil Service 63 - 64 Carey, J. T. 112 Childers, Henry H. 269 Carkon, H.G. 310 Campbell, Alex, 421 - 872 Camilla, F.M, 446 Campbell W.H. 491 Casey, Thos. L. 493 Campbell, W.A. 518 Carbaugh, H.C. (Hon.) 546 Cantwell, Ed. J. 627 Cable, Jas. A. 746 Canfield, J.T. 951Coldren, J. W. 27 Clymer, Virgil H. 31 Closkey, R. E. 140 Cunningham, John B. 220 Cook, Peter G. 431 Cornett, R. A. 441 Creighton, W. M. 474 Clotfelter, Roy 648 Cruz, N. M. 690 Clark, Walter (Hon.) 698 Corne??, R. A. 704 Conway, H. J. 717 Curran, Jas. 726 Coates, Wm. J. 741-824 Clapp, Orville 843 Cupp, I. J. 931 Crose P. O. 1018 Cochrane Robert H. 1029 [*D*] Duffy, Frank 69-302-321-529 684-763-891 Duncan, Jas. 93-96-274-311(m.292 pp.23)-400-575 584-860-863-906-979-1008 Draper, P. M. 124-272 Diehl, Chas. 135-337-483 Dix, John A. 175 Dolan, C. T. 199 Detweller, D. B. 204 Durbin, Jas. J. 226 Dailey, W. R. 229 Duncan, C. F. 242-549 [Doty, H. N. 243] Killed. Dyche, J. A. 245-409-448-859 Doty, H. U. 322-998 Digest, Literary 401 Donnelly, J. L. 415 Davies, W. H. 464-660-852 Davis, A. C. 487 Dawson, Godfrey 554 Doyle, Stephen A. 567 Dowd, C. E. 671 DeLoach, C. R. 682 DePue, Harry E. 711 Darrow, Clarence 846-896 Damozinio, John L. 855 D'Alesandro, D. 784 Dickson, Wm. A. (Hon.) 917 Duffy, Patrick F. 953 Dehane, Jas 978De Sone, Andrew - 1003 Doebler Chas. H. 1002-[*E*] 200 Executive Council 67-77-100-129-382-513-514-591 Evans, Jo. 615 - 739 - 886 - 910 - [?]80 - 1021 97 Elland J.H, 105 Eichelberger, H. L. 127-547 Ecker, W. H. 345 Egan, Jas. 352-423 Easley, Ralph M. 355-999 Editor, Hamptons' Magazine 371 Eichenberger, John 545 Emory, Jas, 597 Eddy, Chas, B. 649 Eischer, Jacob 677 Everett, J. B. 733 Editor, Indianapolis Star 850 Editor, Pacific Commercial Advertiser 874Finney, H. J. 14 Flynn, Thos. H. 33-114-727 Flanagan, T. F. 36-470-587-711 Flett, John A. 74 Fisher, Frank 80 Frayne, Hugh 89-123-126-275-329-408-801- 432-435-533-630-830-950-971 Forker, Reuben 148 Ford, Jos. W. 295 Foster, Earl 406 Fulkerson, Sidney C. 439 Fisher, Glenn 440 Furnseth, Andrew 444-832 Faber, W. A. 460 Flah Freel, Jas. J. 526 Fletcher, W. I. 541 Flanagan, Jas. A. 587 Foster, J. M. 588 Fehlinger, Hans 609 Francis, W. B (Hon.) 635 Frantz, Will A. 732 French, Burton L. 751 Fischer, Jacob 756 Frey, J. B. 1005Gallagher, Andrew J. 57-144-350-425-502-856 974 Gulk, S. G. 119 Gesall, G. A. 154 Gitthrope, Wilkesian J. 181-341-463 Gallagher, C. L. 260-261 Griffin, John J. 305-402-650 Gilday, Patrick 360 Guenawalt, E. E. 361 Gillette, L. T. 378 Gunter, Jas. A. 396 Gill, M. J. 410 Ghent, W. J. 412-489 Gordon, A. R. 414 Gompers, Samuel 416-605-637 Gitterman, A. B. 436 Golden, John 511-621 Gillingham, A. J. 540 Gann, Robb. E. 542 303 Gateway, The 589 Gardner, Frederic 593-1023 Gillespie, H. C. 654 Garfield, A. H. 680 Green, Geo. A. 703 Gomperz, Rosa 870 Golden, Walter 929 Giles, J. E. 982 GHawkins, W. W. 49 Harvey, A. E. 53 Hayes, Max S. 115 Hawley, F. T. 145-223-325-424-503 Herman, Will 176-820 Henderson, Geo. M. 187 Harris, Daniel 232 Henley, John J. 244 Hayes, D. A. 386 (M. 292 pp. 25) Hays, W. M. 387 Hannah, Edw. I. 452 Hanna, L. B. (Hon.) 521 Haneson, Johan 555 Harper Bros. 563 Haller, Frederic 578 Harter, R. H. 712 Healy, A. A. 734 Hastings, F. A. 810 Hague, John M. 840 Hall, Leroy E. 877 Hart, Lee M. 936 Henry, R. L. (Hon.) 965 Hedrick Geo. F. 1017 HAHope, Chas. 25 Hibbert, Albert 73-249 Hoefgen, Wm. L. 128-346-814 Hilfus, Henry F. 150-264 Huber, W. D. 202 (M. 292 pp. 26)-398-572 Hogan, Stephen S. 230 Holder, Jack W. 239-240 Hughs, R. E. 332 Hord, Francis 339 Howley, Geo. B. 357 Himmel, James 447 Huber, Fred 451 Hunt, Elton B. 550 Hoxie, Robb. F. 697 House, Albert S. 731 Hill, A. E. 780 Highum, H. 797 Howells, D. E. 823 Hayhman W. H. 1028 HIJr Iglesias, Santiago 47-61-185-290-453 Ingalls, A. J. 323-985 Johnson, C. E. 8 Jones, Clara 392 Johnston, Jos. F. 456 Johnson, Ed. 520 Jones, Richard Lloyd 604 Jamock, Chas. M. 622 Johnson, T. L. 749 Jorhade, H. 845 Keufer, Augusta 11-748 Klein, P., Jr. 186 Kline, J. W. 217-438-467-595 Kufe, Daniel J. 256-674 Kassel, Chas. 283 Kreyling, David 284-358-486-960 Kirkendall, Harry G. 285 Knox, Andrew 289 Kirk, Grover C. 481 Kemnitz, Leland S. 484 Keegan, Winfield T. 525 Kirschel, Wm. H. 668 Keating, H. J. 689 Kleiber, Victor 754 Kimball, W. W. 876 Kemper, Louis 894 400 Kenny, J. 927Liebster Herman 1031 Lake Chas. 1015. Lebovitz, J. 29 Landsberg, F. J. 72 Lambert, John W. 85 Levi, I. N. 104-544 Lindlay, C. L. 125 Lodge, Wm. 139 Lastinger, N. G. 184 Lakin, Louis 208 Lehew, O. G. 247 Lightfoot, Frank 276 Leonard, C. B. 298 Legien, Carl 316-598-632-794-794-862 Low, Seth 348 Lennon, John B. 353-381 (M. 292 pp. 29)-946 Larkin, M. R. 380 Literary Digest 401 Lockley, Fred 422 Lynch, Jas. M. 527-880 Levi, J. M. 544 Langer, M. W. 709 Le Secretaire General Adjoint 715 Laire, Wm. 745 Larger, B. A. 757-920 Littleton, Martin W. (Mrs.) 766 Le Sondier, M. H. 771 Losey, W. B. 781Merker, C. H. 107 Metcalf, Henry C. 110 Malin, John H. 113 Matthews, Jas. 146 Mahar, Dennis 222 Matsinger, H. S. 258 Mentow, John A. C. 287 Mance, Jas. T. 471 Mahon, W. D. 509-941 Morrison, Wm. F. 667 Merritt, Edwin Jr. 701 Magill, H 710 Mack, N. C. 713 Meiler, John G. 724-765 Meicham, Howard 774 Mulholland, Frank L. (Hon.) 973 Mack, Jas. F. 976 Malfas Chas. B. 1010 [*MA*]Murphy, Jos. M. 52 Morris, E. C. 82-292 Miller, L. M. 177 Monck, R. S. 195 Milnoe, R. D. 200 Mulholland, Frank L. 236-500-538-603-663-673 Mitchell, John. (M. 292 pp. 24)-515-651 Mountford, Harry 430-942 Mtynarozyn, W. A. (Rev.) 459-762-889 Miller, Owen 472-606-755 Morrison, Frank 479 Mickle, John B. 492 Moyer, Chas. H. 499-990 Moore, John Bassett, Prof. 504-672 Miller, Geo. H. 686 Morrison, John 738-944-1025 Mowbray, Fred 809 Morton, Farley 842 Murphy, Thos. 907 Moffitt Jms. A. 1024 [*MI*]McSorley, Wm. J. 1 McCarthy, D. E. 152 McCarthy, Frank H. 248-450-500-517-658-821 McMahon, Terrence J. 309 McNulty, Frank J. 469-753-776-937 McNamara, J. J. 508 McLeran, Ben B. 644 McIntyre, S. H. 706 McArdle, P. J. 819 McKinstry, Mae 938 [*Mc*]Nekon, Wm. N. 92 Norris, C. O. 137 Neill, Chas. F. (Hon.) 162 Nockek, E. N. 277 Nekon, Emil 580 Newman, Cland 670 Noffke, Wm. 694 Nooney, A. 737 Noonan, J. P. 841 Neostyle 873 O'Connell, Jas. 159-210-419-420-462-625 983 O'Neill, John J. 191 Overby, Eugene 407-716 O'Sullivan, M. 466 O'Donoghue, J. G. 516 O'Brien, Wm. H. 656 Ohnem, Martin A. 692 Overby, E. A. 716 Oliver, John 923 [*N*] [*O*]Perham, H. B. 9-356 (M.292 pp. 28)-586-902 924 Packer, Lanncelot 13 Postal Clubs 63-64 Pitt, E. M. 83.-728-1001 Parker, Alton B. 109-594-788-792-934 Pegg, Samuel J. 122 Perkins, E. A. 136 Powell, John B. 203 Pyle, Geo. W. 300 Preston, Geo. 335 Pratt, C. O. 359 Piper, Hugh B. (Hon.) 362 Phillips, A. M. 427 Postmaster, Washington, D. C. 449 Putnam, Herbert (Hon.) 522 Perkins, Edgar A. 524 Privitt, J. G. 566 Pyle, Geo. W. 569 Pietzech, Hugo 611 Pike, Harrie M. 612 Palmer, Geo. 613 Pury, Edwin 647 Peate, Hazel H. 743 Patterson, W. H. 758-829 Phillips, J. C. 769 Pierce, J. D. 835 Perkins, Geo. W. 895Roehri, Al. Jr. 50 Ryan, Frank M. 111-178-237-523-531-554-699 676-861-988 Roberts, W. C. 120 Reilly, Joseph J. 193-760 Rose, David S. 280 Rowe, T. W. 349 Reid, Stuart 437 Robinson, Thomas 495 Rubin, W. B. 512 Reichert, John 573 Riley, John H. 607 Reece, Thos. 608 600 Reynolds, J. P. 652 Reuss, Geo. 674 Ross, Wm. J. 691 Ralston, J. H. 784-932 Rittenhouse, 815 Reedy, Jas. J. 818 Rogers, Bruce 825 Rappaport, Leo M. (Hon.) 839 Reid, J. J. 919 Ryan, John H. 926 Roosevelt, Theodore (Hon.) 989 RSherwood, Isaac R. (Hon.) 58 Schulman, Harvey J. 182-411 Schlesinger, Alexander 231 Sanders, S. Leroy 254 Sarber, Eugene 282-473 Santer, Irving C. 293 Sefton, A. W. 328 Scully, T. A. 336-827 Sassenbach, M. 403 Scharrenberg, Paul 475 Sanders, V. 477 Seidman, Nathan H. 494 Secretary, Academy Political Science 501 Shackleton, D. J. 623 Shamp, C. L. 661-812 Sank, T. C. 664 Sarvis, Arthur H. 666-687 [Scat] Schade, Howard A. 714 Shannon, Wm. A. 775 Scoles, E. S. 783 Sear James 1018 SAStanley, Wm. H. 17 Sullivan, J. W. 30 Smith, P. S. 51 Spencer, Wm. J. 65-142-1009 Skemp, J. C. 90-719-888-1017- Stetzle, Chas. (Rev.) 121 Spaulding, Walter H. 189 Skemp, A. J. 209 Smith, P. 225 Sullivan, Chas. A. 235 Smurthewaite, Frank 262-1027 Stilling, H. G. 334 Smith, Tunstall 388-443-445-490 Silger, Edwin A. 404 Stewart, A. D. 534 Sullivan, Simon S. 543-1012 Stewart, Ethelbert (Hon.) 552-553 Stanley, Edw. Jr. 602 Sutton, Leon C. 620 Steadman, W. C. 633 Slate, R. R. 641 Stanton, G. Smith 665 Sullivan, Jer L. 678 Smith A. E. (Hon.) 702 Slotky, S. 708 Smith, O. P. 722 Stephen, C. B. 782 Supreme Court Congratulatory Messages 873 SIShort, Jas. A. 879 Smith, Wm. 958 Spelman, L. C. 959 Snope, L. G. 961Thomas, Harry D 32-992 Taylor, Frederick W. 165 Turner, R. H. 167 Turner, Fred. R. 209 Tracy, Thos. F. 246-899-909 Tobin, Daniel J. 265-930 Tobin, John F. 308-354-939 Thomas, Samuel Bell 340 Teetzel, Frank 385 Thorp, E. E. 429-955 Taylor, P. E. 482 Thompson, John 634 700 Towne, Wm. E. 744 Turner, W. A. 796 Tveitmos, O. A. 803 Tyler, H. A. 952 TUmbint, P. 314 - 866 Ullner, Henry 885 Vall, F. J. 209 Vaughn , Edward Prof. 377 Valentine, Jos. F. ([?] 292 pp. 27) -465 - 657 - 822 Viti, Marcel A. 799 U VWeber, Oswald 197 Weis A. C. 294 Whitlock, Brand (Hon.) 351 Walker, Clarence E. 476 Wagner, Chas. 548-681 West, Geo. L. 629 Waters, W. W. 669 Walsh, M. 742 Whalen, John S. (Hon.) 773 Wallace, Hugh 844 White, A. E. 928 WAWilson, Wm. B. (Hon.) 98 World Federation League 155 Wilson, Alex. T. 170 Wilson, Jas. 218-468 Wilson, L. W. (Mrs.) 219 Wildy, W. F. 488 Wylie, F. M. 564 Winslow, Chas. H. 568 Wright, H. A. 807 Wilkins, Geo. 898 Wulff, G. 900 Wickersham, T. A. 903 Williams, J. B. 922 Wyand, Nicolas 944 WIYoung, Wm. 158-779 Young, C. O. 581 Younger, Mand 882 Zeitz, Frank 19 Zlochower, Isidor 435 Zeigler, C. C. 496 Zuckerman, Max 964 748 Y Z(*COPIED. April 20, 1911*) Z Mr. Wm. J. McSorley, President, International Union of Wood, Wire and Metal Lathers, 401 Superior Building, Cleveland, Ohio. Dear Sir and Brother: Some weeks ago I received two letters from Mr. R. S. Johnson, a metal lather of Chicago, who desired full instruction and advice as to how to proceed to form an independent local Union of lathers in that city to become affiliated with the A. F. of L. He said that he represented men who had been discriminated against by the Lathers’ local union of Chicago, and that, therefore, they desired direct affiliation. I took the matter up with organizer Fitzpatrick and am now in receipt of his reply. It seemed to me that the entire correspondence should be placed before you and hence you will please find enclosed herein copies of Mr. Johnson’s letters to me, of my letter to him, of my letter to organizer Fitzpatrick and Mr. Fitzpatrick’s reply. I have advised Mr. Fitzpatrick that I am placing the entire correspondence before you and that I shall await your advice thereon. I will, therefore, be glad to hear from you at your earliest convenience. With best wished, I am Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.2 COPY. R. S. Johnson, 3754 La Salle St. Chicago, Ill., 3/14/11. Mr. Samuel Gompers, President, A. F. of L. Dear Sir and Brother: I want you to give me full instruction as to cost and tell me just how to go about it, I want to form an independent Lathers Union in the City of Chicago. I have enough practical lathers to take charge of any job in the city and we want to become affiliated with the A. F. of L. I was down to see Mr. Fitzpatrick of the C. F. of L. and he told me that in order to get a charter I would have to correspond with you. I ensure you that our local will not conflict with the W. W. and M. L. I. U. now in Chicago, but will maintain as high a wage scale and the same working hours. I represent men who have been discriminated against by the locals of the L. I. U. now in Chicago and are at present being hindred in their attempts to earn a livelihood. This is a matter of vital importance to all concerned, so please answer at once giving full information in regards to every detail and technicality. Expecting an immediate reply and thanking you in advance, I remain, Fraternally yours, (Signed) R. S. Johnson3 COPY. March 17, 1911. Mr. R. S. Johnson, 3754 La Salle St., Chicago, Illinois 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 with 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 issues 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. of L, issuing a charter to the local union of lathers in Chicago, favorable motion could not be taken upon any such 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, 101 Superior Building, Cleveland, Ohio. With best wishes I am, Fraternally yours, (Signed) Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor4 COPY. 3754 La Salle St., Chicago, Illinois. Mar. 27, 1911. Mr. Samuel Gompers, Pres. A. F. of L., Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 17th instant duly received and in reply to your recommendation that I take the matter up with the executive officers of the Wood, Wire and Metal Lathers' International Union I would like to say -- I have explained the matter to Mr. Brandt and Mr. McSorley and they have not given me a square deal, that is why I wrote to you. Had they not discriminated against me I would have had no cause to take the matter up with you. I would like for you to take the matter up with them for me, give it your personal attention. I was turned down by the Chicago local even though I had a paid up dues book and a clear transfer. I took up the matter with Pres. McSorley and Sec. Brandt and they did not do one thing to see that I got justice although I was in good standing and never had been fined or suspended. I am not the only one treated this way. I know of several more. It is simply a case of drawing the color line. and I ask you to see that justice be dealt me. my number at headquarters is 7218 so you can look at my record if Pres. McSorley permits and see for yourself that I am not getting justice. Hoping to hear from you soon, I remain, Fraternally yours, (signed) R.S. Johnson.5 COPY. April 6, 1911. Mr. J. J. Fitzpatrick, Organizer, Room 501, 275 La Belle St., Chicago, Illinois. Dear Sir and Brother: Enclosed you will please find copies of two letters I have received from R. S. Johnson of Chicago, and copy of my reply dated March 17th, in answer to his letter dated March 14th. I note that he has seen you. He states that you advised him that in order to get a charter for a local union of Metal Polishers it would be necessary for him to correspond with me. You will note what he says in his letter of March 27th. I cannot understand the situation. I do not know the circumstances. I do not want to write him any further. You are upon the ground and I would like for you to get in communication with him, saying that I have referred the entire matter to you, at the same time suggesting that you should advise him that his course of action should be in accord with the local union of Metal Polishers in Chicago. I note with a great deal of interest that you have received the trade unionists' reward of merit at the hand of the Socialist politicians of Chicago. With kind regards and hoping to hear from you in connection with this at your early convenience, I am, Fraternally yours, (Signed) Samuel Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor. Enclosures: 6 COPY Chicago, Ill., April 7, 1911. Mr. Samuel Gompers, President of A. F. of L., Dear Sir and Brother: I received your letter in regard to correspondence you had with R. S. Johnson a member of the Lathers' Int. Union. Some time ago Mr. Johnson called upon me and stated that he came to Chicago from Seattle, Wash., that he was a member in good standing in the Seattle Local of the Lathers Int. Union, when he came here he was in possession of a transfer card, and that when he presented his transfer card to the Chicago Local, he was told that he could not deposit his card in this local regardless of the fact that he was a member in good standing in the Int. Union. He also said that a number of other members were accorded the same treatment, and that there was a sufficient number of them in Chicago to form an organization independent of the International Lathers' Union, He asked me as to how he would proceed to secure a local union charter of the A. F. of L. I told him it would be impossible to secure a charter from the A. F. of L. for a local union of Lathers, and the only thing that I could advise him to do was to write the Int. President of the Lathers in regard to his grievance against the Chicago local. He said he write Mesorley and never received a reply. Then I advised him to write you and make a full explanation as to the circumstances and etc., and ask you to take the matter up with the Int. Union, that ended our conversation. As far as I could learn from the papers and due book in Johneon's possession, he is a union man and as such I felt duty bound to advise him as best I could, in order to secure re-7 -2- dress of his grievances, and as the Local and Int. unions failed to heed his appeal there was nothing for me to do but to advise him to write to you. It is a serious problem for Mr. Johnson. it means that he must either leave the city or leave his trade, if he wants to work, and cannot secure favorable consideration at the hands of the organization of which he is a member. After I heard his story there was only one move left that I knew of and that was to interest you in the matter, and I so advised him. Yours sincerely, (Signed) John Fitzpatrick.8 Washington, D. C. April 20, 1911 Mr. C. E. Johnson, Isleta, New Mexico. [*COPIED. APR 20 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother, I am sending you herewith copy of a letter written by myself to Mr. H. E. Perham, President of the Order of Railway Telegraphers, which is a reply to your favor under date of March 28 to Mr. L. W. Quick. You will note inquiries made in that letter, answers to which you may furnish to me directly, if you can. With best wishes, I remain, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. (Enclosure.)9 Y. April 20, 1911. Mr. H. B. Perham, President, The Order of Railway Telegraphers, St. Louis, Missouri, [*COPIED APR 20, 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: I have your recent favor of April 5, with enclosed communication from brother C. E. Johnson, Isleta, New Mexico; in which he informs you concerning the Government work being done under contract at Engle Dam, Engle, New Mexico, and in which he said he was "given to understand foreign labor, namely, Mexican Peons, are being imported by the employment agencies of El Paso for this purpose, etc." Brother Johnson also says, "as I understand it, any Government contracts that are given out, have a clause which states 'only labor to be employed is to be United States citizens, no foreign labor to be used on any work specified in these contracts.'" In reply to same, permit me to say, that all employes working for the Government directly in the classified Civil Service, have of necessity to be United States citizens, but there is no provision made in any of the appropriation bills for public work performed by contract for the United States, in which there is a restriction placed upon contractors to employ only United States citizens. 10 Mr. H. B. Perham----2 The so-called contract labor law is effective only so far as it prevents contractors or other employers from making contracts with foreign workmen to come to the United States to perform certain work. I trust that brother Johnson may be able to ascertain who the contractor or contractors are at the Engle Dam, and if it is within his power, to further learn whether the Mexican workmen are being actually imported by the contractors, or through employment agencies to do this work. If in case he can furnish me such information, or how such information can be reliably obtained, I will take the matter up through the proper department officials in Washington at once. Thanking you for furnishing me this information, and assuring you of my interest in the matter, I remain, with best wishes, Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. P. S. I am sending a copy of this letter to brother Johnson, as you directed, on plain paper, in a plain envelope. S.G. COPIED. APR ? 191111 X. April 20, 1911. M. Auguste Keufer, Secretary General, French Federation of Book Printers, 20, Rue de Savoie, Paris, France. [*COPIED. APR 20 1911*] My dear Mr. Keufer: Your favor of March 24th has been duly received and contents noted. I regret very much to say that there has never been published any necrology [thing] of our friend Mr. McGregor, and therefore I am unable to comply with your request. Yes, as you can very readily imagine I am so crowded and overwhelmed all the while with the most pressing and important work in connection with our great movement, that I have little if any time to devote to my personal correspondence, or for that matter to my personal affairs. At present we are awaiting the decision of the Supreme Court of the United States in our appeal case. The argument was made before the court on January 26th. Mondays are decision days. No decision as yet has been handed down. It is, of course, expected at any time. It is hardly probable that the courts will take any other position than to sustain the decision of the lower court, though of course we are hoping that our position may yet be sustained. In any event, whenever the decision is given, I imagine you will promptly know it in Paris, for I have no doubt but that the information will be widely cabled. 12 M. Auguste Keufer -2- Further, I would say in regard to the passing away of our friend McGregor, that I have written to Mr. S. H. Sweeney, Editor of the Positivist Review, and more than likely they may publish something in the Positivist Journal. Reciprocating your good wishes, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.13 [*COPIED. APR 21 1911*] M April 20, 1911. Mr.Launcelot Packer, Columbian Building, Washington, D. C. My dear Mr. Packer: Referring to the conversation with me over the phone yesterday, President Gompers directs me to enclose to you herein list of affiliated national and international unions giving the names and addresses of their respective secretaries. The organizations which are checked are the ones, which in Mr. Gompers opinion, should be invited to participate in the meeting on May 10th to consider the legal side of the Workmen's Compensation. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.14 M April 21, 1911. Mr. H. J. Finney, Organizer, L. B. 831, Huron, South Dakota. [*COPIED. APR 21 - 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 17th instant is at hand, and in compliance with your request I am sending you under separate cover package of organizer's letter heads. Relative to list of manufacturers using the union label, I beg to say that Secretary Tracy of the Union Label Trades Department, to whom your request has been referred, will send you same. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers, President American Federation of Labor.15 X. April 21, 1911. Mr. Henry Abrahams, Secretary, Central Labor Union, 987 Washington St., Boston, Mass. [*COPIED. APR 21 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: I am in receipt of a letter from Secretary C. T. Dolan, of the International Broom and Whisk Makers' Union, of which the following is a copy: "As stated to you here in Chicago a few weeks ago, our organization is involved in a lockout at Amsterdam, N. Y. with the Amsterdam Broom Co., Gardner Brothers Broom Co., Pioneer Broom Co., American Broom Co., and the Mohawk Valley Broom Co., of Fonda, N.Y. This lockout is threatening to disrupt our local union in that city, which is one of the largest, and if lost, will have a disastrous effect on our organization, and also on the other crafts of Amsterdam. This controversy was brought about when our local union in that City presented a new wage schedule last December asking for a slight advance in wages, that if granted, would still leave the wages slightly lower than the wages paid by any other union factories in our line in the country. The union presented the schedule and asked employers above mentioned, to consider same, and give them an answer by a certain future date. The employers took the schedule and upon the date set for answer, posted notices in the respective factories stating that they would not grant the advance and that the factory was closed to union men from that date on. Since that date our members have been locked out and the firms have been trying to operate their plants with a cheap element of scab labor. Owing to the fact that our organization is small and finances very limited, we have found it a hard struggle to pay our locked out members their strike benefits and have had to assess our membership heavily in order to do so. We have not been able to carry on an agitation against these firms in their trade by advertising them among the various unions, because of lack of finances to defray the expense of such agitation, and believing that this is the only hope we have left, we appeal to you as President of the American Federation of Labor to assist us in this fight for living wages, by sending out communications to the various local unions and Central Bodies in the eastern states informing them of the attitude of those firms toward our organization, and asking them to inform their16 Mr. Henry Abrahams -2- grocers and dealers handling the brooms made by these firms of the conditions under which they are made, and to demand the union label of the International Broom and Whisk Makers' Union. Secretary Dolan calls attention that the firms in question sell their brooms in your locality, and it is urgently asked that your central body will appoint a committee to wait upon grocers and dealers in your city for the purpose of endeavoring to influence them to prevail upon these companies to desist in their lockout and further antagonism to the organization of the Broom and Whisk Makers. Thanking you in advance for your cooperation in this matter, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.17 X. Apr.21, 1911. Mr. William H. Stanley, Secretary, Central Labor Union, Box 104, Amsterdam, New York. COPIED. APR 21 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: I am in receipt of a letter from Secretary C. T. Dolan, of the International Broom and Whisk Makers' Union, of which the following is a copy: "As stated to you here in Chicago a few weeks ago, our organization is involved in a lockout at Amsterdam, N. Y. with the Amsterdam Broom Co., Gardner Brothers Broom Co., Pioneer Broom Co., American Broom Co., and the Mohawk Valley Broom Co. of Fonda, N.Y. This lockout is threatening to disrupt our local union in that city, which is one of the largest, and if lost, will have a disastrous effect on our organization, and also on the other crafts of Amsterdam. This controversy was brought about when our local union in that city presented a new wage schedule last December asking for a slight advance in wages, that if granted, would still leave the wages slightly lower than the wages paid by any other union factories in our line in the country. The union presented the schedule and asked employers above mentioned, to consider same and give theman answer by a certain future date. The employers took the schedule and upon the date set for answer, posted notices in the respective factories stating that they would not grant the advance and that the factory was closed to union men from that date on. Since that date our members have been locked out and the firms have been trying to operate their plants with a cheap element of scab labor. Owing to the fact that our organization is small and finances very limited, we have found it a hard struggle to pay our locked out members their strike benefits and have had to assess our membership heavily in order to do so. We have not been able to carry on an agitation against these firms in their trade by advertising them among the various unions, because of lack of finances to defray the expense of such agitation, and believing that this is the only hope we have left, we appeal to you as President of the American Federation of Labor to assist us in this fight for living wages, by sending out communications to the various local unions and Central Bodies in the eastern states informing them of the attitude of those firms toward our organization, and asking them to inform their18 Mr. William H. Stanley -2- grocers and dealers handling the brooms made by these firms of the conditions under which they are made, and to demand the union label of the International Broom and Whisk Makers' Union." Secretary Dolan calls attention that the firms in question sell their brooms in your locality, and it is urgently asked that your central body will appoint a committee to wait upon grocers and dealers in your city for the purpose of endeavoring to influence them to prevail upon these companies to desist in their lockout and further antagonism to the organization of the Broom and Whisk Makers. Thanking you in advance for your co-operation in this matter, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. COPIED APR ? 191119 X. April 21, 1911 Mr. Frank Zeitz, Secretary, United Trades and Labor Council, 255 Genesee Street, Buffalo, N. Y. COPIED APR 21 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: I am in receipt of a letter from Secretary C. T. Dolan, of the International Broom and Whisk Maker's Union, of which the following is a copy: "As stated to you here in Chicago a few weeks ago, our organization is involved in a lockout at Amsterdam N. Y. with the Amsterdam Broom Co., Gardner Brothers Broom Co., Pioneer Broom Co., American Broom Co., and the Mohawk Valley Broom Co., of Fonda N.Y. This lockout is threatening to disrupt our local union in that city, which is one of our largest, and if lost, will have a disastrous effect on our organization, and also on the other crafts of Amsterdam. This controversy was brought about when our local union in that city presented a new wage schedule last December asking for aslight advance in wages, that if granted, would still leave the wages slightly lower than the wages paid by any other union factories in our line in the country. The union presented the schedule and asked employers above mentioned, to consider same and give them an answer by a certain future date. The employers took the schedule and upon the date set for answer, posted notices in the respective factories stating that they would not grant the advance and that the factory was closed to union men from that date on. Since that date our members have been locked out and the firms have been trying to operate their plants with a cheap element of scab labor. Owing to the fact that our organization is small and our finances very limited, we have found it a hard struggle to pay our locked out members their strike benefits and have had to assess our membership heavily in order to do so. We have not been able to carry on an agitation against these firms in their trade by advertising them among the various unions, because of lack of finances to defray the expense of such agitation and believing that this is the only hope we have left, we appeal to you as President of the American Federation of Labor to assist us in this fight for living wages, by sending out communications to the various local unions and Central Bodies in the eastern states informing them of the attitude of these firms toward our organization, and asking them to inform their20 Mr. Frank Zeitz -2- grocers and dealers handling the brooms made by these firms of the conditions under which they are made, and to demand the union label of the International Broom and Whisk Makers' Union." Secretary Dolan calls attention that the firms in question sell their brooms in your locality, and it is urgently asked that your central body will appoint a committee to wait upon grocers and dealers in your city for the purpose of endeavoring to influence them to prevail upon these companies to desist in their lockout and further antagonism to the organization of the Broom and Whisk Makers. Thanking you in advance for your co-operation in this matter, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. 21 X. April 21, 1911. Mr. P. Bohrer, Jr., Secretary, Central Trades and Labor Council, 179 Williams Street, Rochester, N.Y. COPIED Dear Sir and Brother: APR 21 1911 I am in receipt of a letter from Secretary C. T. Dolan, of the International Broom and Whisk Makers' Union, of which the following is a copy: "As stated to you here in Chicago a few weeks ago, our organization is involved in a lookout at Amsterdam, N. Y. with the Amsterdam Broom Co., Gardner Brothers Broom Co., Pioneer Broom Co., American Broom Co., and the Mohawk Valley Broom Co., of Fonda N.Y. This lookout is threatening to disrupt our local union in that city, which is one of our largest, and if lost, will have a disastrous effect on our organization, and also on the other crafts of Amsterdam. This controversy was brought about when your local union in that city presented a new wage schedule last December asking for a slight advance in wages, that if granted, would still leave the wages slightly lower than the wages paid by any other union factories in our line in the country. The union presented the schedule and asked employers above mentioned, to consider same and give them an answer by a certain future date. The employers took the schedule and upon the date set for answer, posted notices in the respective factories stating that they would not grant the advance and that the factory was closed to union men from that date on. Since that date our members have been locked out and the firms have been trying to operate their plants with a cheap element of scab labor. Owing to the fact that our organization is small and our finances very limited, we have found it a hard struggle to pay our locked out members their strike benefits and have had to assess our membership heavily in order to do so. We have not been able to carry on an agitation against these firms in their trade by advertising them among the various unions, because of lack of finances to defray the expense of such agitation, and believing that this is the only hope we have left, we appeal to you as President of the American Federation of Labor to assist us in this fight for living wages, by sending out communications to the various local unions and Central Bodies in the eastern states informing them of the attitude of those firms toward our organization, and asking them to inform their22 Mr. P. Bohrer –2– grocers and dealers handling the brooms made by these firms of the conditions under which they are made, and to demand the union label of the International Broom and Whisk Makers' Union." Secretary Dolan calls attention that the firms in question sell their brooms in your locally, and it is urgently asked that your central body will appoint a committee to wait upon grocers and dealers in your city for the purpose of endeavoring to influence them to prevail upon these companies to desist in their lockout and further antagonism to the organization of the Broom and Whisk Makers. Thanking you in advance for your co-operation in this matter, I am, Fraternally yours, COPIED Saml Gompers APR 21 1911 President, American Federation of Labor.23 X. April 21, 1911. COPIED. APR 21 1911 Mr. Ernest Bohm, Secretary, Central Federated Union, 210 E. 5th St., New York City. Dear Sir and Brother: I am in receipt of a letter from Secretary C.T. Dolan, of the International Broom and Whisk Makers' Union, of which the following is a copy: "As stated to you here in Chicago a few weeks ago, our organization is involved in a lookout at Amsterdam, N.Y. with the Amsterdam Broom Co., Gardner Brothers Broom Co., of Fonda, N.Y. This lockout is threatening to disrupt our local union in that city which is one of our largest, and if lost, will have a disastrous effect on our organization, and also on the other crafts of Amsterdam. This controversy was brought about when our local union in that city presented a new wage schedule last December asking for a slight advance in wages, that if granted, would still leave the wages slightly lower than the wages paid by other union factories in our line in the country. The union presented the schedule and asked employers above mentioned, to consider same and given them an answer by a certain future date. The employers took the schedule and upon the date set for answer, posted notices in the respective factories stating that they would not grant the advance and that the factory was closed to union men from that date on. Since that date our members have been locked out and the firms have been trying to operate their plants with a cheap element of scab labor. Owing to the fact that our organization is small and our finances very limited, we have found it a hard struggle to pay our locked out members their strike benefits and have had to assess our membership heavily in order to do so. We have not been able to carry on an agitation against these firms in their trade by advertising them among the various unions, because of lack of finances to defray the expense of such agitation, and believing that this is the only hope we have left, we appeal to you as President of the American Federation of Labor to assist us in this fight for living wages, by sending out communications to the various local unions and Central Bodies in the eastern states informing them of the attitude of those firms toward our organization, and asking them to inform their24 Mr. Ernest Bohm -2- grocers and dealers handling the brooms made by these firms of the conditions under which they are made, and to demand the union label of the International Broom and Whisk Makers' Union." Secretary Dolan calls attention that the firms in question sell their brooms in your locality, and it is urgently asked that your central body will appoint a committee to wait upon grocers and dealers in your city for the purpose of endeavoring to influence them to prevail upon these companies to desist in their lockout and further antagonism to the organization of the Broom and Whisk Makers. Thanking you in advance for your co-operation in this matter, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. COPIED APR 21 1911April 21, 1911. X. Mr. Charles Hope, Secretary, Central Labor Union, 44 North Fourth St., Philadelphia, Pa. Dear Sir and Brother: I am in receipt of a letter from Secretary C. T. Dolan, of the International Broom and Whisk Makers' Union, of which the following if a copy: "As stated to you here in Chicago a few weeks ago, our organization is involved in a lockout at Amsterdam, N.Y. with the Amsterdam Broom Co., Gardner Brothers Broom Co., Pioneer Broom Co., American Broom Co., and the Mohawk Valley Broom Co., of Fonda, N.Y. This lockout is threatening to disrupt our local union in that city, which is one of our largest, and if lost, will have a disastrous effect on our organization, and also on the other crafts of Amsterdam. This controversy was brought about when our local union in that city presented a new wage schedule last December asking for a slight advance in wages, that if granted, would still leave the wages slightly lower than the wages paid by any other union factories in our line in the country. The union presented the schedule and asked employers above mentioned, to consider same and give them an answer by a certain future date. The employers took the schedule and upon the date set for answer, posted notices in the respective factories stating that they would not grant the advance and that the factory was closed to union men from that date on. Since that date our members have been locked out and the firms have been trying to operate their plants with a cheap element of scab labor. Owing to the fact that our organization is small and our finances very limited, we have found it a hard struggle to pay our locked out members their strike benefits and have had to assess our membership heavily in order to do so. We have not been able to carry on an agitation among these firms in their trade by advertising them among the various unions, because of lack of finances to defray the expense of such agitation, and believing that this is the only hope we have left, we appeal to you as President of the American Federation of Labor to assist us in this fight for living wages, by sending out communications to the various local unions and Central Bodies in the eastern states informing them of the attitude of those firms toward our organization, and asking them to inform theirMr. Charles Hope -2- grocers and dealers handling the brooms made by these firms of the conditions under which they are made, and to demand the union label of the International Broom and Whisk Makers' Union." Secretary Dolan calls attention that the firms in question sell their brooms in your locality, and it is urgently asked that your central body will appoint a committee to wait upon grocers and dealers in your city for the purpose of endeavoring to influence them to prevail upon these companies to desist in their lockout and further antagonism to the organization of the Broom and Whisk Makers. Thanking you in advance for your co-operation in this matter, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.April 21, 1911. X. Mr. J.W. Coldren, Secretary, Central Labor Union, Box 229, Harrisburg, Pa. Dear Sir and Brother: I am in receipt of a letter from Secretary C. T. Dolan, of the International Broom and Whisk Makers' Union, of which the following if a copy: "As stated to you here in Chicago a few weeks ago, our organization is involved in a lockout at Amsterdam, N.Y. with the Amsterdam Broom Co., Gardner Brothers Broom Co., Pioneer Broom Co., American Broom Co., and the Mohawk Valley Broom Co., of Fonda, N.Y. This lockout is threatening to disrupt our local union in that city, which is one of our largest, and if lost, will have a disastrous effect on our organization, and also on the other crafts of Amsterdam. This controversy was brought about when our local union in that city presented a new wage schedule last December asking for a slight advance in wages, that if granted, would still leave the wages slightly lower than the wages paid by any other union factories in our line in the country. The union presented the schedule and asked employers above mentioned, to consider same and give them an answer by a certain future date. The employers took the schedule and upon the date set for answer, posted notices in the respective factories stating that they would not grant the advance and that the factory was closed to union men from that date on. Since that date our members have been locked out and the firms have been trying to operate their plants with a cheap element of scab labor. Owing to the fact that our organization is small and our finances very limited, we have found it a hard struggle to pay our locked out members their strike benefits and have had to assess our membership heavily in order to do so. We have not been able to carry on an agitation among these firms in their trade by advertising them among the various unions, because of lack of finances to defray the expense of such agitation, and believing that this is the only hope we have left, we appeal to you as President of the American Federation of Labor to assist us in this fight for living wages, by sending out communications to the various local unions and Central Bodies in the eastern states informing them of the attitude of those firms toward our organization, and asking them to inform theirMr. J.W. Coldren -2- grocers and dealers handling the brooms made by these firms of the conditions under which they are made, and to demand the union label of the International Broom and Whisk Makers' Union." Secretary Dolan calls attention that the firms in question sell their brooms in your locality, and it is urgently asked that your central body will appoint a committee to wait upon grocers and dealers in your city for the purpose of endeavoring to influence them to prevail upon these companies to desist in their lockout and further antagonism to the organization of the Broom and Whisk Makers. Thanking you in advance for your co-operation in this matter, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.29 M April 20, 1911. Mr. J. Lebovitz, Livingston Hall, Columbia University, COPIED New York City. APR 21 1911 Dear Sir: President Gompers directs me to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 19th instant, in which you enclose manuscript for publication in the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST entitled "The Efficiency of Convict Labor." He has not yet been able to read your manuscript, as he has a number of conferences and meetings today and tomorrow, but hopes to read it at an early date. In the meantime he directs me to thank you for your courtesy in sending it to him, and hopes to be able to publish it in the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*30*] [*COPIED. APR 21, 1911*] X. April 20, 1911. Mr. J. W. Sullivan, 1937 Stillwell , Avenue, Vin Parkville Sub-station, route 686, Brooklyn, New York. My dear Mr. Sullivan: Mr. Virgil H. Clymer, an attorney of Syracuse, New York, 609 Onondaga Bank Building, has just written Mr, Gompers asking where he could secure copy of your report on the Initiative and Referendum, and I have given him your address. He will no doubt write to you in the course of a few days. I have been getting together all of the data I could on the Farmers' organization, and enclose it to you herein. I find that we have no reports or pamphlets or any printed matter from the Farmers. I have written Mr. Barrett and asked him to send us copies of the proceedings of his conventions, copies of any reports and any other printed matter which he may have. As soon as we get it I will send it on to you. Very truly yours, [*R. Lee Guard*] Secretary to President Gompers. [?][*31*] [*COPIED. APR 21, 1911*] X. April 20, 1911. Mr. Virgil H. Clymer, 609 Onondaga Bank Building, Syracuse, Mew York. Dear Sir: Replying to your favor of the 19th instant, I beg to say that if you will write to Mr. J. W. Sullivan, 1937 Stillwell Avenue, be able to direct you where you can secure a copy of his report on the Initiative and Referendum. Very truly yours, [*Sam Gompers*] President, American Federation of Labor.32 COPIED. APR 21, 1911 LF April 21, 1911 Mr. Harry D. Thomas, Secretary Ohio State Federation of Labor, 717 Superior Ave. N. E., Columbus, Ohio Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of April 18th is received and contents noted. I have also noted the letter you enclose from Mr. Henry Lewis of Lima, Ohio in regard to the matter of an organizer being send to that city for the purpose of organizing the employes of the Graham Motor Car Company. I am now taking the matter up with Organizer Thomas H. Flynn at Pittsburg and have requested him to go to Lima in connection with this matter just as soon as he can do so without too greatly disarranging the work which has been assigned him in Pittsburg. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam Gompers President American Federation of Labor.33 COPIED. APR 21, 1911 LF April 20, 1911 Mr. Mr. Thos. H. Flynn, Organizer Parlor D. Monongahela House, Pittsburg, Pa. Dear Sir and Brother: I have just received a letter from Mr. Harry D. Thomas of Columbus, Ohio, in which he encloses a letter from Mr. Henry Lewis of Lima, Ohio, addressed to Mr. Robinson at Columbus, asking that an organizer be sent to Lima for the purpose of organizing the employes of the Graham Motor Car Company. Enclosed you will please find copies of both of these letters. I am sending them to you and would request that just as soon as you can arrange to do so,without too greatly inconveniencing your work at Pittsburg, that you go to Lima and see what can be done in the matter of organizing the men in question. Please let me hear from you in regard to this at your early convenience, and believe me to be, with best wishes, Fraternally yours, Sam Gompers President American Federation of Labor Enclosure:[*34*] [*COPIED. APR 21, 1911*] LF Copy. OHIO STATE FEDERATION OF LABOR. 717 Superior Avenue N.E. Columbus, Ohio, April 18, 1911 Mr. Samuel Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir and Brother: Enclosed find letter from Mr. Henry Lewis of Lima, Ohio, asking that an organizer be sent to that town to organize the employes of the Graham Motor Car Company. Will you please take care of the matter and oblige, Yours truly, (Signed) Harry D. Thomas, Secy.35 COPIED. APR 21, 1911 LF Copy. SIEBER HOTEL AND RESTAURANT L. A. Geiger, Prop. 970 South Main St. Lima, Ohio, April 15,1911 Mr. J. Robinson, Columbus, O. Dear Sir: Understanding that you are in Columbus for the purpose of looking after and forwarding the interests of labor, I write to you in regard to the conditions at a plant in this town. I mean the Gramm Motor Car. Co. This plant was opened Jan' 9th and was supposed to employ 1500 men. Now it would take too long to explain the faults, the shortcomings, and the broken promises of the Company to date, but suffice to say that an organizer of labor would be heartily welcomed here. I think I am addressing the proper person but if not, I would ask that you hand this letter to some person authorized to take action. I was brought here from Cleveland and will wait until I receive an answer to this, what I consider a just appeal. Thanking you in advance, I am, Yours respectfully, Henry Lewis P. S. Reply as soon as possible as myself and fifty others will leave in a few days if not assured or better conditions.36 COPIED. APR 21, 1911 M April 21, 1911. Mr. T. F. Flanagan, Secretary, Central Federation of Labor, Federation Hall, Troy, N. Y. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 16th instant is received and contents noted. You say that at a meeting of your central body held on April 12, Organizer James Hawthorne tendered his resignation, which has been laid on the table, and you have been instructed to communicate with and notify me that Mr. Hawthorne did assist in organizing the Building Laborers, and that at the meeting on April 12th, a letter which I wrote Mr. Hawthorne quoting the letter written me by President D'Alessandro of the Hod Carriers and Building Laborers International Union, in connection with Mr. Hawthorne was read. I presume you refer to the letter which I wrote him under date of April 10. Mr. Hawthorne wrote me under date of April 11, tendering his resignation as organizer of the A. F. of L., but I was loath to accept it, and wrote to him on April 19. For the information of your central body I enclose to you herein copies of the entire correspondence upon this subject. It is as follows: March 23. Letter from Organizer Hawthorne to me. April 3. Letter from me to President D'Alessandro, at the Hod Carriers and Building Laborers.37 COPIED. APR 21, 1911 T. F. F. 2. April 3. Letter from Organizer Hawthorne to me. April 3. Letter from me to Organizer Hawthorne. April 8. Letter from President D'Alessandro to me. April 10. Letter from me to Organizer Hawthorne. April 11. Letter from Organizer Hawthorne to me. April 19. My reply to Organizer Hawthorne. I have not yet directed that Mr. Hawthorne's name should be discontinued from our list as Organizer for Troy and vicinity, and I trust that the matter may yet be straightened out. I should be pleased to hear from you in regard thereto at your early convenience. With kind regards, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam Gompers President American Federation of Labor.38 LF Copy. CENTRAL FEDERATION OF LABOR TROY AND VICINITY Troy, N. Y., April 16,1911 Mr. Samuel Gompers, Pres. A. F. of L., Dear Sir and Brother: At a meeting held on April 12 instant District organizer James Hawthorne tendered his resignation as organizer, the reason he set forth was that he was not treated properly as to his work in helping to organize the Building Laborers Union #227' He claims he spent money in car fare and postage and he did not propose to spend his money and have some other organizer come in and claim the commission. So the Central Body layed the resignation on the table and instructed the secretary to communicate with you and notify you that James Hawthorne did assist in organizing the Building Laborers. Will also say your communication to James Hawthorne and the comments made by the Italian organizer relative to work done by James Hawthorne was read. Wishing to hear from you on the subject, I remain, Fraternally yours, (Signed) T. F. Flanagan, Sec. Treas.39 LF Copy. April 19, 1911 Mr. James Hawthorne, Organizer, 771 River Street, Troy, N.Y. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of April 11th received and contents noted. I regret exceedingly the tone of the letter you write me in response to my recent communication to you. I was in hopes that the matter in dispute had been adjusted in some way which might prove satisfactory to all concerned. Your statement discloses the reverse. Surely nothing that I have done or said or which the American Federation of Labor has done or said should warrant you in assuming the attitude you have. If you have a just claim it certainly should be given proper attention and I am earnestly desirous of doing all that I can to aid in that effort. As a union man of long standing surely you could not want to convey the idea that because of the matter going the reverse of what you desired you would break a union of workmen which you say you hoped to form. More than likely you have given expression to such a thought in anger and that you would never seriously think of undertaking to carry it out. If there is anything which I can do to be helpful in bringing about a better understanding between you and President D'Alessandro or any other person in the labor movement I should be glad to hear from you. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, (signed) Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor.40 LF Copy. 771 River Street, Troy, N.Y. April 11, 1911 Mr. Samuel Gompers, Dear Sir and Brother: You say in view of the statement made by President D'Alessandro as above quoted may be considered as closed. As regards to your letter of this date the 11th inst. I do consider everything between myself and the American Federation both National and locally at an end. I want to say that I have been a union man for more than twenty-five years and I have yet to hear of anyone member of any craft that has ever got a square deal from any National on an appeal. You will find that at the time D'Alessandro refers to of me having a chance to organize a good local in this city, will say that is a fact but remember at that time I had only then received my commission and had three other locals under way and an unlimited amount of label business that I was trying to place in the stores in this city. When the President of their National says I did not do any work, he tells an untruth for I strengthened their local by bringing laborers from Waterveliet from the D. & H Shops which are now under construction and placed them in their local; I also instructed them how to get delegates into the local bodies of the building trades section and the Federation but I could not take part in the formation of their local because I was insulted to such an extent by this man D'Alessandro that he shut the door in my face. Furthermore, I have a bill against this local which they seem to ignore, which I proposed to collect in the courts. Its41 -2- bad enough to allow good American Citizens to make a fool of one without tolerating it from such a class as those people and I will surely break their local in this city just as sure as it was formed. So from this time on this communication is notification enough so you will know that it severs my connection with the American Federation of Labor. Fraternally yours, (Signed) Hames Hawthorne President Painters District Council, Troy, N. Y.42 LF Copy. April 10, 1911 Mr. James Hawthorne, Organizer 771 River St., Troy, N. Y. Dear Sir and Brother: Referring to your letter in which you make complaint against President D’Alessandro of the International Hod Carriers and Building Laborers’ Union, I beg today that I sent a copy of your letter to Mr. D’Alessandro, and in reply he says: “In reply to yours of April 3rd, which refers to Organizer James Hawthorne, of Troy, New York, will say that this man has never done any work for this organization since he became district organizer. Now, after we have organized a good local in that city, he comes up and wants the commission without rendering any assistance whatever. Mr. Hawthorne wrote to this General Office for the commission for that new local but this office paid no heed to him because he has done absolutely no work. I cannot say any more along this line as I met Mr. Hawthorne but once and that was outside the door of the hall after I had delivered the charter to the local in question. If he intended to do any work along this line why did he not previously organize this local? There was a fine chance for him in that city for I went there only two nights and organized over two hundred (200) men.” In view of the statement made by Mr. D’Alessandro as above quoted the incident may be considered as closed. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours (Signed) Samuel Gompers, President American Federation of Labor.43 Copy. INTERNATIONAL HOD CARRIERS AND BUILDING LABORERS UNION Albany, N. Y., April 8, 1911. Mr. Samuel Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor, Ouray Bldg., Washington, D. C. Dear Sir and Brother: In reply to yours of April 3rd, which refers to Organizer James Hawthorne of Troy, N. Y., will say that this man has never done any work for the organization since he became district organizer. Now, after we have organized a good local in that city, he came up and wants the commission without rendering any assistance whatever. I note from copy of his communication that he claims a certain territory for himself and if anyone wishes to go to that territory they must ask permission of his. If I have to do this kind of work throughout the country it will take me some time to organize a local union. Mr. Hawthorne wrote to this General Office for the commission for that new local but this office paid no heed to him because he had done absolutely no work. I cannot say any more along this line as I met Mr. Hawthorne but once and that was outside the door of the hall after I had delivered the charter to the local in question. If he intended to do any work along this line why did he not previously organize this local? There was a fine chance for him in that city for I went there only two44 Mr. Samuel Gompers —2 nights and organized over two hundred (200) men. Hoping you will be able to content him in some way, with best wishes, I remain, Fraternally yours, (Signed) D. D. Alessandro General President, I. H. C. & B. L. U.45 LF Copy. April 3, 1911 Mr. D. D'Alessandro, President International Hod Carriers and Building Laborers' Union 82 State St., Albany, N. Y. Dear Sir and Brother: In a letter recently received from Organizer James Hawthorne, of Troy, New York, he says: "Inasmuch as the International Union saw fit to come into my district to establish a local known as 207 Hod Carriers and Building Laborers and give the commission to one Brother D'Alessandro, as organizer I demand through the American Federation that the commission be turned over to me or my commission as organizer will be declared vacant immediately, as I will not be dictated to in regard to my duties by any body other than the American Federation of Labor. I have several moves on foot to bring about the formation of unions of different crafts in this vicinity which I propose to drop now if this International is not forced to pay me my commission for the formation of Local 207 which I claim is my right as organizer in this vicinity. I will further state that the Brother in the formation of said local ignored me as organizer in this district. Would further say that I know no man has the right to come into my locality and organize a local of any kind without first consulting me. I also thoroughly understand that the commission on all locals formed in this locality belong to me, therefore as your organizer in this matter I demand the proper protection from the American Federation of Labor." I have not yet made any reply to Mr. Hawthorne and before doing so would like to have a word from you in regard to the above. Hoping to receive your early reply, and with kind regards, I am, Fraternally yours (Signed) Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor[*46*] [*COPIED. APR 21, 1911*] LF Copy. 771 River Street, Troy, N. Y., April 3, 1911 Mr. Samuel Gompers, Dear Sir and Brother: As I have not heard from my last communication I can not think of anything that should cause the long delay. Kindly let me hear from you by return mail and oblige Fraternally, yours (Signed) James Hawthorne 771 River St., Troy N.Y.47 COPIED. APR 21, 1911 M September 21, 1911. Mr. Santiago Iglesias, Organizer, 11 Allen St., San Juan, P. R. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 14th instant is at hand and contents noted. Referring to the strike of the Tobacco Strippers No. 12571, and Banders Protective Union No. 12689, both of [?], you say that the members of these two organizations went on strike as the result of the strike maintained by the cigarmakers; that the strike occurred March 7; that the men and women have been out of work since that date, and that they are entitled to and should be allowed benefits from the defense fund of the American Federation of Labor. Let me say first, that our books show that Tobacco Strippers No. 12571 is suspended for non-payment of per capita tax. Of course, so far as the members of that organization are concerned they would not be entitled to benefits from the defense fund. As to Local #12689, I have written to the Executive Council advising them of the entire situation and requesting the vote upon the proposition, as to whether this organization shall be allowed benefits from the defense fund. Just as soon as a decision is reached you will be promptly advised.[*48*] S. I. 2. I trust that you will not fail to impress upon the members of Local #12571, particularly in view of the strike, in which they are now involved, the advisability of them again placing themselves in good standing with the A. F. of L. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor [*COPIED. APR 21 1911*]49 COPIED. APR 21 1911 M April 21, 1911 Mr. W.W. Hawkins, Secretary, Locomotive Hostlers and Helpers #11894, Box 94, Crewe, Virginia. Dear Sir and Brother: Under date of April 8th I advised you that the entire subject matter of the contemplated action of your local in connection with the other local unions employed in the Western and Norfolk Railway Company in the matter of improved conditions of employment, wages, hours, etc., was submitted to the Executive Council, and beg to say that same is approved. 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. 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 and with best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.50 M April 21, 1911 Mr. Al Roehri, Jr., Secretary, Mineral Water Bottlers' Union No. 11317 62 Valley St., Orange, N. J. 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, President American Federation of Labor.[*51*] [*COPIED. APR 21, 1911*] M April 21, 1911. Mr. P. S. Smith, Secretary, Carpenters Local Union No. 472, 1615 East Greenup Ave., Ashland, Ky. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 17th instant is at hand, in which you state that Local No. 472 recommends the appointment of E. H. Butler as volunteer organizer for Ashland and vicinity. It affords me pleasure to comply with the request and recommendation made, and commission will be issued and forwarded to Brother Butler 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. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally Yours [*Sam Gompers*] President American Federation of Labor.52 COPIED. APR 21, 1911 M April 20, 1911. Mr. Joseph M. Murphy, Secretary, Committee on Arrangements, Local No. 171, United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners, 269 1/2 West Federal St., Youngstown, O. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 19th instant received and contents noted. You say on May 3, your local will celebrate its 21st anniversary by a banquet and entertainment, and you request that Secretary Morrison and I should attend the celebration and deliver an address. Speaking for myself I beg to assure you of my appreciation of the invitation, but referring to my engagement list I see that it will not be within my power to do so. I would like to have the opportunity of meeting and greeting the officers and members of your local and again meeting our many friends in Youngstown I hope to be able to do so at some time in the near future but as just stated it will not be within my power to accept your invitation for May 3. With best wishes for an enjoyable and pleasant evening, and with kind regards, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam Gompers President American Federation of Labor. P. S. I have handed your letter to Secretary Morrison who will write you direct as to whether he could be able to accept your invitation.53 COPIED. APR 21, 1911 X. April 20, 1911. Mr. A. E. Harvey, Secretary, Salt Lake Federation of Labor, 312 McIntyre Bldg., Salt Lake City, Utah. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 15th instant received and contents noted. You say that on several occasions during the last few years, your central body has requested that a special organizer of the A. F. of L. be detailed to work in Salt Lake City and vicinity or that an organizer be specially appointed for sixty days for that purpose, but at each time your request has not been granted on the plea of lack of funds. Your further say that at the last meeting of the Salt Lake Federation of Labor, you were instructed to renew the request for a special organizer. You then say: "We havenot had an A. F. of L. organizer in Salt Lake in ten years, and we feel that we are entitled to one at this opportune time." You are evidently laboring under a very grave misapprehension when you state that an A. F. of L. organizer has not visited Salt Lake City during the past ten years. Our records show that R. E. Currie, of Salt Lake City, acted as special organizer for the A. F. of L. on salary, from February 8, 1904 to April 15, 1904, the amount expended for that time being $360.00. Our records further show that special organizer M. Grant Hamilton was detailed to work[*54*] [*COPIED. APR 21, 1911*] Mr. A. E. Harvey -2- In Utah during part of the time in 1904, 1905 and 1906, and that during that period he remained in Salt Lake City at one time for two months. Our records further show that when the Utah State Federation of Labor was formed, Mr. Hamilton, by motion of the delegates attending the meeting for the formation of this body, was excluded from the meeting because of his being an A. F. of L. organizer. While I realize the need of special organization work in Salt Lake City and in the State of Utah, yet you must also bear in mind that from every other section of the country demands equally as urgent and pressing for the assistance of the special organizers, are constantly being received at headquarters. With all of these requests before me, and taking into consideration the very limited funds at our command, I am sure you appreciate the fact that it is absolutely impossible to comply with all such requests, but that with the wide field before us we can only endeavor to do the very best we can in planning the itineraries of our organizers, and taking into consideration the requests that are made for their services, have the work undertaken where it will result in the greatest good to the greatest number. If circumstances so shape themselves as to permit us to again have a man visit Salt Lake City, rest assured we will do so. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally Yours [*Sam Gompers*] President, American Federation of Labor.[*55*] [*COPIED. APR 21, 1911*] LF April 20, 1911 Mr. P. J. Brice, Secretary Stone Derrickmen's Union #12878, 4218 Gratiot St., St. Louis, Mo. Dear Sir and Brother: Your telegram is just received in which you advise me that your local will not be represented at the conference in New York City on April 22nd, as called in conformity with Resolution #21, of the St. Louis Convention, the first conference having been held in New York City several weeks ago. The delegate from your local union to the St. Louis Convention of the A. F. of L. introduced Resolution #21 and at the conference held in New York City, March 1st, your local was not represented. It was decided at that conference that another conference should be had. You now advise me that your local again will not be represented and therefore I have wired the several organizations interested that inasmuch as your local union, which is responsible for Resolution #21, will not be represented at the proposed conference on Saturday, April 22nd, there is no necessity for such a conference being held, at least for the present and the conference is therefore either postponed or cancelled. I shall await the letter of explanation which you say is now on the way. Certainly it would seem that if your organization56 Mr. P. J. Brice—2 are particularly interested in the subject matter of Resolution #21 it would have made a special effort to be represented at least at one of the conference called in connection therewith. However, as above stated, I shall await your letter of explanation. With kind regards, I remain, Fraternally yours, COPIED Saml Gompers APR 21 1911 President American Federation of Labor.57 COPIED APR 21 1911 April 21, 1911. Mr. Andrew J. Gallagher, 316 14th St., San Francisco, Cal. Letter fourteenth received. Of course aid should be given to organized men in switchmen's organization as well as in all organizations having proper jurisdiction. I doubt the wisdom and practicability of proselyting among the organized to leave and become members of another organization. SAMUEL GOMPERS, President American Federation of Labor. Charge A. F. of L. [*58*] [*COPIED. APR 21, 1911*] Y. April 21, 1911. Honorable Isaac R. Sherwood, Rep. 9th Congressional District, (Ohio.) House Office Building, Washington, D. C. My dear Mr. Sherwood: I have your favor of April 20, in which you enclose letter from Mr. Thomas Fleig, President of Local No. 10 of the Reed, Willow and Rattan Workers' International Union of America, in which brother Fleig asks your co-operation to secure remedial legislation to prevent convict contract labor competition with free labor. In response thereto, I send you herewith a copy of bill H. R. No. 12,000, which was introduced in the House of Representatives,in the second session of the 61st Congress by Mr. Gardner of New Jersey and referred to the Committee on Labor. That committee reported the bill favorably on June 22, 1910, it was placed upon the House Calendar, but Mr. Gardner declined to call it up during the third session of the 61st Congress, even when it was shown to him that very favorable opportunities afforded to get the measure passed by the House. I may add here that this same measure passed[*59*] [*COPIED. APR 21 1911*] 2 the House in the 59th Congress. I am also sending to you an exact copy of the same bill that has been introduced during the present session of the 62nd Congress, by Mr. Gardner of New Jersey; its number, you will note, is H. R. 1240. I also enclose a similar bill introduced by Mr. Booher, of Missouri, H. R. No. 5601. Under separate cover, I am sending to you copy of the Hearings before the Committee on Labor on this measure, so that you may be informed as to the efforts that have been made in the past by the American Federation of Labor in behalf of this remedial legislation. I am also sending you copy of my report to the St. Louis Convention of the American Federation of Labor, on page 23 of which you will note my reference to this subject. I am sending you copy of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST for April, 1911, on page 312 of which you will note our Legislative Committee Report upon the Convict Labor Bill. I trust that this information may be of service to your correspondent and hope that you may be afforded an opportunity to press either H. R. No. 1240 or H. R. No. 5601 to a successful enactment at an early date. The subject matter of regulating interstate commerce between the several States on goods, wares and merchandise, wholly or in part manufactured by convict labor, or in any prison or reformatory, is a most serious grievance and one that should be manfully and intelligently met by the Congress.60 3. As aforesaid, the American Federation of Labor had made many strenuous efforts to obtain this necessary legislation, and I trust it will not be necessary to have to urge this upon the present Congress as rigidly as we have urged it before previous Congresses. I am returning copy of Mr. Fleig's letter to you. With best wishes, I remain, Very truly yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. (Enclosure.) COPIED. APR 21 1911[*61*] [*COPIED. APR 21, 1911*] X. April 21, 1911. Mr. Santiago Iglesias, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, 11 Allen St., San Juan, P. R. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 14th instant to hand and contents noted. I am exceedingly pleased to learn that the general loose indulgence of charges of supposed criminal action on the part of workmen has been dispelled by the due process of the courts at law, it having been shown that our men have been guilty of no illegal or wrongful act. It would be unfortunate enough indeed, were our men guilty of lawless conduct, but it is still more unfortunate and wrongful for those in authority to accuse and try to fasten upon innocent men the appearance of criminal action. I have read with considerable interest and concern the general vague and unsubstantiated charge made by the Attorney General in his letter to you of recent date. More than likely he was led into error and unconsciously had his mind poisoned by the combination of hostile manufacturers no that he may have regarded their mere say-so as prime facie proof [of] of illegal conduct. I am greatly pleased with the splendid progress made by the workers of Porto Rico, their growing numbers in organization, the highly intelligent manner in which they are conducting their movement, the greater self-restraint and careful conduct, together [*62*] [*COPIED. APR 21, 1911*] Mr. Santiago Iglesias -2- with their determination to associate and organize and in their organized capacity to press home upon the employers and upon the government their growing needs in the advance of modern civilization. For yourself I want you to accept my heartiest commendation upon your splendid poise, careful course, and undaunted defense and advocacy of the cause of the working people and the people generally of Porto Rico. Kindly convey to them, as well as accept for yourself, the very best wishes for success, of Yours fraternally, [*Sam Gompers*] President, American Federation of Labor. [*63*] [*COPIED. APR 22, 1911*] AMERICAN FEDERATION OF LABOR LABOR OMNIA VINCIT ORGD NOV. 15TH 1881. LONG DISTANCE TELEPHONE, MAIN 3871-2 CABLE ADDRESS, 'AFEL' AMERICAN FEDERATION OF LABOR Executive Council. President, SAMUEL GOMPERS. Secretary, FRANK MORRISON. Treasurer, JOHN B. LENNON. Bloomington, Ill. First Vice-President, JAMES DUNCAN, Hancock Bldg. Quincy, Mass. Second Vice-President, JOHN MITCHELL, 10096 Metropolitan Bldg., New York, N. Y. Third Vice-President, JAMES O'CONNELL, 402-407 McGill Bldg., Washington, D. C. Fourth Vice-President, D. A, HAYES, 930 Witherspoon Bldg., Philadelphia, Pa. Fifth Vice-President, WM. D. HUBER, Carpenter's Bldg., Indianapolis, Ind. Sixth Vice-President, JOS. F. VALENTINE, Commercial Tribune Bldg., Cincinnati, Ohio. Seventh Vice-President, JOHN R. ALPINE, 401-6 Bush Temple of Music, Chicago, Ill. Eighth Vice-President, H. B. PERHAM Star Bldg., St. Louis, Mo. 801-809 G ST. N. W. Washington, D. C., April 22, 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: I presume you have noticied from time to time through the press reports references to what we have been endeavoring to do in behalf of the railway mail clerks by reason of the pressure being brought by the Postoffice Department against the clerks becoming members of an organization of labor. In connection there with the enclosed clipping from yesterday's Washington Times is sent to you for your information, encouragement, and in the hope that the railway mail clerks may avail themselves of their constitutional right of organizing for their mutual protection. Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor.[*64*] [*COPIED. APR 23 1911*] The Washington Times WASHINGTON, FRIDAY EVENING, APRIL 21, 1911. Eighteen [?] NUMBER 7057. Yesterday's Circulation, 53,615 SWEEPING PROBE OF CIVIL SERVICE IS NOW ASSURED House Committee on Reform Drafts Resolution for Hearings. CABINET OFFICERS TO BE SUMMONED Employes Guaranteed Immunity and Promised Full Rights of Citizenship. By THEODORE H. TILLER. What is the matter with civil service? Official tone at last has been given to the question, The Democratic House, that is to begin more than one investigation, intends that one of its committees shall take up the strained relationship between this Government and its army of employes. After years of comparative inactivity, the Committee on Reform in the Civil Service, now under Democratic leadership, will exercise its functions to reform the service, and, is doing so, proposes to begin hearings that will extend throughout the summer and that will embrace every phase of civil service employment. Pension Plan Considered. The superannuation of Government employes, their underpay, their promotions, or failure of proper recognition, the desirability of a pension plan in the Government departments, and the broader question of the right of these clerks to organize into unions, all are subjects which the House committee will probe. Cabinet officers are to be summoned and compelled to testify. Bureau chiefs and employes are to be heard and immunity from official discrimination will be promised those employes who come forward and air their grievances. Is Reform Leader REPRESENTATIVE H. L. GODWIN, Chairman of Committee on Reform in Civil Service. Representative H. L. Godwin of North Carolina, chairman of the Committee on Reform in the Civil Service, is today preparing a resolution, which doubtless will promptly pass the House, empowering his committee to make a sweeping investigation of the civil service, just as other House committees, already authorized, propose to go into the questions of departmental expenditures and extravagance. Provoked by Hitchcock. The inquiry, which is to take in the entire civil service throughout the country, and every governmental department in Washington, was inspired primarily by an order issued recently by the Postoffice Department forbidding its employes to affiliate with unions or to organize for their mutual protection. The order was specifically directed to railway mail clerks. This case came on the heels of President Taft's declination to rescind an Executive order issued by President Roosevelt, in which he directed that Government employes must not interest themselves in any way in legislation affecting their welfare, through petitions to Congress or otherwise. In consequence, civil service employes, fearing dismissal or promotion, have remained silent, taking promotions, demotions, and dismissals as they have come. Bills for Unionizing. The House Committee on Reform in the Civil Service now has before it a bill introduced by Representative Lloyd of Missouri, providing that no civil service employe may be removed without having the opportunity to answer charges made against him, and, further, that membership in a union or other association formed for the betterment of the employes themselves, shall not constitute ground for removal. Over in the Senate, Mr. La Follette of Wisconsin has introduced a resolution restoring to the Government employe the right to affiliate with unions if they so desire, this right having been taken from them by Executive mandate. Now comes President Samuel Gompers, of the American Federation of Labor, and Secretary Frank Morrison, of the same federation, armed with copies of the orders issued by the Postoffice Department, which they allege have deprived railway mail clerks of their constitutional right to ask redress for grievances. Speaking in advocacy of the Lloyd bill, Mr. Gompers declared that the Executive order referred to, as well as the dictates of the Postoffice Department, are without authority under the Constitution. Sensational charges are made that the "third degree" has been used by postal authorities in their desire to ascertain if employes were attempting to organize for their protection, and that open threats were made to intimidate these employes and to bring about their silence. The House Committee on Reform in the Civil Service, awakened to the realization that there is something wrong, that dissatisfaction exists in the ranks of the employes to the detriment, perhaps, of the service and that in many instances these employes, in every department of the Government, are underpaid, now propose to begin a probe that will shake the very foundations of the service. "This committee," said Chairman Godwin today, "has determined upon a full investigation of these various questions. It has come to our attention that the civil service is not what it should be. We hear of instances where favoritism is shown. A man who made an average of 75 per cent in the examination is sometimes promoted in preference to the man who had 95 per cent. Bureau chiefs, we are told, have their favorites. Personal Favoritism. "The system does not seem to be a system of merit, as was intended. It seems to have built up instead a machine of personal favoritism. "We want concrete examples of where the civil service has proved defective and a disappointment. This committee, according to the present temper of its members, wants to go to the very root of this big issue and its ramifications. "As soon as I obtain the necessary authority from the House, and I am now preparing a resolution to this end, we propose to start here in Washington an investigation that may last all summer. We will have the right to summon Cabinet officers, bureau chiefs, employes, and to compel the production of documents and records. "In general terms we will go into the question of the relationship between this Government and its thousands of employes. "Specifically, we will inquire into and urge reforms as to the following: "The right of Government employes, those in the postal service and others, to organize a union. A Constitutional question is here involved. "The superannuation of Government employes and the alleged impaired efficiency of the service because of the retention of aged employes who might be retired on a pension. "The practicability of the several pension plans proposed, now embraced in the Gillett bill, the Austin bill and others. Salaries and Living Cost. "The scale of salaried paid the workers in the Government service, as compared with the present high cost of living. "The method of promotions and advancements followed in some of the departments, with especial reference to the claim that the merit system has given way to an era of favoritism, and that many worthy clerks are not receiving their deserts, while those with a "pull" go steadily upward. "The general workings of the civil service and its alleged failure to establish the merit system for which it was organized. "We shall be glad to hear, and intend to hear, the advocates of the different plans for reform. The committee then will recommend legislation that will remedy the unsatisfactory conditions that admittedly exist today." According to Chairman Godwin, the committee probably will hold sessions throughout the entire summer and will sit during the recess of Congress, in event there is an early adjournment. The inquiry is to be thorough, sweeping, drastic, and will be predicated upon the theory that the committee confronts a real task with a real subject for investigation.[*65*] [*COPIED. APR 22 1911*] Z April 22, 1911. Mr. William J. Spencer, Secretary, Building Trades Department of the A. F. of L., Ouray Building, City. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 19th instant at hand and contents noted. You recall the fact that in compliance with the request of the Executive Council of the A. F. of L. the Executive Council of the Building Trades Department has decided to meet at the same time and place when the Executive Council of the A. F. of L. will hold its next session. You ask me when and where that session will be held. Replying I would say that no definite time has been decided upon. Our meeting is expected to depend upon certain contingencies. It is not necessary for me to call your attention to the fact that we are expecting the United States Supreme Court to hand down its decision in the contempt proceedings against Messrs. Mitchell, Morrison and me. Should the decision be in our favor we expect the Executive Council meeting to be held about the middle of June. If, however, the decision should be against us the meeting will be held within a week of the time the decsion is handed down. It is generally expected that the United States Supreme Court will hand down its decision on Monday, April 24th, and I[*66*] Mr. William J. Spencer---2. shall then be in a position to give you definite information on that day or soon thereafter. On behalf of the Executive Council permit me to express our appreciation of the action of the Executive Council of the B. T. D. With best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*67*] [*COPIED. APR 22 1911*] X. April 21, 1911. No. 41. EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, AMERICAN FEDERATION OF LABOR. COLLEAGUES: There was some discussion at our last meeting as to the time at which the Executive Council should hold its next meeting, no definite result being reached except that the concensus of opinion seemed to prevail that unless the Supreme Court of the United States shall hand down its decision in the contempt cases against Messrs. Mitchell, Morrison, and myself, [without that decision being handed down], the Executive Council would meet some time about the middle of June; that if the decision be in favor of our men, the meeting should take place at the time stated, but that should the decision be against us the meeting should be called within a very short time thereafter. It is currently rumored that the court will hand down its decision on Monday, April 24, and the purpose of my writing now is to say that if the decision should be against us it seems to me that the Executive Council should meet at Washington not later than two or three days thereafter. I am sure that the members of the Executive Council will realize the fact that the workmen, and particularly the organized workmen of our country, will want some definite expression from the Executive Council as to the course which they should pursue in the premises, Indeed, it would be most unwise to68 Executive Council –2– permit, by the Executive Council's silence, for each body of workers to determine for themselves without any central idea or purpose, as to the course that they should pursue. The purpose of my writing now is to advise the members of the Executive Council, so that they may be prepared to respond to a telegraphic invitation to attend a meeting of the Executive Council at the time therein stated. It is not necessary that I should herein more than state the importance of the attendance of each member of the Executive Council should such invitation be issued. In addition to action and recommendation upon the subject above stated, there will be considerable business to engage the time and attention of the Executive Council. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*69*] [*COPIED APR 22 1911*] LF April 21, 1911 Mr. Frank Duffy, Secretary United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America Carpenters' Building, Indianapolis, Ind. Dear Sir and Brother: Enclosed you will please find copy of letter which I have just received from Mr. F. J. Landsberg, 15 Vineyard Ave., Yonkers, N. Y. which is self-explanatory. I have simply acknowledged its receipt and advised him that as the matter about which he writes comes directly under the jurisdiction of your Brotherhood, that his letter would be referred to you for your attention. With kind regards, I remain, Fraternally yours, [*Sam Gompers*] President American Federation of Labor Enclosure:[*70*] LF Copy. Yonkers, N. Y., April 20. 1911 Mr. Gompers, President American Federation of Labor Dear Sir: I, the undersigned address these few lines to you hoping to receive justice at your hands in my case which you will see fully explained in the following. I am a carpenter by trade, having served my time with Mr. Fielding Gower, a carpenter contractor of Yonkers, N.Y. After leaving Mr. Fielding Gower I entered the service of the United States Navy and after serving four years was honorably discharged. After being discharged I received employment with Mr. Lenhardt, another carpenter contractor of Yonkers, on the 27th day of March, 1911 and worked to his satisfaction until the 3rd day of April, 1911. When the delegate of the Carpenters Union, Mr. Erve. Hamilton informed me that I would have to join the Carpenters Union, I agreed to do so and he told me I would have to pay weekly payments until the money necessary for my card was paid. But on the 6th of April, 1911 only three days later I was told by the said delegate Mr. E, Hamilton, that I would have to get off the job, which I did. On the 11th day of April, 1911 I offered the said Delegate Mr. E. Hamilton the full amount of money necessary for my card, which he refused on the grounds that there were too many idle carpenter. Now Mr. Gompers I honestly think and also believe I am entitled to earn a living by honest means which I am compelled to do in order to exist.71 –2– I wrote to the Federation of Labor of Yonkers, N.Y. explaining my case and they sent me a reply stating that they could do nothing in my case as it did not lay in their jurisdiction. Hoping to receive an early reply from you advising me what to do in my case, I remain, Yours most respectfully, (Signed) F. J. Landsberg 15 Vineyard Ave Yonkers, N.Y. [*72*] [*COPIED. APR 22 1911*] LF April 21,1911 Mr. F. J. Landsberg, 15 Vineyard Ave Yonkers, N. Y. Dear Sir: Your favor of the 20th instant is received and contents noted. You say that you are a carpenter by trade, that you have made application for membership in the Carpenters Union, but that you have met with opposition and you therefore appeal the matter to me. I beg to say that all such matters come directly under the jurisdiction of the executive officers of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and I am, therefore, sending copy of your letter to Secretary Frank Duffy, Carpenters' Building, Indianapolis, Ind., of that organization, for whatever action he may deem advisable to take in the premises, under the laws of his organization. Very truly yours, [*Sam'l Gompers.*] President American Federation of Labor.[*73*] [*COPIED. APR 22, 1911*] LF April 21, 1911 Mr. Albert Hibbert, Secretary United Textile Workers of America, Box 742, Fall River, Mass. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 20th instant is received and contents noted. Acting upon your suggestion I have written Organizer John A. Flett and have sent him copies of your letter to me and my reply in regard to the Toronto situation, and have requested him to give whatever assistance he can. Just as soon as I get a reply from him I will write further. In the meantime, with best wishes for success, I am, Fraternally yours [*Sam Gompers*] President American Federation of Labor.[*74*] [*COPIED. APR 22, 1911*] LF April 20, 1911 Mr. John A. Flett, Organizer Riendeau Hotel, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Dear Sir and Brother: A few days ago I received a letter from Secretary Hibbert of the United Textile Workers of America referring to the trouble in which the members of the his organization in Toronto, Canada are involved. Copy of that letter in enclosed herein, together with copy of my reply. I am now in receipt of another letter from him in which, among other things he says: "We have the situation well in hand, so far as handling the men is concerned; but it might be possible that Mr. Flett might reach some one who would have sufficient influence with Mr. Hayes, the manager, to have him talk on the matter; he has never shown a willingness up to this time, to receive a Committee, or answer a communication of any kind, so that it is very hard to make any headway." If there is anything which you can do to be helpful as suggested by Mr. Hibbert, it would be greatly appreciated by him as well as by the undersigned. Kindly let me have a word from you in regard to the matter at your early convenience, and with kind regards, I remain, Fraternally yours, [*Sam Gompers*] President American Federation of Labor Enclosures:[*75*] LF Copy UNITED TEXTILE WORKERS OF AMERICA Fall River, Mass., April 15, 1911 Mr. Samuel Gompers, President American Federation of Labor, Washington, D.C. Dear Sir and Brother: I am writing you at this time for the purpose of informing you that we have 114 men locked out in the City of Toronto for the reason that they will not sign a document forbidding them to join a labor union. The general officers of this organization took up the matter at the beginning and tried everything they knew to avoid trouble, but to no purpose, the Firm insist that no union man can work there, the men just as stoutly maintain that they will not sacrifice their rights in the matter, the result is they are locked out, the lock out has received the endorsement of our International Body, and the men are receiving the amount allowed by the constitution. Should the men write you for an endorsement for the purpose of asking assistance from organized labor throughout the country you will know how to act. In conclusion let me say that the work of these men is Brussel carpet weaving, and it is going to be extremely hard for the Firm to secure competent men, which fact will be or great assistance to us in the fight. Any assistance that you can give us in giving publicity or otherwise will be appreciated. With best wishes for your success, I remain, Fraternally yours (Signed) Albert Hibbert Gen. Sec.[*76*] LF Copy April 18, 1911 Mr. Albert Hibbert, Secretary United Textile Workers of America Box 742, Fall River, Mass. Dear Sir and Brother: I have your favor of the 16th instant, in which you advise me that 114 members of your local union in the City of Toronto, Canada, have been locked out for the reason that they refuse to sign a document forbidding them to join a labor union. You further say that the lockout has been endorsed by your International Union; that the men are now receiving benefits as provided by your constitution. If you so desire, I shall be glad to send copy of your letter to Organizer John A. Flett, who is now stationed at Montreal, and request him to give any assistance he can to the members of your organization, but I hesitate to do so at present, as I infer from your letter that the matter is being well taken care of by the representatives of your International Union. In the meantime, your letter reaches me in ample time for a notice of the situation prevailing in Toronto to appear in our weekly news letter which will be sent out the last of this week to all the labor press and official journals. I should be glad if you would advise me as to the final outcome of the Toronto situation so that due notice may be given in our weekly news letter. With best wishes for success, and assuring you of my desire to be helpful in every way within my power, I am, Fraternally yours, (Signed) Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor.[*77*] [*COPIED. APR 22 1911*] M April 21, 1911. No. 40. EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, AMERICAN FEDERATION OF LABOR COLLEAGUES: I have recently had quite some correspondence with Organizer Iglesias in regard to the strike of the Tobacco Strippers Union No. 12751, and Banders Protective Union No. 12869, of Caguas, P. R., the strike having been called by the strike of the cigarmakers in that locality. In a report received from him under date of April 14, he says: "It is absolutely true that these members went on strike as a result of the strike maintained by the cigarmakers for rising prices of work. They went on strike March 7, and since that day these women and men are out of work. All that these unions state in their petition is absolutely true, and it is my opinion that the right to benefits in these cases should be granted. There are now in Caguas about 800 cigarmakers on strike of which 380 are union men. They have asked for an increase in vitolas and the manufacturers offer them #1 and #2 per thousand increase in several vitolas, but the men have refusedto accept such offer. The companies are threatening to open branches in new little towns and the situation therefore, may change in a few days. I have advised the men to accept the offer of the companies but they refuse to do so, such is their enthusiasm in the fight. Enclosed you will also find translation of letter from No. 12869 under date of March 16, which was referred to Organizer Iglesias at the time it was received Our books show that Local No. 12571 has been suspended for non-payment of per capita tax.[*78*] E. C. 40 Local No. 12869 was chartered December 7, 1909, and paid per capita tax for the past year as follows: April 1910, 14 members May " 10 " June " 10 " July " 10 " Aug. " 10 " Sept. " 10 " Oct. " 10 " Nov. " 10 " Dec. " 10 " Jan. 1911 11 " Feb. " 11 " Mar. " 11 " The Executive Council has approved the wage scales of Federal Labor Union No. 7087, Belleville, Illinois, 55 members: Undertakers Union No. 9049, San Francisco, Cal - 50 members: Baggage Messengers No. 10167, San Francisco, Cal. - 50 members: Paste Makers Union No. 10567, San Francisco, Cal. - 20 members: Mineral water Bottlers No. 11317, Newark, N. J. - 50 members: Locomotive Hostlers and Helpers No. 11894, Roanoke, Va. - 50 members. There are no benefits being paid at this time from the defense fund. The question submitted to the Executive Council for a vote is shall Banders Protective Union No. 12869, as approved by Organizer Iglesias, be approved, and the members be allowed benefits from the defense fund, and if so, for how many weeks. Please return your vote at your earliest convenience. Fraternally yours [*Sam Gompers*] President American Federation of Labor.[*79*] TRANSLATION. Banders Protective Union No. 12869. Caguas, P. R., March 16, 1911. Mr. Samuel Gompers, New York. Dear Sir and Brother: We, the undersigned, the legal office of the "Amlladoras" Protective Union No. 12869, of Caguas, P. R., in accordance with Article 13 of the American Federation of Labor constitution, wish to submit the following case: On the seventh day of this month a strike was declared for an increase in wages in four tobacco factories of this locality, where was employed many union brothers of this local. On account of this strike some 20 "amlladoras" were involved in it, of which 8 were organized, and of these 8 only 6 are entitled to receive benefits granted by the Constitution as mentioned in Article 13. The Tobacco Workers strike had for object an increase in salary, better sanitary conditions, more respect and in consideration to employes, and for other reasons of more or less importance. The approval of this petition by you and the Executive Council will be in accordance with the Constitution of the American Federation of Labor, and at the same time have the proper effect upon the slanderers of this locality and the most soothing object lesson of Unionism in our membership With best wishes to you, we remain, Fraternally yours, Guiana Algorri, President Maria Sanchez, Secretary.[*80*] [*COPIED. APR 22 1911*] Z April 23, 1911. Mr. Frank Fisher, Int'l Organizer, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Grunewald Hotel, New Orleans, La. Dear Sir and Brother: Replying to your favor of the 19th instant I beg to advise that your commission as organizer for the American Federation of Labor was renewed and mailed to you under date of April 21st. No doubt you have received it by now; if not please advise and the matter will be remedied at once. With best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, [*Sam Gompers*] President, American Federation of Labor.[*81*] [*COPIED. APR 22 1911*] Z April 23, 1911. Mr. Charles S. Beckett, Member, Int'l Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, 348 Main Street, Niagara Falls, N. Y. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of April 20th is received and contents noted. In reply thereto I beg to call your attention to the enclosed list of organizations affiliated to the A. F. of L., from which you will note that the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers of which Mr. Peter W. Collins is Secretary is the organization affiliated to the A. F. of L. With best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, [*Sam Gompers*] President, American Federation of Labor.[*82*] [*COPIED. APR 22 1911*] Z April 23, 1911. Miss E. C. Morris, 3 Claremont Avenue, Mount Vernon, N. Y. My dear Miss Morris: Your favor of the 19th instant has been duly received, with which you enclose No. 3 of the series of articles Mr. Mitchell is contributing to the United Mine Workers' Journal. I beg to assure you that Mr. Gompers very much appreciates Mr. Mitchell's sending these articles to him ahead of publication. He would write personally but for the great pressure of work demanding his attention. Very sincerely yours, [*R. Lee Guard*] Secretary to Pres. Gompers.[*83*] [*COPIED. APR 22 1911*] X. April 21, 1911. Miss E. H. Pitt, Secretary, Central Trades Council, Union Labor Temple, Pittsburg, Pa. Dear Madam: I am in receipt of a letter from Secretary C. T. Dolan, of the International Broom and Whisk Makers' Union, of which the following is a copy: "As stated to you here in Chicago a few weeks ago, our organization is involved in a lockout at Amsterdam, N. Y. with the Amsterdam Broom Co., Gardner Brothers Broom Co., Pioneer Broom Co., American Broom Co., and the Mohawk Valley Broom Co., of Fonda, N. Y. This lockout is threatening to disrupt our local union in that city, which is one of our largest, and if lost, will have a disastrous effect on our organization, and also on the other crafts of Amsterdam. This controversy was brought about when our local union in that City presented a new wage schedule last December asking for a slight advance in wages, that if granted, would still leave the wages slightly lower than the wages paid by any other union factories in our line in the country. The union presented the schedule and asked employers above mentioned, to consider sane and give them an answer by a certain future date. The employers took the schedule and upon the date set for answer, posted notices in the respective factories stating that they would not grant the advance and that the factory was closed to union men from that date on. Since that date our members have been locked out and the firms have been trying to operate their plants with a cheap element of scab labor. Owing to the fact that our organization is small and our finances very limited, we have found it a hard struggle to pay our locked out members their strike benefits and have had to assess our membership heavily in order to do so. We have not been able to carry on an agitation against these firms in their trade by advertising them among the various unions, because of lack of finances to defray the expense of such agitation, and believing that this is the only hope we have left, we appeal to you as President of the American Federation of Labor to assist us in this fight for living wages, by sending out communications to the various local unions and Central Bodies in the eastern states informing them of the attitude of those firms toward our organization, and asking them to inform their[*84*] [*COPIED. APR 22 1911*] Miss E. M. Pitt -2- grocers and dealers handling the brooms made by these firms of the conditions under which they are made, and to demand the union label of the International Broom and Whisk Makers Union." Secretary Dolan call attention that the firms in question sell their brooms in your locality, and it is urgently asked that your central body will appoint a committee to wait upon grocers and dealers in your city for the purpose of endeavoring to influence them to prevail upon these companies to desist in their lockout and further antagonism to the organization of the Broom and Whisk Makers. Thanking you in advance for your co-operation in this matter, I am. Fraternally yours, [*Sam Gompers*] President, American Federation of Labor.[*85*] [*COPIED. APR 22 1911*] X. April 21, 1911. Mr. John W. Lambert, Secretary, Central Labor Union, Box 291, Fall River, Mass. Dear Sir and Brother: I am in receipt of a letter from Secretary C. T. Dolan, of the International Broom and Whisk Makers' Union, of which the following is a copy: "As stated to you here in Chicago a few weeks ago, our organization is involved in a lockout at Amsterdam, N. Y. with the Amsterdam Broom Co., Gardner Brothers Broom Co., Pioneer Broom Co., American Broom Co., and the Mohawk Valley Broom Co., of Fonda, N. Y. This lockout is threatening to disrupt our local union in that city, which is one of our largest, and if lost, will have a disastrous effect on our organization, and also on the other crafts of Amsterdam. This controversy was brought about when our local union in that city presented a new wage schedule last December asking for a slight advance in wages, that if granted, would still leave the wages slightly lower than the wages paid by any other union factories in our line in the country. The union presented the schedule and asked employers above mentioned, to consider sane and give them an answer by a certain future date. The employers took the schedule and upon the date set for answer, posted notices in the respective factories stating that they would not grant the advance and that the factory was closed to union men from that date on. Since that date our members have been locked out and the firms have been trying to operate their plants with a cheap element of scab labor. Owing to the fact that our organization is small and our finances very limited, we have found it a hard struggle to pay our locked out members their strike benefits and have had to assess our membership heavily in order to do so. We have not been able to carry on an agitation against these firms in their trade by advertising them among the various unions, because of lack of finances to defray the expense of such agitation, and believing that this is the only hope we have left, we appeal to you as President of the American Federation of Labor to assist us in this fight for living wages, by sending out communications to the various local unions and Central Bodies in the eastern states informing them of the attitude of those firms toward our organization, and asking them to inform their[*86*] [*COPIED. APR 22 1911*] Mr. John W. Lambert -2- grocers and dealers handling the broom made by these firms of the conditions under which they are made, and to demand the union label of the International Broom and Whisk Makers Union." Secretary Dolan calls attention that the firms in question sell their brooms in your locality, and I is urgently asked that your central body will appoint a committee to wait upon grocers and dealers in your city for the purpose of endeavoring to influence them to prevail upon these companies to desist in their lockout and further antagonism to the organizer of the Broom and Whisk Makers. Thanking you in advance for your co-operation in this matter, I am, Fraternally yours, [*Sam Gompers*] President, American Federation of Labor.[*87*] [*COPIED. APR 22 1911*] LF April 22, 1911 Mr. Victor Buhr, Secretary District Council of Painters of New York 1648 Broadway, New York, N.Y. Dear Sir and Brother: In continuation of my letter to you of April 12th, as I stated therein, I sent Organizer Hugh Frayne ca copy of your letter to me of April 11th, in which you protected against his alleged actions as regards the organization of Painters outside of the Brotherhood of Painters, Decorators and Paperhangers of America. under date of April 20th, Organizer Frayne makes full reply to your protest and requests that copy of his reply should be sent to you. You will, therefore, find copy enclosed herein. I am also sending copy of the entire correspondence to Secretary Skemp of your national organization. You will note that in the concluding paragraph of Mr Frayne's letter he particularly requests that copy of his letter should be sent to your District Council and that if he charges you make cannot be substantiated in view of his reply thereto. that the charges you made against him in your letter you wrote me under April 11th, should be withdrawn.[*88*] [*COPIED. APR 22 1911*] Mr. Victor Burh --2 I ask that you give this matter your early attention and let me hear from you in regard thereto. Fraternally yours, [*Sam Gompers*] President American Federation of Labor.[*89*] [*COPIED. APR 22 1911*] LF April 22, 1911 Mr. Hugh Frayne, Organizer 25 Third Ave., New York,N.Y. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of April 20th is received in which you make full reply to the charges made against you by Secretary Buhr of the Painters District Council of New York City, under date of April 11th, which I transmitted to you under date of April 12th. In conformity with your request, copy of your letter has been sent to the District Council. At the same time I am sending copies of the entire correspondence to Secretary Skemp of the Brotherhood of Painters, Decorators and Paperhanger of America. It seemed to me that he should be informed of the entire matter. Of course I shall write you further upon receipt of Mr. Buhr's reply. With kind regards, I remain, Fraternally yours, [*Sam Gompers*] President American Federation of Labor.[*90*] [*COPIED. APR 22 1911*] LF April 22,1911 Mr. J. C. Skemp, Secretary Bro. of Painters, Decorators and Paperhangers of America, Drawer 99, Lafayette, Ind Dear Sir and Brother: Under date of April 11th Mr. Victor Buhr, Secretary of the Painters District Council of New York City wrote me, protesting against the course followed by Organizer Hugh Frayne in regard to the organizing of Painters in New York City outside of the Brotherhood of Painters, Decorators and Paperhangers of America. I immediately sent copy of Mr. Buhr's letter to Organizer Frayne with the request that he make reply thereto. He has done so at length under date of April 20th. He further requests that I should send copy of his letter to the New York District Council of Painters and that if the charges made by Secretary Buhr cannot be sustained by the District Council, that he should then withdraw same charges. I have, therefore, written Mr. Buhr, sending him copy of Mr. Frayne's reply. It seemed to me that copies of the entire correspondence should also be submitted to you and you will, therefore, find copies enclosed herein. They are submitted for your information and for whatever action you may deem advisable[*91*] [*COPIED. APR 22 1911*] Mr. J. C. Skemp--2 to take 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. Enclosures:[*92*] [*COPIED. APR 22 1911*] LF April 21,1911 Mr. Wm. N. Nelson, Rec. Sec. Metal Trades Council 175 Billings Rd., Quincy, Mass Dear Sir and Brother: Replying to your favor of March 19th, in which you request that Organizer Frank McCarthy should be sent to Quincy as it is felt that he in needed there, I beg to suggest that you should advise me of the different trades in which special organization work could now be accomplished and I should be glad to take the matter up with thew executive officers of the several international unions who would be interested. In that way it is possible that arrangements could be made whereby they could send representatives of their respective organizations to Quincy to take advantage of the opportunity thus presented. It would not be practicable or possible at this time to act upon your suggestion to send Mr. McCarthy to Quincy. As you are doubtless aware. he is not employed as one of the special organizers of the A. F. of L., but he does occasionally, when his services are required, so arrange his work as to enable him to devote some little time to the work of the A. F. of L. Trusting that I may hear from you again at your early convenience, and with kind regards, I remain, Fraternally yours, [*Sam Gompers*] President, A.F. of L.[*93*] [*COPIED. APR 22 1911*] LF April 21,1911 Mr. James Duncan, Vice-President American Federation of Labor Hancock Building, Quincy, Mass. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 20th instant is received and contents noted. Your suggestion as to the request from Quincy for Organizer Frank McCarthy to be sent there is exactly in line with my own opinion of the situation. But before taking the matter up with the Quincy people I wanted your advice. I have just written to them, requesting them to advise me definitely as to the different trades where organizing work is needed and I will take the matter up direct with the several national and international unions interested. I shall certainly keep in mind all that you say in regard to former Organizer Hanscom. I have not as yet heard anything further upon the subject. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President American Federation of Labor.