Samuel Gompers Letterbooks volume 171 Aug. 14, 1911- Oct. 9, 1911 ac. 13, 745Allen, C. M. 122 Archer, H.B. 158 Albrecht, Louis B. 161 Atkinson, Thos. 195-196 Adames, W.J. 219 Alpine, John R. 349 Abrahams, 401 Andrews, John B. 512 American Surety Co. 592 Abbott Ed. 680 Atkinson, Francis B. 732Beattie, M. R. 24 Beach, John K. (Hon.) 52-922-1000 Bartheline, Geo. 59 Barrett, Chas. S. 67-280-371 Beck, J. D. 69 Baumeiter, Hur 113 Barton, H. R. 156 Berris, A. J. 216-729-793 Beaman, Lamar T. 272 Barns, B. G. 340 Bailey, Chas. F. 491 Berry, Geo. H. 532, 977 Beyer, M. 671 Baines, J. W. 715 Bauer, Stephen 771 Best, Willard Sowell 997Bloom, J.E. Major 12 Bray, John E. 35 Borah, Wm. E. (Hon.) 39 Brandegu, Frank B (Hon.) 43, 269 Brima, Goe. 61 Brandt, G.E. 84, 617 Bouchard, Ed. 154 Burnet, G. R. 155 Butler, L. W. 220 Borden, G.R. 261 Burgess, J. W. 294 Bowerman, C. W. 358, 781, 805, 928 Boyle, Jas. L. 359 Bowen, Wm. J. 417 Brandt, Ralph E.V. 431 Blake, R. E. 441 Braner, Mary 526, 643 Buell, Roy N. 542 Brandt, C. E. 557 Burke, John (Hon.) 608 Buehling N. K. 714 Burke, Jas. E. 794 Burgess, J. W. 810 Brais, E. 838 Brockman, Henry H. 764 Burghard, G. W. 882, 940 Bloom, J. E. Capt. 888 Buhm, Ernest 1031Cantrell, Ed. J. 83 Carter, W. S. 91-831 Cartallofias, A. M. 93 Chief Inspector, P. O. Department 115 Carnigan, John J. 163 Chairman, Vice Commission of Chicago 303 Caswell, Alexis 329 Call, Homer D. 434 Campbell, Henry C. 437 Ch[?]kser W. N. 446 Cary, D. A. 488 Chapman, E. J. 565 Ceus, F. C. 941 Calvin P. W. 648 Canterbury, C. 740-984 Castle, Lynn 892 Carey, D. A. 955Craine, Chas. P. 1-346 Clayton, Henry D. (Hon.) 21 Cotterill, Frank W. 44 Clifton, 136 Curran, Jas. 147 Cooper, Jas. N. 151 Clark, T. H. 153-713 Creel, Geo. 194 Cucke, Ernest 255 Cullison, J. Ed. 336 Collins, W. 336 Clapp, Moses E. (Hon.) 352 Converse, Chas. S. 388 Colvin, Howard T. 411 Coates, D. C. 453 Clark, Walter Judge 458 Cronin, James C. 496 Curran, [Geo] Oss 547 Clark, Wm. D. 612 Cummins, Albert B. (Hon.) 620 Curran, Oss 646 Currie William 682 Clark, John R. 939 Collins, Michael 717 Corbin, R. C. 746 Colpoys, John B. 825 Crosman, H. T. Col. 839 Craine, Chas. P. 870Craddick. R. F. 935Dever, A. L. 6 Duffy, Frank 19-99-378-422-487-936 Detweiler, B. D. 56 Darrow, Clarence 86-130-616-690 Deutsch, Jos. 94 Dietz, B. A. 100 Duncan, Jas. 144-464-958 Doland, A. W. 168 D'Alessandro, D. 179-553 De Veaux, Harry 204 Downes, C. A. 209 Deutsch, Jos. 214 Doughterty, W. L. 224 Dunderdale, G. Harry 238 Dale, J. B. 259 Day, Anthony B. 283 Divney, John 307 Dennis, W. V. 356 Diehl, Chas. 380 De Costa, Jos. H. 466-548 Deal, Wm. R. 490-655 Duman, A. 492-833 Damon, F. C. 503 Dobson, Wm. 529 Dowd, John J. 534 Davison, E. C. 567 Dowd, C. E. 626 Diehl, Chas. 639-848Dee, Martin 658 Mr? Dunn 674 Davis H.G. 685 Darrow Chas S. 690 Dolan, Henry 711 Dick, Chas (Senator) 739? Draper, P.M. 780 1029 Demerritt, H. G. 832 Daly, T.M. 835 Darling & Co., C.C. 906 Daly, T.M. 980Emmerton, A. J. 16 Executive Council 49-106-127-394-523-597-688 750-756-877-988-998-1012-1017 Easley, Ralph M. 96, 1012 Evans, W. P. 97 Esterline, A. C. 336 Edens, Wm. C. 428 Esterley, D. L. 435 Ellis, John V. 448 Eastman, R. E. 485 - 990 Ellis, E. H