[*94*] [*COPIED. APR 22 1911*] LF April 21, 1911 Mr. Eugene V. Brewster, Managing Editor The Motion Picture Story Magazine, 26 Court St., Brooklyn, N. Y. Dear Sir: Replying to your favor of the 15th instant I beg to say that I am too crowded with pressing and important work to undertake to write the article you suggest. Very truly yours, [*Sam Gompers*] President American Federation of Labor. [*95*] [*COPIED. APR 22 1911*] Z April 23, 1911 Mr. Charles S. Barrett, President, Farmers' Educational and Co-operative Union, Union City, Georgia. Dear Sir: I wish you would please advise me as to the time and place of the next annual convention of the Farmer's Educational and Co-operative Union. The Executive Council has directed that a representative of the American Federation of Labor attend your convention and the same as has been done for the past several years. Trusting that I may hear from you at your early convenience, and with kid regards, I am Very truly yours, [*Sam Gompers*] President, American Federation of Labor.[*96*] [*COPIED. APR 22 1911*] Z April 23, 1911 Mr. James Duncan, Vice-President, Hancock Building, Quincy, Mass. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 9th instant received and contents noted. I hope to write you in the course of a few days with such suggestions as to your itinerary as seem to me would best serve your purposes and save your time. Yes, I have written to both Mr. Legien and Mr. Fehlinger in regard to your forthcoming trip and I have no doubt you will hear from them at an early date. I am very glad indeed to know that your son has recovered. Mrs. Gompers is improving slowly but is still suffering greatly and is not able yet to get out. In fact she has been out of her room only a few times. With best wishes, I am Very truly yours, [*Sam Gompers*] President, American Federation of Labor.[*97*] [*COPIED. APR 22 1911*] X. April 22, 1911. Mr. Jo Evans, 615 E Street, N. W., City. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 20th instant with enclosures cam duly to hand, and I read both with the greatest interest and amusement. I have read the "limericks" to several of our friends who have appreciated them with me. I shall try to get a number of them run off and send them around to a few friends. I have given your poetic effusion the same title as my article, that is, "The Miracles of Efficiency". With best wishes and hoping to hear from you often, and trusting that the muse will take possession of you frequently, I am, Sincerely yours, [*Sam Gompers*] President, American Federation of Labor.[*96*] [*COPIED. APR 22 1911*] X. April 22, 1911. Mr. William B. Wilson, House of Representatives, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: In our conversation today, I called your attention to the fact that there are three employes of the Rock Island Arsenal who are in the city as the representatives of the employes of the Arsenal to protect against the so-called "Taylor system of Efficiency". They have obtained an extension of their leave of absence, but they state to me that in a conference with General Crozier, Chief of the Bureau of Ordnance, They informed him that it was their desire to appear before the Committee on Labor of the House of Representatives for the purpose of presenting evidence to that Committee upon the subject. He answered them by stating that they would not be permitted to appear before the Committee of their own initiation, but that if summoned by the Committee to appear, they would be permitted to respond. In view of the above, may I suggest that you request the attendance of Messrs. N. P. Alifas, B. D. Dyas, and W. H. Bragdon, (addressing them at the St. James Hotel, Washington, D. C.), at the meeting of the Committee on Labor which you inform me will be held Friday April 28?[*99*] [*COPIED. APR 22 1911*] Z April 23, 1911 Hon. William B. Wilson -2- Thanking you in advance, I have the honor to remain, Yours very truly, [*Sam Gompers*] President, American Federation of Labor.[*100*] [*COPIED. APR 22 1911*] X. April 22, 1911 NO. 42. EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, AMERICAN FEDERATION OF LABOR. COLLEAGUES: In accordance with your instructions upon the St. Louis Convention resolution #22 and 81, I after considerable correspondence managed to secure the agreement of all parties to meet at the office of the American Federation of Labor, on Wednesday, April 19, Secretary Morrison and I representing the Executive Council. The whole day the representatives of the organizations wrangled and were at swords points, when I made suggestions orally outlining a tentative agreement which might form the basis of harmonious relations and finally secured their adjournment for the day, so that I might prepare it. The following morning, that is, on the 20th, the suggestions and tentative agreement were submitted, in typewritten form, with Secretary Morrison agreed, to the representatives of the organizations. After some slight changes an agreement was reached and a copy of the same is herein enclosed. It will be noted that the signature of the representatives of the Brotherhood of Painters, Decorators, and Paperhangers is not attached to the agreement. The representatives of that organization stated that they did not care to in any way modify or hamper the[*101*] Executive Council -2- the jurisdiction rendered to the Brotherhood by the A. F. of L. and which the Brotherhood, at least in theory, will still insist upon, yet it would make no aggressive campaign to impair the Carriage and Wagon Workers' effort to organize in the trade. You will please return your vote upon the agreement and action by Secretary Morrison and myself becoming parties thereto. Thursday, the 20th instant, the representatives of the Brotherhood of Railway Carmen and of the Brotherhood of Painters, Ddcorators and Paperhangers of America, were in conference in compliance with the instructions of the convention, as per recommendation of the Committee on Adjustment relative to Resolution #119. During the first stages of the conference I presided and later, in compliance with the alternative instructions of the convention, I asked Secretary Morrison and he consented to serve as the representative of the A. F. of L. Though no written agreement was made, an understanding was reached by which the organizations would co-operate in furthering the interests of the Carmen, without prejudice as to the claims to which each organization is entitled. It is with satisfaction that these matters are reported to the Executive Council. A policy of conciliation and helpfulness having been pursued by the A. F. of L. and its representatives, I am confident that much good will ensue, not only from the particular instances named in this document, but its influences upon the other organizations among which jurisdictional disputes still exist. With best wishes, I am, Very truly yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.COPY. HEADQUARTERS, AMERICAN FEDERATION OF LABOR. Washington, D. C., April 19, 191. The St. Louis Convention of the American Federation of Labor, acting upon the report of the Committee on Adjustment in reference to Resolution #22-81, directed that the entire subject matter covered by these resolutions be referred to the Executive Council with instructions to call a conference of all parties with a view to clearly defining the lines of jurisdiction. The Executive Council directed President Gompers and Secretary Morrison to act for the Executive Council in the matter. In compliance therewith, the officers of the various organizations named were invited to participate in a conference to be held on this 19th day of April, 1911, at the offices of the American Federation of Labor. The undersigned, representing their respective organizations, realizing the difficulty of maintaining jurisdiction, and while it may not be expedient or advantageous here to insist on our jurisdictional claims, therefore, for the purpose of the endeavoring to assist in organizing the carriage, wagon and automobile industry, the following agreement is hereby made, the purpose thereof to be liberally, rather than technically, construed and complied with: 1. It is the right and the privilege of any workman employed in any carriage, wagon, or automobile establishment, to belong to his respective trade or organization or the Carriage and Wagon and Automobile Workers International Union. 2. It shall not be necessary for any worker employed in a carriage, wagon, or automobile establishment, to belong to more than one organization party to this agreement.[*103*] -2- 3. The bona fide cards of good standing membership in any one of the organizations to this agreement shall be recognized as all-sufficient in carriage, wagon and automobile establishments; the choice of membership in either of the organizations party to this agreement to rest with the workman. 4. Initiation fee in localities where unions now exist shall not be less than #3.oo, unless by mutual consent. 5. In any carriage, wagon, or automobile establishment where there are employed members of more than one of the organizations parties to this agreement, the matter of an agreement relative to wages, hours of labor, and conditions of employment, shall be made by a joint committee of the employes of the establishment, or a joint committee of the locals whose members are or may be affected. 6. The officers of the organizations parties to this agreement shall meet not less than once each year, for the purpose of perfecting, amplifying, or modifying this agreement, and they shall have power to delegate the functions herein provided for themselves to the local unions in the several respective localities. 7. The representatives of the organizations parties to this agreement, pledge themselves to co-operate for the more thorough organization of the workers in the carriage, wagon, and automobile establishments, and to take such action as shall best protect and promote the rights and interests of the workers in this industry. FOR THE INT'L CARRIAGE AND WAGON WORKERS' UNION, (Signed) Wm. P. Mavell " L. F. Maire, Per. M.[*104*] -3- FOR THE INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF BLACKSMITHS. (Signed) J. W. Kline. " Ed. J. Ryan FOR THE UPHOLSTERS' INT'L UNION OF NORTH AMERICA. (Signed) Wm. Kohn " FOR THE AMERICAN FEDERATION OF LABOR, (Signed) Samuel Gompers. " Frank Morrison. [*COPIED. APR 22 1911*][*105*] [*COPIED. APR 22 1911*] X. April 21, 1911. Mr. J. Eiland, 726 La. Avenue, Memphis, Tenn. Dear Sir: Your favor of the 12th instant to hand and contents noted. In connection with the subject matter of your inquiry, I should say that I imagine it would be best to have the colored workmen to whom you refer organized in a Federal Labor Union, and become part of the American Federation of Labor. The A. F. of L. recognizes the right of the men who work to organize for their own and mutual protection and advancement. Of course, you understand that if you should organize, and application is made for charter and it is issued to you and your associates, it will apply to Memphis and vicinity. After that we shall be very glad to have your advice in regard to the organization of the same class of workers in the places you name, but the principal work of assistance and organization must emanate from this office. All will thus reap the benefit and it will be orderly and practically conducted and effected. By this mail I am writing to our organizers of Memphis, Mr. I. N. Levi, 632 North Third Street, and C. W. Merker, Box 101, conveying the substance of your letter, as well as giving them a copy of this, and I would suggest that you write them and meet them for the purpose of talking this matter over further, and for the[*106*] [*COPIED. APR 22 1911*] Mr. J. H. Eiland -2- accomplishment of the purpose of this correspondence. Hoping to hear from you often, I am, with best wishes, Very truly yours, [*Sam Gompers*] President, American Federation of Labor.[*107*] [*COPIED. APR 22 1911*] X. April 22, 1911. Mr. C. H. Merker, Organizer, Mr. I. N. Levi, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, 632 N. 3d. St., Memphis, Tenn. Dear Sirs and Brothers: I am in receipt of a letter from a colored workman by the name of J. H. Eiland, 726 Louisiana Avenue, Memphis, in which he calls attention to the fact that there are a number of workmen in and around the railroads of Memphis and other parts who desire to be organized. I have written Mr. Eiland, and enclose you a copy of my letter. You will observe that I have suggested that he write to either or both of you the purpose of having a conference, with the object of the organization of these colored workmen in a Federal Labor Union, and their affiliation direct to the American Federation of Labor. I trust that you will render them every assistance within your power to organize. You must bear in mind that unless we organize the colored workmen of the country, they will necessarily feel that the organized labor movement excludes them from any consideration at all, and not only their own feeling, but the employers and corporations will be only too glad to take advantage of their unorganized condition and utilize them against the interests of the other workmen of our country. It is not merely as a matter of sentiment and a matter of right, but of practical self-defense that the organization of the colored workmen of[*108*] Mr. C. H. Merker, Mr. I. N. Levi -2- the United States is necessary. You will, of course, understand that there is no purpose of the A. F. of L. in requiring or compelling Central Bodies to receive delegates from the unions of colored workmen unless the Central Bodies themselves so desire. In the event of the feeling of the Central Bodies being against the representation therein from unions of colored workmen, organization of separate Central Bodies of exclusively colored workmen's unions should be established. In any event, I am referring this matter to the joint consideration of the A. F. of L. organizers of Memphis for them to meet with Mr. Eiland and to report at the earliest possible convenience. Under separate cover I am sending you some further organizational material, together with application blanks. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. APR 22 1911*][*109*] [*COPIED APR 22 1911*] X. April 22, 1911. Hon. Alton B. Parker, 37 Wall Street, New York City. My dear Judge Parker: I had one copy of your brief before the U.S. Supreme Court which I kept for my personal records. It was out on my desk. When I looked for it today it had disappeared. Evidently someone who came into the office took it up and failed to return it. If you have an extra copy which you can spare, I would appreciate it very greatly if you would kindly have it sent to me. Thanking you in advance for your courtesy, I am, Sincerely yours, Saml. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*110*] [*COPIED. APR 22 1911*] X. April 22, 1911. Mr. Henty C. Metcalf, Department of Political Science, Tufts College, Massachusetts. My dear Sir: Your favor of the 21st instant is received and contents noted. In reply I beg to say that I have not yet appeared before the Committee on Labor of the House of Representatives to oppose the introduction by the Government of the system of scientific management of labor among the [government] workmen employed in the various Departments of the government. Hearing on that bill will be given by the Committee next Friday, and I anticipate addressing the Committee. The hearings, of course, will be printed as a public document, and you can very easily secure a copy through the Congressman from your district. In the meantime, I am sending you under separate cover copy of the April issue of the American Federationist, our official monthly magazine, of which I am editor. Your attention is called to my leading article in that issue, entitled "The Miracles of Efficiency". I think you will be interested in it. Very truly yours, President, American Federation of Labor.[*111*] [COPIED. APR 24 1911*] PINK. Washington, D. C., April 23, 1911. Mr. Frank M. Ryan, President, Int'l Asso. of Bridge and Structural Iron Workers, 422-424 American Central Life Bldg., Indianapolis, Indiana. Feel confident Secretary McNamara is innocent of published accusation. Under any circumstances he is entitled to every protection of the law. Am shocked that Indianan authorities surrendered any man within its borders without giving him an opportunity to be heard in his defense. Is it not possible to secure legal counsel to sue out writ of habeas corpus either within one of the states en route or in one of the federal courts: SAMUEL GOMPERS. Charge A. F. of L.[*112*] [COPIED. APR 24 1911*] X. April 24, 1911. Mr. J. T. Carey, President, International Brotherhood of Papermakers, 22 Smith Street, Watertown, New York. Dear Sir and Brother: I am in receipt of a letter from Mr. John H. Malin, President, International Brotherhood of Pulp, Sulphite, and Paper Mill Workers, in which he states you informed him that Organizer Jacob Tazelaar is about to accept a proposition from a Paper Company in the middle west to push the sale of union made paper. I have just had a most interesting conference with Mr. Tazelaar, who laid the entire project before me. I do hope you will have a successful union paper manufacturing plant in permanent operation, and that its influence may be for the extension of the union plants, and bring better conditions to the workers in these industries. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*113*] [COPIED. APR 24 1911*] X. April 24, 1911. Mr. John H. Malin, President-Secretary, International Brotherhood Pulp, Sulphite and Paper Mill Workers, P. O. Drawer K, Fort Edward, New York. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 18th instant is received and contents noted. You state that President Carey of the Paper Makers informs you that Organizer Tazelaar is about to accept a proposition from a paper company in the middle west to push the sale of union made paper. I have just had a most interesting conference with Mr. Tazelaar, who laid the entire project before me. I hope you will have a successful union paper manufacturing plant in permanent operation, and that its influence may be for the extension of the union plants, and bring better conditions to the workers in these industries. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*114*] [COPIED. APR 24 1911*] X. April 24, 1911. Mr. Thomas H. Flynn, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, Parlor D, Monongahela House, Pittsburg, Pa. Dear Sir and Brother: I thank you for sending me a copy of the publication which bears the fictitious name of "Justice". It is quite evident that it is published as several Socialist publications are published, to destroy the effective work of the toilers in their organized effort in trade unions. I wish you would see to it that copy of each issue of this publication is sent to mein an envelope. I desire to keep it on record. Please do not fail to do this for me. Thanking you for your thoughtfulness in this matter. and with best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*115*] [*COPIED APR 24 1911. X. April, 22, 1911. Mr. Max S. Hayes, Editor, The Cleveland Citizen, 310 Champlain Ave., N. W., Cleveland, Ohio. Dear Sir and Brother: Noticing an article in the issue of The Cleveland Citizen of April first in regard to William A. Ashton, of New York, and reflecting upon him in connection with the Teamsters' strike, I sent him a typewritten copy of the statement, and then asked him whether he would not write me and let me know as soon as possible giving the facts of the case, the action of himself and of the organizations at interest. On April seventh I received a letter from Mr. Ashton, acknowledging the receipt of mine, and in which he said that in justice to his associates and himself he desired to be unbiased and therefore submitted my communication to the executive officers of the New York Joint Council of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, etc., I am now in receipt of a letter from these officers of which the enclosed is a copy. In addition thereto, I beg to call your attention to the fact that Mr. Ashton, though worthy of holding a commission as organizer for the American Federation of Labor, has never had one, and that he at no time has acted in the capacity as organizer for [*116*] [*COPIED. APR 24 1911*] Mr. Max S. Hayes -2- the American Federation of Labor. Fraternally yours, [*Sam Gompers*] President, American Federation of Labor.[*117*] JOINT EXECUTIVE COUNCIL OF GREATER NEW YORK AND VICINITY, INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF TEAMSTER, CHAUFFEURS, STABLEMEN AND HELPERS. Headquarters: 161 Eighth Avenue, N. W. Cor. 18th St. New York, April 13th, 1911. Samuel Gompers, Esq., President, American Federation of Labor, Dear Sir: Mr. Ashton handed to us yours of the 5th with request that we make reply. Re -- Express strike, in this city. Originally it was the spontaneous resentment of the men against the abuses of their respective employers. In our opinion and we voice the sentiments of our colleagues, Organizer Ashton lent material aid in bring about better working conditions. It is true he did evoke the assistance of John Mitchell who we look to for aid and succor when important matters of this kind confront us. Unfortunately the second or revival of the strike was the outcome of discriminations and sourness on the part of the Company's underlings. Those evils all our locals have had to overcome in many cases through sacrifice and loss. Even after the foolish or unwise step was taken, Organizer Ashton made it possible through Mayor Gaynor to have men return to work under former, tangible agreements; that if gross discrimination was shown Mayor Gaynor would use his influence with Companys to recede from their arrogant position. It might not be amiss to here state men directly involved in Manhattan accepted proposition made possible through assistance of Organizer Ashton, afterwards repudiated by men in Jersey City under coercion of less experience officials. Mr. Ashton[*118*] -2- does not pose as an A. F. of L. Organizer but as humble representative of our Teamsters. Trusting explanation will be satisfactory and with personal regards, we are, (Signed) Val Hoffman, 1st V.P. of Gen. Ex. Board. (Signed) Edw. Gould, Pres. " Wm. O. Neill, Sec, SEAL. [*COPIED. APR 24 1911*][*119*] [*COPIED. APR 24 1911*] M April 24, 1911. Mr. S. G. Gulp, Secretary, Federal Labor Union No. 13184, Amarillo, Texas. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 12th instant enclosing enclosing the endorsement of Federal Labor Union No. 13184, for your appointment as volunteer organizer, has been received. It affords me pleasure to comply with the request and recommendation made, and commission will be issued and forwarded to you as volunteer organizer for Amarillo and vicinity. 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. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President American Federation of Labor.[*120*] [*COPIED. APR 24 1911*] X. April 22, 1911. Mr. W. C. Roberts, 146 Franklin Street, Chicago, Illinois. Dear Sir and Brother: I was glad to hear from you and shall certainly comply with your request to send you copy of the weekly news letter issued from this office. The third letter has been issued, and I am sending it under separate cover. The letters have met with a great deal of favor by the labor press, many of the reform papers also publishing considerable of them. If there is anything of importance coming under your observation, either in print or otherwise, I wish you would let me have it. With best wishes to yourself and Mrs. Roberts, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*121*] [*COPIED. APR 24 1911*] LF April 24, 1911 Rev. Charles Stelzle, Superintendent Department of Church and Labor, 156 Fifth Ave., New York,N.Y. Dear Sir: Your favor of the 22nd instant is at hand and contents noted. In compliance with the request contained therein I am sending you under separate cover copies of the March and April, 1911 issues of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST. With kind regards, I remain, Sincerely yours, Sam'l Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.[*122*] [*COPIED. APR 24 1911*] LF April 24, 1911 Mr. Samuel J. Pegg, Editor and Manager Advance Advocate Vanol Building, 3900 Olive St., St. Louis, Mo Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 21st inst. is received and contents noted. In it you say you are sending me by express a bound volume of "THE ADVANCE ADVOCATE" for 1910. In reply let me say that the bound volume has just come to hand and you will please accept my thanks for your kindness in sending same to me. With sincere regards, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President American Federation of Labor.[*123*] [*COPIED. APR 24 1911*] LF April 24, 1911 Mr. Hugh Frayne, Organizer, 25 Third Ave., New York,N.Y. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of April 22nd is received, You say that you have explained to Bed Spring Makers Union Local #12103 that the payment of benefits last week was the last to which they would be entitled by the American Federation of Labor. You further say that a number of men will report for work this morning that while the manager of plant refused to make a settlement yet the organization has been saved and a number of the men will return to work today. I trust that in the very near future all of the men will have retuned to work. You will not fail, of course, to keep me advised fully as to what progress is made and how the matter is finally straightened out. With kind regards, I remain, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President American Federation of Labor.[*124*] [*COPIED. APR 24 1911*] LF April 24, 1911 Mr.P. M. Draper, Secretary Dominion Trades and Labor Congress. Drawer 515, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Dear Sir and Brother: In a letter just received from the Secretary of Cigar Makers' Local Union #251 or New York City he encloses copy of a circular letter issued by the organizing committee of the Quebec and Levis Federated Trades and Labor Congresss under date of April 10, being "An appeal to the officers and members of Trades Assemblies and Central Bodies of the A. F. of L., and Affiliated Local Unions thereof" for financial assistance in keeping u[ the organization work. He desires to know whether the A. F. of L. contemplates sending out an appeal in behalf of your Central Body, to make it through the A. F. of L. rather than direct to your Central Body. In my reply I stated that I have no information whatever in regard to the matter other than his letter to me and that I would write you in connection therewith. I should be pleased, therefore, if you would let me hear from you at your early convenience. Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President American Federation of Labor. P. S. I am enclosing copy of the circular appeal from the Quebec Central Body.[*125*] [*COPIED. APR 24 1911*] LF April 24, 1911 Mr. C. L. Lindlay, Fin. Sec. Cigar Makers, Local #251 1511 3rd Ave., New York, N.Y. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 18th inst is at hand and contents noted. I have also noted the circular you enclose from the Quebec and Levis Federated Trades and Labor Congress. Your letter is the first information which I have upon the subject and I am now writing to Sec.Draper of the Dominion Trades and Labor Congress asking for advice. Upon receipt of reply from him I will endeavor to write you further, but in the meantime, if you do not hear from me in the course of ten days, it would be well for you to write me again as a reminder. With kind regards, I remain, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President American Federation of Labor. P. S. In conformity with your request I return the circular appeal herein[*126*] [*COPIED. APR 24 1911*] X. April 24, 1911. Mr. Hugh Frayne, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, 25 Third Avenue, New York City. Dear Sir and Brother: I have an engagement with a Miss Harriet Staunton Blatch, at four o'clock, April 25, Victoria Hotel. I would like you to be present at the interview, also bring Mr. Morrison with you. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President, American federation of labour[*127*] [*COPIED. APR 24 1911*] X. April 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 is received and contents noted. I am sending you under separate cover a few copies of the April issue of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST, containing my article on "The Miracles of Efficiency". I am glad you liked the article. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*128*] [COPIED. APR 24 1911*] X. April 22, 19111 Mr. Wm. L. Hoefgen, President, Trades Council, Box 1113, San Antonio, Texas. Dear Sir and Brother: I want to thank you for your favor of the 18th instant and for the prompt action taken by your Central Labor Union in compliance with my recent letter requesting that a committee be appointed by your Central Body to wait upon the stove dealers in your city and officially and formally advise then of the friendly relations now existing between organized labor and the Buck's Stove and Range Company. With the best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*129*] [COPIED. APR 24 1911*] M April 24, 1911. NO. 43. EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, AMERICAN FEDERATION OF LABOR. COLLEAGUES: On April 11th received April 15th, the Secretary of Machinists Helpers and Laborers Union No. 12906, of St. Thomas, Ontario, sent[ing] in copy of new wage scale, which it contemplates submitting on May 1, to the management employing its members. Copy of the wage scale is enclosed herein. I immediately wrote the Secretary of the Machinists Helpers and Laborers Union No. 12906, requesting detailed information, which he gives me under date of April 20, copy of which you will also find enclosed. Local No. 12906 was chartered February 18, 1910, and paid per capita tax for the past year as follows: May 1910, 70 members June " 70 " July " 70 " Aug. " 70 " Sept. " 60 " Oct. " 60 " Nov. " 60 " Dec. " 66 " Jan. 1911 70 " Feb. " 72 " Mar. " 70 " Apr. There are no benefits being paid from the defense fund[*130*] [*COPIED. APR 24 1911*] E. C. 43' to any organization. By Document No. 40, April 21, the question was submitted to the Executive Council for a vote as to whether Banders Protective Union No. 12869, Caguas, P. R. shall be entitled to benefits from the defense fund. The Executive Council has approved the wage scales of the following organizations: Federal Lab or Union No. 7087, Belleville, Ill - 55 members Undertakers Union, No. 9049, San Francisco - 50 " Baggage Messengers No. 10167, " - 50 " Paste Makers Union No. 10567, " - 20 " Mineral Water Bottlers No. 11317, Newark, N. J. 50 " Locomotive Hostlers and Helpers No. 11894, Roanoke, Va. 50" The question submitted to the Executive Council for a vote is shall the wage scale of Machinists Helpers and Laborers Union No. 12906 be approved, and the members thereby be entitled to benefits, should it be necessary for them to go on strike to enforce same. Please return your vote upon the above at your earliest convenience, and oblige, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President American Federation of Labor.[*131*] COPY St. Thomas, Ont. April 20, 1911. Mr. Samuel Gompers, Pres. A. F. of L. Washington, D. C. Dear Sir and Brother: replying to your favor of the 18th instant, I beg to give you full information. 1st. All men employed in our line of work at these shops are members of our organization, as well as all other employees are members of their respective organizations. We are all working under a signed agreement with the management of this shop. All agreements expire as near as I can ascertain about May 1, and our wage scale conforms with the wage scale of other local organizations. We have conferred with the officers of the different locals regarding the submitting of the scale and the probability of it being granted. We fully understand the provisions of Article XIII of the Constitution. On another page I furnish a list of different organizations and their Lodge numbers. 1. The Machinists Helpers and Laborers Union 12906 2. The International Association of Machinists No. 294 3. Brotherhood of Railway Carmen of A. Unity Lodge No. 304. 4. Brotherhood of Boiler Makers and Iron Ship Builders and Helpers of America "Review Lodge #255 5. Brotherhood of Boilermakers and Iron Ship Builders #413 6. Int'l Brotherhood of Blacksmiths and Helpers #148[*132*] -2- I might mention the strength of these organizations. Machinists Helpers 100% Carmen 95% Machinists 100% Blacksmiths 98% Boilermakers 100% Boilermakers Helpers 99% Hoping I have given the information asked for, I remain, Yours fraternally, Frank Teetzel, Sec. M. H, and L. 32 Chester St., St. Thomas, Ont.[*133*] PERE MARQUETTE RAILROAD COMPANY Schedule of the Machinists Helpers and Laborers of the PERE MARQUETTE R. R., East of Detroit River. RULE NO. 1 This schedule shall be in effect from May 1, 1911 and continue one year from date, and will succeed all other schedules and instructions contrary thereto. Subject to thirty (30) days notice from either parties if they desire to change. RULE NO. 2 When machinists helpers or laborers are sent out on the line temporarily on Company business they shall receive the time allowed as prevails in the shop and $1.50 per day for expenses. The work "Temporarily" to mean fifteen (15) days of less, the words 'one day' to mean twenty-four (24) hrs. RULE NO. 3. No machinists helper or laborer shall be discharged or suspended without a just and sufficient cause. If, after proper investigation it is found that a machinists helper or laborer has been discharged unjustly he shall be re-instated. The investigation shall take place before the Shop Committee within five days (5) after such discharge or suspension. The Shop Committee shall first endeavor to adjust all grievances with the officials of the Company at the point where such grievances shall exist. All grievances that can not be adjusted locally shall be brought before the management. RULE NO. 4. Machinists Helpers or Laborers having grievances will first submit them to the Machinists Foreman, Shop Superintendent or Master Mechanic for adjustment, and in the event their decision is not satisfactory a writ of appeal is conceded to the succeeding higher officials. The Company will not discriminate against and Machinist Helper or Laborer, serving on a Committee or acting as Delegate to represent the Machinist Helpers and Laborers. RULE NO 5. The standard work day shall be nine (9) hours in back shop and ten(10) hours for laborers and men employed in roundhouses. Should it become necessary to reduce expenses, time will be reduced to eight (8) hours per day, five (5) days per week if necessary. If a further reduction is necessary it shall be made by reducing the force. The oldest men in the service will be given preference providing they are competent. [*134*] [*COPIED. APR 22 1911*] RULE NO. 6. When requested the Company will grant a leave of absence and furnish transportation over its lines as early as convenient to Machinist Helpers and Laborers who may be authorized to go before the Management for adjustment of differences. RULE NO. 7. Time and one half shall be allowed for all time over the working hours for all machinist helpers and laborers. LEGAL HOLIDAYS AND SUNDAYS: The following legal holidays to be observed in Canada: New Years Day; Good Friday; Victoria Day; Coronation Day: Dominion Day; Lavor Day; Thanksgiving Day; and Christmas Day. RULE NO. 8. Machinist Helpers and Laborers called after the regular work day shall receive not less that three (3) hours pay. RULE NO. 9 Bulletin Boards shall be maintained in all shops at all times when the number of working hours are increased or decreased. Notice of such change shall be posted on such boards at least one (1) hour before quitting time the day before such change goes into effect. Employees will be allowed to post notices pertaining to meetings on the regular shop bulletin board. RULE NO. 10. Machinists Helpers and Laborers and their families shall enjoy the same privileges in regard to free transportation as other employees of the Company. RULE NO. 11. A man advanced to a position for three (3) days or more paying a higher rate shall receive the higher rate and shall hold the same until regular man comes to work and in case a vacancy occurs in a position paying a higher rate the oldest man shall have the reference in all cases. RULE NO. 12. A copy of this agreement shall be placed in the shops and engine houses for the use of the Foreman in governing the Machinists Helper and Laborers. Recommended Approved:[*135*] [*COPIED. APR 22 1911*] M April 24, 1911. Mr. Charles Diehl, Secretary, Federal Labor Union No. 7087, Belleville, Illinois. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 20th instant is at hand, in which you request us to send you copy of your wage scale, or let you know concerning its approval. If you are aware Federal Labor Union No. 7087, has two wage scales, a general wage scale, and a special wage scale with she the St. Clair County gas and Electric Company. Kindly advise to which scale you have reference. With best wishes, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, [*Sam Gompers*] President American Federation of Labor.[*136*] [*COPIED. APR 22 1911*] M April 24, 1911. Mr. C. A. Perkins, Organizer, 401 Wilson St., Brownwood, Texas. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 19th instant is at hand, enclosing commission as volunteer organizer, and requesting its renewal. In reply I beg to say that commission was renewed and forwarded to you on the 21st instant, and no doubt you have received same. If not, kindly advise this office. With best wishes, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, [*Sam Gompers*] President American Federation of Labor.[*137*] [*COPIED. APR 22 1911*] M April 24, 1911. Mr. G. O. Norris, Organizer, Box 180, Blue Rapids, Kansas. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 19th instant is at hand, and beg to say your commission expires on April 30, and will be renewed and forwarded to you. The new President of the United Mine Workers of America, is John T. White, State Life Building, Indianapolis, Indiana. With best wishes, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, [*Sam Gompers*] President American Federation of Labor.[*138*] [*COPIED. APR 22 1911*] X. April 24, 1911. Mr. Chas. O. Bernier, Secretary, Cigar Makers' Local Union #51, 100 Lyman Street, Holyoke, Mass. Dear Sir and Brother: Replying to your favor of the 19th instant, I beg to say that we shall endeavor to have Organizer Tazaleer remains in Holyoke just as long as we possibly can. I cannot now say definitely when it will be necessary to send him to another field, but you may rest assured we will do our best to comply with the request or organized labor in your city. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, [*Sam Gompers*] President, American Federation of Labor.[*139*] [*COPIED. APR 22 1911*] X. April 24, 1911. Mr. William Lodge, Allied Trades and Labor Association, 21 Creighton Street, Ottawa, Ont., Canada. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 18th instant is received and contents noted. I am placing your name on the list to receive the weekly news letter, and sending you under separate cover a copy of the last news letter. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, [*Sam Gompers*] President American Federation of Labor.[*140*] [*COPIED. APR 22 1911*] LF April 24, 1911 Mr. R. E. Croskey, Organizer American Federation of Labor 200 Railroad Building, Denver, Colorado. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of April 21st is received and contents noted. You say that some trouble has arisen in the Denver Central Body by reason of the fact that several local unions of internationals affiliated to the A. F. of L. have joined a Building Trades Section partly made up of locals of unaffiliated organizations, this Section not being part of the Building Trades Department of the A. F. of L. You say that at the next meeting of the Denver Trades Assembly the delegates from the local unions that belong to the local Building Trades Council affiliated to the Building Trades Department of the A. F. of L. will protest against the seating of delegates from those local unions who are affiliated to the A. F. of L. through their internationals who are now represented in the unaffiliated Building Trades Council. You say that you have taken the position that these local unions being affiliated to the A. F. of L, are entitled to representation in the Trades Assembly and that the matter of their being represented in a Building Trades Section unaffiliated to the Building Trades Department of the A. F. of L. is a matter for decision on the part of the American Federation of Labor, and not on the part of the Denver[*141*] [*COPIED. APR 22 1911*] Mr. R. E. Crosky --2 Trades Assembly. Your attention is called to Section X, Article XI of the Constitution of the A. F. of L., which reads as follows: "Local Unions of National or International Union affiliated with the Departments attached to the American Federation of Labor, in any city where a Local Department exists, shall not be eligible to membership in any Local Department unless they are connected with the chartered Central Body, nor shall they be eligible to membership in the Central Body unless they are affiliated with the Local Department." You do not give the names of the local unions to which you refer, but in any event, I am sending to Secretary Spencer of the Building Trades Department, copy of your letter to me, also copy of my reply. I should like to hear from you further as to what action is taken by the Central Body. With kind regards I remain, Fraternally yours, [*Sam Gompers*] President American Federation of Labor.[*142*] [*COPIED. APR 22 1911*] LF April 24, 1911 Mr. Wm. J. Spencer, Secretary Building Trades Department, A. F. of L., Room 412 Ouray Building, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir and Brother: I have just received a letter from Organizer Crosky of Denver, Colorado in regard to a question that has arisen in the Central Body there as to an independent Building Trades Council and the locals of that council being represented in the Central Body. For you information I enclose herein copy of Mr. Croskey's letter and also copy of my reply, With kind regards, I remain, Fraternally yours, [*Sam Gompers*] President American Federation of Labor Enclosure: 143 COPIED. APR 24 1911 LF April 24, 1911 Mr. Ernest Bohm, Secretary Central Federated Union, 243 East 34th St., New York, N.Y. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 22nd instant is received and contents noted. You say that the Elevator Operators and Starters Union of New York City has filed a complaint with the Central Federated Union against the Elevator Constructors interferring with their jurisdiction, and that the Central Body has referred the matter to me. If you will kindly have the Elevator Operators and Starters Union write me in detail in regard to the matter, I shall be glad to take the matter up with the executive officers of the Elevator Constructors. I note the circular you enclose from the Local Union of Carpet Weavers #695 of Toronto and would say that I have had some correspondence with Secretary Hibbert of the United Textile Workers International Union in regard to this matter and in compliance with his request have taken it up with Organizer John A. Flett. With kind regards, I remain, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor.[*144*] [*COPIED. APR 24 1911*] LF April 24, 1911 Mr. Andrew J. Gallagher, Secretary Labor Council 316 Fourteenth St., San Francisco, California. Dear Sir and Brother: Under date of April 22nd President Hawley of the Switchmen's Union writes me as follows: "I am in receipt of a letter from Organizer Kilduff of this Union saying an effort is to be made in San Francisco to organize the yard employes on the State Road, a concern operated wholly in San Francisco and that he is to solicit the assistance of Bro. Andrew Hallagher in his efforts. Appreciating as I do the quantity of work you have on hand constantly, I beg pardon for annoying you with the suggestion that you interest yourself in our behalf in San Francisco, thus enabling us to build up a substantial membership there. This is because we are affiliated with your honorable body and feel that in this case we are only asking that to which we are entitled. It is possible that the Trainmen may have some members there and it is not our intention to coerce any men into joining this Union but the assistance of Bro. Gallagher will be of vast assistance to us if you will only advise him to render it." I am writing Mr. Hawley that I have sent copy of his letter to you and that I am sure you will be glad to be of any assistance you can to his organization in this matter. Hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, and with kind regards, I remain, Fraternally yours, [*Sam Gompers*] President American Federation of Labor[*145*] [*COPIED. APR 24 1911*] LF April 24, 1911 Mr. F. T. Hawley, President Switchmen's Union, 326 Brisbane Building, Buffalo, N.Y. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 22nd instant is received and contents noted. In reply thereto let me say that by this mail I am writing to Brother Andrew J. Gallagher, sending him copy of your letter to me and asking him to render whatever assistance he can to your organization in this matter. With kind regards, I remain, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.[*146*] [*COPIED. APR 24 1911*] Z April 24, 1911. Mr. James Mathews, Secretary, United Trades and Labor Council, 559 Van Houten St., Patterson, N.J. Dear Sir and Brother: I am in receipt of a letter from Secretary G. T. Dolan, of the International Broom and Whisk Makers Union, of which the following is a copy: "As stated to you here in Chicago a few weeks ago, our organization is involved in a lock-out at Amsterdam, N. Y., with the Amsterdam Broom Co., Gardner Brothers Broom Co., Pioneer Broom Co., American Broom Co., and the Mohawk Valley Broom Co., of Fonda, N. Y. This lock-out is threatening to disrupt our local union in that City, which is one of our largest, and if lost, will have a disastrous affect on our organization, and also on the other crafts of Amsterdam. This controversy was brought about when our local union in that City presented a new wage schedule last December asking for a slight advance in wages, that if granted, would still leave the wages slightly lower than the wages paid by any other union factories in our line in the country. The union presented the schedule and asked employers above mentioned, to consider same and give them an answer by a certain future date. The employers took the schedules and upon the date set for answer, posted notices in the respective factories stating that they would not grant the advance and that the factory was closed to union men from that date on, Since that date our members have been locked out and the firms have been trying to operate their plants with a cheap element of scab labor. Owing to the fact that our organization is small and our finances very limited, we have found it a hard struggle to pay our locked out members their strike benefits and have had to assess our membership heavily in order to do so. We have not been able to carry on an agitation against these firms in their trade by advertising them along the various unions, because of lack of finances to defray the expense of such agitation, and believing that this is the only hope we have left, we appeal to[*147*] Mr. James Mathews --2. you as President of the American Federation of Labor to assist us in this fight for living wages, by sending out communications to the various local unions and Central Bodies in the eastern states informing them of the attitude of these firms toward our organization, and asking them to inform their Grocers and dealers handling the brooms made by these firms of the conditions under which they are made, and to demand the union label of the International Broom and Whisk Makers Union". Secretary Dolan calls attention that the firms in question sell their brooms in your locality, and it is urgently asked that your central body will appoint a committee to wait upon grocers and dealers in your city for the purpose of endeavoring to influence them to prevail upon these companies to desist in their lockout and further antagonism to the organization of the Broom and Whisk Makers. Thanking you in advance for your co-operation in this matter, I am, Fraternally yours, [*Sam Gompers*] President, American Federation of Labor. [*148*] [*COPIED. APR 24 1911*] Z April 24, 1911. Mr. Reuben Forker, Secretary, Central Labor Union of Mercer County, P. O. Box 529, Trenton, N. J. Dear Sir and Brother: I am in receipt of a letter from Secretary C. T. Dolan, of the International Broom and Whisk Makers Union, of which the following is a copy: "As stated to you here in Chicago a few weeks ago, our organization is involved in a lock-out at Amsterdam, N. Y., with the Amsterdam Broom Co., Gardner Brothers Broom Co., Pioneer Broom Co., and the Mohawk Valley Broom Co., of Fonda, N. Y. This lockout is threatening to disrupt our local union in that City, which is one of our largest, and if lost, will have a disastrous effect on our organization, and also on the other crafts of Amsterdam. This controversy was brought about when our local union in that City presented a new wage schedule last December asking for a slight advance in wages, that if granted, would still leave the wages slightly lower than the wages paid by any other union factories in our line in the country. The union presented the schedule and asked employers above mentioned, to consider same and given them an answer by a certain future date. The employers took the schedules and upon the date set for answer, posted notices in the respective factories stating that they would not grant the advance and that the factory was closed to union men from that date on. Since that date our members have been locked out and the firms have been trying to operate their plants with a cheap element of scab labor. Owing to the fact that our organization is small and our finances very limited, we have found it a hard struggle to pay our locked out members their strike benefits and have had to assess our membership heavily in order to do so. We have not been able to carry on an agitation against these firms in their trade by advertising them among the various unions, because of lack of finances to defray the expense of such agitation, and believing that this is the only hope we have left, we appeal to to you as President of the American Federation of Labor to assist us in the fight for living wages, by sending out communications to the various local unions[*149*] [*COPIED. APR 24 1911*] Mr. Reuben Forker---2. unions and Central Bodies in the eastern states informing them of the attitude of these firms toward our organization, and asking them to inform their grocers and dealers handling the brooms made by these firms of the conditions under which they are made, and to demand the union label of the International Broom and Whisk Makers Union." Secretary Dolan calls attention that the firms in question sell their brooms in your locality, and it is urgently asked that your central body will appoint a committee to wait upon grocers and dealers in your city for the purpose of endeavoring to influence them to prevail upon these companies to desist in their lockout and further antagonism to the organization of the Broom and Whisk Makers. Thanking you in advance for your co-operation in this matter, I am, Fraternally yours, [*Sam Gompers*] President, American Federation of Labor.[*150*] [*COPIED. APR 24 1911*] Z April 24, 1911. Mr. Henry F. Hilfers, Secretary, Essex Trade Council, 68 South Orange Avenue, Newark, N. J. Dear Sir and Brother: I am in receipt of a letter from Secretary C. T. Dolan, of the International Broom and Whisk Makers' Union, of which the following is a copy: "As stated to you here in Chicago a few weeks ago, our organization is involved in a lock-out at Amsterdam, N. Y. with the Amsterdam Broom Co., Gardner Brothers Broom Co., Pioneer Broom Co., American Broom Co., and the Mohawk Valley Broom Co., of Fonda, N. Y. This lockout is threatening to disrupt our local union in that City, which is one of our largest, and if lost, will have a disasterous effect on our organization, and also on the other crafts of Amsterdam. This controversy was brought about when our local union in that City presented a new wage schedule last December asking for a slight advance in wages, that if granted, would still leave the wages slightly lower than the wages paid by any other union factories in our line in the country. The union presented the schedule and asked employers above mentioned, to consider the same givem them an answer by a certain future date. The employers took the schedules up and upon the date set for answer, posted notices in the respective factories stating that they would not grant eh advance and that the factory was closed to union men from that date on. Since that date our members have been locked out and the firms have been trying to operate their plants with a cheap element of scab labor. Owing to the fact that our organization is small and our finances very limited, we have found it a hard struggle to pay our locked out members their strike benefits and have had to assess our membership heavily in order to do so. We have not been able to carry on an agitation against these firms in their trade by advertising them among the various unions, because of lack of finances to defray the expense[*151*] Mr. Henry F. Hilfers---2. of such agitation, and believing that this is the only hope we have left, we appeal to you as President of the American Federation of Labor to assist us in this fight for living wages, by sending out communications to the various local unions and Central Bodies in the eastern states informing them of the attitude of these firms toward our organization, and asking them to inform their grocers and dealers handling the brooms made by these firms of the conditions under which they are made, and to demand the union label of the International Broom and Whisk Makers Union." Secretary Dolan calls attention that the firms in question sell their brooms in your locality, and it is urgently asked that your central body will appoint a committee to wait upon grocers and dealers in your city for the purpose of endeavoring to influence them to prevail upon these companies to desist in their lockout and further antagonism to the organisation of the Broom and Whisk Makers. Thanking you in advance for your co-operation in this matter, I am, Ffraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*152*] [*COPIED. APR 24 1911*] Z April 24, 1911. Mr. D. E. McCarthy, Secretary, Central Labor Union, 583 Union Street, Springfield, Mass. Dear Sir and Brother: I am in receipt of a letter from Secretary C. T. Dolan of the International Broom and Whisk Makers' Union, of which the following is a copy: "As stated to you here in Chicago a few weeks ago, our organization is involved in a lock-out at Amsterdam, N. Y. with the American Broom Co., Gardner Brothers Broom Co., Pioneer Broom Co., Amsterdam Broom Co., and the Mohawk Valley Broom Co., of Fonda, N. Y. This lockout is threatening to disrupt our local union in that City, which is one of our largest, and if lost, will have a disasterous effect on our organization, and also on the other crafts of Amsterdam. This controversy was brought about when our local union in that City presented a new wage schedule last December asking for a slight advance in wages, that if granted, would still leave the wages slightly lower than the wages paid by any other union factories in our line in the country. The union presented the schedule and asked employers above mentioned, to consider the same given them an answer by a certain future date. The employers took the schedules and upon the date set for answer, posted notices in the respective factories stating that they would not grant the advance and that the factory was closed to union men from that date on. Since that date our members have been locked out and the firms have been trying to operate their plants with a cheap element of scab labor. Owing to the fact that our organization is small and our finances very limited, we have found it a hard struggle to pay our locked out members their strike benefits and have had to assess our membership heavily in order to do so. We have not been able to carry on an agitation against these firms in their trade by advertising them among the various unions, because of lack of finances to defray the expenses of such agitation, and believing that this is the only hope we have left, we appeal to you as President of the American Federation of Labor to assist us in[*153*] Mr. D. E. McCarthy --2. this fight for living wages, by sending out communications to the various local unions and Central Bodies in the eastern states informing them of the attitude of these firms toward our organization, and asking them to inform their grocers and dealers handling the brooms made by these firms of the conditions under which they are made, and to demand the union label of the International Broom and Whisk Makers Union." Secretary Dolan calls attention that the firms in question sell their brooms in your locality, and it is urgently asked that your central body will appoint a committee to wait upon grocers and dealers in your city for the purpose of endeavoring to influence them to prevail upon these companies to desist in their lockout and further antagonism to the organization of the Broom and Whisk Makers. Thanking you in advance for your co-operation in this matter, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*154*] [*COPIED APR 24 1911*] WashingtonkD.C., April 24, 1911. Mr. G. A. Gesall, Lawrence, Kansas. Replying to your telegraphic question would say that if immigration were appreciably restricted and sweatshops abolished and work transferred to factories, wage would increase, hours of labor decrease, and result in generally improved conditions. Like results have come in these transitions in other industries. SAMUEL GOMPERS President American Federation of Labor. COLLECT.[*155*] [*COPIED APR 24 1911*] Washington, D. C., Apr. 24, [191]1. The World Federation League, c/o University Club, 507 5th Ave., New York City. Beg to acknowledge receipt of invitation of the World's Federation League to attend function Wednesday evening April twenty-sixth and to meet Senator Henri Fontaine, President of the Permanent International Peace Bureau. Invitation is accepted. SAMUEL GOMPERS. Charge A. F. of L.[*156*] [*COPIED. APR 24 1911*] X. April 24, 1911. Mr. W. D. Allen, 112 N. LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illinois. Dear Sir: Your favor of the 18th instant with enclosure to hand. Replying permit me to say that I am not responsible for the publications in the newspapers either of Philadelphia, Chicago, or elsewhere. You evidently must place more reliance in sensational reports published in the newspapers than I have grown accustomed to do. I do not deem it necessary to discuss the subject you submit. That matter is determined by the American labor movement. The trade union organizations of the American Federation of Labor propose to protect themselves from opponents no matter who they may be, and regardless whether they be open or covert. Our unions and the A. F. of L. undertook a campaign of organization of the employes of the Pennsylvania Railroad, both in the mechanical and operating departments. Orders were issued by the Company to discharge the employes who had joined the unions, or refused to pledge themselves not to join. We not only remonstrated and protested and effectually put a stop to this discrimination, but are securing improved conditions for the workers. In connection with our movement I should like you to send for a copy of "Justice", published at 419 Brushton Avenue, Pittsburg,[*157*] Mr. W. D. Allen -2- Pennsylvania. The subscription is only 25 cts. a year. Ask for copies beginning with #1, Volume #1. There read the article headed "Railroaders betrayed by A. F. of L.". Information comes to me that the publication is financed by the Pennsylvania Railroad and other kindred interests. If you read the article to which I refer you may judge as to its truth. You might also write to Mr. J. W. Sullivan, 1937 Stillwell Avenue, via Barkville Sub-Station, Route 686, Brooklyn, New York, for a copy of the pamphlet which he has written, "Socialism, The Incubus of the American Labor Movement." In any event, the subject is most interesting. Very truly yours. Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*158*] [*COPIED. APR 24 1911*] X. April 22, 1911. WHEN REPLYING PLEASE REFER TO RESOLUTION #28. Mr. William Young, Secretary, International Union of Elevator Constructors, 1952 N. 19th Street, Philadelphia, Pa. Dear Sir and Brother: I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of April the 19th, in which in conformity with the agreement reached at the recent conference between the representatives of your International Union and the representatives of the International Association of Machinists, you conveyed to me the result of the referendum vote up to date taken by your membership upon the question of amalgamation. The information on you give has been transmitted to President O'Connell of the I. A. of M. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*159*] [*COPIED. APR 24 1911*] X. April 22, 1911. WHEN REPLYING PLEASE REFER TO RESOLUTION #28. Mr. James O'Connell, President, International Association of Machinists, McGill Building, City. Dear Sir and Brother: In accordance with the agreement reached at the conference between the representatives of your Association, and the representatives of the International Union of Elevator Constructors, I beg to enclose to you herein copy of letter from Secretary Young of that International Union, under date of April 19, in which he embodies the result, up to date, of the referendum vote taken upon the question of amalgamation with your Association. As you will note, thus far there has been but two votes for amalgamation. Of course I shall immediately advise you upon receipt of further information from Mr. Young. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*160*] COPY. INTERNATIONAL UNION OF ELEVATOR CONSTRUCTORS, Philadelphia, Pa', April 19, 1911. Mr. Samuel Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir and Brother: As per instructions of the recent conference held in Washington relative to the amalgamation of the Elevator Constructors with the Machinists, I herewith forward you the result to date of the referendum vote taken. The following locals voted unanimously not to amalgamate, with the exception of Philadelphia and Denver, which reported one vote each for amalgamation: Local No. 1 New York Local No. 2 Chicago Local No. 3 St. Louis Local No. 4 Boston Local No. 5 Philadelphia Local No. 6 Pittsburg Local No. 7 Baltimore Local No. 9 Minneapolis Local No. 10 Washington Local No. 12 Kansas City Local No. 14 Buffalo Local No. 15 Milwaukee Local No. 17 Cleveland Local No. 19 Seattle Local No. 21 Dallas, Texas. Local No. 25 Denver Local No. 27 Rochester Local No. 31 Houston Local No. 32 Atlanta Local No. 33 Des Moines, Iowa. Local No. 34 Indianapolis We have yet to hear from Local No. 8 San Francisco Local No. 16 New Orleans Local No. 18 Los Angeles Local No. 23 Portland Local No. 24 Birmingham, Ala. Local No. 26 Vancouver, B. C. Local No. 28 Omaha Local No. 30 Memphis[*161*] -2- My reason for forwarding to you at the present time the vote taken is so that you may be advised of the ultimate results, inasmuch as the present records show an overwhelming vote against amalgamation. The locals not yet heard from, amounts to not more than 254 members. Immediately upon receipt of the vote of the locals not yet heard from, I will forward the result of their vote to you. The present status is 1856 against amalgamation and two (2) for amalgamation. Fraternally yours, (Signed) William Young, Secy-Treas.162 COPIED APR 24 1911. X. April 24, 1911. Hon. Charles P. Neill, Commissioner, Bureau of Labor Department of Commerce and Labor, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: I am in receipt of a letter from the the Central Trades and Labor Council of New Orleans, Louisiana, enclosing copy of a circular sent to the labor organizations of that city. For convenience I quote the circular letter here. It is as follows: "The New Orleans Labor League has been requested by the Department of Commerce and Labor to furnish the Department with certain information as to the conditions of Labor in this vicinity. The League has directed me as its Secretary to comply with this re- quest. You will appreciate that it is utterly impossible for me to furnish such information without the help and co-operation of the various Labor Organizations of the city. I would therefore ask you to furnish me with replies to the following questions, or request the Secretary or some official of your local to do the same. Thank- ing you in advance and trusting you will make it a point to comply with this request in order that the Government Records may accurately show the conditions of labor in this vicinity, Fraternally yours, (Signed) George C. Bodine, Secretary The New Orleans Labor League. 314 Dumaine St. Does the supply of labor in your trade equal the demand? What are the average wages paid in your craft? State roughly the number of unemployed in your trade during the past year? Do you consider wages in your craft high or low as compared with the same craft in other parts of the United States? Please state generally anything about conditions of your craft that you think would be of interest to the general public as a matter of record?" The New Orleans Central Trades and Labor Council found it[*163*] Hon. Charles P. Neill -2- necessary to advise all organizations in their city that this so-called "New Orleans Labor League" is not recognized by the Council; that it is regarded as an effort at duality and rivalry; that the organized labor movement of that city knows only two men connected with the so-called "League" and that these men are Mr. John Stadler and Mr. George C. Bodine. The New Orleans Central Trades and Labor Council desires me to ascertain whether the Department of Commerce and Labor has requested this so-called "League" to obtain the information contained in the circular it has issued, and which I quote above, and to ask further if the Department desired this information why the New Orleans Central Trade and Labor Council has been ignored in the premises? Inasmuch as the matter refers particularly to labor, I am addressing this letter to you as the Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor of the Department of Commerce and Labor, rather than the Secretary of the Department. Trusting that you will reply to the above at your earliest convenience, and thanking you in advance, I am, Very truly yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*164*] [*COPIED. APR 24 1911*] Washington,D.C.,Apr.24, 1. Mr. F. L. Borland, Amarillo, Texas. Answering telegraphic question as to whether your local has a right to discuss politics during session would say politics must be in the interest of labor and non-partisan. SAMUEL GOMPERS Charge A. F. of L.[*165*] [*COPIED APR 24 1911*] X. April 24, 1911. Mr. Frederick W. Taylor, c/o The American Society of Mechanical Engineers, 25 West 38th St., New York City. Dear Sir: I am just in receipt of the following telegram bearing your name: "Believe you are right in your statement that the American Federation of Labor has nothing to do directly or indirectly with the Dynamiting as proof of which urgently request that you secure authority of the Federation to offer on their behalf a reward of fifty thousand dollars for the arrest and conviction of the real conspirators and perpetrators." In the first instance, permit me to express to you my appreciation of the confidence you have in my statement that the American Federation of Labor has nothing to do, directly or indirectly, with the dynamiting in Los Angeles, and let me add that this is equally true of any unlawful conduct in any other place or at any time. It is not necessary that proof be furnished of course of the American Federation of Labor. Its history and its record of more than thirty years is a sufficient answer, and I submit that the offer of any monetary reward for the conviction of the real conspirators and perpetrators would not by any means be proof. in addition permit me to say that even if there were an inclination on my part to offer a reward of Fifty Thousand Dollars for the purpose you suggest, I would not know from where the money[*166*] Mr. Frederick W. Taylor -2- could be drawn. Your proposal suggests to me the thought of the incident in the play, "The Lady of Lyons"; wherein the gardener Claude Melnotte, disguised as the prince, is called to account by his sponsors for his lavish bestowal of money and presents upon all who come in contact with him, and he answers, "bear in mind princes must be generous". People usually are with means the property of others. Whatever the motive of your suggestion, I repeat that it is impossible, for the reasons I have already stated, but I cannot refrain from again expressing to you my appreciation of your voluntary statement of confidence. Very truly yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*167*] [*COPIED. APR 25 1911*] [*The remaining three pages of this letter are in neotype form, kept regularly in stock, and of which a better press copy cannot be made.*] X. April 25, 1911. Mr. R. V. Turner, Daleville, Alabama. Dear Sir: Senator Johnson called me up and requested that I should send you some data to be used by you on the negative side of a debate upon the question, "RESOLVED, That the trade unions as organized under the A. F. of L. are a menace to the welfare of the American people". 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 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.168 [*COPIED. APR 22, 1911*] LF April 22, 1911 Mrs. Elmer Black, The American Peace and Arbitration League Times Building, Times Square, New York, N.Y. My dear Madam: Please accept my thanks for your favor of the 13th instant and under separate cover the two copies of the Easter number of the EDITORIAL REVIEW containing a symposium on International Peace. I have not as yet had the opportunity to more than glance through this special number of the EDITORIAL REVIEW, but it appears extremely interesting. It is needless for me to say to you how deeply interested I am in any legitimate movement which has for its object the establishment of International Peace. Very truly yours, President American Federation of Labor. P. S. I am sure you will be interested in knowing that Governor Dix, of New York, has just sent me credentials appointing me as delegate to the Peace Congress which will be held in Baltimore, May 3-4-5, 1911.[*169*] [*COPIED. APR 25 1911*] X. April 25, 1911. Mr. J. M. Albrecht, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, 1135 Orchard Street, Newport, Ky. Dear Sir and Brother: I want to thank you for your favor of the 20th instant, and for the prompt action taken by you and the Trades and Labor Assembly in compliance with my recent letter requesting that a committee be appointed to wait upon the stove dealers in your city and officially and formally advise them of the friendly relations now existing between organized labor and the Buck's Stove and Range Company. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.170 [*COPIED. APR 25 1911.*] X. April 24, 1911. Mr. Alex. T. Wilson, 103 Temple Block, Los Angeles, Cal. Dear Sir: More than likely the interesting events which you relate in your letter of the fifth instant have some bearing upon the question of the situation in Mexico, but events do not seem to bear them out by the dispatches published in the newspaper of the last few days. However, that is not the matter about which I desire to write you. The American labor movement and its men will do its and their duty under any and all circumstances, and whether it affects the people of our own country or those of another. There is one particular thing in your letter of which I desire to take cognisance. You say: "It has always been a mystery to me wherein you based your reason for the idea and doctrine that the interest of labor and capital are identical." Where did you ever hear me make that declaration? Where did you ever see it made by me? I do know from whence you got it — from the malicious misrepresentation of the Socialist political party press. I not only have never made any such statement, but it is unthinkable and would not be attributed to me by anyone except he be maliciously in-[*171*] Mr. Alex. T. Wilson -2- inclined or sufficiently ignorant to repeat parrot like what he has heard or read. Again I beg to say that the American labor movement will do its duty under any and all circumstances. Very respectfully yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.172 [*COPIED. APR 25 1911*] X. April 25, 1911. Mr. Thomas P. Butler, Vice-President, District #1, Carriage and Wagon Workers' International Union of North America, 37 Hillside Street, Roxbury, Mass. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 17th instant is received and contents noted. In connection with the matter of the Carriage and Wagon Workers of Boston, about which you write, I beg to enclose to you herein a copy of the agreement which was reached between the representatives of the Carriage and Wagon Workers' International Union, International Brotherhood of Blacksmiths, Upholsterers' International Union, at conference held in this city on April 19, in conformity with the provisions of Resolution #22-81, of the St. Louis convention. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*173*] COPY. HEADQUARTERS, AMERICAN FEDERATION OF LABOR, Washington, D. C., April 19, 1911. The St. Louis Convention of the American Federation of Labor, acting upon the report of the Committee on Adjustment in reference to Resolutions #22-81, directed that the entire subject matter covered by these resolutions be referred to the Executive Council with instructions to call a conference of all parties with a view to clearly defining the lines of jurisdiction. The Executive Council directed President Gompers and Secretary Morrison to act for the Executive Council in the matter. In compliance therewith, the officers of the various organizations named were invited to participate in a conference to be held on this 19th day of April, 1911, at the offices of the American Federation of Labor. The undersigned, representing their respective organizations, realizing the difficulty of maintaining jurisdiction, and while it may not be expedient or advantageous here to insist on our jurisdictional claims, therefore, for the purpose of endeavoring to assist in organizing the carriage, wagon and automobile industry, the following agreement is hereby made, the purpose thereof to be liberally, rather than technically, construed and complied with; 1. It is the right and the privilege of any workman employed in any carriage, wagon, or automobile establishment, to belong to his respective trade or organization or the Carriage and Wagon and Automobile Workers International Union. 2. It shall not be necessary for any worker employed in a carriage, wagon, or automobile establishment, to belong to more than one organization party to this agreement.[*174*] -2- 3. The bona fide cards or good standing membership in any one of the organizations to this agreement shall be recognized as all-sufficient in carriage, wagon and automobile establishments; the choice of membership in either of the organizations party to this agreement to rest with the workman. 4. Initiation fee in localities where unions now exist shall not be less than $3.00, unless by mutual consent. 5. In any carriage, wagon, or automobile establishment where there are employed members of more than one of the organizations parties to this agreement, the matter of an agreement relative to wages, hours of labor, and conditions of employment, shall be made by a joint committee of the employes of the establishment, or a joint committee of the locals whose members are or may be affected. 6. The officers of the organizations parties to this agreement shall meet not less than once each year, for the purpose of perfecting, amplifying, or modifying this agreement, and they shall have power to delegate the functions herein provided for themselves to the local unions in the several respective localities. 7. The representatives of the organizations parties to this agreement, pledge themselves to co-operate for the more thorough organization of the workers in the carriage, wagon, and automobile establishments, and to take such action as shall best protect and promote the rights and interests of the workers in this industry. FOR THE INT'L CARRIAGE AND WAGON WORKERS' UNION. (Signed) Wm. P. Mavell " L. F. Maire, per M. FOR THE INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF BLACKSMITHS. (Signed) J. W. Kline. " Ed. J. Ryan. FOR THE UPHOLSTERERS' INT'L UNION OF NORTH AMERICA. (Signed) Wm. Kohn. FOR THE AMERICAN FEDERATION OF LABOR. (Signed) SAMUEL GOMPERS, " FRANK MORRISON.[*175*] [*COPIED. APR 25 1911 X. April 24, 1911. Hon. John A. Dix, Governor of New York State, Albany, New York. Sir: Permit me to express my appreciation of the honor conferred by the letter from your Secretary of April the 20th in which he encloses me certificate of appointment by you as a delegate to the Third National Peace Congress, to be held in Baltimore, Maryland, May 3-4-5, 1911. The Supreme Court of the United States permitting, it will afford me great pleasure to accept the appointment and attend the meeting. I beg to remain, Very respectfully yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*176*] [*COPIED. APR 25 1911*] X. April 24, 1911. Mr. Will Herman, Secretary, Tin, Steel, Iron and Granite Ware Workers No. 10943, 2034 Dewey Avenue, Granite City, Ill. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the eighth instant is received and contents noted, but you have not given me the information which I requested in my previous letter. I beg again to say that the members of Good Friday Lodge #6 cannot be admitted to membership in Local [?#10943], unless the Amalgamated Association of Iron, Steel and Tin workers gives authority for such a course to be followed. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samu'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*177*] [*COPIED. APR 25 1911*] M April 25, 1911. Mr. L. M. Miller, Secretary, Carpenters Local Union No. 1815, Wellington, Kansas. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 14th instant is at hand, in which you state that Local Union No. 1815, United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners, recommends the re-appointment of Brother L. R. Wilson, as volunteer organizer for Wellington and vicinity. In reply I beg to say that Brother Wilson's commission was renewed and forwarded on the 21st instant, and no doubt same has been received. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President American Federation of Labor.[*178*] [*COPIED. APR 25 1911*] X. April 22, 1911. Mr. Frank M. Ryan, President, Int'l. Brotherhood of Bridge and Structural Iron Workers, American Central Life Bldg., Indianapolis, Ind. Dear Sir and Brother: Under date of April the 18th, Secretary Gilthorpe of the International Brotherhood of Boiler Makers and Iron Ship Builders, writes me complaining against the action of the members of your organization in Baltimore, referring also to complaints of a similar nature which he has received from Buffalo, San Francisco, Denver, and Indianapolis. It seems to me that the nature of his letter is such, and so directly concerns the interests of your organization, that you should be furnished with a copy of it. You will please find copy enclosed herein, and I trust the matter will be given your early consideration and action and that you will communicate direct with Secretary Gilthorpe in regard thereto. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*179*] COPY. INT'L BOILER MAKERS AND IRON SHIP BUILDERS AND HELPERS OF AMERICA, Kansas City, Kansas. April 18, 1911. Samuel Gompers, Pres. A. F. of L., Washington, D. C. Dear Sir and Brother: I have received one of the worst complaints toda that I have ever received, against the actions of the Structural Iron Workers in violating all rights of this Brotherhood in the City of Baltimore, while we have received similar complaints not as strong as this [dax] today, from Buffalo, San Francisco, Denver and Indianapolis, but the Structural Iron Workers are doing all our work. To be particular in regard to this complaint today from Baltimore, our secretary writes that the Structural Iron Workers are building grain bins in the Monumental Brewery, and five or six months ago they built water tanks at Clearfield, Md., and claim it as their work. Now if there is any virtue in man's word, then the rank and file of the Structural Iron Workers do not agree with the conclusions reached between Brother Ryan and his committee and Brother Franklin and our committee, as they agreed on everything outside of the awards that Brother Duncan arbitrated, but the Structural Iron Workers refuse to sign it. Now it is up to you to stop this kind of business, and while I know personally you cannot be there to do it, I do know that your attention being called to it you can write a letter of protest to Brother Ryan and just show him where he gets off at, and if he is not able to control his men, then they should go ahead and be known as an unfair organization, without a charter to cover them.[*180*] -2- Just as long as they are let do this kind of business, or, in other words, just as long as it is acquiescent or let run without protest, just so long they will do it, and as I have many times said, and as I hope to live to say again on the floor of the A. F. of L. convention, that when they do this work without having a card from this Brotherhood, they are scabbing on us, and this is no role for a Union man to indulge in. I hope that you will write one of your vigorous and strong letters to Brother Ryan, on this subject and you can quote me on all I said here, as I told Brother Buchanan in a manner worse than I have written in here, that it is a drawback on the great Labor movement, to think that there are two crafts affiliated with the A. F. of L. doing the same work. Hoping that I have explained myself thoroughly, and wishing you not only a remand from the Supreme Court, but a reversal showing those "would-be" judges what common sense and honesty means, I beg to remain, Yours truly and fraternally, (Signed) Wm. J. Gilthorpe, I. S.-T.[*181*] [*COPIED. APR 25 1911*] X. April 22, 1911. Mr. Wm. J. Gilthorpe, Secretary, International Brotherhood of Boiler Makers Iron Ship Builders and Helpers of America. Suite 7-12 Law Bldg., Kansas City, Kansas. Dear Sir: President Gompers directed me to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 18th instant, in which you make complaint against the International Brotherhood of Bridge and Structural Iron Workers in Baltimore, Buffalo, San Francisco, Denver, and Indianapolis, and to say to you that he is taking the matter up with President Ryan of the International Brotherhood. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*182*] [*COPIED. April 25 1911*] M April 25, 1911. Mr. Harvey J. Schulman, Benison University, Granville, Ohio. Dear Sir: Your favor of the 19th instant received, in which you request some literature on the subject "Resolved, That the movement of organized labor for the closed shop should receive the support of public of public opinion." 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, 161-153 Wabash Ave., 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[*183*] [*COPIED. APR 25 1911*] H. J. S. 2. upon my time I can not undertake in an individual letter to discuss it at greater length. Very truly yours, [*Sam Gompers*] President American Federation of Labor.[*184*] [*COPIED. APR 25 1911*] M April 25, 1911. Mr. W. O. Lastinger, 709 North Ashly St., Valdosta, Georgia. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 19th instant is at hand and contents noted. In compliance with your request I enclose to you herein subscription rates to the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST, and under separate cover I am sending you sample copy of the magazine. With kind regards, and best wishes for success, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor.[*185*] [*COPIED. APR 25 1911*] M April 25, 1911. Mr. Santiago Iglesias, Organizer, 11 Allen Street, San Juan, P. R. Dear Sir and Brother: We are in receipt of a letter from Secretary Nemesio Morales Cruz, Arecibo, P. R. Central Labor Union, recommending the appointment of Antonio Dupont as volunteer organizer for Arecibo and vicinity. Before making this appointment I would like to hear from you in regard thereto. With best wishes, and hoping to hear from you at your earliest convenience relative to the above, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President American Federation of Labor.[*186*] [*COPIED. APR 25 1911*] M April 25, 1911. Mr. P. Klein, Jr., 1309 Royal Ave., Pekin, Ills. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 18th instant is at hand, in which you request information relative to forming a Trades Council. I presume you refer to a Building Trades Council, and enclose to you herein Constitution and By-laws of the Building Trades Department, and application blank. If you desire further information kindly take the matter up with Secretary William J. Spencer, of the Building Trades Department of the American Federation of Labor, 412-414 Ouray Building, this City, who will furnish you with all the information you desire. As you write on the letter head of the Trades and Labor Assembly, of Pekin, I take it for granted that it is not a central body you desire to form, and hence the above. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor.[*187*] [*COPIED. APR 25 1911*] Z April 25, 1911. Mr. George M. Henderson, Secretary, Federation of Labor, 102 East Lexington St., Baltimore, Md. Dear Sir and Brother: I am receipt of a letter from Secretary C. T. Dolan, of the International Broom and Whisk Makers Union, of which the following is a copy: "As stated to you here in Chicago a few weeks ago, our organization is involved in a lock-out at Amsterdam, N. Y., with the Amsterdam Broom Co., Gardner Brothers Broom Co., Pioneer Broom Co., American Broom Co., and the Mohawk Valley Broom Co., of Fonda, N. Y. This lock-out is threatening to disrupt our local union in that City, which is one of our largest, and if lost, will have a disastrous effect on our organization, and also on the other crafts of Amsterdam. This controversy was brought about when our local union in that City presented a new wage schedule last December asking for a slight advance in wages, that if granted, would still leave the wages slightly lower than the wages paid by any other union factories in our line in the country. The union presented the schedule and asked employers above mentioned, to consider same and give them an answer by a certain future date. The employers took the schedules and upon the date set for answer, posted notices in the respective factories stating that they would not grant the advance and that the factory was closed to union men from that date on. Since that date our members have been locked out and the firms have been trying to operate their plants with a cheap element of scab labor. Owing to the fact that our organization is small and our finances very limited, we have found it a hard struggle to pay our locked out members their strike benefits and have had to assess our membership heavily in order to do so. We have not been able to carry on an agitation against these firms in their trade by advertising them among the[*188*] Mr. George M. Henderson ---2. various unions, because of lack of finances to defray the expense of such agitation, and believing that this is the only hope we have left, we appeal to you as President of the American Federation of Labor to assist us in this fight for living wages, by sending out communications to the various local unions and Central Bodies in the eastern states informing them of the attitude of these firms toward our organization, and asking them to inform their grocers and dealers handling the brooms made by these firms of the conditions under which they are made, and to demand the union label of the International Broom and Whisk Makers Union." Secretary Dolan calls attention to the fact that the firms in question sell their brooms in your locality, and it is urgently asked that your central body will appoint a committee to wait upon grocers and dealers in your city for the purpose of endeavoring to influence them to prevail upon these companies to desist in their lockout and further antagonism to the organization of the Broom and Whisk Makers. Thanking you in advance for your co-operation in this matter, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*189*] [*COPIED APR 25 1911*] Z April 25, 1911. Mr. Walter H. Spaulding, Secretary, Central Labor Union, 495 Main St., Norwich, Conn. Dear Sir and Brother: I am in receipt of a letter from Secretary C. T. Dolan, of the International Broom and Whisk Makers Union, of which the following is a copy: "As stated to you here in Chicago a few weeks ago, our organization is involved in a lockout at Amsterdam, N. Y., with the American Broom Company, Gardner Brothers Broom Co., Pioneer Broom Co., American Broom Co., and the Mohawk Valley Broom Co., of Fonda, N. Y. This lockout is threatening to disrupt our local union in that City, which is one of our largest, and if lost, will have a disasterous effect on our organization, and also on the other crafts of Amsterdam. This controversy was brought about when our local union in that City presented a new wage schedule last December asking for a slight advance in wages, that if granted, would still leave the wages slightly lower than the wages paid by any other union factories in our line in the country. The union presented the schedule and asked employers above mentioned, to consider same and give them an answer by a certain future date. The employers took the schedules and upon the date set for answer, posted notices in the respective factories stating that they would not grant the advance and that the factory was closed to union men from that date on. Since that date our members have been locked out and the firms have been trying to operate their plansts with a cheap element of scab labor. Owing to the fact that our organization is small and our finances very limited, we have found it a hard struggle to pay our locked out members their strike benefits and have had to assess our membership heavily in order to do so. We have not been able to carry on an agitation against these firms in their trade by advertising them among the various unions, because of lack of finances to defray the expense of such agitation, because of lack of finances to defray the expense of such agitation, and believing that this is the only hope we have left, we appeal to you[*190*] Mr. Walter H. Spaulding ---2. as President of the American Federation of Labor to assist us in this fight for living wages, by sending out communications to the various local unions and Central Bodies in the eastern states informing them of the attitude of these firms toward our organization, and asking them to inform their Grocers and Dealers handling the brooms made by these firms of the conditions under which they are made, and to demand the union label of the International Broom and Whisk Makers Union." Secretary Dolan calls attention to the fact that the firms in question sell their brooms in your locality, and it is urgently asked that your central body will appoint a committee to wait upon grocers and dealers in your city for the purpose of endeavoring to influence them to prevail upon these companies to desist in their lockout and further antagonism to the organization of the Broom and Whisk Makers. Thanking you in advance for your co-operation in this matter, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*191*] [*COPIED. APR 25 1911*] Z April 25, 1911. Mr. John J. O'Neill, Secretary, 137 Cannon St., Central Labor Union, Bridgeport, Conn., Dear Sir and Brother: I am receipt of a letter from Secretary C. T. Dolan, of the International Broom and Whisk Makers Union, of which the following is a copy: "As stated to you here in Chicago a few weeks ago, our organization is involved in a lockout at Amsterdam, N. Y., with the Amsterdam Broom Co., Gardner Brothers Broom Co., Pioneer Broom Co., American Broom Co., and the Mohawk Valley Broom Co., of Fonda, N. Y. This lock-out is threatening to disrupt our local union in that City, which is one of our largest, and if lost, will have a disast[e]rous effect on our organization, and also on the other crafts of Amsterdam. This controversy was brought about when our local union in that City presented a new wage schedule last December asking for a slight advance in wages, that if granted, would still leave the wages slightly lower than the wages paid by any other union factories in our line in the country. The union presented the schedule and asked employers above mentioned, to consider same and give them an answer by a certain future date. The employers took the schedules and upon the date set for answer, posted notices in the respective factories stating that they would not grant the advance and that the factory was closed to union men from that date on. Since that date our members have been locked out and the firms have been trying to operate their plants with a cheap element of scab labor. Owing to the fact that our organization is small and our finances very limited, we have found it a hard struggle to pay our locked out members their strike benefits and have had to assess our membership heavily in order to do so. We have not been able to carry on an agitation against these firms in their trade by advertising them among the various unions, because of lack of finances to defray the expense of such agitation, and believing that this is the only hope we have left, we appeal to you as President of the American Federation of Labor to assist us in this fight for living wages, by sending out communications to the various local unions and Central[*192*] Mr. John J. O'Neill---2. Bodies in the eastern states informing them of the attitude of these firms toward our organization, ans asking them to inform their grocers and dealers handling the brooms made by these firms of the conditions under which they are made, and to demand the union label of the International Broom and Whisk Makers Union." Secretary Dolan calls attention to the fact that the firms in question sell their brooms in your locality, and it is urgently asked that your central body will appoint a committee to wait upon grocers and dealers in your city for the purpose of endeavoring to influence them to prevail upon these companies to desist in their lockout and further antagonism to the organization of the Broom and Whisk Makers. Tyanking you in advance for your co-operation in this matter, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*193*] [*COPIED. APR 26 1911*] Z April 25, 1911 Mr. Joseph J. Reilly, Secretary, Trades Council, P. O. Box 1341, New Haven, Conn. Dear Sir and Brother: I am receipt of a letter from Secretary C. T. Dolan, of the International Broom and Whisk Makers Union, of which the following is a copy: "As stated to you here in Chicago a few weeks ago, our organization is involved in a lock-out at Amsterdam, N. Y., with the Amsterdam Broom Co., Gardner Brothers Broom Co., Pioneer Broom Co., American Broom Co., and the Mohawk Valley Broom Co., of Fonda, N. Y. This lockout is threatening to disrupt our local union in that City, which is one of our largest, and if lost, will have a disast[e]rous effect on our organization, and also on the other crafts of Amsterdam. This controversy was brought about when our local union in that City presented a new wage schedule last December asking for a slight advance in wages, that if grantedm would still leave the wages slightly lower than the wages paid by any other union factories in our line in the country. The union presented the schedule and asked employers above mentioned, to consider same and give them an answer by a certain future date. The employers took the schedules and upon the date set for answer, posted notices in the respective factories stating that they would not grant the advance and that the factory was closed to union men from that date on. Since that date our members have been locked out and the firms have been trying to operate their plants with a cheap element of scab labor. Owing to the fact that our organization is small and our finances very limited, we have found it a hard struggle to pay our locked out members their strike benefits and have had to assess our membership heavily in order to do so. We have not been able to carry on an agitation against these firms in their trade by advertising them among the various unions, because of lack of finances to defray the expense of such agitation, and believing that this is the only hope we have left, we appeal to you as President of the American Federation of Labor to assist[*194*] Mr. Joseph J. Reilly ---2. us in this fight for living wages, by sending out communications to the various local unions and Central Bodies in the eastern states informing them of the attitude of these firms toward our organization, and asking them to inform their Grocers and Dealers handling the brooms made by these firms of the conditions under which they are made, and to demand the union label of the International Broom and Whisk Makers Union." Secretary Dolan calls attention to the fact that the firms in question sell their brooms in your locality, and it is urgently asked that your central body will appoint a committee to wait upon grocers and dealers in your city for the purpose of endeavoring to influence them to prevail upon these companies to desist in their lockout and further antagonism to the organization of the Broom and Whisk Makers. Thanking you in advance for your co-operation in this matter, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*195*] [*COPIED. APR 25 1911*] Z April 25, 1911. Mr. R. S. Monck, Secretary, Central Labor Union, 210 Connell St., Wilmington, Del. Dear Sir and Brother: I am receipt of a letter from Secretary C. T. Dolan, of the International Broom and Whisk Makers Union, of which the following is a copy: "As stated to you here in Chicago a few weeks ago, our organization is involved in a lockout at Amsterdam, N. Y., with the Amsterdam Broom Co., Gardner Brothers Broom Co., Pioneer Broom Co., American Broom Co., and the Mohawk Valley Broom Co., of Fonda, N. Y. This lockout is threatening to disrupt our local union in that City, which is one of our largest, and if lost, will have a disast[e]rous effect on our organization, and also on the other crafts of Amsterdam. This controversy was brought about when our local union in that City presented a new wage schedule last December asking for a slight advance in wages, that if granted, would still leave the wages slightly lower than the wages paid by any other union factories in our line in the country. The union presented the schedule and asked employers above mentioned, to consider same and give them an answer by a certain future date. The employers took the schedules and upon the date set for answer, posted notices in the respective factories stating that they would not grant the advance and that the factory was closed to union men from that date on. Since that date our members have been locked out and the firms have been trying to operate their plants with a cheap element of scab labor. Owing to the fact that our organization is small and our finances very limited, we have found it a hard struggle to pay our locked out members their strike benefits and have had to assess our membership heavily in order to do so. We have not been able to carry on an agitation against these firms in their trade by advertising them among the various unions, because of lack of finances to defray the expense of such[*196*] Mr. R. S. Monck ---2. agitation, and believing that this is the only hope we have left, we appeal to you as President of the American Federation of Labor to assist us in this fight for living wages, by sending out communications to the various local unions and Central Bodies in the eastern states informing them of the attitude of these firms toward our organization, and asking them to inform their grocers and dealers handling the brooms made by these firms of the conditions under which they are made, and to demand the union label of the International Broom and Whisk Makers Union." Secretary Dolan calls attention to the fact that the firms in question sell their brooms in your locality, and it is urgently asked that your central body will appoint a committee to wait upon grocers and dealers in your city for the purpose of endeavoring to influence them to prevail upon these companies to desist in their lockout and further antagonism to the organization of the Broom and Whisk Makers. Thanking you in advance for your co-operation in this matter, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*197*] [*COPIED. APR 25 1911*] April 25, 1911. Mr. Oswald Weber, Secretary, Trades Council, 24 Knobley St., Cumberland, Md. Dear Sir and Brother: I am receipt of a letter from Secretary C. T. Dolan, of the International Broom and Whisk Makers Union, of which the following is a copy: "As stated to you here in Chicago a few weeks ago, our organization is involved in a lockout at Amsterdam, N. Y., with the Amsterdam Broom Co., Gardner Brothers Broom Co., Pioneer Broom Co., American Broom Co., and the Mohawk Valley Broom Co., of Fonda, N. Y. This lockout is threatening to disrupt our local unions in that City, which is one of our largest, and if lost, will have a disasterous effect on our organization, and also on the other crafts of Amsterdam. This controversy was brought about when our local union in that City presented a new wage schedule last December asking for a slight advance in wages, that if granted, would still leave the wages slightly lower than the wages paid by any other union factories in our line in the country. The union presented the schedule and asked employers above mentioned, to consider same and give them an answer by a certain future date. The employers took the schedules and upon the date set for answer, posted notices in the respective factories stating that they would not grant the advance and that the factory was closed to union men from that date on. Since that date our members have been locked out and the firms have been trying to operate their plants with a cheap element of scab labor. Owing to the fact that our organization is small and our finances very limited, we have found it a hard struggle to pay our locked out members their strike benefits and have had to assess our membership heavily in order to do so. We have not been able to carry on an agitation against these firms in their trade by advertising them among the various unions, because of lack of finances to defray the expense of such agitation, and believing that this is the only hope we have left, we appeal to you[*198*] Mr. Oswald Weber ---2. as President of the American Federation of Labor to assist us in this fight for living wages, by sending out communications to the various local unions and Central Bodies in the eastern states informing them of the attitude of these firms toward our organization, and asking them to inform their grocers and dealers handling the brooms made by these firms of the conditions under which they are made, and to demand the union label of the International Broom and Whisk Makers Union." Secretary Dolan calls attention to the fact that the firms in question sell their brooms in your locality, and it is urgently asked that your central body will appoint a committee to wait upon grocers and dealers in your city for the purpose of endeavoring to influence them to prevail upon these companies to desist in their lockout and further antagonism to the organization of the Broom and Whisk Makers. Thanking you in advance for your co-operation in this matter, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*199*] [*COPIED. APR 26 1911*] Z April 25, 1911. Mr. C. T. Dolan, Secretary, International Broom and Whisk Makers' Union, 3959 Lincoln Avenue, Chicago, Illinois. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 3rd instant, which has previously been acknowledged, has been carefully noted by me, and I beg to advise that I have written to the secretaries of central bodies in several of the most prominent cities of the states you mentioned, advising them of the trouble your Union was having with the Amsterdam Broom Co. and others, and requesting that a committee be appointed to wait upon the grocers and dealers in their cities for the purpose of endeavoring to influence them to prevail upon these companies to desist in their lockout and further antagonism to your organization. Trusting that a favorable outcome of the trouble may soon be reached, I am, with best wishes, Fraternally yours, [*Sam Gompers*] President, American Federation of Labor.[*200*] [*COPIED. APR 26 1911*] LF April 26, 1911. Mr. R. D. Milnoe, Member Rubber Workers #12420 78 York St., Lambertville, N. J. Dear Sir: President Gompers will be pleased to receive your favor of April 24th in which you refer to appreciatively to Mr. J. J. McNamara and his work as an executive officer of the Bridge and Structural Iron Workers International Association. President Gompers is absentfrom the city on official business, but your letter will be brought to his attention upon his return. Very truly your, [*R. Lee Guard*] Secretary to President Gompers.[*201*] [*COPIED. APR 26 1911*] LF April 26, 1911 Mr. J. D. Beck, Commissioner Bureau of Labor and Industrial Statistics Madison, Wis. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of April 24th in which you enclose copy of Assembly Bill #963 A. Your letter with enclosure will be brought to Mr. Gompers' attention as soon as possible upon his return. Very truly yours, [*R. Lee Guard*] Secretary to President Gompers.[*202*] [*COPIED. APR 26 1911*] M April 26, 1911. Mr. W. D. Huber, President, United Brotherhood of Carpenters and joiners, Carpenters' Building, Indianapolis, Indiana. My dear Mr. Huber: Please accept Mr. Gompers thanks for your letter of April 24, together with copy of the "Indianapolis Star" of that date. He is out of the city on official business, and I have placed your letter among his personal mail for his attention upon his return. Very sincerely yours, [*R. Lee Guard*] Secretary to President Gompers. [*203*] [*COPIED APR 26 1911*] M April 26,1911 Mr. John B. Powell, 408 North Rural Street, Indianapolis, Indiana. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of April 24, in which you enclose manuscript for publication in the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST entitled "The Riot upon Civilization." It will be held for Mr. Gompers personal attention. You will please accept his thanks for your courtesy in submitting the same to him. If your manuscript is not found available for the columns of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST, it will be returned to you. Very truly yours, [*R. Lee Guard*] Secretary to President Gompers.204 [*COPIED. APR 26 1911*] M April 26, 1911. Mr. D. S. Detweiler, Secretary, The Algome Power Company, Berlin, Canada. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 24th instant, and to say that same will be brought to his attention at the earliest possible moment. Veru truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers. [*205*] [*COPIED APR 26 1911*] M April 26,1911 Mr. Ralph V. Brandt, Secretary, International Union of Wood, Wire and Metal Lathers, 401 Superior Building, Cleveland, Ohio. Dear Sir and Brother: Enclosed you will please find copy of letter which I have just received from Louis Lakin, of Lathers Union No. 6, of Brooklyn, in which he makes complaint against that local union, and desires to know what he shall do in the premises. I have advised him that I am sending copy of his letter to you, as the matter about which he writes comes directly under your jurisdiction, and that you will give it attention. You will note that his letter is dated February 24, but the envelope was postmarked April 24, and it was received here April 25. I would appreciate it if you would let me have a word from you as to what disposition you make of the matter. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, [*Sam Gompers*] President American Federation of Labor.206 [*COPIED APR 26 1911.*] COPY Brooklyn, N. Y., February 24, 1911. Hon. Samuel Gompers, Dear Sir: Will you kindly tell me the best way to settle the trouble I am having with Lathers Union No. 6, Brooklyn. I was fined and one of the largest jobs in Brooklyn taken away from me, no that I and the six men who stood by me, because they saw how unfairly I was treated have had to walk the streets for months, and as we are all destitute and our families in want, we have made up our minds that unless the matter is settled so that we can take care of our children, as is the right of every honest man to do; we will have to apply to the U. S. Courts in our behalf: at the same time we hesitate to hurt the union cause as such a step surely will. Not wanting to tire you with the long story of the beginning of the trouble, I will tell you how they want to settle it. At present the union has been receiving all men who owe dues or fines into the union for $15.00 as new members. Very well, now for point: The men who are going in that way are given a "clean slate" allowed to keep their builders and get now ones if they can, I must agree to not take any work for six months, thereby losing a job that would have kept me at work almost the whole summer, while I only owe four months dues, for the simple reason that they would not allow me in the meeting nor accept dues from me. Some of the men who are now new members and going right along with their builders, owed fifteen months dues, had heavier fines than I, so you see it is simply spite on the part of the officers in the local. When I took the work I did not owe any local one penny and had my months working card in my pocket.207 –2– Trusting that you can arrange the matter at once, so that I am treated right, I await your reply. Louis Lakin, 193 Covert St., Brooklyn, N. Y. [*COPIED. APR 26 1911*]208 COPIED. APR 26 1911 M April 26,1911. Mr. Louis Lakin, Member. Lathers Union No. 6, 193 Covert St., Brooklyn, N. Y. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor dated February 24, is received here April 25, the contents of which are noted. In it you make complaint against Lathers Local No. 6, of Brooklyn, and desire to know what you shall do in the matter. I beg to say that I have sent copy of your letter to the Secretary of the International Lathers Union, Ralph V. Brandt, 401 Superior Building, Cleveland, Ohio, as it is a matter which comes directly under the jurisdiction of the international organization for whatever action he may deem advisable to take in the premises. You will no doubt hear from him at an early date. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.209 [*COPIED. APR 26 1911*] M April 26,1911. Mr. F. J. Vall. Chairman Mr. Fred R. Turner (Committee) Mr. A. J. Skemp Kern County Labor Council, Bakersfield, California. Dears and Brothers: Your favor dated March 14, was received here April 24. You say that you have been appointed by a Committee by the Kern County Labor Council for the purpose of writing a history of the causes leading up to the protest against the continuation of Organizer F. L. Gribble, as volunteer organizer of the A. F. of L. for Bakersfield and vicinity. I have carefully read the statement you make, and have forwarded copies of it to the Presidents of the Machinists, Pattern Makers and the Blacksmiths, the three organizations which protested against Mr. Gribble's continuance as organizer. I hope to be able to write you further in regard to the matter at a later date. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam’l Gompers President American Federation of Labor.21 [*COPIED APR 26 1911*] M April 26,1911. Mr. James O'Connell, President, International Association of Machinists, McGill Building, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir and Brother: In continuation of our correspondence in regard to the protest made by your local organization of Bakersfield, California, against F. L. Gribble voting as volunteer Organizer for the A. F. of L. in Bakersfield and vicinity, I beg to enclose to you herein copy of a letter from the Committee of the Kern County Labor Council of Bakersfield, which was appointed for the purpose of writing a history of the case and submitting it to me. The letter is dated March 14, but was not received at my office until April 24. I ask you to give the communication your careful consideration, and then advise me if the protest you made in behalf of the local union against the continuance of Mr. Gribble as volunteer organizer is withdrawn. Hoping to receive your early reply, and with kind regards, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.211 COPIED APR 26 1911 COPY. Bakersfield, Cal., March 14, 1911. Mr. Samuel Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir and Brother: We, the undersigned, a committee of the Kern County Labor Council appointed to write a brief history of the strike at the Bakersfield Iron Works, Bakersfield, California, and cause leading up to it, in reply to the letter which the Kern County Labor Council received from you regarding District Organizer F. L. Gribble: beg to submit the following: On or about December 1st, 1909, the Bakersfield Iron Works signed the first agreement in regards to hours of labor and rate of pay ever signed by that concern. This agreement, negotiated by the machinists was agreed to between employer and employee and was not limited. On or about March 10, 1910, the agreement was destroyed and a notice was replaced by the manager stating that on and after April 1, 1910, the shop would work ten hours a day, where as they were then working nine hours. The employees, as a body, met the manager and asked to have the agreement put back, which he refused to do. The machinists immediately wired Brother James O'Connell asking advice and he sent Brother William Hannon to handle the matter. In the meantime the manager agreed to put back the agreement, but the machinists told him it was out of their hands and he was up against the I. A. of M. Brother Hannon arrived in due time and after looking over the situation and having several conferences with the manager looking toward an agreement with an eight hour clause in it, which was refused, he called the machinists out. They were out one and212 -2- one-half days and an agreement, with the following eight hour clause in same, was signed: AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE BAKERSFIELD IRON WORKS AND THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF MACHINISTS. Rule No, 1. Beginning on and after April 1, 1910, machin- ists will receive the rate of $4.00 per day for nine hours' work un- til January 1, 1911, when eight hours will constitute a day's work at the rate of $4.00 per day, and in the meantime if the Bunting Iron Works, the Oil Well supply or the Union Tool Company sign up the first agreement for eight hours and thirty minutes by the first of June, 1910, we, the Bakersfield Iron Works, will do the same when the first agreement goes into effect. Rule No. 2. They shall receive time and one-half during the noon hour, if required to work, and between 5 p. m. and 10 p. m. Rule No. 3. They shall receive double time after 10 p. m. and on Sundays and holidays except shop repairs, for which they shall receive time and one-half. Rule No. 4. There shall be one apprentice for the shop and not to exceed one for every five machinists employed. Rule No. 5. Helpers or others will not be permitted to do Machinists' work or advanced to the detriment of apprentices. Rule No. 6. No machinist will be discriminated against for acting on the shop committee, or representing his fellow em- ployees at a conference. Rule No. 7. Signed to take effect in all shops controlled by the Bakersfield Iron Works, April 1, 1910, and to remain in effect for one year and thereafter until either party desires a change, when thirty days' notice shall be given to other party of proposed changes. BAKERSFIELD IRON WORKERS. Helper (Signed) A. E. Raine. For Machinists: (signed) Wm. Hannon, Int'l V. Pres. F. B. Camp A. C. Breen W. W. Pope Committee. This agreement was to govern the working hours of all crafts employed by the Bakersfield Iron Works, viz: boilermakers, moulders, blacksmiths and machinists.[*213*] [*COPIED -3- On December 1, 1910, the shop committee of the machinists was called into the manager's office and told that owing to condition in Los Angeles, which is the competitor of the Bakersfield Iron Works, he could not and would not grant the eight hour day on and after January 1, 1911, as per agreement. The machinists wired headquarters on December 1, asking advice and not until December 23, did they have a representative here. The representative Mr. K. H. Wisner, came and met with the machinists and advised them to continue work under protest, while he would return to Los Angeles and come back with an organizer for the boilermakers and blacksmiths: line up those crafts and present a solid front on January 1, for an eight hour day. They did not hear from Brother Wisner again and on December 19th the machinists held a special meeting, voted not to strike, as per constitution, but to get best agreement possible under existing conditions in the oil business surrounding Bakersfield, which has been decidedly dull for several months and wait until business had picked up to make demands for an eight hour day. The following change was made in the agreement: "Beginning on and after April 1910, machinists receive the rate of $4.00 per day for 9 hours work until January 1, 1911, and thereafter 47 1/2 cents per hour to be paid, if the Oil Well Supply Company and Union Tool Company of Los Angeles signed up for a work day of lets than 9 hours. Bakersfield Iron Works would agree to sign for the same number of hours." On Thursday, February 9, 1911, Brother Wisner returned to Bakersfield with the organizers he had promised before the first of the year, but they came not only to organize but to order the moulders to strike. A meeting of all the employees was called for Thursday, February 9 at which time the machinists agreement was fully explained,214 -4- business was very dull with large stock on hand and very little chance to win a strike with conditions just as they now are and the machinists asked them to wait until April 1, when their agreement would expire and then business would be better by this time, stock would be re- duced and the time more opportune and all the crafts thoroughly or- ganized organizers would not listen and the moulders were ordered to strike but they [?] Saturday, February 11, 1911, tell, by their Los Angeles local, of which the moulders, five or six in numbers, are members. The Moulders followed instructions. The blacksmith or- ganized Friday, February 10, 1911, forming a new local and voted to strike on Saturday, February 11, at noon, which they did, not taking the machinists nor boilermakers. (boilermakers unorganized here, but belong to Los Angeles local into consideration. The machinists, ex- cepting three, resigned that afternoon and the boilermakers remained at work. The machinists, which were the only craft affiliated with the Kern County Labor Council, asked that body to take the matter up with the manager, which it did, and at a special meeting of the Kern County Labor Council; the President of which, a machinist employed by the Bakersfield Iron Works, asked Brother Fl. L. Gribble to preside. The manager was asked to be present and tell what he would do re- garding employment and why he would not grant eight hours to his em- ployers. He did so, and practically gave the same reasons at he gave to the machinists committeemen December first. A committee of three delegates were appointed to benefit with the manager and they met him three times and each time he agreed to do as he had said he would do at the special meeting of the Labor Council, [vis?]; sign an agreement with all four crafts along the same lines as the machinists agreement, make it closed shop and grant eight hours of one shorter work day the same as the Union Tool Company215 -5- or the Oil Well Supply Company would grant. Now, Brother Gompers, what the Labor Council objects to and what Brother Gribble does also, is this. That these organizers [?me] into a well organized town, ordered crafts to strike regardless of conditions and not consulting the central body, and then are wil- ling to sign most any old agreement with an eight hour clause in it, even though the eight hours were not granted until January 1, 1912. Nearly every union man in Bakersfield believes that trouble could have been avoided and know that positively a closed shop could have been made of it, had the organizer who put the protest in against Brother Gribble came here, looked the situation over and taken the matter up with the Kern County Labor Council and let the Council make the negotiations. The first entering wedge of the infamous Los Angeles Merchants and Manufacturers Association results in the Bakersfield Iron Works being filled with scabs. The men are putting up a fight and a good one, too, but half have left and [?] the half left re- ceive more benefit there will be only a very few to fight. They hope to win, but you know what the Merchants & Manufacturers Association of Los Angeles is and living in Bakersfield, where the cheapest meal ticket is $7.00 and the cheapest bed is $2.50 per week. How can they do it on $7.00, which is the amount paid by their International as strike benefit. We also believe that had the situation been left in the hands of Brother Gribble and the Kern County Labor Council, that the Bakersfield Iron Works would have been a closed shop today, and in regard to Brother Gribble, being a city official, it should be recog- nized as a credit to the union man of this city, and on our honor[*216*] [*COPIED. APR 26 1911*] -6- as union men; we claim that Brother Gribble is an honorable and true worker for organized labor interests at all times. Hoping you will give this communication your kindest attention, we remain, Yours fraternally, F. J. Vall, Chairman Fred H. Turner A. J. Skemp Committee. 217 COPIED. APR 26 1911 M April 26, 1911. Mr. J. W. Kline, President, International Brotherhood of Blacksmiths, 570-585 Monon Building, Chicago, Illinois. Dear Sir and Brother: In continuation of our correspondence in regard to the protest made by your local organization of Bakersfield, California, against F. L. Gribble acting as volunteer organizer for the A. F. of L. in Bakersfield and vicinity, I beg to enclose to you herein copy of a letter from the Committee of the Kern County Labor Council of Bakersfield, which was appointed for the purpose of writing a history of the case and submitting it to me. The letter is dated March 14, but was not received at my office until April 24. I ask you to give the communication your careful consideration, and then advise me if the protest you made in behalf of the local union against the continuance of Mr. Gribble as volunteer organizer is withdrawn. Hoping to receive your early reply, and with kind regards, I am, Fraternally yours, [*Sam Gompers*] President American Federation of Labor.218 COPIED. APR 26 1911 M April 26, 1911. Mr. James Wilson, President, Pattern Makers' League of North America, 1008-9 National Bank Bldg., Cincinnati, Ohio. Dear Sir and Brother: In continuation of our correspondence in regard to the protest made by your local organization of Bakersfield, California, against F. L. Gribble acting as volunteer organizer for the A. F. of L. in Bakersfield and vicinity, I beg to enclose to you herein copy of a letter from the Committee of the Kern County Labor Council of Bakersfield, which was appointed for the purpose of writing a history of the case and submitting it to me. The letter is dated March 14, but was not received at my office until April 24. I ask you to give the communication your careful consideration, and then advise me if the protest you made in behalf of the local union against the continuance of Mr. Gribble as volunteer organizer is withdrawn. Hoping to receive your early reply, and with kind regards, I am, Fraternally yours, [*Sam Gompers*] President American Federation of Labor.[*219*] [*COPIED. APR 26 1911*] X. April 26, 1911. Mrs. L. W. Wilson, 1208 Pa. Ave., N. W., City. My dear madam: Replying to your favor of April the 23d. President Gompers directs me to say to you that if you can call here about one o'clock next Saturday, he will be pleased to see you as suggested in your letter. Kindly let me have a word from you if you will be here, so that Mr. Gompers may not make any conflicting engagement. Very truly yours, [*R. Lee Guard*] Secretary to President Gompers.220 COPIED. APR 26 1911. X. April 26, 1911. Mr. John B. Cunningham 1222 Connecticut Ave., City. Dear Sir: Enclosed you will find statement which you dictated to my secretary as your definition of Socialism. Will you please make any correction you deem necessary, sign, and return to this office, and oblige. Very truly yours, [*Sam Gompers*] President, American Federation of Labor.221 COPIED APR 26 1911 My idea of Socialism is that it is the political expression of the laboring classes and that Socialism when the labor union co-operate with it in America, will bring about a solution of practically all the labor difficulties and the laborers will receive their just dues, will have not only enough to live on from day to day, but will have enough to give proper education to their children, to maintain their families in comfort, to safe enough to meet such contingencies as sickness or death and that while capital will not be able to hoard millions as it does under the present system, yet capital also will, when the labor unions co-operate with Socialism in America be benefitted by the political and industrial change because under the present system of injustice men who feel the burden keenly are striking, and those strikes take from capital all its profits in many cases. A strike not merely suspends busi- ness but it diverts from that business many of its best patrons. These patrons, forced to send their orders elsewhere temporarily, often continue to do so. Also strikes mean broken windows, broken machinery, and many other items of immediate expense in addition to indirect injury to capital. Under the reign of Socialism, when labor unions co-operate with the Socialists, capitalists will not hoard millions but will proceed on a safer, [sa?er] and purer basis and will be benefitted in the long run along with labor. The above is my definition of Socialism.[*222*] [*COPIED. APR 26 1911*] X. April 26, 1911. Mr. Dnnis Mahar, Chairman, Banquet Committee, Typographical Union No. 167, 889 State Street, Schenectady, N. Y. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 22d. instant received and contents noted. Referring to my letter to you of the fourth instant, I again greatly regret to say that from present appearances, and in view of my present engagements it is hardly possible that I can be with you on the evening of May 20, when your organization will give a banquet in celebration of its 25th anniversary. If circumstances so shape themselves later as to permit my attendance, I shall be glad to do so, but I should prefer not to be advertised as being present as I do not like to be placed in the position of disappointing an audience. It is possible that you have not seen the article which I published in the March issue of the American Federationist, entitled "Organized Labor and the National Civic Federation". I am sending to you under separate cover marked personal a copy of the March issue, and would commend it to your consideration. Success to Typographical Union No. 167, and my best wishes for its officers and members. Fraternally yours, Sam'l. Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*223*] [*COPIED. APR 26 1911*] X. April 26, 1911. Mr. F. T. Hawley, President, Switchmen's Union of America, 326 Brisbane Bldg., Buffalo, N. Y. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 22d. instant received and I have noted all that you say in regard to the several members of your organization at Kansas City having been discharged because of their refusal to withdraw from the Switchmen's Union and become members of the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen. I am taking the matter up now with the A. F. of L. representatives in St. Louis, and have requested them to wait upon the Assistant General Manager of the M. K. and T. to protest against the discharge of the men for the reasons set forth in your letter. I trust that this may be of assistance in having the men restored to their former positions and free to hold their membership in any organization which they may desire. With kind regards, I am, Fraternally yours, [*Sam Gompers*] President, American Federation of Labor.[*224*] [*COPIED. APR 26 1911*] X. April 26, 1911. Mr. Henry T. Buffington, Bureau of Labor, Washington, D. C. My dear Sir: Several weeks ago you sent me copy of page 144 of one of your compilations of facts and which you say I can use in any way I may see fit. I would like to inquire if you have in print the matter from which page 144 is taken? If so would you kindly advise me how I can obtain a copy? Of course you can rely upon my not using your name, certainly not against your wish. Trusting that I may hear from you at your early convenience, I am, Very truly yours, [*Sam Gompers*] President, American Federation of Labor.[*225*] [*COPIED. APR 26 1911*] X. April 26, 1911. Mr. [????stali] Smith, Executive Secretary, Third National Peace Congress The Preston, Baltimore, Md. Dear Sir: Your favor dated April the 5th is received here April the 25th. In reply thereto I beg to say that Governor Dix of New York State, has sent me credentials requesting that I should attend the National Peace Congress as delegate from New York State. Nothing unforeseen occurring, I anticipate attending the meetings on May 3-4-5, 1911. Very truly yours, [*Sam Gompers*] President, American Federation of Labor.[*226*] [*COPIED APR 26 1911*] X. April 26, 1911. Mr. James J. Durkin, Goldens Bridge, West County, New York. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers, on official business, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 6th instant, and to say that a copy of your letter is being sent to Mr. Daniel Harris, President of the New York State Federation of Labor, for whatever action he deems advisable to take. Very truly yours, [*R. Lee Guard*] Secretary to President Gompers.[*227*] [*COPIED APR 26 1911*] X. April 26, 1911. Mr. George Bechtold, Secretary, International Brotherhood of Foundry Employes, 200 South Broadway, St. Louis, Mo. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers, on official business, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 24th instant, which will be brought to Mr. Gompers' attention upon his return to headquarters. Very truly yours, [*R. Lee Guard*] Secretary to President Gompers.[*228*] [*COPIED APR 26 1911*] X. April 26, 1911. Mr. Thos. Atkinson, Secretary, Amalgamated Society of Carpenters and Joiners, Room New Bible House, New York City. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers, on official business, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 24th instant, in which you enclose the complaint of the Washington Managing Committee of the Amalgamated Society against the action of Local #132 of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America. Your letter will be brought to Mr. Gompers' attention immediately upon his return to headquarters. Very truly yours, [*R. Lee Guard*] Secretary to President Gompers.[*229*] [*COPIED APR 26 1911*] X. April 26, 1911. Mr. W. R. Bailey, Box 823, White Plains, New York. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers on official business, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 24th instant, which will be brought to Mr. Gompers' attention upon his return to headquarters. Very truly yours, [*R. Lee Guard*] Secretary to President Gompers.[*230*] [*COPIED APR 26 1911*] X. April 26, 1911. Mr. Stephen [?]. Hogan, Secretary, International Association of Marble Workers, 715 [?agle] Avenue, New York City. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers, on official business, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 22d. instant, in which you enclose copy of injunction issued against the Marble Workers in Chicago, Illinois. Your letter will be brought to Mr. Gompers' personal attention upon his return to headquarters. Very truly yours, [*R. Lee Guard*] Secretary to President Gompers.[*231*] [*COPIED. APR 26 1911*] X. April 26. 1911. Mr. Alexander Schlesinger, Secretary, American Anti-Wage-Slavery Society, 759 E. 158th St., New York City. Dear Sir: in the absence of President Gompers on official business, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 21st instant, enclosing a circular letter and petition addressed to the labor organizations of New York City. Your letter will be brought to Mr. Gompers' attention upon his return to headquarters. Very truly yours, [*R. Lee Guard*] Secretary to President Gompers.[*232*] [*COPIED. APR 26 1911*] X. April 26, 1911. Mr. Daniel Harris, President, New York State Federation of Labor, 190 Bowery, New York City. Dear Sir and Brother: Enclosed you will please find copy of letter written me by James J. Burkin, of Goldens Bridge, West County, New York. It is sent to you for your information and for whatever action you may deem advisable to take. I merely acknowledged receipt of Mr. Burkin's letter and have advised him that it has been referred to you as President of the New York State Federation of Labor. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l. Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*233*] LF Copy. April 6, 1911 The Hon, Samuel Gompers, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: I heard you speak some years ago in a hall in New York in regard to an eight hour day in Panama. I then thought what a wise leader you were to be interested in a place so remote, but I have learned a few things since then that caused me to change my mind. One thing is that there is no limitation to the hours of labor for a large number of men working on contracts for the great state of New York. I suppose you are aware that New York State is spending fifty millions of dollars in the construction of new roads. I suppose you are also aware that under the law the bosses can work the men on these jobs as long as they see fit and for as low a wage as a starving slave can be hired for about $1.50 per day. The hours are never less than ten and often twelve per day. I am very much afraid now Sam that while you were regulating things in foreign parts the great state arranged the spending of fifty millions without consulting you. In God's name will you kindly answer this letter as prompt as you can and let me know what excuse you can offer for the A. F. of L. having so little influence in shaping legislation in this state, or what excuse can it offer for existing state? Personally I have the greatest respect for you and like to see you on the job, but when this state is spending so much money and[*234*] Mr. S. G. --2 thousands of men are employed under the conditions of slavery, then I say there is something rotten in Denmark. Besides if you are unable to get an 8 hour law in New York State, where in God's name could you get it? Yours truly, (Signed) James J. Durkin Goldens Bridge, West Co. N. Y.[*235*] [*COPIED. APR 26 1911*] X. April 26, 1911. Mr. Chas. A. Sullivan, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, Harrisburg, Illinois. Dear Sir and Brother: I want to thank you for your favor of the 23d. instant, and for the prompt action taken by you in compliance with my recent letter requesting that you wait upon the stove dealers in your city and officially and formally advise them of the friendly relations now existing between organized labor and the Buck's Stove and Range Company. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l. Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*236*] [*COPIED. APR 27 1911*] PINK. Washington, D. C., Apr. 27, 1911. Mr. Frank L. Mulholland, Nicholas Building, Toledo, Ohio. can you come to Washington? Would like your legal and friendly advice. Wire answer. SAMUEL GOMPERS. Charge A. F. of L.[*237*] [*COPIED. APR 27 1911*] PINK. Washington, D. C., Apr. 27, 1911. Mr. Frank M. Ryan. American Central Life Bldg., Indianapolis, Ind. In regard to conference with Mr. Lynch in New York yesterday and telegram of Mr. Duffy, desirous of discussing matter fully I ask you come to Washington soon as possible for consultation with Washington resident members Executive Council. Wire answer. SAMUEL GOMPERS. Charge A. F. of L.[*238*] [*COPIED. APR 27 1911*] Jack W. Holder, Tallahassee, Florida. Telegram received. I advise [?] application for Texas Anti-Trust Law. Letter follows. SAMUEL GOMPERS. Charge A. F. of L[*239*] [*COPIED. APR 27 1911*] Jack W. Holder, Tallahassee, Florida. Telegram received, I advise active opposition to Texas Anti-Trust Law. Letter follows. SAMUEL GOMPERS. Charge A. F. of L[*240*] [*COPIED. APR 27 1911*] Y April 27, 1911. Mr. Jackson W. Holder, Legislative Committee Florida State Federation of Labor, Tallahassee, Florida. Dear Sir and Brother: Your telegram of April 25 reached Washington during my absence. On my arrival this morning I have answered it as Follows: Washington, D. C. April 27, 1911. Mr. Jackson W. Holder, Tallahassee, Florida. Telegram received. I advise active opposition to Texas Anti-Trust Law. Letter follows (Signed) SAMUEL GOMPERS." I have looked up the so-called Anti-Trust Law of Texas, Chapter 94, Act of 1903, and I find that it would be very inadvisable on the part of the organizations of labor in the State of Florida to permit a similar law as this to be enacted without active protest. It is a vicious, reactionary law of mediaeval character, and if enforced, would prevent free association and freedom of activity on the part of all persons engaged as firms, corporations, stock companies, associations, trade unions, whether for profit or not, from a mutual arrangement to[*241*] [*COPIED. APR 27 1911*] Mr. Jackson W. Holder----2 advance and protect their mutual interests. The adoption of such a law would be equivalent to outlawing trade unions. I trust that you will exert effort to prevent the enactment of such a law by the State Legislature of Florida. I am sending to you herewith a condensed history of the struggle Labor has made for the right to organize, which will enable you to make an argument against this Bill, and I am also sending you a speech by Representative Sulzer of New York, containing an editorial written by myself in the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST on the Federal Anti-Trust Law, which will furnish you a detailed basis for an argument. Hoping that you will keep me advised as to the progress you make, I remain, Fraternally yours, [*Sam Gompers*] President, American Federation of Labor. (Enclosure,)[*242*] [*COPIED. APR 27 1911*] Z April 26, 1911. Mr. G. F. Duncan, Secretary, Machinists' Helpers' Union #13107, 1404 West Walnut Street, Bloomington, Illinois. Dear Sir and Brother: The copy of the proposed constitution and by-laws of your organization has been referred to me by Secretary Morrison for revision and approval. After having carefully looked over the constitution and by-laws, there being nothing in them which conflicts with the Constitution of the American Federation of Labor or with trade union policy, they are hereby approved. Trusting that your union may grow and prosper under these laws, I am Fraternally yours, [*Sam Gompers*] President, American Federation of Labor.[*243*] [*COPIED. APR 27 1911*] [*kill XXXX*] Z April 26, 1911. Mr. H. N. Doty, Chairman Executive Committee, Typo, Union No. 56. 411 East Jefferson St., Stockton, California. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of March 22nd relative to your appeal against the Constitution of the San Joaquin Central Labor Council came duly to hand. Absence from the office on important business as well as other matters that demanded my immediate attention has prevented me from making a reply until this time. Enclosed you will find a copy of a letter addressed to Mr. A. J. Ingalls, Secretary of the San Joaquin County Central Labor Council, relative to the subject matter of your appeal, which I hope will be satisfactory. With best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, [*Sam Gompers*] President, American Federation of Labor.[*244*] [*COPIED. APR 27 1911*] M April 27, 1911. Mr. John J. Henley, President, Trades Assembly, 708 Huron St., Schenectady, N. Y. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 23rd instant received, and I note the vote of the Trades Assembly on the Resolution introduced in regard to the Civic Federation was to the effect that the matter will be laid over until the first meeting in May. You then say that you will advise me as to what the final disposition is, and further that you will do all that you can to influence the locals that have not voted to vote against the proposition. I shall await with great interest your final report on the matter. Yes, I received an invitation from Mr. Maher of Typographical Union No. 167, to attend the anniversary banquet on May 20, but as I stated to him in my reply, in view of existing engagements I very much doubt that it will be within my power to do so. I should indeed like to attend, but the prospects are not at all favorable. Reciprocating your good wishes, and hoping to hear from you often, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l. Gompers President American Federation of Labor[*245*] [*COPIED. APR 27 1911*] LF April 27, 1911 Mr. J. A. Byche, Secretary International Ladies Garment Workers Union 11 Waverly Place, New York, N.Y. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 25th instant is received and contents noted. It is not yet possible for me to say definitely whether I can attend the mass meeting at Cooper Union on May 26th, given under the auspices of your International Union. I can only say that I will attend if possible, but at present it looks quite doubtful. It would be better if my name should not be advertised as one of the speakers at that meeting, for I should dislike to disappoint the audience. If I find later that I can attend, I shall certainly oblige you. With kind regards, I remain, Fraternally yours, [*Sam Gompers*] President American Federation of Labor.[*246*] [*COPIED APR 27 1911*] X. April 27, 1911. Mr. Thomas F. Tracy, Secretary, Union Label Trades Department, A. F. of L., Ouray Building, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir and Brother: The following letter was received here April 26, from Organizer O. G. LeHew, of Albia, Iowa: "One man cannot do very much in regard to labels except talk, unless he has something else to do with. The Cigarmakers' local are going to do a little systematic advertising in the local papers, but outside of that I am unable to do anything except talk and I do all of that I can. We have quite a number of foreigners here among the coal miners who don't know what a union label looks like and don't know enough about it to ask for it. The miners locals don't preach about it and consequently there is nothing done. I drew up a set of resolutions and had them adopted by each of the locals. I presented the resolutions as adopted to the merchants in this city and the majority of them laughed at me and said that the union men forget them as soon as they voted for them, and that they were selling them Stetson hats and non-union shoes, clothing, shirts, and tobacco the same as ever. Union made cigars have the preference here but when it comes to tobacco anything that suits their taste does. If I had some advertising matter for all lines of stuff I could do quite a little." . . . In my reply I have told him that his letter has been referred to you, and that you will send him some advertising matter to help him in his work. Kindly write him direct, and oblige, Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*247*] [*COPIED APR 27 1911*] X. April 27, 1911. O. G. LeHew, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, Albia, Iowa. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 24th instant to hand, and I was very much pleased to read your report of the good work you are doing in behalf of union labeled goods. I am referring your letter to Secretary Thomas F. Tracy of the Union Label Trades Department, asking him to send you some advertising matter descriptive of the labels, for you to use in your work. With best wishes, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, [*Samuel Gompers*] President, American Federation of Labor.[*248*] [*COPIED. APR 27 1911*] X. April 27, 1911. Mr. Frank H. McCarthy, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, 97 Union Park Street, Boston, Mass. Dear Sir: President Gompers desires me to thank you for your letter and report of April 25th, upon the alleged Railroad Employes' Magazine, about which he wrote you the latter part of March. The magazine also is resolved and the entire matter will be of value for future reference. Very truly yours, [*R. Lee Guard*] Secretary to President Gompers.[*249*] [*COPIED APR 27 1911*] M April 27, 1911. Mr. Albert Hibbert, Secretary, United Textile Workers of America, Box 742, Fall River, Mass. Dear Sir and Brother: In continuation of our correspondence in regard to the trouble in which the members of your local union in Toronto are engaged, and which upon your request I took up with Organizer Flett, I beg to enclose to you herein copy of letter I have just received from Mr. Flett. If there is any further assistance which I can give you in this matter, please advise me. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, [*Samuel Gompers*] President American Federation of Labor.[*250*] COPY. Victoria Hotel, Quebec, April 24,1911. Mr. Samuel Gompers, President A. F. of L. Washington D. C. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of April 20th just received: also copies of letters between yourself and General-Secretary Hibbert of the United Textile Workers, which I have read carefully. I specially note that part of Secretary Hibbert's letter in which he says "it might be possible that Mr. Flett might reach someone who would have sufficient influence with Mr. Hays, the Manager, to have him talk on the matter, he has never shown a willingness up to this time, to receive a committee or answer a communication of any kind, etc." As I understand matters the Brussel Carpet Weavers are out on strike at the Toronto Carpet Company's factory, the President or general manager of this concern is a Mr. Murray, an active member of the Employers' Association as well as the Manufacturers Association of Toronto, a well known union hater of the Post type, one who never misses an opportunity of taking a kick at labor so bitter is his prejudices against organized labor in any form, that it amounts to a form of dementia with him I fancy that Mr. Hayes referred to, must be the Superintendent, at all events, an understrapper of Mr. Murray's who of course, is following the policy of his employer. At this distance it is difficult to suggest anyone who might be of service in approaching the management of this Company, one would require to be on the ground to look over the situation and find someone with influence who would approach the obdurate manager. I am inclined to the opinion that the Manufacturers and Employers As-[*251*] [*COPIED APR 27 1911*] X. April 27, 1911. -2- sociations are behind this fight, if my surmises are correct, then anyone would not likely have much success in taking up the matter, until after a battle has been fought and energy expended, and the aforesaid Mr. Murray's combative desires gratified. As Mr. Hibbert knows the Carpet Weavers of Guelph had an obdurate fight for many months before it came to an end, and apparently this is shaping up the same way. I should be only too pleased and willing to render any assistance that I may be able to, to our friends, but it seems to me, speaking off hand, that it will be necessary to be at close range to be of any service. With best wishes for success, I am, Fraternally yours, John A. Flett.[*252*] [*COPIED APR 27 1911*] M April 27, 1911. Mr. Andrew Boyd, Secretary, Trades and Labor Council, 368 Wiley St., Port Arthur, Ontario. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 30th instant to Secretary Morrison has been brought to my attention, in which you make application for appointment as volunteer organizer for the district of Thunder Bay, Province of Ontario. Before issuing you this commission kindly forward the official endorsement of the Trades and Labor Council. You will understand this is the course followed by this office in the appointment of organizers. You do not sign your letter as Secretary, although your name appears on the letter head, neither do you state that it is desire of the Trades and Labor Council that commission be issued to you, hence the above. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, [*Samuel Gompers*] President American Federation of Labor.[*253*] [*COPIED APR 27 1911*] M April 27, 1911. Mr. J. W. Anderson, Organizer, Fort Myers, Florida. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 23 instant is at hand and contents noted. In reply to your inquiry I beg to say the per capita tax is ten cents per member per month for all members in good standing, five cents of this amount being set aside for the building up of a defense fund for local trade, and federal labor unions. I enclose to you herein a circular "How" which gives instructions as to the formation of a trade union, and which I think will give you the information you desire. With best wishes, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, [*Samuel Gompers*] President American Federation of Labor.[*254*] [*COPIED APR 27 1911*] M April 27, 1911. Mr. S. Leroy Sanders, Organizer, 150 Main St., Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 23rd instant is at hand and contents noted. In reply I beg to say that it is impossible just now to send an organizer to Oshkosh, as our special organizers are engaged in important work in other sections, but a note will be made of your request, and if found possible in the near future to comply therewith, we will be glad to do so. With best wishes, and regretting my inability to comply with the above, I am, Fraternally yours, [*Samuel Gompers*] President American Federation of Labor.[*255*] [*COPIED. APR 27 1911*] M April 27, 1911. Mr. L. L. Alexander, 409 South Michigan Ave., Aberdeen, Washington. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of recent date is at hand, and beg to say that our records show that H. C. Wallerheld a commission as volunteer organizer for Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, in 1901. He was dropped from our list, as he evidently had left Oklahoma. His mail being returned to this office. With best wishes, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.[*256*] M April 27, 1911. Hon. Daniel J. Keefe, Commission-General of Immigration, Bureau of Labor, Washington, D. C. Sir: I am in receipt of a letter from the Central Trades and Labor Council of New Orleans, Louisiana, enclosing copy of a circular sent to the labor organizations of that city. For convenience I quote the circular letter here. It is as follows: "The New Orleans Labor League has been requested by the Department of Commerce and Labor to furnish the Department with certain information as to the conditions of Labor in this vicinity. The League has directed me as its Secretary to comply with this request. You will appreciate that it is utterly impossible for me to furnish such information without the help and co-operation of the various Labor Organizations of the city. I would, therefore, ask you to furnish me with replies to the following questions, or request the Secretary or some official of your local to do the same. Thanking you in advance and trusting that you will make it a point to comply with this request in order that the Government Records may accurately show the conditions of Labor in this vicinity. Fraternally yours, (Signed) George C. Bodine, Secretary The New Orleans Labor League, 514 Dumaine St. Does the supply of Labor in your trade equal the demand? What are the average wages paid in your craft? State roughly the number of unemployed in your trade during the past year? Do you consider wages in your craft high or low as compared with the same craft in other parts of the United States? Please state generally anything about conditions of your craft that you think would be of interest to the general public as a matter of record?" The New Orleans Central Trades and Labor Council found it257 Hon D. J. K. 2. necessary to advise all organizations in their city that this so- called "New Orleans Labor League" is not recognized by the Council; that it is regarded as an effort at duality and rivalry: that the organized labor movement of that city knows only two men connected with the so-called "League" and that these men are Mr. John Stadler and Mr George C. Bodine. The New Orleans Central Trades and Labor Council desires me to ascertain whether the Department of Commerce and Labor has requested this so-called "League" to obtain the information contained in the circular it has issued, and which I quote above, and to ask further if the Department desired this information why the New Orleans Central Trades and Labor Council has been ignored in the premises? Inasmich as the matter refers particularly to labor I addressed a letter to the Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor who advises me that from the nature of the inquiries quoted in my letter he assumes that the communication was sent out by the division of information of your Bureau. I would, therefore, appreciate your early reply in regard to the matter. Thanking you in advance, I am, Very respectfully yours, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor.258 LF April 27,1911 Mr. H. S. Matsinger, Secretary of Committee The Central Labor Union of Scranton 814 Marion St., Scranton, Pa [*COPIED. APR 27 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 24th instant is received and contents noted. You say that at the regular meeting of the Scranton Central Labor Union, held on April 16th, a resolution was adopted and a committee appointed to solicit aid for the sufferers from the fire in the Pan-Coast Mine at Throop, Pa. You further say that the committee drafted a bill for financial aid, that you were instructed to send copy and request the endorsement of the A. F. of L. and permission to circulate the appeal among the various trades. In reply let me say that if the official endorsement of the A. F. of L. is desired for this appeal in behalf of the miners who have suffered by reason of the fire, the matter should be submitted to this office through the executive officers of the United Mine Workers of America; then it would necessary for it to be considered by the Executive Council before the official endorsement could be given. As to circulating the appeal among the various organizations affiliated to the A. F. of L., that of course is a matter for the judgment of your Central Labor Union. I have no doubt whatever but that the organizations, particularly in Pennsylvania, 259 Mr. H. S. Matsinger--2 will be glad to assist in any way within their power. Of course you can readily understand we also expect, in the near future,appeals for financial assistance for other worthy causes. Asking you to let me hear from you further at your early convenience, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.[*260*] [*COPIED. APR 31 1911*] X. April 27, 1911. Mr. G. L. Gallagher, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, 418 N. Wabash St., Wheeling, W. Va. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 24th instant is received and contents noted. In regard to Organizer Byrne of the Boot and Shoe Workers, I beg to say that the financial condition of the American Federation of Labor at present is not such as to warrant incurring additional expense by the appointment of any new organizers, even should the Boot and Shoe Workers be in a position to have Mr. Byrne discontinue working for they for the purpose of working for the A. F. of L. What I had in mind when I wrote to you previously was that the officers of the Boot and Shoe Workers might be able at some time in the near future to arrange to have Mr. Byrne return to Wheeling. With kind regards, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*261*] [*COPIED. APR 27 1911*] LF April 26, 1911 Mr. C. L. Gallagher, Organizer 418 N Wabash Wheeling, W. Va. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 23rd instant is received and contents noted with interest. I also had a letter a few days ago from another one of my correspondents at Wheeling, in which he referred to the work of Organizer Philip Byrne and suggested that he should be returned there for a period of two or three months, As a matter of fact Mr. Byrne is not employed as organizer for the American Federation of Labor, but is acting as organizer for the Boot and Shoe Workers International Union, and I presume it was in that capacity that he visited Wheeling. It might be well if the organized labor movement of Wheeling would write to the officers of the Boot and Shoe Workers International Union and request Mr. Bryne's return to that locality. With kind regards and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, President American Federation of Labor.[*262*] X. APRIL 27, 1911. Mr. Frank Smurthewaite, Organizer. American Federation of Labor, 1024 Beech Street, Wellsville, Ohio. [*COPIED. APR 27 1911*[ Dear Sir and Brother: In answer to your letter of the 24th instant, I beg to quote you from the proceedings of the Conventions of the American Federation of Labor in regard to Labor's Memorial Day, as follows: Norfolk Convention, 1907, "LABOR'S MEMORIAL DAY. "We have long considered and gave more serious attention in the past year, to the matter of establishing a Labor's Memorial Day; a day upon which the men and women of labor in every section of the country, might meet, and by appropriate ceremonies, pay the tribute of honor and respect to those who served their fellows in the great humane work of the labor movement, but who have gone to the great beyond. Apart from a national general Memorial Day, there are a number of associations and fraternities which have designated special memorial days in honor of their departed associates. We believe that there is no cause so far-reaching in its benign influences and its beneficent results, not only to labor , but to the human family, as the labor movement of our country and our time. Surely then it is but meet that the men and women who have done so much in the interest of the people should linger with us in fond remembrance, that we may not only pay appropriate tribute to our honored dead, but also that it may prove an inspiration to the living now and for the future. There are a number of organizations which observe a memorial day, some celebrating it the second Monday in May of each year, and others the first Sunday in December. Desirous of obtaining a consensus of opinion, we authorized President Gompers to correspond with a number of International unions. The majority of them express themselves favorable to the observance of a Labor's Memorial Day, though indicating no special time. We, therefore, recommend to this Convention that it declare in favor of the general annual observance of Labor's Memorial Day, and we further recommend that this Convention designate the day to be so observed."[*263*] Mr. Frank Smurthewaite -2- "MEMORIAL DAY. "That portion of the Executive Council's Report headed 'Labor's Memorial Day', was referred to your committee. The committee endorses the Council's recommendation that the convention designate a day to be known as, and declare itself in favor of the general observance of 'Labor's Memorial Day.' Your committee, therefore, recommends that the second Sunday in the month of May be the day to be so designated and observed." The following is an extract from the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST for April, 1908: "The Norfolk Convention of the American Federation of Labor designated the second Sunday in May of each year as Labor's Memorial Day. In setting apart this day labor recognizes the great services of the men and women who have gone to the 'great beyond' and in their lives rendered valuable aid in the great uplifting work of the toilers, the masses of our country." The April, 1910, issue of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST, contains the following: "The second Sunday in May is Labor's Memorial Day. Responding to a widespread sentiment, the Norfolk convention of the American Federation of Labor, in 1907, recommended that as the date on which, throughout the jurisdiction of the American labor movement, men and women might assemble and give public recognition to the services for labor performed by departed fellow-workers. The observance of the day promises to become more general year by year. The official organs of the international unions and the labor press as a whole are making mention of the approach of the date and suggesting appropriate ceremonies for the occasion. There's not a community in all the land which has not had noble examples of devotion and self-sacrifice among the members of organized labor who are no longer among the living. Here's to our absent comrades." I trust the above will be of service to you and that you will be able to arrange for the observance of Labor's Memorial Day in your city. With best wishes, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, President, American Federation of Labor.264 X. April 27, 1911. Mr. Henry F. Hilfers, Secretary, Essex Trades Council, 68 South Orange Avenue, Newark, N. J. [*COPIED.APR 27 1911*] Dear Sir: President Gompers directs me to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 25th instant, in which you set forth in detail the facts in regard to the trouble between the Teamsters' Local Union #475 and the Essex Trades Council, and to say to you that he is taking the matter up further with President Tobin of the International Brotherhood. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.265 X. April 27, 1911. Mr. Daniel J. Tobin, President, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Chauffeurs, and Stablemen of America, 222 E. Michigan Street, Indianapolis, Ind. [*COPIED. APR 27 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: In continuation of our correspondence in regard to the complaint you made against the refusal of the Essex Trades Council to recognize the delegates from your local #475, of that city, I beg to advise you that under date of April 25th, Secretary Hilfers of that body writes me in detail setting forth the reasons for the action taken. Copy of his letter is enclosed herein. I should like to hear from you further in regard thereto. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*266*] COPY. ESSEX TRADES COUNCIL, Newark, N. J., April 25, 1911. Mr. Samuel Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor. 801--809 G St., N. W., Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: In reply to your letter of the tenth instant, in reference to a letter you received from President Tobin of the Int'l. Brotherhood of the Teamsters stating that the Essex Trades Council refused to recognize the delegates of local #475, I wish to state that that the Essex Trades Council refuses to recognize the delegate of Local #475 is a fact, but the reason given by President Tobin in the part of his letter that you quote is not the fact in the case. The facts in the case (the main ones) are as follows. When the trouble started in the Star Spring Bed Co. an agreement was made between the Teamsters, Polishers, Engineers, Brass Workers and Iron Bedstead Makers, and duly signed by their representatives that all the unions act in concert and try and unionize the Star Spring Bed Co. Conferences were held with the firm for a number of weeks when one day at a conference at the office of the firm the delegate of the Teamsters became impatient, left the office and called his men from the wagons asking the others to do likewise, all the men in the factory came out and were sustained in their action by their respective unions. After the men had been out some weeks and the firm feeling the effects of the strike on account of loss of sales, negotiations were opened for a settlement. This went on for several weeks and prospects were bright for a settlement for all of the men involved[*267*] -2- and the unionizing of the shop, when the delegate of the Teamsters without any notice to the other unions involved signed up an agreement with the firm for his five men. They at once went to work and carted the goods made by the scabs with their union buttons displayed on their hats and caps. The result of this was that the firm broke off all conferences with the other unions which the teamsters Local #475 had betrayed. Charges were preferred and the Teamsters were suspended from the council. Some time after that the matter was left to arbitration and on the decision of President Ford of the N.J. State Federation the teamsters were again seated with the proviso that they call off their men within two weeks. This they failed to do and the delegates were again suspended from council until they complied with the request. In Sept., 1910, a committee was appointed by the Council to meet a committee from the Teamsters, including Organizer Ashton and Vice-President Hoffman, Herman Robinson and Organizer Frayne, they met in Frayne's office. The committee recommended the seating of local 475 and that the men continue to work in the Star Spring Bed Co. until the expiration of the agreement on Nov. 1, 1910, and if at that time no settlement had been made with the firm by the other unions involved Vice -President Hoffman and Organizer Ashton promised the Council to take the matter up with their Int.Ex. Board and recommend that the men be taken off the wagons of the Star Spring Bed Co. The Council concurred in this and again seated the delegates of Local 475. Matters went along all right until December, 1910, the Council took no action in the matter on account of the Express and other strikes the Teamsters were involved in, then the question 268 -3- again came up through an accusation made by delegate Weeks of the Teamsters against a delegate of this Council. A committee was ap- pointed to investigate with the result that it reported that there was nothing to the accusation made by Weeks, and that it was un- warranted for him to make the remarks about the delegate he did. Delegate Weeks was asked to apologize, he refused. His local was then requested to withdraw his as a delegate, the local refused. The council then by a majority vote suspended the delegates from local 475 again. Local 475 was also accused of again renewing the agreement with the Star Spring Bed Co. contrary to the agreement entered into on Sept. 30, 1910, even before the old one expired on Nov. 1, 1910, but nothing was done in this matter as the local 475 was no longer represented in the council. This is the story as near as I can give it to you without stating verbatim the minutes, etc., of the council. It was not the Polishers that want the Teamsters to go on a sympathetic strike, but the Teamsters starting it and getting the rest out and then unbeknowns signing an agreement with the firm and leaving the rest of them, about two hundred, out in the cold. I wish also to state that the Star Spring Bed Co. failed last week, the shop is closed, and a receiver appointed to wind up its affairs. Fraternally yours, (signed) Henry F. Hilfers, Secretary. 269 LF April 27, 1911 [*COPIED. APRIL 27 1911*] Mr. Henry H. Childers, Attorney At Law, 677 Broadway, New York, N.Y. Dear Sir: Your favor of the 25th instant is received and contents noted. I do not just at this moment recall having met you at the Higgs House in this city about two years ago, but that of course is wholly immaterial to the subject matter about which you write. The statement from me upon the subject of International Peace, to which you refer, as having been published in the New York TIMES. I have not as yet seen, but it was merely a brief statement given to one of the reporters. You say that you anticipate in the near future writing a newspaper Sunday story or a magazine article on the subject of Peace and that you would like very much to have something from me in addition to what appeared in the TIMES. Perhaps you would be interested in a letter which I had the honor to write to Mr. W. H. Short, Secretary of the New York Peace Society on April 15th. As circumstances arose which made it impossible for me to attend the meeting held by the Society, at which I was scheduled to make an address, I wrote Mr. Short at length upon the subject of International Peace, so that the letter might be read at the meeting. Copy of it is enclosed herein. You have my270 Mr. Henry H. Childers--2 permission to use any part of it or all of it as you may desire. You refer in your letter to the attitude of organized labor toward the militia. Briefly stated let me say that a man who is a wage earner and honorably working at his trade or calling to support himself and those dependent upon him, has not only the right to become a citizen soldier, but that right must be unquestioned. The militia, i.e., the citizen soldiery of the several states in our country, supplies what otherwise might take its place-- a large standing army. The difference between the citizen soldiery of the United States and the large standing armies of many European countries is the difference between a republic and monarchy-- it is the difference between the conceptions of liberty and tyranny. While organized labor stands against the arbitrament of international or internal disputes by force of arms, yet we must realize we have not yet reached the millennium; that in the age in which we live we have not the choice between armed force and absolute disarmament, but the alternative of a large standing army and a small one supplemented by a volunteer citizen soldiery -- the militia of our several states. When your article is finally published I shall be glad if you would see that a copy of it is sent me marked "personal" so that it will be sure to be brought to my attention. Your suggestion for having your article deal with the subject of inculcating the peace idea in the day schools and the adoption of a text-book for scholars, according to age and advancement is a most commendable one and I271 Mr. Henry H. childers--3 trust may be carried out. Very truly yours, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor272 M April 27, 1911 Mr. P. M. Draper, Secretary, The Trades and Labor Congress, COPIED Drawer 515, Ottawa, Canada APR 27 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of April 25th is received and contents noted. I have also noted the letter received from Mr. C. Legien of the International Secretariat, copy of which you enclose to me, your letter having reference to the Trades and Labor Congress of Canada being directly represented at the International Secretariat at Budapest, August 10. A day or two ago Mr. Legien also wrote me in regard to the matter. Now, let me say I have no power or authority to authorize the Trades and Labor Congress of Canada, to send a delegate to Budapest. Indeed, the Executive Council has no such authority, for as you know the Convention of the American Federation of Labor at St. Louis, appointed Vice-President Duncan as its delegate to the Budapest meeting. Under the laws of the International Secretariat each international center is allowed but one delegate at the International Secretariat. The Trades and Labor Congress being part of the American Federation of Labor for it to be represented by a delegate at Budapest would be equivalent to the American Federation of Labor being represented by[*273*] P.M.D. 2. two delegates It should be unnecessary for me to add that personally I should be glad to have Mr. Gustave Francq attend the Congress at Budapest, but as above stated, it is not within my power to authorize him to attend the meeting in an official capacity as delegate. I have no doubt whatever that should he go to Budapest, he would be cordially welcomed, and that he would find the meeting of greatest interest. If a letter of introduction from me to Mr. Legien would be of any help and assistance to Mr. Francq I should be glad to give it to him. With best wishes, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, President American Federation of Labor[*274*] X. April 27, 1911. Mr. James Duncan, Vice-President, American Federation of Labor Hancock Building, Quincy, Mass. [*COPIED. APR 27 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: I am just in receipt of a letter from Mr. Carl Legien, Secretary of the International Secretariat, in which he informs me that August tenth has been definitely set as the opening day of the three day's meeting of the International Secretariat at Budapest, Hungary. Perhaps he may have also written you to that effect, but in any event I am impelled to write you at once, stating this fact, so that you may revise the date of your possible departure, should that course be necessary. I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter of April 24, and will answer in the course of a day or two, or await another letter from you in response to this subject of the changed time of the meeting of the International Secretariat. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, SamL. Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*275*] [*COPIED. APR 27 1911*] X. April 27, 1911. Mr. Hugh Frayne, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, 25 Third Avenue, New York City. Dear Sir and Brother, I have had quite some correspondence in regard to the trouble between Teamsters' Local Union #475 and the Essex Trades Council of Newark, New Jersey. Inasmuch as you have participated in some of the conferences in these matters, it seemed to me that you should be in possession of all of this correspondence, and therefore I enclose copies herein. Wish best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*276*] M April 27, 1911. [*COPIED. APR 27 1911*] Mr. Frank Lightfoot, Secretary, Trades Council, Box 881, Phoenix, Arizona. Dear Sir and Brothers, Secretary Morrison showed me your telegram to him in regard to Mr. David Hose, former Mayor of Milwaukee, and his reply thereto. For your information I enclose to you herein copy of letter under date of April 25, which Mr. Rose has written me, and duplicate copy of my reply. It seems to me that you you should be in possession of this information. With kind regards and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers President American Federation of Labor.[*277*] M April 27, 1911. [*COPIED. APR 27 1911*] Mr. R. N. Nockels, Secretary, Chicago Federation of Labor, 275 La Salle St., Suite 501, Chicago Ill. Dear Sir and Brother, Secretary Morrison showed me your telegram to him in regard to Mr. David Rose, former Mayor of Milwaukee, and his reply thereto. For your information, I enclose to you herein copy of letter under date of April 25, which Mr. Rose has written me, and duplicate copy of my reply. It seems to me that you should be in possession of this information. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers President American Federation of Labor.[*278*] COPY NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF MANUFACTURERS AND BUSINESS MEN. Chicago, Ill., April 25, 1911. Hon. Samuel Gompers, Washington, D. C. My dear Sir: You will perhaps recall having met me in New York City by the introduction of John A. Mellermott and you undoubtedly are advised of the fact that for nearly two years last past I have been engaged in speaking against prohibition. At an election held in Phoenix, Arizona, about ten days ago prohibition was the issue and I was appointed to speak there on the 14th, 15th, 16th, and 17th of April. About the time that I was ready to leave Chicago for Phoenix I received a wire cancelling my appointments and today I am in receipt of a letter stating that my appointments were cancelled because the Secretary of the American Federation of Labor at Washington wired the local unions not to have me appear under any circumstances. My language will not express my surprise. In every speech that I have made upon the question of prohibition I have commended organizations of labor in the highest terms and have praised unstintingly the stand that you have taken in respect to the interest of organized labor in the question of prohibition. George Thompson, of the Cigarmakers Union, whom I know you are acquainted with intimately is personally cognizant of what my attitude has been in respect to organized labor and you may have any[*279*] -2- information from him, or from any other source that you may choose to select, in respect to the subject. I can not understand why such a wire should have been sent. I think it only fair that you should make investigation of this matter because in respect to the question of prohibition ours is a common cause. If you are conversant with the work that I have done and the character of that work, or it you have not, if you shall make investigation to ascertain the truth then may I respectfully ask for a letter from you containing your endorsement of that work if you feel that you can consistently give such endorsement, so that in the event that a repetition of this action should be attempted in the future I may be in a position to combat It. With assurances of very great respect, I am, Most sincerely, David S. Rose, Former Mayor Milwaukee, Wis.[*280*] M April 27,1911. [*COPIED. APR 27 1911*] Mr. David S. Hose, General Counsel, National Association of Manufacturers and Business Men, 314-316 Old Colony Building, Chicago, Ill. Dear Sir: Your favor of the 25th instant is received and contents noted. You say that at an election held at Phoenix, Arizona, about ten days ago, that you had engagements to speak: that at the time you were ready to leave Chicago for Phoenix that you received a wire cancelling the appointment, followed by a letter stating that the action was taken because the Secretary of the American Federation of Labor at Washington wired the unions not to have you appear under any circumstances. I called your letter to Secretary Morrison's attention, and he handed me the following telegrams which passed in connection with the matter. For your information I quote them therein. They are as follows: "Phoenix, Ariz. April 6, 1911. Frank Morrison, Secretary Amer. Fed. of Labor, Washington, D. C. Is Dave Roos now a resident and one time Mayor of Milwaukee in good standing with organized labor. Wire answer collect. Frank Lightfoot, Secretary Phoenix Trades Council."[*281*] -2- April 7, 1911. Frank Lightfoot, Phoenix, Arizona. For information standing David Rose wire Frank Weber, 1228 Locust St., Milwaukee, Wis. Frank Morrison." "Chicago 4-26-11. Frank Morrison, 801 G. St., N. V., Washington, D. C. Ex-Mayor Rose is billed to speak in Phoenix, Arizona, and has been informed that you notified the unions of that city not to permit him to speak there. Will you oblige me by telegram if this is correct. He speaks on the wet and dry question. E. N. Nockels. " "April 27, 1911. E. N. Nockels, 275 Le Salle St., Suite 301, Chicago, Ill. Telegram received. Under date of April six received telegram from Frank Lightfoot, Secretary Trades Council, Phoenix, Arizona, asking if David Rose, former Mayor of Milwaukee, was in good standing with organized labor. I replied "For information standing of David Rose, wire Frank Weber , 1223 Locust Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin." This is the extent of my correspondence in regard to Mr. Rose. Frank Morrison." You will observe that Secretary Morrison did not wire the local unions of Phoenix or anyone else, that the local unions there should not have you appear. Mr. Morrison evidently did not recall your actions as Mayor of Milwaukee and your declarations since favorable to organized labor, and therefore referred his correspondent to the organizer of the city for information. I feel confident that there was no intention on Secretary Morrison's part to reflect upon you in any way, and indeed he has not done so, as the telegraphic correspondence discloses. I should say in addition to the above that I am writing to Secretary Lightfoot, also to Mr. Nockels sending them copy of your letter to me and duplicate copy of my reply thereto. Very truly yours, Sam'l Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*282*] [*COPIED. APR 28 1911*] April 27, 1911. X. Mr. Bugene Sarber, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, 2257 Red Bud Avenue, St. Louis, Mo. Dear Sir and Brother: In a letter recently received from President Hawley of the Switchmen's Union of America, he calls attention to the fact that five of the members of his organization in Kansas City were recently discharged because they refused to withdraw from the Switchmen's Union. He says that Vice--President Burt of his organization had a conference with the Assistant General Durham of St. Louis in regard to the matter. President Hawley requests the cooperation and assistance of the A. F. of L. I am therefore writing to request you to associate with you one or two of the union men of St. Louis and wait upon the assistant General Manager to protest to him against the employes of the Company at Kansas City being discharged because of their refusal to withdraw from the Switchmen's Union. The men must certainly have the right to belong to the Switchmen's Union if that is their desire; they ought to be protected in that right. Thanking you in advance for your co-operation and assistance, and asking you to let me hear from you in regard to the matter, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor,[*283*] X. [*COPIED. APR 28 1911.*] April 27, 1911. Mr. Chas. Kassel, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, 2838 Neosho Street, St. Louis, Mo. Dear Sir and Brother: In a letter recently received from President Hawley of the Switchmen's Union of America, he calls attention to the fact that five of the members of his organization in Kansas City were recently discharged because they refused to withdraw from the Switchmen's Union. He says that Vice-President Burt of his organization had a conference with the Assistant General Durham of St. Louis in regard to the matter. President Hawley requests the cooperation and assistance of the A. F. of L. I am therefore writing to request you to associate with you one or two of the union men of St. Louis and wait upon the Assistant General Manager to protest to him against the employes of the Company at Kansas City being discharged because of their refusal to withdraw from the Switchmen's Union. The men must certainly have the right to belong to the Switchmen's Union if that is their desire; they ought to be protected in that right. Thanking you in advance for your co-operation and assistance, and asking you to let me hear from you in regard to the matter, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor.284 April 27, 1911. Mr. David Kreyling, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, 3635 Fine Street, St. Louis, Mo. Dear Sir and Brother: In a letter recently received from President Hawley of the Switchmen's Union of America, he calls attention to the fact that five of the members of his organization in Kansas City were recently discharged because they refused to withdraw from the Switchmen's Union. He says that Vice-President Burt of his organization had a conference with the Assistant General Durham of St. Louis in regard to the matter. President Hawley requests the co-operation and assistance of the A. F. of L. I am therefore writing to request you to associate with you one or two of the union men of St. Louis and wait upon the Assistant General Manager to protest to him against the employees of the company at kansas City being discharged because of their refulsal to withdraw from the Switchmen's Union. The men most certainly have the right to belong to the Switchmen's Union if that is their desire; they ought to be protected in that right. Thanking you in advance for your co-operation and assistance and asking you to let me hear from you in regard to this matter, I am Fraternally yours, Sam. Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.285 Copied APR 28 1911 M April 28, 1911. Mr Harry C. Kirkendall, Norman, Oklahoma. Dear Sir: Your favor of the 20th instant is at hand, in which you state you have been asked to prepare a paper on the "Closed Shop" on the study of Labor Problems in the State University of Oklahoma, and would appreciate 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 editorials published in pamphlet form and send copy to you under seperate cover, together with a copy of a pamphlet entitled "Has the Non-Unionist a Moral Right to Work How, When and WhereHe Pleases", by Frank K. Foster. Your attention is also called to a pamphlet by Clarence S. Darrow entitled "The Open Shop" published by the Hammermark 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 286 H.G.K. 2. 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.COPIED. APR 28 1911 M April 28, 1911. Mr. John A. C. Menton, Secretary, Central Labor Union, 323 South Saginaw Street, Flint, Michigan. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 22nd instant is at hand, in which you request that an organizer be sent to Flint for several months, as the town is ripe for organization. In reply I beg to say that it is impossible just at this time to send an organizer to your town. I would like to comply with your request for an organizer for several months, but the funds of our organization would not warrant the continuance of an organizer in one locality for such a length of time. However, a note will be made of your request, and if at any time in the near future we can see our way clear to send an organizer to Flit for a short time we will be glad to do so. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers President American Federation of Labor.[*288*] [*COPIED. APR 28 1011*] M April 28, 1911. Mr. Matt Burg, Secretary, Trades and Labor Council, 164 Main St., Kenosha, Wisconsin. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 24th instant is at hand, and I note what you say relative to the commission sent to Frank A. Brown. In reply I beg to say that our records show that commission was forwarded to Brother Brown March 22, but as there was no local address given I would suggest that he call at the post office, as it has never been returned to this office. Kindly advise whether or not he receives same. With best wishes I am, Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers President American Federation of labor.[*289*] M April 28, 1911 [*COPIED. APR 28 1911*] Mr. Andrew Knox, Organizer, Fourth Ave. & Bebb St., Lewiston, Montana. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 22nd instant is at hand and contents noted. In reply I beg to say that the A. F. of L. allows a fee of $10.00 for any unions organized and chartered direct by the Federation. By referring to "Instructions to Organizers" copy of which is enclosed, you will note the provisions made by the various international unions, when locals of their trade are organized. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers President American Federation of Labor.[*290*] M April 28, 1911. [*COPIED. APR 28 1911*] Mr. Santiago Iglesias, Organizer, 11 Allen Street, San Juan, P. R. Dear Sir and Brother: On April 5th I sent you check for $318.00 in payment of benefits for six weeks on thirteen members of Tobacco Strippers Union, No. 2722, Bayamon, P. R. I also enclosed strike report blanks, and recepts, requesting that the same be properly filled, signed and returned to this office. Up to this writing they have not been received, and would kindly ask that you give this matter your immediate attention. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers President American Federation of Labor.291 LF April 28,1911 Mr. Ernest Bohm, Secretary Central Federated Union, 243 East 84th St., New York, N.Y. Dear Sir: President Gompers directs me to acknowledge receipt of your favor of April 23rd, together with the printed copy of that letter. He would appreciate it if you would kindly send him 15 additional printed copies. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.292 LF April 28, 1911 [*COPIED, APR 28 1911*] Miss E. C. Morris, 3 Claremont Avenue, Mt. Vernon, N.Y. My dear Miss Morris: Please accept Mr. Gompers' thanks for so kindly sending him #4 of Mr. Mitchell's letters to the United Mine Workers' Journal. Reciprocating your good wishes, I am, Very sincerely yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.293 LF April 28, 1911 [*COPIED. APR 28 1911*] Mr. Irving C. Sauter, 3715 N Halsted St., Chicago, Ill. Dear Sir: President Gompers directs me to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 25th instant. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.294 LF April 28, 1911 [*COPIED. APR 28 1911*] Mr. A. C. Weis, 2448 Catalpa Court, Chicago, Ill. Dear Sir: President Gompers directs me to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 24th instant. Very truly yours, Secretary to President Gompers.295 COPIED. APR 28 1911 LP April 28,1911 Mr. Jos. W. Ford, Editor Buffalo Republic Buffalo, N. Y. Dear Sir: President Gompers directs me to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 25th instant and to thank you for the information you give President Gompers. He hopes to write you personally at a later date. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers. 296 LF April 28, 1911 [*COPIED. Apr 28 1911*] Mr. Geo. Brittain, 35 West Chestnut St., Louisville, Ky. Dear Sir: President Gompers directs me to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 24th instant and to thank you for the information you give. He hopes to write you personally at a later date. Very truly yours, R Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers297 LF April 28, 1911 [*COPIED. Apr 28 1911*] Mr. Henry F. Bullock, Attorney-At-Law, 415-16 Law Building, Indianapolis, Ind. Dear Sir: President Gompers directs me to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 25th instant with enclosure for which you will please accept his thanks. He hopes to write you personally at a later date. Very truly yours, R Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*298*] LF April 28, 1911 [*COPIED. Apr 28 1911*] Mr. C.G. Leonard, Secretary of Committee, Central Labor Union, 48 Hopkins St., Hartford, Conn. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 27th instant is received and contents noted. I beg to assure you that I fully appreciate the situation as you describe it to exist in Hartford, and I should be glad to be in a position to accept the invitation you extend for me to visit your city Wednesday evening, May 31st, and address an open mass meeting, which you say will be held while the General Assembly is in session, but in view of my present engagements, the uncertainty of when the Supreme Court of the United States will hand down its decision in our case, and the many vitally important matters which have recently arisen in the labor movement, it will not be possible now for me to make any additional engagements which would necessitate my leaving headquarters. However, as Vice-President James Duncan is located so much nearer to Hartford than I am, why not extend an invitation to him? I do not know what his engagements are, but it might be that he could so arrange as to accept such an invitation, if extended.[*299*] Mr. C.B. Leonard--2 With best wishes for the success of the meeting, and again expressing my regret at my inability to accept your invitation, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers President American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED APR 28 1911*] [*300*] LF April 27, 1911 [*COPIED. APR 28 1911*] Mr. George W. Pyle, Secretary Belmont Central Trades and Labor Assembly, 49th & Noble Sts., Bridgeport, Ohio Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 17th instant is received and contents noted. You say that the Belmont Central Trades and Labor Assembly representing the trades unions of Belmont County, Ohio and the Ohio Valley Trades and Labor Assembly, representing the unions of the vicinity of Wheeling, W. Va. Join in an urgent request that I should go to Wheeling about May 21st, for the purpose of delivering an address. You say that that is two or three days in advance of the Wheeling city election and that it is the opinion of the organized labor movement of that locality that by my making an address there I would be greatly helpful to the labor movement in securing the election of the men who will represent labor. I should indeed be pleased to be in a position to accept the invitation you and your colleagues extend, but in view of my present engagements, the uncertainty of when the Supreme Court of the United States will hand down its decision in our case, and the many vitally important matters which have recently arisen in the labor movement, it will not be possible now for me to make any additional engagements which would necessitate my leaving headquarters.[*301*] Mr. George W. Pyle---2 Let me suggest that you extend an invitation to Vice- President John Mitchell. I do not know what his engagements are, but it might be that he could go to Wheeling at the time indicated. Again expressing my regret at my inability to accept the invitation, and with the best wishes for the success of the meeting when held, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers President American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. APR 23 1911*][* 302 *] [* COPIED APR 28 1911 *] April 27, 1911. (pink) Frank Duffy, Carpenters Building, Indianapolis, Indiana. Telegram fully considered. President Ryan has been requested and consented to come to Washington in few hours to consult with attorney, resident members Federation Executive Council and officers department located here. We shall discuss all phases of matter and determine course necessary to pursue. Will advise you later. Samuel Gompers. Charge A. F. of L.[* 303*] [* COPIED. APR 28 1911*] M April 28, 1911. Mr. J. Mahlon Barnes, Secretary, The Socialist Party, 205 West Washington St., Chicago, Ill. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 25th instant received and contents noted. I thank you for the information you give in regard to the employes of the American Steel Mills Company, and I am now taking that matter up with the officers of the National Organization. With best wishes, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President American Federation of Labor.[*304*] [*COPIED. APR 28 1911*] M April 28, 1911 Mr. A. A. Brooks, Secretary, American Wire Weavers' Protective Association, 229 Chestnut St., Holyoke, Mass. Dear Sir and Brother: One of our correspondents in a recent letter has called attention to the fact that there is a decided spirit for organization manifested among the employes of the American Steel Wire Company of Waukegan, Illinois. He says that there are probably about 1,000 wire rollers employed at that point: that the Company is very much opposed to any organization, and whatever efforts may be made along that direction would have to be conducted quietly at least in the beginning. I am bringing this matter to your attention for whatever action you and your colleagues may be able to take in the premises. I shall be glad for a word from you in regard thereto at your early convenience. With very best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours Sam'l Gompers President American Federation of Labor.[*305*] [*COPIED. APR 28 1911*] LF April 28, 1911 Mr. John J. Griffin, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, Box 43, Lynn, Mass. Dear Sir and Brother: I am just in receipt of a letter from Mr. Terrence J. McMahon, President of Lynn City Employes Union #12326. He alleges a state of affairs as existing in that organization which, if founded upon the true facts in this case, threaten the life of that union. In his letter he says: "Please kindly permit me to inform you of the present existing condition in the City Employes Local Union #12326 of Lynn of which I am President. A few weeks ago our Local instructed our Executive Committee, of which I am chairman, to negotiate the question of hours and wages with our City Government and report back to the body. Accordingly, we took the matter up with the Government, but before proceeding far enough for a report to the union, we were officially notified that we would be given a hearing at the City Hall, therefore the Local appointed a special committee to attend the same and request an increase from $2.25 to $2.50 per day. After due consideration the City Council passed an ordinance granting us $2.40 per day or $14.40 per week of 48 hours, which is about the highest paid to laborers in this state or New England, the average in this vicinity being about $1.75 per day. This settlement was not satisfactory to many members of our Local who insisted upon forcing the original demand of $2.50 which could not be accomplished without conflict which would threaten the existence of our Local, and would not stand the test of public sentiment as the citizens are aware that this wage is the highest paid in this community, and is considered by the Lynn Central Labor Union a decided advancement for the City Employees Local. Because I believed the settlement the very best that could possibly be obtained under the circumstances, I was requested at[*306*] Mr. Jon J. Griffin -- 2 the meeting to be held last night to present my resignation, to be accepted at the next meeting to be held, Monday, May 8th. This action was taken with only the hostile members present, and without preferring charges of any kind and furthermore without notifying the members of the importance of he meeting. This state of affairs has come about through an element who recently joined our ranks at the behest of the foremen and other city officials assisted by a few employees who are members of the Independent Teamsters Union which recently seceded from the International Union in defiance of the American Federation of Labor. Permit me to also say that I, in common with 4 others, held our charter for 18 months and I have worked unceasingly to the end that I might build up the Local thus preventing it from being numbered among the Independent Unions this the home of SECESSION. I have served as Vice-Pres. of the Lynn Central Labor Union of which I am now a delegate and have done more for labor than any other local man WITHOUT REMUNERATION. On January 1st, I was re-elected to serve as President of the Local for the ensuing year, and there are no provisions in our by-laws as to method for removal during tenure of office. Will you please kindly advise me with all possible haste as to the course for me to take to save the Local from ruin." You will note the next meeting of this organization will be held on May 8th. As the official representative of the American Federation of Labor for Lynn, I am placing this matter in your hands with the request that you make an investigation and that if it be found that the facts are as set forth by President McMahon, that you urge a full attendance of all of the members at the meeting on May 9th, so that such action may be taken as will best protect the interests and rights of the members, preserve the organization as such, and advance the interests of the movement in general in Lynn. I am sending copy of this letter to President McMahon and at the same time suggesting to him that he should notify each member of the organization of the importance of the meeting on May 8th and urge that every member be present at that time.307 Mr. John J. Griffin--3 Asking you to keep me advised fully as to what is the final outcome in this matter, and with every wish for success, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED APR 28 1911*][*308*] Y. April 28, 1911. [*COPIED. APR 28 1911*] Mr. John F. Tobin, General President, Boot and Shoe Workers Union, #246 Summer Street, Boston, Massachusetts. Dear Sir and Brother: I have your favor of April 22nd, with enclosure, which you say is a copy of a letter which you have sent to the Senators and Congressmen representing the New England States, in connection with contemplated Tariff legislation. I have not been advised that it is contemplated to put shoes and finished leather on the free list, or to in any way interfere with the present Tariff rates on these articles, but I will have our Legislative Committee make inquuires on the subject and will see that you are kept advised if in case your interests are being affected. With best wish, I remain, Fraternally yours, President, American Federation of Labor.[*309*] [*COPIED. APR 28 1911*] LF April 28, 1911 Mr. Terrence J. McMahon, President Lynn City Employes Union #12326 72 Church St., Lynn, Mass. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of April 26th is just received and contents noted. In your letter you set forth the action taken by Local #12326 at its meeting on April 25th and state that if the policy is followed out it would not tend to the best interests of the union. I have just written to the official representative of the American Federation of Labor in Lynn, Organizer John J. Griffin, and have requested him to act as the representative of the A. F. of L. in this matter. Enclosed you will please fine copy of my letter to Mr. Griffin, which I ask you to consider as part of this communication to you. In addition thereto, let me suggest that you should advise each member of Local #12326 of the importance of the meeting on May 8th and urge them to be present at that meeting. Asking you to keep me advised fully as to what is the final outcome in this matter, and with every wish for success, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor. Enclosure:310 Y. April 28, 1911. Mr. H. G. Carlson, Secretary, Central Trades and Labor Council, #1804 Carondelet Street, New Orleans, La. [*COPIED APR 28 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: I have your favor with enclosed resolutions, under date of April 21, bearing upon the revenue tax on cigarettes and tobacco. Upon inquiry, I learn that it is not contemplated during the present session of Congress to make any change in the revenue tax on these articles. I will keep the subject in mind, however, and if occasion warrants to act in accord with the spirit of your resolution, I shall avail myself of the opportunity. With best wishes, I remain, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*311*] X. April 28, 1911. Mr. James Duncan, Vice-President, American Federation of Labor, Hancock Building, Quincy, Mass. [*COPIED. APR 23 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: Without attempting to answer your last letter, an answer to which I promised to send you in a few days and which promise I shall endeavor to keep, I think it best to enclose herein a copy of a letter which I have just written to Mr. Carl Legien, International Secretary of the International Secretariat. I am sure it will interest you and will convey to you also the information in regard to the suggestion made by Secretary Draper of the Canadian Trades and Labor Congress, to have a delegate from that Congress attend the Budapest meeting. There are other matters which have arisen within the immediate past about which I should like to have the opportunity of consulting with you. It is too difficult to communicate by means of correspondence. With best wishes and hoping to hear from you at your early convenience, I am, Fraternally yours, President, American Federation of Labor.[*312*] X. April 28, 1911. Mrs. Harriet Stanton Blatch, President, Women's Political Union, 46 E. 29th Street, New York City. [*COPIED APR 22 1911*] My dear Madam: Your favor of the 25th instant with enclosed circulars came duly to hand. I am very glad to learn that a meeting has been arranged for the purpose of preparing for a demonstration to secure for the women of the State of New York the right to vote, and I sincerely hope that the arrangements and the demonstration may be entirely effective to secure Women's Suffrage. The American labor movement has long since declared in favor of the right of women to vote co-equal with men. The trade union movement has not only declared for equal rights, but has practically demonstrated its wisdom in the government of its affairs, for in organized labor there is no right to which a man is entitled and exercises but which is equally shared by women. Experience has justified this course, and women have demonstrated their good judgement, their course, and women have demonstrated their good judgment, their willingness to bear burdens and make sacrifices, and have secured successes in the name measure as have men, in the struggle for economic, industrial, as well as material and social uplift. I am firmly confinced that the extension of suffrage to women will have a most beneficial effect upon all our people, and particularly as it affects the political, social and moral affairs.313 Mrs. Harriet Stanton Blatch -2- of our states and of our country. Wishing your movement every success, which I shall be glad to help as opportunity affords, I have the honor to remain, Yours very respectfully, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor[*314*] April 28, 1911. X. [*COPIED. APR 28 1911*] Mr. P. Umbreit, Editor, The Correspondenzblatt, Berlin S.O. 16, Engel-Ufer 15. Berlin, Germany. Dear Sir and Brother: Although I do not often have the opportunity of reading The Correspondenzblatt, sometimes I get a chance to look through it and am interested in its contents. I was much interested in the discussion of the subject of Gewerkschaftliche Verrassungnffungsfragen. I should like to have some fuller information in regard to it, and shall be glad if you can write me upon some feature of it. In the same issue of the Correspondenzblatt, that is, of February 18, you also discuss the book publishedby the John Hopkins Press, from the pen of Ernest R. Spedden, upon the subject of the trade union labels. This is interesting, and I am sending you under separate cover one of our recently issued bulletins containing facsimiles of our union labels issued by the various unions in America. I am also sending you in the same package a pamphlet on the subject of trade union labels. The American Federation of Labor gave several prizes for the best essays upon that subject, and the three published in the pamphlet are those for which the prizes were awarded. I think you will be interested in them. In the same parcel I am sending you a few of the documents published by the American Federation of Labor.[*315*] Mr. P. Umbreit -2- I regret to learn that our friend Legien is in ill health, but trust that he may soon regain his strength and be spared to us for the great work he is yet to do. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you sometime at your convenience, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor. N.B. I suppose you receive the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST regularly.[*316*] X. April 28, 1911. Mr. Carl Legien, Berlin S. O. 16, Engel-Ufer No. 15, Berlin, Germany. [*COPIED. APR 23 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: Your letter addressed to me of the 12th instant, and a copy of the letter addressed to the secretaries of the national trade union centers of the 13th instant, came duly to hand. I also thank you for the copy of the letter which you sent to Mr. Draper, Secretary Treasurer of the Canadian Trades and Labor Congress. In connection with the latter matter, I enclose to you herein a copy of a letter which I have written to Mr. Draper, and which I ask be made part of this letter to you. All I have to add in connection with my letter to Mr. Draper is that he informs me that Mr. Gustave Franca, a trade unionist, proposes to visit Europe during the coming summer, and who incidentally would like to attend the Budapest Congress. Of course there would be no objection to his being in attendance but as to whether he can come as a delegate is quite another thing, for while the gentleman in question may be the equal of any man whom we might select, yet I cannot say that he is known to us closely or intimately, nor do we know his views. Mr. James Duncan was elected delegate by the representatives of the American labor movement in the convention of the A. F. of L. at at which our fellow trade unionists of Canada were[*317*] Mr. Carl Legien. -2- represented. Questions may arise at the Budapest meeting upon which our Canadian brother may differ from the regular delegate, Mr. Duncan, and if that should occur we would have the duly accredited delegate's vote neutralized by a possible opposing vote of our Canadian brother, and thus possibly nullify the vote and influence from the American trade unions upon important subjects of laws, policy, or principle. I know that the American Federation of Labor, the name as every other national trade union center, is entitled to two delegates, but that would involve such a tremendous expense that X we deemed it wise to limit our representation to one. Again I say that if Mr. Francq desires to go to Budapest as a visitor, of course I know you will be glad to meet him and I shall be glad to give him a letter of introduction to you and to the other delegates. I have acquainted Mr. Duncan of the change of date of the Budapest meeting to August tenth. I know that he counted on the meeting being held in the latter part of August, and partially made his arrangements accordingly, but there will be no difficulty in him so arranging his itinerary as to be in attendance on the time set. I suppose that Mr. Duncan will visit Berlin before going to Budapest, and I trust that he may have the opportunity of meeting you then. In regard to propositions, resolutions, intended to be discussed at Budapest, I should say that there may be some, but which I am not now authorized to submit. You may hear from me in regard to these matters shortly, or at any rate as soon as I plainly can convey them to you. However, you will remember that the Paris meeting decided that the two suggestions which I submitted at that meeting should be placed upon the Agenda for the 1911 meeting.[*318*] Mr. Carl Legien -3- It will be agreeable to save the same number of copies of the 1909 international report as you were sent last year. I would suggest, however, that if you can spare about fifteen copies of the German edition, I would gladly have them forwarded to our international unions which transact their [?] [image?] largely in the German language. In the course of the next few days I shall forward you the per capita tax due the international Secretariat for the American Federation of Labor. I regret more than I can tell you in words to learn that you are in such ill health, or in ill health at all, but sincerely express the hope that you will soon regain your health and strength and render the splendid assistance you can and you do to the great uplift work of the labor movement of the world. Replying to your question, I am glad to say that Mrs. Gompers is somewhat improved. She has been confined to her bed and suffering the most excruciating pain for the past three months. Her illness is primarily due to her apprehensions in regard to the outcome of the cases still pending before the Supreme Court of the United States. It is now more than three months since the last argument in the case was made, and no decision has yet been rendered. We are anticipating it any Monday. Monday is regarded as the day upon which the court hands down decisions. Thought still suffering greatly, I think there is evidence of Mrs. Gompers' improvement. Thank you very much for you solicitous inquiry. Reciprocating your kind wishes and greetings, and asking you to convey them also to Sassenbach, Baumsister, Umbrett, and our other friends, and again wishing you restored strength, and hoping to hear from you soon and frequently, I am. Fraternally yours, President, American Federation of Labor.COPY. Washington. D.C., April 27, 1911 Mr. P. M. Draper, Secretary The Trades and Labor Congress Drawer 515, Ottawa, Canada. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of April 25th is received and contents noted. I have also noted the letter received from Mr, [a?] Loglen of the International Secretariat, copy of which you enclose to me. your letter having references to the Trades and Labor Congress of Canada being directly represented at the International Secretariat at Budapest, August 10. A day or two ago Mr. Loglen also wrote me in regard to the matter. Now, let me say I have no power or authority to authorize the Trades and Labor Congress of Canada, to send a delegate to Budapest Indeed, the Executive Council has no such authority, for as you know the Convention of the American Federation of Labor at St. Louis, appointed Vice-President Duncan as its delegate to the Budapest meeting. Under the laws of the International Secretariat each international center is allowed but one delegate at the International Secretariat. The Trades and Labor Congress being part of the American Federation of Labor for it to be represented by a delegate at Budapest would be equivalent to the American Federation of Labor being represented by the delegates. It should be unnecessary for me to add that personally I should be glad to have Mr. Gustave Franco attend the Congress at Budapest, but as above stated, it is not within my power to authorize him to attend the meeting in an official capacity as delegate. I[*320*] COPY. Mr. P. M. Draper -2- have no doubt whatever that should be go to Budapest, he should be cordially welcomed, and that he would find the meeting of graetest interest. If a letter of introduction from me to Mr. [??] would be of any help and assistance to Mr. Francq I should be glad to give it to him. With best wishes, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am. Fraternally yours, (Signed) Sanuel Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor.COPIED. APR 20 1911 Form 1545. THE WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH COMPANY. ________________INCORPORATED________________ 24,000 OFFICES IN AMERICA. CABLE SERVICE TO ALL THE WORLD. ROBERT C. CLOWRY, President and General Manager. ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ Receiver's No. | Time Filed | Check _____________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ SEND the following message subject to the terms} on back hereof, which are hereby agreed to. WASHINGTON, D. C., April 28, 1911. To Mr. Frank Duffy, Secretary, United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, Carpenters' Building, Indianapolis, Indiana. Nothing unforeseen occurring shall arrive Indianapolis eleven-thirty Sunday morning. I request you call conference Carpenter s head- quarters three o'clock Sunday afternoon. Secretary Spencer, Building Trades Department, will accompany me. SAMUEL GOMPERS Charge A. F. of L. ..................................................Dr. to The Western Union Telegraph Co. For Message to ........................by............................dated...................190 No. of Words..................Rate....................Amount $............................ (Sgd.)................................. Sender. [*322*] [*COPIED. APR 29 1911*] LF April 28,1911 Mr. H. N. Doty, Chairman, Executive Committee, Typo. Union #56, 41 East Jefferson St., Stockton, California. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of March 22nd relative to your appeal against the Constitution of the San Joaquin Central Labor Council came duly to hand. Absence from the office on important business, as well as other matters that demanded my immediate attention, have prevented me from making a reply until this time. I have just written to the Secretary of the Central Body sending him copy of the complaint made by your local union, so that he may make such reply as he may desire. When I receive his reply, with both sides before me. I will then be in a position to give the matter further attention. With best wishes, I am. Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.[*323*] LF April 28,1921 Mr. A. J. Ingalls, Secretary San Joaquin County Central Labor Council. 19 North Hunter St., Stockton, California. [*COPIED. APR 29 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: I am in receipt of a communication signed by H. M. Doty. Chairman: Joseph F. Johnson, and Grant L. Williams, who constituted the Executive Committee of Typographical Union No. 56, and in which was enclosed a copy of the Constitution and By-laws of your Central Body. The nature of the communication is an appeal from the action of your Central Body and its Constitution as contained in Sections 34, 36 and 38. The appeal of the Executive Committee of Typographical Union #56 is as follows: " In spite of vigorous protest on the part of delegates from Typographical Union, No. 56, the San Joaquin County Central Labor Council has adopted amendments to its Constitution and By-laws which exceed its powers. Enclosed please find copy of Council By-laws. Beginning on page 14, Sec. 34, we protest against sacrificing that autonomy granted as through Constitution of A.F. of L. and will maintain our right to alone levy assessments on our body. See Sec. 36, Constitution and By-laws C. L. C. Typographical Union will insist on drawing up contracts without aid or advice of Central Labor Council. See Sec. 38, Constitution and By-laws C.L.C. Typographical Union, No. 56, will allow all employers who are fair to Allied Printing Trades Council the unrestricted use of the label.[*324*] Mr. A. J. Ingalls--2 Above, in short, is the position of our union. We appeal to you, after exhausting local resources, to give us a ruling ion above sections, which we consider in contradiction to A.F. of L. law. Sec. 2, Art. 2, p. 3 and also Sec. 9, Art II, p. 18, of A. F. of L. Constitution adopted March 1910, and request an early reply, as any attempt on part of Council to enforce Sections quoted will be almost certain to result in friction in Council." Before giving any decision in the case as requested, I am submitting the matter to you for whatever reply you may desire to make in the premises. Hoping to receive your early response and with kind regards, I remain, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers President American Federation of Labor.Z April 25, 1 Mr. F. T. Hawley, President, Switchmen's Union of North America, 326 Brisbane Building, Buffalo, N. Y. [*COPIED. APR 29 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: Enclosed you will please find a copy of a letter which I have just received from Secretary Sefton of the Central Labor Council of Oakland, California, in regard to organizing a local union of switchmen in San Francisco. Please let me have your advise in regard to the matter at your early convenience and oblige Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.326 LF Copy CENTRAL LABOR COUNCIL. Oakland, California April 22, 1911 Samuel Gompers, Esc., Pres. A. F. of L. Washington, D.C. Dear Sir and Brother: There has been called to my notice by Switchmen's Union No. 158, affiliated with this body, the importance of organizing a lodge of their International in the jurisdiction of San Francisco, together with the information that Andrew J. Gallagher, secretary of San Francisco Labor Council, has investigated and learned that the nucleus of such organizations can be had if he be delegated to form a switchmen's union from the employes of the State-owned belt line of that city. You will at once grasp the importance and bearing upon the general movement of this State of such an organization, and will not elide in the equation of consideration the effect of State recognition of an A. F. of L. body. I believe you will see that no more important influence could be wielded in the matter of inducting other railroad organizations into what is logically their parent body than the proof, with will not be slow in coming, that a constituent political "powers that be" which cannot be bad by outsiders, except as expense of humiliating themselves before their employers or becoming political radicals and wielding the destructing force of fanaticism at the polls. I would urge upon you to give this matter the earnest[??. S. Gompers--2] 37 consideration that its importance merits, and assure the co- operation of this council to its fruition, and if it might be, my personal a ssistance (paltry though it be), to the betterment that must follow for all the workers if a switchmen's union be organized in San Francisco. Respectfully and fraternally A. W. Sefton, Secy.[*328*] Z. April 29, 1911. Mr. A. W. Sefton, Jr., Secretary, Central Labor Council, Alameda County, 453 Eight St., Oakland, California. [*COPIED. APR 29 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: Your letter of April 22nd has been duly received in regarding to organizing a local union of Switchmen in San Francisco. In reply I beg to say that I have taken up the matter with President F. T. Hawley of the Switchmen's Union of North America, 326 Brisbane Building, Buffalo, N. Y., and shall be glad to do everything we can to be helpful in organizing the Switchmen after we hear from him. I wish to thank you for the interest you have taken in the matter, and will write you further at the earliest possible date. With kind regards and best wishes I am Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*329*] Z. April 29, 1911. Mr. Hugh Frayne, Organizer 25 Third Avenue New York, N. Y. [*COPIED. APR 29 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: In continuation of our correspondence in regard to the complaint made against you by the Painters District Council of New York City and your reply thereto. I beg to enclose to you herein a copy of a letter which I have just received from Secretary Skemp of the Painters, Decorators and Paperhangers, to whom I sent copies of the entire correspondence. With best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.330 COPY. BROTHERHOOD OF PAINTERS, DECORATORS AND PAPERHANGERS OF AMERICA Lafayette, Ind., April 27, 1911. Mr. Samuel Gompers. 423-425 G St., N. W., Washington D. C. Dear Sir and Brother: Your letter of April 22nd enclosing copies of correspondence between yourself, Organizer Frayne and Secretary Victor Buhr of our New York City District Council, has been submitted to our General Executive, now in session at this office. Second General Vice-President Kelley to whom was referred Organizer Frayne's letter, written at my suggestion, relative to the so-called Alteration Painters, testified to the correctness of the statements contained in Organizer Frayne's letter to you. The members of our General Executive Board regret the misapprehension regarding the course taken by Organizer Frayne and feel sure that our New York District Council, on being acquainted with all that has passed, will feel that its criticism of Organizer Frayne was somewhat hasty and uncalled for. Under the laws of the Brotherhood no charter can be issued to applicants from a city where there is one or more locals, without the consent of the existing locals. Our members in New York City are not willing that more locals shall be established and feel that it would be unwise to reduce the initiation fee, believing that their interests, as well as those of the Alteration Painters, will be best served by the admission of the letter as individuals to existing unions and at the regular initiation fee. Trusting that Organizer Frayne will not be discouraged by what may seem a failure on our part to appreciate his efforts to [?] in the more thorough organization of the men of our craft in New York City, I am, With best wishes, Fraternally yours, (Signed) J. C. Skemp, G. S. --T.[*331*] LF April 29, 1911 [*COPIED. APR 29 1911*] Mr. G. R. Askwith, Board of Trade, Labor Department, Gwydyr House, Whitehall, London, S. W. England. Dear Sir: Your favor of the 15th instant has been duly received and under separate cover the presentation copy of a Report issued by your Department of the "Cost of Living in American Towns". Kindly accept my thanks for your courtesy in sending the report to me. Very truly yours, Sam'l Gompers President American Federation of Labor.[*332*] M April 28, 1911. [*COPIED APR 29 1911*] Mr. R. E. Hughs, Organizer, San Angelo, Texas. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 24th instant is at ham and contents noted. Relative to the locals of Plasterers, Bricklayers, Machinists and Machinists Helpers not being represented in the Central Body, I beg to say that I am by this mail writing to the Secretaries of the International Unions mentioned requesting them to urge upon their locals the advisability and necessity of being represented in the central body in accordance with the Constitution of the American Federation of Labor Section 2, Article XI, and trust this may have the desired result. In regard to using the Printer's label I beg to suggest that you take the matter up with President James M. Lynch, of the International Typographical Union, Newton Claypool Building, Indianapolis, Indiana, who will be glad to furnish you with all information as to the use of the label of his International Union, As to the speaker, I am sure if you would write to secretary John H. Spencer, of the Texas State Federation of Labor, 1800 Peach St., Waco Texas, he would be able to furnish you with the name of some good speaker.333 R. S. H. 2. In compliance with your request I enclose to you herein some literature which I think you will find of assistance and help to you in your work. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers President American Federation of Labor.334 M April 29, 1911. [*COPIED. APR 29 1911*] Mr. H. C. Stilling, Secretary, Machinists Helpers No. 13155, San Angelo, Texas. Dear Sir and Brother: A letter has been received at this office from Organizer E. E. Hughs, in which he gives me a list of local unions not represented in the Central Body, and among which is Local No. 13155. In accordance with this information I beg to call your attention to Section 2, Article XI, of the Constitution of the American Federation of Labor, which is as follows: "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. Similar instructions shall be given by the American Federation of Labor to all Trade and federal labor unions under its jurisdiction." In view of the above, therefore, I urge upon you the advisability and necessity of taking prompt steps to become affiliated with the Central Body as provided by the Constitution. With best wishes, and hoping to hear from you at your earliest convenience, in regard to the matter, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers President American Federation of Labor.335 M April 29, 1911. [*COPIED. APR 29 1911*] Mr. George Preston, Secretary, International Association of Machinists, McGill Building, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir and Brother: I am in receipt of a letter from Organizer E. E. Hughs, of San Angelo, Texas, in which he advises me that the local union of your organization is not represented in the Central Labor Union of that city. 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 is advance, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.[*336*] M April 29, 1911. [*COPIED. APR 29 1911*] Mr. T. A. Scully, Secretary, Operative Plasterers Int'l Assn. of United States and Canada, 442 East Second St., Middletown, Ohio. Dear Sir and Brother: I am in receipt of a letter from Organizer R. E. Hughs, of the Angelo, Texas, in which he advises me that the local union of your organization in that city is not represented in the Central Labor Union. 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, Sam'l Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.[**]337 M April 1, 1911. [*COPIED. APR 29 1911*] Mr. Charles Diehl, Secretary, Federal Labor Union No, 7087, A & Spring Sts., Belleville, Ill. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 27th instant is at hand, enclosing wage scale between the Soda Water Employees of Federal Labor Union No. 7087 and employers, which you submit for approval. I note that the wage scale is to go into effect May 1, 1911, and expire May 1, 1912. The wage scale was received today, and it is impossible for same to be approved by the Executive Council by May 1, as the Council not being in session, it will have to be submitted by mail. In view of this, therefore, I beg to call your attention to Section 2, Article XIII, of the Constitution of the American Federation of Labor, which 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 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 the338 C. D. 2. 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 the 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." The Wage Scale is being submitted to the Executive Council for approval, and as soon as a decision is reached you will be advised. In compliance with your request I enclose to you herein copy of the general wage scale of your union. With best wishes, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam Gompers President American Federation of Labor339 M April 28, 1912. COPIED. APR 29 1911 Mr. Frances Hord, Secretary, Central Labor Union, 1101 Walker St., Fort Scott, Kansas. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 26th instant is at hand, in which you state the Central Labor Union recommends the appointment of T. H. Pennie, as volunteer organizer for Fort Scott and vicinity. It affords me pleasure to comply with the request and recommendation made, and commission will be issued and forwarded to Brother Pennie 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 that section. I note what you say relative to Organizer Meyers, and wish you would kindly advise this office if it in the desire of the Central Body to discontinue Mr. Meyers as volunteer organizer. With best wishes, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam Gompers President American Federation of Labor.[*340*] [*COPIED. APR 29 1911*] Z April 29, 1911. Mr. Samuel Bell Thomas, Secretary, An Electoral College of the United Nations of the World, Suite 601-2, 203 Broadway, New York, N. Y. Dear Sir: Your favor of the 27th instant received and contents noted. You enclose credentials for me to represent the Electoral College at the Third Annual Peace Congress to be held in Baltimore, Maryland, May 3-4-5 next. You also enclose a list of the other delegates to the Congress. I thank you for the courtesy and I hope to be able to attend the Congress at least part of the time. Governor Dix has also sent me credentials as a delegate from the state of New York. I am leaving the city this afternoon but hope to return sometime Tuesday and then be able to go to Baltimore to attend the Congress. Very truly yours, . President, American Federation of Labor.341 Z April 29, 1911. Mr. W. I. Gilthorpe, Secretary, Brotherhood of Boiler Makers and Iron ship Builders, 7-12 Law Building, Kansas City, Kansas. COPIED. APR 29 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: As stated in the acknowledgement to your letter of the 18th instant, I wrote to President Ryan of the Bridge and Structural Iron Workers' International Association in regard to the complaint you made. I am now in receipt of a reply from under date of April 27th, copy of which you will please find enclosed herein. You will note that President Ryan has been in communication with President Franklin in regard to the matter and that he is now awaiting a letter from President Franklin upon the subject. If there is anything further which I can do in the matter I shall be glad to do so. With kind regards and best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Sam Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.342 LF Copy. INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BRIDGE AND STRUCTURAL IRON WORKERS F. M. Ryan, April 27, 1911 422-424 American Central Life Building, Indianapolis, Ind. Mr. Samuel Gompers Ouray Building Washington, D. C. Dear Sir and Brother: Referring to your communication of April 22, and the complaint of Secretary Gilthorpe of the Boiler Makers and Iron Ship Builders, will say that I strenuously deny any intention to act otherwise than in good faith with their Association. Immediately following the St. Louis Convention, of the Building Trades Department, I was called to Denver to settle a General Strike on the Post office there and I did not return until the Christmas Holidays, which caused a delay in the exchange of the copies of proposed agreement. In the meantime disputes arose as to the proper interpretation of some of the clauses. Particularly at St.Louis and Buffalo, and as usual, there was fault to be found by both sides. The Boiler Makers at St.Louis refusing to stop work on a steel stack, though their president informed them they were in the wrong. At Buffalo there was a dispute which I agreed to arbitrate, pending a time when the original joint conference committee could get to-gether, and place interpretation officially on each clause of the proposed agreement. I at the same time agreeing that the decision rendered at Buffalo should not establish a precedent to be followed[*343*] -2- on other work of a similar nature, unless otherwise agreed to by the conference committee. The enclosed copies of telegrams will throw some light on the subject. The one under date of Feb. 22nd, setting forth a time for the conference committee to meet, still remains unanswered. I note that Brother Goldthorpe prefers some serious charges by insinuating that I will not live up to my agreement. While I admit the problem is a difficult one, I feel sure that we have a greater measure of control over our members than has yet been shown by the Boiler Makers and Iron Ship Builders, as their St. Louis members are on record as denying the right of their officials to compel their observance to the conditions laid down in the proposed agreement. I have been waiting a letter from President Franklin fixing a date when the conference committees can meet, and I am still of the opinion that our troubles should be finally and decisively settled. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours (Signed) F. M. Ryan International President[*344*] LF Copy. "New York, N. Y. Feb. 13,1911 Mr. J. A. Franklin National Hotel, Washington, D. C. Can you meet me at Washington February 16th? F. M. Ryan." - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - "Washington, D. C. Feb. 14, 1911 Mr. F. M. Ryan New York, N. Y. Yes, I will be National Hotel. J. A. Franklin." - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - "Kansas City, Kans. Feb. 20-21,1911 Mr. F. M. Ryan, National Hotel, Washington, D. C. Referring to our conversation in connection with work under dispute in St. Louis, I investigated this work and find Hoppers you speak of are dust proof; Hoppers at Lead Works and require to be caulked. Stack mentioned, will state that I advised our people to relinquish their claim to that class of stack work. The enamel tanks being erected are all disconnected on the ground and reassembled after being hoisted to position. Referring to Buffalo controversy, are you willing to arbitrate, if so when can you arrange that arbitration be held? In regard to meeting of committee to place interpretation on agreement, it will be impossible for our committee to meet before first of the month. Wire your answer regarding Buffalo matter and where letter will reach you. J. A. Franklin." - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - "Washington, D. C. Feb.22, 1911 J. A. Franklin, c/o Law Building, Kansas City Kansas. On your former refusal to arbitrate Buffalo dispute, I placed it in the hands of our local people to settle. They will undoubtedly arbitrate on the lines suggested when matter was discussed between us. Can your conference Committee meet at Indianapolis March third? Letter will reach me here up to March twenty-sixth. F. M. Ryan. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -345 X. April 29, 1911. Mr. W. H. Ecker, Tacoma, Washington. [*COPIED. APR 29 1911*] Dear Sir: President Gompers directs me to acknowledge receipt of your favor of April the 24th which reaches him just as he is leaving the city on an important mission. He thanks you for your letter and the information you give therein. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to Present Gompers.346 [*COPIED. APR 29,1911*] Z April 29, 1911. Mr. Wm. L. Hoefgen, President, Texas State Federation of Labor. P. O. Box 1113, San Antonio, Texas. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of April 25th is received, and contents noted. You say that the Texas State Federation of Labor will meet in Waco on May 15th, and you urgently request that I or some other member of the Executive Council shall attend that convention. As to my going, that is absolutely out of the question. While I should be glad indeed to have the opportunity of meeting and greeting the delegates to the Texas State Federation of Labor in convention assembled, yet conditions are such that it will not be within my power to make such a long trip, necessitating such a long absence from headquarters at this time. You are doubtless aware that we are still awaiting the decision of the Supreme Court of the United States in our appeal upon the contempt case. It may be handed down any Monday. If the Court does not sustain our contention, then it will be necessary for Vice-President Mitchell, Secretary Morrison and me to serve the sentences of nine, six- and twelve-months imprisonment as imposed by Justice Wright. As to any other members of the Executive Council attending your convention, I would suggest that you take the matter up347 Mr. Wm. L. Hoefgen ---2. direct with them, as I would have no means of knowing whether they could attend. With kind regards and best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. P. S. In addition to the above, recent events as you know have made it necessary for me to be as constantly as possible in close touch with our fellow workers throughout the country. Hence I cannot long be away from headquarters. Today I leave for Indianapolis for a conference with the representatives of the International Unions of that city.348 [*COPIED. APR 29 1911*] X. April 29, 1911. Hon. Seth Low, 30 E. 64th Street, New York City. My dear Mr. Low: President Gompers received your letter which you sent him to his home address. He is leaving the city on an important mission and directs me to acknowledge its receipt and to say to you that he will write you just as soon as possible after his return, which he expects will be some time next week. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.349 [*COPIED. APR 29 1911*] X. April 29, 1911. Mr. T. W. Rowe, President, American Flint Glass Workers, Toledo, Ohio. Dear Sir: President Gompers directs me to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 26th, which reaches him just a few hours previous to his leaving headquarters on an important mission. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.350 [*COPIED. APR 29 1911*] Washington, D. C., April 29, 1911. Mr. Andrew J. Gallagher, Hotel Baltimore, Los Angeles, Cal. Telegram received. Glad you have gone to Los Angeles. Have confidence that the men are innocent of horrible crime of which they are accused. My great hope is that the people will reserve their final judgement at least until the case is tried in the courts thereby giving greater assurances that the men will have a fair and an impartial trial. Am leaving for Indianapolis tonight for investigation and conference. SAMUEL GOMPERS President American Federation of Labor. Charge A. F. of L.[*351*] X. April 29, 1911. Hon. Brand Whitlock, Mayor of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio. [COPIED. APR 29 1911] Dear Sir: I have just seen your letter in the Toledo Union Leader of April 28. Because I am leaving the city within an hour or two, I have not the time to more than say, from the bottom of my heart, I thank you. Very truly yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.352 X. Apr. 29, 1911. [*COPIED. APR 29 1911*] Mr. James Egan, Editor, Toledo Union Leader, Toledo, Ohio. Dear Sir and Brother: Kindly send me,marked personal, fifteen copies of your issue of April 28, containing the statement by Mayor Whitlock on the kidnapping case. Please mark the package personal so that it will be sure to be brought to my attention. Although I did not see this issue until just this moment, an hour or two before my leaving the city on an important mission, even though I am so hurried, I could not leave without writing a word to Mayor Whitlock in regard to the matter. Thanking you in advance for your prompt compliance with the above, I am, Very sincerely yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. [*Should be glad to pay for the paper S.G.*][*COPIED. APR 29 1911*] X. April 29, 1911. Mr. John B. Lennon, Treasurer, American Federation of Labor, Bloomington, Illinois. Dear Sir and Brother: Please send immediately to Secretary Morrison one of the certificates for Five Thousand Dollars, and hold this as your authority for sending same. Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.354 [*COPIED APR 29 1911*] X. April 29, 1911. Mr. John F. Tobin, President, Boot and Shoe Workers Union, 246 Summer Street, Boston, Mass. Dear Sir: President Gompers received your letter of the 25th instant. He is leaving the city on an important mission and directs me to acknowledge its receipt and to say to you that he will write you as soon as possible after his return, which he expects will be some time next week. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.355 [*COPIED APR 29 1911*] X. April 29, 1911. Mr. Ralph M. Easley, Chairman, Executive Committee, National Civic Federation, One Madison Avenue, New York City. My dear Mr. Easley: President Gompers received your letter of the 27th instant, with enclosures. He is leaving the city on an important mission and directs me to acknowledge its receipt and to say to you that he will write you as soon as possible after his return, which he expects will be some time next week. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*356*] X. April 29, 1911. [*COPIED. APR 29 1911*] Mr. H. B. Perham, Vice-President, American F ederation of Labor, Star Building, St. Louis, Mo. Dear Sir: President Gompers received your letter of the 24th instant. He is leaving the city on an important mission and directs me to acknowledge its receipt and to say to you that he will write you as soon as possible after his return, which he expects will be some time next week. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.357 [*COPIED. APR 29 1911*] X. April 29, 1911. Geo. B. Howley, President, Minnesota State Federation of Labor, 2214 4th St. N. Minneapolis, Minn. Dear Sir: President Gompers received your letter of the 25th instant. He is leaving the city on an important mission and directs me to acknowledge its receipt and to say to you that he will write you as soon as possible after his return, which he expects will be some time next week. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.358 [*COPIED. APR 29 1911*] X. April 29, 1911. Mr. David Kreyling, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, 3535 Pine Street, St. Louis, Mo. Dear Sir and Brother: When I was in St. Louis on October 2d, 1910, just at the time when the explosion occurred in the building of the Los Angeles Times, I gave an interview to the papers there in regard to the explosion. I desire particularly to get copies of the papers containing my interview, or if you cannot get them, then have the interview copied from the files at the newspaper offices. If you can attend to this immediately it will be of very great service to me. Very sincerely and fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.359 Y. April 29, 1911. [*COPIED. APR 29 1911*] Mr. C. O. Pratt, General Organizer, Amalgamated Association of Street and Electric Ry. Employer, C/o Mr. E. E. Greenawalt, Harrisburg, Pa. Dear Sir and Brother: I am enclosing you herewith a copy of a letter sent to the Honorable Hugh B. Piper, which is self-explanatory. Permit me to say that I earnestly hope you will proceed very cautiously before you lend the powerful influence of the Pennsylvania organizations of labor in behalf of either of the measures advocated by Messrs. Ward and Piper. With best wishes, I remain, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.360 Y. April 29, 1911. [*COPIED. APR 29 1911*] Mr. Patrick Oilday, Representative, United Mine Workers of America, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Dear Sir and Brother: I am enclosing you herewith a copy of a letter sent to the Honorable Hugh B. Piper, which is self-explanatory. Permit me to say that I earnestly hope you will proceed very cautiously before you lend the powerful influence of the Pennsylvania organizations of labor in behalf of either of the measures advocated by Messrs. Ward and Piper. With best wishes, I remain, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. 361 Y. April 29, 1911. [*COPIED. APR 29 1911*] Mr. Elmer E. Greenawalt, President, Pennsylvania State Federation of Labor, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Dear Sir and Brother: I am enclosing you herewith a copy of a letter sent to the Honorable Hugh B. Piper, which is self-explanatory. Permit me to say that I earnestly hope you will proceed very cautiously before you lend the powerful influence of the Pennsylvania organizations of labor in behalf of either of the measures advocated by Messrs. Ward and Piper. With best wishes, I remain, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.362 Y. April 29, 1911. [*COPIED. APR 29 1911*] Honorable Hugh B. Piper, House of Representatives, Box 138, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Dear Sir: I have your favor of April 25, also copies of Bills by Mr. Ward and yourself, introduced for the purpose of "providing for a regulating the mediation and arbitration of labor disputes x x x in the provision and settlement of strikes and lockouts x x x in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania." I note your request that I give these Bills my immediate attention and inform you which one I would favor. Before commenting upon the Bills that you have sent me, permit me to call to your attention the fact that there is already upon the statute books of Pennsylvania a law providing for so-called "arbitration of labor disputes." It was enacted in 1895, and may be found on page 132 of Brightly's, Pardon's Digest, 12th edition. This law was evidently drafted with great care, and was evidently intended to be within constitutional requirements and limitations of the State of Pennsylvania. I am not at this time conversant with the application of this law at any time during the363 2. several noteworthy struggles of labor in the confines of Pennsylvania since its enactment, other than some time in July or August of 1909, an effort was made to use the power presumed to be vested in this Act in the adjustment of the terrific struggle that was maintained by unorganized foreign laborers in the Pressed Steel Car Company at Mckees Rocks, a borough of Pittsburg, in Allegheny County, during the summer of 1909, and at that time it was decreed by the Common Pleas Court of Allegheny County, as well as by a judge in the County Courts of Philadelphia, that this particular law was not applicable within the constitutional requirements of the State. It was declared null and void and no effort was made to use its provisions in the settlement of that distressing economic controversy. Several laws of a similar character have been enacted by a number of States; invariably the courts have held when cases have been tried before them for decisions, that courts had no power to issue orders and compel enforcement in cases of labor disputes affecting employes. In the case of "Western Union Telegraph Company vs. Myatt, 90 Federal Report, page 335; and State vs. Johnson, 61st Kansas Report, page 803, and No. 60, Pacific Report, page 1068, the Federal courts condemned laws of the character, as well as the Supreme Courts of the States, "on the ground that such laws undertook to corner on a single body, legislative, administrative and judicial powers In contravention of the provisions of the constitution of the State, which forbids the conferring of inconsistent legislative and judicial powers upon the same body to be exercised regarding the same subject matter." The bills that you have favored me with copies appear to 364 3. be quite innocently drawn, and yet, the purpose may be to get the principle established during the session of the Legislature, and then at a later period add features to it by amendments that would be injurious to the best interests of Labor. In Section 4 of your Bill I note the following "Whenever any dispute exists between an employer and any of his employees, and the parties thereto are unable to adjust it, either of the parties to the dispute may make an application to the Secretary of Internal Affairs for the appointment of a Board of Conciliation and investigation, to which Board the dispute may be referred to under the provisions of this Act." And in other sections of the Bill I notice similar opportunities to a single party in a dispute having the opportunity to take advantage of the Act. Such provisions would imply that the second party to an industrial dispute would be forced to appear before the State Arbitration Board or Board of Conciliation, as the case might be; such an action would immediately destroy all of the beneficial effects of conciliation and voluntary arbitration. There can be no arbitration except where the disputants mutually and voluntarily consent to meet each other. The initiative of such a meeting should be private, not official. It should take place between the immediate parties at interest without the irritation or intervention 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 while advocation, and that principle is being resorted to frequently. It is not too strong to say such arbitration is reported to and successfully applied almost every day.365 4. Let me repeat, arbitration to be of a practical character must be voluntarily entered into by both parties, and the award must be voluntarily and faithfully adhered to. Entrance of the State with its power, administrative or judicial, into an industrial dispute and through direct or indirect means, secure jurisdiction and then make a finding and award by the power of the State to enforce it, is repulsive to the best concept of liberty and perversive of popular Republican institutions. I observe in Sections 10 and 11 of Mr. Ward's Bill, and in Sections 5, 7, 58 and 59 of your Bill, that provisions are made to establish a penalty of so many dollars per day if in case an employer causes a lockout, or if in case that employes go on strike. Suppose workmen can not respond to the payment of such a penalty, what is the alternative if not imprisonment? It may be that employes would suffer more excessive penalties, and that if they did not pay the fine, then they would be subject to imprisonment, but conditions are such that employers have financial means; as a rule, workmen have not. Your attention is also called to the fact that employers have in the past frequently concealed actual lockouts of their workmen pending labor disputes, under the pretense of shutting down their plants for repairs, or for adjustment of wages and other similar excuses. Later the plants have been started up again with a reorganized force of workmen suitable to the employers contemplated designs. Such tactics, as you are undoubtedly aware, would absolutely defeat any purpose or influence of measures similar to the ones Mr. Ward and yourself are advocating. It may be of interest for you to know that when the Boot366 5. 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 manufacturing shoes would have been compelled to comply with the courts and award the decision, yet as a matter of fact, they ended it by closing down their plants and they 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 any work to do under its terms. It must be perfectly patent to you that the same methods might be adopted by employers in the State of Pennsylvania, in fact, this has been frequently done, especially in the case of coal mining dispute, iron workers controversies, and other similar illustrations. Occasionally we find that Bills of this character carry with them provisions for issuance of injunctions by the court denying the exercise of inherent and constitutionally guaranteed rights, thus creating 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 legislators and of Congress; and while I do not note a specific provision for such a drastic rule in the draft of your bill, yet it would be technically possible to place such a construction upon Section 61 of your bill, if in the case that it should be enacted and declared workable by the courts. In Section 56 you say, "any employe who goes on strike contrary to the provisions of this Act shall be liable to a fine of not less than $10. nor more than $50. for each day or part of a 367 6. day that such employe is on strike, and in the following Section No. 59, you say, "any person who incites, encourages, or aids in any manner any employer to declare or continue a lockout, or any employe to go or continue on strike contrary to the provision of this Act, shall be guilty of an offense and be liable to a fine of not less than $50. nor more than $100." In other words, if worthy, earnest labor men should discover that their follow 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 other active men in the labor movement should aid them in their efforts to secure better and fairer conditions, these same active labor men would be guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to the fine imposed in the Act you are advocating. And, further, if the workmen themselves did not pay the fine, or if the aforesaid active workers who assisted did not pay the fine, as you may readily understand, they could not pay such a fine, then what would be become of them? Why, the answer is clear in your following section No. 60, in which you say, "the procedure for enforcing penalties imposed or authorized to be imposed by this Act shall be the same as prescribed by law for enforcing payment of fines in criminal and civil cases." That evidently means that the workers and their assistants or sympathizers would be cast into jail to serve out sentences 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 continue a lockout, etc.. but who needs to incite employers to that course of action? Or if they were so incited, where would it be possible to secure the368 7. evidence necessary to prove it? Employers are in comparatively small numbers; they meet in their inner offices and in closed councils. On the other hand, workmen are in large numbers, no matter to what they may resort to maintain secrecy; their very numbers, their very miscellaneous composition precludes all possibility of concealing their actions, and I take it, there ought not to be, there must not be any concealment of the aims and purposes of the work of the American labor movement to protects and advance the interests of the toiling masses. The great danger of the propositions contained in the bills you have sent me is that once such a scheme is established and approved by the courts, even without compulsory jurisdiction, and then later it should be found to be incompetent to amicably settle some dispute or disputes submitted to it, a hue and cry would be immediately set up to grant the aforesaid Board sufficient power to enforce its decrees. Consequently, any 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 power of the law and by the power of other forces in the Government, would be equivalent to confiscation. On the other hand, such an enforcement of an award by law and by the power of the Government, when such an award would be against workmen, it would involve compulsory obedience or involuntary servitude, absolutely contrary to every ethic in our Government and incompatible with the provisions of the 14th amendment to the constitution of the United States. 369 8. Organized labor is emphatic in its belief and declarations, in favor of a practicable policy of conciliation and arbitration, but it believes in arbitration only where conciliation has failed. Organized labor contends for arbitration, but when entered into it should be and must be purely voluntary arbitration. This is the only practical method open that will insure and maintain a large degree of industrial peace, consistent with human liberty and personal dignity. Organized labor is out-spokenly in favor of publicity in all things pertaining to the relations between Capital and Labor, or between employers and employes [[employees]], and of any sensible practical method or plan that is economically right, or that has a tendency to minimize industrial warfare, but organized labor does not believe in the settlement of these momentous 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 enforce some species of compulsory investigation or compulsory arbitration is fraught with the greatest dangers to the liberty of the workers in our country, now and for the future. It is a subject that requires the most careful consideration and my only regret is that though this may be regarded as a lengthy letter, it only treats 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 attempt to secure the powerful influence of the Pennsylvania legislature or the organizations of labor in the State in370 9. behalf of this subtle proposal. I trust you will keep me fully advised and informed as to just what is done by the Pennsylvania Assembly, in connection with this matter. With kindest regards, I remain, Fraternally yours. Samuel Gompers COPIED. APR 29 1911 President, American Federation of Labor.371 X. April 28, 1911. EDITOR, Hampton's Magazine, 66 West 35th Street, New York City. [*COPIED. APR 29 1911*] Dear Sir: I read the article in the April issue of Hampton's by Frederic C. Howe, entitled "Oregon, the Most Complete Democracy in the World." Indeed, I read it with much interest, for as you doubtless know, the organized labor movement of the country as exemplified by the American Federation of Labor, more than twenty years ago declared for the Initiative, Referendum and Recall, and the election of Senators by the direct vote of the people. There is one reference in Mr. Howe's article, however, which I hardly consider fair. I refer to the paragraph which reads: "U'Ren read another book, this one dealing with Switzerland, written by a man named Sullivan. From this book U'Ren learned that Switzerland had had trouble not unlike our own; that there had been corruption, bosses and graft in the little mountain republic: Mr. J. W. Sullivan, who resides in Brooklyn, has been identified as a traveler, a profound student, a close observer of men and events, and was practically the first advocate of direct legislation, and was greatly instrumental in starting the movement in the State of Oregon. His book was really the first intelligent and comprehensive presentation of the system of direct legislation as it obtains in Switzerland. He has been greatly commended and praised for his work, and in fact in May, 1893, the American Federation372 Hampton's Magazine -2- of Labor designated him as its official lecturer on the subject of direct legislation. It might not by uninteresting to you to have the opportunity of reading the official letter given Mr. Sullivan at that time when he was authorized so to represent the American Federation of Labor. Copy of that letter is enclosed herein. In justice to Mr. Sullivan and the great value of his work, it seemed to me that I should personally bring this matter to your attention. Very truly yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. P. S. It might not be uninteresting in connection with my reference to Mr. Sullivan, so call your attention to the issue of The Unionist published in New York of December 21, 1903, copy of which is enclosed herein. On page six of that issue, as you will note, are published a number of letters from prominent labor men in reference to Mr. Sullivan's work. Please return the enclosures. [*373*] COPY. May 24, 1893. Mr. J. W. Sullivan, Montclair, New Jersey. Dear Sir: The Executive Council of the American Federation of Labor having in view the resolutions passed at the Philadelphia Convention of the A. F. of L. held December, 1892, resolved upon a course of action for the purpose of furthering the propaganda of the "Initiative and the Referendum" as a means to secure direct legislation by the people of the United States. Having had that subject under advisement I take pleasure in informing you that the Executive Council have confined your appointment as the General Lecturer for the American Federation of Labor upon this subject. Permit me to express both my personal and official recognition of you as the man in America best equipped and qualified to present the subject of Direct Legislation to the consideration of the toiling masses. Trusting that our efforts to introduce this practical reform in the Legislative methods of our country may be entirely successful, and asking you to accept the enclosed commission authorizing you to act in the capacity as General Lecturer, I am, Sincerely and fraternally yours, (Signed) SAMUEL GOMPERS, President, American Federation of Labor.374 COPY. Washington, D. C., May 19, 1909. Mr. J. W. Sullivan, 1009[6] Metropolitan Building, New York City. Dear Sir and Brother: During the recent meeting of the Executive Council of the American Federation of Labor, I placed before my colleagues your communication in regard to your being appointed as General Lecturer on the Initiative and Referendum under similar conditions to those prevailing when you were appointed to that position fifteen or seventeen years ago, that is, no salary or other emoluments from the American Federation of Labor nor from the trade unions which you may address except in cases of its being necessary for you to travel by direction of the undersigned. It affords me pleasure to advise you that the Executive Council took favorable action upon your application. I therefore enclose to you herein your official notification of your appointment which is attested by Secretary Morrison. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, (Signed) SAMUEL GOMPERS. President, American Federation of Labor.[*375*] COPY. Washington, D. C., May 19, 1909. TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: This is to certify that in October, 1905, I, Samuel Gompers, on being informed that J. W. Sullivan had been appointed one of the two labor investigators of the Civic Federation Commission on municipal ownership, wrote him as follows: "I felt that no man in my wide circle of acquaintances was better fitted than you to undertake a thorough, dispassionate and impartial investigation and to report results as you found them." In addition thereto I desire to say that I have had no cause for changing my opinion. In volume 2, page 202, January, 1896, issue of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST, under the heading "A Matter of Course" Eltweed Pomeroy, President of the Direct Legislation League, in referring to Mr. J. W. Sullivan, says: "So it is a matter of course that years ago, when direct legislation was unknown, a working man who has served in your unions, who is today in your ranks, working at his trade, should have carefully investigated it (Initiative and Referendum) and made himself a past master in knowledge of it, until today J. W. Sullivan, member of the Typographical Union, is recognized as the Father of the Direct Legislation movement in this country." Just twenty years ago, in the spring of 1889, Mr. J. W. Sullivan returned from Switzerland and begun writing and lecturing upon the subject of the Initiative and Referendum. The movement was taken up and put on the way to success by the American Federation of Labor and Mr. Sullivan was thereafter appointed general lecturer of the American Federation of Labor upon this subject. The Referendum has made greater strides in the United States than has any other political reform. It is in accord376 -2- with the practical methods followed by the A. F. of L. All of these matters being well known to the Executive Council of the American Federation of Labor at its recent meeting, Mr. J. W. Sullivan was appointed as General Lecturer on the subject and principles of the Initiative and Referendum system of Government. Brother J. W. Sullivan is commended to the earnest consideration of all men of labor, and those in sympathy with the principles of free and real democratic government, that is, government of the people, for the people, by the people. Respectfully yours, (Signed) SAMUEL GOMPERS, President, American Federation of Labor. ATTEST: (Signed) FRANK MORRISON, Secretary, American Federation of Labor.377 [*COPIED. MAY 1 1911*] M May 1, 1911. Prof. Edward Vaughn, Ames, Iowa. Dear Sir: Your card of April 26th is received, in which you state you are making a study of the Canadian Industrial Disputes Investigation Act, and request my opinion on the subject. In reply 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 sue [issue] contains a number of addresses delivered upon this subject. Very truly yours, Saml Gompers President American Federation of Labor.[*378*] [*COPIED. MAY 1, 1911*] M May 1, 1911. Mr. L. S. Gillette, Ames, Iowa. Dear Sir: Your favor of the 27th ultimo is received and contents noted. Relative to the Canadian Trades Dispute Act 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 the issue contains a number of addresses delivered upon this subject. Very truly yours, Sam'l Gompers President American Federation of Labor.379 M May 1, 1911. [*COPIED. MAY 1, 1911*] Mr. H. E. Behrens, Secretary, Tri-City Federation of Labor Industrial Home, Rock Island, Ill. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of April 29th is at hand, in which you request that an organizer be sent to Rock Island, as much good could be accomplished at this time. In reply I beg to say that it is impossible just at this time to send an organizer to your city, as those already in the field are engaged in important work in other sections of the country, and the funds of the Federation will not allow the appointment of additional organizers. However, a note will be made of your request, and if found possible at any time in the near future to comply therewith we will be glad to do so. With best wishes, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor.[*380*] M May 1, 1911. Mr. N. R. Larkin, Organizer, Wichita Falls, Texas. [*COPIED. MAY 1. 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 27th instant is at hand, and in compliance with your request I enclose to you herein copy of the pass word, and also "Instructions to Organizers." With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.381 M April 29, 1911. [*COPIED. MAY 1, 1911*] Mr. John B. Lennon, Treasurer, American Federation of Labor, Bloomington, Ill. 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 April, and have, therefore, authorized the use of a rubber stamp, the same being a fac simile of my signature as follows: No. 27636 April 1, 1911, including No. 27932, April 29, 1911, amounting to $17,368.16 Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.[*382*] [*COPIED. MAY 1, 1911*] M May 1, 1911. No. 44. EXECUTIVE COUNCEL, AMERICAN FEDERATION OF LABOR. COLLEAGUES: At the Executive Council meeting held in St. Louis, Missouri, after the adjournment of the Convention there was submitted for the approval of the Council, the wage scale between Federal Labor Union No. 7087, Belleville, Illinois, and the St. Clair County Gas and Electric Company, and it was approved. On February 16, 1911, by Document No. 10, the general wage scale of Federal Labor Union No. 7087, Belleville, was submitted to the E. C. This wage scale goes into May 1, 1911, and expires May 1, 1912. This was also approved by the E. C. This union has a general wage scale for its members, and in addition a special wage scale with the St. Clair County Gas and Electric Company which they renew from year to year. We are now in receipt of a third wage scale from Federal Labor Union No. 7087, between the employes of the Soda Water Factories of Belleville, and their employers, copy of which is enclosed. The Executive Council has approved the payment of benefits to Banders Protective Union No. 12869, Caguas, P. R., for six weeks,[*383*] F. C. No. 44. The Executive Council has approved the wage scales of the following organizations: Federal Labor Union No. 7087, Belleville, Ill. - 55 members Undertakers Union No. 9049, San Francisco, Cal. - 50 " Baggage Messengers No. 10167, " " ". - 50 " Paste Makers Union No. 10567, " " ". - 20 " Mineral Water Bottlers 11317, Newark, N. J. - 50 " Locomotive Hostlers & Helpers 11894 Roanoke, Va, - 50 " Machinist Helpers & Laborers No. 12906 St Thomas, Ont. - 65 " The question submitted to the Executive Council for a vote is shall the wage scale of the Employes of the Soda Water Factories, Belleville, Illinois, members of Federal Labor Union No. 7087, be approved, and the members thereby be entitled to benefits should it be necessary for them to go on strike to enforce same. Please return your vote upon the above at your earliest convenience, and oblige, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.384 ARTICLES OF AGREEMENT AND WAGE SCALE Entered into between the Soda Water Factories of Belleville, Illinois, and the Federal Labor Union No. 7087, American Federation of Labor. We, the Federal Labor Union, No. 7087, submit the following Wage Scale and Agreement, for the employees of the Soda Water Factories of Belleville, Illinois, to the employers. First: All men working in or about the Soda Factories or connected with any of the work thereof shall receive no less than 25c per hour. Second: Nine hours shall constitute a day's work; time and one-half to be paid for all overtime. Third: Pay-day shall be every Saturday. Fourth: This scale of wages and agreement shall go into effect May 1, 1911, and remain in effect until May 1, 1912. Adopted by Federal Labor Union No. 7087, A. F. of L. this 21st day of April, 1911. A. W. Miller, President Chas. Diehl, Secretary.385 M May 1, 1911. [*COPIED. MAY 1, 1911*] Mr. Frank Teestzel, Secretary, Machinists Helpers and Laborers Union No. 12905, 32 Chester St., St. Thomas, Ontario. 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 same approved. This approval carries with it the authorization 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.386 X. May 1, 1911. [*COPIED. MAY 1, 1911*] Mr. D. A. Hayes, Vice-President, American Federation of Labor, 930 Witherspoon Bldg., Philadelphia, Pa. My dear Mr. Hayes: President Gompers received your personal letter Saturday, just before he left for Indianapolis. He appreciated very much your writing to him, and your expressions in regard to the statement he gave to the press upon the arrest of Mr. McNamara. He wanted to write you personally, but was so crowded before leaving that he was unable to do so and hence directed me to acknowledge receipt of your letter as above. He appreciated your kindly reference to Mrs. Gompers, I am glad to say that she is improving and has been out several days for a carriage ride. Unless something unexpected occurs it is hoped that she will gradually regain her strength and health. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.387 X. May 1, 1911. Mr. W. M. Hays, President, Washington Peace Society, Department of Agriculture, Washington, D. C. [*COPIED. MAY 1 1911*] Dear Sir: I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter of April the 28th appointing me as delegate from he Washington Peace Society to attend the Third National Peace Congress to be held in Baltimore May 5-6. I beg to express my appreciation of the honor conferred upon me and shall be glad to act in conformity therewith. I should add that Governor Dix has also designated me as one of the delegates to that Congress from the State of New York. Respectfully yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.388 X. May 1, 1911. [*COPIED. MAY 1, 1911*] Mr. Tunstall Smith, Executive Secretary, Third National Peace Congress, McCoy's Hall, John Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland. Dear Sir: Enclosed you will please find copy of credential appoint- ing me as one of the delegates from the State of New York to the Peace Congress. I shall have the original credential with me when I attend the Congress, but desire to retain it. I also enclose copy of credential appointing me as dele- gate from the Washington Peace Society and the Electoral College of New York City. I expect to be present at the Congress on Wednesday the third and hope to be able to attend all of its sessions. Very truly yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.389 STATE OF NEW YORK EXECUTIVE CHAMBER Complying with the request for representation by the State of New York at the Third National Peace Congress, I, John A. Dix, Governor, hereby designate SAMUEL GOMPERS of New York City, as one of the delegates to represent this State at said Congress to be held in Baltimore, Maryland, beginning on the third day of May in the current year. GIVEN under my hand and the Privy Seal of the State as Executive Privy Seal the Capitol in the city of State of New York. this twentieth day of April Albany / in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and eleven. JOHN A. DIX By the Governor: JOHN A. MASON, Secretary to the Governor.390 COPY. WASHINGTON PEACE SOCIETY OFFICERS President: Hon. Willet M. Hays Assistant Secretary of Agriculture Vice-President: Dr. S. H. Woodrow Pastor First Congregational Church Secretary: F. L. Siddons Bond Building Treasurer: George W. White President National Metropolitan Bank Chairman Executive Committee: Arthur C. Moses, 1100 F Street Washington, D. C., April 28, 1911. Mr. Samuel Gompers, 423 G St., City. Dear Sir: At a meeting of the Washington Peace Society on April 7th, the undersigned was appointed a delegate to the Third National Peace Congress to be held in Baltimore May 5-6, and was authorized to associate other members with himself as delegate. You are hereby appointed a delegate and I hope you may be able to attend the meetings. The enclosed memorandum will give you the general facts concerning the Congress. I hope to be able to have a program sent to each appointed delegate. Very truly yours, (Signed) W. M. HAYS, President.391 COPY-X. "VOX POPULI VOX DEI" "We will elect a standard to which the wise and good can repair :- The event is in the hand of God" - George Washington in the Constitutional Convention of 1783 International The Executive office of William O. McDowell Peace Propaganda President and AN ELECTORAL COLLEGE Samuel Bell Thomas Hospitality Work Int'l. Secy. Composed of the Intellectual Leaders of the World Bringing into Existence The United Nations of the World in The League of Peace With the Permanent International Court at the Hague as the Judiciary Department, The United National Parliaments of the World as the Legislative Department, and an Executive whose title shall be "THE PEACEMAKER." 7913 Cortlandt, New York Cable Address: Yacallac, N. Y. Telephones: 2766 - W Branch Book Newark, N.J. Western Union Code Suite 601-2 203 Broadway New York, U. S. A. April 26, 1911. CREDENTIALS: This is to certify that Mr. Samuel Gompers has been appointed one of the delegates to represent this organization, the League of Peace, at the Third National Peace Congress, to be held in Baltimore, Maryland, May 3-4-5, this year. (Signed) WILLIAM O. McDOWELL President (Signed) SAMUEL BELL THOMAS Secretary.392 [*COPIED MAY 2 1911*] M May 2, 1911. Miss Clara Jones, 1021 Grand Avenue, Toledo, Ohio. Dear Madam: Your undated favor received in which you state that you are to support the negative side of the question "Resolved, That each state should enact laws providing for the Compulsory Arbitration of labor disputes, constitutionality granted, " and desire some information in regard thereto. Replying 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 attention to a statement which I made in an address before the Arbitration Congress held in Chicago, December, 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 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 1908, you can find some 393 C. J. 2. 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 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 quite certain, but I have shown that there are sufficient menas 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 the 394 C. J. 3. 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 puruse 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.395 C. 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 tax of New England was a failure. Summary of his address was published in the National Civic Federation Review of February 1908. Very truly yours, Sam'l Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.[*396*] M May 1, 1911. [*COPIED. MAY 2 1911*] Mr. James A. Gunter, 506 N. Houston St., Paris, Texas. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of April 25th is at hand, in which you state you are leaving Paris, and tender your resignation as volunteer organizer for Paris and vicinity. 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 that although no longer connected with the A. F. of L. as our official organizer you will yet lend your influence wherever possible to the strengthening and advancement of our great cause. Relative to the appointment of J. J. Cunningham as your successor, I beg to say that before commission can be issued to him it will be necessary for him to forward the official endorsement of the local union of which he is a member. You will understand that this is the course always followed by this office when there is no central body in the vicinity. Upon receipt of this endorsement, the397 J. A. G. 3. matter will be given prompt consideration. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.398 X. May 2, 1911. [*COPIED. MAY 2 1911*] Mr. Fred Ruber, Secretary, United Neckwear Cutters' Union #6339 25 Third Avenue, New York City. Dear Sir and Brother: On April 11th I wrote you in regard to the several union label contracts between your organization and the Neckwear Manufacturers. In that letter I said: Your favor of April the fifth has been duly received, in which you enclose union label contracts between your organization and several Neckwear Manufacturers. The contracts with Harris and Bernstein, and with Friedman Brothers and Son Neckwear Company, Williams Brothers, and Kunstler and Heyman, are all made out for forty-nine hours per week and they have been signed and two copies of each are returned to you under separate cover. the contract for Jacobson and Kumesh is made out for eight and one-half hours per day, which is fifty-one hours per week. I wish you would please advise me if it was intended that this latter contract should be forty-nine hours per week. If so it should be written in the face of the contract. I return them to you herewith so the proper change can be made. In one of the contracts for Friedman Brothers and Son Neckwear Company, you failed to fill in the date. Do not fail to do this before placing it in the records of your organization. In one of the contracts for Kunstler and Heyman, you failed to fill in the forty-nine hours per week. This copy is returned to you also. Do not fail to fill it in before it is placed with your records." The clerk who had charge of this matter I just discovered misunderstood my directions and enclosed in my letter of April 11th one of the contracts for the Friedman Brothers and Son for you to fill in the date, and one of the contracts for Kunstler and Heyman for you to fill in the forty-none hours per week. As a matter of fact,399 Mr. Fred Huber -2- as you know, two of the contracts for Friedman and Brothers and two for Kunstler and Heyman, together with two for Harris and Bernstein, and two for Williams Brothers should have been sent to you under separate cover at the same time that my letter of April 11th was nailed to you, so that you could keep in the records of Union 6939 one contract for each company and each company also to hold one contracts. I am therefore enclosing herewith the several contracts as above noted which should have been enclosed in my letter of April 11th. You have not yet written me in regard to the contract for Jacobson and Kumesh. Please let me hear from you in regard to this at your earliest convenience. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.400 X. May 2, 1911. [*COPIED. MAY 2, 1911.*] Mr. James Duncan, VicePresident, American Federation of Labor, Hancock Building, Quincy, Mass. My dear Mr. Duncan: Your favor of the first instant is received today. President Gompers has not yet returned from the west, and though I hope he will be able to get back the latter part of this week. He anticipated giving you the information in regard to your European trip before this, but the McNamara case coming up has interfered. No doubt this will be one of the first matters to be given his attention on his return. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.401 X. May 2, 1911. [*COPIED. MAY 2 1911*] The Literary Digest, 443 East 23d Street, New York City. Gentlemen, In the absence of President Gompers, I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your telegram of this date, in which you request that there should be mailed you immediately copy of his speech against the Taylor Efficiency System. I am somewhat in doubt as to whether you have reference to what he published on this subject in the April issue of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST, or his remarks at the hearing before the committee on Labor of the House of Representatives on last Friday, April 26, when that subject was under consideration and discussion. I therefore enclose to you herein the article published in the April issue entitled "The Miracles of Efficiency". The report of the hearings before the Labor Committee of April 28 has not as yet been published, but we will be glad to have copies sent to you just as soon as it is out. Mr. Gompers' remarks were from notes only, and therefore we will have to wait until the stenographic report is out. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.402 X. May 2, 1911. Mr. Simon J. Griffin, 310 Main Street, Springfield, Mass. COPIED. MAY 2 1911 Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gomperson official business, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of April 28th, in which you request the return of the photograph of Mr. Richard J. Talbot, which you sent us some time ago. I am returning the photograph under separate cover. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.403 X. May 2, 1911. Mr. M. Sassenbach, c/o S. O. Berlin 16, Engel-Ufer 15, Berlin, Germany. [*COPIED. MAY 2 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: Your undated favor was received here May first. I have had the postal card translated, and take pleasure in sending you under separate cover, the January, February and March, 1910, issues of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST, in order that your files may be complete. With best wishes to yourself and all our other friends, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.404 [*COPIED. MAY 2 1911*] X. May 2, 1911. Mr. Edwin A. Silger, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, Box 322, Independence, Kansas. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of April 24th is received and contents noted. In connection therewith you attention is called to Section 1, Article 11 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 council 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 representation 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.405 Mr. Edwin A. Silger -2- 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 is hoped that your influence will be exerted in that direction. Trusting that I may hear from you at your early con- venience, and with best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.406 X. May 2, 1911. Mr. Earl Foster, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma. COPIED. May 2 1911 Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers on official business, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 25th ultimo, which will be brought to Mr. Gompers' attention upon his return to headquarters. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.407 [*COPIED. MAY 2 1911*] X. May 2, 19111 Mr. Eugene Overby, Secretary, Trades and Labor Council, 2116 14th Ave. No., Nashville, Tenn. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 25th instant received and contents noted. Replying to my letter of April the 14th to you in which I advise that it was impossible now to send a special organizer into that district, you say that the urgent necessity of an organizer at this time is of such vital importance that you again place the matter before me for more serious consideration. I regret exceedingly to be compelled to reiterate the statement made in my previous letter as to our inability at present to send a man into that district. We may be able later on to do so, and if so you can rest assured that the matter will not be overlooked. In the meantime, let me suggest that you give me a list of the trades in Clarksville and vicinity in which the opportunity is now afforded for the organization. I will then take the matter up with the officers of the several national and international unions interested, and it may be that [?] they can send representatives into the several districts. Hoping to hear from you further at your early convenience, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.408 X. May 2, 1911. Mr. Hugh Frayne, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, 25 Third Avenue, New York City. COPIED. MAY 2 1911 My dear Mr. Frayne: Mr. Gompers received your personal letter of April the 28th just before he left the city for Indianapolis. He directed me to acknowledge its receipt and to say to you that you would hear from him soon in regard thereto. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.409 [*COPIED. MAY 2, 1911*] X. May 2, 1911. Mr. J. A. Dyche, Secretary, International Ladies Garment Workers' Union, 11 Waverly Place, New York City. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of April 28th received and contents noted. You say that you have had repeated requests from one of your locals in San Francisco for an organizer: that it iannot be possible how for your International Union to send a man west. You further say that they have only one small local in Los Angeles, one in Denver, and one other in the State of California, which constitutes all of you locals west of St. Louis. You then suggest that Mr. James A. Kimmel should be appointed as organizer and instructed to take up the work in the west in behalf of your trade. I should be glad to comply with your request, but owing to the state of the Federation of Treasury it is out of the question at this time. Let me suggest that you give me a list of the cities in which the opportunity is now afforded for organizing the men of your trade, and I will be glad to take the matter up with the A. F. of L. organizers in these localities, and see if some assistance cannot be given. Hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.410 COPIED. May 2 1911 X. May 2, 1911. Mr. M. J. Gill, Ardmore, Oklahoma. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers on official business, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of April 27th, which will be brought to Mr. Gompers' attention at the earliest opportunity. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*411*] [*COPIED. May 2 - 1911*] X. May 1, 1911. Mr. Harry J. Schulman, Dennison University, Granville, Ohio. Dear Sir: I have been requested to send you some of the matter published by the American Federation of Labor explaining the aims and objects of the A. F. of L. The matter to be used by you in a debate. Therefore a package of our literature is being sent to you under separate cover. Enclosed you will find a list of pamphlets published by this office. Should you desire any of these in connection with your debate, your order will be promptly filled. Very truly yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*412*] X. May 1, 1911. [*COPIED. MAY 3 - 1911*] Mr. W. J. Ghent, Secretary to Congressman Berger, House of Representatives, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers, replying to your favor of April 29th, I beg to advise you that the printed matter you request has been sent to Mr. Harry J. Schulman, Dennison University, Granville, Ohio. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.413 X. May 1, 1933. Mr. Ernest Bohm, Secretary, Central Federated Union, 210 E. 5th St., New York City. Dear Sir: Your two favors of the 29th instant addressed to President Gompers have been received and contents noted. Asyou will learn through the press reports, he is now in Indianapolis in connection with this case. That part of your letter dealing with the matter of the United House Shorers and the Compressed Air Workers has been re- ferred to Secretary Morrison, and the proposed amendment to the Constitution of the United States endorsed by the New York Central Federated Union will be placed with the other matters scheduled for the consideration of the Executive Council at its next meeting. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secratary to President Gompers.414 AM COPIED. MAY 2 1911 May 2 1911. TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: This is to certify that Mr. A. R. Gordon is hereby duly authorized to install the officers and intiate the members of Flour and Cereal Mill Employes Union #13213, Los Angeles, California. Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.415 AH [*COPIED. MAY 2, 1911*] May 2, 1911. TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: This is to certify that Mr. J. L. Donnelly is hereby duly authorized to install the officers and initiate the members of Machinists Helpers Union #13205, Salida, Colorado. Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor.416 [*COPIED MAY 2 1911*] May 2 Mr. Samuel Gompers, c/o G.W.Perkins, Room 820 Monon Block, 320 Dearborn St., Chicago, Ill. Baltimore Peace Congress opens tomorrow. Will you wire message to give them in event you do not return in time to attend any of the sessions. R. Lee Guard. Charge A. F. of L.[*417*] NIGHT LETTER WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH COMPANY. [*COPIED. May 3 - 1911*] May 2, 1912. Mr. John R. Alpine, 401 Bush Temple of Music, Chicago, Illinois. it is plainly manifest conspiracy exists to crush bridge and structural iron workers international union by attempting to fasten horrible crime on its officers. The outrageous kidnapping as well as trudged up false accusations of criminality against labor men simply because they are labor men must be stopped. The officers of affiliated and unaffiliated international unions located at Indianapolis and local bodies urged me to call special meeting executive council at Indianapolis. This I deemed inadvisable at least before consultation. They then requested me to go to Indianapolis for consultation. I complied and had two day's conference there, Secretary Spencer Building Trades Department and Atterney Mulhalland participating. Much information was given showing the conspiracy. The conference to avoid diffusion of effort and thus injure the rights and liberty of the incarcerated men urged that the entire matter of receiving and disbursing [[?]] and all other matters in connection with the case be in the hands of the Executive Council so that an ample opportunity for proper defense may be assured. I submit for approval the proposition to take charge. Please promptly return your votes by telegraph to Washington. Samuel Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor.418 L. May 3, 1911. Mr. John R. Alpine, Seventh Vice-President, American Federation of Labor, 461 Bush Temple of Music, Chicago, Illinois. [*COPIED. MAY 3- 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: Your telegram received with vote on proposition submitted by President Gompers. The proposition was received later by wire and was communicated last night lettergram to each member of the Executive Council. I herewith enclose copy to you for filing purposes, as per your request. Your vote has been recorded in favor of the same. Yours fraternally, Frank Morrison. Secretary American Federation of Labor. Enclosure. [*419*] RIGHT LETTER WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH COMPANY [*COPIED. MAY 8, 1911*] May 2, 1911. Mr. James O'Connell, McGill Bldg., Washington, D.C. It is plainly manifest conspiracy exists to crush bridge and structural iron workers international union by attempting to fasten horrible crime on its officers. The outrageous kidnapping as well as trumped up false accusations of criminality against labor men simply because they are labor men must be stopped. The officers of affiliated and unaffiliated International Unions located at Indianapolis and local bodies urged me to call special meeting executive council at Indianapolis. This I deemed inadvisable at least before consultation. They then requested me to go to Indianapolis for consultation. I complied and had two day's conference there, Secretary Spencer Building Trades Department and Attorney Mulholland participating. Much information was given showing the conspiracy. The conference to avoid diffusion of effort and thus injure the rights and liberty of the incarcerated men urged that the entire matter of receiving and disbursing fund and all other matters in connection with the case be in the hands of the Executive Council so that an ample opportunity for proper defense may be assured. I submit for approval the proposition to take charge. Please promptly return your votes by telegraph to Washington. Samuel Gompers. president, American Federation of Labor.[*420*] VE May 3, 1911 [*COPIED. May 3 - 1911*] Mr. James O'Connell, President International Association of Machinists, McGill Building, Washington, D.C. Dear Sir and Brother: Enclosed find copy of proposition forwarded last night, by night telegram, to the members of the Executive Council, in accordance with President Gompers' instructions. Fraternally yours, Frank Morrison Secretary, American Federation of Labor.421 COPIED May 3 1911 May 3, 1911. X. Mr. Alex Campbell, Campbell House, 50 Marine Street, St. Augustine, Fla. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers on official business, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the first instant, which will be brought to Mr. Gompers' attention as soon as possible after his return to headquarters. Very truly yours, Secretary to President Gompers.422 X. May 3, 1911. Mr. Fred Lockley, Manager, The Pacific Monthly, Portland, Oregon. [*COPIED. MAY 3- 1911*] Dear Sir: Your favor of April 28th is received, and under separate cover the May number of the Pacific Monthly, containing an article entitled "Mary Shaughnessy", dealing with the relations of Capital and Labor. I thank you very much for calling the article to my attention. Very truly yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*423*] X. May 3, 1911. Mr. J. P. Egan, Editor, The Toledo Union Leader, 314 Cherry Street, Toledo, Ohio. [*COPIED. MAY 8 - 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the first instant is received, and under separate cover the fifteen copies of the Toledo Union Leader con-- taining statement made by Mayor Whitlock on the McNamara case. Please accept my hearty thanks. Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*424*] X. May 3, 1911. Mr. F. T. Hawley, President, Switchmen's Union of America, 326 Brisbane Bldg., Buffalo, N. Y. [*COPIED. MAY 3- 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the first instant is received and contents noted. In reply I beg to say that I am today writing to Secretary Andrew J. Gallagher of the San Francisco Trades Council, in con-- formity with the request received from Secretary Sefton, asking Mr. Gallagher to use his best efforts to organize the Switchmen of San Francisco. Trusting that he will be able to form an organization, and with best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*425*] X. May 3, 1911. Mr. Andrew J. Gallagher, Secretary, San Francisco Trades Council, 316 14th Street, San Francisco, Cal. COPIED. MAY 3- 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: On April 22d. Mr. A. W. Sefton, Secretary of the Central Labor Council of Oakland, California, wrote me as follows: "There has been called to my notice by Switchmens' Union No. 158, affiliated with this body, the importance of organizing a lodge of their International in the jurisdiction of San Francisco, together with the information that Andrew J. Gallagher, Secretary of San Francisco Labor Council, has investigated and learned that the nucleus of such organization can be had if he be delegated to form a switchmen's union from the employees of the State-owned belt line of that city. You will at once grasp the importance and bearing upon the general movement of this State of such an organization, and will not elide in this equation of consideration the effect of State recognition of an A. F. of L. body. I believe you will see that no more important influence could be wielded in the matter of inducting other railroad organizations into what is logically their parent body than the proof, which will not be slow in coming, that a constituent of the American Federation gets direct recognition at the hands of political "powers that be" which cannot be had by outsiders, expect at expense of humiliating themselves before their employers or becoming political radicals and wielding the destructive force of fanaticism at the polls. I would urge upon you to give this matter the earnest consideration that its importance merits, and assure the co-operation of this Council to its fruition, and if might be, my personal assistance (paltry though it be), to the betterment that must follow for all the workers if a switchmen's union be organized in San Francisco." I am sure any assistance which you may be able to render the Switchmen in this matter will be greatly appreciated by Presi-426 Mr. Andrew J. Gallagher -2- dent Hawley. Trusting that I may hear from you in regard to this at your convenience, I am, with best wishes, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.427 [*COPIED. MAY 3, 1911*] X. May 3, 1911. Mr. A. M. Phillips, Editor, Orange County Workman, 21 Grand Ave., Middletown, N. Y. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of May first is received and contents noted. You say that you have been elected as Editor of the Orange County Workman and that as you are entirely inexperienced in such work, you would be glad if I would furnish you with up to date labor news for each month's publication. Let me say in reply that I am placing your paper upon our list to receive regularly the weekly news letter issued by this office. I am sending you under separate cover a copy of last week's letter. I am also sending you some of our printed matter which I am sure you can use to advantage. Your paper is now xeroxed upon our exchange list and the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST is [?] sent to you regularly each month. Of course you understand that you can use any matter appearing therein, of course, giving due credit therefor. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.428 COPIED MAY 3, 1911 X. May 3, 1911. Mr. Edwin A. Brown, Hotel Alexandria, Chicago, Illinois Dear Sir: I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of May the first addressed to President Gompers. Your brief note stating that yo u would be at the New Willard of this city a few days was duly received. Mr. Gompers was away at the time of its receipt. He was here for a day or two and then was suddenly called to Indianapolis. He was so crowded for the day or two he was here that it was impossible for him to get to see you at that time, and then it was necessary for him to leave the city. I will endeavor to bring your letter to his attention as promptly as possible after his return. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers429 X. May 3, 1911. Mr. E. E. Thorp, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, 3754 Belmont Street, Bellaire, Ohio. [*COPIED. MAY 3- 1911*] Dear Sir: Your favor of May first addressed to President Gompers has been received and contents noted. You say that arrangements have been made for a joint protest meeting in your city on May 21, and that you have been instructed to request President Gompers to come to your city for that date for the purpose of addressing the meeting. In reply I beg to say, as you have doubtless noticed from the press reports, that President Gompers is in Indianapolis, conferring with the representatives of the organized labor movement of that city in connection with the McNamara case. No doubt he will be able to advise you upon his return as to the suggested meeting on May 21st. Very truly yours, R Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers. [*COPIED. MAY 3, 1911*] X. May 3, 1911. Mr. [?] Buchanan, President, Central Trades and Labor Council, 1001 Exchange Street, [??st], Rochester, N. Y. Dear Sir: Your favor of May first addressed to President Gompers has been received and contents noted. You say that arrangements have been made for a joint protest meeting in your city on May 21, and that you have been instructed to request President Gompers to come to your city for that date for the purpose of addressing the meeting. You also say that you have been instructed to invite Vice-Presidents Mitchell and Duncan, Treasurer Lennon, and M. Raymond Robins, and you then further request Mr. Gompers to advise you as to other speakers whom you could get for the meeting, who properly understand the situation in regard to the McNamara case. In reply I beg to say, as you have doubtless noticed from the press reports, that President Gompers is in Indianapolis, conferring with the representatives of the organized labor movement of that city in connection with the McNamara case. No doubt he will be able to advise you upon his return as to the suggested meeting on May 21st. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*430*] [*COPIED. MAY 3, 1911*] X. May 3, 1911. Mr. Harry Mountford, Secretary, White Rats Actors' Union of America, 1553 Broadway, New York City. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers on official business, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the first instant, which will be brought to Mr. Gompers' attention upon his return to headquarters. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*431*] [*COPIED. MAY 8, 1911*] X. May 8, 1911. Mr. Peter G. Cook, President, Local #60, Operative Plasterers International Asso., 36 Union Road, Roselle Park, N. J. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the first instant is received and contents noted. In conformity with the course always followed by this office in such matters, I would suggest that you take it up with the executive officers of your International Union, and then if they deem it advisable the matter can be taken up with this office. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.432 [*COPIED. MAY 3, 1911*] X. May 3, 1911. Mr. Hugh Frayne, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, 25 Third Avenue, New York City. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of May the first is received and contents noted. In regard to the matter of the controversy between the Teamsters' Local #475, and the Essex Trades Council of Newark, New Jersey, I do not know that there is any further suggestion I have to make at this time, until I hear from President Tobin. In all probability when I hear from President Tobin, I will write you further. In the meantime, with best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*433*] [*COPIED. MAY 3 - 1911*] X. May 3, 1911. Mr. Hugh Frayne, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, 25 Third Avenue, New York City. Dear Sir and Brother: I am in receipt of the following letter from Isidor Zlochower, 74 First Avenue, Manhattan, New York City; "I am engaged in the seltzer water, and soda water business at 74 First Avenue, New York City, Borough of Manhattan. Owing to the fact that advertisements have appeared in many newspapers, as well as large amounts of circulars have been distributed, advising all persons, especially Hebrews, to drink only such beverages as have the Union Label, it is very difficult for any one to manufacture and sell such goods with such label. I therefore applied to the United Hebrew Trades at 151 Clinton Street, for membership, and for the use of the label. This was over six weeks ago. I have been there many, many times but have received no satisfaction, but my application was refused. I have been willing and still am willing to make a Union shop in my business, but I was informed that I have no right to go into that line of business. I believe that I have a right, as well as any other person to go into any legitimate business enterprise, and that I should not be discriminated against, unlawfully and without regard to my property rights. I am informed that about twelve manufacturers are in this seltzer water business. These persons claim that no one else can enter into the Union, and I claim that they are creating a trust, and to that end and purpose I believe that I can furnish you with many evidences from other persons. I am now unable even to purchase liquid gas which is absolutely necessary for my business, and I ask you, as President of the Federation of Labor to look into this matter and give it your attention. I state again, as I said before, that I am willing to have a Union shop, but for some reason or other, that privilege is denied me." I have written Mr. Zlochower that his message has been refered434 Mr. Hugh Frayne -2- ferred to you, and that you will write him direct. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor[*435*] [*COPIED MAY 3, 1911*] X. May 3, 1911. Mr. Isidor Zlochower, 74 First Avenue, Borough of Manhattan, New York City. Dear Sir: Your favor of May first received and contents noted. In reply thereto I beg to say that the official representative of the A. F. of L. for New York City is Mr. Hugh Frayne, 25 Third Avenue, New York City. I have sent him copy of your letter and have requested him to get in communication with you. You will no doubt hear from him shortly after you receive this. Very truly yours, Sam'l Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor.[*436*] [*COPIED MAY 3, 1911*] X. May 3, 1911. Mrs. A. S. Gitterman, President, Public Education Association, 115 C Street, N. E., City. Dear Madam: Your favor of the first instant is received and in compliance with your request, I take pleasure in placing your name on the list to receive the weekly news letter regularly, and am sending you the book numbers under separate cover. Very truly yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.437 [*COPIED. MAY 3- 1911*] X. May 3, 1911. Mr. Stuart Reid, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, Longs Hotel, Hartford, Conn. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers on official business, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of April 28th, which will be brought to Mr. Gompers' attention upon his return to head- quarters. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.438 [*COPIED. MAY 3 1911*] X. May 3, 1911. Mr. J. W. Kline, President, International Brotherhood of Blacksmiths and Helpers, 570 Monon Building, Chicago, Illinois. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers on official business, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of May first, which will be brought to Mr. Gompers' personal attention as soon as possible after his return to headquarters. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.439 [*COPIED. MAY 3, 1911*] M May 3, 1911. Mr. Sidney C. Fulkerson, Secretary, Trades Council, Olney, Illinois. Dear Sir and Brother: We are in receipt of a letter from Mr. Clem Fisher, in which he tenders his resignation as volunteer organizer for Olney and vicinity, stating that his health will not permit him to attend to the duties of the office. In view of this action, therefore, I am writing you to request the Trades Council to recommend to me the name of some good, active trade unionist, to whom commission can be issued as Brother Fisher's successor. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you at your earliest convenience, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.440 [*COPIED. MAY 3, 1911*] M May 3, 1911. Mr. Clem Fisher, Olney, Illinois. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 1st instant is at hand, in which you tender your resignation as volunteer organizer for Olney and vicinity as your health will not permit you to give the work attention. 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 that although no longer connected with the A. F. of L. as our official organizer you will yet lend your influence wherever possible to the strengthening and advancement of our great cause. I am by this mail writing to the Secretary of the Trades Council requesting him to recommend the appointment of some good active trade unionist as your successor. With kind regards and hoping to hear from your whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor.441 [*COPIED. MAY 3, 1911*] X. May 3, 1911. Mr. R. A. Cornett, Chairman, Machinists Helpers Local #13117 909 East Leigh Street, Huntington, W. Va. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of April 29th is received and contents noted. In it you enclose copy of the letter to Mr. J. F. Walsh, General Superintendent of Motive Power of the O. and O. Railway Company in regard to matter of increase of wages to the employes of that company as represented by the Machinists, Boiler Makers, Blacksmiths, Pipe Pitters, Carmen, Machinists Helpers, and Boiler Makers Helpers. You further say that the question of wages has been put into the hands of the Presidents of these several national organizations, and you then request that I should get in touch with them and advise your local in regard thereto. In connection with this matter, let me call your attention to the provisions of the Constitution of the A. F. of L., Article 13, Section 4, which provides that before any directly affiliated union is entitled to benefits from the Defense Fund of the A. F. of L. it shall have been in continuous good standing for a period of one year. Our records show that charter was issued to Union #13117, on January 4, 1911. Therefore, in the event of any trouble arising in your endeavor to secure the desired increase in wages whereby your members would become involved in a strike, you would not be 442 Mr. R. A. Cornett -2- eligible to benefits from the Defense Fund. I am calling your attention especially to this point, as quite frequently in the case of newly organized unions, some misunderstanding exists as to matters of this character. Of course I shall be glad to be of any assistance within my power and trust you will keep me advised from time to time as to what course has finally been decided upon by Local #13117 in conjunction with the several other local unions interested. With best wishes for ultimate success, and hoping to hear from you often, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.443 [*COPIED. MAY 3 - 1911*] Washington, D. C., May 3, 1911. Mr. Tunstall Smith, McCoy's Hall, John Hopkins University, Baltimore, Md. Please wire me collect if the Congress will hold session tomorrow afternoon and evening. R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers. American Federation of Labor Charge A. F. of L.444 [*COPIED. MAY 3, 1911*] X. May 2, 1911. Mr. Andrew J. Furuseth, 44-46 East Street, San Francisco, Cal. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 24th instant is received and contents noted. In regard to our friend in New York, information comes to me that he has resigned his New York position and has gone to New Orleans. I had a letter from him under date of April 25th from Birmingham, Alabama, in which he sent me the newspaper accounts of the first day's session of the Alabama State Federation of Labor. He requested that his commission should be sent to him to 314 Dumaine Street, New Orleans, and that on his way to that city he would call at Mobile and Gulfport. As to our other friend, the information given me is that he is an active member of Tammany Hall; that is alleged that he believes his position lends him prestige with that organization. I am indeed glad to know that you are nearly well, and hope that you will have entirely recovered in the very near future. Trusting that I may hear from you soon and often, I am, with best wishes, Fraternally yours, President, American Federation of Labor.[*445*] [*COPIED. MAY 4 1911*] [*Print*] Washington, D. C. May [2] 4, 1911 Tunstall Smith, Peace Congress, McCoy's Hall, John Hopkins University, Baltimore, Md. President Gompers expects to arrive Baltimore from Chicago some time this afternoon and attend Congress. R. LEE GUARD, Secretary to President Gompers.446 [*COPIED. MAY 4- 1911*] X. May 4, 1911. Mr. F. M. Carulla, Apartado 669 Correo, Buenos Aires. Dear Sir: Your favor of May 31st has just been received and contents noted. You say that the Mayor of San Francisco has advised you of my publications including the American Federationist published by this office, and you say that you should like to have these. I am in doubt as to whether it is your desire to subscribe to the American Federationist or whether you merely desire to secure some of our printed matter. I am therefore sending to you under separate cover copy of the last issue of the magazine. As you will note from the cover, the subscription price is one Dollar per year. Should you desire to have your name entered upon our mailing list, your order will receive prompt attention. I am also sending to you package of some of our printed matter, including that which we have printed in Spanish. Hoping to hear from you further, I am, Very truly yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.447 [*COPIED. May 4- 1911*] X. May 4, 1911. Mr. James Himmel, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, c/o 343 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, Cal. Dear Sir and Brother: In a letter recently received from Secretary J. A. Dyche, of the International Ladies Garment Workers' Union, he calls attention to the condition of the trade in San Francisco, and asks that you should be requested to give whatever assistance you can to the work of building up his local union in that city. Any assistance you can render him will be not only appreciated by that organization but also by, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.448 [*COPIED. MAY 4- 1911*] X. May 4, 1911. Mr. J. A. Lyche, Secretary, International Ladies Garment Workers' Union, 11 Waverly Place, New York City. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of May third received and contents noted. I understood from your previous letter that you were requesting the appointment of Mr. Himmel as special organizer for your trade on the Pacific Coast. He holds a commission as volunteer organizer for the A. F. of L. in San Francisco and I will be glad to write him as you suggest requesting him to give whatever attention he can to assisting in organizing the men working at your trade in that city. With kind regards, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.449 [*COPIED. MAY 4-1911*] X. May 4, 1911. POST MASTER, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: On December 10, 1910, we returned by mail a small package containing cut for advertisement to Stark Distillery Company, 217-219 Pine Street, St. Louis, Mo. I am now in receipt of a letter from the Company stating that the cut has never b en received. Will you please do what you can to trace this package, and oblige, Very truly yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.450 [*COPIED. MAY 4- 911*] X. May 4, 1911. WHENREPLYING PLEASE REFER TO RESOLUTION #158, TORONTO CONVENTION. Mr. Frank H. McCarthy, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, 97 Union Park St., Boston, Mass. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of April 29th received, and I have carefully noted the report you make of your visit to the Fore River Shipyards in Quincy, in compliance with my request of February 8th. I have just written to the executive officers of the several national and international unions interested, sending them copy of your report, so that they may make whatever arrangements may be deemed advisable by them as regards the matter of sending a representative into that district. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers President, -can Federation of Labor.[*451*] [*COPIED. MAY 4- 1911*] X. May 4, 1911. Mr. Fred Huber, Secretary, Federal Labor Union #6939, 25 Third Avenue, Room 56, New York City. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of May first is received, in which you return the union label contracts properly filled in, about which we have been corresponding. I have signed them and return to you herein the following: Two contracts with Jacobson and Kumesh, you to return one to the company and keep one for the files of your union; One contract for Kunstler and Heyman. I sent one to you yesterday. That leaves one for the files of this office, one for your union, and for the company. One for Friedman Brothers and Son. I sent you one of these yesterday. This leaves one for thefiles of this office, one for your union, and one for the company. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.452 [*COPIED. MAY 4- 1911*] X. May 4, 1911. Mr. Edw. I. Hannah, Secretary, International Union of Pavers, Rammermen, Flag-Layers, Bridge and Stone Curb Setters, 249 E. 57th Street, New York City. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of May first is received and contents noted. You desire to know whether there is any organizer of the A. F. of L. located in Cuba. I regret to say in reply that there is no official representative of the A. F. of L. in Cuba. I would suggest, however, that you communicate with Organizer Santiago Iglesias, 11 Allen Street, San Juan, Porto Rico, who for some time past has been in correspondence with various representatives of the Cuban workmen. He might be able to be of some assistance to you. I am writing him today sending him copy of your letter to me, an copy of my reply thereto. If you will write him immediately, your letter will go by the Saturday's steamer. As you know, there is but one steamer a week to Porto Rico. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.453 [*COPIED> MAY 4- 1911*] X. May 4, 1911. Mr. Santiago Iglesias, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, 11 Allen Street, San Juan, Porto Rico. Dear Sir and Brother: I am in receipt of a letter from Mr. Edw. I. Hannah, Secretart of the International Union of Pavers and Rammermen, in which he desires to know if there is an A. F. of L. organizer in Cuba, as the men enjoyed by the Uvalde Asphalt Paving Co., of Placetos de Placetos, Cuba, are not getting proper treatment. I enclose herewith copy of his letter and my reply, which are self-explanatory, and which you will please accept as part of this letter to you. Will you please get into communication with Mr. Hannah and render him whatever assistance you can in the matter. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.454 INTERNATIONAL UNION PAVERS, RAMMERMEN, FLAG-LAYERS, ASPHALT WORKERS, BRIDGE AND STONE OURB SETTERS. Edw. I. Hannah, General Secretary, 249 E. 57th St., New York, N. Y. New York, May 1, 1911. Mr. Samuel Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor. Dear Sir andBrother: Will you kindly inform me if the A. F. of L. has any organizers in Placetos de Placetos, Cuba, as the Uvalde Asphalt Paving Co., has quite a lot of men engaged in this part of the country and reports are coming into the office shows that they are subjecting the men to many abuses. If there is an organizer representing the A. F. of L. in Placetos de Placetos, kindly send me his name and address and I will get in touch with him. Hoping this will find you enjoying excellent health, and with best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, (Signed) Edw. I. Hannah, General Secretary. 455 COPY. Washington, D. C., May 4, 1911 Mr. Edw. I. Hannah, Secretary, International Union of Pavers, Rammermen, Flag-Layers, Bridge and Stone Curb Setters, 249 E. 57th Street, New York City. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of May first is received and contents noted. You desire to know whether there is any organizer of the A. F. of L. located in Cuba. I regret to say in reply that there is no official representative of the A. F. of L. in Cuba. I would suggest, however, that you communicate with Organizer Santiago Iglesias, 11 Allen Street, San Juan, Porto Rico, who for some time past has been in correspondence with various representatives of the Cuban workmen. He might be able to be of some assistance to you. I am writing him today sending him copy of your letter to me, and copy of my reply thereto. If you will write him immediately, your letter will go by the Saturday's steamer. As you know, there is but one steamer a week to Porto Rico. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, (Signed) SAMUEL GOMPERS, President, American Federation of Labor.456 [*COPIED. MAY 4 - 1911*] X. May 3, 1911. Hon. Joseph F. Johnston, United States Senate, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: Not long since your secretary called me up and requested that I should send to Mr. R. H. Turner, Dadeville, Alabama, such information and data as would be helpful to him in the preparation of his debate upon the subject, "RESOLVED, That the trade unions as organized under the A. F. of L. are a menace to the welfare of the American people. " I wrote to Mr. Turner in conformity therewith, but the letter has been returned to me by the postoffice with the information that the party is unknown. If you will give me Mr. Turner's present address, I shall be glad to forward the letter to him. Very truly yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.457 [*COPIED. MAY 4 - 1911*] X. May 3, 1911. Mr. W. A. Bonner, Secretary, Federal Labor Union #11891, 651 Silver Lake Street, Athol, Mass. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of May first received and contents noted. You enclose wage scale which your organization contemplates presenting to the L. S. Starrett Company. you say that Machinists Local #650 is prepared to submit its wage scale, the two scales being practically the same. You further say that the members of the Machinists local have expressed their intention of supporting Local #11891 in this matter and that you submit the scale for the approval of the Executive Council. However, you do not give the date when the scale is to go into effect and when it will expire. I have before me the correspondence with your union of last year in connection with the matter of wage scale. On May 19, 1910, I find that Secretary Morrison, in reply to a letter from Secretary Fisette, wrote you as follows: "Your favor of the 15 instant received. I do not exactly understand your question as to whether or not the members of your organization are entitled to a raise of wages. You state that your members pay only 25 ₵ per month dues and judge that you have reference to the matter of their eligibility to strike benefits, in the event that a strike is declared, in order to enforce an increase in wages. I enclose copy of the constitution of the American Federation of Labor and refer you to Section 12, Article XIII, page 22, which you will note, stipulates that no local shall be entitled to benefits from the defense fund unless it requires its members to pay not less than 50₵ per month dues; hence, why only 25₵458 Mr. W. A. Bonner -2- per month rate of dues your members would not be eligible to benefits. this requirement must be fulfilled and the members in the organization in continuous good standing for one year, to be entitled to benefits. If this is not the information you desire, please write me more fully and I will be pleased to give you whatever further advice necessary." Therefore, in view of the above, before submitting your scale to the Executive Council of the A. F. of L., you will please advise me whether the members of your local are now required to pay 50 ₵ dues per month as provided by the Constitution of the A. F. of L? If the system of 50 ₵ dues now prevails, also advise me when this system went into effect. Please let me hear from you in regard to the above matters at your early convenience, and oblige, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.459 [*COPIED. MAY 4 - 1911*] X. May 3, 1911. Rev. W. A. Mtynarozyn, Publisher, Mlotek Duchowny, Polish Publishing Co., 261 Lincoln Avenue, Utica, N. Y. Dear Sir: Replying to your favor of the first instant, I beg to say that I am glad to place your publication upon our exchange list and will also place you on the list to receive the weekly news letter sent out by this office. Perhaps you might be interested in some of our circulars and pamphlets which I think you could use to great advantage, and I am therefore sending package to you under separate cover. Very truly yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.460 [*COPIED. Mary 4 - 1911*] X. May 4, 1911. Mr. W. A. Faber Secretary, Federal Labor Union No. 11617, Herrin, Illinois. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of April 30th received and contents noted. You say that the scale of wages you submitted for the approval of the Executive Council and about which I wrote you on April 20th, was to take effect May the first, 1911, and expire May first, 1912; that it does not apply to any particular company as your members are employed by different parties in and around Herrin, comprising coal companies, lumbermen, bricklayers, merchants, carpenters, teamsters, miners, etc.; that as the local union of hod carriers has disbanded the scale covers that work also, and that no controversy or strike is expected or contemplated. You further say that your scale has been approved by the Herrin Central Body. Your letter submitting the scale was written April 17; was receivedhere April 20; reply made that day, to which you replied on April 30, stating that the scale would go into effect on May first. Therefore, your organization having acted in the matter, it is too late and unnecessary for the scale to be submitted to the Executive Council. However, I should be glad to have a word from you as to whether it has been granted by the various parties employing your members.461 Mr. W. A. Faber -2- With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.462 [*COPIED. MAY 4 - 1911*] X. May 4, 1911. WHEN REPLYING PLEASE REFER TO RESOLUTION #158, TORONTO CONVENTION. Mr. James O'Connell, President, International Association of Machinists, McGill Building, City. Dear Sir and Brother: On February 8th I wrote to you and to the several other international organizations interested, in regard to the situation in the Fore River Shipyards at Quincy, Mass. At the same time I also wrote to Organizer Frank McCarthy, of Boston, and requested him to visit Fore River Shipyards and make a report to me. I am just in receipt of that report, copy of which is enclosed herein. It seemed to be that you should be in possession of the information given by Organizer McCarthy, so that if you deem it advisable and to the best interests of your organization, [to] you could have a representative visit the Fore River Shipyards at your convenience. With kind regards, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. P. S. I should add that a letter similar to this is being written to the several other organizations interested. 463 [*COPIED. MAY 4 - 1911*] X. May 4, 1911. WHEN REPLYING PLEASE REFER TO RESOLUTION #158, TORONTO COVENTION. Mr. W. J. Gilthorpe, Secretary, Brotherhood of Boiler Makers and Iron Ship Builders, Suite 7-18, Law Bldg., Kansas City, Kansas. Dear Sir and Brother: On February 8th I wrote to you and to the several other international organizations interested, in regard to the situation in the fore River Shipyards at Quincy, Mass. At the same time I also wrote to Organizer Frank McCarthy, of Boston, and requested him to visit Fore River Shipyards and make a report to me. I am just in receipt of that report, copy of which is enclosed herein. It seemed to me that you should be in possession of the information given by Organizer McCarthy, so that if you deem it advisable and to the best interests of your organization, you could [to] have a representative visit the Fore River Shipyards at your convenience. With kind regards, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. P. S. I should add that a letter similar to this is being written to the several other organizations insterested.464 [*COPIED. MAY 4- 1911*] X. May 4, 1911. WHEN REPLYING PLEASE REFER TO RESOLUTION #158, TORONTO CONVENTION. Mr. W. H. Davies, Secretary, International Association of Steam and Hot Water Fitters and Helpers of America, Room 205, Merrick Bldg., 351 W. 63d. St., Chicago, Illinois. Dear Sir and Brother: On February 8th I wrote to you and to several other international organizations interested, in regard to the situation in the Fore River Shipyards at Quincy, Mass. At the same time I also wrote to Organizer Frank McCarthy, of Boston, and requested him to visit Fore River Shipyards and make a report to me. I am just in receipt of that report, copy of which is enclosed herein. It seemed to me that you shouldbe in possession of the information given by Organizer McCarthy, so that if you deem it advisable and to the best interests of your organization, you could [to] have a representative visit the Fore River Shipyards at your convenience. With kind regards, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. P.S. I should add that a letter similar to this is being written to the several other organizations interested.465 [*COPIED. MAY 4- 1911*] X. May 4, 1911. RESOLUTION #158, TORONTO CONVENTION. Mr. Joe. F. Valentine, President, International Molders' Union of North America, Commercial Tribune Bldg., Cincinnati, O. Dear Sir and Brother: On February 8th I wrote to you and to the several other international organizations interested, in regard to the situation in the Fore River Shipyards at Quincy, Mass. At the same time I also wrote to Organizer at Frank McCarthy, of Boston, and requested him to visit Fore River Shipyards and make a report to me. I am just in receipt of that report, copy of which is enclosed herein. It seemed to me that you should be in possession of the information given by Organizer McCarthy, so that if you deem it advisable and to the best interests of your organization, you could [to] have representative visit the Fore River Shipyards at your convenience. With best regards, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. P. S. I should add that a letter similar to this is being written to the several other organizations interested.466 [*COPIED, MAY 4- 1911*] X. May 4, 1911. WHEN REPLYING PLEASE REFER TO RESOLUTION #158, TORONTO CONVENTION. Mr. M. O'Sullivan, President, Amalgamated Sheet Metal Workers' Int'l Alliance, 325 Nelson Building, Kansas City, Mo. Dear Sir and Brother: On February 8th I wrote to you and to the several other international organizations interested, in regard to the situation in the Fore River Shipyards at Quincy, Mass. At the same time I also wrote to Organizer Frank McCarthy, of Boston, and requested him to visit Fore River Shipyards and make a report to me. I am just in receipt of that report, copy ofwhich is enclosed herein. It seemed to me that you should be in possession of the information given by Organizer McCarthy, so that if you deem it advisable and to the best interests of your organization, you could [to] have a representative visit the Fore River Shipyards at your convenience. With kind regards, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. P.S. I should add that a letter similar to this is being written to the several other organizations interested.[*467*] [*COPIED. May 4- 1911*] X. May 4, 1911. WHEN REPLYING PLEASE REFER TO RESOLUTION #158, TORONTO CONVENTION. Mr. J. W. Kline, President, International Brotherhood of Blacksmiths, 570 Monon Building Chicago, Illinois. Dear Sir and Brother: On February 8th I wrote to you and to the several other international organizations interested, in regard to the situation in the Fore River Shipyards and Quincy, Mass. At the same time I also wrote to Organizer Frank McCarthy, of Boston, and requested him to visit Fore River Shipyards and make a report to me. I am just in receipt of that report, copy of which is enclosed herein. It seemed to me that you should be in possession of the information given by Organizer McCarthy, so that if you deem it advisable and to the best interests of your organization, [to] you could have a representative visit the Fore River Shipyards at your convenience. With kind regards, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. P.S. I should add that a letter similar to this is being written to the several other organizations interested.[*468*] X. May 4, 1911 [*COPIED. May 4 -1911*] RESOLUTION #158. TORONTO CONVENTION. Mr. James Wilson, President, Pattern Makers League of North America, Second National Bank Bldg., Cincinnati, Ohio. Dear Sir and Brother: On February 8th I wrote to you and to the several other international organizations interested, in regard to the situation in the Fore River Shipyards at Quincy, Mass. At the same time I also wrote to Organizer Frank McCarthy, of Boston, and requested him to visit Fore River Shipyards and make a report to me. I am just in receipt of that report, copy of which is enclosed herein. It seemed to me that you should be in possession of the information given by Organizer McCarthy, no that if you deem it advisable and to the best interests of your organization, you could [to] have a representative visit the Fore River Shipyards at your convenience. With kind regards, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor. P.S. I should add that a letter similar to this is being written to the several other organizations interested.469 COPIED MAY 4, 1911 X. May 4, 1911. WHEN REPLYING PLEASE REFER TO RESOLUTION #156, TORONTO CONVENTION. Mr. Frank J. McNulty, President, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Pierick Building, Springfield, Ill. Dear Sir and Brother: On February 8th I wrote to you and to the several other international organizations interested, in regard to the situation in the Fore River Shipyards at Quincy, Mass. At the same time I also wrote to Organizer Frank McCarthy, of Boston, and requested him to visit Fore River Shipyards and make a report to me. I am just in receipt of that report, copy of which is enclosed herein. It seemed to me that you should be in possession of the information given by organizer McCarthy, so that if you deem it advisable and to the best interests of your organization you could have a representative visit the Fore River Shipyards at your convenience. With kind regards, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers President, American Federation of Labor P.S. I should add that a letter similar to this is being written to the several other organizations interested. [*470*] [*COPIED. MAY 4, 1911*] X. May 3, 1911. Mr. T. F. Flanagan, Secretary, Central Federation of Labor, Federation Hall, Troy, New York. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the first instant, in which you say that the Troy Central Federation of Labor has accepted the resignation of Organizer James Hawthorne. The change will be made on our books in conformity therewith. President Gompers will be glad to have your Central Body recommend someone to be appointed as Mr. Hawthorne's successor. Kindly advise him as to this at your early convenience, and oblige, Very truly yours, R. Lee Grant Secretary to President Gompers.471 X. May 3, 1911. Mr. James T. Manee, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, 32 Asylum Street, Hartford, Conn. [*COPIED. MAY 4- 1911*] Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of May the first, in which you advise him that the trouble between organized labor and the Poli Theaters has been satisfactorily adjusted, and that this circle of theaters will hereafter be conducted under union conditions. I am sure he will be gratified to receive the information. Very truly yours, R Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers. [*472*] X. May 3, 1910 [*COPIED. MAY 4 - 1911*] Mr. Owen Miller, Secretary, American Federation of Musicians, 3535 Pine Street, St. Louis, Mo. Dear Sir: Please accept President Gompers' thanks for your letter of May the first, in which you advise him of the date upon which Mr. Joeseph B. Williams, the delegate from the Musicians of England to your next annual convention, will arrive in New York City. As you will doubtless notice from the press reports, President Gompers is now in the west. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*473*] X. May 3, 1911. [*COPIED May 4 - 1911*] Mr. Eugene Sarber, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, 2267 Red Bud Avenue, St. Louis, Mo. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of May the first, in which you refer to his letter to you under date of April 27, in regard to the members of the Switchmen's Union in Kansas City who were recently discharged. The railroad by which these men were discharged in the M. K. and T. President Gompers will be glad to hear from you further at you convenience. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers. [*474*] X. May 3, 1911. Mr. W. M. Creighton, Secretary, Sheet Metal Workers' International Alliance, Local #179, 709 W. Monterey St., Denison, Texas. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of April 29, in which you refer to controversy between your local and the Blacksmiths Local, and request President Gompers to advise you as to the matter of jurisdiction between the two national organizations. In conformity with the course always followed by this office in such matters, I would suggest that you take it up with the executive officers of your International Union and then if they deem it advisable the matter should be taken up with this office. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers [*Copied. May 4 = 1911*][*475*] X. May 3, 1911. Mr. Paul Scharrenberg, Secretary, California State Federation of Labor, Labor Temple, San Francisco, Cal. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers on official business, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor on April 28th, enclosing copy of the minutes of the Executive Council of the California State Federation of Labor, also the minutes of the Joint Committee on Migratory labor. Kindly accept Mr. Gompers' thanks for the above, and oblige. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers. [*COPIED. May 4 = 1911*]476 X. May 4, 1911. Mr. Clarence E. Walker, Official and General Stenographer, Louisville, Kentucky. [*COPIED. MAY 4- 1911*] Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers on official business, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the first instant, which will be brought to Mr. Gompers' personal attention upon his return to headquarters. Very truly yours, R Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.477 X. May 4, 1911. Mr. V. Sanders, c/o Louisville Courier-Journal, Louisville, Kentucky. [*COPIED. MAY 4- 1911*] Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers on official business, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the first instant, which will be brought to Mr. Gompers' personal attention as soon as possible after his return to headquarters. Very truly yours, R Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers. 478 X. May 4, 1911. Mr. John B. Andrews, Secretary, American Association for Labor Legislation, Metropolitan Tower, New York City. [*COPIED. MAY 4- 1911*] Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the third instant, in which you enclose manuscript for publication in the American Federation. Mr. Gompers having requested you last August to contribute as article on industrial diseases. Please accept his thanks for your courtesy. The matter will be brought to his attention as promptly as possible after his return. Very truly yours, R Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers. [*479*] Form 2 THE WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH COMPANY INCORPORATED 25,000 OFFICES IN AMERICA CABLE SERVICE TO ALL THE WORLD [*May 5, 1911*] THEO. N. VAIL, PRESIDENT BELVIDERE BROOKS, GENERAL MANAGER RECEIVER'S No. TIME FILED CHECK SEND the following message subject to the terms on back hereof, which are hereby agreed to Chicago May 2, 1911. To Frank Morrison. 801=9 G.St. Washington, D. C. Please submit the following [by day] by night letter telegraph to Executive Council. It is plainly manifest conspiracy exists is crush Bridge and Structural Iron Workers International [Union] Union by attempt to fasten horrible crime on [them] its officers. The outrageous kidnapping as well as [fals] trumped up false accusations Form 2 THE WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH COMPANY INCOPORATED 25,000 OFFICES IN AMERICA CABLE SERVICE TO ALL THE WORLD THEO. N. VAIL, PRESIDENT BELVIDERE BROOKS, GENERAL MANAGER RECEIVER'S No. TIME FILED CHECK SEND the following message subject to the terms on back hereof, which are hereby agreed to 191 [To] of criminality against labor men simply because they are labor man must be stopped. ¶The officers of affiliated and unaffiliated International Unions located at Indianapolis and local bodies urged me to call special meeting Executive Council at Indianapolis. This I deemed inadvisable at least before consultation. They then requested me to go to Indianapolis for consultation. I[*480*] Form 2 THE WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH COMPANY INCORPORATED 25,000 OFFICES IN AMERICA CABLE SERVICE TO ALL THE WORLD THEO. N. VAIL, PRESIDENT BELVIDERE BROOKS, GENERAL MANAGER RECEIVER'S No. TIME FILED [*3*] CHECK SEND the following message subject to the terms on back hereof, which are hereby agreed to 191 [To] complied and had two days conferences there. Secretary Spencer Building Trades Department and Attorney Mulholland participating. [That the innocence] Much information was given showing the conspiracy. The conference to avoid diffusion of effort and thus injure the rights and liberty of the incarcerated men urged that the Form 2 THE WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH COMPANY INCORPORATED 25,000 OFFICES IN AMERICA CABLE SERVICE TO ALL THE WORLD THEO. N. VAIL, PRESIDENT BELVIDERE BROOKS, GENERAL MANAGER RECEIVER'S No. TIME FILED [*4*] CHECK [To] entire matter of receiving and disbursing funds and all other matters in connection with the case be in the hands of the Executive Council so that an ample opportunity for proper defense [before the courts] may be assured. I submit [to Executive Council] for approval the proposition to take charge. Please promptly return your votes by telegraph to Washington. Samuel Gompers, President American Federation of Labor. Collect[*481*] [*COPIED. MAY [5?] 1911*] The remaining three pages of this letter are in neostyle form, kept regularly in stock, and of which a letter press copy cannot be made. M May 5, 1911. [*COPIED. May 8th 1911*] Mr. Grover C. Kirk, c/o . W. C. S. N. S., West Chester, Pa. Dear Sir: Your favor of the 3rd instant is at hand, in which you request some information on the question "Resolved, That the Labor Unions, on the whole, are beneficial to the people of the United States." 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 publication, which is now in the 18th year of its existence.[*482*] [*COPIED. May 5, 1911*] M May 5, 1911. Mr. P. E. Taylor, Secretary, Central Labor Union, 127 E. Seventh St., San Angelo, Texas. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 28th instant is at hand, and I note what you say relative to the local unions not being represented in the central body. In reply I beg to say that under date of April 24, we received a letter from Organizer Hughes relative to this same matter, and immediately took the matter up with the respective officers of the international unions, requesting them to urge upon their locals the advisability and necessity of being represented in the Central body in accordance with Section 2, Article XI, of the Constitution of the American Federation of Labor. Hoping this may have the desired result, and with best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers, President American Federation of Labor.[*483*] [*COPIED. MAY 5, 1911*] M May 5, 1911. Mr. Charles Diehl, Secretary, Federal Labor Union No. 7087, A & Spring Streets, Belleville, Ill. Dear Sir and Brother: I beg to inform you that the new wage scale submitted by your local for the Soda Water Employees 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 hope however, that it wil 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'l Gompers, President American Federation of Labor.[*484*] X. May 5, 1911 Mr. Leland S. Kermitz, Box 155, St. Clair Heights, Michigan. [*COPIED May 5 1911*] Dear Sir: I have been requested to send you some printedmatter and data on "the closed shop versus the open shop" as you are shortly to take part in a debate upon that subject. 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 you 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-unionost 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 Hammersmark Publishing Company, 151-153 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 1[5?]th, 1906 issue of "The Journal", Rochester, N. Y. Inasmuch as the subject matter of which you will debate is fully covered in the matters referred to above, you are kindly re-[*485*] Mr. Leland S, Kermitz -2- quested 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. Very truly yours, Sam’l Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*486*] [*COPIED. MAY 5 1911*] X. May 5, 1911. Mr. David Kreyling, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, [3385?] Pine Street, St. Louis, Mo. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the second instant is received, enclosing my interviews published in the St. Louis papers during October, 1910. Please accept my thanks for you promptness in this matter. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam’l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*487*] X. May 6, 1911. Mr. A. G. Davin, Secretary, [*COPIED MAY 6 1911*] [F?] Institutional and Co-operative Union of America. Rogers, Arkansas. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the second instant is received, and under separate cover copies of the printed proceedings for the years 1908-09-10, for which please accept my thanks. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*488*] X. May 4, 1911. [*COPIED. May 5 - 1911*] Mr. W. F. [?], organizer, American Federation of Labor, [?], Illinois. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers on Official business, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the first instant. [?] report. I am sure Mr. Gompers will regret to hear of the accident when your brother recently sustained, and hope he will soon regain his usual health. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*489*] X. May 5, 1511. [*COPIED. May 5 - 1911*] Mr. W. J. [?], Secretary to Congressman Berger, House of Representatives, Washington D. C. Dear Sir: Your favor of the third instant is received, and I am glad to comply with your request by sending printed matter on the "closed shop versus the open shop" to [?]land S. Renmitz, Box 155, St. Clair Heights, Michigan. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*490*] [*Paste in letter book*] NIGHT LETTER THE WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH COMPANY INCORPORATED 25,000 OFFICES IN AMERICA CABLE SERVICE TO ALL THE WORLD ROBERT C. CLOWRY, PRESIDENT BELVEDERE BROOKS, GENERAL MANAGER SEND the following NIGHT LETTER subject to the terms on back hereof which are hereby agreed to Washington, D. C., May 5, 1911. [*COPIED. MAY 5 - 1911*] Mr. Tunstall Smith, McCoy's Hall, John Hopkins University, Baltimore, Md. Organized labor of America is with your Peace Congress and with every other human effort to establish and maintain the peace of the world. Circumstances have arisen making it impossible for me to be at the Congress and deliver the message of Labor. Labor's opponents are making out task difficult and therefore will be unable to be with you. You may count upon us in the movement to establish universal peace until its final accomplishment. SAMUEL GOMPERS President American Federation of Labor. Charge A. F. of L.[*491*] [*COPIED. MAY 6- 1911*] A.H. X. May 6, 1911. TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: This is to certify that Mr. W. H. Campbell is hereby duly authorized to install the officers and initiate the members and install the officers of Tobacco Strippers' Union #13216, West Tampa, Florida. Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President American Federation of Labor.[*492*] May 4, 1911. X. [*COPIED. May 6 - 1911*] Mr. John B. Mickle, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, Box 1260, Pittsfield, Mass. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the third instant is received and contents noted. You say that by direction of the Central Labor Union of Pittsfield, you extend an invitation to me to address an [?] mass meeting in your city some time in the near future. I should be glad to comply with your request, but at present in view of existing engagements, I cannot make any definite promise as to going to Pittsfield at any time in the near future. As Vice President-Mitchell is located in New York City and Vice-President Duncan is located in Quincy, let me suggest that an invitation be extended to one or both of them. It might be that as they are located so much neared to Pittsfield than am I, that they might be able to arrange as to accept the invitation. Thanking you for your invitation and regretting my inability to accept, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor,[*493*] M May 3, 1911. [*COPIED. May 6 - 1911*] Dear Sir: You will confer a favor upon the American Federation of Labor and its affiliated branches by granting an interview to the bearer, Mr. Thomas L. Casey, who is authorized to procure business announcements and advertisements for the official publication of the American Federation of Labor, the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST, for the year Nineteen Hundred and Eleven. The American Federation of Labor is composed of 116 International Unions, representing 27,000 local unions, 39 State Federations, 616 City Central Labor Unions, and 611 independent local unions. The membership of the American Federation of Labor is approximated at 2,000,000 and the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST is the only official publication issued by the American Federation of Labor to this vast army of consumers. It is, therefore, a medium of great value to legitimate business houses who advertise in it. It is owned and published by the American Federation of Labor, and all profits accruing therefrom go into the general treasury of that organization. Agents are not authorized or allowed to accept payments of any kind. All contracts should be made upon the official blanks of the American Federation of Labor. All payments should be made by check payable to the Secretary of the American Federation of Labor, and mailed to this office direct. No donations of any character are accepted. Any courtesies exyended to the bearer will be greatly appreciated and reciprocated by our organization. Very respectfully yours, Sam'l Gompers, President American Federation of Labor. Frank Morrison Secretary American Federation of Labor.[*494*] May 3, 1911. X. [*COPIED. May 6 - 1911*] Mr. Nathan H. Seidman, Chairman, Lecture Committee, The Kaplan School, 1731 Pitkin Avenur, Brooklyn, N.Y. Dear Sir: Your favor of the 29th ultimo received and contents noted. You again refer to the invitation you extended to me last January to deliver an address before the People's Culture Circle and you request that I should arrange a date some time in May or June, any time excepting May 7, or May 26. I regret to say that circumstances have so shaped themselves now as to make it exceedingly doubtful that I can accept your invitation. In fact, it seems so very doubtful that I think it would be better to call the matter entirely off. Very sincerely yours, Sam'l Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor [*We are holding for a decision from the U. S. Supreme Court in act contempt case any date. G.S.*]495 [*COPIED. MAY 6- 1911*] M May 3, 1911. Mr. Thomas Robinson, Secretary, International Longshoremen's Association, Local 38-16 Marshfield, Oregon. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the April 26th is at hand, in which you return your commission as volunteer organizer recently issued to you for Marshfield and vicinity, stating that you are not in a position to fulfill the duties of the office, and that Longshoremen's Local No. 38-16 recommends the appointment of Theodore Meyer as your successor. It affords me pleasure to comply with the request and recommendation made, and commission will be issued and forwarded to Brother Meyer 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. With best wishes, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.496 [*COPIED. MAY 6- 1911*] X. May 3, 1911. Mr. C. C. Zeigler, President, Oklahoma State Federation of Labor, 501 State National Bank Building, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of April 28th has been duly received and contents noted. In regard to the men employed in the zinc smelter industry at Bartlesville, Oklahoma, I beg to say that when organized they should make application for charter to the Western Federation of Miners. as you are doubtless aware, the referendum vote is now being taken by that organization upon the matter of affiliating with the American Federation of Labor, the Executive Council having favorably considered their application for charter, it to be granted under certain conditions. If these conditions are accepted by the membership of the Western Federation of Miners the charter will be granted. You will therefore very readily appreciate that the men in question to whom you refer should make application for charter to that body. Hoping to hear from you further, and with best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.497 [*COPIED. MAY 6- 1911*] X. May 3, 1911. Mr. Alexander Bevan, 475 Hope Street, Providence, R. I. Dear Sir: Your favor of April 30th received and contents noted. I have read it with much interest, and desire to thank you for your expressions in regard to the organized labor movement of the country. I note your suggestion that if Labor could own and control some of the labor saving devices that are constantly coming into the market, it would not only be benefitted by securing the profits on such labor saving devices, but would be in a better position to secure favorable agreements with employers. You then refer to a device which you have recently patented and which you suggest it would be well if Labor controlled. You say that if I would consider the matter you would be glad to take it up with me and try to arrange things on some mutually satisfactory basis. I want again to thank you for the interest that you manifest and your desire to be of assistance. However, let me say that from time to time there have been a number of offers in one way or another from various parties for the American Federation of Labor to undertake some such commercial proposition, and quite frequently such propositions if carried out would apparently bring considerable financial returns to the A. F. of L. In all such cases 498 Mr. Alex. Bevan -2- the Executive Council of the American Federation of Labor has invariably directed that inasmuch as the A. F. of L. is not a commercial institution in any sense of the word, that it could not undertake to enter into any such commercial plan. Again thanking you for your kindly interest, I am, Very truly yours, Sam’l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.499 [*COPIED MAY 6 - 1911*] Washington D. C., May 6, Mr. Chas. H. Moyer, 605 Railroad Bldg., Denver, Colo. Telegram received. The information which you say has reached you to the effect that I have requested William D. Haywood to solicit funds for the defense of the men incarcerated at Los Angeles is absolutely unfounded. I have had no direct or indirect communication with Haywood in years. SAMUEL GOMPERS. Charge A. F. of L.500 [*COPIED. MAY 6- 1911*] Washington, D. C. May 6, 1911. Hon. Frank. L. Mulholland, Nicholas Bldg., Toledo, Ohio. Your letter of third instant received yesterday. Only just now able to give it attention. If you can I should like you to meet me here Wednesday afternoon for the purpose of consultation in New York Thursday morning. Please wire answer. SAMUEL GOMPERS. Charge A. F. of L.501 [*COPIED. MAY 6- 1911*] X. May 6, 1911. Secretary, Academy Political Science, Kent Hall, Columbia University, New York City. Dear Sir: Enclosed please find my check for Four Dollars for which kindly send ticket for the dinner at the Hotel Astor on the evening of May 13th. Very truly yours, Sam’l Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.502 [*COPIED. MAY 6 - 1911*] X. May 6, 1911. Mr. Andrew J. Gallagher, Secretary, San Francisco Trades Council, 316 14th St., San Francisco, Cal. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the first instant is received and contents noted. I have transmitted its contents to President Hawley of the Switchmen's Union, and thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. 503 [*COPIED. MAY 6- 1911*] X. May 6, 1911. Mr. F. Y. Hawley, President, Switchmen's Union of America, 326 Brisbane Bldg., Buffalo, N. Y. Dear Sir and Brother: In continuation of our correspondence in regard to organizing the Switchmen in San Francisco, I beg to say that Secretary Gallagher of the San Francisco Trades Council, write me under date of May first as follows: "I beg to advise you that I have completed arrangements with Brother Kilduff, local Organizer of that Union to secure the membership of several men employed upon the State Road here, and to say that I believe we will be successful in carrying out the wishes of Bro. Hawley." Any further information which I may receive from Mr. Gallagher will be promptly transmitted to you. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*504*] COPIED MAY 6- 1911 X. May 5, 1911. Prof. John Bassett Moore, Columbia University, Now York City. Dear Sir: I have received the program of the meeting of the Academy of Political Science in the City of New York, next Friday and Saturday, May 12 and 13. I note on the program that you are scheduled to deliver an address on Friday upon the subject "Difficulties of Extradition". Of course, I could not ask you to let me have a copy of your address in advance of its delivery, but I would appreciate it greatly if you would have a copy sent me as soon as possible after you have made your address. I now anticipate attending the meeting myself, and hope to have the pleasure of hearing your address. Very truly yours, Saml. Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor.[*505*] X. May 6, 1911. Prof. Felix Adler, Columbia University, New York City. Dear Sir: I have received the program of the meeting of the Academy of Political Science in the City of New York, next Friday and Saturday, May 12 and 13. I note on the program that you are scheduled to deliver an address on Saturday on the subject, "The Ethics of Punishment". of course, I could not ask you to let me have a copy of your address in advance of its delivery, but I would appreciate it greatly if you would have copy sent me as soon as possible after you have made your address. I also have written for tickets for the dinner at the Hotel Astor on Saturday evening, and am looking forward to seeing you then. Most sincerely yours, Saml. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. X. May 6, 1911. Copied. May 6, 1911 Mr. H. B. Perham, President, Order of Railroad Telegraphers, Star Building, St. Louis, Mo. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of April 28th is received and contents noted. In it you convey to me the invitation to attend the biennial convention of the O. R. T which is to open in Toronto Monday, May 8. In connection therewith, permit me to assure you that it would indeed afford me great pleasure to be able to accept your invitation, but it is absolutely out of the question at this time. You know that we may expect at any time the decision of the United States Supreme Court in the contempt cases under which Messrs. Mitchell, Morrison and myself have been sentenced to imprisonment, and of course it would be out of the question for me to be out of the jurisdiction of the court when the decision is handed down. Then again, you know that many efforts are being made and concentrated just now to crush out the life of organized labor. Now more than ever is it necessary for the workers not only to organize but the organizations to be united and our International Unions more strongly and thoroughly federated. Again expressing my regret that it will be impossible for me to be with you, and extending to you personally, as well, as507 Mr. H. B. Parham -2- to your organization and the delegates to the convention, the greatest measure of success and fraternal greetings, I am, with best wishes, Fraternally yours, Sam Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.508 [*COPIED. MAY 8, 1911*] Washington, D. C., May 8, 1. Mr. J. J. McNamara, Secretary, Int'l. Association of Bridge and Structural Iron Workers, County Jail, Los Angeles, Cal. Newspapers publish statement that Detective Burns declared that after investigation of case I believe you and your brother guilty of accusations made against you both. Burns lies. His statement is intended to misrepresent me and injure you both in the mind of the public. We all feel confident of your and your brother's innocence and will do everything lawful within our power to help in its establishment before the courts. SAMUEL GOMPERS President American Federation of Labor. Charge A. F. of L.[*509*] [*COPIED. MAY 8- 1911*] X. May 8, 1911. Mr. W. D. Mahon, President, Amalgamated Association of Street and Electric Railway Employes of America. 45 Hodges Block, Detroit, Mich. Dear Sir and Brother: On April the fifth you wrote me as follows: "I received your letter today in regard to the data that I am gathering on fraternal organizations and as soon as possible will arrange it into shape. There are one or two organizations that I want to hear from yet, especially the Brotherhood of Contractors. I tell you there is some beautiful information in the data that I have gathered and some of then read like this: Locomotive Engineers have paid in death benefits to their members Twenty-two Millions of Dollars. Then some people think that there is nothing to the trade union. Now, I am so crowded with work just now that I can not get at it to shape it up, but I will do so in the near future. I would judge that I will have it already by the latter part of April or the 1st of May. It will be stuff that won't spoil, of course, and then you can arrange to run it at which time as you see fit and possibly make some changes in it as you think ought to be made, but the facts will be all there and boiled down to a minimum. I think I will simply put it in paragraphs stating just what each Union has done and then in a preamble show up the whole work. There is one item that is hard to get at and which is impossible: that is the sick benefits that are paid. We make an estimate in our organization, many of the International Unions are careless on this point and have no means of telling what has been done and thousands of dollars are paid out in this way of which we have no record and cannot make a proper report. It is a pity, every organization ought to keep a record, not alone for their own information, but for the information of all and there ought to be some agitation along that line, and I will drop this suggestion here that you might make a note of it for your next report. Call the attention of the unions to the necessity of keeping a careful account and making annual reports upon the amount expended in sick, death and disability benefits."510 Mr. W. D. Mahon [-?-] I have not heard anything from you since that time in regard to the matter, and I am writing now to inquire when you think you will have it ready for publication. I am particularly desirous to have it. Hoping to hear from you as soon as convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor COPIED. MAY 8 - 1911511 X. May 6, 1911. Mr. John Golden, President, United Textile Workers of America, Box 742, Fall River, Mass. [*COPIED. MAY 8, 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: On March the 27th you wrote me as follows: "Some time ago you wrote me relative to conditions existing in the Brighton Mills, Passaic, N. J. This mill has been repeatedly referred to in connection with what is termed Greater Efficiency and Scientific Management. After some effort I secured permission to investigate conditions in the mill, and took with me our Organizer Mrs. Sara Conboy, who is a weaver herself when working in the mill. I am now engaged in pushing my investigation into the homes of the workers of the Brighton Mills, Mrs. Conboy working chiefly among the women and girls, and myself among the men workers: it is needless for me to say we have unearthed some very interesting things in connection with this plan of "Scientific Management" as it is now being carried on in this mill in Passaic. I expect to finish up my investigation tomorrow Tuesday, and will write you further on this matter later." I would appreciate it very much if you would let me have the above at your very earliest possible convenience. I presume by now that you have completed your investigation, but that probably under the pressure of other matters you overlooked sending it to me. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*512*] X. May 8, 1911. [*COPIED MAY 8, 1911*] Mr. H. B. Rubin, Attorney at Law, Cawker Building, Milwaukee, Wis. Dear Sir; I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 6th instant, and under separate cover brief in the case of William Heller, Hugo Heller and Max Heller, vs. H. B. Franke. Kindly accept Mr. Gompers' thanks for your courtesy in this matter. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*513*] X. May 6. 1911. EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, AMERICAN FEDERATION OF LABOR. COLLEAGUES: [*Copied May 8, 1911*] The congressional Library has just gotten out a most excellent Bibliography on Boycotts and Injunctions in Labor Disputes, I consider it of such special value that I have requested the Librarian to have a copy sent to each member of the Executive Council. It will no doubt reach you by an early mail. Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.514 X. May 8, 1911. COPIED. MAY 8, 1911 EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, AMERICAN FEDERATION OF LABOR. COLLEAGUES: The Congressional Library has just gotten out a most excellent Bibliography on Boycotts and Injunctions in Labor Disputes. I consider it of such special value that I have requested the Librarian to have a copy sent to each member of the Executive Council, It will no doubt reach you by an early mail. Fraternally yours. Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.515 [*COPIED. MAY 8 - 1911*] X. May 8, 1911. Mr. John Mitchell, Vice-President, American Federation of Labor, #3 Claremont Avenue, Mount Vernon, N. Y. Dear Sir and Brother: Please accept my thanks for your favor of May the sixth, enclosing copy of your letter #5 to the United Mine Workers Journal. I am following these letters up with the greatest interest and am indeed glad that you are sending copies to me. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.516 [*COPIED. MAY 8 - 1911*] X. May 8, 1911. Mr. J. G. O'Donoghue, B. O. L., L. L. B., Solicitor, Trades and Labor Congress of Canada, Dineen Building, Toronto, Ont, Canada. My dear Mr. O'Donoghue: I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of May the third, and to thank you for your very kind expression in regard to my article in the May issue of the American Federationist, "Hostile Employers, See Yourselves as Others Know You". It is gratifying to know that the opinions given in that article commend themselves so fully to you. Reciprocating your good wishes for long life and success, I am, Very sincerely yours, Sam'l Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*517*] [*COPIED. MAY 8 - 1911*] X. May 6, 1911. Mr. Frank H. McCarthy, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, 97 Union Part Street, Boston, Mass. Dear Sir and Brother: At a hearing today before the Committee on Civil Service Reform of the House of Representatives, upon Mr. Lloyd's bill to restore to the government employes the right of association and petition, the Second Assistant Post Master General, Mr. Stewart, submitted four affidavits. I shall endeavor to get permission from Hon. Hannibal L. Godwin, Chairman of the Committee, to have copies of the affidavits submitted by Mr. Stewart, and if I do I shall enclose them herein to you. I do this for the reason that your name is mentioned in these affidavits, and you should know their contents. I should like for you to write me in regard to the matters contained in the affidavits. If you care to have it in the form of an affidavit you may do so, but at least I shall attach no more importance to any statement you may make under oath then I would upon your simple statement of facts in the case. Trusting you will give this your early consideration and reply, I am, with best wishes, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.518 [*COPIED. MAY 8 - 1911*] X. May 8, 1911. Mr. W. A. Campbell, Room 820, Momon Building, Chicago, Illinois. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of April 28th has just reached my hands as I was away from headquarters when it was received. I want to assure you of my appreciation of your letter and you very kind expressions in regard to the recent selection of officers in the Cigar Makers' International Union. I am always glad to hear from you and trust that you will write me whenever you find it convenient and whenever there are any matters of importance which you think should be brought to my attention. I note your suggestion as to issuing a commission as volunteer organizer to Jof. Turtle, of Anaconda, Montana, and I shall be glad to act in conformity therewith. I am now writing to the Secretary of the Central Body of Anaconda that in issuing this commission I take it it meets with the full approval of that body. I handed your letter to Mr. Tracy and no doubt he has written you before this. Thank you for your suggestion in regard to Mr. R. S. Sexton, of local #306, Pueblo, Colorado. I shall certainly keep it in mind. I too hope that I will see you at the next session convention of the American Federation of Labor, that is, provided I am519 Mr. W. A. Campbell -2- permitted by the Supreme Court to attend that convention. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. MAY 8 - 1911*] 520 [*COPIED. MAY 8- 1911*] X. May 8, 1911. Mr. Ed. Johnson, Secretary, Central Labor Council, Box 452, Anaconda, Montana Dear Sir and Brother: The name of Joe. Turtle, Secretary of Cigar Makers' Local Union #375, #1202 East Fourth Street, Anaconda, Montana, has been recommended to me for appointment as volunteer organizer for Anaconda and vicinity. I take it that this recommendation meets with the approval of the Anaconda Central Body, and I have issued him a commission in conformity therewith. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.521 [*COPIED. MAY 8- 1911*] X. May 6, 1911. Hon. L. B. Hanna, House of Representatives, Washington, D. C., Dear Sir: Your favor of the fifth instant at hand and contents noted. In reply I beg to say that at present I do not contemplate visiting the State of North Dakota at any time in the near future. Should circumstances arise which would require my going into that state, I should certainly be glad to take advantage of the opportunity to visit Fargo as you suggest. You know that we may expect at any time the decision of the United States Supreme Court in the contempt cases under which Messrd. Mitchell, Morrison, Morrison and myself have been sentenced to imprisonment, and of course I should be here or near here when the decision is handed down. I appreciate greatly the sentiments you convey in behalf of you constituency in Fargo that irrespective of whether they represent organized labor or not that you can assure me of a hearty welcome. It would indeed afford me pleasure to visit that city, and I hope I may yet have the opportunity of doing so. Very truly yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. [*522*] [*COPIED. MAY 8 1911*] X. May 8, 1911. Hon. Herbert Putnam Librarian of Congress, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: I have just received the six copies of the selected list of references on boycotts and injunctions in labor disputes which you have recently gotten out. I not only want to thank you for your courtesy in sending half a dozen copies to me, but at the same time to express my appreciation of the thoroughness with which the compilation has been made. I would be additionally indebted to you if you would be so kind as to have one copy sent to each member of the Executive Council of the A.F. of L., whose names and addresses appear on this letterhead. Thanking you in advance for your courtesy, I am, Very truly yours. Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor523 COPIED MAY 8, 1911 Washington, D. C., May8, l. Mr. Frank M. Ryan, American Central Life Bldg., Indianapolis, Ind. Letter May fifth received. The suggestion on that the Executive Council assume charge of receiving and disbursing funds in defense of accused men and the prosecution of kidnapping cases has been approved. Circular issued copy of which will be mailed. SAMUEL GOMPERS President American Federation of Labor. Charge A. F. of L. 524 COPIED MAY 8, 1911 X. May 8, 1911. Mr. Edgar A. Perkins, Organizer American Federation of Labor, Room 16, Union Block, Indianapolis, Ind. Dear Sir and Brother: Will you please obtain for me copies of the Indianapolis Star, the Indianapolis News, and the Indianapolis Sun, from April 23 up to and including May sixth, and forward them to me at your earliest convenience, with bill. Thanking you in advance for your prompt attention in this matter, and with best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.X. May 8, 1911. Mr. Winfield T. Keegan, President, New York Stereotypers Union No. one, Room 510, Pulitzer Bldg., New York City. Dear Sir: President Gompers directs me to acknowledge receipt of your favor of May the sixth, in which you advise him that your local endorses the letter which he recently wrote Secretary Bohm of the Central Federated Union in regard to the then contemplated Peace meeting at Cooper Union. He thanks you for your letter, and the information which it conveys will be filed with the other correspondence in this case. Very truly yours, [[?]] Secretary to President Gompers.526 COPIED. MAY 8 - 1911 X. May 6, 1911. Mr. James J. Freal, President, International Stereotypers' and Electrotypers' Union. 1839 85th Street, Brooklyn, N. Y. Dear Sir: President Gompers directs me to acknowledge receipt of your favor of May the sixth, in which you advise him that you endorse the letter which he recently wrote Secretary Bohm of the Central Federated Union in regard to the then contemplated Peace meeting at Cooper Union. He thanks you for your letter, and the information it conveys will be filed with the other correspondence in this case. Very truly yours, [[?]] Secretary to President Gompers.527 COPIED. MAY 8 - 1911 X. May 8, 1911. Mr. James M. Lynch, President, International Typographical Union, Newton Claypool Bldg., Indianapolis, Ind. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the fifth instent with enclosed circulars came duly to hand, and I thank you for sending them to me. Thus far I have not yet seen the editorial which in your circular you say has been reproduced and sent out with your circular to the secretaries of local Typographical unions. I shall not only look for the editorial in the Journal, but I would like you to send me a copy of it as reproduced in pamphlet form. Enclosed you will find a circular which by authority of the Executive Council I have issued. I trust that it will commend itself to the favorable consideration of yourself, your colleagues, the I. T. U., and the general labor movement, and what it will help to produce the desired results. I should very much like to have a copy of the appeal sent out by the officers of all international unions of their locals. Then the statement which you say is to be made public during the coming week is published. I should like you to send me a copy. Thanking you for the information which you convey and528 COPIED MAY 8, 1911 Mr. James M. Lynch -2- promise to convey as developments occur, assuring you of my intention to reciprocate, with best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*529*] [*COPIED. MAY 8. 1911] May 6, 1911 x. Mr. Frank Duffy, Secretary, United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners, Carpenters' Building, Indianapolis, Ind. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the sixth instant to [??] and contents carefully noted. I am pleased to have the advice you give and sincerely hope that success may crown the efforts of our great movement. I should be glad to have you give me any information you possibly can [??] any matter of interest. Enclosed you will find copy of the circular issued by authority of the Executive Council of the A.F. of L. It will be necessary for the officers of our international unions to get promptly to work in order to raise funds. Considerable expenses have already been incurred and it will be necessary to have funds in order to meet the present, as well as future needs. I trust the circular will commend itself to the favorable consideration of yourself, and your associates, and the great rank and file of labor and its sympathizers. I want to thank you for the photograph you sent me of Secretary McNamara, but I regret to say that it was broken right across the face. The package did not seem to have been damaged all was in O.K. shape except the photograph itself.530 COPIED MAY 8, 1911 Mr. Frank Duffy -2- In your letter you said that you would get me a full copy of the minutes of the conference held in Indianapolis, and I should be glad to receive them at your earliest possible convenience, of course, I realize that you are a busy man but it is only busy men who not only do hard work but find the time in which to do it. When you issue the circular to your local unions appealing to them for funds, I wish you would send me a copy. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers President, American Federation of Labor[*531*] X. May 8, 1911. [*COPIED. MAY 8 - 1911*] Mr. F. M. Rayan, President, International Association Bridge and Structural Iron Workers, 423-424 American Central Life Building, Indianaoplis, Indiana, Dear Sir and Brother: More than likely you have seen statement published in some of the newspapers of today, particularly in the New York World, in which Detective Burns says that after investigation of the case against the labor men incarcerated in Los Angeles, I believe them guilty. Last night newspaper men called upon me for verification or refutation of the statement and of course I denounced it as a malicious falsehood and expressed my confident belief that our men are innocent. The World also publishes my refutation. Believing that there is a likelihood of Burns' false statement being telegraphed to Los Angeles, and perhaps shown to our friends in jail to discourage them, I sent the following telegram today. *Washington, D.C., May 8 1911, Mr. L.J. McNmara, Secretary, Int'l. Association of Bridge and Structural Iron Workers, County Jail, Los Angeles, Cal. Newspapers publish statement that Detective Burns declared that after investigation of case I believe you and your brother guilty of accusations made against you both. Burns lies. His statement is intended to misrepresent me and injure you both in the mind of the public. We all feel confident of your and your brother's innocence and will do everything lawful within our power to help in the establishment before the courts. SAMUEL GOMPERS President, American Federation of Labor.[*532*] Mr. F. M. Ryan --2-- Responding to your letter of the fifth, I have just sent you a day letter of which the following is a copy: Washington, D. C., May 8, 1911. Mr. Frank. M. Ryan, American Central Life Bldg., Indianapolis, Ind. Letter May fifth received. The suggestion that the Executive Council assume charge of receiving and disbursing funds in defense of accused men and the prosecution of kidnapping cases has been approved. Circular issued copy of which will be mailed. SAMUEL GOMPERS, President, American Federation of Labor. Enclosed you will find copy of the circular issued by authority of the Executive Council. I trust that it will comment itself to the favorable consideration of yourself, your colleagues, and the general labor movement, and that it will help to produce the desired results. In regard to your other letter of the fifth instant in connection with the Congressional investigation into the United States Steel Corporation, and your suggestion for the extension of that investigation, let me say that I shall take the matter up with the Committee of Congress having the subject matter in charge, and see what can be done. I sincerely hope that success will crown your efforts. With best wishes, and hoping to hear from you often, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.533 X. May 8, 1911. [*COPIED. May 8, 1911*] Mr. Hugh Frayne, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, 25 Third Avenue, New York City. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the sixth instant to hand and contents noted. Regarding the subject of your discussing the kidnapping of the McNamara Brothers at the luncheon to be given by the New York City Club, let me say that I doubt the wisdom of just now accepting the invitation. The subject is now under investigation by the authorities and evidence is being furnished, and we do not know at this time what further evidence we may be in a position to present. Probably the acceptance of the invitation at a little later time would be advisable. If you should communicate with the officers of the City Club, I think it would be well to answer on your own initiative in regard to this rather than upon any advice from me. I was glad to have a talk with you over the phone just now and trust that nothing will interfere with the arrangements for our meeting Thursday morning. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*534*] Y May 6, 1911. [(COPIED. MAY 8 - 1911*] Mr. A.D. Stewart, #510 Montgomery Street, Pullman, Washington. Dear Sir: I have your favor of April 23, with its several inquiries, and herewith furnish you with data which I have at hand and reference to which you can apply to obtain more detailed information, which time will not now permit me to devote to a complete inquiry. Question 1. "The relative efficiency of the American Laborer as compared to the English, German, Japanese, French and Chinese." Answer. I do not think that any reliable statistical data has ever been prepared that will furnish a complete reply to this question so that the Chinese and Japanese would be included; but the relative efficiency of the others was found by no less an authority than Professor William G. Clark, who submitted a table in the Engineering Magazine for May, 1904, which he says is based on official specific data from the nations quoted, and which show the comparative productivity of American laborers for the year 1900, as follows:[*535*] [*COPIED MAY 8 - 1911*] May 6. 1911. Mr. A. D. Stewart, 510 Montgomery Street, Pullman, Washington. Dear Sir: I have your favor of April 23, with its several inquiries, and herewith furnish you with data which I have at hand and references to which you can apply to obtain more detailed information, which time will not now permit me to devote a complete inquiry. Question 1. "The relative efficiency per hour of the American Laborer as compared to the English, German, Japanese, French and Chinese." 1. Answer. I do not think that any reliable statistical data has ever been prepared that will furnish a complete reply to this question so that the Chinese and Japanese would be included; but the relative efficiency of the others was found by no less an authority than Professor William G. Clark, who submitted a table in the Engineering Magazine for May, 1904, which he says is based on official specific data from the nations quoted, and which show the comparative productivity of American laborers for the year 1900, as follows: wage paid to all skilled and unskilled laborers, men, women and children, included in the United States in the year 1850 amounted to $347.00 per capita. In 1900 the average wage had advanced[*536*] Mr. A. D. Stewart---- 3. advanced to $437. per capita. The per capita value of production in the year 1850 amounted to $1,064. and in 1900 this value had increased to $2,451. an analysis of these basic items will disclose that the efficiency of American laborers in the American manufactories in fifty years had increased 130%, and then wages had increased 77%. In 1850 the per capita per centage of the product paid in wages was equivalent to 23-21/100%----Fifty years later, in 1900, the per capita per centage of product paid in wages had fallen to 17-80/100 per cent. This analysis is taken from the totals furnished in the United States Census Report for 1900, volume 8, page 982. Several other very interesting mathematical and analytical studies may be taken from these same Census Reports in respect to the study you are now making. Question 3. "The average hours of work per week of the American, German, French, Chinese and Japanese." Accurate data not obtainable to answer this question, and, in fact, if it were possible to give or to estimate an average, it would mean but little when all classes of labor are grouped in such a complex question; a group that would necessarily contain workers in the field, workers in domestic and personal service workers in transportation departments and workers in highly specialized industries, where an intensity of industry compels the observance of a short work day. I advise as general reference, Bulletin No. 54, previously referred to, as well as Bulletins 56, 57, 58, 59, 61, 65, 71 and 77.537 Mr. A. D. Stewart----4. A careful Study of the articles and tables in the documents referred to, and which are obtainable in all first class public libraries, and undoubtedly, copies of which are in the library of your college, will enable you to secure more distilled information on the series of questions you have put to me. Very truly yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*538*] [*COPIED. MAY 9 - 1911*] Washington, D. C., May 9, 1911. Hon. Frank L. Mulholland, Manitoba Hotel, Winnipeg, Canada. Will be in New York Thursday to keep engagement. Was in hopes you could be there. Do not fail to keep me advised of your movements. Telegraph me where some important documents can reach you. SAMUEL GOMPERS. Charge A. F. of L.539 [*COPIED. May 9 1911*] M May 9, 1911. Mr. W. A. Appleton, Secretary, General Federation of Trade Unions, 8, Adelphi Terrace, Adam St., Strand, London, W. C., England. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of April 27th received and contents noted. I am exceedingly glad to know that the weekly news letter has been so favorably received in England, and will be pleased to comply with your request, and put you on the mailing list for fifteen copies each week, so that you can send them to each member of the Committee. Mr. J. B Williams delegate from the English Musicians to the Convention of the American Federation of Musicians has been in Washington. It is needless to say that I was exceedingly pleased to see him. We endeavored to make his stay a pleasant one and to show him as much of the city as possible. With best wishes, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers President American Federation of Labor.540 [*COPIED. MAY 9 1911*] M May 9, 1911. Mr. A. J. Gilligham, Auditor Passenger Receipts, General Office Broad Street Station, Phila., Pa. Dear Sir: I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 4th instant, in which you enclose mileage I left on the sleeper on the morning of the 27th. Please accept my thanks. Should I come across the identification check I will certainly comply with your request and send it to you. Very truly yours, Sam'l Gompers President American Federation of Labor.[*541*] M May 9, 1911. Mr. W. I. Fletcher, Librarian, Amherst College, Amherst, Mass. [*COPIED. May 9 - 1911*] Dear Sir: Your favor of the 4th instant is at hand and contents noted. Relative to securing copies of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST I beg to say that we can furnish you unbound copies for 1910 at 15 cents per copy, or bound volume for $3.50. For 1911, at 10 cents per copy, except the January issue, which I regret to say is not in stock. Kindly let me hear from you relative to the above. Very truly yours, Sam'l Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.542 M May 9, 1911. Mr. Robert R. Gann, President, Alabama State Federation of Labor, Anniston, Alabama. [*COPIED. MAY 9 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 3rd instant is at hand, in which you request some literature on Compulsory Arbitration. In reply I beg to enclose to you herein copy of an address which I made on this subject, and which was published in pamphlet form. It will give you the attitude of the American Federation of Labor toward Compulsory Arbitration. In compliance with the request of the Alabama State Federation of Labor commission will be issued and forwarded to Brother J. Howard Fore as general volunteer organizer for the State: also forward 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 best wishes and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor.543 M May 9, 1911. COPIED. MAY 9 - 1911 Mr. Simon S. Sullivan, Organizer, P. O. Box 291, Fall River, Mass. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 7th instant is at hand, and in accordance with the information contained therein your name will be place upon our list to receive the weekly news letter, and trust that you will see that it is published weekly in the "Globe." With kind regards, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President American Federation of Labor.544 X. May 9, 1911. COPIED. MAY 9 - 1911 Mr. J. H. Levi, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, 652 North Third Street, Memphis, Tenn. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the third instant is received, in which you enclosed copy of letter addressed to Mr. H. R. Welch, of the Switchmen's Union, for which please accept my thanks. As per your request, I am enclosing you a Manual to take the piece of the one you lost through fire. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.545 X. May 9, 1911. [*COPIED May 9 1911.*] Mr. John Elohenberger, Secretary, Cigar Makars' Local Union #76, 308 Broadway, Hannibal, MO. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of April 29th is received and contents noted. In response to your request, I am enclosing you herein a copy of the Constitution of the American Federation of Labor. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l. Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.546 X. May 9, 1911. [*COPIED MAY 9 1911*] Hon. H. C. Carbaugh, Editorial Director, Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology, 31 W. Lake Street, Chicago, Ill. Dear Sir: Your favor of the fifth instant is received, and in com- pliance with your request the American Federationist will hereafter be sent to Prof. J. W. Garner, University of Illinois, Urbana, Ill. Very truly yours, Sam'l Gompers President, American Federation of Labor, EDITOR, AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST.547 COPIED. MAY 9 - 1911 X. May 9, 1911. Mr. H. L. Eichalberger, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, BrillHotel, Philadelphia, Pa. Dear Sir and Brother: In continuation of our recent correspondence in regard to the order sent to the Columbia Knitting MIlls of Philadelphia by the members of the Honolulu Trades and Labor Council, I beg to enclose you herewith several letters received today free the Secretary of the central body. As I am sending you the original letters, you will please see to it that they are returned to me when you are through with them. I trust that you may be able to do something in behalf of these members. With best wishes, I am, Fraternaly yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.548 COPIED. MAY 9 - 1911 X. May 9, 1911. Mr. Ches. Wagner, Secretary, Honolulu Trades and Labor Council, Box 661, Honolulu, H. I. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of April 25th is received and contents carefully noted. I am sending the entire correspondence to Organizer H. L. Eichelberger, who is now stationed at Philadelphia, asking him to get in touch with the Columbia Knitting Mills, and see what he can do for you. As soon as I hear from him I will write you further. With best wishes, I am. Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.549 X. May 9, 1911. Mr. G. F. Duncan, Secretary, Machinists Helpers, Local 13107, 1404 West Walnut Street, Bloomington, Ill. [*COPIED MAY 9, 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of May fifth is received, making inquiry as to your constitution and by-laws which were sent me for approval. I find that on April 26th, I wrote you as follows: "The copy of the proposed constitution and by-laws of your organization has been referred to me by Secretary Morrison for revision and approval. After having carefully looked over the constitution and by-laws, there being nothing in them which conflicts with the Constitution of the American Federation of Labor or with trade union policy, they are hereby approved." I trust that the above letter has reached you ere this. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.550 Z May 9, 1911. Mr. Elton B. Hunt, P.O. Box 144 Norman, Oklahoma. [*COPIED MAY 9, 1911*] Dear Sir: Your favor of May 5th has been duly received and contents noted. I understand your University is to debate the question: "Resolved, that it would be advisable to apply minimum wage legislation in the field of the sweated industries of the United States. (Constitutionality waived.)" And you ask if I favor the principle of minimum wage as advocated in the above question for debate between the Universities of Oklahoma and Missouri. In reply I beg to say I am enclosing herein a copy of an argument made by me on the subject of the minimum living wage, in a debate with the late Edward Atkinson, which was printed in the April, 1898, issue of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST, entitled "A Minimum Living Wage". Of course it must be borne in mind that there are very many obstacles in the way of establishing a national minimum scale of wages. Consideration must be given to the fact of different climatic conditions, of industries which are local in character, the characteristics of the people, their industrial development as551 Mr. Elon B. Hunt---2. well as educational advantages and otherwise, the higher concept of the standard of living, and that though we have not accomplished that which we may desire in view of the many difficulties in the way, we are doing and have done much to establish a higher standard of life which means a higher minimum scale and better living wage, and better conditions of life generally. Trusting that the information given will answer your purpose, I am Very truly yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.552 LF May 9, 1911 Hon. Ethelbert Stewart, c/o Tariff Board, Washington, D. C. [*COPIED MAY 9 1911*] Dear Mr. Stewart: Enclosed you will find a letter of introduction to the active men of labor of Europe and I feel confident that it will be helpful to you in the fulfillment of your mission. Of course there are a large number of men who you should meet and a number of places where you should go. This list would be too large to enumerate here, but I enclose to you a few of the names of men and cities which occur to me. Wishing you every success and hoping to hear from you occasionally during your absence abroad, I am, Sincerely yours, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor Enclosure:553 LF May 9, 1911 [*COPIED MAY 9 1911*] TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: This will serve to introduce Hon. Ethelbert Stewart, for many years associated with the Department and Bureau of Labor of the United States. In his official capacity, as well as in his private work, he has been a deep student of the economic, industrial and sociological problems and his work and reports have invariably been regarded as absolutely reliable. He has rendered labor and the people generally most valuable service. Mr. Stewart contemplates a study of the economic, industrial and social conditions of the working people of Europe and I bespeak for him the courtesy, consideration and cooperation of the active men in the labor movement of Europe. Remembering with keen appreciation the courtesy shown me during my visit to Europe two years ago, extended by our fellow workers, I shall be glad to reciprocate the courtesy to Mr. Stewart, as well as that shown me. Sincerely and Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor 554 COPIED. MAY 9 - 1911 Washington. D. C., May 9, 1911. Mr. Godfrey Dawson, Secretary, Metal Trades Council, Labor Temple, Los Angeles, Cal. Letter to Secretary Morrison May fourth received and hope for best results. Please telegraph result of trial in conspiracy cases. Extend best wishes to men of Labor. Samuel Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor. Charge A. F. of L. P I N K. Washington, D. C., May 9, 1911. Mr. Frank M. Ryan, 424 American Central Life Bldg., Indianapolis, Ind. Can you meet me Hotel Victoria, New York, Thursday morning? Wire answer. SAMUEL GOMPERS. Charge A. F. of L.555 COPIED MAY 9 1911 May 5, 1911. Y. Mr. Johen Hansson, #19 A. Tunnelgatan, Stockholm, Sweden. Dear Mr. Hansson: I have your favor of April 22, written on board S.S. "Celtic," and in reply thereto, permit me to say that I am sending to you, under separate cover, copy of the last report is- sued by the Interstate Commerce Commission on "Statistics of Railways in the United States." This volume is replete with specific data concerning the Railway Employees and the activities of rail- road operation in the United States. This document will be sent to you regularly upon direct application to the Interstate Commerce Commission. I also send copy of the Reports of the Legislative committee for the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen and Enginemen, the brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen, for the 60th and 61st Congress. These docu- ments will give you a clear insight into the activities of the railroad organization in behalf of legislation demanded of the em- ployes named. The particular data that will interest you in the volume published by the Interstate Commerce Commission you[*556*] 2. will find commencing on page 34 running in connection up to and including page 118. On pages 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, and 39, you will find tables giving the "comparative summary of Employes by a class," in totals and by groups for a period covering ten years, namely, from 1899 to 1909. On pages 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, and 45, you will note comprehensive tables giving a comparative summary of the average daily compensation of Railway Employes for the whole United States, and in several groups of railroads for the ten year period, 1899 to 1909. If you will refer to the map attached to the fly leaf and title page of the volume, you will obtain at a glance the States that are included in the ten groups described. You will also observe from the table on page 34, in which the number of employes in railroads are included, that the highest number ever employed was in the year 1907, when 1,672,074 officers and employes were engaged on the railroads of the United States, or the equivalent of 736 to each 100 miles of operation. This total number was reduced during the year 1908, when there was a serious depression in business, to a total of 1,436,275, or 623 employes to each 100 miles of operation. In the year 1909 business had improved to such an extent that the total number had again showed an increase, or 1,502,623 total employes and 638 to each 100 miles of railroad in operation. On page 40 you will observe in the summary of the average daily compensation covering the whole United States, that, as a rule, wages paid to the offices and employes have been increased during the ten year period, with one exception, namely, switch tenders, crossing tenders and watchmen. The occupations in3. [*557*] this table that are highly organized are as follows: Enginemen,in the Brotherhood of Railroad Engineers; firemen, in the Brotherhood of Railroad Firemen and Enginemen; conductors, in the Order of Railroad Conductors; other trainmen, in the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen and the Switchmen's Union of North America; machinists, in the International Association of Machinists; carpenters, in the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners, the Brotherhood of Carmen and the International Association of Car Workers. "Other Shopmen" includes mechanics employed who are members of the Brotherhood of Boilermakers, International Brotherhood of Blacksmiths, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, International Association of Steam Fitters, Amalgamated Sheet Metal Workers, etc., section foremen and other trackmen includes workmen who are associated with the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes. Telegraph operators and dispatchers are entitled to membership in the Order of Railroad Telegraphers. Employes like "Floating Equipment," include men who attend to bridge work, depot construction and repair, terminal operation, water supply on road, and such other sundry work as would come under this general definition "Floating Equipment." The designation at bottom of table "all other employes and laborers" include such general skilled labor around terminals, depots, store houses, wharves, shops and other places in and connected with railroad operation that is not possible to strictly define, but should be generally understood as being unskilled labor. Employes listed as Enginemen, Firemen, Conductors, other Trainmen, Machinists, Telegraph Operators, are highly[*558*] 4. organized; those listed as general office clerks, other shopmen, section foremen and other trackmen, switch tenders, crossing tenders and watchmen, floating equipment and all other employes and laborers have a partial organization. With this explanation you will be aided in making your comparisons and accounting for the much larger increase in wages secured by those listed as "highly organized" in the wage table covering the ten year period from 1899 to 1909, including the whole United States, which you will find on page forty. The Order of Railroad Conductors was organized in the year of 1868; reorganized in the year of 1878, and became active in pushing the economic interests of its members in or about the year of 1890. Its general offices are located at Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Mr. W. J. Maxwall, Secretary. It has a present membership of about 35,000. The average earnings for conductors is about $4.18 per day of ten hours. Overtime paid at the rate of straight time per hour, Maximum length of working day is regulated by the Federal law, not to exceed sixteen hours. The Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen and Enginemen was organized in 1873, and has had an uninterrupted existence ever since. It has a membership of about 80,000. The average compensation paid to firemen in the whole United States is $2.03 per day of ten hours. The sixteen hour maximum limit above referred to applies also to firemen. The Engineers were the first group of railroad men in the United States to form an organization; the first meeting of which was called in the year 1855, but it was not before[*559*] the year of 1863 that is attained any cohesion; it was then formally organized as "The Brotherhood of the Foot Board." In the year following, 1864, this name was changed to "The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers." It has a membership at present in the United States and Canada of over 65,000, and the average rate of pay received by its members is $4.84 per day of ten hours. The sixteen hour maximum under the Federal law above referred to, applies to the locomotive engineers. The headquarters of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers are at Cleveland, Ohio, F. of L. N. Building, Mr. Warren S. Stone, Grand Chief Engineer. The general offices of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen and Engineers are at Peoria, Illinois, Mr. W. S. Carter, President. The Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen accepts as members employees who are conductors, switchmen, yardmen, yard masters and breakmen. It was organized in 1883 and has had uninterrupted existence ever since. It has a present membership in the United States and Canada of over one hundred thousand. The average earnings for trainmen proper, excluding conductors is $2.84 per day of ten hours. The sixteen hour maximum limit also applies to these employes. The general officer of this organization are at Cleveland, Ohio, W. G. Lee, President. The Order of Railroad Telegraphers was originally formed in 1886. Telegraph operators and dispatchers constitute its membership, which is about 30,000. The average wages paid to Telegraphers in the United States is $2.53 a day, not to exceed nine hours, which is the Federal law covering these employees .In some states the work-560 6. day has been reduced to eight hours by state law. The general offices of the Order of Railway Telegraphers is in the Star Building, St. Louis, Missouri. Mr. H. B. Perham, President. All of the above-named organizations maintain insurance departments. These departments are excellently managed. They pay death and disability benefits from $500. up to $4,500.. according to the class the member elects to take out a certificate in, but it is obligatory upon a member to enroll in the insurance department in order to retain his active membership in the organization. All of the above-named organizations issue elaborate statements concerning their insurance departments, and which I am sure they would send to you upon application. The International Association of Machinists was organized in 1888; it has an active membership of about 75,000. The average wages paid them by railroad corporations in the United States equal $3.30 a day. Its general offices are in the McGill Building, Washington, D.C. Mr. James O'Connell, President. Machinists in railroad employ have a straight nine hour day, with an allowance of fifty per cent additional for all time worked over nine hours. A few of the railroads have by agreement during the last few months, reduced the working hours for machinists to eight per day; the overtime rates counting after eight hours have been worked. This organization pays a graduated death benefit and a strike benefit, and is one of the groups of employes that has been particularly militant during its organization in behalf of its own membership and in cooperating with other employes in the metal industry. You will observe that the railroad wages that561 7. I have given you herein for conductors, firemen, engineers, trainmen telegraphers and machinists are ten per cent higher than the average given in the report by the Interstate Commerce Commission for the year 1909. The reason for this is that the organizations secured the equivalent of that per centage of increase during the year of 1910. and I have given you herewith the latest possible average wages paid to the classes enumerated. I shall be glad to place your name upon our mailing list so that you can receive documents issued by the American Federation of Labor. Of course, this does not include all the pamphlets and all the matter which has heretofore been published by the A. F. of L. However, in the same package I shall forward you a number of leaflets and small pamphlets. If there be anything that is published by you in connection with the labor movement I shall be very glad to receive it in return. In regard to reviewing my book in your monthly publication let me say that I am writing to Harper Brothers, the publishers of the book, requesting them to send you a copy for that purpose. In answer to your question No. 2, I take pleasure in sending to you back copies of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST, and the last reports of the proceedings of the American Federation of Labor for the years 1909 and 1910; from which you will be able to gether the trend of thought by the representatives of labor at those conventions.562 8. Please let me hear from you as often as convenient. With kindest regards and best wishes, I am, Very truly yours, [Sam Gompers] President, American Federation of Labor. [COPIED MAY ?? 1811]563 COPIED MAY 10 1911 Y. May 9, 1911 Messrs. Harper Brothers, Franklin Square, New York City. Gentlemen: Recently I received a letter from Mr. Johan Hansson, #19 A Tunnelgatan, Stockholm, Sweden; in the course of which he stated that he has charge of a monthly journal devoted to economic and social affairs, and asked me to forward a copy of my book "Labor In Europe and America" to him, so that he could review it in Sweden. I write to suggest the advisability of sending Mr. Hansson a copy of the book for review. Of course, you use your own judg- ment. Very truly yours, (signed) Sam'l Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.564 [COPIED MAY 10 1911] Y. May 9, 1911. Mr. F. M. Wylie, Chief Clerk, Wisconsin Legislature, Senate Chamber, Madison, Wisconsin. Dear Sir: I have your favor of April 29, in which you enclose copy of the Wisconsin Workmen's Compensation Bill, and to which I have only just had an opportunity to give a hasty review. I am informed that this Act passed the Wisconsin Legislature yesterday, and if this is true, I hope that it will stand the test of the courts in your State. You ask me for a comparison of the effectiveness and fairness of the labor legislation of Wisconsin, and the comparison it bears with that of other States. In reply thereto, permit me to say that from my comparative tables, which are only brought to date for the close of the year 1909, I find that Wisconsin is in the fore ranks of the States with regards to humanitarian legislation in behalf of those who labor, and, in fact, all the people; the credit for which certainly belongs to the insistant character of the trade unions of your State, and to whom every possible honor [*565*] [*COPIED. MAY 10 1911*] Mr. F. M. Wylie----2 is due. Thanking you for the courtesy of sending me copy of the proposed Compensation Act, and if in case that this measure and any other of interest to labor has been passed by the recent session of the Legislature and approved by the Governor, I would deem it a great favor if you will kindly send me copies at an early date. Yours very truly, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*566*] X. May 10, 1911. [*COPIED. MAY 10 1911*] Mr. J. C. Privitt, Secretary, Florida State Federation of Labor, Box 271, Jacksonville, Florida. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the eight instant is received, and in compliance with your request I am glad to place your name on the list to receive the weekly news letter regularly. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. [*567*] X. May 10, 1911. [*COPIED. MAY 10 1911*] Mr. Stephen A. Doyle, 621 Realty Building, Spokane, Washington. Dear Sir: President Gompers directs me to acknowledge receipt of your favor of April third, which was received here May 8th, Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*568*] X. May 9, 1911. [*COPIED. MAY 10 1911*] Mr. Chas. H. Winslow. 818 Mass. Avenue. Arlington, Mass. My dear Mr. Winslow: Dr. Allen was here yesterday and asked about you and re- quested that I should remind you that you had not sent him those pamphlets on child labor which you promised. His address is -- Dr. S. J. Allen, 2300 First Street, N. W. K, Washington, D. C. Very sincerely yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.569 COPIED. MAY 10 1911 X. May 10, 1911. Mr. Geo. W. Pyle, Secretary, Ohio Valley Trades and Labor Assembly, High Street, Fulton, Wheeling, W. Va. Dear Sir and Brother:- l am in receipt of your telegram of the seventh instant signed also by Mr. H. B. Wissel and C. L. Gallagher, in regard to my going a to Wheeling for the purpose of addressing a mass meeting on the afternoon of May the 21st or the date when the city elections will be held. I should indeed be glad to be in a position to accept your invitation, and when I wrote to Mr. Wissell a few weeks ago when he wrote me as to the mass meeting, I was in hopes that I would be enable to be present. I now find, however, that circumstances have so s[h]aped themselves in connection with recent events in the labor movement, that it will not be within my power to go to Wheeling as you request. Why not extend an invitation to some other member of the Executive Council for May the 2lst? It might just be possible that some other member of the Executive Council might so arrange his affairs so to be with you on that date, Again expressing my regret at my inability to accept your invitation, and with the best wishes for the success of the meeting[*570*] Mr. Geo. T. Pyle -2- end of the labor movement in Wheeling, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. MAY 10 1911*]571 [* COPIED. MAY 10 1911 *] X. May 10, 1911. Mr. John B. Androve, Secretary, American Association for Labor Legislation, Metropolitan Tower, New York City. Dear Sir; In further reply to your favor of the third, receipt of which was acknowledged during my absence, I want to thank you for your interesting article on "Industrial Diseases". I am indeed glad to have the opportunity of publishing it in the June issue of the American Federationist. Very truly yours, Sam'l Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor, EDITOR, AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST.572 May 10, 1911. [COPIED MAY 10 1911] X. Mr. Wm. D. Huber, President United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners, Carpenters' Building, Indianapolis, Ind. Dear Sir and Brother: Under date of May 6th Secretary John Reichert of the Federated Trade Council, Milwaukee, writes me in regard to a matter in which your District Council is vitally involved. Enclosed you will please find copy of his letter, also copy of my reply, both of which are submitted to you for your information and for whatever disposition you deem advisable to make thereof. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, [Sam Gompers] President, American Federation of Labor. 573 May 10, 1911. [COPIED MAY 10 1911] X. Mr. John Reichert, Secretary, Federated Trades Council of Milwaukee, 526 Chestnut Street, Room 206, Milwaukee, Wis. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the sixth instant is received, in which you enclose copy of an agreement which you say has been submitted to the Brewers' Association of Milwaukee by the Carpenters District Council. You say that if this agreement is signed by the Brewers' Association, it will give the Carpenters such an increased jurisdiction as will affect every organization in the building trades, even including the metal trades. You further say that as the Federated Trades Council under the provisions of the Constitution of the A. F. of L. is debarred from taking any action in the matter, you refer it to the undersigned to be taken up with the Executive Council. I beg to say in reply that I have had your letter and the agreement copied and am sending copies to the President of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners for whatever action he may deem advisable to take in the premises. Of course, you appreciate the fact that in a jurisdictional matter such as you submit, the officers of the American Federation of Labor would not be warranted in taking any action or any cognizance thereof, except the request of the several organizations involved. [*574*] Mr. John Reichert -2- With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. MAY 10 1911*] 575 May 2, 1911. [COPIED MAY 10 1911] X. Mr. James Duncan, Vice-President, American Federation of Labor, Hancock Building, Quincy, Mass. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the first instant to hand and contents noted, and I have consulted with Mr. J. W. Sullivan, in regard to suggested itinerary for you. You know that he has been a great European traveler. The following is the result. I presume you will make your own arrangements as for England and Scotland. Starting then after your trips through England and Scotland: From London via New Haven and Dieppe to Paris, the route via Newhaven and Dieppe is by far the more picturesque than by Calais. The accomodations are just as good, the trip by water an hour longer, and the fare $2.50 less. The most direct order of travel for the following would be to Paris, Brussells, Antwerp, Berlin, Vienna, Budapest, the latter the farthest point east. Attend the International Scretariat August tenth at Budapest. After the close of the Congress, take the morning train via the Hungarian State Railroad for Fiume, distance 400 miles, and from Fiume take the night steamer to Venice, thence to Florence, Rome, Milan, Naples (Pompeii) Turin, Geneva, Berne, Zurich, Frankfort, down the Rhine from Mayence to Cologne, thence English port to London, perhaps to Hollyhead, Dublin, Belfast, [*576*] [COPIED. MAY 10, 1911] Mr. James Duncan --2-- Liverpool, or Southampton home. Of course, it may require a little rearrangement in the Italian tour, and also to make arrangements for attendance at Congress at Newcastle. Practically, however, the order would be as stated. It will give you the opportunity of seeing some of the great cities of the countries through which you will pass. It is suggested that you visit the Thomas Cooke and Sons ticket agency and purchase your transportation from them. Show them the route that you want to travel, and they will make suggestions to you and estimate upon the lowest possible rates. I have found this the most convenient, while at the same time Cooke's agents or interpreters are in nearly every station in Continental Europe, and are glad to give information. I would suggest further you buy a Cooke's Continental time tables and tourists hand book. They cost one shilling English money, and are issued monthly. Cooke's main office in London is at Ludgate Circus. I strongly advise against your buying Cooke's hotel coupons. It is better to go hap hazard to a hotel than to get these coupons, but inasmuch as you will have Mrs. Duncan with you, it would be well for you to leave her with your hand luggage in the station, and take ten or fifteen minutes of your time to look around for your hotel accomodations. If you go around with your hand baggage to hotels, the chances are that you will be charged double prices for the poorest accomodations. I would also suggest that you exchange your American money into American Express Company checks. They are negotiable and accepted anywhere and you are thereby sure of not being fleeced by money changers. Hotels and stores accept them at their face value. Should you have an excess of them on your return the balance will be[*577*] [COPIED. MAY 10 1911*] Mr. James Duncan --3-- redeemable. The American Express Company also prints the names of their Continental European offices and give the bearer of the Company's checks the postoffice facilities either in London, Paris, Rome, in fact, in all the cities I have named in this letter, where you can have mail addressed to you or forwarded after you leave. In the order of travel given an all night trip is avoided except upon the steamer from Fiume to Venice. In your letter of April 24th, you say that the minimum fare on the Campania first class is $102.50. I suppose that the fare on the Mauretania is somewhat higher. I am free to say that if I were to travel again I should prefer second-class on the Mauretania, with the best accomodations in the second-class, than the poorest rooms on the first-class on the Campania, or the Mauretania. If there be any further information which you desire and I can give, of course you know that I should be glad to be of service to you. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.578 May 10, 1911. [COPIED MAY 10 1911] M Dr. Frederic Haller Attorney-at-Law, 1016 Mutual Life Bldg., Buffalo, N. Y. Dear Friend: Your favor of May 3, was duly received, but I have been away from my office on an important mission connected with our movement, and hence have been unable to write you sooner. I appreciate your letter very much as well as the suggestion you make. Just at present it is impossible for me to determine upon the matter. I would like to write you at length upon this matter, but it is impossible now. Again thanking you and hoping to hear from you further, I am, Very truly yours, [Sam Gompers] President American Federation of Labor. 579 May 10, 1911. [COPIED MAY 10 1911] M Mr. Sylvester A. Baker, Secretary, Bottle Cap, Cork and Stopper Workers No. 10875 1 Berry St., Hampden, Baltimore, Md. Dear Sir and Brother: Under date of May 7, Mr. J. M. Foster of your union writes me as follows: "I guess you are aware of the fact the agreement between between the Bottle Cap Cork and Stopper Workers Union #10875, and the Crown Cork and Seal Company, of Baltimore, will soon expire - sometime in July. The local has lost no time in preparing for their next agreement: they have all been working hard, and they have almost finished their task. Now there is one thing that they have overlooked, and that one thing is the cause of this letter to you, hoping that you will use your best influence towards adopting the eight hours per day clause in their new agreement, they have overlooked this altogether. It seems to me they are not for the labor movement but for the money. Their main point is for $2.50 per 9 hours, but they are satisfied to fall back to $2.25 per 9 hours." I would like you to advise me as to the above, and what it is your local #10875 contemplates doing in connection with the renewal of the agreement. Hoping to receive your early reply, I am, Fraternally yours, [Sam Gompers] President American Federation of Labor. 580 May 10, 1911. [COPIED MAY 10 1911] M Mr. Emil Nelson, President, Local Union of Longshoremen, General Delivery, North Bend, Oregon. Dear Sir and Brother: We are in receipt of a letter from Organizer C. O. Young, in which he recommends your appointment as volunteer organizer for North Bend and vicinity. It affords me pleasure to comply with this request and information, 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.581 May 10, 1911. [COPIED MAY 10 1911] M Mr. C. O. Young, Organizer, Medford, Oregon. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of May 4th from Marshfield, Oregon, has been received, in which you recommend the appointment of Emil Nelson, President of the Longshoremen's Union, as volunteer organizer for North Bend and vicinity, and in accordance with this request and recommendation commission will be issued to Brother Nelson. There will also be forwarded them a package of literature and documents published by this office, which I am sure he will find of assistance. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fratenally yours, [Sam Gompers] President American Federation of Labor. Hon. C.C. Anderson, Room 171, House Office Building, Washington, D.C. May 10, 1911. Dear Sir: Your favor of May 8th is received in which you enclose letter from Sterling P. Helmick, who desires the appointment as Immigrant Inspector, and who requests my endorsement of his application. 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 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 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 ether him or any other one who may have appointed him either in this or in any other case.583. C. C. A. 2. Then 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. Regretting my inability to comply with your request, I am. Very truly yours. [Sam'l Gompers] President American Federation of Labor. [stamp] Copied May 10 1911[*COPIED. MAY 10 1911*] 584 M May 10, 1911. Mr. James Duncan, First Vice-President, American Federation of Labor, Hancock Building, Quincy, Mass. Dear Sir and Brother: Of course the Executive Council will hold a meeting before your departure from the United States. It is also understood that should the U. S. Supreme Court hand down a decision adverse to "Gompers, Mitchell and Morrison" the Executive Council will be called into ses[s]ion within a few days thereafter. There are but two Mondays at whic[h] the Supreme Court will hand down decisions. They are Monday, May 15, and Monday, May 29. If the decision be favorable to us or if the [c]ourt adjourns without rendering a decision at this term and postpones it until the [O]ctober term, I s[h]ould like to conform the time for ho[l]ding the E. C. meeting to your particular convenience. The thought occurred to me t[ha]t in the event of a favorable decis[i]on being rendered or no decision b[ei]ng rendered, that the meeting of the E. C. might b[e] called at Wash[i]ngton to begin Thursday morning, June 29. We co[ul]d then hold the session on the 29th, 30th and July 1st, at Washington,[t]hen take an ad[j]ournment to New York, reopening on Monday mornin[g] and hold a s[e]ssion the 3rd and 4th in New York City, and be o[?]and to bid yo[u] adieu on your voyage July 5.585 J. D. 2. That would also afford us the opportunity of being either at Atlantic City of Coney Island for Saturday evening and Sunday. I wish you would promptly let me know whether this is agreeable to you. Of course, if an adverse decision should be handed down by the court this would disarrange such a project. But in any event I should like you to let me know what your wishes are in the premises, so that I can have the situation well in mind and handle it promptly. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, [*COPIED. MAY 10 1911*] Sam'l Gompers President American Federation of Labor.[*586*] M May 10, 1911. [*COPIED. MAY 10 1911*] Mr. Matt Burg, Secretary, Trades and Labor Council, 164 Main St., Kenosha, Wisconsin. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 8th instant is at hand, and contents noted. In accordance with the information you give a duplicate commission will be issued and forwarded to Brother Brown, and I trust same will be promptly received. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor.[*COPIED. MAY 10 1911*] 587 M May 10, 1911. Mr. James A. Flanagan, Organizer, 46 Franklin St., Somersworth, N. H. Dear Sir and Brother: Your report for the month of April received, for which I thank you. Relative to forming a central body, I beg to 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 this 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 assessments 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 this constitution which the organization shall adopt. With best wishes for success, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers. President A. F. of L.[*588*] M May 10, 1911. [*COPIED. MAY 10 1911*] Mr. J. M. Foster, 3733 Mt. Pleasant Ave., Highlantown, Balto. Co., Md. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 7th instant is at hand and contents noted. In reply I beg to say that I am by this mail writing to the Secretary of Local 10875, calling this matter to his attention, and requesting him to advise me in regard thereto. With best wishes and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor.[*589*] M May 10, 1911. [*COPIED. MAY 10 1911*] The Gateway, Detroit, Michigan. Gentlemen: I have just received the May issue of your magazine which I have noted with interest. I will place it upon theexchange list, so that hereafter you will receive the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST regularly, and shall be glad to have you reciprocate. Very truly yours, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor.[*590*] [*COPIED. MAY 10 1911*] M May 10, 1911. Mr. Ernest Bohm, Secretary, Central Federated Union, 210 East Fifth St., New York City. Dear Sir: President Gompers directs me to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 6th instant, and thank you foryour prompt compliance with his request for 15 copies of his letter to you of April 15, in connection with the New York Peace Society. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers. 591 X. May 9, 1911. [*COPIED. MAY 10 1911*] NO. 46. EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, AMERICAN FEDERATION OF LABOR. COLLEAGUES: Enclosed you will find copy of the letter just received from President Moyer of the Western Federation of Miners. In conformity with the action of the Executive Council and the letter received from President Moyer, charter has been issued this day. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.592 COPY. WESTERN FEDERATION OF MINERS. Denver, Colorado, May 6, 1911. Mr. Samuel Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir and Brother: We have just completed the canvass of the referendum vote taken on the question of accepting a charter from the American Federation of Labor under the terms submitted by the Council, and find that a large majority of those voting are in favor of accepting the same. As this disposes of the matter as far as our membership and Executive Board is concerned, and as I understand the action of your Council when passing on the matter in January was final, I infer that there is nothing further to be done in connection with the same and that we may expect a charter at your earliest convenience. Fraternally yours, (signed) Charles Moyer, President, Western Federation of Miners.593 M May 10, 1911. Mr. Frederic Gardner, President, COPIED. Buck's Stove and Range Company, May 10, 1911 St. Louis, Missouri. Dear Sir: Enclosed you will please find bill from the L. G. Kelly Printing Company of this City, for printing the 12,000 circular letters of February 7. Kindly give the matter your attention and oblige, Very truly yours, Sam'l Gompers President American Federation of Labor. Please make check payable to the company which did this printing S.G.[*COPIED. MAY 10 1911*] 594 X. May 12, 1911. Hon. Alton B. Parker, 37 Wall Street, New York City. My dear Judge: Recalling the fact that Sunday will be the anniversary of your birth, I desire to extend my felicitations and earnest wishes for many happy returns of the day, and a long life of health, good spirit, and usefulness. Enclosed I am sending you a counterfeit of one in "contempt", but who has not lost faith, courage, or hope for the future. Kindly accept it with the expression of my great appreciation. Respectfully and sincerely yours, Saml. Gompers.[*595*] COPIED. MAY 10, 1911 X. May 10, 1911. Mr. James W. Kline, President, International Brotherhood of Blacksmiths and Helpers, 570-585 Monon Building, Chicago, Ill. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the first instant has been acknowledged. It reached here during my absence in Indianapolis and Chicago, and since my return I have been crowded with work of the utmost importance. There can be no question but that there is much of consequence in your letter, but it is most difficult to answer your questions in detail. I can only call your attention to the fact that the Executive Council acted under direct and positive instructions of the St. Louis Convention of the American Federation of Labor. These instructions were contained in the following: "That the whole question at issue be referred to the Executive Council, with instructions to try to bring about an amicable adjustment, to the end that the Western Federation of Miners may obtain a charter without overriding the principles of the American Federation of Labor." It was in conformity with these instructions and having in mind the declaration of the Scranton Convention, as amended by the Minneapolis Convention, that the issuance of the charter was authorized.[*596*] Mr. James W. Kline -2- For your information I enclose herein a copy of a letter which by direction of the executive Council has just been sent to Mr. Moyer, President of the Western Federation of Miners. It is the sincere hope of the Executive Council, and which I heartily share, that the declarations made by President Moyer and his associate at the St. Louis Convention, will be faithfully adhered to, that is, that harmonious relations will prevail among the organized workers of the country, and that no untoward action will be taken by any organization that will at all tend to disrupt or impair the harmony and co-operation of the workers already organized. With assurances of high regard and best wishes, and hoping to hear from you often, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*597*] [*COPIED MAY 10 1911*] X. May 10, 1911. Mr. James Emory, Counsel for the National Association of Manufacturers, New Willard Hotel, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: It was impossible for me to be at the hearing held before the Federal Commission on Workmen's Compensation this morning, and I regret this very much. I learned, however, that during the course of your statements to the Commission, you said that you and your associate who visited Europe upon an investigation of Employers' Liability and Workmen's Compensation laws, would submit a report to the National Association of Manufacturers at the convention which is to be held in New York during the coming week. May I ask whether you will kindly let me have a copy of that report which you will submit to the convention? Of course, I would not ask that you would let me have a copy before its submission to the Association, but inasmuch as it must be of a generally important character, and if you violate neither your professional duty nor the confidence of your Association, I should esteem it if you will let me have a copy thereof as soon after as you may find it convenient. Thanking you in advance, I am Very respectfully yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*598*] [*COPIED MAY 10 1911*] X. May 10, 1911. Mr. Carl Legien, Secretary, Generalkommission der Gewerkschaften Deutschlands, Berlin S. O. 16, Engel-Ufer 15, Berlin, Germany. Dear Sir and Brother: A few weeks ago I called your attention to the fact that there appeared in the Correspondenzblatt a [letter] rather commendatory Article upon the visit of Mr. James Emory and another man representing the National Association of Manufacturers of the United States, and the investigation that were then about to make of Employers' Liability and Workmen's Compensation laws as they operate in Germany and other countries of Europe. I suppose you know that the Congress of the United States appointed a special commission for the study of this subject of Employers' Liability laws and Workmen's Compensation acts, with a view of the more general introduction of that system in the United States. This morning the Commission held a session and Mr. James Emory, General Counsel of the National Association of Manufacturers, appeared in argument against the general proposition, and recited the investigation that he and his associate made in Europe upon this general subject matter, and that they were to make a report to the[*599*] [*COPIED MAY 10 1911*] Mr. Carl Legien -2- National Association of Manufacturers, which is to convene in New York during the coming week. It may interest you to know that Mr. Emory stated in substance that he found beyond dispute, where employers in Europe were penalized in large amounts for accidents, that the number of accidents in the industry increased instead of decreased, and that this was particularly so in Germany and England. The United States Federal Commission making the investigation, is to meet again in a few weeks from now, and I should like you to write me as promptly as you possibly can, your views of the accuracy or otherwise of Mr. Emory's statement. I trust that you will be enabled to give me as comprehensive and as prompt an answer as possible, and I assure you that whatever the character of your reply, it will be helpful in our work here. With best wishes to you and your colleagues, trusting that your health is improved, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*600*] [*COPIED MAY 10 1911*] X. May 10, 1911. Mr. John R.Alpine, President, Plumbers, Gas Fitters, Steam Fitters and Steam Fitters Helpers of United States and Canada, 401-6 Bush Temple of Music, Chicago, Illinois. Dear Sir and Brother: Night before last I received a brief telegram signed L. U. 443 U. A., asking me to call him up over long distance telephone. I did so but the conversation was unsatisfactory and I therefore asked that I be communicated with either by letter or night letter. I received the following yesterday afternoon: "Carbondale, Pa., May 8, 1911. Samuel Gompers, Washington, D. C. Two men have contract for plumbing, five others complete work. Carpenters refuse to ask for card or leave work. Plumbing now complete, carpenters still working, contractor journeyman claims it fair job. Your opinion wanted. Can one master plumber work on anothers contract. L. U. 443 U. A." I took the matter up with Mr. Wm. J. Spencer, Secretary of the Building Trades Department and he was unable to give much information in regard to it but made the suggestion that I communicate with you in reference to the matter. Surely it is impossible for me to express an opinion upon information so meager and when I have but one side of the subject presented. In any event I refer it to you for such advice as you may care to give, or such action601 M. John R. Alpine -2- which you deem necessary in the premises. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml' Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. [*602*] [*COPIED. MAY 11 1911*] Washington, D. C. May 11, 1911 Edward Stanley, Jr., Secretary, Joint Advisory Board, Cigarmakers, Labor Temple, Ybor City, Fla. Your telegramsreceived . Have forwarded them to President Gompers, who is absent on official business. R. LEE GUARD. Secretary to President Gompers. Charge A. F. of L.[*603*] Washington D. C., May 11, 1911. [*COPIED. MAY 11 1911*] Mr. Frank L. Mulholland, Nicholas Building, Toledo, O. Please wire where I can reach Mr. Mulholland by wire today. R. LEE GUARD Secretary to president Gompers. Charge A. F. of L.[*604*] [*COPIED MAY 11 1911*] M May 11, 1911. Mr. Richard Lloyd Jones, c/o Colliers Weekly, 416 West 13th St., New York City. Dear Sir: Your Secretary wrote me under date of April 19th in reply to my letter to you of April 13, stating that my note with enclosed bill for addressing and wrapping pamplhets, would be handed to you as soon as you returned to the city, and that you would then attend to the matter. It has evidently slipped your attention, and I am, therefore, writing to you again. I would appreciate it if you would kindly give this matter your prompt attention, and oblige, Very truly yours, Saml Gompers President American Federation of Labor.[*605*] [*COPIED MAY 11 1911*] M May 11, 1911. Dear Mr. Gompers: Enclosed find copies of two telegrams received yesterday from Mr. Edward Stanley, Ybor City, Florida: also copy of another telegram received this morning together with copy of my reply. The United Press called me up this morning and read a dispatch from Tampa, saying that the men had gone on strike. I called up Father Kirby. He was just making arrangements to bring his class around on Tuesday, and stated that he would bring them at two o'clock Wednesday afternoon. I wrote today to the letter carriers requesting them to meet you, Mr. Morrison and Mr. Nelson at four o'clock Tuesday afternoon. I do not know how it is in New York today, but is exceedingly warm here. Considering what you have on hand for today, I imagine that you won't have time to realize if it is warm or cool. I trust that you had a pleasant trip over last night, and that you got some rest. Very sincerely yours, R. Lee Guard P. S. I also enclose copy of telegram received today from Los Angeles. I thought you would like to have the information.[*606*] [*COPIED MAY 11 1911*] M May 11, 1911. Mr. Owen Miller, Secretary, American Federation of Musicians 3535 Pine Street, St. Louis, Missouri. Dear Sir and Brother: We are in receipt of a letter from Organizer John H. Riley, P. O. Box 68, Danbury, Connecticut, in which he says: "I have been requested to ask you if I can organize the Guitar and Mandolin players, as they will not accept them in the Musical Union in this City and in other places in this state. If I can get them a charter from the A. F. of L. it will not interfere in anyway with the Musical Union but as workers we would like to have them organized," I have advised Brother Riley that I was referring the matter to you, and that you would write to him direct in regard to same. Thanking you in advance for your compliance with the above, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President American Federation of Labor.[*607*] COPIED MAY 11 1911 M May 11, 1911. Mr. John H. Riley, Organizer, P. O. Box 68, Danbury, Connecticut. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 7th instant is at hand , in which you request information as to organizing the Guitar and Mandolin players, and beg to say that I am by this mail writing to Secretary Owen Miller of the American Federation of Musicians, requesting him to write to you direct, relative to the organization of these men. You will no doubt hear from him at an early date. With best wishes, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.[*608*] M May 11, 1911. Mr. Thomas Reece, 418 to 422, Strand, London W. C., England. [*COPIED. MAY 11 1911*] Dear Sir: Your favor of April 27th received: also copy. Enclosed find International Money Order for $3.00 in payment for same, and blank receipt which kindly sign and return. Very truly yours, Saml Gompers President American Federation of Labor.[*609*] COPIED MAY 11 1911 M May 11, 1911. Mr. Hans Fehlinger, Hinterbruhl 8, Muenchen 41, Munich, Germany. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of April 29th is justreceived together with your article for publication in the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST. Enclosed you will please find International Money Order for $5.00 in payment therefor, and blank receipt which kindly sign and return to this office. I am glad to know that you are making such good progress on your pamphlets as to the history of the American Federation of Labor, and I am looking forward with interest to the receipt of the first copies you get out. It is very gratifying indeed to know that the weekly news letter is being so well received. We have letters from our correspondents in England as well as Germany, all expressing themselves as being highly delighted with the news letter. I note your reference to the McNamara case and your expression of belief in the innocence of the men and the hope that this may be fully established before the courts. That is what we are now befitting our every energy to do, and we hope to be successful. I should like to write you more in detail in regard to this case, but it is impossible at this time. I, of course, anticipate taking the[*610*] H. F. R. matter up quite fully in the June issue of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President American Federation of Labor.611 M May 10, 1911. Mr. Hugo Peetsech, Berlin No, 55, Pasteurstr. 35, Berlin, Germany. COPIED. MAY 11 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of April 29th has been duly received and contents noted. I am exceedingly gratified to know that our weekly news letter is meeting with such universal commendation in this country as well as abroad. You can rest assured that the news letter will not fail to take account of whatever disposition is made by Congress of the Sulzer bill for the creation of a Department of Labor. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you often, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml.Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.612 Z May 11, 1910. Mr. Harrie M. Pike, Organizer, 302 Wallingford Ave., Athol, Mass. COPIED. MAY 11 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of May 8th received and contents noted. You say that you have been requested by the President of Local #11891, A. F. of L., to write me in regard to the wage scale which that organization sent me for submission to and approval by the Executive Council of the A. F. of L. I beg to say in reply that the wage scale has been submitted to the Executive Council of the A. F. of L. and just as soon as a decision is reached the officers of the organization will be promptly advised. Of course they will not fail to keep in mind the fact that no action should be taken by that organization until the Executive Council has had time to consider the matter and give a decision as to whether the scale shall be approved. Otherwise, under the provisions of the Constitution of the A. F. of L., the organization would not be eligible for benefits from the defense fund in the event of its membership becoming involved in a strike. If any new developments arise in this case you will not fail, of course, to keep me promptly advised. With best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Saml.Gompers. President., A. F. of L. [*613*] [*COPIED MAY 11 1911*] May 10, 1911. Mr. George Palmer, Temporary Secretary, Labor Day Committee, c/oThe Galesburg Labor News, 143 South Cherry St., Galesburg, Illinois. Dear Sir and Brother: Your letter of the 8th has been duly received and contents noted. You extend to me an invitation to deliver the Labor Day address in Galesburg the coming September. In reply I beg to say that this invitation is appreciated by me and I regret that I cannot at this time make any definite promise to accept. As you know there are many unforeseen circumstances which may arise between now and the date in question, which may make my presence elsewhere absolutely imperative and for that reason I hesitate to make an engagement for a date so far in the future. Then again, the Supreme Court of the Inited States has not yet received its decision in the Contempt Cases against Mr. Mitchell, Mr. Morrison and myself, and it may be we shall have to serve the sentences of nine, six and twelve months imposed upon us be Judge Wright, in case of an adverse decision. However, a note his been made of your invitation and should I find later that[*614*] Mr. George Palmer---2. I can accept you will be notified sufficiently in advance to make all necessary arrangements. With best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. MAY 11 1911*][*615*] [*COPIED MAY 11 1911*] M May 10, 1911. No. 4Y. EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, AMERICAN FEDERATION OF LABOR. COLLEAGUES! On May 1st Federal Labor Union No. 11891 submitted a copy of the wage scale which the officers of that organization stated they contemplate submitting to the L. S. Starrett Co. In the letter transmitting the wage scale on May 1st the Secretary says: "Local 750 I. A. of M. have their agreement all ready and the chairman of their committee attended our last meeting and gave us some light on what is to take place by the members of their union. This chairman advised the members of our union to get busy and form an agreement and they would back us if ours were rejected and theirs accepted. Another point I wish to state is that the members of our union (particularly the ladies) receive very low wages and now that we have we have a strong support we will try to pass this agreement which I know would make living a great deal better." Our correspondence on this case showed that last year when the matter of the wage agreement came up with this organization that the members were paying dues of but twenty-five cents per month. Under the provisions of the Constitution of the A. F. of L. they would not have been entitled to any benefits from the A. F. of L. in the event of a strike occurring and the Secretary was so advised. Organizer Pike, under date of May 8th, on behalf of Federal Labor Union No. 11891, writes as follows:[*616*] EXECUTIVE COUNCIL ---2. We have been asked by the president of the local A. F. of L. to write you in explanation of their agreement containing wage scale. You speak in our letter of the dues in this local and in reply will state that they were raised to fifty cents per month the first of last July. I have been directing my efforts as organizer of this district, in putting this local of the A. F. of L. in shape to demand better conditions. Better conditions are very badly needed in your local as, in spite of the fact that the L. S. Starrett Co. is a union shop, your local has had no wage scale of any nature and the members are the poorest paid of any organized or unorganized employes in this district. I also wanted better conditions in your local as a protection to the machinists, as the work of two locals is similar in a number of cases, and where the machinists have been granted better conditions, this shop has transferred a large number of machinists to the A. F. of L. in order not to grant them the better conditions. The wage scale presented to you asks exactly the same wage rate for female employes as the machinists, in the case of male employes it is twenty-five cents per day less, the eight hour day and the other conditions are, of course, the same. In conclusion will say that the machinists walked out last Saturday, on account of discrimination by the L. S. Starrett Co. and it is our intention to put our agreement in effect before we go back, and would like to put the A. F. of L. agreement in at the same time and clear the whole business up at once if possible." Enclosed you will please find copy of the wage scale which F.L.U. 11891 desires approved by the Executive Council. This organization has paid per capita tax for the past year upon the following membership: June, 1910 - 57 members July, 1910 - 57 members Aug., 1910 - 57 members Sept., 1910 - 60 members Oct., 1910 - 68 members Nov., 1910 - 72 members Dec., 1910 - 71 members Jan., 1911 - 71 members Feb., 1911 - 70 members Mar., 1911 - 68 members Apr., 1911 - ----------------- May, 1911 - ----------------- At present there are no benefits being paid to any organization from the defense fund. The Executive Council has approves the wage scales of several local unions as follows:[*617*] EXECUTIVE COUNCIL ---3- Federal Labor Union No. 7087, Belleville, Ill. 35 members Undertakers' Union No. 9049, San Francisco, Cal. 50 members Baggage Messengers No. 10167, San Francisco, Cal. 50 members Paste Makers' Union No. 10587, San Francisco, Cal. 20 members Mineral Water Bottlers 11317, Newark, N. J. 50 members Locomotive Hostlers & Helpers 11894, Roanoke, Va. 50 members Machinists' Helpers & Laborers, No. 12906, 65 members St. Thomas, Ont. Soda Water Factories Employees, of Belleville, Ill., in F. L. U. 7059. The question submitted for the decision of the Executive Council is: Shall the wage scale of F.L.U. 11891 of Athol, Mass., the members of which are employed by the L. S. Starrett Co., be approved and the members thereby be entitled to benefits should it be necessary for them to go on strike to enforce same. Please return your vote upon foregoing at your earliest convenience, and oblige Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*618*] COPY. Agreement between the L. S. Starrett Co., and Local #11891, A.F. of L. Article I. All persons hired by the L. S. Starrett Co. that are not eligible to belong to the I. A. of M. or Polishers, shall fill out applications immediately to become members of the A. F. of L. No persons under sixteen years of age shall become members of this Local #11891, A. F. of L. Article II. Night hours shall constitute a day's work. Article III. Time worked over eight hours per day shall be considered as overtime and paid for at the rate of time and one half. All work done on legal holidays or Sundays shall be paid for at the rate of double time. Article IV. If at any time work becomes slack the factory must go on shorter time rather than lay off or discharge any help. Article V. No member of Local #11891, A. F. of L., shall be discharged by the company without good reason. Article. VI. The minimum rate for male employees shall be $1.75 per day, with the conditions that if they do not make good the company may, if it wishes, discharge them within sixty days of the date of their beginning work. At the end of three months they shall receive $2.00 per day, and at the end of one calendar year they shall receive at least $2.25 per day. The minimum rate for female employees shall be $1.50 per day for the first six months, with the conditions that if they do[*619*] -2- not make good the company, if it wishes, discharge them within sixty days of the date of their beginning work: for the second six months they shall receive $1.75 per day, and at the end of one calendar year they shall receive $2.00 per day. Article VII. There shall be no discriminating of any nature by the L. S. Starrett Co. against any member or members legally elected or appointed by Local #11891, A. F. of L. Article VIII. East department may have at least one errand boy and he shall receive at leas $1.25 per day, with the exception of the packing room, and that department may employ two errand boys with at least $1.25 per day. Article IX. This agreement will hold good and in effect one year from the date of signing, and if any change is desired by either party at least thirty days notice must be given in advance of any desired change. Signed for the A. F. of L. Signed for the Company: Date: [*620*] [*COPIED. MAY 11 1911*] X. May 11, 1911 Mr. Leon C. Sutton, Managing Editor, The Labor World, 366 Broadway, New York City. Dear Sir: President Gompers directs me to acknowledge receipt of your favor of May the ninth and to say to you that his time is so fully engrossed with the immediate pressing work of the A. F. of L. that he can scarcely find the opportunity to write adequately for the American Federationist. He therefore regrets his inability to comply with your request. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*621*] [*COPIED. MAY 11 1911*] X. May 11, 1911. Mr. John Golden, President, United Textile Workers of America, Box 748, Fall River, Mass. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of May the ninth. He will await with the greatest interest your report of the investigation you are making of the Brighton Mills in the working out of the system of "Scientific Management". Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*622*] X. May 10, 1911. Mr. Chas. N. Jamcek, [?534] S. State Street, Chicago, Illinois. [*COPIED. MAY 11 1911*] Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of May the ninth. You say that you are "a charter member of Local #94, Canton, Ohio", and you then make complaint against the treatment you have received at the hands of that organization. You fail to state, however, what is the trade represented by Local #94. In any event, in conformity with the course always followed by this office in such matters, I would suggest that your complaint be made to the executive officers of the international organization of the trade involved. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.623 X. May 10, 1911. Mr. D. J. Shackleton, Manchester, England. Dear Sir and Brother: I suppose you know that the Congress of the United States appointed a special commission for the study of this subject of Employers' Liability laws and Workmen's Compensation acts, with a view of the more general instructions of that system in the United States. This morning the Commission held a session and Mr. James Emory, General Counsel of the National Association of Manufacturers, appeared in argument against the general proposition, and recited the investigation that he and an associate recently made in Europe upon this general subject matter, and that they were to make a report to the National Association of Manufacturers, which is to convene in New York during the coming week. It may interest you to know that Mr. Emory stated in substance that he had found beyond dispute, where employers in Europe were penalized in large amounts for accidents, that the number of accidents in the industry increased instead of decreased, and that this was particularly so in Germany and England. The United States Federal Commission making the [investigation] 624 Mr. D. J. Shackleton -2- gation, it is to meet again in a few weeks from now, and I should like you to write me as promptly as you possibly can, your views of the accuracy or otherwise of Mr. Emory's statement. I trust that you will be enabled to give me as comprehensive and as prompt an answer as possible, and I assure you that whatever the character of your reply, it will be helpful in our work here. With best wishes to you and your colleagues, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. 625 X. May 10, 1911. Mr. James O'Connell, President, International Association of Machinists, McGill Building, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the ninth instant to hand and contents noted. In it you state that there has arisen a contention in Wilkesbarre, Pennsylvania, as to the jurisdiction over machinists employed in Breweries and that Brewery Workers locals in that city make claim in jurisdiction over such machinists. I am quite surprised that any matter of this character should arise at this late date, for it is the first time that has ever come to my attention that the Brewery Workers have attempted, either directly or indirectly, to lay claim over machinists, whether employed in breweries or elsewhere. Such a claim has never come under the consideration of the Executive Council or of the American Federation of Labor itself. Indeed, such a claim has never come to me nor have I ever heard of it until the receipt of your letter. I feel confident that should you bring this matter to the attention of the executive officers of the United Brewery Workers' International Union, they will take the position that no such claim should be made by the Brewery Workers. Sincerely hoping that the matter may be adjusted to the satisfaction of all concerned, and that a new internal controversy[*626*] Mr. James O'Connell -2- may be avoided, for surely we need unity now more than at any other time, I am, With best wishes, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. MAY 11 1911*]627 X. May 9, 1911. Mr. Ed. J. Cantwell, National Association of Letter Carriers, 945 Pennsylvania Ave., City. Dear Sir: On March 9th, replying to my letter to you of March the fourth, you say: "Answering your communication of the 4th I beg leave to inform you that the Council of Administration, composed of the officers of the National Association of Letter Carriers will hold a meeting in April and I will be pleased to place your letter before them for action. I sincerely hope and trust that the Executive Council of the American Federation of Labor will not take any action on any application of an individual or officer of any other association that will result in forming a separate organization in the ranks of the letter carriers. I will gladly do what I can to arrange for a conference between yourself and the officers of our association and will be pleased to apprise you of the action taken by our Council of Administration." Since the receipt of the above I have not heard anything further from you in regard to the matter. I am now writing to inquire whether arrangements could not be made for you or President Kelly or both of you to meet with Mr. Oscar Nelson, President of the National Federation of Post Office Clerks, Secretary Morrison and myself at four o'clock on Tuesday afternoon, May 16, at this office, in regard to matters affecting the interests of the National Association of Letter Carriers and the National Federation of Post Office Clerks. I am dictating this just an hour previous to my leaving for New York City on an important mission, and trust that I may[*628*] Mr. Ed. J. Cantwell -2- find your reply awaiting me upon my return. Very truly yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. May 11 1911*]629 X. May 11, 1911. Mr. George L. West, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, Box 72, Boise, Idaho. Dear Sir: In the absence if President Gompers I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of May the sixth in which you refer to having recently instituted the "Boise Building Trades Council". You further say: "Were it not for the fact that conflict exists between the A. F. of L. and the 'Brotherhood of Carpenters' and again between the A. F. of L. and the Bricklayers International, either. directly or indirectly, I could have united in a common fellowship every Trades Local in Boise, as it is we will hold a working alliance of a local nature. The situation is one, however, wherein these two locals in question being of great membership, weaken our financial resources and to some extent our moral force." Will you kindly explain more in detail as to just what it is you have in mind in referring to the "conflict" which "exists between the A. F. of L. and the Brotherhood of Carpenters"? President Gompers will be glad to hear from you in regard to this at your early convenience. Very truly yours, R. Lee Girard Secretary to President Gompers.630 X. May 11, 1911. Mr. Hugh Frayne, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, 25 Third Avenue, New York City. Dear Sir: The Washington Star of April 27 had a dispatch from New York giving a report of the annual convention of the new Board of Directors of the Associated Press, which was being held that week at the Waldorf Astoria. At one of the sessions Mr. Herman Ridder made an address on "Efficiency in Newspaper Management" in which he is reported to have said: "The Labor unions are destroying incentive for efficient labor". Would it be possible for us to get a complete report of Mr. Ridder's address? I know Mr. Gompers would very much like to have it. The New York Tribune of yesterday, May tenth, in a brief report of the address delivered by Bishop Greer on the evening of May 9th to the Church Association for the advancement of the interests of labor, in which the Bishop is reported to have said that "The labor movement represents the greatest spiritual earnestness of the age." Could we get a copy of that address? Kindly let me hear from you in regard to this at your early convenience, and oblige, Very truly yours, R. Lee Girard Secretary to President Gompers.631 X. May 11, 1911. Mr. Henry W. Bullock, 415-416 Law Building, Indianapolis, Indiana. Dear Sir: Your favor of May the sixth is received and contents noted. I am dictating this, together with a number of other matters, just an hour previous to leaving headquarters for New York, where I have a number of important engagements. Replying briefly I want to say that I fully endorse your position as to the introduction of a resolution, and fully agree with you in the opinion you express relative to Mr. Korbly's bill. Let me hear from you further as to what you have accomplished along this line. Sincerely yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.632 X. May 11, 1911. Mr. [C.] [Legion], Berlin S. O. 16, Engel-Ufer 15, Berlin, Germany. Dear Sir and Brother: I notice that you still have the address of the American Federation of Labor printed as being at 423 G Street, N. W., Washington, D. C. Kindly change it to 801-809 G Street, N. W., Washington, D. C., and oblige, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.633 X. May 11, 1911. Mr. W. C. Steadman, Secretary, Parliamentary Committee, British Trades Union Congress, 42-44 Effingham House, Arnndel St., Strand, London, England. Dear Sir and Brother: In looking over the printed proceedings of the British Trades Union Congress of 1910, I notice in the list of delegates from the American Federation of Labor to the Trade Union Congress, that you have one name as "J. Lloyd". This should be "M. Lloyd". When getting out the next report, kindly have this correction made. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.634 X. May 10, 1911. Mr. John Thompson, Pearson's Magazine, New York City. Dear Sir: President Gompers directs me to acknowledge receipt of your favor of May the eighth in which you enclose proofs of the first two of the series of stores which is to appear in Pearson's, the author, Mr. P. C. Macfarlane, having suggested that the proofs should be sent to Mr. Gompers. Mr. Gompers is leaving the city on an important mission and will be gone for some days. He has taken the manuscript with him to look over, and will endeavor to write you personally upon his return in regard to the suggestion you make of sending additional advance proofs of the stories to some of the labor journals. Very truly yours, R. Lee Girard Secretary to President Gompers.635 Y. May 10, 1911. Honorable W. B. Francis, House Office Building, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: I have your favor of May 5, in which you say that you have introduced a resolution into Congress, asking for an investigation of the American Woolen Company, and that in the resolution you ask for an investigation of the conditions of labor and of child labor in their separate work, setting out the names of the different companies composing the American Woolen Company. You also say that you enclosed me a copy of the resolution, but I regret to say that it did not come. I should be pleased, however, to receive three or more copies at your convenience. I take advantage of this opportunity to inform you that the American Federation of Labor succeeded in persuading Congress to make an investigation and report on the condition of women and child wage earners in the United States during the 59th Congress. The Act was approved January 29, 1907, entitled "An Act to authorize the Secretary of Commerce and Labor to report upon the industrial, social, moral, educational and physical condition of women636 Honorable W.B. Francis ---2 and child workers in the United States." I am pleased to say that the aforesaid Department has made its report, and the first three volumes have been printed and distributed. Volume 1 reports on the textile industry; volume 2 on the clothing industry; volume 3, on the Glass industry. I am not yet advised as to when the report will be made upon the woolen industry, but I am reliably informed that there will be such a report forthcoming, and suggest that you call personally upon United States Commissioner, Charles P. Neill, for copies of the reports that have been printed and for copies of such that are in the press; pending that time, if you will apply to the Census Bureau you can obtain their latest bulletin upon the woolen industry, in which the ages of the children, the number employed and total amount of wages paid them is reported, and from which you can make such analysis as you find your purpose may require. Very truly yours, Sam'l Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*637*] [*COPIED. MAY 12 1911*] Washington, D. C., May12, 1911 Mr. Samuel Gompers, Victoria Hotel, NewYork City Mr. Stanley wires today as follows: "Strike off new hearing granted and mandate for arrest suspended." R. L. Guard Charge A. F. of L.638 M May 12, 1911. Miss E. Barber, 1070-47th St., Brooklyn, N. Y. Dear Madam: Your favor of the 3rd instant is at hand, in which you request some statistics for a debate on the question "Laborers should have a working day of Eight Hours." Several years ago I made a compilation of the eight hour trades then prevailing, and the following is a list: The eight hour week day obtains in 260 cities and towns in the carpentry trade. The Electrical Workers have general eight hour work day. The Plasterers, eight hours per day is the rule. The Bricklayers enforce the eight hour work day. The Granite Cutters eight hours is the universal rule. Mason, eight hours is the rule. Painters, eight hours is the rule. Decorators eight hours is the rule. Paperhangers eight hours is the rule. Plumbers eight hours is the rule. Gas Fitters eight hours is the rule. Steam and Hot Water Fitters eight hours is the rule. Machine Woodworkers, about 30% work eight hours. Tile Layers, eight hours is the rule. Roofers eight hours is the rule. Compositors on morning newspapers, seven and a half hours. Compositors on afternoon newspapers 8 hours is the rule. German Compositors, eight hour is the universal rule. 5 days constituting a weeks work. Stereotypers and electrotypers on newspapers, eight hours is the rule. Coopers, eight hours is the rule. Cigarmakers eight hours is the rule.639 M. Barber 2. Brewery Workers, eight hours is the rule on the Pacific Coast and Texas. Stationary Fireman about 50% work eight hours. Iron and Steel Workers, generally three shifts, eight hours each. Papermakers, eight hours is the rule. Coal Miners in bituminous regions, eight hours is the rule. Plate printers, eight hours is the rule. Lathers, eight hours is the rule. Since the compilation of the above data, other trades have secured the eight hour day, but I have not as yet had the opportunity to compile the same. The above, I think will be sufficient for the purpose you have in mind. The present Federal eight hour law was enacted in 1868, though probably the first official act of the United States Government concerning the limitation of the hours of labor on public works was the Executive Order of President Van Buren, issued in 1840, providing for a ten hour day. Several states have laws upon the Statute books, providing that eight hours shall constitute a day's work upon all government work or work done for the government in the state or for municipalities. This is also true of the Federal Eight Hour Law which applies to the Federal Government and the Territories under its immediate jurisdiction. The effort we are now making in the Federal Congress is to secure the extension of the Eight Hour Law so that it shall apply to contractors and subcontractors who work for the Federal Government. I would suggest that you refer to the annual reports of the undersigned if you have access to them, in which you will find considerable space given to the eight hour questions; also to editorials appearing in the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST, the official publication of the American Federation of Labor. Several circulars are also mailed[*640*] E. Barber 3. to you which no doubt will prove of interest and helpful to you in your preparation. Very truly yours, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. MAY 12 1911*]641 COPIED MAY 12 1911 M May 13, 1911. Mr. R. R. Slate South Boston, Virginia Dear Sir: Your favor of the 3rd instant is at hand, in which you state you are preparing a debate on the question "Is Immigration detrimental to the United States," and desire some information on the subject. 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 workingwomen 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 maybe quite a number of workmen unemployed and when the possibility is that the number may be augmented,and yet the fact that immigration, with it 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 to close the gates entirely to those who may voluntarily seek our642 R.R. S. 2. 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 hi 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 hope 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 if it were possible. Nor should the American workmen or the 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 Convention of the American Federation of Labor pronounced in favor of an educational test for immigrants, and the Boston Convention in 1905, 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 labor." I would call your attention to articles on pages 95 and 97 of the February issue 1906, of the American Federationist, the official publication of the American Federation of Labor. This issue contains an editorial on Chinese Exclusion policy, and addresses 643 R. H. S. 3. dealing with various phases of immigration before conferences on Immigration held December 1905, in New York City. I would suggest that you refer to the proceedings of the Minneapolis Convention of the A.F. of L. which was held in November 1906, especially to the action taken by the Convention upon the subject of Immigration. I enclose to you herein a pamphlet containing an article by John Mitchell, published in the October 1909, issue of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST, and also an article by the undersigned, published in the January issue, 1911, magazine, and which was afterwards published in pamphlet form. Very truly yours, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor. 644 COPIED May 12 1911 M May 12, 1911. Mr. Ben B. McLeran, Double Springs, Alabama. Dear Sir: Your favor of the 3rd instant is at hand, in which you state you are to debate the question "Resolved, That foreign immigration should be prohibited, "and would appreciate an expression from me on the subject. 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 workingwomen 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 workers 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 event 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 to close the gates entirely to those who may voluntarily seek our shores for the purpose of their own material, moral and social improvement,645 B.B. Mc. 2. 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 the 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 Convention of the American Federation of Labor pronounced in favor of an educational test for immigration, 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 would call your attention to articles on pages 95 and 97 of the February issue 1906, of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST, the official publication of the American Federation of Labor. This issue contains an editorial on Chinese Exclusion policy, and addresses dealing with various phases of immigration before Conferences on Immigration held December 1905, in New York City. I would suggest 646 B.B Mc 3. that you refer to the proceedings of the Minneapolis Convention of the A.F. of L. which was held in November 1906, especially to the action taken by the Convention upon the subject of immigration. I enclose to you herein a pamphlet containing an article by John Mitchell, published in the October 1909 of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST, and also an article by the undersigned, published in the January issue 1911, magazine, and which was afterwards published in pamphlet form. Very truly yours, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor. [*647*] M May 12, 1911. [*COPIED. MAY 12 1911*] Mr. Edwin Perry, Secretary, United Mine Workers of America, State Life Building, Indianapolis, Ind. Dear Sir and Brother: I am in receipt of a letter from the Secretary of the Central Body of Hillsboro, Illinois, in which he advises me that the Local Union of your organization in that city No. 310, is not represented in the Trades Council. 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.648 M May 12, 1911. COPIED. MAY 12 1911 Mr. Roy Clotfelter, Secretary Trades Council, Box 425, Hillsboro, Ill. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of May 8th is at hand, in which you state that the Taylor Spring Mines Local No. 310, is not affiliated with the central body. By the mail I am writing to Secretary Perry, of the United Mine Workers of America, requesting him to urge upon his local the advisability and necessity of being represented in the Trades Council as provided by the Constitution of the American Federation of Labor, Section 2, Article XI. With best wishes and trusting this will have the desired result, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor.[*649*] M May 12, 1911. [*COPIED. MAY 12 1911*] Mr. Charles B. Eddy, Secretary, Central Labor Union, 1031 Vassar Ave., South Bend, Indiana. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 8th instant is at hand, and in compliance with your request I enclose to you herein list of international unions and central bodies. With best wishes, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor.650 X. May 12, 1911. COPIED. MAY 12, 1911. Mr. John J. Griffin, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, Box 43, Lynn, Mass. Dear Sir: President Gompers will appreciate your letter of May the ninth, and your prompt compliance with his request to you of April 28 in regard to the trouble in City Employes Local Union 12326. He is absent from the city on official business, and you will kindly accept this acknowledgement of the receipt of your communication. Very truly yours, R Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.651 X. May 12, 1911. [*COPIED. May 12 1911*] Mr. John Mitchell, Vice-President, American Federation of Labor, #3 Claremont Avenue, Mount Vernon, N. Y. Dear Sir: President Gompers will appreciate your letter of May the 11th in which you enclose copy of #6 of the series of your letters for publication in the United Mine Workers Journal. He is now in New York. In all probability you may have seen him while there. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*652*] [*COPIED. May 12 1911*] X. May 12, 1911. Mr. J. P. Reynolds, Secretary, Ceramic, Mosaic and Encaustic Tile Layers and Helpers International Union, 108 Corry Street, N. S., Pittsburg, Pa. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the tenth instant is received and contents noted. In compliance with your request I am sending to you under separate cover a package of fifty circular appeals in the McNamara case. You say that you are going to send this to your local unions. I think it would be well if you would accompany them by a special personal letter. Thanking you for your co-operation and hoping to hear from you further, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*653*] [*COPIED. May 13 1911*] X. May 12, 1911. Mr. John B. Andrews, Secretary, American Association for Labor Legislation, Metropolitan Tower, New York City. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers, and replying to your favor of the seventh instant, I beg to enclose to you herein proof of your article on "Diseases of Occupation" which will be published in the June issue of the American Federationist. Kindly make such corrections as you may desire and return it to us at your earliest convenience. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*654*] [*COPIED. May 13 1911*] X. May 12, 1911. Mr. H. C. Gillespie, Granville, Ohio. Dear Sir: Your postal card of the ninth instant is received, stating that you are about to debate the question of the open and closed shop, and asking for information and data thereon. 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 you 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 Hammershark Publishing Company, 151-153 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 17th, 1905, issue of "The Journal", Rochester, N.Y.[*655*] Mr. H. C. Gillespie -2- Inasmuch as the subject matter of 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. Very truly yours, Sam'l Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*656*] X. [COPIED MAY 12 1911] May 12, 1911. Mr. Wm. H. O'Brien, President, Boston Central Labor Union, 38 Mt. Vernon Street, Dorchester, Mass. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers on official business, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the ninth instant with clippings from the Boston Globe, for which you will please accept Mr. Gompers' thanks. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.657 X. May 12, 1911, Mr. Jos. F. Valentine, President, International Welders' Union of North America, Commercial Tribune Building, Cincinnati, O. Dear Sir: COPIED MAY 12 1911 In the absence of President Gompers on official business, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of May tenth, enclosing Financier Metcalf's quarterly circular, forwhich you will please accept Mr. Gompers' Thanks. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*658*] X. May 12, 1911. Mr. Frank H. McCarthy, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, 97 Union Park Street, Boston, Mass. Dear Sir: [*COPIED MAY 12 1911*] In the absence of President Gompers on official business, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the tenth instant, Which will be brought to his attention as soon as possible after his return to headquarters. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*659*] X. May 12, 1911. Mr. Henry E. DePue, Secretary, Mutual Organization League, 972 E. 38th Street, Los Angeles, Cal. [*COPIED. MAY 12 1911*] Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers on official business, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 6th instant, which will be brought to his attention upon his return to headquarters. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*660*] X. May 12, 1911. Mr. W. H. Davies, Secretary, International Association of Steam, Hot Water and Power Pipe Fitters and Helpers, 357 West 63d. Street, Chicago, Ill. [*COPIED. MAY 13 1911] Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers on official business, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the tenth instant, whichwill be held for his personal attention upon his return to headquarters. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*661*] X. May 12, 1911. Mr. C. L. Sharp, Secretary, International Brotherhood of Stationary Firemen, 2502 18th Street, Omaha, Nebr. [*COPIED. MAY 12 1911*] Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of May seventh, which will be brought to his personal attention upon his return to headquarters. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*662*] [*COPIED. MAY 12 1911*] X. May 12, 1911. Mr. Chas. H. Burton, Durham, North Carolina. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Compers, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 11th instant, which will be brought to his personal attention upon his return to headquarters. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*663*] [*COPIED MAY 12 1911*] May 12, 1911 Frank Mulholland, Kaiser (or Kaiserhoof) Hotel, Chicago, Ill. Where shall I send important documents to you by mail? SAMUEL GOMPERS CHARGE A. F. of L.[*664*] [*COPIED. May 13 1911*] X. May 12, 1911. Mr. T. C. Sauls, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, 58 Eads Street, Waycross, Ga. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the tenth instant is received and contents noted. I beg to say that we send the password regularly to all affiliated organizations, as well as to all our organizers. The one sent to you is for your own personal use. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor.[*665*] X. May 12, 1911. Mr. G. Smith Stanton, Great Neck, Long Island, New York. [*COPIED. MAY 13 1911*] Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers on official business, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your book, "When the Wildwood Was in Flower", and ask you to accept Mr. Gompers' thanks for your courtesy. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*666*[ X. May 13, 1911. Mr. Arthur H. Sarvis, 706 Flint P. Smith Building, Flint, Michigan. [*COPIED. MAY 13, 1911*] Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers on official business, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 8th instant, which will be held for his personal attention upon his return to headquarters. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*667*] [*COPIED MAY 13 1911*] X. May 12, 1911. Mr. William F. Morrison, Grand Messenger, Brotherhood Railway Express Messengers of America, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers on official business, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the ninth instant, which has been handed to Secretary Morrison for attention. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers[*668*] May 13, 1911 [*COPIED MAY 13 1911*] Mr. William H. Krischel, R.R. No. 4, Springfield, Missouri. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 8th instant is at hand and contents noted. Relative to bearing any of the expense for organizing local unions in Monett, Missouri, and Sapulpa, Oklahoma, I beg to say that the A.F. of L. allows a fee of $10.00 for any unions organized and chartered by the Federation. By referring to "Instructions to Organizers" copy of which is enclosed, you will note the provisions made by the various international unions, when locals of their trade are organized. With best wishes, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President American Federation of Labor[*669*] M May 13, 1911. Mr. W. W. Waters, Secretary, Board of Directors, White Rats Actors Union of America, 1553 Broadway, New York City. [*COPIED MAY 13 1911*] Dear Sir: President Gompers called me up over long distance 'phone this morning, and directed me to send to you copy of letter which he wrote to Mr. Herman Robinson, in regard to a bill in the New York Legislature, in which your organization is interested. I presume he refers to the letter he wrote Mr. Robinson under date of March 24, 1911, in regard to the Brennan Bill, and, therefore, I enclose copy herein. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*670*] [*COPIED MAY 13 1911*] AH May 12, 1911. TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: This is to certify that Mr. Claud Newman is hereby duly authorized to install the officers and initiate the members of Flour and Cereal Mill Employes' Union #13227, New Athens, Illinois. Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President American Federation of Labor.[*671*] May 12, 1911 [*COPIED MAY 10 1911*] TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: This is to certify that Mr. C.E. Dowd is hereby duly authorized to install the officers and initiate the members of Machinists Helpers' Union #13228, Grand Rapids, Michigan. Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President American Federation of Labor.[*672*] May 13, 1911 [*COPIED MAY 13 1911*] X Prof. John Bassett Moore, Columbia University, New York City. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 12th instant in which you enclose copy of your address upon the subject, "The Difficulties of Extradition". He will greatly appreciate your courtesy in thus complying with his request. Very truly yours, Secretary to President Gompers[*673*] [*COPIED MAY 14 1911*] American Federation of Labor 801-809 G St. N. W. Washington, D. C., May 13, 1911 Mr. Frank L. Mulholland, Toledo, Ohio. Dear Mr. Mulholland: Before Mr. Gompers left for New York last Wednesday evening he directed me to ascertain where you could be reached and to send you copies of a number of letters which he had here in connection with the (McNaxxxx) McNamara case. Some of these letters you read when you were recently here; others have come in since your visit, but (xxx) he desired you to have copies of them all. You will please find them enclosed herein. I regret the delay in carrying out his instructions, but when we failed to receive any reply to our telegram to you in Manitoba--Mr. Gompers wired you there the day before (xxxxxxx) he left---I then wired your Toledo office, and only to-day from your wire learned where you could be reached. This is Saturday afternoon, the stenographers are all gone, and I am writing this letter myself, so please excuse the typewriting. Very truly yours, Secretary to President Gompers. I am glad to learn from your recent letter that my request was fully carried out.[*674*] May 13, 1911 [*COPIED MAY 13 1911*] X Hon. Daniel J. Keefe, Commissioner of Immigration, Bureau of Labor, Department of Commerce and Labor, Washington, D.C. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 12th instant, and to thank you in his name for the information you give in regard to the New Orleans matter about which he recently wrote you. Very truly yours, Secretary to President Gompers.[*675*] May 15, 1911 [*COPIED MAY 15 1911*] M Mr. W.A. Bonner, Secretary, Federal Labor Union #11891, 651 Silver Lake Street, Athol, Mass. Dear Sir and Brother: I get 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 mater being given careful consideration. I also trust 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.[*676*] May 15, 1911 [*COPIED MAY 15 1911*] M Mr. F.M. Ryan, President Bridge and Structural Iron Workers, American Central Life Bldg., Indianapolis, Ind. Dear Sir and Brother: I am in receipt of a letter from the Secretary of the Central Body of Easton, Pa. , in which he advises me that the Local union of your organization in that city is not represented in the Central Labor Union. 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, a 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, Saml Gompers President American Federation of Labor.[*677*] May 15, 1911. [*COPIED MAY 15 1911*] M Mr. Jacob Fischer, Secretary, Journeymen Barbers International Union, 222 East Michigan St., Indianapolis, Ind. Dear Sir and Brother: A letter has been received from Secretary George Reuss, 681 Church St., Easton, Pa., in which he states that the local union of Barbers in that place have not paid their dues, and are not represented in the Central Labor Union. I am sure you can readily realized the disadvantage which results from such a course being followed by a Local Union attached to its International, and 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, Saml Gompers President American Federation of Labor[*678*] May 15, 1911. [*COPIED MAY 15 1911*] M Mr. Jere L. Sullivan, Secretary, Hotel and Restaurant Employee Int'l Alliance, Commercial Tribune Building, Cincinnati, Ohio. Dear Sir and Brother: A letter has been received from Secretary George Reuss, 681 Church St., Easton, Pa., in which he states that the local union of Bartenders in that place have not paid their dues, and are not represented in the Central Labor Union. I am sure you can readily realized the disadvantage which results from such a course being followed by a Local Union attached to its International, and 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.[*679*] May 15, 1911. [*COPIED MAY 15 1911*] M Mr. George Reuss, Secretary, Central Labor Union, 681 Church St., Easton, Pa. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 11th instant is at hand, and I note what you say relative to the bar tenders, barbers and structural iron workers. By this mail I am taking the matter up with the international officers of the respective organizations mentioned, requesting them to urge upon their locals the advisability and necessity of being represented in the central body in accordance with the Constitution of the American Federation of Labor Section 8, Article XI. With best wishes, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President American Federation of Labor.[*680*] [*COPIED MAY 15, 1911. X. May 15, 1911. Mr. A. H. Garfield, 1361 Van Buren Street, St. Paul, Minnesota Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 12th instant is received, and in compliance with your request I enclose you herewith the latest list of secretaries of the trade unions. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. [*681*] [*COPIED MAY 15 1911*] X. May 13, 1911. Mr. Chas. Wagner, Secretary, Trades and Labor Council, Box 611, Honolulu, H. I. Dear Sir and Brother: In continuation of our correspondence in regard to your claim against the Columbia Knitting Mills, I beg to say that Organizer H. L. Michelberger, to whom I referred the matter, writes me under date of May the 11th as follows: "Your favor of recent date in relation to Columbia Knitting Mills vs. members of Honolulu Trades and Labor Council and order for goods sent, received. I am referring the enclosure contained in your letter to Brother John Golden, of the Textile Workers as it is his desire to try and arrange a settlement if possible that will satisfactory to the parties most interested." Just as soon as I receive any further information upon this subject, it will be promptly forwarded to you. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President American Federation of Labor. [*682*] [*COPIED MAY 15 1911*] X. May 13, 1911. Mr. C. R. DeLoach, Fort McCoy, Florida. Dear Sir: Please accept my thanks for your favor of May the tenth in which you convey your expressions of belief in the innocence of the accused men now in prison in Los Angeles, California, upon the alleged dynamiting charge. You can rest assured that every possible effort will be made to establish their innocence before the court. Very truly yours Sam'l Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor.[*683*] [*COPIED MAY 15 1911*] X. May 15, 1911. Mr. Chas. A. Bennett, Editor, Manual Training Magazine, Peoria, Illinois. Dear Sir: Your favor of the 8th instant is received and contents noted. I am sending you a copy of the April issue of the American Federationist, under separate cover. Enclosed please find bill. Very truly yours, Sam'l Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor. EDITOR, AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST.[*684*] X. May 15, 1911. Mr. Frank Duffy, Secretary, United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners, Carpenters' Building, Indianapolis, Indiana. Dear Sir: Please accept Mr. Gompers' thank for your letter of May the 12th in which you send him copy of the minutes of the conferences held in Indianapolis up to the date of your writing relative to the Iron Workers trouble ant the kidnapping of Secretary McNamara. Mr. Gompers is in New York and hence this acknowledgement of your letter. It will be promptly brought to his. attention upon his return Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers. [*COPIED. MAY 15 1911*][*685*] Y. May 15, 1911. Mr. Salem N. Baskin, #820 S. Marshfield Avenue, Chicago, Illinois. Dear Sir: Replying to your letter of May 10, asking for printed matter upon the subject of "Compulsory Arbitration," I am enclosing herein a copy of a letter which I wrote to the Honorable Hugh B. Piper, a member of the House of Representatives of Pennsylvania. This letter will give you full and complete information upon the subject. I am also forwarding you, under separate cover, a copy of a pamphlet on the subject of "Compulsory Arbitrations." Hoping that the above will give you the desired information, I am, Very truly yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. MAY 15 1911*] [*686*] X. May 15, 1911. Mr. George H. Miller, Secretary, Central Labor Union, 98 Front Street, Worcester, Mass. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the fifth instant received and contents noted. In reply thereto I beg to say that the Bricklayers and Masons International Union is unaffiliated to the American Federation of Labor and therefore I am not in a position to take action you request as to having the Worcester local of that international affiliate with your Central Labor Union. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. MAY 15 1911*] [*687*] X. May 15, 1911. Mr. Arthur H. Sarvis, 706 Flint P. Smith Building, Flint, Michigan. Dear Sir: Your favor of the 8th instant is received and contents noted. You say that an Anti-Socialist weekly newspaper is to be started in Flint within the next few weeks for the purpose of exposing Socialist theories and methods, the paper to be published by a member of the International Typographical Union, and you request me to send you such data and printed matter or references as will be helpful in this new undertaking. Your attention is called to the following matters: The proceedings of the Boston,1903, Convention of the American Federation of Labor, from which you will note the discussions which took place in the Convention on the subject of Socialism, and the action taken thereon. You should be able to consult this at the office of the Central Labor Union of Flint. Editorial in the April, 1910, issue American Federationist, entitled "Brother Hunter's Dilemma", and an article in the June, 1910, issue, entitled "Mr. Hunter's Dilemma Proven." "Socialism as an Incubus on the American Labor Movement,” by J. W. Sullivan, 1937 Stillwell Avenue, Brooklyn, New York, Via Parkville Sub-Station, Route 686. [*COPIED. MAY 15 1911*][*688*] [*COPIED MAY 15 1911*] Mr. Arthur H. Sarvis -2- Series of editorials in Tom Watson's Magazine, commencing with October, 1909. "Socialism, the Nation of Fatherless Children" ny David Goldstein, published by the Union News League, Boston, Mass. Mr. Goldstein was one of the leading men of the Socialists, but he be- came so thoroughly convinced of the unsoundness and impracticability of the principles of Socialism that he came out publicly and declared himself as a adherent of the trade union movement and through his book has given a fair and plain statement of the policy and tactics of Socialists toward the trade unions and trade unionists. Enclosed is a leaflet being a reprint of several editorials the undersigned upon the subject, "The Trade Unions to be Smashed Again". When your paper is published I should be glad to place it upon our exchange list to receive the American Federationist regu- larly. Hoping that these matters will be of assistance to you, I am, with best wishes, Very truly yours, Sam'l Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor.[*689*] [*COPIED MAY 15 1911*] X. May 15, 1911. Mr. H. B. Keating, Secretary, Railway Postal Clarks' Protective Association, #13141, 652 Newton Street, N. W., City. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 15th instant is received and contents noted. You say that the next meeting of the Railway Postal Clerks Organization, #13141, will be held in Typographical Temple, Thursday evening, May 18th, 7:30 P. M., and you request that I should attend the meeting if only for a few minutes. It is impossible now for me to say definitely whether I can accept your invitation. However, I have made a memorandum of it and if I am in the city on that date, I shall certainly endeavor to comply with your request. With best wishes for the success of your organization, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*690*] M May 15, 1911. Mr. Nemesio Morales Cruz, Secretary, Central Labor Union, Arecibo, P. R. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of recent date received, in which you state that the Central Labor Union recommends the appointment of Antonio Dupont as volunteer organizer for Arecibo and vicinity. It affords me pleasure to comply with the request and recommendation made, and commission will be issued and forwarded to Brother Dupont 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. [*COPIED. MAY 15 1911*][*691*] [*COPIED MAY 15 1911*] M. May 15, 1911. Mr. William J. Ross, Secretary, Federal Labor Union No. 13035, Naperville, Illinois. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of May 9, is received, in which you recommend the appointment of A. J. Cass, as volunteer organizer for Naperville and vicinity. It affords me pleasure to comply with the request and recommendation made, and commission will be issued and forwarded to Brother Cass 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.692 COPIED MAY 13 1911 X. May 12, 1911. Mr. Martin A. Olmem, Secretary, Trades and Labor Assembly, Box 424, Fargo, N. D. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of May seventh is received and contents noted. You say that at the last meeting of the Trades and Labor Assembly of Fargo it was decided to take the necessary steps to organize a State Federation of Labor of North Dakota and that you were instructed to write me in regard to the matter. I am indeed glad to know that such a step is contemplated and I see no reason why a state branch should not be organizedin North Dakota in full affiliation with the A. F. of L. State Federations of Labor are composed of the various unions throughout the state and are formed particularly to further state legislation in the state legislature, to see that the laws in the interests of labor are enforced and to call the attention of the workmen and citizens to these legislatures and officers who have been unfriendly or antagonistic to the interests of the working people. Your committee should draft a suitable letter and send it to the secretary of every local union and central labor union throughout the state inviting them to send representatives at the time and place decided upon by your committee for the purpose of organizing[*693*] Mr. Martin A. Olmem -2- a state body. I presume that it is contemplated to hold this meeting at Fargo. For the guidance of the meeting I enclose to you herein copy of the Constitution of the Massachusetts State Federation of Labor. I also enclose blank form of application for Charter which should be properly filled in and returned to this office, together with the necessary charter fee. If there is any further information or assistancewhich I can give you, please advise me and the matter will receive prompt attention. Hoping to hear from you further, and wishing you every success in the work in hand, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. MAY 15 1911*] [*694*] [*COPIED MAY 15 1911*] M May 12, 1911. Mr. Wm. Noffke, Secretary, Oregon State Federation of Labor. 353-16th St., Portland, Oregon. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 4th instant received and contents noted. In compliance with your recommendation the following names will be dropped from our list as organizers: Mrs. L. Gee, Portland Lucy White, " A. L. Denis, Salem C. H. Gram, Portland J. L. Wheeler has already been removed from our list as organizer. I note that you say relative to Organizer Cotterill now being located at Medford, and beg to say that our records show that his address has been changed to Medford. In accordance with the request and recommendation made, commission will be issued and forwarded to Robert M. Harris as volunteer organizer for the State of Oregon. 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.[*695*] W. N. 2. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. MAY 15 1911*][*696*] M May 12, 1911. Mr. Andrew Boyd, Secretary, Trades and Labor Assembly, 368 Wiley St., Port Arthur, Ontario, Canada. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 2nd instant is at hand, enclosing endorsement of the Trades and Labor Council, for your appointment as volunteer organizer for the District of Thunder Bay. It affords me pleasure to comply with this request and recommendation, 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'l Gompers, President American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. MAY 15 1911*][*697*] [*COPIED. MAY 15 1911*] X. May 15, 1911. Mr. Robert F. Hoxie, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois. Dear Sir: Replying to your favor of May the ninth, I beg to say that should Miss Thorne come to Washington this summer I shall be glad to afford her every opportunity at the headquarters of the American Federation of Labor of studyingthe subject she has in mind. Very truly yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*698*] COPIED MAY 15 1911 M May 15, 1911. Hon. Walter Clark, Chief Justice, Raleigh, N. C. Dear Sir: In a recent press dispatch from Raleigh, I noticed that in all probability you will be a candidate for election to the United States Senate. I am writing to express the hope that the report is correct, and at the same time to wish you every success. Your election to the United States Senate would indeed be most gratifying to all earnest patriotic citizens who desire to see in the Congress of the United States the most capable men faithful to the rights and interests of the people. With assurances of my high regard, I have the honor to remain, Very truly yours, Saml Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.[*699*] [*COPIED MAY 15 1911*] Z May 15, 1911. Mr. Frank M. Ryan, President, International Association of Bridge and Structural Iron Workers, American Central Life Building, Indianapolis, Indiana. Dear Sir and Brother: Enclosed you will find a copy of a resolution introduced in the House of Representatives by the Hon. Victor L. Berger, representative therein. As you will observe, it calls for an investigation of the kidnapping of labor men from their home state and extradited without an opportunity of being heard by counsel, and taken across the continent and incarcerated in California. Mr. Berger called at my office and showed me correspondence he had with the Hon. Robert L. Henry, Chairman of the Committee on Rules of the House of Representatives, to which committee Mr. Berger's Resolution was referred. Mr. Berger has asked for a hearing wherein the circumstances of the episode may be fully investigated, and Mr. Henry replied that the matter would be laid before the Committee on Rules for such action as may be deemed advisable and that the committee meeting would probably be held at an early date, sometime during this week. Now the purpose of my writing is to say that Mr. Berger and I are of the opinion that either yourself or your counsel, Mr. Rappaport, or both should be prepared to come to Washington and[*700*] Mr. Frank M. Ryan---2. appear before the committee on Rules in authority in this, in order that the matters should be laid before the Committee with which you and Mr. Rappaport are familiar and in order that Mr. Henry may be warranted in reporting the matter favorably to the House for its decision. Of course you understand the question of the innocence of our accused men will not come under consideration of the Committee at all. It is simply a question of authorizing an investigation so that such high-handed procedure may be eliminated from the affairs of our country, for all time to come. The importance of establishing the unlawful conduct in this present case will commend itself immediately to your attention - it is obvious. Of course you will regard this matter as confidential to the parties referred to herein, at least for the present. Please wire answer. With best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*701*] DAY LETTER, WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH CO. Washington, D. C., May 15, 1911 COPIED. MAY 15 1911 Hon. Edwin Merritt, Jr., Leader, Republican Minority, Assembly Chamber, Albany, N. Y. In the name of organized labor I protest against the passage of the Brennan Bill, insofar at least as it applies to the members of the theatrical profession. The Brennan Bill would injure the rights and interests of those engaged in the theatrical profession, whose membership is a unit in protest. I am sure that labor and a sympathetic public will hold those men responsible who would do so glaring an injustice should they vote to enact the Brennan Bill. I protest not only officially but as a citizen of New York. SAMUEL GOMPERS. President, American Federation of Labor. Charge A. F. of L.[*702*] [*COPIED MAY 16 1911*] DAY LETTER. WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH CO. Washington, D. C., May 15, 1911. Hon. A. E. Smith, Leader, Democratic Majority, Assembly Chamber, Albany, New York. In the name of organized labor I protest against the passage of the Brennan Bill, insofar at least as it applies to the members of the theatrical profession. The Brennan Bill would injure the rights and interests of those engaged in the theatrical profession, whose membership is a unit in protest. I am sure that labor and a sympathetic public will hold those men responsible who would do so glaring an injustice should they vote to enact the Brennan Bill. I protest not only officially but as a citizen of New York. SAMUEL GOMPERS President American Federation of Labor. (Charge A. F. of L.)[*703*] DAY LETTER. WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH CO. Washington, D. C., May 15, 1911. George A. Green, Hampton Hotel, Albany. N. Y. Have just sent telegrams to Smith and Merritt, Mahority and Minority leaders in Assembly, of which following is copy. "In the name of organized labor I protest against the passage of the Brennan Bill, insofar at least as it applies to the members of the theatrical profession. The Brennan Bill would injure the rights and interests of those engaged in the theatrical profession, whose membership is a unit in protest. I am sure that labor and a sympathetic public will hold those men responsible who would do so glaring an injustice should they vote to enact the Brennan Bill. I protest not only officially but as a citizen of New York. SAMUEL GOMPERS President, American Federation of Labor. (Charge A. F, of L.) [*COPIED. MAY 14, 1911*][*704*] [*COPIED MAY 16 1911*] May 16, 1911. R. A. cornett, 909 East Leigh St., Richmond, Va. Telegram received. I do not understand your telegram. Write full particulars. SAMUEL GOMPERS. Charge A .F. of L.[*704*] [*COPIED MAY 16 1911*] May 16, 1911. R. A. cornett, 909 East Leigh St., Richmond, Va. Telegram received. I do not understand your telegram. Write full particulars. SAMUEL GOMPERS. Charge A. F. of L.[*705*] [*COPIED MAY 18 1911*] M May 15, 1911. Mr. Matt Burg, Secretary, Trades and Labor Council, 167 Main St., Kenosha, Wis. Dear Sir and Brother: In continuation of our correspondence relative to the commission sent to Frank A. Brown, I beg to say that our records show that commission was made out to John Brown, as per your letter of March 15. This may account for the non-receipt of same by Mr. Brown. I wish you would kindly call at the postoffice and inquire into this matter, and if you find letter addressed to John Brown, please have it returned to this office. Thanking you in advance for your compliance with the above, and with best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours Saml Gompers President American Federation of Labor.[*706*] [*COPIED MAY 16 1911*] M May 16, 1911. Mr. S. H. McIntyre, Secretary, Local No. 763, United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners, Box 136 Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 12th instant is at hand, in which you make application for commission as volunteer organizer for Sioux Falls and vicinity. In reply I beg to say that before commission can be issued to you as volunteer organizer, it will be necessary for your application to receive the official endorsement of the Trades and Labor Assembly of Sioux Falls. You will understand that this is the course always followed by this office in appointment of volunteer organization when there is a central body in the vicinity. Upon receipt of this endorsement the matter will be given prompt consideration. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President American Federation of Labor. [*707*] [* COPIED MAY 16 1911*] 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 May 16, 1911. Mr. Norris L. Bowen, Deputy Clerk, Alexandria County Court, Roselyn, Virginia. Dear Sir: As per your visit to the office yesterday, in which you stated that you are to take part in a debate on the subject "Resolved, That labor unions in the U. S. are in the main, beneficial to Society", I beg to enclose to you herein 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 8,000,000 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 the complete sets of either the bound proceedings or the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST, but you could doubtless secure or consult these at some public library.708 Copied May 18 1911 [*The remaining th[?] form, kept regularly in [?] not be made.*] Mr.S. Slotky, 3618 30th St., Omaha, Nebraska. Dear Sir: Your favor of the 13th instant is at hand, in which you state you are about to write a paper on labor unions, and desire information in regard to membership, origin, object, etc. I enclose to you herein list of pamphlets published by this office, some of which might be of assistance and interest to you in preparation of your paper. 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.709 [Copied May 16, 1911] M May 16, 1911. Mr. M. W. Longer, Secretary, Brotherhood of Painters, Decorators and Paperhangers, No. 685, P.O. Box 274, Meriden, Connecticut. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 10th instant is at hand, in which you state Local No. 685, recommends the appointment of William J. Buckley, as volunteer organizer for Meriden and vicinity. It affords me pleasure to comply with the request and recommendation made, and commission will be issued and forwarded to Brother Buckley 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, Sam'l Gompers, President American Federation of Labor.710 COPIED. MAY 16 1911 M May 16, 1911. Mr. H. Magill, Secretary, Iron Molders Union No. 49, 22 Center St., Seneca Falls, N. Y. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 5th instant is at hand, in which you state that Local No. 49, recommends the appointment of Mr. George Copp, as volunteer organizer for Seneca Falls and vicinity. It affords me pleasure to comply with the request and recommendation made, and commission will be issued and forwarded to Brother Copp 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.711 COPIED MAY 18 1911 M May 18, 1911. Mr. T. F. Flanagan, Secretary, Federation of Labor, Federation Hall, Troy, N. Y. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of May 18th received, in which you state that the Federation of Labor recommends the appointment of Charles Bailey as volunteer organizer for Troy and vicinity. It affords me pleasure to comply with the request and recommendation made, and commission will be issued and forwarded to Brother Bailey 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, Sam'l Gompers, President American Federation of Labor.712 COPIED MAY 15 1911 M May 15, 1911. Mr. R. H. Harter, Secretary, Local No. 452, Painters, Decorators and Paperhangers, Box 526, West Palm Beach, Florida. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of May 10th is received, in which you state that Local No. 452 recommends the appointment of S. L. Metcalfe, as volunteer organizer for West Palm Beach, and vicinity. It affords me pleasure to comply with the request and recommendation made, and commission will be issued and forwarded to Brother Metcalfe 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 you hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor.713 COPIED MAY 15 1911 M May 15, 1911. Mr. W. C. Mack, Secretary, United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners Local No. 1261, 59 Railroad St., Ilion, N. Y. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 10th instant to Secretary Morrison has been brought to my attention, in which you state Local #1261 recommends your appointment as volunteer organizer for Ilion 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 discahrge 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, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor. 714 COPIED. MAY 16 1911 M May 16, 1911. Dear Sir: You will confer a favor upon the American Federation of Labor and it affiliated branches by granting an interview to the bearer, Mr. Howard A. Schade, who is authorized to procure business annouce- ments and advertisements for the official publication of the Federation of Labor, the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST, for the year Nineteen Hundred and Eleven. The American Federation of Labor is composed of 116 International Unions, 39 State Federations, 616 City Central Labor Union, and 611 local unions. The membership of the American Federation of Labor is approximated at 2,000,000, and the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST is the only official publication issued by the American Federation of Labor to this vast army of consumers. It is, therefore, a medium of great value to legitimate business houses who advertise in it. It is owned and published by the American Federation of Labor, and all profits accruing therefrom go into the general treasury of that or- ganization. Agents are not authorized or allowed to accept payments of any kind. All contracts should be made upon the official blanks of the American Federation of Labor. All payments should be made by check payable to the Secre- tary of the American Federation of Labor, and mailed to this office direct. No donations of any character are accepted. Any courtesies extended to the bearer will be greatly appreciated and reciprocated by our organization. Very respectfully yours, Saml Gompers President [[Frank Morrison?]] American Federation of Labor. Secretary American Federation of Labor.[*715*] [*COPIED MAY 18 1911*] X. May 17, 1911. Le Secretaire General Adjoint, Chef du Service des Publications, 34, Rue de Babylone, Paris, France. Dear Sir: I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the second instant, and under separate cover copy of the Proceedings of the Compte Rendu de la Conference Internationale du Chomage, Paris, September 18-21, 1910, for which you will please accept my thanks. Very truly yours, Sam'l Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor.716 X. May 17, 1911. Mr. E. A. Overly, Secretary, Trades and Labor Council, 2116 14th Ave. North, Nashville, Tenn. [*COPIED MAY 18 1911*] Your favor of May 14th is received and contents noted. In conformity with the information you give I have written to the secretaries of the several national organizations to which reference is made suggesting that at as early a date as possible they should take advantage of the opportunity presented at Nashville for the organization of the men of their respective trades. I have no doubt but that the matter will be given prompt attention. I note what you say in regard to the local of Retail Clerks not being affiliated with the Central Body, and I am taking the matter up with the Secretary of that international organization. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*717*] X. May 17, 1911. Mr. H. J. Conway, Secretary, Retail Clerks International Protective Association, 315 Appel Building, Bender, Denver, Colorado. Dear Sir and Brother: I am in receipt of a letter from the Secretary of the Central Body of Nashville, Tennessee, in which he advises me that the Local Union of your organization in that city isnot affiliated to the Trades and Labor Council of that city. 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. [*COPIED. MAY 18, 1911*][*718*] 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. [*COPIED MAY 17, 1911*] M May 17, 1911. Mr. Alfred Baldridge, Wapello, Iowa. Dear Sir: Your favor of the 12th instant is at hand, in which you request some information and literature in regard to labor unions. Enclosed you will please find list of pamphlets published by the office, some of which would be of assistance and interest to you on 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 would be the most direct and succinct form of obtaining an idea of what the organized labor movement 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 18th 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.719 X May 17, 1911. Mr. J. C. Skemp, Secretary, Brotherhood of Painters, Decorators and Paper Hangers, Drawer 99, Lafayette, Indiana. [*COPIED. MAY 19 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: In a letter recently received from the secretary of Federal Labor Union 9079 of New Baden, Illinois, Mr. F. G. Baehr, he says that they have admitted three painters to membership therein. His letter reads as follows: *We have accepted three painters in our Local and have given them the privilege to charge forty cents per hour for painting and 30 cents per double roll for hanging wall paper, and made agreement that none of the other Federation men are allowed to do any painting or papering, nor shall the painters do any Federation work. Now Mr. Gompers, tell us at once if we did the right thing. Those painters don't want to be called scabs; there were not enough members to get a charter of their own, so they asked protection from the Federal Labor Union. Now Mr. Gompers, we have initiated them in the Federal Labor Union and we want to protect them but the members of U. M. W. of A. in this town laugh at them when they try to tell them they can't do painting unless they belong to the Federal Labor Union under the Painters' Branch. The committee has brought in complaints to the Miners' Local, but they did not take any action on it. Mr. Gompers I would advise you to communicate with Local #297 U. M. W. of A. of New Baden, Illinois, in regard to the foregoing letter and tell them what to do, and by all means let us know what action you take in the matter. We have taken those three painters into our union and we want to give them justice.* Will you please give me your advice in regard to the above? Thus far I have merely acknowledged receipt of Mr. Baehr's [*720*] Mr. J. C. Skemp---2. letter, saying I have taken the matter up with you and would advise him later. With kind regards and best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*721*] Z May 17, 1911. Mr. F. H. Baehr, Secretary, Federal Labor Union 9079, New Baden, Illinois. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 18th instant has been duly received and contents noted. You say there are three painters in New Baden whom you have taken into your union, as there are not enough of them to secure a charter from their International. I beg to say that I have today written to Mr. J. C. Skemp, Secretary of the Brotherhood of Painters, Decorators and Paperhangers of America, quoting your letter and requesting him to advise me in the matter. Upon receipt of a reply from him I will advise you further. With best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. MAY 18, 1911*][*722*] Z . May 17, 1911. Mr. C. P. Smith, First Vice-President, Indiana State Federation of Labor, 409 North Street. Logansport, Indiana. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of May 17th received and contents noted. In reply I beg to say that when our revised list of the labor press and trade journals was made up we did not receive the Indiana Labor Bulletin, published by Mr. D. F. Kennedy. If you will have the Labor Bulletin sent us we will be glad to place it upon our exchange list and upon the next revised list of labor papers. With kind regards and best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. MAY 18, 1911*]723 Z May 17, 1911. Mr. John B. Andrews, Secretary, Amarican Association for Labor Legislation, Metropolitan Tower, New York, N. Y. [*COPIED. MAY 18 1911*] Dear Sir: Your favor of the 13th instant received and contents noted. In reply thereto I beg to say that our printer advises me that a reprint of your article on "Diseases of Occupation" would be $6.25 for one thousand and $21.50 for five thousand in a full page, one-fold pamphlet. Please advise me as to whether you desire to have these printed, and oblige Yours very truly. Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*724*] COPIED MAY 18 1911 Z May 17, 1911. Mr. John G. Meiler, Secretary, Amal. Wood Workers' Int'l Union of America, 3538 North Albany Ave., Chicago, Illinois. Dear Sir and Brother: Under date of March 17th of this year, I wrote you as follows: "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 be able to give us your assistance, in the securing for us a charter of affiliation with the A. F. of L. For years past I have been trying to secure said charter, and 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 and 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 "Mr. John G. Meller---3. Toledo, Ohio---------------------------------------One Local. South Bend, Indiana----------------------------One " Muscatine, Iowa----------------------------------One " Detroit, Michigan---------------------------------One " Terre Haute, Indiana----------------------------One " Jersey City, New Jersey-------------------------One " Sheldon, Illinois-----------------------------------One " Sioux City, Iowa-----------------------------------One " 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. I have been unable to locate any reply from you to the foregoing, and would therefore ask that you give the matter your attention at your earliest convenience. With kind regards and best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*726*] Z May 17, 1911. Mr. James Curran, Secretary-Treasurer United Order of Box Makers and Sawyers of America. 2025 Throop St., Chicago, Illinois. COPIED. MAY 18 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of May 8th received and contents noted. In reply thereto I beg to say that I am not yet able to advise you definitely just when the Executive Council will hold its next meeting. In all probability it will be in the middle or last of June. The matter of the application for charter made by your organization has been scheduled for the consideration of my colleagues at the next meeting. With best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor.[*727*] M May 16,1911. COPIED. MAY 16 1911 Mr. Thomas H. Flynn, Organizer, 20 Maple Terrace, Pittsburg, Pa. Dear Sir and Brother: We are in receipt of a letter under date of May 15, from Secretary C. E. Longhbridge, of Railroad Helpers and Laborers No. 13174, Youngwood, Pennsylvania, as follows: "Kindly forward me information on how to get strike roll for these men on strike in this order. I am having them sign up every day, but neverreceived no strike roll as yet." Our records show that you organized this union, and charter was issued to them on March 18, 1911. We have no information as to their going on strike, and before making reply would like to hear from you in regard to this matter. With best wishes, and hoping to hear from you at your earliest convenience, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.728 May 17, 1911 COPIED MAY 18 1911 LF Miss Emmilinne Pitt, Secretary Iron City Trades Council Labor Temple, Pittsburg, Pa. Dear Madam: Your favor of May 15th is received and contents noted. You say that a monster protest meeting will be held on Saturday, May 27th, under the auspices of the McNamara Protest Conference and that you have been requested by the Executive Committee of that conference to invite me to be present. Matters have so shaped themselves within the past few days that it is impossible now for me to give you any definite assurance that I can attend the meeting on May 27th. In fact, from present indications, it is exceedingly doubtful that I will be able to do so. Not only by reason of the above, but also by reason of other important engagements previously made. However, if I find later that I can accept your invitation, I shall wire you to that effect, but it would not be well to advertise my name as one of the speakers for I should not like to be place in the position of disappointing the audience or failing to attend a meeting of the character indicated after having been advertised that I would be present.729 Miss Emmilinne Pitt--2 With kind regards, I remain, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers, President American Federation of Labor.730 LF May 17, 1911 Mr. Charles H. Burton, Durham, North Carolina. Dear Sir: I have before me your several favors of recent date which were received here during my absence including your letter of the 15th which reaches me this morning. I am deeply interested in the matters about which you write, and I would very much like to have the opportunity of talking the entire subject over with you. Do you anticipate coming to Washington at any time soon? Please write me further and believe me to be, Very truly yours, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor.[*731*] COPIED. May 18,1911 May 17, 1911 Mr. Albert S. Horne, Secretary, Cigarmakers Local Union No. 171 Box 144, N. Greenville, Pa. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 15th instant is at hand, in which you State Local No. 171, recommends the appointment of Charles E. Shenk, an volunteer organizer for N. Greenville and vicinity. It affords me pleasure to comply with the request and recommendation made, and commission will be issued and forwarded to Brother Shenk 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.[*732*] M May 17, 1911. COPIED. MAY 18 1911 Mr. Will A. Frantz, No. 552, United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners, Cor. Commerce and Front St. Clarksville, Tenn. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of May 9th is at hand, in which you state that Local No. 552 recommends your appointment as volunteer organizer for Clarksville 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, Saml. Gompers President American Federation of Labor.733 Z May 17, 1911. Mr. J. B. Everett, Chairman, Auditorium and Conventions Committee, Mayor's Office, Atlanta, Georgia. Dear Sir: Your favor of the 9th instant has been received and contents noted, in which you officially advise me that Atlanta's main auditorium and Taft Hall (the smaller auditorium) will be at the disposal of the American Federation of Labor from November 9th until December 8th for convention purposes. You will please accept [awareness] of the appreciation of my colleagues of the Executive Council and myself for this arrangement. You will be advised later as to the details of such arrangements as we may desire. Very truly yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.734 Y. May 17, 1911. COPIED. MAY 18 19ll Mr. A. A. Nealy, President, Mr. Joseph W. Trimyer, Secretary, Metal Trades Council, Newport News, Virginia. Dear Sirs and Brothers: I have received the set of resolutions adopted by your Metal Trades Council, which you so kindly sent me May 12, I have carefully noted the text of your resolution. In reply to your first and second "Resolves," I regret to inform you that the limitation of the interpretation by the Attorney-General of the eight-hour amendment in the Naval Appropriation Bill, and which included the construction of the Battleship "Texas", and vessels authorized by the second session of the 61st Congress, may be in accordance with the letter of the law, but it is not in conformity with its spirit. The following was his opinion: "I think it clear that the provision in the Naval Appropriation Act must be construed to apply simply to work done upon the vessel itself at the place where it is built and not applying to the manufacture of machinery or other material elsewhere which is to enter into the construction of the vessel. This would limit the provision to work upon the vessel at the shipyard.[*735*] 2. The American Federation of Labor did all that it possibly could at the time this matter was under consideration for the purpose of having the broadest possible interpretation placed upon it. Further, the American Federation of Labor, with its affiliated organizations, especially those in the Metal Trades Department, resolved not to accept this narrow interpretation by the Attorney-General as conclusive in the construction of new vessels for the Navy, and at the next session of Congress, which was the third session of the 61st, we succeeded in having the Appropriation Bill for the year 1912 so worded that the spirit, as well as the letter of the law will be undoubtedly made applicable. I also beg to assure you that the American Federation of Labor is making every possible endeavor to extend the provisions of the eight-hour law to cover all contractors and sub-contractors doing work for the United States Government. This policy has been diligently followed for a period of years and will not be relaxed until complete success finally crowns our efforts. I am sending you, under separate cover, copy of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST for December, 1910, on page 1057 of which you will find a leading article on "The Eight-Hour Day on Government Work." I am also sending you copy of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST for April, 1911, on page 314 of which, under the caption "Eight Hours," you will note our Legislative Committee's Report, in which some historical features on this effort have been recounted, largely for the purpose of completely furnishing information to such inquirers as yourselves. I also send you copy of my report to the St.[*736*] 3. Louis Convention, November, 1910, on page 20 of which, under the caption "Extension of the Eight-Hour Law," you will find my report to the convention upon the subject that you have made inquiry concerning, and my opinion as to the prospects for this Legislation. It might be well if your Metal Trades Council kept on file copies of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST, in which complete reports of the efforts of the American Federation of Labor to obtain legislation on behalf of the masses and to provide remedies for other industrial ills, is duly recorded once a month. Thanking you for your hearty co-operation, and with best wishes, I remain, Yours fraternally, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*737*] Y. May 16, 1911. Mr. A. Nooney, President, Central Labor Union, #618 State Street, Hudson, New York. Dear Sir and Brother: Replying to your favor of May 14, will say that I do not think there is any probability of the Bill H. R. No. 7692, introduced by Representative Reilly, of Connecticut, in the House of Representatives, being reported out of the Committee on Post Office and Post Roads during this extra session of Congress. However, I will have our Legislative Committee make inquiry into the matter, and if in case that any additional information is procured, I will forward it to you. Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. MAY 18 1911*][*738] Y. May 17, 1911. Mr. John Morrison. # 25 Third Avenue, Room 55, New York City. Dear Sir and Brother: I regret to inform you, in reply to your favor of recent date, that the United States Census Bureau has not completed the manufacturers Census covering the Fox River Valley in the State of Illinois, but as soon as this is completed and ready for publication, I will have our Legislative Committee secure a copy and send to You. Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. MAY 18 1911*][*739*] X. May 17, 1911. NO. 48. EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, AMERICAN FEDERATION OF LABOR, COLLEAGUES: You have no doubt read through the newspapers that Supreme Court of the United States has rendered its decision in the appeals of the contempt cases against "Gompers-Mitchell-Morrison". The concluding paragraphs of the opinion are as follows: "The criminal sentences imposed in the civil case therefore should be set aside. The judgments of the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court of the District of Columbia are reversed, and the case remanded with direction that the contempt proceedings instituted by the Buck's Stove and Range Company be dismissed, but without prejudice to the power and right of the Supreme Court of the District of Columbia to punish by proper proceeding contempt, if any, committed against it". The Supreme Court holds that the Buck's Stove and Range Company instituted a civil proceeding for contempt and asked for remedial action at the hands of the court while this civil relief was asked and the case tried thereon, Justice Wright holding that it was a criminal contempt and imposed sentences accordingly. Hence upon this ground the decision and sentences are reversed and dismissed. You will observe, however, that the U. S. Supreme Court indicates that the Supreme Court of the District of Columbia may punish by proper proceeding for contempt; that is, proceedings for criminal contempt. [*COPIED. MAY 18 1911*] [*740*] Executive Council -2- Under the hint or suggestion or the right expressed by the United States Supreme Court, Justice Wright has appointed a commission consisting of J. J. Darlington, Daniel J. Davenport, and James W. Beck, to formulate charges and present them to him against us for criminal contempt. This it seems that there has been considerable number of premature congratulatory messages sent. I propose that Mr. Mitchell, Mr. Morrison, and the undersigned be authorized to retain the services of the attorneys who defended us in the former proceedings. Please return your vote upon this proposition at your earliest convenience. As soon as opportunity affords, copies of theopinion of the United States Supreme Court and the order of Justice Wright will be transmitted to the members of the Executive Council. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. MAY 18 1911*] [*741*] M May 17, 1911. Mr. William J. Coates, Second Vice-President, Washington State Federation of Labor, 311 Sprague Avenue, Spokane, Washington. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of May 10th is at hand, and I note what you say relative to having an organizer sent to Spokane, and beg to say that your city is on Organizer C. O. Young's itinerary, and he will visit Spokane as soon as he is able to do so, although I can not now state the exact date. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. MAY 18 1911*] [*742*] LF May 18,1911 Mr. M. Walsh, Organizer 1 St. James St., Quebec, Canada . Dear Sir: president Gompers directs me to acknowledge receipt of your favor of May 14th and to thank you for the very interesting report you make of the work in Quebec. He appreciates your letter and will be glad to hear from you further and as often as you can find time convenient to write. He would write to you personally, but for the fact of his time being fully engrossed just at present with pressing matters in connection with the recent court decision and the McNamara Case. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers [*COPIED. MAY 18 1911*][*743*] LF May 17,1911 Miss Hazel H. Peate, Secretary to Mr. Easley, 1 Madison Ave., New York, N. Y. My dear Miss Peate: Your favor dated April 27th is received here today, May 17. You refer to the letter which Mr. Easley wrote Mr. Gompers on April 27th, in which he enclosed a letter written by Mr. Samuel Mather to Mr. Easley on April 24th, and which you request should be returned to you. In compliance therewith you will please find Mr. Mather’s letter enclosed herein. Mr. Easley's letter, together with one from Mr. Low was being held on Mr. Gompers’' desk for his personal reply; in fact he had dictated part of a letter in reply, but was unable to complete it before he had to leave the city on an important matter. He has not by any means overlooked either Mr. Easley's or Mr. Low's letter and will write to them in the near future. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers. [*COPIED. MAY 18 1911*] [*744] LF May 18, 1911 Mr. William F. Towne, Secretary McNamara Defense League 225 East Seventh St., Duluth, Minn. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 15th instant is received and contents noted. You say that arrangements are being made for a mass meeting under the auspices of the McNamara Defense League, to be held in June a week or two after the hearing of the McNamara brothers in Los Angeles and you request that I should write you a message to be read at that meeting. If you will write me later, a few days before the meeting is to be held, I shall certainly endeavor to comply with your request. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. MAY 18 1911*][*745*] M May 17, 1911. Mr. William Laire, Secretary, Building Trades Council of Dupage County, Ill., Glen Ellyn, Illinois. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 15th instant is at hand, in which you make inquiry as to whether or not there is an organizer in Elgin, and stating that you would like to act in that capacity for that city. In reply I beg to say that we nave no organizer in Elgin, but before we could issue commission to you as volunteer organizer for that city, it would be necessary for you application to receive the official endorsement of the Trades Council of Elgin. You will understand that this is the course always followed by this office in the appointment of organizers when there is a central body in the locality. If you will have the Trades Council forward its endorsement to this office, we will be glad to issues commission to you. With best wishes, and hoping to hear from you further, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers, President American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. MAY 18 1911*][*746*] LF May 18,1911 Mr. James A. Cable, City Commissioner, Kansas City, Kansas. My dear Mr. Cable: Your favor of the 13th instant is received and contents noted. I exceedingly regret the circumstances which you set forth in your letter by reason of which you feel compelled to tender your resignation as organizer for the American Federation of Labor. Under the circumstances, however, I can but accept your resignation, I most earnestly hope that the matters in Kansas City about which you write will, in the near future, adjust themselves to the best interests and advantage of the movement, as well as of the men directly involved. Though no longer officially connected with the American Federation of Labor, I trust you will not fail to write to me from time to time whenever there are any matters of importance which, in your judgment ,you should present to me. With the very best wishes for your success in every undertaking, I am, Sincerely and fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. MAY 18 1911*] [*747*] LF May 18,1911 Mr. Sylvester A, Naker, Secretary Bottle Cap, Cork and Stopper Workers Union #10875, 1 Berry St., Hampden, Baltimore, Maryland. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 15th instant is received and contents noted. Referring to my letter to you of the 10th you say that a committee of two has been appointed by your organization for the purpose of coming to Washington and confer with me in regard to the matter of the new wage scale and agreement which you anticipate submitting to the company employing your members, and you desire to know when it would be convenient for the committee to come. In view of my engagements for the rest of this week and the first of next, it will be impossible for me to see your committee before next Wednesday or Thursday, May 24th or 25th. I would, therefore, suggest that your committee should meet here at my office at 4:30 on Thursday afternoon, May 25th. Please let me have a word from you if I may expect your committee at the time stated. With kind regards, I remain, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. MAY 18 1911*] [*748*] LF May 18,1911 Mr. M. Auguste Keufer, 20 Rue de Savoie, Paris, France. Dear Sir and Brother: Some weeks ago I received an order from Mr. H. Le Soudier, for a certain number of bound volumes of the American Federationist. In some way in filling the order two more than ordered were sent. Mr. Soudier has just written me in regard to the matter inquiring as to the way he shall return the volumes to me. In my reply I have advised him that you will call on him for the two volumes. They are for the year 1910, part 1 and 2. I shall be glad to have you accept them with the compliments of, Sincerely and fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. P, S, Mr. Soudier's address is 174 at 176 Boulevard St. Germain, Paris. [*COPIED. MAY 18 1911*] [*749*] Y. May 17, 1911. Mr. T. L. Johnson, #716 W. Padon Avenue, Blackwell, Oklahoma. Dear Sir: In compliance with your request, asking for information relative to Employer's Liability and Workmen's Compensation, I am forwarding to you, under separate cover, copy of the August, 1910 issue of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST, which contains an article entitled “The Price We Pay,” and a copy of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST for November, 1910, containing an article entitled "Automatic Compensation—Injured Workmen's Right. I am also sending you a copy of my report to the St. Louis Convention of the American Federation of Labor, on page 26 of which you will see reference to this subject. I am also forwarding you copy of a speech delivered by Honorable George A. Bartlett of Nevada, in the House of Representatives, Saturday, May 30, 1908. I desire you to return this copy after you have read it, so that it may again be placed in our files, owing to the fact that copies of this address are limited. There is also enclosed an Employer's Liability Bill, which has been drafted after great care and study by the Executive Council of the American Federation of Labor, and a copy of the bill providing for Workmen's Compensation; and while this bill [*COPIED. MAY 18 1911*][*750*] Mr. T. L. Johnson——2 does not contain the final word of the Executive Council of the American Federation of Labor, yet, I believe that at the present state of discussion upon this great question, it is indicative of the position that we have been taking in regard to the best principles to be observed in legislation of this character. Trusting that the matter I am forwarding will assist you in your efforts, I am, Very truly yours, Sam'l Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor. (Enclosures) [*COPIED. MAY 18 1911*][*751*] Y. May 17, 1911. Honorable Burton L. French, House of Representatives, Washington, D. C. Deer Sir: I have your favor of May 12, with copy of Bill H. R. No. 4663, introduced by you for the purpose of promoting the safety of travelers and employes upon railroads, and for a uniform system of signals for the movement of railroad trains, etc." Please accept my thanks for furnishing me copy of this bill, and permit me to say that I shall be glad to co-operate with you in the effort to obtain necessary legislation covering the subjects named in your proposed measure. I am not sufficiently informed as to whether any data has ever been collected that will furnish you the specific information which you ask of me, namely, "the lose of life of employes and passengers, injuries and loss of property that occur annually by reason of the absence of a uniform code of signals." The Interstate Commerce Commission through its safety appliance department, in charge of Mr. William P. Borland, has been exceptionally energetic and painstaking in the effort to furnish [*COPIED. MAY 18 1911*][*752*] 2. reliable accident statistics, in spite of the fact that the Commission has been hampered for many years for lack of an authoritative "accident report" labor law, which undoubtedly you know was only enacted during the third session of the 61st Congress. However, I believe that Mr. Borland can furnish you the most reliable data on this subject obtainable, and I herewith suggest that you make application to him for it. Yours very truly, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. MAY 18 1911*] [*753*] X. May 17, 1911, Mr. Frank J. NcNulty, President, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Pierick Building, Springfield, Illinois. Dear Sir am Brother: In a letter recently received from the Secretary of the Trades and Labor Council of Nashville, Tennessee, he says that the opportunity is now afforded for the organization of the men of a number of different trades in that locality, among them being your trade. It is impossible just at present to have a special organizer of the A. F. of L. visit Nashville. I am therefore writing to advise you of the situation as above indicated, so that if possible you may make arrangements to have one of your organizers visit Nashville and take advantage of the opportunity presented. Trusting that I may hear from you in regard to the above, and with best wishes for success, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. MAY 18 1911*][*754*] X. May 18, 1911, Mr. Victor Kleiber, Secretary, International Molders' Union of North America, Commercial Tribune Bldg., Cincinnati, 0. Dear Sir and Brother: In a letter recently received from the Secretary of the Trades and Labor Council of Nashville, Tennessee, he says that the opportunity is now afforded for the organization of the men of a number of different trades in that locality, among them being your trade. It is impossible just at present to have a special organizer of the A. F. of L. visit Nashville. I am therefore writing to advise you of the situation as above indicated, so that if possible you may make arrangements to have one of your organizers visit Nashville and take advantage of the opportunity presented. Trusting that I may hear from you in regard to the above, and with best wishes for success, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. MAY 18 1911*] [*755*] X. May 18, 1911. Mr. Owen Miller, Secretary, American Federation of Musicians, 3535 Pine Street, St. Louis, Mo. Dear Sir and Brother: In a letter recently received from the Secretary of the Trades and Labor Council of Nashville, Tennessee, he says that the opportunity is now afforded for the organization of the men of a number of different trades in that locality, among them being your trade. It is impossible just at present to have a special organizer of the A. F. of L. visit Nashville. I am therefore writing to advise you of the situation as above indicated, so that if possible you may make arrangements to have one of your organizers visit Nashville and take advantage of the opportunity presented. Trusting that I may hear from you in regard to the above, and with best wishes for success, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. MAY 18 1911*][*756*] X. May 18, 1911. Mr. Jacob Fischer, Secretary, Journeymen Barbers' International Union, 222 E. Michigan Street, Indianapolis, Ind. Dear Sir and Brother: In a letter recently received from the Secretary of the Trades and Labor Council of Nashville, Tennessee, he says that the opportunity is now afforded for the organization of the men of a number of different trades in that locality, among them being your trade. It is impossible just at present to have a special organizer of the A. F. of L. visit Nashville. I am therefore writing to advise you of the situation as above indicated, so that if possible you may make arrangements to have one of your organizers visit Nashville and take advantage of the opportunity presented. Trusting that I may hear from you in regard to the above, and with best wishes for success, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. MAY 18 1911*][*757*] X. May 18, 1911, Mr. B. A. Larger, Secretary, United Garment Workers of America, 116-117 Bible House, New York City. Dear Sir and Brother: In a letter recently received from the Secretary of the Trades and Labor Council of Nashville, Tennessee, he says that the opportunity is now afforded for the organization of the men of a number of different trades in that locality, among them being your trade. It is impossible just at present to have a special organizer of the A. F. of L. visit Nashville. I am therefore writing to advise you of the situation as above indicated, so that if possible you may make arrangements to have one of your organizers visit Nashville and take advantage of the opportunity presented. Trusting that I may hear from you in regard to the above, and with best wishes for success, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. MAY 18 1911*][*758*] LF MAY 18, 1911 COPIED. MAY 18 1911 Mr. W. H. Patterson, Secretary Central Labor Union, 30 No. Congress St., Atlantic City, N.J. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 13th instant is received and contents noted. You say that there are now but three local unions represented in your central body and that unless some assistance is given the central body by May 26th it will disband and charter be returned. If you will give me the list of the locals in Atlantic City which have withdrawn, or which are not now represented in the central body, I will be glad to take the matter up with the executive officers of their national and international unions and see what can be done. At present it would be impossible to send a representative of the American Federation of Labor to Atlantic City, for all of the organizers have been assigned to other important work elsewhere to which it will be necessary for them to give their undivided attention. Then again, as you recall, less than a year ago Organizer J. D. Pierce was stationed in Atlantic City for a number of weeks and devoted his entire time to the work there. Of course it can not be expected that the A. F. of L. should[*759*] Mr. W. H. Patterson--2 Keep a special organizer continuously in any one city, but that after the assistance of a special man, that the local movement should be able to take care of the situation. Hoping to hear from you further and with kind regards, I remain, Fraternally yours, Saml. Grompers. President American Federation of Labor. P.S. More than likely if a date mutually agreeable can be arranged, I might myself make a visit to your city and deliver an address. Let me know what you think of the suggestion. It may be helpful.[*760*] AH May 18, 1911. TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: This is to certify that Mr. J. F. Riley is hereby duly authorized to install the officers and initiate the delegates of Central Labor Union of Tucson, Arizona. Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. May 18 1911*][*761*] Z May 18, 1911. Hon. Carl C. Anderson, House of Representatives, 171 House Office Building, City. COPIED. MAY 18 1911 My dear Mr. Anderson: Your favor of the 13th instant received and contents noted. You enclose a letter from one of your correspondents from Bucyrus, Ohio, in regard to the Taylor Efficiency System, and you desire to know what information I can give you in regard to the matter. I beg to refer you to the hearing before the Committee on Labor under date of May 6th, 1911, when this matter was under consideration and when I testified before the Committee. The hearings are now in print and you will experience no difficulty in obtaining a copy. I also refer you to my article on "The Miracles of 'Efficiency' ", appearing in the April issue of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST, copy of which is sent to you under separate cover. I am unable to say now just when the next meeting of the labor members of Congress will be called as I have not consulted my colleagues, the resident members of the Executive Council in regard thereto. However, you will be duly advised to this. Very sincerely yours, Saml. Grompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*762*] COPIED. MAY 18 1911 Z May 18, 1911 Rev. W. A. [Mtynar?zyn], Publisher, Mlotek Duchowny, Polish Publishing Company 261 Lincoln Avenue, Utica, N. Y. Dear Sir: Your favor of the 11th instant received and contents noted. We have no local unions that are directly affiliated to the American Federation of Labor the membership of which is composed wholly of Polish workmen. I would suggest that you write to Mr. B. A. Larger, Secretary of the United Garment Workers of America, Rooms 116-117 Bible House, New York City; Mr. John Alex Lyche, Secretary of the International Ladies Garment Workers' Union, 11 Waverly Place, Room 11, New York City; and Mr. Edwin Perry, Secretary of the United Mine Workers of America, State Life Building, Indianapolis, Indiana. I am of the opinion that through them you could better get in touch with the Polish workmen then by any other mean. Very truly yours, Saml. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*763*] COPIED. MAY 19 1911 Z May 18,1911. Mr. Frank Duffy, Secretary United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, Carpenters Building, Indianapolis, Indiana. Dear Sir and Brother: I wrote you on April 4th, 1911, enclosing copy of a letter I had just received from Secretary Meiler of the Amalgamated Woodworkers' International Union. My letter was written by direction of the Executive Council of the A. F. of L., and in line with the action of the St. Louis Convention relative to the matter of the amalgamation of your respective organizations. In reply thereto, under date of May 13th, Secretary Meiler writes me as follows: "Under date of April 19th you were advised that your communication of April 4th, last, in reference to the decision of the St. Louis Convention would be referred to our General Council for their consideration. The subject matter was considered by our General Council through correspondence and I am instructed to again advise you that because of the definite instructions of our last Convention held in Chicago, March 15-20, 1909, our General Council is prevented from meeting in conference or delegating authority to a committee to meet in conference with the United Brotherhood of Carpenters, that has for its purpose the consideration of amalgamation. I am instructed to say, however, that in deference to the notion of the A. F. of L. St. Louis Convention, our General Council is willing to agree to submit the plan of amalgamation designated by that convention and mentioned in your communication, to a vote of our membership for their disposition. This proposition is contingent on the other organization in interest also agreeing to submit to their membership for action the plan of amalgamation as recommended by the St. Louis Convention.[*764*] Mr. Frank Duffy---2. Will you please let me hear from you in regard to the foregoing at your early convenience and oblige Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. May 19 1911*][*765*] Z May 19, 1911. COPIED. MAY 20 1911 Mr. John G. Meiler, General Secretary, Amalgamated Woodworkers' Int'l Union of America, 3638 North Alahany Avenue, Chicago, Illinois. Dear Sir and Brother: Replying to your favor of the 13th instant, I beg to say that I am now writing to Secretary Duffy of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners, sending him a copy of your letter to me. As soon as I hear from him I will write you further. With best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.766 COPIED. MAY 20 1911 May 19, 1911 Mrs. Martin W. Littleton, The Arlington Hotel, City. My dear Mrs. Littleton: Your very kind note was duly received and I assure you that I was greatly pleased to hear from you. I appreciate very much your kind invitation to have lunch with you at the Arlington, but I am so greatly crowded just now that I fear I cannot spare the time. My Secretary tried twice to get you over the 'phone and was unable to reach you and hence the delay in replying to your note. If you have an opportunity before going to New York, drop in my office and see me. I shall certainly be glad to have you do so. With sincerest regards for both you and Mr. Littleton, I am Yours very sincerely, Sam'l Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor.[*767*] Z May 19, 1911. [*COPIED. MAY 20 1911*] Mr. W. J. Baker, Secretary, Central Federated Union, 74 Elliot St., Brattleboro, Vt. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of May 15th is received and contents noted. In conformity with our previous correspondence, Organizer Tazelaar was notified to be on hand at Brattleboro to address the meeting on April 17th. You now say that the meeting was thereafter postponed to May 24th and you now desire to know whether Organizer Tazelaar could come to Brattleboro for that date. I beg to say in reply that Mr. Tazelaar is now on leave and therefore he could not attend the meeting as you request, and as we have no special representative of the A. F. of L. now stationed in that section of the country I fear it will not be within our power to have a special representative address the meeting on May 24th. You refer to Special Organizer Hugh Frayne and the possibility of his coming to Brattleboro for the date named, but in view of the important work which has been assigned him and the many pressing matters in New York which require his undivided attention, I fear it will not be possible for such an arrangement to be made. I regret very much that the Central Body postponed the meeting from April 17th for if it had been held on that date there would have been no difficulty whatever in having Mr. Tazelaar attend it.[*768*] Mr. F. J. Baker---2 Regretting that I cannot comply with your request and with best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.769 COPIED. May 20 1911 May 19, X Mr. J. C. Phillips, Bridgeport, Texas. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of May 7th is received and contents noted. You refer to the different organizing work in which you have been engaged in Bridgeport and also to your visit to Newcastle, Texas, and the work which you accomplished there. You recommend that a commission as volunteer organizer for Newcastle should be issued to Mr. J. K. Amason, Secretary of the Red Carriers and Building Laborers' Union of that city. If you will kindly have the organization in which Mr. Amason holds his membership endorse your recommendation I shall have no hesitancy whatever in issuing a commission to him. You understand of course that it is the custom of our office to have the applicants for appointment as volunteer organizer for any city or locality endorsed by the central labor union of such a city, if there is one in existence, or otherwise by the union in which they held their membership. By-the-way, our records show that you have not held a commission as volunteer organizer for the A. F. of L. since June, 1910, the Secretary of the Texas state Federation of Labor having advised me that as it had had no communication from you for two years or more it recommended that your commission should be withdrawn. I[*770*] Mr. J. C. Phillips---2. should be glad to re-issue it to you for Bridgeport and vicinity upon the recommendation of the State Federation or upon the recommendation of the local in Bridgeport in which you hold membership. Now as to the cost of a new central body at Bridgeport, I would say that the charter fee would be $5.00 and the supplies and outfit an additional $5.00. Hoping to hear from you further in regard to this matter, and with very best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Saml.Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*771*] LF May 18,1911 M. H. Le Soudier, 174 et 176 Boulevard Saint-Germain, Paris, France. COPIED. MAY 20 1911 Dear Sir: Your favor of May 6th is received and contents noted. Upon looking up your previous communication, I note that it was an error on our part to send you with your order the bound volumes of the American Federationist for the year 1910. I have just written to M. Auguste Keufer, of Paris, who will call upon you for these volumes, and you will kindly turn them over to him. We are unable to understand the "80 cents supplementary charges" which you mention. When the goods were forwarded from here, all express charges were prepaid, and it was understood from the French Embassy that there would be not duty charges of this character. Very truly yours, Saml. Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.772 COPIED May 20, 1911 May 19, 1911. Z Mr. B. S. Bolles, Organizer, P. O. Box 135, Sharon, Mass. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 24th instant has been duly received, in which you ask that the weekly news letter issued by the American Federation of Labor be sent to you. In reply I beg to say that as you think you may be able to have some published in your local paper, I have instructed that your name be place on your mailing list. I am pleased to learn that you have found the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST helpful in your talks in the interests of labor. With best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*773*] Z May 19, 1911. Hon. John S. Whalen, Department of Labor, Sub-Office 114, East 26th St., Albany, N. Y. COPIED. MAY 20 1911 Dear Sir: President Gompers has instructed me to acknowledge receipt of and thank you for the copy of the "Legislative Manual" for 1911, which you caused to be sent to him. He appreciates your courtesy in the matter. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to Pres. Gompers.774 COPIED MAY 20 1911 May 19, 1911. M Mr. Howard Meicham, Secretary, Local Union No. 1055, United Mine Workers of America, Reeves, Illinois. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 16th instant is at hand, in which you state that Local No. 1055, recommends the appointment of S. E. Storme as volunteer organizer for Reeves and vicinity. It affords me pleasure to comply with the request and recommendation made and commission will be issued and forwarded to Brother Storme 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.[*775*] M May 19, 1911. Mr. William A. Shannon, Secretary, Local No. 1080, Brotherhood of Painters, Decorators, etc., Midland Park, N. J. Dear Sir And Brother: Your favor of the 17th instant is at hand, in which state that Local No, 1080, recommends the appointment of H. M. Stickle as volunteer organizer for Ridgewood, N. J. and vicinity. It affords me pleasure to comply with the request and recommendation made, and commission will be issued and forwarded to Brother Stickle 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. [*COPIED. MAY 20 1911*] [*776*] M May 19, 1911. Mr. F. J. McNulty, President, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Pierik Building, Springfield, Illinois. Dear Sir and Brother: Enclosed please find copy of letter which I have just received from Mr. William Young of the International Union of Elevator Constructors, in which he makes complaint against your local union in Jersey City. Will you kindly investigate the complaint made by Mr. Young at your earliest convenience. I would suggest that you also take the matter up with him. Hoping to hear from you as soon as possible, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. MAY 20 1911*]777 INTERNATIONAL UNION OF ELEVATOR CONSTRUCTORS. Philadelphia, Pa., May 18, 1911. Mr. Samuel Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir and Brother: We have been notified by our representative in New York that the Electricians have filed a protest in the Hudson County Building Trades Council in Jersey City against the Elevator Constructors Union doing the electrical work on elevators as granted to us by the American Federation of Labor and the Building Trades Department of the A. F. of L. The Electricians have also went on strike against our men doing elevator work on the Swift Company Building 9th and Henderson St., Jersey City, N. J. Not content with going out on strike themselves, but they have influenced the following trades to join them against our members, namely: The plumbers, Steamfitters, Cement Workers, Iron Workers, Carpenters, Laborers, etc. This looks as all these forces are against our members working on said job, let that be as it may we do not fear it, but all we ask is fair play as union men. We, therefore, emphatically protest, against the Electricians acting as they are doing their job referred to, and to them claiming the elevator work that was granted to us by the American Federation of Labor, and which you as President of the A. F. of L. have signed your name, as giving us the following jurisdiction of work, (and which the Electricians now claim.) In your letter given to our International Union May 9, 1904, describing in detail our jurisdiction of work, in conclusion it reads as follows:[*778*] -3- Prior to the issuance of the charter to your organization, claims to jurisdiction were made by several organizations of some classes of work which were not allowed. Then an agreement was reached between the representatives of the International Union of Elevator Constructors and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, by which your organization yielded to the Electrical Workers, the following classes of work: "The Electrical work on flash-lights, electrical annunciators and lamps, and feed wires to the controller." With the reservation, and with those claims made by your organization to jurisdiction, and the charter was issued by the American Federation of Labor. Fraternally yours, SAMUEL GOMPERS, President American Federation of Labor. We would earnestly request that at your earliest, notify President F. J. McNulty to instruct his local in Jersey City to cease claiming our work, as such conduct is disrupting the whole labor movement. Fraternally yours, Wm. Young. Secy-Treas. I. U. E. C. [*COPIED. MAY 20 1911*][*779*] M. May 19, 1911. Mr. William Young Secretary, International Union of Elevator Constructors, 1952 N. 19th St., Philadelphia, Pa. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 18th instant is at hand, and beg to say that I am by this writing to President F. J. McNulty, of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, sending him copy of your letter to me, and requesting him to investigate the complaint you make, and to write to you direct in regard to the matter. With best. wishes, and hoping to hear from you at your earliest convenience, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. MAY 20 1911*] [*780*] M May 19, 1911. Mr. A. E, Hill, President, Local No. 20 International Typographical Union, 335 1/2 Third Avenue, Nashville, Tenn. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of May 11th received and contents noted. In reply I beg to say that I tuned your letter over to the Legislative Committee, and they will call upon Senator Lea either to-day or in the day or two, They have not as yet been able to see him. I thank you for your suggestion and the interest you take in the matter. With best wishes, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. MAY 20 1911*] [*781*] M May 19, 1911. Mr. W. B. Losey, Secretary, Local No. 638, United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners, Box 213, Morristown, N. J. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 17th instant to Secretary Morrison has been brought to my attention, in which you state that Local No. 638, recommends the appointment of yourself as volunteer organizer for Morristown 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, Samuel Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. MAY 20 1911*] [*782*] M May 19, 1911. Mr. C. B. Stephen, Secretary, Local No. 614, United Brotherhood of Painters, Decorators, etc., 2 Brook Avenue, Englewood, N. J. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 18th instant to Secretary Morrison has been brought to my attention, in which you state Local No. 814 recommends the appointment of Patrick Grattan as volunteer organizer for Englewood and vicinity. It affords me pleasure to comply with the request and recommendation made, and commission will be issued and forwarded to Brother Grattan 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. [*COPIED. MAY 20 1911*]783 M May 19, 1911. Mr. R. S. Scolee, Secretary, Switchmen's Local Lodge No. 84, 816 First Ave. E., Oelwein, Iowa. COPIED. MAY 20 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 16th instant is at hand, in which you state that Lodge No. 84, recommends the appointment of S. H. Payne as volunteer organizer for Oelwein and vicinity. It affords me pleasure to comply with the request and recommendation made, and commission will be issued and forwarded to Brother Payne 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. or 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.784 X. May 1[9], 1911. Mr. J. H. Ralston, Bond Building, City. COPIED. MAY 20 1911 Dear Sir: On May 15th the United States Supreme Court handed down its decision (by Justice Lamar) upon the appeal of Samuel Gompers, John Mitchell, and Frank Morrison against the sentences imposed by Justice Wright and sustained by the Court of Appeals of the District of Columbia. On May 16, Senator Gore, of Oklahoma, obtained order from the United States Senate to print the opinion as a public document of the Senate. The Senator informs me that up to this moment he has been unable to secure authentic copy, or any copy at all, of the opinion and decision. As soon as he can obtain a copy it will be furnished me, and in turn I will forward it to you. I, should like that you would then examine the opinion and decision and give me the benefit of your advice. Speaking for myself, I am much disappointed at what I have seen published and purporting to be part of the opinion and position of the United States Supreme Court. Of course, not disappointed at being freed from the sentences imposed upon my colleagues and myself by Justice Wright, but the fact that the court reached the conclusion upon the error upon the grounds assigned therefor. That is what is obvious that the contempt proceedings were inaugurated[*785*] Mr. Jackson H. Ralston --2-- for civil relief and the court finding the defendants guilty of criminal contempt. It would have been better for all concerned [that inasmuch as we did not [ask?] that question, particularly makes it as an important feature,] had the court ignored it and decided upon the principles for which we were contending. However, that is now a matter of the past. But your attention is called to the last two paragraphs of the court's opinion, which contain the essentials of the decision. They are as follows: "The criminal sentences imposed in the civil case, therefore should be set aside. The judgments of the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court of the District are reve[y]rsed, and the case remanded with direction that the contempt proceedings instituted by the Buck's Stove and Range Company be dismissed, but without prejudice to the power and right of the Supreme Court of the District of Columbia to punish by a proper proceeding, contempt, if any, committed against it." On the morning of the 16th, that is, the morning after the decision was rendered, and before a copy of the decision and opinion was available to anyone in the country, Justice Wright of the Supreme Court of the District of Columbia, issued the following order: "It appearing to this court that there is reason to believe that Samuel Gompers, John Mitchell, and Frank Morrison are guilty of contempt of court of the Supreme Court of the District of Columbia in wilfully violating the terms of an order issued by the court on or about the 18th day of December, A. D. 1907, in the cause numbering 27,305, and entitled the Buck Stove and Range Company, plaintiffs, versus the American Federation of Labor, Samuel Gompers, et al., defendants, it is ordered: That J. J. Darlington, Daniel J. Davenport, and James Beck, Esqs., be and they are hereby empowered to inquire whether there is reasonable cause to believe the said persons guilty as aforesaid, and if yea they be hereby empowered and directed forthwith to prepare, file, present, and prosecute against the persons hereinbefore first named, charges of contempt of court to the end that the dignity of the court be established, vindicated, and satisfied. WRIGHT, Justice." Therefore, without regard to any of the principles involved in the original contention, entirely regardless of my colleagues and786 Mr. Jackson H. Ralston -3- myself desirous of making the questions and principles involved in the entire proceeding from beginning to end a test case, to obtain from the highest judicial tribunal in the land its conception of our legal status and rights, we shall again be called upon to confront charges presented against us and a rule to show cause why we should not be punished for contempt, the committee to make the investigation, formulate, and present the charges, being our original prosecutors; to be tried evidently before Justice Wright, who had already so fiercely and prejudicially adjudged us guilty, and it is therefore doubtful in such proceedings, even the questions raised in the first instant can be urged in the forthcoming proceedings. It is needless for me to say to you how much I would chafe under such restraint of my liberty were I incarcerated in jail, but I assure you on my honor that I should have preferred to go to jail for a year upon the Supreme Court confirming the decision and sentence of Justice Wright, rather than to have obtained my freedom from jail upon a technicality. And now after all we shall no doubt again be confronted with proceedings for criminal contempt, and aid the expenditure of time, energy, all our attorneys and ours, and the expenditure of monies that the working people can ill afford to bear, and all to face charges of three attorneys representing the interests most dangerous to the rights and liberties of our people and the institutions of our country, and be tried before a court which has already adjudged us guilty and the personnel of which has prejudged our case. It is reported that there are features in the opinion and decision of the United States Supreme Court which may give us some concern. However, of this I do not now express an opinion, for I am awaiting yours.[*787*] Mr. J. H. Ralston -4- With kindest regards and best wishes, I am, Very truly yours Sam'l Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor.[*788*] X. May 19, 1911. Hon, Alton B. Parker, 37 Wall Street, New York City. Dear Sir: On May 15th the United States supreme Court handed down its decision (by Justice Lamar) upon the appeal of Samuel Gompers, John Mitchell, and Frank Morrison against the sentences imposed by Justice Wright and sustained ty the Court of Appeals of the District of Columbia, on May 16, Senator Gore, of Oklahoma, obtained order from the United States Senate to print the opinion as a public document of the Senate. The Senator informs me that up to this moment he has been unable to secure authentic copy, or any copy at all, of the opinion and decision. As soon as he can obtain a copy it will be furnished me, and in turn I will forward it to you. I should like that you would then examine the opinion and decision and giveme the benefit of your advice. Speaking for myself, I am much disappointed at what I have seen published and purporting to be part of the opinion and decision of the United States Supreme Court, of course, not disappointed at being freed from the sentence imposed upon my Colleagues and myself by Justice Wright, but the fact that the court reached the conclusion upon the error upon the grounds assigned therefor. That is what is obvious that the contempt proceedings [*COPIED. MAY 20 1911*]789 Hon. [Wa]lton B. Parker -2- were inaugurated for civil relief and the court finding the defendants guilty of criminal contempt. It would have been better for all concerned [xxxxxxxxxx xxxxx], had the court ignored it and decided upon the principles for which we were contending. However, that is now a matter of the past. But your attention is called to the two last paragraphs of the court's opinion, which contain the essentials of the decision. They are as follows: "The criminal sentences imposed in the civil case, therefore should be set aside. The judgements of the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court of the District are reversed, and the case remanded with direction that the contempt proceedings instituted by the Buck's Stove and Range Company be dismissed, but without prejudice to the power and right of the Supreme Court of the District of Columbia to punish by a proper proceeding, contempt, if any, committed against it." On the morning of the 16th, that is, the morning after the decision was rendered, and before a copy of the decision and opinion was available to anyone in the country, Justice Wright of the Supreme Court of the District of Columbia, issued the following order: "It appearing to this court that there is reason to believe that Samuel Gompers, John Mitchell, and Frank Morrison are guilty of contempt of court of the Supreme Court of the District of Columbia in wilfully violating the terms of an order issued by the court on or about the 18th day of December, A. D. 1907, in the cause numbering 27,305, and entitled the Buck Stove and Range company, plaintiffs, versus the American Federation of Labor, Samuel Gompers, et al., defendants, it is ordered: That J. J. Darlington, Daniel J. Davenport, and James Beck, Esqs., be and they are hereby empowered to inquire whether there is reasonable cause to believe the said persons guilty as aforesaid, and if yes they be hereby empowered and directed forthwith to prepare, file, present, and prosecute against the persons hereinbefore first named, charges of contempt of court to the end that the dignity of the court be established, vindicated, and satisfied. WRIGHT, Justice." Therefore, without regard to any f the principles involved in the original contention, entirely regardless of my colleagues and 790 Hon. Alton B. Parker --3-- myself desirous of making the questions and principles involved in the entire proceeding from beginning to end a test case, to obtain from the highest judicial tribunal in the land its conception of our legal status and rights, we shall again be called upon to confront charges presented against us and a rule to show cause why we should not be punished for contempt, the committee to make the investigation, formulate, and present the charges, being our original prosecutors, to be tried evidently before Justice Wright, who had already so fiercely and prejudicially adjudged us guilty, and it is therefore doubtful in such proceedings, even the questions raised in the first instant can be urged in the forthcoming proceedings. It is needless for me to say to you how much I would chafe under such restraint of my liberty were I incarcerated in jail, but I assure you on my honor that I should have preferred to go to jail for a year upon the Supreme Court affirming the decision and sentences of Justice Wright, rather than to have obtained my freedom from jail upon a technicality. And now after all we shall no doubt again be confronted with proceedings for criminal contempt, and all the expenditure of time, energy, [and] all our attorneys and ours, and the expenditure of monies that the working people can ill afford to bear, and all to face charges of three attorneys representing the interests most dangerous to the rights and liberties of our people and the institutions of our country, and be tried before a court which has already adjudged us guilty and the personnel of which has prejudged our case. It is reported that there are features in the opinion and decision of the United State Supreme Court which may give us some concern. However, of this I do not now express an opinion, for I am awaiting yours.[*791*] Hon. Alton B. Parker -4- With kindest regards and best wishes, I am, Very truly yours, Saml. Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. MAY 26 1911*]792 X. May 18, 1911. Hon. Alton B. Parker, 37 Wall Street, New York City. COPIED. MAY 20 1911 My dear Judge: I need not tell you how much I appreciate your telegram of congratulation upon the United States Supreme Court decision in our case. The first thought which occurred to me after being advised by telephone that the court had decided to reverse the sentences, was to send you a telegram; but whether it was through natural intuition or my desire to await the full text of the decision in court before determining the course I should pursue, or whether it is because I am never deeply despondant nor over exultant by current events, I concluded to defer my congratulations to you. You know that whatever the outcome of the case might have been, my appreciation of your ability, faithfulness and sincere devotion to the cause for which my asoociates and myself were contending had already been expressed; that they are today what were then expressed, and that no additional word from me could make them more earnest and sincere. No matter what the outcome of the proceedings instituted by Justice Wright, I shall always have the greatest respect and the keenest appreciation of you and your great services. I am glad that the picture pleased you.[*793*] Hon. Alton B. Parker -2- Sincerely yours, Saml. Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. MAY 25 1911*]794 [*paste in book*] X. May 18, 1911. Mr. C. Legien, Berlin S. O. 16m Engel-Ufer 15, Berlin, Germany. COPIED. MAY 20 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: I am sending you under separate cover clipping from one of the Washington newspapers giving Justice Wright's order appointing a commission to [inquire] investigate whether Messrs. Mitchell, Morrison, and myself have been guilty of contempt of court, the court thereafter to prosecute the matter upon the findings of this commission. I discuss the matter editorially in the June issue of the American Federationist. Please pardon the brevity of this note, but I am very much crowded for time just at this moment. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor.[*795*] M May 20, 1911. Mr. Harry T. Brady, Secretary, Trades and Labor Assembly, 453 South sixth St., Steubenville, Ohio. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 18th instant is at hand, and in compliance with your request I enclose to you herein pass word for the current term. With best wishes, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. MAY 20 1911*][*796*] M May 20, 1911. Mr. W. A. Turner, Secretary, Trades Council, Eldorado, Illinois. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 16th instant is at hand, in which you advise that the Trades Council recommends the re-appointment of Brother Joe Mongel as volunteer organizer for Eldorado. In reply I beg to say that commission was renewed and forwarded to Mr. Mongel May 19th, and trust same has been received. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. MAY 20 1911*] [*797*] AH May 20, 1911. TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: This is to certify that Mr. H. Higbum is hereby duly authorized to install the officers and initiate the members of Flour and Cereal Mill Employee' Union #14039, Lethbridge Alberta, Canada. Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. MAY 20 1911*][*798*] AH May 20, 1911. TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: This is to certify that Mr. C. W. Barnhart is hereby duly authorized to install the officers and initiate the members of Railroad Machinists Helpers and Laborers' Union #14040, Teague, Texas. Yours fraternally, Samuel Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. MAY 20 1911*][*799*] Y. May 17, 1911. Mr. Marcel A. Viti, Counsellor at Law, 818-819 Franklin Bank Building, Philadelphia, Penneylvania. Dear Sir: Replying to your favor of May 8 I enclose herewith roster of the National and International Trade Unions affiliated to the American Federation of Labor, which also includes the unaffiliated organizations of labor, which you will find on the back page. If you apply to the Secretaries of these organizations they will give you direct information as to what constitutional regulations they have in their organizations concerning the acceptance of members who are naturalized, as well as unnaturalized residents of the United States, and they will inform you whether naturalization is a prerequisite. To my immediate knowledge I can only recall at this time one organization that questions candidates for membership upon this particular feature, The American Federation of Musicians require that a candidate making application for membership to that organization shall have had an uninterrupted residence of at least six months in the United States, and that he shall have made application. [*COPIED. MAY 20 1911*][*800*] Mr. Marcel A. Viti-——2. for his first naturalization papers. The constitutional section of the American Federation of Musicians relative to this feature is as follows: "Article 6, section 9. Members of locals of the American Federation of Musicians shall be citizens of either the United States or Canada; provided, however, that an applicant for membership from a foreign country may be accepted as a member of a local of the American Federation of Musicians upon making a declaration of intention of becoming a citizen, etc.” Generally speaking, the organizations of labor are open to all who are industrially qualified for membership, regardless of their nationality or creed, whether they are of American birth, American citizens by naturalization, or whether they come from any land, from any clime; we know no race, no sect, no sex, no nationality. Very truly yours, Sam'l Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor.[*801*] M May 20, 1911. Mr. Hugh Frayne, 25 Third Ave., New York City Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of May 9th received with reference to contracts received. Contracts also received. I have endeavored to record and enter these contracts, but after considerable effort have given it up as a bad job. I herewith enclose a copy of the contracts now on file in this office together with the day of expiration, and am returning to you by express the contracts which you forwarded, together with your typewritten list, and would ask that you take the same up with the Secretary of Mineral Water Bottlers Union No. 12674, straighten them out and advise me the names with their correct spelling and address, also which are new contracts and which are renewals. With best wishes, and hoping to hear from you at your earliest convenience, I am. Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. MAY 20 1911*][*802*] Y. May 19, 1911. Mr. A. A. Allen, #585 Old Colony Building, Chicago, Illinois. Dear Sir and Brother: Your communication of the 15th received, inquiring if it is our intention "to cover the ground through our letter service," in reference to the trial of those accused of the Los Angeles Times dynamiting." The purpose of the news letter is to give all accurate information in a short and concise manner; and, therefore, it will be impossible to incorporate any detailed account of the proceedings occurring during the course of the trial. However, we shall cover the most important points. With best wishes, I remain, Yours fraternally, Sam'l Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. MAY 20, 1911*][*803*] Z May 19, 1911. Mr. C. A. Tveitmoe,, Secretary, California State Building Trades Council, Metropolis Bank Building, San Francisco California. Dear Sir and Brother: Mr. F. M. Ryan, President of the International Association of Bridge and Structural Iron workers, showed me your letter to him under date of May 11th and also the copy of your circular letter of May 7th. It is indeed gratifying that our fellow workers of the Coast propose to take their stand and to financially as well as morally aid in the protection of the legal rights of Secretary J.J. McNamara and our other accused men. I am more than ever convinced of their innocence and of the foul plot which has been concocted against them. The very manner in which they were spirited away from their home state is sufficient to arouse suspicion. Enclosed you will please find a copy of a circular which I issued by authority of the Executive Council. Your attention is respectfully directed to its contents and suggestions. In a conference this afternoon at the office of the American Federation of Labor, in which Mr. Ryan, Secretary Morrison and I participated, we had the assistance and advice of Mr. Leo M. Rappaport of Indianapolis one of the Leading counsel in the case, [*COPIED. MAY 20 1911*] [*804*] Mr. O. A. Tveitmoe——2. and with whom you conversed while he was recently in California, it was the general concerns of opinion that whatever moneys may be raised in any part of the country for the defense of our accused men and for the prosecution of those who are guilty of kidnapping, should be turned over to Secretary Morrison of the American Federation of Labor and that the disbursements also should be made through this one source, that is, all moneys received and disbursed by the American Federation of Labor direct. Of course we shall select, with the advice of President Ryan and our principal attorneys, one or two persons in California and more than likely Indianapolis who will act in the capacity of disbursing officers. The receipts of money by one responsible person and its disbursement through the same source will prevent not only diffusion of effort but possible duplication and waste. It is generally understood that the prosecution, or, more properly termed, the persecution, will have unlimited funds at their disposals. I need not even refer to, much less state, the possible and probable source of their income. It is well understood by our attorneys and friends that a considerable fund will be essential in order to procure testimony and for the proper defence and presentation of the case before the courts. It is difficult now to understand the extent of funds which we shall require and it is sincerely hoped that the pledge which the California Building Trades Council has given will be fulfilled and that the workers and friends of the other sections of the country will do their proportionate share. However duplication of appeals for contributions would be hurtful rather than otherwise and I would therefore ask you[*805*] Mr. O. A. Tveitmoe---3. whether you could not give me the information as to those organizations to which your appeal has been sent. I know that considerable expenditure has already been made and up to the present you can readily understand but little has been received at this office, I take it because the officers of the International, State and Central Bodies have not yet gotten their machinery in full operation in order themselves to secure any considerable funds. In view of these facts, it is further suggested that any moneys which may now be on hand should be transmitted to Secretary Morrison and thereby afford the means to meet the contingent preliminary expenses, and that from time to time further moneys received should be transmitted. Of course credit will be given to the California State Building Trades Council for the moneys transmitted. In addition, Mr. Rappaport stated to our conference that it may be possible that you are under the impression that your State Building Trades Council is responsible to Mr. Clarence Darrow, for his compensation. I should say that Mr. Darrow has beer retained by President Ryan and at a conference in which Mr. Darrow, president Ryan and [ participated it was understood that Mr. Darrow would act as leading counsel in the case so that when the means are in the hands of the American Federation of labor the compensation of Mr. Darrow and other council will be paid therefrom, so therefore. there need be no apprehension as to liability or as to who is officially the recipient and disburser of moneys received. We all aim to do our level best to be of the greatest possible service to our accused fellow workers.[*806*] Mr. 0. Tveitmoe---4. This letter was dictated in the presence of the gentlemen whose names I have mentioned and it meets with their approval. With best wishes and hoping to hear from you of your earliest convenience, I am Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. P. S. Will you please send me a few copies of your copies of your circular of May 7th. [*SG*] [*807*] M May 20, 1911. Mr. H. A. Wright, 515 Warrington Ave., Danville, Illinois. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 17th instant is at hand, and contents noted. In reply I beg to say that you should take this matter up with your International officers, as this is a matter which should be acted on by the executive officers of the international unions at interest, rather than by the officers of the American Federation of Labor. With kind regards, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. MAY 20 1911*] [*808*] M May 20, 1911. Mr. W. C. Andrews, Secretary International Molders' Union No. 208, 51 Central Avenue, Dover, N. J. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of recent, date received in which you state that Local No. 208, recommends your appointment as volunteer organizer for Dover and vicinity. It affords me pleasure to comply with this request and recommendation, 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. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. MAY 20 1911*] [*809*] M May 20, 1911. Mr. Fred Mowbray, Secretary, Trades and Labor Council, 306 Lincoln Ave., Streator, Illinois. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 15th instant to Secretary Morrison has been brought to my attention, in which you state that the Trades and Labor Council recommends the appointment of William Topham as volunteer organizer for Streator and vicinity, to succeed James Lynch who has resigned. It affords me pleasure to comply with the request and recommendation made, and commission will be issued and forwarded to Brother Topham 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, Sam'l Gompers, President American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. MAY 20 1911*][*810*] M May 20, 1911. Mr. F. A. Hastings, Secretary, Local No. 634, United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners Creston, Iowa. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of May 15th is at hand, in which you state that Local No. 634 recommends your appointment as volunteer organizer for Creston 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, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. MAY 20 1911*][*811*] X. May 19, 1911. Mr. Harry E. DePue, Secretary, Mutual Organization League, 972 E. 38th Street, Los Angeles, Cal. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of May 6th has been duly received and contents noted, You write in detail as to the recent formation of the Mutual Organization League in California, an organization composed of delegates from all affiliated unions of your locality, the main object being to bring the colored workmen into the unions of their craft, and to institute an organization that will remove from the rituals of some organizations the word "white". You further say that it is the desire and intention to agitate for the organization of similar leagues throughout the United States, and that you desire the endorsement of the American Federation of Labor. Let me say in reply that the matter will be placed before my colleagues of the Executive Council at their next meeting, and I will endeavor to advise you as promptly as possible as to what action is taken thereon. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. MAY 20 1911*] [*812*] X. May 19, 1911. Mr. C. L. Shamp, Secretary, Brotherhood of Stationary Firemen, 2502 N. 18th Street, Omaha, Nebr. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 7th instant is received and contents noted. You say that you have beet instructed by your Executive Board to protest against the action of organizer Tazelaar in discriminating against your local unions in the paper making industry and further your Executive Board insists that Mr. Tazelaar should be directed to appear before the next meeting of the Executive Council when representatives of your Brotherhood will be present, so that the entire matter of your complaint can be placed before the Executive Council and action taken thereon. I am unable at this writing to tell you definitely when the next meeting of the Council will convene, but in any event the matter of your complaint will be scheduled for the consideration of the Executive Council and if your colleagues so direct Organizer Tazelaar will be summoned to appear before that meeting, I would suggest that you write me again in the course of the next three or four weeks, when I hope to be able to be in a position to say definitely when the Executive Council will meet. You will please excuse delay in replying to your letter, but it reached headquarters [*COPIED. MAY 20 1911*][*813*] Mr. C. L. Shamp -2- during my absence on official business. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President. American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. MAY 20 1911*][*814*] X. May 19, 1911. Mr. Wm. L. Hoefgen, President, Texas State Federation of Labor, Box 1113, San Antonio, Texas. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of May 8th was received at this office during my absence on official business ani was held for my personal attention upon my return, It is therefore now too late to comply with your request as to sending a telegram to the different organizations in Texas, but as you do not give the list of the names and addresses of the executive officers of these organizations, it would have been impossible for me to comply with your request. I should be pleased if you would let me have a word from you as to any information of interest as to matters which transpire at the recent convention of your state body. With kind regards, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. MAY 20 1911*] [*815*] X. May 19, 1911. Mr. Rittenhouse, 1118 Monroe Street, City. Dear Sir: Through my secretary I received your telephone message that you desired to see me about an important matter in connection with the McNamara case. I expect to remain in this city for the next few days and will be glad to see you at any time that you might find it convenient to call at my office. I am generally at my office until six or six-thirty in the evening. Very truly yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. MAY 20 1911*] [*816*] X. May 19, 1911. Mr. Jos. Alphonse, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, 404 Front Street, Georgetown, S. C. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of May 18th is received and contents noted. I appreciate your kind expressions in regard to the recent decision of the Supreme Court, but as you have doubtless noticed through the press reports since then Justice Wright of the District court has now appointed a commission, the members of which are Mr. J. J. Darlington, M. Daniel J. Davenport, and Mr. James M. Beck, the attorneys for the anti-Boycott Association which prosecuted the case against us, to investigate as to whether Messrs. Morrison, Michell, and myself are guilty of contempt of court, so that the court may proceed to prosecute for contempt. You ask for information as to organizing a union in Georgetown in which the men [are] working at the various trades hold membership, as there is not sufficient number of any one trade represented to form a local union thereof. I beg to say that you should form a Federal Labor Union and make application to the American Federation of Labor for charter. The enclosed circular will advise you as to the necessary steps to take to organize such a union. Of course it is understood that in organizing a Federal Labor Union, that if at any time there is sufficient number of members [*COPIED. MAY 20 1911*] [*817*] Mr. Jos. N. Alphonse -2- bers representing any one trade to form a local union of such a trade, that they should withdraw, form such a local union, and become affiliated with the International Union of the trade. Hoping to hear from you further, and with kind regards, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. MAY 20 1911*][*818*] X. May 19, 1911. Mr. James J, Reedy, Secretary, Central Trades and Labor Council, 40 Wales Street, Rutland, Vermont. Deer Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 15th instant is received and contents noted, In reply thereto I beg to say that I am unable to advise you whether Vice-President Mitchell has made any engagements for Labor Day, and I would suggest that you write to him direct in regard to the matter. His address is #3 Claremont Avenue, Mount Vernon, New York. If unable to secure him, it would be well if you would take the matter up with the Vermont State Federation of Labor so as to arrange to secure the services of a speaker not so far removed from Rutland, so that the expense incident thereto would not be so heavy upon your central body. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. MAY 20 1911*] [*819*] X. May 19, 1911. Mr. P. J. McArdle, President, Amalgamated Association of Iron, Steel and Tin Workers, House Bldg., Smithfield and Water Sts., Pittsburg, Pa. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 19th instant received and contents noted. I too have written to Secretary Will Herman of Tin, Steel, Iron and Granite Workers’ Union #10943, of Granite City, advising him of the decision reached by your convention refusing to permit your Local #8 to withdraw from the International Association and its members to join Local #10943. Of course, as previously stated, Local #10943 will not be supported in its contemplated action except with the full consent ant approval of your International Association. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President , American Federation of Labor. [*Please let me hear from you further in [?] SG*] [*COPIED. MAY 20 1911*] 820 X. May 19, 1911. Mr. Will Herman, Secretary, Tin, Steel Iron and Granite Workers’ Union #10943, 2034 Dewey Avenue, Granite City, Illinois. Dear Sir and Brother: In continuation of our correspondence in regard to Local #8 of the Amalgamated Association of Iron, Steel, and Tin Workers disbanding and the members joining your organization, I beg to say that President McArdle, under date of May 19, writes me as follows: "The request of Good Friday Lodge #8, Illinois, of Granite City, Illinois, that they permitted to withdraw from the Amalgamated Association was presented to our convention through the medium of my report and an appeal direct from the lodge. The convention decided to refuse [the] to surrender jurisdiction over them and insisted that they continue their affiliation with the Amalgamated Association. This action was taken after a thorough discussion of the matter and contrary to the recommendation of the committee having the matter under consideration, which recommended that they be permitted to withdraw upon payment of all financial obligations to our organization. I am notifying Good Friday Lodge of this action, also Secretary Will Herman of L. U. #10943, A. F. of L." You of course have heard from him before this, but it seemed to me that I too should again write you, for as previously stated, the A. F. of L. could not permit the action suggested by your organization as to accepting the members of Local #6, unless with the full consent of the International association. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. MAY 20 1911*] [*821*] X. May 19, 1911. Mr. Frank H. McCarthy, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, 97 Union Park Street, Boston, Mass. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 19th instant is received and contents noted. I beg to thank you for the invitation you extent to me to attend the unveiling of the memorial headstone erected by organized labor of Massachusetts to the memory of Philip H, Sweet, the ser- vices to be held on Sunday, May 28, at two-thirty P. M. It would indeed be gratifying to me to be present on this occasion, but my engagements are such as will make it impossible far me to do so. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. MAY 20 1911*] [*822*] X. May 19, 1911. Mr. Jos, F, Valentine, President, International Molders’ Union of North America, Commercial Tribune Building, Cincinnati, Ohio. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 18th instant is received and contents noted. You say that you have been informed that there is an opportunity now presented for the appointment of an additional special organizer for the A. F. of L., and you recommend Mr. Patrick F. Duffy, member of your local union of Brooklyn for much appointment. I should indeed be glad to be in a position to act upon your recommendations, but as a matter of fact the funds of the A. F. of L. are such that we do not contemplate at present appointing any additional organizers, certainly not until there is a decided change in circumstances, I have no doubt but that Mr. Duffy would render good and efficient work could we avail ourselves of his valuable services. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED, MAY 20 1911*][*823*] COPIED. May 20 1911 Z May 19, 1911. Mr. D. E. Howells, Organizer, 139 W. 32nd Street, Niles, Ohio. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 16th instant has been duly received, in which you advise there is some trouble in Lancaster, Ohio, between the Flint Glass Workers and the Green Bottle Blowers Organizations, and you ask for information to enable you to handle the matter. I am enclosing herewith two circular letters issued by this office, which I think will cover the matter fully. Trusting that the information furnished my serve your purpose, and with best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. P. S. I presume of course that in referring to the particular trouble at Lancaster, Ohio you have reference to the general matters of controversy between the two national organizations, and hence the enclosed circulars.824 COPIED May 20 1911 X. May 19, 1911 Mr. Wm. J. Coates, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, 311 Sprague Avenue, Spokane, Washington. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 15th instant is received and contents noted. You suggest that a commission should be issued to Mrs. Rose Moore for Spokane, as she has been working as organizer for the Central Labor Council of Spokane for the past four months and has accomplished good work. Let me suggest that you have your recommendation endorsed by the Spokane Central Labor Council, and I will be glad to act in compliance therewith. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor.[*825*] X. May 19, 1911. Mr. Bruce Rogers, c/o Elk's Club, Seattle, Washington. Dear Sir: Replying to your favor of May the 11th, I beg to thank you for your courtesy in submitting for my consideration manuscript for publication in the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST. Your manuscript is interesting, but there are so many matters pressing for publication that I fear I cannot possibly make use of yours and therefore return it to you herein. Very Truly yours, Sam'l Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor. EDITOR, AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST. [*COPIED. MAY 20 1911*]826 [*COPIED. MAY 20 1911*] X. May 19, 1911. Mr. Ralph V. Brandt, Secretary, Wood, Wire and Lathers' International Union, 401 Superior Building, Cleveland, Ohio. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 15th instant is received and contents noted. I have written a strong letter to Mr. T. A. Scully, Secretary of the Operative Plasterers' International Associaltion, in regard to the complaint you make in behalf of your local union of Wilkesbarre, and upon receipt of a reply from him will write you further. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*827*] [*COPIED. MAY 20 1911*] X. May 19, 1911. Mr. T. A. Scully, Secretary, Operative Plasterers' International Association, 442 East Second Street, Middletown, Ohio. Dear Sir and Brother: On January 30, 1911, you wrote to me in reply to my letter to you of January 23, stating that the complaint of the Wood, Wire and Metal Lathers' International Union in relation to the trouble at Wilkesbarre, had been referred to President Donlin, who would take the matter up at his earliest convenience. Since that time I have heard nothing further from you. I am now in receipt of another letter from Secretary Brandt of the International Union of Wood, Wire and Metal Lathers, in which he says: "The Plasterers in that city insist upon claiming the right to lath, and this despite the fact that their officers have all stated to us in communications that their organization does not lay claim to lathing of any kind. To show that this is not listed with their own claims, you will find on page 14 of the enclosed book, the jurisdiction rights which they submitted when they applied for a charter in the A. F. of L. and the Department, and you will note that they do not mention lathing of any kind. Now for some reason, the Plasterers in Wilkesbarre have continued to insist upon the right to lath, and through a peculiar combination of circumstances, they have been able to secure and keep control of most of the lathing in that city, and largely through the support of the Building Trades Council there, which, by the way, is not affiliated with the Department. They are willing for the lathers to do the lathing when they, the plasterers, are rushed with the plastering, but at other times they want to go back on the lathing, and let the lathers walk the streets. President Donlin of the Plasterers, has repeatedly told[*828*] Mr. T. A. Scully -2- President McSorley and myself that he would compel his local in that city to relinquish this claim, but that seems to be only wind, for we have been writing and dealing in one way and another with this question, for the past four years, and it seems to me that it is about time that some action was taken to compel the Plasterers to make their Wilkesbarre local respect the rights of our organization. If this trouble was over a class of work which was in question with the Plasterers' International Organization, it would be different, but their own officers do not hesitate to say that they do not lay claim to lathing, and further, that they will make their Wilkesbarre local respect our rights, but that is as far as they go, and I would like to have you take this matter up with the Plasterers, and see that we get our rights in that city from this time on." Will you kindly give this matter your immediate attention and let me hear from you in regard thereto. Thanking you in advance for your prompt reply, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml.Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*829*] X. May 19, 1911. Mr. W. A. Patterson, Secretary, Central Labor Union, 30 North Congress Street, Atlantic City, N. J. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 19th instant is received and contents noted. In conformity with the information you give therein I have taken up with the several International Unions you name the matter of the non-affiliation of their locals with the Atlantic City Central Body, and I trust that prompt steps will be taken by them to have their locals re-affiliate. Now, as to the matter of my suggested visit to Atlantic City to address a meeting under the auspices of your Central Body. I beg to say that the date you suggest, May the s6th, is as you fear too soon for me, as I have many other important engagements. Let me suggest that you continue the correspondence along this line and I hope to be able later on to arrange with you for a mutually convenient and satisfactory date. With kind regards, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. MAY 20 1911*][*830*] X. May 19, 1911. Mr. Hugh Frayne, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, 25 Third Avenue, New York City. Dear Sir and Brother: Reports have reached me from several parts of the country as to moving picture shows which give what purports to be the arrest of J. J. McNamara, and not only these pictures, but those displayed in connection with them are false, a travesty, and all injustice. Our friends throughout the country have communicated with me in regard thereto and in some localities the display of these pictures has been discontinued. I have just been advised that the owners and manufacturers of these pictures are Levi Co., 24 Union Square, New York City. I request you as soon as possible to proceed to the above address, wait upon the company, and respectfully yet insistently request the discontinuance of the sale or lease of these pictures, and for the withdrawal of those which have been leased and are now being exhibited, and for the company to prevent their further use. The liberties and lives of men are involved in the matter with which these pictures deal, and they not only do a great injustice, but may result in a great miscarriage of justice, particularly in inflaming the public mind to a prejudicial end. If you cannot get relief and definite action from the company by doing as I request. I wish you would advise me and I [*831*] Mr. Hugh Frayne -2- shall authorize the retention of an attorney in order to secure an injunction restraining the company from the use ofthese pictures. Trusting you will give the matter you prompt attention, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. MAY 20 1911*] 832 [*COPIED. MAY 20 1911*] X. May 19, 1911. Mr. Andrew Farnseth, 44-46 East Street, San Francisco, Cal. Dear Sir and Brother: A short time ago I incidentally met Mr. C. L. Bouve, of the firm of Shuster and Bouve, Attorneys at law of this city. Mr. Bouve during the course of our conversation, stated that he proposed the publication of an article bearing upon the application of the contract labor clause to the situation resulting from the employment of alien seamen by the Navigation and Transportation Companies operating on the Great Lakes. Expressing a desire for information upon the subject, I suggested to him that he should submit the matter to me in writing. He has done so as follows: #1. Does the cause of the existing dissatisfaction consist in the fact that alien seamen are employed by these companies on ships plying between Canadian and United States lake ports to the detriment of American seamen? II. Are alien seamen employed on United States ships which touch only at United States ports on the Lakes? III. Is there reason to believe that alien seamen ship on United States vessels at Canadian ports simply for the purpose of the return trip, in order to compete with American seamen on their arrival at the United States port, or ports? IV. What is the number of alien seamen employed on United States ships plying between Canadian and United States ports on the Lakes compared with that of American seamen similarly engaged? V. Any available statistics or data not included in the above questions bearing on the subject. My purpose in requesting this information is to ascertain whether or not the contract labor provision is being violated by aliens whose claim is that because they are seamen they do not come within the operation of the Immigration Act. It has occurred to833 Mr. Andrew Funseth -2- me that this is a stand which might well be taken in reliance upon the popular misconception of the real significance of the decision of the Supreme Court of the United States in the late case of the United States vs. Taylor. This case has been constantly cited as holding that alien seamen do not come within operation of the Act. This view is entirely [?]. What the Court held was that the master of a vessel is not responsible under the Act of March 3rd. 1903 for the desertion on to United States territory of a foreign seamen while on shore leave. Far from holding that foreign seamen do not come within operation of the Act the Court stated by way of [dict??] that of course it was possible for the master to permit an alien seamen to come on shore in violation of the Act. In the above case the element of the violation of the contract labor provision did not arise. There can of course be no doubt that if aliens following the trade of seamen commit acts within the territorial jurisdiction of the United States which constitutes a violation of the contract labor clause the mere fact of their being seamen will not exempt them from deportation as provided in the present act, not will it exempt those who shall have solicited their entrance into this country for that purpose from the penalties provided therein. Nor can the fact that a seamen is on shore leave at the time of engaging in the prohibited intercourse shield him from the legal effects thereof; for shore leave obtained for this purpose is not 'that ordinary shore leave necessary for the purposes of trade and commerce' contemplated by the Court in the Taylor case.' I would appreciate it very much if you would at your earliest convenience draft a comprehensive reply to the above, so that I may submit it to Mr. Bouve. Hoping to hear from you at your early convenience, I am. Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.834 COPIED May 20 1911 X. May 19, 1911. Mr. C. L. Bouve, Union Trust Building, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: President Gompers directs me to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 19th instant, and to say that he hopes to be able to write you in the near future fully covering the several matters to which you refer therein. Very truly yours, R Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.835 [*COPIED. MAY 20 1911*] X. May 19, 1911. Mr. J. D. Pierce, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, General Delivery, Harrisburg, Pa. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 19th instant in received, and I read it with much interest. Relative to the decision of the Supreme Court in our contempt appeal case, I would suggest that you read my editorial in the forthcoming June issue of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST. I review the decision therein. I of course read the press reports of President Taft's recent speech at Harrisburg, and I presume you have seen the press reports of my criticism thereof. If you have not, I shall be glad to send you one of the clippings. As I am very much crowded I will not attempt to write to you in detail, but I felt that I must write you a few words as above in reply to your request for an expression upon the decision of the Supreme Court. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*836*] COPIED. MAY 23 1911 X. May 19, 1911 Mr. J. J. Breslin, Organizer, American Federation of Labor 1214 S Street, Sacramento, Cal. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the fourth instant received and contents noted. In reply thereto I beg to say that if you succeed in organizing the employes of the crematories, application for charter should be made direct to theAmerican Federation of labor, when the matter will be placed before my colleagues of the Executive Council for their consideration and action. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. 837 [*COPIED. MAY 20 1911*] X. May 19, 1911. Hon. E. G. Ballard, #800 Broadway, Gary, Indiana. My dear Mr. Ballard: Your favor of the 18th instant with enclosure came duly to hand. I thank you for your congratulatory message, but I am rather under the impression that it, together with the many other congratulatory telegrams, cablegrams and letters which I have received, are somewhat premature, particularly in view of the order which Justice Wright issued this morning after the decision of the Supreme Court. I take it that you have already seen it and know its contents and purpose. Relative to the information which you convey regarding the agencies which are best known to railroad our fellow workers, I should say that I showed it to Mr. Frank Ryan and Mr. Leo M. Rappaport, the latter one of the counsel in the case. Mr. Rappaport is located at 822 Law Building, Indianapolis, Indiana. He is of the opinion that the information may be of considerable value, and he would like to have the opportunity of going over the matter with you in more detail. Would it not be possible for you to make some arrangements so that you could meet with Mr. Rappaport? We have agree that I shall send him a copy of this letter to his office, so that he may have it before him there, and he will write838 Hon. E. O. Ballard -2- you in connection therewith very soon. Knowing you as I do, I am sure that you will be only too glad to aid an any effort to secure justice for the men of labor. I appreciate also the courtesy of your sending me the clipping from the Chicago Journal of April 28. It is exceedingly interesting, and discloses from an authoritative source conditions which have long been known by some and yet discredited by the many. There can be no doubt but that Congressmen Stanley, or Kentucky, will with his committee undertake a most thorough investigation of the United States Steel Corporation, and you will be in a position to render service there also. I take it that I shall be called upon to furnish some evidence or render such assistance as may lie in my power. With kindest regards, and hoping to hear from you as often as you can make it convenient, I am, Sincerely, yours. Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.839 x. May 19, 1911. Hon. Leo. H. Peppaport, 622 Law Building, Indianapolis, Indiana. Copied. May 20 1911 Dear Sir: As per our understanding, I enclose to you herein copy , of the letter which I have just written to Mr. F. G. Ballard, Attorney at Law, 800 Broadway, Gary, Indiana. Sincerely yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.840 Copied May 22 1911 X. May 22, 1911. Mr. John M. Hague, President, Typographical Union No. 24, 29 Hawthorne Street, Orange, N.J. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 16th instant is recieved and in response to your request I am glad to place you on the mailing list to receive the weekly news letter published by this office. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam. Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.841 Copied May 22 1911 M. May 22, 1911. Mr. J.P. Noonan, International Vice-President, Pierik Building, Springfield, Ill. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 20th instant received and contents noted. In reply of my letter of the 17th instant you say that the organizer who is at present in New Orleans will shortly visit Nashville and you desire to know whether any other trade is prepared to send an organizer to Nashville at this time. I have not as yet been advised by any other international organization to which I wrote at the same time I wrote you, but I have no doubt but that they will endeavor at the earliest time possible to take advantage of the opportunity now presented in Nashville to organize their respective trades and callings. With best wishes for success, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam. Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.842 Copied May 22 1911. X. May 22, 1911. Mrs. Farley Morton, Secretary, Trades and Labor Assembly, Waycross, Georgia. Dear Madam: I want to thank you for your favor of the 18th instant and for the action taken by your Central Trades and Labor Assembly in compliance with my recent letter requesting that a committee be appointed by your Central Body to wait upon the stove dealers in your city and officially and formally advise them of the friendly relations now existing between organized labor and the Buck's Stove and Range Company. Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor.843 Copied May 22 1911. X. May 22, 1911. Mr. Orville Clapp, Organizer American Federation of Labor, 311 No. Adams Street, Marion, Indiana. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 17th instant is received, stating that you have organized a local of the International Association of Machinists. Application for charter should be made direct to the International Union, Mr. George Preston, Secretary, 403 McGill Building, Washington D.C. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor.844 Copied May 22 1911 X. May 22, 1911. Mr. Hugh Wallace, Typographical Union Mo. 9, c/o Room #6, Chapin Block, Buffalo, N.Y. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 14th instant came duly to hand, with constitution of the Trade Union Section of the Buffalo Association for the Relief and Control of Tuberculosis, for which please accept my thanks. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam Gompers President American Federation of Labor.[*845*] COPIED. MAY 22 1911 M May 22, 1911. Mr. H. Jorhade, Engelufer 2, II, Berlin S. O. 16, Berlin, Germany. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 9th instant received and contents noted. I am gratified to learn that our Weekly News Letter is being so favorably received not only in this country but abroad. You can rest assured that we will continue to send it to you each week. In compliance with your request I am sending to you under separate cover our latest revised list of organizers, affiliated organizations and labor press. Enclosed you will find list of pamphlets published by this office. If you can make us of any of these, I shall be glad to send them to you. I am also sending to you in the package containing the lists to which I make reference above, some printed matter which I think you will find helpful. Hoping to hear from you further, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. Regards to our friends. S.G.846 [*COPIED. MAY 22 1911*] M May 21, 1911. Mr. Clarence Darrow, "The Alexandria," Los Angeles, Cal. Dear Mr. Darrow: Mr. Rappaport, Mr. Ryan, Secretary Morrison and I have had several conferences within the last two days, and among other things we discussed the question of procedure as well as the retention of attorneys and compensation. We agreed that you should be the leading counsel for the defense in the McNamara case, and the selection of assistance counsel should also be left in your hands, with Mr. Rappaport or such counsel as you may deem essential to retain in Los Angeles. As to the matter of compensation, of course, we shall expect you to exercise your judgment, and keep in mind the fact that there is not a large fund at your disposal, particularly at this time. Under date of May 19, I sent a letter to Mr. O. C. Tveitmoe, Secretary of the California State Building Trades Council, and I enclose a copy of that letter to you herein. It will give you some information upon a phase of the matter under discussion and make in unnnecessary for me to more than refer to it herein. As soon as funds are received here for the defense of the McNamara case I shall endeavor to have transmitted to you some on account. In regard to the retention of the services of other847 C. D. 2. attorneys, Mr. Rappaport, Mr. Ryan, Secretary Morrison and I have discussed that, and Mr. Rappaport gave us some notion as to what the retainer or compensation for the services of the attorneys located at Los Angeles might be. He will write you further upon this subject on his return to Indianapolis. We are exceedingly anxious to do the very best we can and give whatever financial and moral support possible, in order than an adequate defense may be presented in court, and of course, for the necessary expenses incurred in its preparation and conduct, but I can not refrain from again calling your attention to the fact that up to the present time not much of a fund has been received at headquarters. This, however, I take it is due to the fact, that the international unions, the local unions and central bodies have just about gotten their machinery in motion, in order to secure funds which may be necessary. Wishing you every success, and asking you to write me whenever convenient, I am, Very truly yours, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor. P. S. When writing to me please mark your envelopes confidential. [*848*] M May 22, 1911. Mr. W. P. Borland, Interstate Commerce Commission, Washington, D. C. Dear Mr. Borland: In reference to the letter of Mr. McNamee, under date of May 17, I beg to say that there are six judges of the Supreme Court of the District of Columbia. They are as follows; Anderson-Barnard- Stafford-Gould-Clabaugh-Wright. These judges sit both in civil and criminal cases, and in turn sit as a Court of Equity. In the original case the petition for an injunction was made with Justice Gould of the Supreme Court of the District of Columbia, who issued a temporary order. This order was made permanent by Justice Clabaugh of the Supreme Court; also the petition was presented to Justice Wright of the Supreme Court to issue a ruling to show cause why Gompers, Mitchell and Morrison should not be punished for contempt of the injunction. Testimony was taken before Justice Wright, and he found the defendants guilty, and imposed sentences of twelve, nine and six months respectively. An appeal was taken to the Court of Appeals of the District of Columbia. This is the highest court within the District, and is composed of three Justices, Chief Justice Shepard, and Justices Van Orsdel and Robb. An appeal was taken both from the injunction and also against the [*COPIED. MAY 22 1911*] [*849*] W. P. B. 2. sentences. The Court of Appeals modified the injunction, and then later sustained Justice Wright's decision and sentences. An appeal was then taken to the United States Supreme Court. Trusting that this information may be of some assistance to Brother McNamee, I am with best wishes, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President American Federation of Labor.[*850*] [*COPIED MAY 22 1911*] M May 22, 1911. Editor, Indianapolis Star, Indianapolis, Ind. Dear Sir: As opportunity affords I read the Indianapolis Star, and I came across your editorial "Organized Labor's Address" published in your issue of May 12. In that editorial you generally commend the statements made by the trade unionists in regard to the kidnapping of Mr. J. J. McNamara. You think that it is a moderate statement and very different from the "mouthings" in which I indulge myself. I take it that you would not unnecessarily and intentionally do anyone an injustice, even the other gentlemen whose names you mention in connection with mine. Because I have seen some references to myself in other papers I am rather impelled to believe that that which I have really said in connection with the recent unfortunate incidents, which was suppressed in many of the papers, has either not come to your attention or that your mind has been unjustly influenced against me. Having this in mind I am sending to you under separate cover a copy of the June issue of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST, in which I deal at some length with the subject of the "McNamara case." May I ask that you give the time to read this article?[*851*] Ed. Indianapolis Star 2. Permit me to say that in writing this letter and in sending the article in question, it is not with a view of having you make retraction or correction of any sort. I believe, however, that you would prefer to have the mental satisfaction of speaking correctly in regard to my position and utterances upon the subject under consideration and upon the general aspect of the movement of labor. Should you desire I should be glad to send you a number of copies of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST touching upon any topic in connection with the labor movement. Very truly yours, Saml Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. MAY 22 1911*][*852*] X. May 19, 1911. Mr. W. H. Davies, Secretary, International Association of Steam Hot Water and Power Pipe Fitters and Helpers, Room 205, Merrick Building, 357 W. 63d, St., Chicago, Illinois. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the tenth instant reached this office during my absence on official business, and this is the first opportunity since my return that I have had to reply. I note your suggestion as to the plan of amalgamation between your International Association and the Plumbers' Association, that is, the plan as agreed upon between the Plasterers, Bricklayers and Masons. I am writing to President Alpine sending him copy of your letter and also copy of the circular issue by the Bricklayers and Masons on February 28. I am sure I voice the opinion of my colleagues of the Executive Council when I saythat any plan for amalgamation mutually satisfactory to your respective organizations will be entirely agreeable to the American Federation of Labor. With kind regards, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. MAY 22 1911*][*853*] X. May 22, 1911. Mr. John R1 Alpine, President, United Association of Plumbers, Gas Fitters, Steam Fritters and SteamFitters Helpers, United States and Canada. 411-416 Bush Temple ofMusic, Chicago, Ill. Dear Sir and Brother: Enclosed you will please find copy of letter under date of May tenth, written me by Mr. W. H. Davies, Secretary, International Association of Steam, Hot Water and Power Pipe Fitters and Helpers, in which he suggests a plan of amalgamation of the United Association and the International Association. You will also find enclosed herein copy of the circular letter issued by the Bricklayers and Masons International Union under date of February 28, 1911, in which is embodied copy of the agreement of amalgamation between that International Union and the Plasterers. In writing to Secretary Davies I stated to him as I now state to you that I am sure I voice the opinion of my colleagues of the Executive Council when I say that any plan for amalgamation mutually satisfactory to your respective organizations will be entirely agreeable to the American Federation of Labor. With best Wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. MAY 22 1911*]COPY. INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF STEAM, HOT WATER AND POWER PIPE FITTERS AND HELPERS, Chicago, Ill., May 10, 1911. Mr. Samuel Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir and Brother: You no doubt have given considerable thought to the controversy existing between the International Association of Steam Fitters etc., and the United Association of Plumbers, etc., and I apprehend it has at times caused the American Federation of Labor donsiderableannoyance. May I be permitted to offer to you for your consideration a suggestion or two, that in my judgment might possibly be acceptable and solve the difficulty existing between us; lead to a practical solution of the question involved and bring about peace in the Labor Movement, so far as we are concerned, and result in good to all. I have given some thought and considerable study to this matter, and in looking over the Plasterers’ journal for the month of March, 1911, I find on pages 1, 2 and 3, an agreement which has been drawn up between that Organization and the Brick Layers, Masons and Plasterers International Union of America, which evidently is satisfactory to the membership of both Organizations, and seems to be absolutely fair in every detail. I am also enclosing a copy of this journal and copy of same agreement published by the Executive Board of the Brick Layers, Masons and Plasterers International Union of America. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, (Signed ) W. H. Davies, Sec. Treas. I. A. [*COPIED. MAY 22 1911*] [*855*] X. May 22, 1911. Mr. John L. Damozonio, Secretary, Paste Makers’ Union #10567, 40 Graham Place, San Francisco, Cal. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 15th instant is received and contents noted. In reply thereto I beg to enclose to you herein copy of letter which I have just written to Secretary Gallagher of the San Francisco Labor Council, and which I request that you should accept as equally addressed to you. Sincerely trusting that the entire matter will be adjusted without any controversy and hoping to hear from you at your early convenience, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President American Federation of Lapor. [*COPIED. MAY 22 1911*] 856 [*COPIED. MAY 22 1911*] X. May 22, 1911. Mr. Andrew J. Gallagher, Secretary, San Francisco Trades Council, 316 14th Street, San Francisco, Cal. Dear Sir and Brother: In March last the Secretary of Paste Makers Union #10567 of San Francisco, submitted the wage scale of that organization for the consideration and approval of the Executive Council. The scale was approved and the union so notified on March 24. I am now in receipt of a letter from Secretary Damozonio, in which he says: "We would like to know where we stand. Our agreement has been signed by most of the shops. The Piedmont Paste Co., Vesuvious Paste Co. Cosmopolitan Paste Co. and the Columbus Paste Co. have not as yet signed. We expect the Columbus Paste Co. to sign at any time. They refuse to sign but claim they will pay the wages and give the hours and on those grounds the Secretary of the S. F. Labor Council says that we can't strike; now on the other hand he Piedmont Paste Co. has already a scab working, the Vesuvio Paste Co. has two scabs working. Now it is up to you whether we have a right to strike or not. Two years ago we went out without notifying the S. F. Labor Council and won without them. Now we want a little advice from you. We can win without the Labor Council. We are small but they ought to consider the small as well as the large." While the Executive Council has approved the scale of this organization, yet of course if there is any possibility of having the scale accepted by the various companies employing the members of that organization without controversy or strike, no honorable effort should be left untried to bring about that result. I am therefore writing to request that you should confer with the officers[*COPIED. MAY 18 1911*] 857 Mr. Andrew J. Gallagher -2- of local #10567, and do whatever you can to endeavor to have the several companies named accept the scale of wages as presented by the Paste Makers’ Union, and if possible avoid a strike. However, (since the Executive Council has approved the application,) if the men cannot get justice without striking, they are authorized to strike, ant the members affected ,who are entitled to strike benefits from the Defense Fund (Article 13 Constitution of the A. F. of L.) will receive it. Kindly give this matter your promptest possible attention and advise me in regard thereto. Thanking you in advance for your co-operation and assistance, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor.858 [*COPIED. MAY 22 1911*] X. May 22, 1911. Hon. Frank S. Black, Troy, New York, Dear Sir: There is a matter of importance about which I should like to have an opportunity of conferring with you in New York City, of course provided that it does not interfere with any of your engagements. Could you please write me when you will be in New York at any time within the next couple of weeks? I am to be in New York Saturday, the 27th, and could stay over until Monday morning the 29th. If you should be there on either of those dates will you please send me telegram collect, and stating the hour and place where I can have the pleasure of seeing you? Thank you in advance for your courtesy, I am, Very respectfully yours, Samuel Gompers President. American Federation of Labor.[*859*] X. May 22, 1911. Mr. John A. Dyche, Secretary, International Ladies Garment Workers’ Union, 11 Waverly Place, Room 41, New York City. Dear Sir and Brother: Your telegram is just received, requesting me to address a meeting of the white goods workers at Cooper Union, Friday evening May 26. I called you up over the long distance telephone and am writing this to confirm the statement I then made, that is, that I will be there on Friday evening, about half past eight. I will leave here Friday afternoon about three o'clock, and that will give me just about time to reach Cooper Union by half past eight. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation or Labor. [*COPIED. MAY 22 1911*]860 [*COPIED. MAY 22 1911*] Washington, D. C., May 23, 1911. Mr. James Duncan, Hancock Building, Quincy, Mass. Taking your letters under consideration and in conference with officers of Departments I have today issued notice to members Executive Council for meeting Monday, June 12. Would it be possible for you to meet me New York next Saturday or Sunday for conference as suggested by our correspondence? There are many matters we should discuss. Wire answer. SAMUEL GOMPERS. Charge A. F. of L.861 [*COPIED. MAY 23 1911*] P I N K. Washington, D. C., May 23, 1911. Mr. Frank M. Ryan, 422-424 American Central Life Building, Indianapolis, Indiana. Chairman Henry advises me Committee on Rules will give hearing on Berger resolution eleven o'clock Saturday morning. SAMUEL GOMPERS. Charge A. F. of L.862 [*COPIED. MAY 23 1911*] X. May 23, 1911. Mr. C. Legien, International Secretary, National Centres of Trade Unions, Berlin S. O. 16, Engel-Ufer 15, Berlin, Germany. Dear Sir and Brother: On behalf of Messrs. Mitchell, Morrison and myself, I thank you for your recent congratulatory message upon the decision of the Supreme Court in our appeal case, that is, the court having decided that the alleged contempt was a civil proceeding and that the lower court could not, therefore, impost a jail sentence. The case was remanded to the lower court with power to commence proceedings for criminal contempt. I apprehend therefore, that the congratulations of yourself and our other friends and well-wishers are premature, as Justice Wright has appointed a commission consisting of Messrs. Darlington, Davenport, and Beck, the original attorneys for the Anti-Boycott Association prosecution against us, "to investigate" whether Messrs. Mitchell, Morrison and I are guilty of contempt, so that the court itself may try us and punish us for criminal contempt. I have partly discussed the decision of the Supreme Court in an editorial in the June issue of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST, under the caption, "No Jail For Gompers, Mitchell and Morrison Yet". It is commended to your consideration. I sincerely hope that you have regained your health. Remember me kindly to our friends Sassenbach, Baumeister, and Umbreit. Sincerely and fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*863*] [*COPIED. MAY 13 1911*] X. May 23, 1911. Mr. James Duncan, Vice-President, American Federation of Labor, Hancock Building, Quincy, Mass. Dear Sir and Brother: Your telegram in response to mine saying that you can meet me next Saturday or Sunday in New York came duly to hand, and I am very glad that you can make it. There are a number of matters which we should discuss in connection with our movement not only here but in connection with your trip abroad. I am to be in New York on Friday evening to address a meeting of the workers on white goods, that is the shirtwaist workers, and ladies white garments. These people come under the jurisdiction of the Ladies Garment Workers' International Union. You will remember last year that organization at a psychological moment undertook to inaugurate a general strike of the eighty five thousand garment workers in and around New York. It was a prolonged fight and they came out of it victorious. I attended a meeting at Madison Square Garden at which the movement was inaugurated and the men and women engaged in the contest, as well as the officers of the organization, persist in declaring that my address at that meeting, which by the way was the greatest meeting I ever attended, helped materially inducing the spirit among the people, and that the A. F. of L. was helpful to attain victory. The Executive[*864*] Mr. James Duncan -2- tive Council of that organization went on record in passing a resolution of appreciation and gratitude to the American Federation of Labor, to the Executive Council, and naming me. The spirit and result of that contest last year has increase the organization to nearly eighty thousand members. Many improved conditions and higher wages and better hours have been secured. The spirit and the result of that movement of last year has had widespread effect and influence, which have become accentuated by reason of the terrible catastrophe of a few weeks ago where 150 girls were burned or killed in the conflagration of the Triangle Shirtwaist Company's building. So that the officers of the organization have determined to inaugurate similar movement, and a mass meeting is to be held on Friday evening at Cooper Union with that object in view. I have said that the officers propose to inaugurate the movement. Properly speaking, they have been prevailed upon by the rank and file to inaugurate the movement. They invited me to address that meeting at Cooper Union Friday evening, and I have accepted the invitation. Nothing unforeseen occurring, I shall be present. What I would like to know is whether you could not be in New York Friday evening and also address that mass meeting? I am sure it would be helpful. It is true that you have not been invited, but they do not know that you possibly could be in New York on that evening, and I am sure that they will appreciate it greatly if you could co-operate at the mass meeting in a brief address. I expect to leave here at three o'clock Friday afternoon, due in New York eight o'clock. I will go directly to Cooper Union, and be there about 8:30. If you can, why not take a train leaving Boston about that same hour?[*865*] Mr. James Duncan -3- Because there are so many of our friends who stop at the Victoria, I imagine that it would be better if we could stop at some other hotel, and then we could have a little more privacy and better opportunity for a full discussion of the matters we have in mind. If you meet me Friday night at the mass meeting at Cooper Union, we can discuss the matter then of where we shall stop. If you cannot come to New York Friday night, then let us meet at the Prince George Hotel nine o'clock Saturday morning. We can breakfast together and discuss our plans. Anticipating the pleasure of seeing you soon, and preferably Friday evening, I am, Sincerely and fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.866 [*COPIED. MAY 23 1911*] X. May 23, 1911. Herr Paul Umbreit, Engel-Ufer 15-1V, Berlin, SO., 16, Germany. Dear Sir and Brother: Many thanks for your interesting letter of the 11th instant, and I shall look forward to what our friend Max Schippel will have to say in the literary section of the "Correspondenablatt" regarding the matters which you turned over to him. You are no doubt interested in the decision of the Supreme Court of the United States upon our appeal against the prison sentences imposed by Justice Wright upon my colleagues Mitchell and Morrison for nine and six months, and with me twelve months. I have an editorial in the June issue of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST upon the decision although I did not have the entire decision of the United States Supreme Court when I wrote it, but I did have the important figures in as far as the reversal of the sentences is concerned. The editorial is under the title of "No Jail For Gompers, Mitchell, Morrison Yet". In addition I call your attention particularly to my article in the June issue on the McNamara case. We are confronted with a great problem in this matter, though the working people generally and quite a number of our people other than workingmen, very largely believe the accused men innocent. It will involve867 Herr Paul Umbreit --2-- tremendous efforts and expense. The resources of those who are against the accused men are simply enormous. I am very solicitous in regard to the health of Brother Legien. I know the great friendship and attachment which he had for his departed friend, and it must have been a terrible blow to him. This, together with his great responsibility and hard work no doubt have had their telling influence upon him and his health. I trust that he may soon be restored to his old time strength and his ability to do further work for many years in the interests of the toiling masses of the world. Mrs. Gompers has been very seriously and painfully ill for the past four months. She is not making the progress desired. She and Miss Gompers join me in the very best wishes to you and our friends, to whom kindly commend me. With best wishes and hoping to hear from you as often as convenient, I am, Sincerely and fraternally yours, Saml.Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*868*] [*COPIED. MAY 23 1911*] X. May 23, 1911. American Purity Federation, La Cross, Wisconsin. Gentlemen: Your favor of the 20th instant received and contents noted. In r4eply to your request for suggestion as to some representative labor man to address the Sixth International Purity Congress, to be held in Columbus, Ohio, October 23-27 next, I wouls suggest that you extend an invitation to Vice-President John Mitchell, #5 Claremont Avenue, Mount Vernon, New York. I do not know, of course, whether Mr. Mitchell will be in a position to accept the invitation, but in any event it would be well if you would take the matter up direct with him. Thanking you for your good wishes, I am, Very truly yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*869*] [*COPIED. MAY 23 1911*] X. May 23, 1911. Mr. Allan L. Benson, #1 Arthur Street, Yonkers, New York. My dear Mr. Benson: Your favor of the 21st instant received and contents noted. I immediately sent out and got a copy of Pearson's for June and I read your article. It is intensely interesting and presents the subject forcefully and clearly. It will undoubtedly be helpful in the fight that the Postal Clerks are making and the fight which is being made in their behalf. I am looking forward with interest to reading your articles on the Supreme Court. Whenever you are in the city and have the time, come around to the office and see me. Sincerely yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*870*] [*COPIED. MAY 23 1911*] X. May 23, 1911. Mme. Rosa Gompers, Andrassystrasse 20, Budapest, Hungary. My dear friend: On behalf of Messrs. Mitchell, Morrison and myself, I thank you for your recent congratulatory message upon the decision of the Supreme Court in our appeal case, that is, the court having decided that the alleged contempt was a civil proceeding and that the lower court could not, therefore, impose a jail sentence. The case was remanded to the lower court with power to commence proceedings for criminal contempt. I apprehend, therefore, that the congratulations of yourself and our other friends and well-wishers are premature, as Justice Wright has appointed a commission consisting of Messrs. Darlington, Davenport, and Beck, the original attorneys for the Anti-Boycott Association prosecution against us, "to investigate" whether Messrs. Mitchell, Morrison and I are guilty of contempt, so that the court itself may try us and punish us for criminal contempt. I have partly discussed the decision of the Supreme Court in an editorial in the June issue of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST. It was commended to your consideration. I am sending you a copy of the June issue, so you may have an opportunity of knowing its contents. The caption of the editorial is "No Jail for Gompers, Mitchell and Morrison Yet". However, whatever the outcome of the case, I want to[*871*] Mme. Rose Gompers -2- secure you that I greatly appreciate your having sent me the congratulatory cablegram. The case certainly must have attracted universal attention when the decision was published in the European press, including Budapest. I received cablegrams from a number of earnest thinking advocates of labor, of justice, and of humanity. I was exceedingly pleased to learn that you are in the enjoyment of better health and I shall always count it a great loss that my wife and daughter and myself did not have the opportunity of seeing you upon the occasion of our visit to Budapest in 1909. I am looking forward to the realization of the hope that I may yet get to see you. I should like to meet you. I should like to discuss with you a number of matters of our family history. I should be most intensely interested I am sure in the exchange of views, and meet face to face one of such an intellectual and charming personality. I regret to say that Mrs. Gompers has been very severely ill for nearly four months and is still suffering greatly. She and my daughter join me in the very heartiest expressions for your continued good health and long years of splendid life. Will you kindly remember us to Mr. Koenig. I trust that I may hear from you at your convenience, and with best wishes, I am, Sincerely and cordially yours, Sam'l Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor.[*872*] X. May 23, 1911. Mr. Alex. Campbell, Campbell House, St. Augustine, Florida. [*COPIED. MAY 23 1911*] Dear Sir: Your favor of May the first was received while I was absent from my office, the acknowledgment of its receipt having already been made. In reply to your suggestion as to the A. F. of L. and our affiliated organizations establishing co-operative stores, I beg to say that the American Federation of Labor, although repeated representations have been made to it from various sources, has never undertaken to enter into any arrangement whatsoever of a commercial character, even though the proposition might be for co-operative effort as suggested by you. Very truly yours, Saml Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*873*] [*COPIED. MAY 23 1911*] American Federation of Labor Executive Council. President, SAMUEL GOMPERS. Secretary, FRANK MORRISON. Treasurer, JOHN B. LENNON, Bloomington, Ill. First Vice-President, JAMES DUNCAN, Hancock Bldg., Quincy, Mass. Second Vice-President, JOHN MITCHELL, 3 Claremont Ave., Mount Vernon, N. Y. Third Vice-President, JAMES O'CONNELL, 402-407 McGill Bldg. Washington, D. C. Fourth Vice-President, D. A. HAYES, 930 Witherspoon Bldg. Philadelphia, Pa. Fifth Vice-President, Wm. D. HUBER, Carpenters' Bldg. Indianapolis, Ind. Sixth Vice-President, Jos. F. VALENTINE, Commercial Tribune Building, Cincinnati, Ohio. Seventh Vice-President, John R. ALPINE, 401-6 Bush Temple of Music, Chicago, Ill. Eighth Vice-President, H. B. PERHAM, Star Bldg. St. Louis, Mo. LONG DISTANCE TELEPHONE, MAIN 3871-2 CABLE ADDRESS, 'AFEL' 801-109 G St. N. W. Washington, D. C. May 23, 1911 Reply to Congratulatory messages on the Supreme Court Decision. Dear Sir and Brother: On behalf of Messrs. Mitchell, Morrison and myself, I thank you for your recent congratulatory message upon the decision of the Supreme Court in our appeal case, that is, the court having decided that the alleged contempt was a civil proceeding and that the lower court could not, therefore, impose a jail sentence. The case was remanded to the lower court with power to commence proceedings for criminal contempt. I apprehend, therefore, that the congratulations of yourself and our other friends and well-wishers are premature, as Justice Wright has appointed a commission consisting of Messrs. Darlington, Davenport and Beck, the original attorneys for the Anti- Boycott Association prosecution against us, "to investigate" whether Messrs. Mitchell, Morrison and I are guilty of contempt, so that the court itself may try us and punish us for criminal contempt. I have partly discussed the decision of the Supreme Court in an editorial in the June issue of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST. It is commended to your consideration. Again thanking you for your kindly expressions, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers President American Federation of Labor.[*874*] M May 23, 1911. Editor, Pacific Commercial Advertiser, Honolulu, H. I. COPIED. MAY 23 1911 Dear Sir: One of my correspondents has sent me a clipping from your edition of May 5, containing your editorial entitled "Unionism and Dynamiters." In that editorial you say "That it leaves a bad taste in the mouth to read the expression of a labor leader such as Gompers in regard to the arrest of the three Los Angeles Times suspects." I take it that you would not unnecessarily and intentionally do anyone an injustice. Because I have seen some references to myself in other papers I am rather impelled to believe that that which I have really said in connection with the recent unfortunate incidents, which was suppressed in many of the papers, has either not come to your attention or that your mind has been unjustly influenced against me. Having this in mind I am sending to you under separate cover a copy of the June issue of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST, in which I deal at some length with the subject of the "McNamara case." May I ask that you give the time to read this article? Permit me to say that in writing this letter and in sending the article in question, it is not with a view of having you make retraction or correction of any sort. I believe, however, that you[*875*] P. C. A. 2. would prefer to have the mental satisfaction of speaking correctly in regard to my position and utterances upon the subject under consideration and upon the general aspect of the movement of labor. Should you desire I should be glad to send you a number of copies of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST touching upon any topic in connection with the labor movement. Very truly yours, Saml.Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. [*876*] [*COPIED MAY 23, 1911*] M May 23, 1911. Mr. W. W. Kimbell, Secretary, Local No. 360, Bartenders' Union, Mullan, Idaho. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 16th instant is at hand, in which you state that Local No. 360, recommends the appoint ment of yourself, as volunteer organizer for Mullan 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, Saml Gompers President American Federation of Labor.[*877*] [*COPIED. MAY 23 1911*] M May 23, 1911. Mr. Leroy E. Hall, Vice-President, Local No. 957, United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners, 1207 W. Olive St., Stillwater, Minn. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 18th instant is at hand, in which you state that Local No. 957, recommends your appointment as volunteer organizer for Stillwater 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 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 representation 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.[*878*] [*COPIED MAY 23 1911*] M. May 23, 1911. M. A. J. Berres, Secretary, Metal Trades Department A. F. of L. 513 Ouray Building, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir and Brother: In conformity with previous understanding as to the meeting of the Executive Board of your Department at the same time and place that the Executive Council of the A. F. of L. is in session, I beg to advise you that a meeting is called for ten o'clock, Monday morning, June 12, at headquarters. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President American Federation of Labor. [*879*] [*COPIED MAY 23 1911*] M May 23, 1911. Mr. ames A, Short, President Building Trades Department A. F. of L. Ouray Bldg., Washington, D. C. Dear Sir and Brother: In conformity with previous understanding as to the meeting of the Executive Board of your Department at the same time and place when the Executive Council of the A. F. of L. is in session, I beg to advise you that a meeting is called for ten-o'clock, Monday morning, June 12, at headquarters. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President American Federation of Labor. [*880*] [*COPIED MAY 23 1911*] M May 23, 1911. Mr. James M. Lynch, President, International Typographical Union, Newton Claypool Building., Indianapolis, Ind. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of May 16th with your telegram of May 15th has been duly received and contents noted. On behalf of Messrs. Mitchell, Morrison and myself, I thank you for your recent congratulatory message upon the decision of the Supreme Court in our appeal case, that is, the court having decided that the alleged contempt was a civil proceeding and that the lower court could not, therefore, impose a jail sentence. The case was remanded to the lower court with power to commence proceedings for criminal contempt. I apprehend, therefore, that the congratulations of yourself and out other friends and well-wishers are premature, as Justice Wright as appointed a commission consisting of Messrs. Darlington, Davenport and Beck, the original attorneys for the Anti-Boycott Association prosecution against us, "to investigate" whether Messrs. Mitchell, Morrison and I are guilty of contempt, so that the court itself may try us and punish us for criminal contempt. I have partly discussed the decision of the Supreme Court in an editorial in the June issue of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST. It is commended to your consideration.[*881*] J. M. L. 2. I thank you for giving me the information I desired in regard to the editorial which you published in the May issue of the Typographical Journal: also for the statement issued by the international officers in Indianapolis, in regard to the McNamara case. Before this letter will have reached you, you no doubt will have seen President Ryan, and he will have told you of the several conferences Secretary Morrison and I had with him and Mr. Rappaport here last week. With kind regards, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President American Federation of Labor.[*882*] M May 23, 1911. Miss Maud Younger, 2008 Lyon St., San Francisco, Cal. [*COPIED. MAY 23 1911*] My dear Miss Younger: Your favor of the 17th instant is received and contents noted. I thank you for your congratulatory words upon the decision of the Supreme Court in our appeal case, that is, the court having decided that the alleged contempt was a civil proceeding and that the lower court could not, therefore, impose a jail sentence. The case was remanded to the lower court with power to commence proceedings for criminal contempt. I apprehend, therefore, that the congratulations of yourself and our other friends and well-wishers are premature, as Justice Wright has appointed a commission consisting of Messrs. Darlington, Davenport, and Beck, the original attorneys for the Anti-Boycott Association prosecution against us, "to investigate" whether Messrs. Mitchell, Morrison, and I are guilty of contempt, so that the court itself may try us and punish us for criminal contempt. I have partly discussed the decision of the Supreme Court in an editorial in the June issue of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST. It is commended to your consideration. Yes, I recall our conversation in St. Louis in regard to[*883*] M. Y. 2. my visiting the Pacific Coast sometime during the year, but in view of the above as well as other matters of vital importance which have recently arisen in the labor world, I fear it will be beyond my power to make a trip this year. * I have had some correspondence with various representatives of labor and friends in California as regards the various measures e enacted by the California State Legislature. I can not attempt now, in this letter to enter into a discussion of them, but I merely mention the matter, so that you may know that I am not by any means unacquainted with the condition of affairs in California. Reciprocating your kind wishes, I am, Very truly yours, Saml Gompers President American Federation of Labor. * If [the] Justice Wright or the other Courts "let me" I may come out to the coast. And "if the Boys" invite me. SG[*884*] M May 23, 1911. Mr. D. D'Alessandro, President, International Hod Carriers and Building Laborers Union of A. 2-1/3 Charter St., Boston, Mass. [*COPIED MAY 23 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: In conformity with the understanding reached at the last meeting of the Executive Council, as to conference between the representatives of your International Union and the representatives of the American Brotherhood of Cement Workers, I beg to advise that it has been arranged for the Executive Council to meet at headquarters, ten o'clock Monday morning, June 12. You are, therefore, requested to arrange for a representative of your organization to come to Washington that week for the purpose of meeting in conference with the representatives of the American Brotherhood of Cement Workers. Trusting that I may hear from you in regard to the above at your earliest convenience, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml.Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.[*885*] [*COPIED MAY 23 1911*] M May 23, 1911. Mr. Henry Ullner, Secretary, American Brotherhood of Cement Workers, 214 Mechanics Bank Bldg., San Francisco, Cal. Dear Sir and Brother: In conformity with the understanding reached at the last meeting of the Executive Council, as to conference between the representatives of your International Union and the representatives of the International Hod Carriers and Building Laborers Union, I beg to advise that it as been arranged for the Executive Council to meet at headquarters, ten o'clock Monday morning, June 12. You are, therefore, requested to arrange for a representative of your organization to come to Washington that week for the purpose of meeting in conference with the representatives of the International Hod Carriers and Building Laborers Union. Trusting that I may hear from you in regard to the above at your earliest convenience, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President American Federation of Labor.[*886*] [*COPIED MAY 23 1911*] M May 23, 1911. No. 40 EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AMERICAN FEDERATION OF LABOR. COLLEAGUES: The Executive Council has already been informed by Document No. 41, under date of April 21, as to the probable time when the next meeting of the E. C. would be called, in conformity with our understanding at our January meeting, that is, if the decision of the Supreme Court of the United States not interfering, the next meeting should be held at a time as near as possible to conform to the convenience of Vice-President Duncan. He advises me that he contemplates sailing for Europe on July 5, and that it would be most convenient for him if our next meeting were held about June 12. I have consulted with the Executive Officers of the several departments of the A. F. of L., and that date is also agreeable to them. You are, therefore, respectfully invited to attend the meeting of the Executive Council of the A. F. of L. at headquarters, ten-o'clock, Monday morning, June 12. In view of the many matters which will come up for consideration of the executive Council at this meeting, and it being our last meeting just before Vice-President Duncan's departure,[*887*] [*COPIED MAY 23 1911*] No. 40. it is earnestly hoped that every member will be in attendance. Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President American Federation of Labor.[*888*] [*COPIED MAY 23 1911*] M May 23, 1911. Mr. J. C. Skemp, Secretary, Brotherhood of Painters, Decorators and Paperhangers, Drawer 99, Lafayette, Indiana. Der Sir and Brother: I am in receipt of a letter from the Secretary of the Central Body of Atlantic City, N. J. in which he advises me that the Local Union of your organization in that city No. 277, have withdrawn their delegate from the Central Labor Union. 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, Sam'l Gompers, President American Federation of Labor.[*889*] [*COPIED MAY 23, 1911*] M May 22, 1911. Mr. Owen Miller, Secretary, American Federation of Musicians, 3535 Pine St., St. Louis, Missouri. Dear Sir and Brother: I am in receipt of a letter from the Secretary of the Central Body of Atlantic City, N. J. in which he advises me that the Local Union of your organization in that city No. 77, is not represented in the Central Labor Union. I am sure that you can readily realize the disadvantage which results from such a course being following by a Local Union attached to its International, and I would therefore appreciate it vert 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, Saml Gompers President American Federation of Labor.[*890*] M May 22, 1921. [*COPIED MAY 23 1911*] Mr. Thomas B. Burke, Secretary, United Association of Plumbers, Gas Fitters, Steam Fitters, etc., 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 Atlantic City, N. J., in which he advises me that the Local Union of your organization in that city is not represented in the Central Labor Union. 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, Sam'l Gompers, President American Federation of Labor.[*891*] M May 22, 1911. Frank Duffy, Secretary, United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners, Carpenters Building, Indianapolis, Ind. [*COPIED. MAY 23 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: I am in receipt of a letter from the Secretary of the Central Body of Atlantic City, N. J., in which he advises me that the Local Unions of your organization in that city are not represented in the Central Labor Union. 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, Saml.Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.[*892*] M May 22, 1911. Mr. Ralph V. Brandt, Secretary, International Union of Wood, Wire and Metal Lathers, 401 Superior Building, Cleveland, Ohio. [*COPIED. MAY 23 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: I am in receipt of a letter from the Secretary of the Central Body of Atlantic City, N. J., in which he advises me that the Local Union of your organization in that city is not represented in the Central Labor Union. 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, Saml.Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.[*893*] M May 22, 1911. Mr. John B. Bray, Secretary, Amal. Sheet Metal Workers Int'l Alliance, 325 Nelson Building, Kansas City, Missouri. COPIED. MAY 23 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: I am in receipt of a letter from the Secretary of the Central Body of Atlantic City, N. J., in which he advises me that the Local Union of your organization in that city is not represented in the Central Labor Union. 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, Saml.Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.[*894*] M May 22, 1911. Mr. Louis Kemper, International Union of the United Brewery Workmen, Vine and Calhoun Sts. Cincinnati, Ohio. COPIED. May 23, 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: I am in receipt of a letter from the Secretary of the Central Body of Atlantic City, N. J., in which he advises me that the Local Union of your organization in that city is not represented in the Central Labor Union. 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, Saml.Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.[*895*] M May 22, 1911. Mr. George W. Perkins, President, Cigarmakers International Union, Room 820 Monon Block, Chicago, Ill. Dear Sir and Brother: I am in receipt of a letter from the Secretary of the Central Body of Atlantic City, N. J. in which he advises me that the Local Union of your organization in that city is not represented in the Central Labor Union. 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. [*COPIED. MAY 23 1911*] [*896*] X. May 23, 1911. Hon. Clarence S. Darrow, The Alexandria, Los Angeles, California. Dear Sir: Your favor of the 20th instant to hand and contents noted. I realize as you say that the question of lawyers is very difficult, and as I have already, said in my letter to you of yesterday we have had a conference here yesterday at which Mr. Morrison, Mr. Rappaport and Mr. Ryan participated, and the result of which conveyed to you in my letter. As to securing the services of a lawyer such as ex-governor Black, of New York, I can realize how valuable that service would be if he would consent to serve, and that it would help in relieving you somewhat of the responsibility but in view of the estimate given of the possible expenditures in this case, I cannot for the life of me see how Governor Black could be retained and compensated. I am sure that we shell have our hands full in trying to raise sufficient funds to meet the tentative "budget" of expenses suggested by Mr. Rappaport. However, I shall endeavor to have a talk with Governor Black in the very near future, possibly the early part of the coming week, Our friends agreed with the view you take in regard to Mr. [*COPIED. MAY 23 1911*][*897*] Hon. [Clarence] S. Darrow -2- [Rapp?] that your judgment was that he should be associated with you [on?] the case, he being the attorney of the organization a long [time.] With the very best wishes and hoping to hear from you and as often as you can make it convenient, and sincerely [sec?]onding your hope that we will all "come out of this all right", [I ?] am. Sincerely yours, Sam'l Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor. P. S. Please do not fail to mark the envelopes of your letters confidential. [*Will try to write you in detail in re [?] SG*][*898*] M May 23, 1911. Mr. George Wilkins, Secretary, Central Labor Union, 81 Maple St., Burlington, Vermont. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor or the 21st instant is at hand, and I note what you say relative to Organizer Tazelaar visiting Brattleboro, and beg to say that as far as this office is concerned Organizer Tazelaar has not been directed to visit that city. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. MAY 23 1911*] [*899*] M May 23, 1911. Mr. Thomas F. Tracy, Secretary, Union Label Trades Department A. F. of L. 708 Ouray Bldg., Washington, D. C. Dear Sir and Brother: In conformity with previous understanding as to the meeting of the Executive Board of your Department at the same time and place when the Executive Council of the A. F. of L. is in session, I beg to advise you that a meeting is called for ten o'clock, Monday morning, June 12, at headquarters. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. MAY 23 1911*] [*900*] X. May 23, 1911. Mr. C. Wulff, Secretary, United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners, Local #309, Labor Temple, 243 E. 84th Street, New York City. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 19th instant to hand and contents noted. In it you ask me relative to a newspaper story whether I have ever "dined with Detective Burns". In connection therewith permit me to say that I was at the conference and dinner of the Academy of Political Science, of which I am a member, and that a dinner was had of that body on Saturday evening, May 13, 1911, at which a number of addresses were made upon the subject of the reform of the criminal law and criminal procedure. I was present not only as a participant in that conference for the reform of criminal law and procedure, but I was an invited guest at the dinner, Among others the President was one of the speakers. I was very much astonished to learn by the papers the following day that Detective Burns was at that dinner. I suppose in an Academy in which political science and criminal law are discussed, all sorts of persons attend. I am quite convinced that if there shall come any real reform in the criminal law and its procedure and practice, it would eliminate the activities and procedure of such characters as Detective Burns. It is largely to that phase of the work to which I am helping to devote and concentrate attention. [*COPIED. MAY 23 1911*] [*901*] Mr. C. Wulff -2- Trusting that the above matter and the course pursued will meet with the approval of your union, and with best wishes in the interests of our cause, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. MAY 23 1911*] [*902*] u a May 28, 2922, Mr. H. B. Perham, President, Star Building, Indianapolis, Indiana. Dear Sir and Brother: In conformity with previous understanding as to the meeting of the Executive Board of your International Union at the same time and place when the Executive Council of the A. F. of L. is in session, I beg to advise you that meeting is called for ten o'clock, Monday morning, June 12, at headquarters. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. MAY 23 1911*] [*903*] Mr. T. A. Wickersham, Colorado Building, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: There, is a matter to which I feel compelled to call your attention, for as the agent or manager of this, the Ouray Building, in which there are located so many offices, including those of the American Federation of Labor, I am sure it should have your attention. As you know, the United States Patent Office is located just across the street. In the evenings, after regular office hours, when one of more of our offices are frequently being used, it is often necessary that I should be here until late in the evenings, we are very much annoyed by the great volume of smoke from one of the chimneys of the Patent Office. It blows over into our offices, and not only that, but the peculiar odor from the smoke makes it additionally offensive. Please have the matter rectified, and oblige, Yours respectfully, Samuel Gompers. President American Federation or Labor. [*COPIED. MAY 23 1911*] [*904*] X. May 23,1911. Hon. Victor Berger, House of Representatives, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: Thanks for sending me copy of communication of Hon. R. L. Henry, Chairman of Committee on Rules. I also received a letter from, Mr. Henry advising me of the meeting. I regret very much that it will be impossible, for me to be at the hearing before the Committee on Saturday morning. Late last evening I received a telegram and then a long distance conversation occurred with Secretary Dyche, of the International Ladies Garment Workers Union. There is to be a great mass meeting in New York City on Friday evening at Cooper Union. Because of the supposed influence I may have with the great rank and file of the garment working trade, I have been pressed into service and must address that meeting. I accepted the call last night and only learned of the committee meeting this morning. I am writing a letter to Chairman Henry explaining the reason of my absence and advancing some statements in advocacy of the passage of the resolution. I suppose that your resolution wall necessarily, have to be amended in several particulars. The member of the committee of [*COPIED. MAY 23 1911*] 905 Hon. Victor Berger -2- each House should be designated in the resolution and provision that the committee of the House and of the Senate should make a joint investigation of the subject matter with which the resolution deals. Regretting my inability to appear before the committee at its Saturday hearing, I am, Very truly yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.906 [*COPIED. MAY 24 1911*] [* Day Letters*] Washington, D. C., May 24, 1911. James Duncan, Hancock Building, Quincy, Mass. Telegram received. I did not ask you to meet me in Washington but in New York. Will you telegraph me when and where you can meet me Saturday in New York? Other arrangements have been postponed. SAMUEL GOMPERS. (Charge A. F. of L.)907 [*COPIED. MAY 24 1911*] Z May 24, 1911. Mr. Thomas Murphy, Organizer, 215 South 9th, St., Murphysboro, Illinois. Dear Sir and Brother: Replying to the question contained in your report for the month of May, as to the steps to be taken to secure the union label of the Bakers, I beg to say that you should write to Mr. Otto N. Fischer, Secretary of the International Union of Bakery and Confectionery Workers, 212 Bush Temple of Music, Chicago, Illinois, who will give you all the necessary information. With best wishes, and hoping to hear from you from time to time, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation and Labor.908 [*COPIED. MAY 24 1911*] Z May 24, 1911. Mr. John E. Bray, Gen'l Secretary-Treasurer, Amal. Sheet Metal Workers' Int'l Alliance, Suite 325 Nelson Building, Kansas City, Missouri. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 11th instant has been duly received, in which you say it is being freely circulated by the labor press that the amount of money contributed by International Unions in support of Canadian members is far in excess of that paid in by them, and you ask if I have prepared a statistical report covering this, and if, request that I send you a copy. In reply I beg to say that we made an effort to compile this information in 1910, but could not get it complete, however, I enclose herein a copy of the data which we did compile, if it will be of any assistance to you. With best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*909*] M May 24, 1911. Mr. Thomas F. Tracy, Secretary, Union Label Trades Department A. F. of L., 708 Ouray Bldg., Washington, D. C. Dear Sir and Brother: In my letter to you of yesterday advising you of the meeting of the Executive Council of the American Federation of Labor, at ten o'clock Monday morning, June 12, I should have said in addition thereto that my suggestion for a meeting of your Executive Board at the same time as the meetings of the Executive Council was, in accordance with the expressed wish of the Executive Council of the A. F. of L. that the Executive Boards of the several departments should authorize a meeting at the same time that a meeting of the Executive Council, or should have their representatives in attendance at the E. C. meeting, I am writing this additional Letter, as it occurred to me that there might be possibly some misunderstanding on your part that it was a request that your Executive Board should be in session at the same time an the E. C. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. MAY 24 1911*] 910 [*COPIED MAY 24 1911*] X. May 23, 1911. NO. 50. EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, AMERICAN FEDERATION OF LABOR. COLLEAGUES: You will recall the action of the St. Louis Convention of the American Federation of Labor upon the subject of the controversy between the Brotherhood of Electrical Workers affiliated to the A. F. of L. and the unaffiliated body known by the same name. It was upon the report of the Executive Council to the St. Louis Convention which was adopted and is in substance as follows: that the entire matter in controversy be referred to the Executive Council for the exercise of their good offices and without instructions binding them to any specific course by this (St. Louis) convention, with a view of bringing about amalgamation and that the entire matter be preferred to the incoming Executive Council. At the meeting of the Executive Council held January 16-27, 1911, a specific course was provided for the amalgamation of the two bodies and that a preliminary meeting should be held between the representatives of both organizations of Electrical Workers with the undersigned for the purpose of carrying into effect the plan of amalgamation. You will find all this matter in the copy of the minutes of the meeting of the Executive Council Jan. 16-27, 1911.911 Executive Council -2- In compliance with the Executive Council's direction, I communicated with President McNulty of the affiliated Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, and with President Reid, of the unaffiliated Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, conveying to them the directions of the Executive Council and the plan for amalgamation. Later I communicated with both to arrange for the preliminary meeting of the representatives of both organizations with the undersigned, outlining plans for the holding of the convention. From Mr. Reid I received the information that his Executive Board stood ready to send their representative to any place at any time agreed upon. President McNulty informed me that the communication was referred to the Executive Board of his organization, and that as soon as a decision was reached he would advise me. Not having received an answer up to April third, I addressed him another letter calling his attention to his previous promise and pointing out the necessity of prompt action in the matter. On April 20th I wrote to Peter W. Collins, Secretary of the Brotherhood of Electrical Workers affiliated, quoting my letter to President McNulty of April third, and again insisting upon action. On May fourth I then definitely set Monday May 29th for the preliminary conference to be held at the Washington headquarters of the A. F. of L. and so notified both parties. In connection therewith I enclose to you herein copy of letter I received from Mr. J. J. Reid, under date of May 15th, and also copy of the letter from Mr. F. J. McNulty under date of May 22d. These matters should be brought to your attention. It is quite evident that the preliminary meeting will not be held, as President McNulty's letter will clearly indicate.[*912*] Executive Council -3- While this entire information is given to the Executive Council in order to be prepared to take such action as may be warranted by the circumstances, that is, when the Executive Council shall hold its meeting the week beginning June 12, yet in the meantime I should be greatly pleased if the members of the Executive Council would give me the benefit of any advice or suggestion as to the course I should pursue prior to our June meeting. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. COPY. INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF ELECTRICAL WORKERS, Springfield, Ill., May 13, 1911. Mr. Samuel Gompers, President, American federation of Labor, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir and Brother: I visited you at Washington, April 5th, and at that time you stated that you had again written to Mr. McNulty for a statement relative to his attitude on the decision of the Executive Council of January 16. You advised me to wait until you had received a reply therefrom and up to this time I have waited patiently to hear from you should you hear from Mr. McNulty or not. This month we have to submit a referendum to our members to decide the place of holding our International Convention next September. Now I am waiting to learn whether Mr. McNulty and his membership are to hold much a convention at Minneapolis as your Council Decision mentions unless another city was mutually-agreed upon. I request such information from you as to any [kno???ga] you have, or procure so the subject of city in which the McNulty Faction are to hold their Convention. Any advice you may give me on the subject will be appreciated. Fraternally yours, (Signed) J. J. REED, General President. 914 COPY. INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF ELECTRICAL WORKERS. Springfield, Ill., May 19, 1911. Mr. Samuel Gompers, President, A. F. of L. and Executive Council of A. F. of L., Washington, D. C. Dear Sir and Brother: I beg leave to reply to the communication received from you sometime ago, referring to the controversy among the Electrical Workers. In view of the very great principle involved in this matter, the interests of all Electrical Workers, the history of the attempts by the Seceders to disrupt and disorganize our Brotherhood, and particularly in view of your own very great interest in the whole controversy, our Executive Board, who were authorized by our Convention to deal with the matter, has very carefully considered the entire situation. They have given great consideration to your recommendations and likewise to the interests of your Brotherhood, and have instructed me to send the following reply to you. We beg leave to point out that the situation has in no way changed, except that we are now very much nearer a trial, since the Executive Council of the A. F. of L., went on record, stating that as soon as the law suits were disposed of you would tender your friendly offices to bring about an amalgamation. The questions raised in this law suit can never be settled until they are settled rightly. Until they are settled I suppose any member or local union of our Brotherhood could file a law suit and raise the same issues. This will be impossible, however, when said issues are settled by the Court. The history of this law suit is ample proof of that fact.[*915*] -2- Knowing the things the Seceders have done in the past we are warned of the things they might and could do in the future and it would not serve the best interests of our Brotherhood or its future welfare if we entered again into negotiations with them pending the decision of the court on the issues raised by themselves. A very short memory will recall that the Seceders violated grossly every agreement they entered into with us, and undertook by a sham or subterfuge, to create the impression that they were dismissing this law suit in May 1910 on the pretext that you were holding a conference between the Seceders and our officers in New York City. You know that such was not the case and the Seceders knew that, but still they endeavored to mislead both the court and yourselves. They also, at that time, wrote letters to the banks threatening them with law suits if they lent this money out to the Brotherhood. Your Executive Council at their meeting in June, 1910, recognized this fact and stated in this connection that "Good faith in this or any similar proceeding is in doubt." The Seceders, instead of carrying out any agreement entered into with us have made every effort to complicate the situation and to postpone a trial of this case, and are still preventing these questions from being decided by the Courts, which alone have the power to forever settle the issues that are now raised, and the questions that any body also might raise along the same lines in the future. We earnestly hope for an early trial and full disclosure of all the questions raised by the Seceders in this law suit, so that organized labor in general can know the false ness of the claims made by the Seceders. Such decision is necessary for the continuance of the principles upon which our Brotherhood is founded, and[*916*] -3- without such a decision any number of disgruntled members or disappointed office-seekers, can impede the progress of our organization as some of them are doing now. Under the circumstances we cannot agree to your suggestions, and respectfully request that you will cooperate with us to the end that nothing will be done that will tend to further delay the trial of the law suits of Cleveland, which now starts at the head of the calendar, as that and only that will produce unity and harmony in our Brotherhood and guarantee freedom from legal entanglements in the future. In closing we beg to state that we sincerely appreciate your good offices so kindly tendered to us and assure you that we will be glad to further cooperate with you as soon as the legal rights of our Brotherhood are established, which will be at the time the court decides the questions raised by the Seceders. With best wishes, I beg to remain, Fraternally yours, (Signed) F. J. McNULTY, International President.[*917*] [*COPIED. MAY 24 1911*} M May 24, 1911. Hon. William A. Dickson, House Building, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: In compliance with your request, and confirming the statement made to you over the telephone this morning, I beg to say that the following is a memoranda of the provisions of the Act approved February 17, 1911, referring to the promotion of the safety of employees and travelers upon railroads. The Act requires that common carriers engaged in interstate commerce to equip their locomotives with safe and suitable boilers and appurtenances thereto --it is commonly known as The Locomotive Boiler Inspection Act. For the enforcement of this law a chief inspector and two assistant chief inspectors must be appointed by the President of the United States by and with the advice and consent of the United States Senate. The chief inspector and his two assistants must be selected with reference to their practical knowledge of the construction, and repairing of boilers and to their fitness and ability to systematize and carry into effect the provisions relating to the inspection and maintenance of locomotive boilers. Fifty locomotive boiler inspection districts covering the United States are arranged so that one district inspector shall have[*918*] Hon. Wm. A. D. 2. charge in such a district. The said fifty district inspectors must be in the classified service and appointed after competitive examination according to the law and rules of the Civil Service Commission governing the classified service. Applicants for such positions as district inspectors will be rigidly examined concerning their knowledge of construction, repairing, operation, testing, inspection and their practical experience in such work. All of which is to be part of the examination by the Civil Service Commission. The Interstate Commerce Commission will make its appointments for such district inspectors from the eligible list furnished by the Civil Service Commission. The act provides that no person interested directly or indirectly in any patented article used on any locomotive shall be eligible to hold office of either chief inspector, assistant, or district inspector. The above are the provisions of the law discussed herein, and which I trust will be of some aid. I expect to leave on an important mission at the end of this week, but shall return to Washington on Monday, and shall be glad to see you any day during the coming week. With best wishes, I am, Very truly yours, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor.[*919*] [*COPIED. MAY 24 1911*] X. May 24, 1911. Mr. J. J. Reid, Box 42, Springfield, Ill. Dear Sir: I am in receipt of a communication from Frank J. McNulty, Presidentof the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, advising me that owing to matters of importance, the representatives of the torganization will not be in attendance at Washington D. C., May 29. I write this to advise you in time so as to make unnecessary the representatives of your organization incurring the trouble and expense in coming here on that date, particularly when nothing of a tangible nature can be accomplished. I regret this very much, but it is not within my power to change the circumstances by which we are confronted. Very respectfully yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*920*] [*COPIED. MAY 24 1911*] X. May 24, 1911 Mr. B. A. Larger, Secretary, United Garment Workers of America, Rooms 116-123, Bible House, New York City. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 22d. instant came duly to hand, the contents of which I have noted with a great deal of interest. It is simply awful to think that anyone could undertake to dictate or direct the course of members of a trade union, particularly when the director or dictator is neither a follower of the trade nor a member of the organization. I realize all that you say in regard to the much larger amounts received by the tailors, members of your organization, as compared to that which they have paid into it, and yet despite it all, I believe that every effort should be made to retain their membership and by steadfastness of purpose, constant application of intelligent influence, bring the rank and file to a realization of their duty and loyalty to the organization. I trust that the difficulty will be overcome; that reason will prevail and harmony and unity be the watchwords of the members of your craft. I thank you for keeping me advised as to this condition of affairs which exists, and to assure you that I shall be very glad to be helpful in any way within my power. On Friday evening I expect to address a mass meeting of the workers on white goods at[*921*] Mr. B. A. Larger -2- Cooper Union, and I would be very much pleased to have an opportunity of seeing you. With kindest regards and best wishes, and hoping to hear from you soon and often, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*922*] [*COPIED. MAY 24 1911*] X. May 24, 1911. Mr. J. B. Williams, Columbian Hotel, Cor. 8th St. and 6th Avenue, New York City. Dear Friend Williams: I was in great hopes that you were coming to Washington last Saturday as you indicated in your letter to our friend Hamilton. I trust however that I may not be disappointed entirely and that you may come here to see some of the things you had not any time to observe while here on your first visit and I should like to have an opportunity of "making good" in entertaining you for an hour or so. However, apprehensive that you might not come here, and desirous of complying with your request as well as carrying out my own promise, I enclose to you herein one of the A. F. of L. badges, which I ask you to accept with the compliments of the A. F. of L. as well as my own. I expect to be in New York on Saturday but shall be very busy. If, however, I can run up to see you at the Columbian Hotel, or telephone you, I shall do so and we may be enabled to meet there in New York for an hour or so. I do hope that Mrs. Williams is convalescing and the boy and yourself are well and that all will have a pleasurable and interesting time here. Let me hear from you at your convenience. With best wishes, I am, Sincerely yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*923*] [*COPIED MAY 24 1911*] Z May 24, 1911. Mr. John Oliver, Secretary-Treasurer, Fargo Trades and Labor Assembly, P. O. Box 704, Fargo, N. D. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 20th instant has been received in which you say you understand I am to visit the Minnesota State Federation of Labor convention next month, and you invite me to visit Fargo. In reply I beg to say that I do not now anticipate visiting Minnesota next month. As a matter of fact the Executive Council will hold a meeting the middle of June and the work in preparation for the meeting, the meeting itself and the work which will be outlined by the Council to be done will all necessitate my presence at headquarters for quite some time. Your invitation for me to visit Fargo is appreciated and I trust at some time in the future I may be able to do so, but at present it is entirely out of the question. With best wishes and hoping to hear from you from time to time, I am Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*924*] [*COPIED. MAY 24 1911*] M May 24, 1911. Mr. H. B. Perham, President, Order Railroad Telegraphers, Star Building, Indianapolis, Indiana. Dear Sir and Brother: In my letter to you of yesterday advising you of the meeting of the Executive Council of the American Federation of Labor, at ten o'clock Monday morning, June 12, I should have said in addition thereto that my suggestion for a meeting of your Executive Board at the same time as the meeting of the Executive Council was in accordance with the expressed wish of the Executive Council of the A. of E. of L. that the Executive Boards of the several Departments should authorize a meeting at the same time that a meeting of the Executive Council, or should have their representatives in attendance at the E. C. meeting. I am writing this additional letter, as it occurred to me that there might possibly be some misunderstanding on your part that it was a request that your Executive Board should be in session at the same time as the E. C. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam’l Gompers, President American Federation of Labor.[*925*] [*COPIED. MAY 24 1911*] M May 24, 1911. Mr. A. J. Berres, Secretary, Metal Trades Department A. F. of L., Ouray Building, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir and Brother: In my letter to you of yesterday advising you of the meeting of the Executive Council of the American Federation of Labor, at ten o'clock Monday morning, June 12, I should have said in addition thereto that my suggestion for a meeting of your Executive Board at the same time as the meeting of the Executive Council was in accordance with the expressed wish of the Executive Council of the A. F. of L. that the Executive Boards of the several Departments should authorize a meeting at the same time that a meeting of the Executive Council, or should have their representatives in attendance at the E. C. meeting. I am writing this additional letter, as it occurred to me that there might possibly be some misunderstanding on your part that it was a request that your Executive Board should be in session at the same time as the E. C. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.[*926*] [*COPIED. MAY 24 1911*] M May 24, 1911. Mr. John H. Ryan, Secretary, Boot and Shoe Workers Local No. 278, L. B. 72, Webster, Massachusetts. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 22nd instant to Secretary Morrison, has been brought to my attention, in which you state that Local No. 278, recommends your appointment as volunteer organizer for Webster 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’l Gompers, President American Federation of Labor.[*927*] [*COPIED. MAY 24 1911*] M May 24, 1911. Mr. J. Kenney, Secretary, Granite Cutters Local, 24 Edward St., St. Albans, Vermont. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 20th instant is at hand, in which you state that your local recommends the appointment of Dennis Deneen, as volunteer organizer for St. Albans and vicinity. It affords me pleasure to comply with the request and recommendation made, and commission will be issued and forwarded to Brother Deneen 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.[*928*] [*COPIED. MAY 24 1911*] M May 24, 1911. Mr. A. E. White, Secretary, Boot and Shoe Workers Local Union No. 335, 27 Webster Street, Petaluma, California. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 13th instant is at hand, in which you state Local 335, recommends the appointment of George W. Tooley, as volunteer organizer for Petaluma and vicinity. It affords me pleasure to comply with the request and recommendation made, and commission will be issued and forwarded to Brother Tooley 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.[*929*] [*COPIED. MAY 24 1911*] M May 24, 1911. Mr. Walter Golden, Secretary, Iron Molders' Local No. 86, 719 Maple Avenue, Columbus, Indiana. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 16th instant is at hand, in which you state local No. 86, recommends the appointment of yourself as volunteer organizer for Columbus 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, Samuel Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. [*930*] [*COPIED. MAY 24 1911*] M May 24, 1911. Mr. Daniel J. Tobin, President, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Chauffeurs, etc., 222 East Michigan St., Indianapolis, Ind. Dear Sir and Brother: In compliance with your request to be advised when the Executive Council will meet, I beg to advise you that a call has been issued for the Executive Council to meet at headquarters at ten o'clock, Monday morning, June 12. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. [*931*] [*COPIED. MAY 24 1911*] AH May 24, 1911. TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: This is to certify that Mr. T. J. Cupp is hereby duly authorized to install the officers and initiate the members of Federal Labor Union #14045, Paragould, Arkansas. Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.[*932*] [*COPIED. MAY 24 1911*] X. May 24, 1911. Hon. Jackson H. Ralston, Bond Building, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: We were in hopes that arrangements could be made by which you and Judge Parker could have a conference the latter part of this week to consult as to the course which should be pursued in regard to the order issued by Justice Wright. That now seems to be out of the question owing to the professional engagements which interfere. A friend of ours, one of Washington's most eminent attorneys, had a conference with Mr. Morrison and myself in regard to certain action which he suggested should be taken. At our request he put his suggestions in written form. One is a resolution of inquiry to be introduced in the House of Representatives making certain inquiries. I enclose a copy of the draft of the resolution. The draft of the second suggestion is an amendment to the law affecting procedure in the courts of the District of Columbia, copy of which you will also find enclosed. I am advised that a few years ago through the activity of Justice Wright the provision of law or of procedure entitling a defendant under certain circumstances to secure a change of venue or transfer the case from one judge to another was repealed. The suggested bill for the amendment of the [*933*] Hon. Jackson H. Ralston -2- laws of the District of Columbia is intended, by direct legislative enactment, to revive the old practice. Will you do me the kindness to examine the resolution and the bill and as soon as you conveniently can to give me your opinion upon them. If there be any changes which you think ought to be made, of course you will not hesitate to make them. With the very best wishes, I am, Sincerely yours, Sam'l Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor.[*934*] [*COPIED. MAY 24 1911*] X. May 24, 1911. Hon. Alton B. Parker, 37 Wall Street, New York City. Dear Sir: We were in hopes that arrangement could be made by which you and Mr. Ralston could have a conference the latter part of this week to consult as to the course which should be pursued in regard to the order issued by Justice Wright. That now seems to be out of the question owing to the professional engagements which interfere. A friend of ours, one of Washington's most eminent attorneys, had a conference with Mr. Morrison and myself in regard to certain action which he suggested should be taken. At our request he put his suggestions in written form. One is a resolution of inquiry to be introduced in the House of Representatives making certain inquiries. I enclose a copy of the draft of the resolution. The draft of the second suggestion is an amendment to the law affecting procedure in the courts of the District of Columbia, copy of which you will also find enclosed. I am advised that a few years ago through the activity of Justice Wright the provision of law or of procedure entitling a defendant under certain circumstances to secure a change of venue or transfer the case from one judge to another was repealed. The suggested bill for the amendment of the[*935*] Hon. Alton B. Parker -2- laws of the District of Columbia is intended, by direct legislative enactment, to revive the old practice. Will you do me the kindness to examine the resolution and the bill and as soon as you conveniently can to give me your opinion upon them. If there be any changes which you think ought to be made, of course you will not hesitates to make them. With the very best wishes, I am, Sincerely yours, Sam'l Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor.[*936*] [*COPIED. MAY 25 1911*] M May 25, 1911. IN REPLY PLEASE STATE NUMBER OF RESOLUTION - 13. Mr. Lee M. Hart, Secretary, Theatrical Stage Employes Int'l Alliance, State Hotel, State & Harrison Sts., Chicago, Ill. Dear Sir and Brother: Under date of May 19, President McNulty of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers writes me as follows: "I beg to inform to inform you that I am now entirely recovered from my recent illness which extended for a period of about two months, which I was confined to my home and was unable to pay personal attention to any important matters concerning the Brotherhood. I am now prepared to meet with a Committee of the Stage Employes at any time you may advise." I should be glad have you advise me if the morning of June 5, at the headquarters of the American Federation of Labor, would be convenient for your representative to meet the representatives of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers in regard to the subject matter of the jurisdiction over the moving picture machine operators, as per Resolution 13 of the St. Louis Convention of the A. F. of L. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you at your earliest convenience, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers,[*937*] [*COPIED. MAY 25 1911*] M May 25, 1911. IN REPLY PLEASE STATE NUMBER OF RESOLUTION - 13. Mr. F. J. McNulty, President, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Pierik Building, Springfield, Ill. Dear Sir and Brother: Replying to your favor of the 19th instant, I beg to enclose to you herein copy of letter which I have just written to Secretary Hart of the Theatrical Stage Employes, and which I request you to accept as equally addressed to you. Please advise me if the suggested day of the conference would be convenient for the representatives of your Brotherhood, and oblige, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers, President American Federation of Labor.[*938*] [*COPIED. MAY 25 1911*] M May 25, 1911. Mrs. Mae McKinstry Gall, Waterton Center, Michigan. Dear Madam: On behalf of Messrs. Mitchell, Morrison and myself, I thank you for your recent congratulatory message upon the decision of the Supreme Court in our appeal case, that is, the court having decided that the alleged contempt was a civil proceeding and that the lower court could not, therefore, impose a jail sentence. The case was remanded to a lower court with power to commence proceedings for criminal contempt. I apprehend, therefore, that the congratulations of yourself and other friends and well-wishers are premature, as Justice Wright has appointed a commission consisting of Messrs, Darlington, Davenport and Beck, the original attorneys for the Anti-Boycott Association prosecution against us, "to investigate” whether Messrs. Mitchell, Morrison and I are guilty of contempt, so that the court itself may try us and punish us for criminal contempt. I have partly discussed the decision of the Supreme Court in an editorial in the June issue of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST. It is commended to your consideration. Again thanking you for your kindly expressions, I am, Very truly yours, Sam'l Gompers,[*939*] [*COPIED. MAY 25 1911*] M May 25, 1911. Mr. John F. Tobin, President, Boot and Shoe Workers Union, 246 Summer St., Boston, Massachusetts. Dear Sir and Brother: Your letter of April 25th reached here during my absence, and the receipt of which has already been made. In reply I beg to say that I have had no communication from the Governor of New Hampshire in regard to appointing a Labor Commissioner of that State, and I take it that you have been misinformed as to the matter. Indeed I did not know that the appointment of a Labor Commissioner was under consideration by the Governor. I trust, however, that if the appointment is yet to be made, the appointee, whether Brother Agnew whom you recommend, or some one else, will fully represent the labor movement of the State. With kind regards, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers, President American Federation of Labor.[*940*] [*COPIED. MAY 25 1911*] M May 25, 1911. Mr. L. W. Butler, Secretary, Central Labor Council, 540 Maple Ave., Los Angeles, Cal. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of May 18th is received, in which you enclose copy of appeal from Otto Deubler, in regard to the trouble between him and the organization of which he is a member, that is, the local union of United Brewery Workers. You request that I should take the matter up with the Executive Board of the International Organization. Of course, you understand that all such matters as the complaint of Mr. Deubler can only be acted upon by the organization interested. However, I have had copies of the entire matter made, and have sent them to the Secretary of the International Union of United Brewery Workmen together with copy of this letter to you for whatever action may be deemed advisable to take in the premises. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers, President American Federation of Labor.[*941*] [*COPIED. MAY 25 1911*] Y. May 24, 1911. Mr. W. D. Mahon, President, Amalgamated Association of Street and Electric Ry. Employes of A. #601 Hodges Building, Detroit, Michigan. Dear Sir and Brother: Sometime ago I sent you a clipping from Washington papers relative to the installation of letter boxes on the street cars in this City. In answer to my letter you requested that the matter be taken up with the view to lodging a protest. Accordingly it was referred to the Legislative Committee, which committee just recently secured the adoption of resolutions by the Central Labor Union against the plan. So far as it can be learned, no definite steps have yet been taken to put these letter boxes on the cars. Trusting that our efforts here will be successful, and that the action taken is satisfactory to you, I am, Yours fraternally, Sam'l Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor.[*942*] [*COPIED. MAY 25 1911*] X. May 24, 1911. Mr. Harry Mountford, Secretary, White Rats Actors' Union of America, 1553 Broadway. New York City. Dear Sir and Brother: In connection with our conference in regard to the Brennan Bill, before the Legislature of the State of New York, beg to say that I sent the following telegram: "Washington, D. C., May 15, 1911. Hon. A. E. Smith, Leader, Democratic Majority, Assembly Chamber, Albany, New York. In the name of organized labor I protest against the passage of the Brennen Bill, insofar at least as it applies to the members of the theatrical profession. The Brennan Bill would injure the rights and interests of those engaged in the theatrical profession, whose membership is a unit in protest. I am sure that labor and a sympathetic public will hold those men responsible Who would do so glaring an injustice should they vote to enact the Brennan Bill. I protest not only officially but as a citizen of New York. SAMUEL GOMPERS, President, American Federation of Labor." On the same day I sent a similar telegram to Hon. Edwin Merritt, Jr., Leader, Republican Minority, Assembly Chamber, Albany, New York, and then sent a telegram to the representative of your organization, Mr. George A. Green, Hampton Hotel, Albany, stating that I had just sent the telegrams to Messrs. Smith and Merritt. As you know, I directed Organizer Frayne to proceed to Albany and assist in every possible way in trying to defeat the Brennen Bill. [*943*] Mr. Harry Mountford :-2- I should say for your official information that organizer Frayne reports that he talked over the telephone with Mr. Herman Robinson, Commissioner of Licences, and that the commissioner informed him that the Brennan Bill as it then stood did not contain the amendments which he, the Commissioner offered. He was then asked if Mr. Frayne was authorized by him to make this statement to Mr. Brennan, or other members of the Assembly who favored the bill, that he, the Commissioner, was entirely satisfied with this procedure. When this matter was brought to the attention of Assemblyman Brennan and others, they declared that if Mr. Robinson did not stand for the bill and would write them to that effect, it would be withdrawn. Mr. Frayne also informs me that Mr. Brennan offered an amendment to strike out several clauses of the bill, which necessitated it being held back until reprinted. Mr. Frayne asks for further instructions in regard to his future actions upon the matter. I have just written him requesting him to call upon Commissioner Robinson, and asking him to write the letter to Assemblyman Brennan in accordance with Mr. Robinson's statement to Mr. Frayne. Sincerely hoping that the wishes of your organization and the interests of your members may be furthered, and assuring you of my entire co-operation, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*944*] [*COPIED. MAY 25 1911*] Z May, 25, 1911. Mr. John Morrison, 25 Third Avenue, New York, N. Y. Dear Sir: Please accept my thanks for your letter of the 22nd instant, together with the page from the New York World of Sunday, May 21st. It is a strong article and I have read it with much interest and I am considering republishing it. I am glad to receive the information you give as to the bill which was recently introduced in the New York Legislature to prohibiting the "Third Degree" by the Police Department. I wish you would give me any information you can as to what is the official disposition of this measure. Again expressing my thanks, I am Very truly yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*945*] [*COPIED. MAY 25 1911*] Z May 25, 1911. Mr. Charles H. Burton, Durham, North Carolina. Dear Sir: I received both of your favors of recent date and have read them with much interest. Now as to the suggestion you make, I beg to say that it is impossible to take advantage of your offer. The case in which we are at present engaged involves a tremendous expense; the proposition you make would entail additional expense and at the same time there would be uncertainty as to whether it would produce results that would be of any special benefit to the case. I thought from your former communication that you were in a position whereby you could give some information that might be helpful or that might throw light upon the current events about which we have been corresponding. We have already incurred expense that will tax our very best efforts to meet. I appreciate your offer and if it were possible I would be glad to try out the plan you suggest. Should you have occasion to come to Washington at any time I should be glad to have you call upon me and in any event I should be pleased to hear from you at any time that you may feel disposed to write me. Very truly yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*946*] [*COPIED. MAY 25 1911*] X. May 24, 1911. Mr. John B. Lennon, Treasurer, American Federation of Labor, Bloomington, Illinois. Dear Sir and Brother: Your several letters and telegram came duly to hand and contents noted. I sincerely hope that you may be enabled to effect an adjustment of the remnants of the strike of the Button Workers at Muscatine, and Organizer Flood will be assigned to another territory in a few days. Perhaps your experience may be different from mine, but I am quite confident that a telegram containing the suggestion and statements of yours was known to the Button Manufacturers as well as it was known to you or the operator who transmitted it, as well as myself. At least, laboring under that impression I did not feel warranted in immediately directing that Mr. Flood leave Muscatine. I directed that he should remain there at least for a short period of time, so that if the employers knew the audience of your telegram, the effect would have worn off before his leaving that city. In regard to the subject matter of your suggestion of going to Los Angeles, I should say that I have talked the matter over with Secretary Morrison and inasmuch as there is at least no haste for it and in view of the fact that we are to meet here on June 12, we can discuss the matter at our convenience, and with[*947*] Mr. John B. Lennon –2– greater satisfaction. With best wishes to you and Mrs. Lennon, and hopes for success, and anticipating the pleasure of seeing you soon, I am, Sincerely yours, Sam'l Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*948*] [*COPIED. MAY 25 1911*] X. May 24, 1911. Mr. Ernest Bohm, Secretary, Central Federated Union, 245 E. 84th Street, New York City. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the16th instant at hand. In it you say: "At several hearings had before the Excise Committee of the New York State Senate and Assembly, the advocates of Local Option and Prohibition for want of any better argument, continuously mentioned Mr. John Mitchell as favoring these propositions and pointed to his connection as a member of the Executive Council, A. F. of L., to add weight to their contention. This body therefore directed a letter to Mr. John Mitchell requesting information as to whether he had authorized these people to use his name. Under date of May 9, 1911, Mr. John Mitchell makes this response: 'In response to your inquiry I write to say that while I have not authorized anyone to speak for me on the question of local option, I have repeatedly and publicly, both orally and in writing, declared that I was in favor of permitting the residents of each county to determine whether or not licenses should be issued permitting the sale of intoxicants. In other words, I have expressed myself unequivocally in favor of county local option: and I have no objection whatever to anyone's quoting me as being in favor of this principle of government.' I have directed to inquire, whether the Executive Council of the A. F. of L. coincides in this opinion." Replying I beg to say that the subject matter of prohibition, local or county option,license, or no license, for the sale of liquor or other intoxicating beverages, has never come before the Executive Council of the American Federation of Labor either directly or indirectly. Therefore the Executive Council has never gone on record or formally or indirectly expressed itself upon this subject matter.[*949*] Mr. Ernest Bohn -2- Section 8, Article 3, of the Constitution of the American Federation of Labor reads: "PARTY politics, whether they be Democratic, Republican, Socialist, Populistic, Prohibition, or any other, shall have no place in the conventions of the American Federation of Labor." The Executive Council interprets this Constitutional provision as being not only applicable to the conventions of the A. F. of L. but to the meetings and conduct of the Executive Council as such. Therefore, as I say, the question of prohibition or its kindred subjects, has never been before the Executive Council for consideration or action. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*950*] [*COPIED. MAY 25 1911*] X. May 24, 1911. Mr. Hugh Frayne, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, 25 Third Avenue, New York City. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 17th instant to hand and contents noted. I appreciate greatly what you have done in the matter to assist the White Rats Actors' Union of America in defeating the Brennan Bill. In view of the conversation you had with Commissioner Robinson and his assent and authority to use his name in declaring that the bill as it stood on May 15 was not authorized by him, I would suggest that you call upon Mr. Robinson and to request him to comply with the suggestion made by Assemblyman Brennan and that he write to the Assemblymen definitely stating that he does not now stand for the Brennan Bill. Enclosed you will find a copy of a letter which I have just written to Mr. Harry Mountford, Secretary of the White Rats Actors' Union of America, and which you will accept for your files as part of this letter addressed to you. Sincerely hoping that success may crown our efforts, I am, With best wishes, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*951*] Z May 25, 1911. Mr. J. T. Canfield, President, Railway Mail Clerks’ Association, Syracuse, New York. Dear Sir and Brother: I am greatly interested in the matter of the next convention of your Association and would appreciate it very much if you would kindly advise me when and where it will be held. Thanking you in advance for your compliance with my request, and with best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. MAY 25 1911*] [*952*] Z May 25, 1911. Mr. H. A. Tyler, Secretary, MacNamara Defense Committee, 69 Newbury Street, Brockton, Mass. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 23rd instant is received and contents noted. In reply thereto I beg to say that a call has been issued for a meeting of the Executive Council of the American Federation of Labor, to be held at headquarters the week of June 12th, therefore it will not be within my power to accept your invitation to attend the meeting at Brockton on the evening of Wednesday, June 14th. Of course you appreciate the fact that the officers of the American Federation of Labor are using every possible means in caring for the defence of the accused men and for the prosecution of those who railroaded them out of their state and into California. With best wishes, and hoping to hear from you from time to time, I am Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. MAY 25 1911*][*953*] Z May 25, 1911. Mr. Patrick F. Duffy, Member, International Molders' Union of North America, 263 Pearl Street, Brooklyn, N. Y. Dear Sir and Brother: Replying to your favor of May 22nd, I beg to enclose to you herein a copy of a letter which I wrote to President Valentine under date of May 19th, and which you will kindly accept as equally addressed to you. With best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. [*Let me hear from you often SG*] [*COPIED. MAY 25 1911*][*954*] COPY. May 19, 1911. Mr. Joseph F. Valentine, President, International Molders’ Union of North America, Commercial Tribune Building, Cincinnati, Ohio. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 18th instant is received and contents noted. You say that you have been informed that there is an opportunity now presented for the appointment of an additional special organizer for the A. F. of L. and you recommend Mr. Patrick F. Duffy, member of your local union of Brooklyn, for such appointment. I should indeed be glad to be in a position to act upon your recommendation but as a matter of fact the funds of the A. F. of L. are such that we do not contemplate at present appointing any additional organizers, certainly not until there is a decided change in circumstances. I have no doubt but that Mr. Duffy would render good and efficient work could we avail ourselves of his valuable services. With best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, (Signed) Samuel Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. MAY [??] 1911*] [*955*] Z May 23,1911. Mr. E. E. Thorp, Organizer, 3754 Belmont Street, Bellaire, Ohio. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 21st instant has been duly received in which you invite me to address a meeting of the Ohio Valley workers at the West Virginia State Fair Grounds, July 4th of this year. In reply I beg to assure you that this invitation is much appreciated by me and I regret I cannot accept, but I have other important engagements on that date, which are of long standing and which I could not possibly break. I hope at some future time to have the pleasure of addressing the workers of the Ohio Valley, but cannot now say Just when this will be possible. With kind regards and best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. [*I wish you every success. Write often SG*] [*COPIED. MAY 23 1911*][*956*] Z May 25, 1911. Mr. Wm. Boas, 5248 Calumet Ave., Chicago, Illinois. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of May 19th is received and contents noted. On behalf of Messrs. Mitchell, Morrison and myself, I thank you for your recent congratulatory message upon the decision of the Supreme Court in our appeal case, that is, the court having decided that the alleged contempt was a civil proceeding and that the lower court could not, therefore, impose a jail sentence. The case was remanded to the lower court with power to commence proceedings for criminal contempt. I apprehend, therefore, that the congratulations of yourself and our other friends and well-wishers are premature, as Justice Wright has appointed a commission consisting of Messrs. Darlington, Davenport and Beck, the original attorneys for the Anti-Boycott Association prosecution against us, "to investigate" whether Messrs. Mitchell, Morrison and I are guilty of contempt, so that the court itself may try us and punish us for criminal contempt. I have partly discussed the decision of the Supreme Court in an editorial in the June issue of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST. It is commended to your consideration. [*COPIED. MAY 25 1911*] [*957*] Mr. William Boas----2. You ask for information as to the record of Congressman Sabbath. This will be given to you in a separate letter. With kind regards and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. MAY 25 1911*][*958*] Z May 25, 1911. Mr. William Smith, 1437 Madison Avenue, New York, N. Y. Dear Sir: Your favor of the 19th instant has been duly received, in which you advise you applied to the local of steamfitters' Helpers within whose jurisdiction you are working for a card, which you have so far been unable to secure, and you ask my assistance in securing the same. In reply let me say that you should take the matter up with Mr. W. H. Davies, Secretary of the International Association of Steam Fitters and Steam Fitters’ Helpers of America, Room 205 Merrick Building, 351 West Sixty-third Street, Chicago, Illinois, who I am sure will look into the matter. Very truly yours, Sam'l Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. MAY 25 1911*][*959*] Z May 25, 1911. Mr. L. C. Spelman, Financial Secretary, Twin City Federation of Labor, 208 West Vine Street, Champaign, Illinois. Dear Sir and Brother: Secretary Morrison has already partly replied to your favor of May 15th and has referred it to me for further attention. You desire to know whether I have taken any action as to the appointment of Mr. Louis Shell as Assistant Volunteer Organizer for the Twin City Federation of Labor. In reply let me say that your letter is the first communication which I have upon the subject. Please advise me if I am to consider your suggestion as the official, formal recommendation of your Central Body. Hoping to hear from you at your convenience, I am Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers, Pesident, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. MAY 25 1911*][*960*] Z May 25, 1911. Mr. David Kreyling, Organizer, 3535 Pine Street, St. Louis, Mo. Dear Sir and Brother: I had a conference recently with one of our Attorneys, Mr. Ralston, who was recently in St. Louis in connection with Mr. Post's suit. He referred to a few lines on the editorial page of the St. Louis Republic of Friday morning, May 19th, as being very interesting. I wish you would look up that issue and send the clipping to me. Thanking you in advance, and with kind regards and best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. MAY 25 1911*] [*961*] Z May 25, 1911. Mr. L. G. Swope, c/o The Chronicle, Houston, Texas. Dear Sir and Brother: Your undated favor was received here on the 24th instant and read by me with much interest. I am pleased to note the "missionary" work you are doing and trust that your efforts may be crowned with complete success. I also appreciate very much your invitation for me to visit you at your country home, as I am sure also will Secretary Morrison. In regard to your not holding an organizer's commission from the American Federation of Labor, if you will have the Texas State Federation of Labor endorse or recommend the issuance of a commission to you I shall be very glad indeed to do so. You understand, of course, the rules of the A. F. of L. regarding the endorsement of applications for commisons [commissions] as organizers. With kind regards and best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Sam’l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. MAY 25 1911*][*962*] X. May 25, 1911. Mr! John L. M. Allen, 400 West 150th Street, New York City. Dear Sir: I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 18th instant, and under separate cover a pamphlet entitled"European Influence, An Enemy in a Thousand Disguises", which will be brought to Mr. Gompers' personal attention at the earliest possible moment. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers. [*COPIED. MAY 25 1911*][*963*] M May 25, 1911. Mr. F. H. Baehr, Secretary, Federal Labor Union No. 9079, New Baden, Illinois. Dear Sir and Brother: In continuation of our correspondence under date of May 17, Secretary Skemp of the International Brotherhood of Painters, writes me as follows: "We have your letter of May 17th regarding the admission of three painters to membership in Federal Labor Union 9079 of New Baden, Ills. If there are not a sufficient number of painters in that town to organize a local of the Brotherhood, we will not object to those painters joining that Federal Labor Union with the understanding that in case a local of our Brotherhood should be organized in New Baden subsequently or in an adjacent city which should have jurisdiction over New Baden, those painters should be required to become members of our Brotherhood.” In view of the above, therefore, the painters in question should be admitted to membership in your organization under the provisions as set forth by Secretary Skemp. Hoping to hear from you further, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam’l Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. MAY 25 1911*][*964*] M May 25, 1911. Mr. Max Zuckerman, Secretary, Cloth, Hat and Cap Makers International Union, 62 East Fourth St., New York City. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 23rd instant is at hand and contents noted. You enclose label that you say is being used by Straw Hat Makers Unions of New York City, and desire to know whether the Straw Hat Makers are affiliated with the American Federation of Labor, and whether the label you enclose is recognized by the A. F. of L. I beg to say in reply that the Straw Hat Makers is not affiliated to the A. F. of L. direct, nor neither are they affiliated to the United Hatters of N. A. The label you enclose is not recognized by the Hatters nor was it submitted by the organization for the endorsement by the A. F. of L. Should the Straw Hat Makers make application for charter to the A. F. of L. you can rest assured it will not be lost sight of. With best wishes, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam’l Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. MAY 25 1911*][*965*] [*COPIED. MAY 25 1911*] X. May 24, 1911. Hon. R. L. Henry, Chairman, Committee on Rules, House of Representatives, Washington, D. C. My dear Sir: Your favor of the 22d instant advising me that you have called a meeting of the Committee on Rules for Saturday morning, May 27, at eleven o'clock, and inviting me to be on hand at the time for the purpose of making a statement to the Committee in favor of the resolution introduced by Hon. Victor Berger, came duly to hand. I regret to say that it will be impossible for me to be at the session of the Committee. Your letter reached me on Tuesday, On Monday I received an urgent telegram and later a long distance telephone message, and found it necessary to make an engagement to deliver an address at Cooper Union, New York City, on Friday evening, May 26, and incidentally have made other arrangements which will necessitate my remaining in New York for the following day. May I take advantage of this opportunity to submit to you and the Committee a few of the reasons why in my judgment an investigation should be had either by joint committee of Congress or by a committee of the House of Representatives? While attending to his official duties on Saturday evening, [*966*] Hon. R.L. Henry -2- April 22, 1911, John R. McNamara, an officer of the Bridge and Structural Iron Workers International Union, in the city of Indianapolis, Indiana, was arrested without warrant, taken to a police court which had no jurisdiction in matters of extradition. He was denied the right to be heard by himself or by counsel, and was then manacled and in that condition taken out of the state of Indiana across the continent, and confined in a jail in Los Angeles, California. It is needless for me to say that no self-respecting, humane citizen can have any sympathy, either with killing or the policy of killing, and this without regard whether the crime has been committed by a high official or one of the submerged in the social strata. Our civilization presumes the highest regard for human life and human liberty. The meanest man in all our country is guaranteed rights which neither state nor nation is warranted in taking from him, even though he be suspected of or charged with crime. Every man in our country is assumed to be innocent of any crime until he has been proven guilty and so pronounced by a jury of his peers, and until John J. McNamara has been proven guilty, after fair and impartial trial, the law holds him innocent. The abduction from his home state is a crime against justice, liberty, and the rights of man. Mr. McNamara was not a fugitive from justice. The Governor of a state in which a crime has been committed may certainly make demand upon the Governor of another state in which the person charged with crime is located for the surrender of the person so charged, but the person demanded has always been granted the right to be heard before such a demand or requisition has been honored and complied with, and that he or others[*967*] Hon. R.L. Henry -3- in his behalf may have an opportunity before the courts of the state in which he is found to review and determine whether the requisition papers are ample and authentic; whether the grounds of complaint are sufficient; whether there exists an illegal or improper design even under the forms of law to take a citizen away from his home and from his state and to take him to a foreign state for an ulterior purpose. The law and the practice are that a person shall be protected by the government of the state in which he lives against being deprived of his liberty or his life without due process of law, or being handed over to the Governor of another state without the opportunity of setting up even a preliminary or formal defense so as to show that he has a right to the protection of the state against an untenable or unlawful demand of another state. Ample evidence is at hand that the safeguards guaranteed by law were flagrantly disregarded and John J. McNamara surrendered without a moment's preparation or opportunity to avail himself of his lawful rights and railroaded to a California prison. Right here I should say that under our government the states are as much foreign to each other in the administration of their criminal law as is, say, for instance, a foreign country to the government of the United States, except that in the former, the state, the state governors and courts are the arbiters, and in the latter the President of the United States and the potentates of the foreign countries and their representative courts are the determining officials. Is it conceivable that the President of the United States would have surrendered an American citizen to a foreign government upon its requisition without giving him an opportunity to avail[*968*] Hon. R. L. Henry -4- himself of his lawful rights and a chance to show that some mistake, some terrible mistake, has been made? Suppose such a citizen might be able to show that a conspiracy had been entered into by some foreign power to get him into its jurisdiction and domain with the ulterior purpose of taking his life or depriving him of his liberty. Would and should not an American citizen be given the chance to show these? If these contentions are true, and no liberty-loving, right-thinking American will dispute it, then it follows that this course should also have been pursued by the governor of Indiana, and that he should not have done as he has done, allow the practical kidnapping of these men. The entire proceedings in this case thus far have been characterized by high-handed outrage and violation of the constitutional and statutory guarantees, and are repugnant to the conception of human justice as understood and accepted by our American life, our American manhood, since the foundation of our republic. It is not appropriate here to even refer to the guilt or innocence of Mr. McNamara. That many of our fellow citizens and I believe in his innocence, is not a question for your Committee to consider, but that a great outrage and violation of fundamental guarantees has been committed; that the subject is one deserving of the investigation of a special committee of the House of Representatives; that at least in the future the same travesty on law and outrage of justice may be prevented, should appeal to every right-thinking and patriotic American citizen. I sincerely hope that the Committee on Rules will report such a resolution favorably to the House of Representatives, and that the same will be adopted,[*969*] Hon. R. L. Henry -5- Very respectfully yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*970*] [*COPIED MAY 25 1911*] Washington, D. C., May 25, 1911. Mr. John R. Alpine, 411-416 Bush Temple of Music, Chicago, Ill. Your telegram to Secretary Morrison received. Can see you New York Hotel Victoria Sunday morning. SAMUEL GOMPERS. Charge A. F. of L.[*971*] [*COPIED. MAY 25 1911*] X. May 25, 1911. Mr. Hugh Frayne, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, 25 Third Avenue, New York City. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 24th instant to hand and contents noted. The information communicated to you that I am coming to New York to speak at the mass meeting at Cooper Union on Friday evening is correct. It is impossible for me to leave here earlier than on the three o'clock train over the Pennsylvania Railroad, Friday afternoon, due at eight o'clock at the Pensylvania station in New York, and from thence I shall go immediately to the mass meeting at Cooper Union, reaching there about eight-thirty. More than likely I shall be in New York on Sunday morning. While I should like to have an opportunity of speaking with you then, yet I do not know that it is essential that you should make the rush run from Scranton back to New York Saturday night. If, how- ever, it does not inconvenience you too greatly, or interfere with your work at Scranton, I hope that I may have an opportunity of seeing you. I wish you would write me a letter upon receipt of this, addressing it to the Hotel Victoria, and marking the envelope "hold". You can give me any information you can as to the probability of your being in New York to meet me. Again I say, do not break away[*972*] Mr. Hugh Frayne -2- from Scranton engagements unnecessarily. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*973*] [*COPIED MAY 25 1911*] X. May 25, 1911. Hon. Frank L. Mulholland, Victoria Hotel, New York City. My dear Mr. Mulholland: Iregret very much that I was out on business when you called at my office today. I called you up over the phone at the Machinists office, and tried several times to get you, and at last was informed that you went to New York on the four o'clock train this afternoon. I am very desirous of seeing you, and I shall leave on the three o'clock train, Pennsylvania road, tomorrow, Friday afternoon, due at the Pennsylvania station at eight o'clock and from there I shall go to the mass meeting which is to be held at Cooper Union. I will be glad to meet you on the arrival of the train if it does not inconvenience you too much, and we can go to the meeting together. With best wishes, I am, Sincerely yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*974*] [*COPIED. MAY 25 1911*] X. May 25, 1911. Mr. Andrew J. Gallagher, Secretary, San Francisco Labor Council, 316 14th Street, San Francisco, Cal. Dear Sir and Brother: Your night lettergram of May 23d has been received. That I greatly appreciate the cordial invitation you extend on behalf of the San Francisco Labor Council for me to visit California needs no assurance. I only wish it were within my power to do so. In the present condition of affairs here, however, it is beyond my power to make any definite statement as to when the opportunity would be afforded me to make the requested and promised visit to California. Let me recite the circumstances to which I refer. It is true that the Supreme Court of the United States in our appeal case has decided that the alleged contempt was a civil proceeding and that the lower court could not, therefore, impose a jail sentence. However, the case was remanded to the lower court with power to commence proceedings for criminal contempt, and Justice Wright immediately appointed a commission consisting of Messrs. Darlington, Davenport and Beach, the original attorneys for the Anti-Boycott prosecution against us, to investigate whether Messrs. Mitchell, Morrison and I are guilty of contempt, and to formulate the charges for criminal contempt, so the court then can try us and punish us for criminal contempt. You can, therefore,[*975*] Mr. Andrew J. Gallagher -2- very readily understand that it will be necessary for me to be constantly either at headquarters or where I can be easily reached to return here in the course of a few hours. Because of the urgent, repeated invitations to visit your state, because of my great desire to meet the working people and the people generally of California, because I am in great hopes of being in some way helpful to the great humanizing cause of labor and for the common uplift, I sincerely hope that I may be enabled to visit California sometime this year, but as you can readily observe it is utterly impossible at this time for me to make a definite arrangement or to give a positive affirmative answer. Again thank you, and through you the San Francisco Labor Council, for the invitation and regretting to be compelled to write as in the foregoing, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*976*] M May 24, 1911. Mr. James F. Mack, Attorney and Counselor at Law, 257 Broadway, New York, N. Y. Dear Sir: 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 any 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 prompts such a decision by following such policy. If we make such 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. [*COPIED. MAY 25 1911*] [*977*] Mr. James F. Mack -2- Then 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. In any event, let me assure you that I sincerely hope that you, may be selected to the position to which you aspire. Anticipating the pleasure of meeting you soon, I am, Very truly yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. MAY 25 1911*] [*978*] PINK. Washington, D. C., May 26, 1911. Mr. Jos Dehane, c/o B. Feiffer and Co., Cigar Manufacturers, 427-422 E. 76th St., New York City. Will you invite some friends to meet me any time tomorrow Victoria Hotel? You meet me tonight mass meeting Cooper Union New York City. SAMUEL GOMPERS. Charge A. F. of L. [*COPIED. MAY 26 1911*][*979*] Washington, D. C., May 26, 1911, Mr. James Duncan, Hancock Bldg. Quincy, Mass. Telegram and letter received. I shall endeavor to meet you at Grand Central Station six o'clock Saturday evening. If I am not at station come to Hotel Victoria. We can then make any arrangements we please. SAMUEL GOMPERS . Charge A. F. of L. [*COPIED. MAY 26 1911*]980 Z May 26, 1911, NO. 51. EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, AMERICAN FEDERATION OF LABOR. COLLEAGUES: Bottle Cap Cork and Stopper Workers' Union 10,875 of Baltimore, Md., has been in existence for several years and has had agreements with a number of employers, the first of which was secured several years ago by Vice-President O'Connell, a committee of the Baltimore Federation of Labor and the undersigned. It has been necessary at the renewal of the agreements each two years that the President of the American Federation of Labor should be a party thereto. The agreement has been renewed each two years. The existing agreement will expire July 25th, 1911. The Committee of the union has, by instruction of the local, drafted some changes in the agreement for presentation to the companies. It involves an increase in wages of 25 cents per day. It also provides for the new (the third) paragraph in Section 5 of the old agreement and also provides for a new section, Section 9. Enclosed you will find a copy of the proposed agreement, which the union desires to present to the companies employing its members. Local No. 10,875 has paid per capita tax for the past year upon the following memberships: [*COPIED. MAY 26 1911*] [*981*] EXECUTIVE COUNCIL...2. Membership paid [?] June. 1910 [270?] Members, July. " 300 " Aug. " 300 " Sept. " 300 " Oct. " 300 " Nov. " 300 " Dec.. " 300 " Jan. 1911 [275?] " Feb. " 270 " Mar. " 270 " April " 270 " May " 270 " At present there are no benefits being paid to any organizations. The Executive Council has approved the wage scales of the following organizations: Federal Labor Union #7087, Belleville, Ill. 55 members Undertakers' Union #9049, San Francisco, Cal. 50 " Baggage Messengers' #10167, " " " 50 " Paste Makers' Union #10567, " " " 20 " Mineral Water Bottlers' #11317, Newark, N. J. 50 " Locomotive Hostlers & Helpers' [#11?4], Roanoke, Va. 50 " Machinists' Helpers and Laborers [#1906?], St. Thomas, Ont. 65 " Soda Water Factory Employees, of Belleville, Ill, in F. L. U. #7087. Federal Labor Union #11891, Athol, Mass. 70 " The question submitted to the Executive Council for a vote is: Shall the wage scale of Bottle Cap Cork and stopper Workers' Union No. 10,875 of Baltimore, Md. be approved and the members thereby entitled to benefits from the defense fund should it be necessary for them to go on strike to enforce the same? Kindly return your vote upon the above at your earliest convenience. With best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.May 26, 1911. Dear Sir: You will confer a favor upon the American Federation of Labor and its affiliated branches by granting an interview to the bearer, Mr. J.E. Giles, who is authorised to procure business an- nouncements and advertisements for the official publication of the American Federation of Labor, the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST, for the year Nineteen Hundred and Eleven. The American Federation of Labor is composed of 117 International Unions, representing 27,000 local unions, 39 State Federations, 616 City Central Labor Unions, and 651 Local Trade and Federal Labor Unions. The membership of the American Federation of Labor is approximated at 2,00,000, and the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST, is the only official publication issued by the American Federation of Labor to this vase army of consumers. It is, therefore, a medium of great value to legitimate business houses who advertise in it. It is owned and published by the American Fed- eration of Labor, and all profits accruing therefrom go into the gen- eral treasury of that organization. Agents are not authorized or allowed to accept payments of any kind. All contracts should be made upon the official blanks of the American Federation of Labor. All payments should be made by check payable to the Secre- tary of the American Federation of Labor, and mailed to this office direct. No donations of any character are accepted. Any courtesies extended to the bearer will be greatly appreciated and reciprocated by our organization. Very respectfully yours, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor. Frank Morrison Secretary American Federation of Labor. 983 M May 25, 1911. Mr. James O'Connell, President, International Association of Machinists, McGill Building, Washington, D. C . Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of May 13th is received, in which you enclose report from your organizer in Bakersfield, in regard to the complaint made against Organizer Gribble of that city. As per your request I return your report to you herein, and have copy made for our files. It would appear from the report of your organizer, Mr. Misner, as represented by the Machinists’ local union of Bakersfield, are not satisfied with Mr. Gribble's attitude or work, yet the Committee of the Bakersfield Central Body supports and endorses him. President Wilson of the Pattern Makers whose local union complained against Mr. Gribble, requests that the complaint of his organization be dropped. Presidient Kline of the Blacksmiths expresses himself to the effect that Mr. Gribble is not altogether to blame in the matter. However, he has not yet received a report from his Bakersfield local, since I sent him copy of the report of the Bakersfield Central Body. [*COPIED. MAY 26 1911*][*984*] J. O'C' 2. Taking all these matters into consideration, in my judgment Mr. Gribble should retain his commission. If at any time the Central Body of Bakersfield should endorse the position of your local, I of course, would have no hesitancy in acting in conformity therewith. With kind regards, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers President American Federation of Labor.[*985*] Z May 26, 1911. Mr. A. J. Ingalls, Secretary, Central Labor Council, 19 N. Hunter St., Stockton, California. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 9th instant has been duly received, in reply to a letter from me dated April 28th, relative to the appeal of Mr. H. N. Doty, Chairman of the Executive Committee of Typographical Union #56, from the action of your Central Body and its constitution in sections 34, 36 and 38. Section 34 provides in part for the levying of assessments upon affiliated local unions by your Central Body in the event of a strike of lockout of affiliated unions who might appeal for assistance. Section 36 provides that a local union of an International Union affiliated with your Council, before entering into a “contract with their employer or employers must first submit a copy of contract pending to this Council for their approval." Section 38 provides in part that local unions of an International Union affiliated with the Council, using the union label "must file a copy of such label, poster or stamp with this Council and such label, poster or stamp must be withdrawn from [*COPIED. MAY 26 1911*]986 Mr. A.J. Ingalls --2 any firm, person, employer or employers who are unfair to this council*. In issuing certificates of affiliation to the International Unions it is agreed and provided for that each International Union affiliated with the American Federation of Labor shall have complete, entire jurisdiction and autonomy over their affiliated unions. In issuing certificates of affiliation to Central Labor. Unions it is also provided in the Constitution of the American Federation of Labor just what authority Central Labor Unions may have. Section 34 of your constitution gives your Council the authority to levy assessments upon locals of affiliated International Unions. This authority has never been granted by the Constitution of the American Federation of Labor and is in direct conflict with the Constitution of the American Federation of Labor and therefore it is entirely void. Section 36 of your Constitution provides that all contracts entered into by a local union of an International Union must be submitted to the Council for their approval This clause is in direct violation of the trade autonomy granted to every International Union by the American Federation of Labor. There is no other authority which can approve of a contract entered into by a local union of an International Union except that International Union itself. This clause for the reasons above stated, is also declared null and void. Section 38 relative to union labels of International Unions which your constitution declares that by vote of your Council must be withdrawn is also in violation of the authority granted987 Mr. A.J. Ingalls---3. International Unions that issue union labels, stamps or store cards. The only authority that can compel a local union withdraw its label, stamp or store card from an employer is the International Union itself. For the foregoing reasons the appeal of Typographical Union No. 56, as made by its Executive Council, is sustained. With best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, (Signed) Sam Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*988*] X. May 26, 1911. Mr. Frank M. Ryan, President, International Union of Bridge and Structured Iron Workers, 422-424 American Central Life Building, Indianapolis, Indiana. Dear Sir and Brother: Referring to the matter of the reproduction by the moving picture shows of what purported to be the arrest of Mr. McNamara, I took the matter up with Organizer Hugh Frayne, of New York City, as I advised you, and am now in receipt of a reply from him in which he says: "In compliance with your instructions contained in your letter of May 19, I called upon Levi Company, Inc., manufacturers of moving pictures and slides, 24 Union Square, New York City. I met Mr. Fred A, Apfelbaum, secretary of the company, and made a request that they would discontinue displaying pictures or slides purporting to show the arrest of J. J. McNamara and others in connection with the Los Angeles affair. Mr. Apfelbaum informed me that they had a telegram from Indianapolis, from the Bridge and Structural Iron Workers, making a similar request and that they had decided to discontinue the use of these pictures or slides. He stated that they received the right to use these pictures from the American Press Association, but they would not use them any longer as they did not desire to have any trouble with organized labor." I would infer from Mr. Frayne's letter that you may have the information he gives, but nevertheless I desire you to have a copy of his letter. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. MAY 26 1911*]989 N May 26, 1911. COPIED. MAY 26 1911 Hon. Theodore Roosevelt, Oyster Bay, N.Y. My dear Mr. Roosevelt: In the June issue of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST I discussed at length the McNamara case, with particular reference to your recent article in "The Outlook". I am sending this issue to you under separate cover, and trust that you will take the time to read it. Very respectfully yours, Sam'l Gompers President American Federation of Labor.[*990*] X. May 25, 1921. Mr. Charles H. Moyer, President, Western Federation of Miners, 605 Railroad Building, Denver, Colorado. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 20th instant received and contents noted. In reply I beg to say that the rule and practice has been that when a charter has been issued on or before the 15th of any month, per capita for that month should be paid by the newly affiliated organization. Charter having been issued to the Western Federation of Miners on May 9th, the rule applies as here stated. I note you say that inasmuch as your convention meets July 17th and as you have a large quantity of stationary on hand, if there will be no objection on the part of this office you will continue to use this stationery as it would be a considerable loss to you at this time, and as the laws of your organization provide that such changes can only be made by initiating in convention and submitting by referendum. Let me say in reply that it is merely a suggestion and a practice for the affiliated organizations to have upon their letterheads and stationery the words, "Affiliated to the American Federation of Labor", or the title American Federation of Labor abbreviated to A. F. of L. All affiliated organizations have followed the practice, but there is nothing compulsory in it. [*COPIED. MAY 26 1911*][*991*] Mr. Charles H. Moyer -2- Because of the experiences we have had in the past, would it not be appropriate to have a section added to the Constitution of the Western Federation of Miners, of course providing the Convention approves and the referendum endorses, somewhat as follows: "Section_____: The membership of the Western Federation or Miners by an overwhelming majority upon a referendum vote, having determined to become affiliated to the American Federation of Labor, and it is now so affiliated, the Western Federation of Miners shall remain affiliated to the American Federation of Labor unless ordered otherwise by a two-thirds vote of the membership upon the referendum vote." The labor movement of America depends upon the voluntary co-operation of our fellow workers. Organization, unity, solidarity, and federation, are the elements which will make for the progress and advancement of all, and in the calmermoments of our activities we ought to provide such means that a temporary impassioned moment should not sever the relations of harmony and advantage which it has cost us all years to build up. Of course, this as well as the other matters which we have been discussing upon these lines are suggestive. Permit me to express my great satisfaction of your words of commendation for our great movement, and the pledge for unity, co-operation and helpfulness. With high purpose am persistence, success will result to our great cause. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. [*992*] Z May 26, 1911. Mr. Harry D.Thomas, Secretary, Cleveland Federation of Labor, 717 Superior Avenue, N. E., Cleveland, Ohio. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 24th instant has been duly received and contents noted. In reply let me say that your invitation for me to deliver the Labor Day address in Cleveland this year is appreciated by me, but the date is so distant and there are so many unforeseen circumstances which may arise between now and then, making my presence elsewhere imperative until I hesitate to make any engagements for a time so far in the future. The, too, in its recent decision on the appeal case of Mr. Mitchell, Mr. Morrison and myself, the Supreme Court of the United States decided that the alleged contempt was a civil proceeding and that the lower court could not, therefore impose a jail sentence, but the case was remanded to the lower court with power to commence proceedings for criminal contempt and Justice Wright has appointed a commission consisting of Messrs. Darlington, Davenport and Beck, the original attorneys for the Anti-Boycott Association prosecution against us, "to investigate” whether Messrs. Mitchell, Morrison and I are guilty of contempt, so that the court itself may try us and punish [*COPIED. MAY 26 1911*] 993 Mr. Harry D. Thomas----2. us for criminal contempt. I have partly discussed the decision in an editorial in the June issue of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST. It is commended to your attention. So you will understand the outcome is uncertain. I have , however, made a note of your invitation and should I find later that I can visit Cleveland on Labor Day you will be advised in advance. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam Gompers President, American Federation of Labor[*994*] X. May 26, 1911. Mr. Nicholas Wyand, 408 G Street, N. E., City. Dear Sir: Information comes to me that some subordinate or higher officer of the Postoffice Department, has punished three or four letter carriers because they acted as a committee for the purpose of presenting grievances or the rectification of wrongs, the charge against the committee being that they acted in contravention to the executive order. I understand that you were among the "punished". That is, after giving faithful service to the Department for many years you were given a route a great distance from your home. You understand that there is now before the House of Congress bills, one introduced by Senator LaFollette, another by Representative Lloyd of the House, to restore to the Postoffice employes and all other government employes the right of association and the right to petition Congress for relief of grievances. Representative labor men and Postoffice employes have appeared before the House Committee on Civil Service Reform in advocacy of the passage of the bill and we have appended many facts in support of the necessity of the bill and arguments in furtherance of [*COPIED. MAY 26 1911*] 995 Mr. Nicholas Wyane -2- its passage. If you can give me any information which will be helpful in restoring to the government employee the rights to which they are entitled under the Constitutionoof our country, and which would make tyranny and unjust punishment impossible in the future, I should be very glad if you will submit it to me. I beg to assure you that in so far as you are concerned, your name will not be disclosed to the Committee, or to anyone else where it may in any way affect you or your colleagues injuriously. With the very best wishes, I am, Very truly yours, Saml. Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. N.B. In replying, please mark your envelope personal. S.G.[*996*] Z May 25, 1911. Mr. Thomas Atkinson, Secretary, U. S. Ex. Board, Amal. Society of Carpenters and Joiners, Room 76 Bible House, New York, N. Y. Dear Sir and Brother: On behalf of Messrs. Mitchell, Morrison and myself, I thank you for your congratulatory letter of the 23rd instant upon the decision of the Supreme Court in our appeal case, that is, the court having decided that the alleged contempt was a civil proceeding and that the lower court could not, therefore, impose a jail sentence. The case was remanded to the lower court with power to commence proceedings for criminal contempt. I apprehend, therefore, that the congratulations of yourself and our other friends and well-wishers are premature, as Justice Wright has appointed a commission consisting of Messrs. Darlington, Davenport and Beck, the original attorneys for the Anti-Boycott Association prosecution against us, "to investigate" whether Messrs. Mitchell, Morrison and I are guilty of contempt, so that the court itself may try us and punish us for criminal contempt. I have partly discussed the decision of the Supreme Court in an editorial in the June issue of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST. It is commended to your consideration.. I thank you also for your reference to our weekly news letter and am glad to know that it is being so favorably received [*COPIED. MAY 26 1911*] 997 Mr. Thomas Atkinson---2. both here and abroad. In compliance with your request, Mr. William W. Young, 96 Bellevue Avenue, Toronto, Canada, Secretary of you Canadian Executive Board, has been placed upon our list to receive the service weekly. With kind regards and best wishes, I am. Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.998 Z May 26, 1911. COPIED. MAY 26, 1911 Mr. H. N. Doty, Secretary, Executive Committee, Typographical Union No. 6, P.O. Box 140, Stockton, California. Dear Sir and Brother: In further reply to your favor of March 22nd, in which you protest against the constitution adopted by the Central Labor Council of Stockton, I enclose herein a copy of a letter which I have written to Mr. Ingalls, Secretary of the Central Labor Council, which you will please accept as part of this communication to you. With kind regards and best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*999*] X. May 26, 1911. Mr. Ralph M, Easley, Secretary, Executive Committee, National Civic Federation, Metropolitan Building, New York City. My dear Mr. Easley: Mr. Gompers had to leave the city this afternoon. Before leaving he tried to get you, and learning that you were out of the city he tried to get Miss Beeks, but was unable to reach her before the departure of his train at three o'clock. Before leaving he had considered the suggested substitute amendments to the New York Constitution to be considered at your meeting today. He had made a brief summary of his views and requested me to telephone them to Miss Beeks. Mr. Morrison and I tried to do so but the service was so bad we had to give it up. Therefore, it seemed to me that I should write you, briefly indicating Mr. Gompers' views upon the matter: Mr. Gompers is of the opinion that no definite action upon amending the New York Constitution ought to be taken at the meeting this afternoon. The question of policy is important. Delay is perhaps advisable in recommending any change in the Constitution in New York until other states have rendered decisions as such recommendation might tend to emphasize the New York adverse decision and extend its influence throughout the country unnecessarily. There are certain features in the substitute amendment that Mr. Gompers [*COPIED. MAY 26 1911*]1000 Mr. Ralph M. Easley -2- dislikes, namely, in Clause A the word "reasonable" and the words the "arising out of and in the course of employment". The clause seems to restrict legislation provided for accident legislation and makes no provision for possible sickness, etc., legislation. Mr. Gompers does not believe it wise to releive the em- ployer absolutely where he takes insurance, nor does he believe in allowing the double remedy which he thinks the proviso to Clause C would permit in actuality in some of the states. I have no doubt but that Mr. Gompers will write you more fully upon this matter when he returns next week. Very truly yours, Secretary to President Gompers. 1001 Form 2289 Night Letter The Western Union Telegraph Company Incorporated 25,000 Offices in America Cable Service to all the world Robert C. Clowry, President Belvidere Brooks, General Manager Receiver's No. Time Filed. Check Send the following NIGHT LETTER subject to the terms on back hereof which are hereby agreed to Washington, D.C., May 26, 1911. Miss M. Emmeline, Pitt, Union Labor Temple, Washington St. and Webster Ave., Pittsburg, Pa. Telegram received. President Gompers absent on official business. Will not return until next week. R. LEE GUARD Secretary to President Gompers Charge A.F. of L. [*COPIED, MAY 26, 1911*][1002] May 25, 19 7. Mr. William Boas, 5248 Calumet Avenue, Chicago, Illinois. Dear Sir and Brother: Replying further to your favor of May 19, I enclose you legislative record of the Illinois Congressional delegation, in the House of Representatives, Washington, D.C. This record includes all the members who were in the House in the 59th, 60th and 61st Congresses, and in it you will readily find the record votes of Mr. Sabath on bills of interest to Labor, on which a roll-call was had. It may be added that Representative Sabath has voted favorably and given material assistance to many measures of interest to Labor, which have passed the House during his membership and upon which a roll-call vote has not been taken. Hoping that this record of the Illinois delegation will be of service to you in the future, I remain, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. (Enclosure.)[*1003*] [*COPIED. MAY 27 1911*] [*COPIED. MAY 29 1911*] M May 27, 1911. Mr. Andrew DeBone, Secretary, Laborers Protective Union No. 13150, Box 462, Pitcairn, Pa. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 22nd instant is at hand, in which you advise that there are 550 men on strike at Pitcairn, Pa., and that you would like to receive some financial assistance while this strike is going on. In reply I beg to call your attention to Section 4, of Article XIII of the Constitution of the American Federation of Labor, which says: "No Local shall be entitled to benefit from the defense fund unless it has been in continuous good standing for one year, and no member shall be entitled to benefit from said defense fund unless he has been a member in good standing in the American Federation of Labor for at least one year." Inasmuch as Laborers Protective Union No. 13150 was chartered February 21, 1911, it would not, therefore, be eligible to benefits from the defense fund until February 1912. Although your union is not eligible to benefits from the defense fund, it is unnecessary for me to assure you that I am willing to do everything within my power consistent with the constitution of the American Federation of Labor to be helpful.1004 A. D. With best wishes, and hoping to hear from you further, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers, President American Federation of Labor. P.S. Organizer Flynn will continue to be helpful.[*1005 COPIED. MAY 29 1911*] X. May 26, 1911. Mr. J. B. Frey, Editor, International Molders' Journal, Box 639, Cincinnati, Ohio. Dear Sir: Your favor of the 23d instant was duly received, but President Gompers was so crowded with other pressing and important work as to be able at the time of its receipt to give your letter his attention. He is now out of the city on an important mission in connection with the movement, and hence this acknowledgement of the receipt of your letter until he can give it his personal attention upon his return, which will be some time next week. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.1006 COPIED. MAY 29 1911 X. May 26,1911. Mr. Thos. Atkinson, Secretary, Amalgamated Society of Carpenters and Joiners, Room 76, Bible House, New York City. Dear Sir: Your favor of the 20th instant was duly received, but President Gompers was so crowded with other pressing and important work as to be unableat the time of its receipt to give your letter his attention. He is now out of the city on an important mission in connection with the movement, and hence this acknowledgement of the receipt of your letter until he can give it his person attention upon his return, which will be some time next week. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.COPIED MAY 29 1911 X. May 26, 1911. Mr. Edward Broderick, Secretary, Amalgamated Blue Stone Cutters, 154 E. 54th Street, New York City. Dear Sir: Your favor of the 16th instant was duly received, but President Gompers was so crowded with other pressing and important work as to be unable at the time of its receipt to give your letter his attention. He is now out of the city on an important mission in connection with the movement, and hence this acknowledgement of the receipt of your letter until he can give it his personal attention upon his return, which will be some time next week. Very truly yours, Secretary to President Gompers. COPIED MAY 29 1911 X. May 26, 1911. Mr. James Duncan, Vice-President, American Federation of Labor, Hancock Building, Quincy, Mass. Dear Sir: Your favor of the 19th instant was duly received, but President Gompers was so crowded with other pressing and important work as to be unable at the time of its receipt to give your letter his attention. He is now out of the city on an important mission in connection with the movement, and hence this acknowledgement of the receipt of your letter until he can give it his personal atention upon his return, which will be some time next week. Very truly yours, Secretary to President Gompers. COPIED MAY 29 1911 X. May 26, 1911. Mr. Wm. J. Spencer, Secretary-Treasurer, Building Trades Department, A. F. of L., Ouray Building, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: Your two favors of the 22d and 25th instants were duly received, but President Gompers was so crowded with other pressing and important work as to be unable at the time of their receipt to give your letters his attention. He is now out of the city on an important mission in connection with the movement, and hence this acknowledgement of the receipt of your letter until he can give it his personal atention upon his return, which will be some time next week. Very truly yours, Secretary to President Gompers.COPIED. MAY 29 1911 X. May 27, 1911. Chas. B. Malpas, Secretary, Central Federated Union, 180 Washington Street, Providence, R. I. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of May 23d is received and contents noted. You desire to know whether the trouble between organized labor and the Butterick Publishing Company has been adjusted. In reply I beg to enclose to you herein copy of the special notice sent out by Mr. James M. Lynch, President of International Typographical Union, under date of March 28. For any further information along this line, I would suggest that you write direct to Mr. Lynch, whose office is in the Newton-Claypool Building, Indianapolis, Indiana. With kind regards, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor. 1011 COPY. INTERNATIONAL TYPOGRAPHICAL UNION, Indianapolis, Ind., March 28, 1911. SPECIAL NOTICE. The St. Joseph Convention of the International Typographical Union, on petition from a delegate representing Typographical Union #6, referred the controversy between that union and the Butterick Publishing Company to the executive council to make effort at adjustment. Since that time negotiations have been in progress with the Butterick Publishing Company. The unions -- local and international -- have been represented by President Tole of No. 6, and the undersigned. WE ARE NOW IN A POSITION TO ANNOUNCE FULL AGREEMENT WITH THE BUTTERICK PUBLISHING COMPANY. Further particulars will appear in the April number of the Typographical Journal. Fraternally, (Signed) JAMES M. LYNCH.1012 X. May 27, 1911. COPIED. May 29 1911 Mr. S. S. Sullivan, Organizer, Fall River Typographical Union #160, c/o Box 479, Fall River, Mass. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of May 21st received and contents noted. You say that if I could send you the weekly news letter so that you could get it on Friday, it could be then put in type so that you could use it in Saturday morning's paper. I should like to accommodate you in the matter, but Thursday night is the very earliest that we can get the letter into the mails. It seems to me that you should receive the letter at least by Friday evening. Let me hear from you further as to this. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. 1013 X. May 27, 1911. Mr. Chas. A. Bennett, Manual Training Magazine, Peoria, Illinois. COPIED. May 29 1911 Dear Sir: Your favor of the 19th instant received and contents noted. You say that the Manual Training Magaize, commencing in September, 1911, will publish a bi-monthly magazine to be called Vocational Education. You request that I should become a member of the advisory staff to assist in guiding the new magazine during the first two years of its existence. I appreciate your courtesy in making this proposition to me, but I must ask to be excused from acting in that capacity. The fact of the matter is that I am President of the American Federation of Labor by the will of my organized fellow workers. I feel sure that it would be difficult for all of them to understand that in acting either as associate or contributing editor for any magazine, that I would be doing so without compensation. I would be glad to do anything that I possibly could both by pen or otherwise, in furtherance of the cause of industrial education and vocational training, but I prefer not to do so either as associate or contributing editor. The American labor movement is in line with and has given expression to the best thought for the education of all the workers in all the elements of learning. It is especially interested in the 1014 Mr. Chas. A. Bennett -2- further education of the wage workers of America industrially. At several conventions the American Federation of Labor has gone on record upon these subjects, and for the past few years there has been and is a special committee on Industrial Education, which has given much time, study and thought to this subject. You of course have the copy of the pamphlet on Industrial Education published by the American Federation of Labor, the first edition having come out in 1910. Wishing the new magazine every success, I am, Very truly yours, Saml. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.1015 X. May 27, 1911. COPIED. MAY 29 1911 Mr. Charles Lake, Secretary, International Molders' Union No. 196, 147 Oak Hill Avenue, Youngstown, Ohio. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of May 24th is received and contents noted. You make complaint against Organizer Graney, and then express the opinion that in view of the course he has followed, that it is a detriment to the labor movement for me to continue him longer as the official representative of the A. F. of L. in that locality. In reply I beg to enclose to you herein duplicate copy of letter which I have just written to the Secretary of the Youngstown Central Body and which I request you to accept as part of this communication to you and act in conformity therewith. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.1016 COPIED. MAY 29 1911 X. May 27, 1911. Mr. John Burke, Secretary, United Labor Congress, Box 219, Youngstown, O. Dear Sir and Brother: Under date of May 24, Mr. Charles Lake, Secretary of the Iron Molders' Local Union #196, writes me making complaint against Mr. John Graney who holds a commission as volunteer organizer for Youngstown and vicinity upon the recommendation of your Central Body, the commission having been issued the eighth of December, 1909. Mr. Lake states that Mr. Graney had been guilty of improper conduct which if true would disqualify him from holding commission as organizer for the A. F of L. As Mr. Graney was recommended by your Central Body, I request that the Central Body should make an investigation of the matter and advise me in regard thereto. I trust that this entire matter will be given the earliest possible consideration and that I may promptly hear from you. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.1017 X. May 26, 1911. Mr. Geo. F. Hedrick, President, Mr. J. O. Skemp, Secretary, Brotherhood of Painters, Decorators, and Paperhangers, Drawer 99, Lafayette, Indiana. Dear Sirs and Brothers: [*COPIED MAY 29 1911*] I am in receipt of a telegram of this date in which you say "Lafayette, Ind., May 26, 1911. Samuel Gompers, c/o A. F. of L., Washington, D. C. Carriage workers union Memphis has protested to Central Body against members of Brotherhood painting wagons Boston and San Francisco conventions gave us undivided jurisdiction over Carriage and wagon painting. These decisions have not been set aside at Washington Conference we reasserted our jurisdiction. We have not enforced its arbitrary but shall be compelled to if carriage workers abuse our forbearance please notify council that members of Brotherhood must not be interfered with. (Signed) Geo. F. Hedrick, " J. O. Skemp. I am also in receipt of a telegram from the President, Financial and Recording Secretary of the Memphis Trades and Labor Council in regard to the same subject, and enclose you herewith a copy of my reply to them, which is self-explanatory, and which I ask you to accept as part of this letter to you. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.1018 Copied. May 29 1911. May 28, 1911. I. Mr. P. O. Cross, President, Mr. K.C. Adams, Recording Secretary, Mr. James Seat, Financial Secretary, Trades and Labor Council. News Scimitar, Memphis, Tenn. Dear Sirs and Brothers: Your day letter of this date came duly to hand and contents noted. It is as follows: "Memphis, Tenn., May 26, 1911. Mr. Samuel Gompers, President, A. F. of L., 301 G St., N. W., Washington, D.C., We have a dispute between the Carriage and Wagon workers local and painters and decorators Union as to which has jurisdiction in the painting wagons, buggies and rolling stock belonging to the city of Memphis. Both locals have members at this work and ask fro a decision as to which is in the wrong. The Trades and Labor Council of Memphis refers the question to you as it is understood you have already made a decision in similar cases. Please wire answer. (Signed) P. C. Crowe, Acct. President, K.C. Adams, Rec. Secy. James Seat, Financial Sec. Address News Scimitar." In connection therewith I beg to call your attention to the following agreement which was reached at this office after two days conference, in which not only the signatories participated, but the General Secretary-Treasury of the Brotherhood of Painters, Decorators and Paperhangers also participated. Secretary Skamp expressed the view that he did not deem it practical to sign the agreement, but that he believed in its general principles, and at[*1019*] –2– least, would not interfere with the ordinary course of events in the Carriage and Wagon working trade. "HEADQUARTERS, AMERICAN FEDERATION OF LABOR, Washington, D. C., April 19, 1911. The St. Louis Convention of the American Federation of Labor, acting upon the report of the Committee on Adjustment in reference to Resolutions #22-81, directed that the entire subject matter covered by these resolutions be referred to the Executive Council with instructions to call a conference of all parties with a view to clearly defining the lines of jurisdiction. The Executive Council directed President Gompers and Secretary Morrison to act for the Executive Council in the matter. In compliance therewith, the officers of the various organizations named were invited to participate in a conference to be held on this 19th day of April, 1911, at the offices of the American Federation of Labor. The undersigned, representing their respective organizations, realizing the difficulty of maintaining jurisdiction, and while it may not be expedient or advantageous here to insist on our jurisdictional claims, therefore, for the purpose of endeavoring to assist in organizing the carriage, wagon and automobile industry, the following agreement is hereby made, the purpose thereof to be liberally, rather than technically, construed and complied with: 1. It is the right and the privilege of any workman employed in any carriage, wagon, or automobile establishment, to belong to his respective trade or organization or the Carriage and Wagon and Automobile Workers International Union. 2. It shall not be necessary for any worker employed in a carriage, wagon, or automobile establishment, to belong to more than one organization party to this agreement. 3. The bona fide cards of good standing membership in any one of the organizations to this agreement shall be recognized as all-sufficient in carriage, wagon and automobile establishments; the choice of membership in either of the organizations party to this agreement to rest with the workman. 4. initiation fee in localities where unions now exist shall not be less than #3.00, unless by mutual consent. 5. In any carriage, wagon, or automobile establishment where there are employed members of more than one of the organizations parties to this agreement, the matter of an agreement relative to wages, hours of labor, and conditions of employment, shall be made by a joint committee of the employes of the establishment, or a joint committee of the locals whose members are or may be affected. 6. The officers of the organizations parties to this agreement shall meet not less than once each year, for the purpose of perfecting, amplifying, or modifying this agreement, and they shall have power to delegate the functions herein provided for themselves to the local unions in the several respective localities. 7. The representatives of the organizations parties to this agreement, pledge themselves to co-operate for the more thorough organization of the workers in the carriage, wagon, and automobile establishments, and to take such action as shall best protect and promote the rights and interests of the workers in this industry. FOR THE INT'L. CARRIAGE AND WAGON WORKERS' UNION. (Signed) Wm. P. Mavell L. F. Maire, per M. 1020 –3– FOR THE INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF BLACKSMITHS, (Signed) J. W. Kline, " Ed. J. Ryan, FOR THE UPHOLSTERERS' INT*L. UNION OF NORTH AMERICA, (Signed) Wm. Kohn. FOR THE AMERICAN FEDERATION OF LABOR, (Signed) SAMUEL GOMPERS, " FRANK MORRISON." I sincerely hope that your activities will be directed in the effort to bring about an adjustment of the differences exisiting in Memphis in accordance with the agreement reached. It was impossible to communicate this information fully by wire, hence this letter. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. [*1021*] [*COPIED MAY 29 1911*] May 29, 1911 No. 53 LP EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AMERICAN FEDERATION OF LABOR COLLEAGUES: In view of the wide publicity given to the decision of the Supreme Court in our case, Organizer Santiago Iglesias writes me that many requests have been made of him by the newspapers of Porto Rico for cuts of the members of the Executive Council, and particularly Secretary Morrison, Vice-President Mitchell and myself. Mr. Morrison and I are sending him our photographs. I have written Mr. Iglesias that I would request each member of the Executive Council to send his photograph to him. I would be glad if you would do so at your earliest convenience. His address is: Santiago Iglesias, 11 Allen Street, San Juan, Porto Rico. With kind regards, I remain, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers, President American Federation of Labor.[* 1022 *] [*COPIED MAY 29 1911*] LP May 27, 1911 Mr. Charles H. Doebler, 521 W Washington Ave, Kirkwood, Mo. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 22nd instant in which you tender your resignation as volunteer organizer for the American Federation of Labor and return your commission. The record will be duly made upon our books in conformity therewith, Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.1023 LF May 27, 1911 Mr. Frederic W. Gardner, Southern Hotel, COPIED St. Louis, Mo. MAY 29 1911 My dear Mr. Gardner: Your several favors of recent date have been duly received. As you surmised, President Gompers is away from headquarters. When here he has been so overwhelmed with pressing matters in connection with the McNamara case, as well as matters in connection with the recent decision of the Supreme Court, that much of his correspondence has necessarily had to suffer. I trust, however, that he can find the opportunity to write you at sometime in the near future after his return, which will be next week. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.1024 LF May 27, 1911 Mr. John A. Moffitt, 24 Lincoln Place, Orange, N. J. COPIED May 29 1911 Dear Sir: I am sure Mr. Gompers will very much regret to learn the result of the recent convention of the United Hatters of North America by reason of which you declined renomination as President of that organization. He is now absent on official business and hence this acknowledgement of the receipt of your letter which will be placed with his personal mail so as to be brought to his attention as promptly as possible after his return, which will be sometime after next week. Cery truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers1025 LF May 27, 1911 Mr. John Morrison, Dear Sir: Please accept Mr. Gompers' thanks for your letter of May 26th enclosing copy of the letter you wrote Senator Grady of the New York State Legislature, requesting copy of the bill which he introduced to prohibit the use of the "Third Degree" by the police officials of that state. Very truly yours, COPIED R. Lee Guard MAY 29 1911 Secretary to President Gompers[*1026*] [*COPIED. MAY 29 1911*] M May 27, 1911 Mr. S. C. Britton, Captain, Muskingum College, New Concord, Ohio. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of May 23, In which you state you are to take part in a debate on the question "Resolved, That the Initiative and Referendum, and recall should be applied to the state affairs of Ohio and Pennsylvania, "and would suggest that you refer to an article by G. W. Perkins, President Cigarmakers' International Union of America, published in the March 1911, issue of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST, the official publication of the American Federation of Labor, entitled "Initiative and Referendum and the A. F. of L." I think you will find this article interesting and of help to you. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*1027 COPIED. MAY 28 1911*] M May 27, 1911. Mr. Frank Smurthewaite, Organizer, 1024 Beech St., Wellsville, Ohio. Dear Sir and Brother: Your undated favor to Secretary Morrison has been brought to my attention, and in accordance with the information contained therein duplicate commission will be forwarded to you: also package of literature. I note what you say relative to the meeting to be held May 31, to protest against the kidnapping of the McNamara Brothers, and the appointment of committee to solicit funds to be used in the defense of this case. I would appreciate it if you would let me hear from you after this meeting as to the results accomplished, and if anything is published, kindly send the article to me. With best wishes, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President American Federation of Labor.1028 M May 27, 1911. Mr. W. H. Hoylman, Organizer, 914 South Francis St., Terrell, Texas. Dear Sir and Brother: Yours of May 22nd received, and in compliance with your request I am sending to you under separate cover a package of organizing literature, and also organizer's letter heads. With best wishes, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, COPIED Fraternally yours, MAY 29 1911 Saml Gompers President Gompers1029 COPIED MAY 29 1911 M May 27, 1911. Mr. Robert H. Cochrane, Pastor, The Union Congregational Church, Weymouth, Massachusetts. Dear Sir: Your favor of May 23, is received, in which at the suggestion of Mr. John B. Andrews, you request us to send you a copy of the June 1911, AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST, and in compliance therewith copy of this issue is being sent to you under separate cover. Very truly yours, Saml Gompers President American Federation of Labor.1029 M May 27, 1911. Mr. Robert H. Cochrane, Pastor, The Union Congregational Church, Weymouth, Massachusetts. Dear Sir: Your favor of May 23, is received, in which at the suggestion of Mr. John B. Andrews, you request us to send you a copy of the June 1911, AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST, and in compliance therewith copy of this issue is being sent to you under separate cover. Very truly yours, Saml Gompers President American Federation of Labor. COPIED MAY 29 19111030 AH May 27, 1911. TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: This is to certify that Mr. Ernest Allen is hereby duly authorized to install the officers and initiate the delegates of the Trades and Labor Assembly, Silverton, Colo. Fraternally your, Saml. Gompers President American Federation of Labor. COPIED MAY 29 19111031 AH May 29 1911. COPIED May 27,1911 TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: This is to certify that Mr. Herman Liebster is hereby duly authorized to install the officers and initiate the members of Flour and Cereal Mill Employes' Union #14046, Mulkeytown, Illinois. Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President American Federation of Labor.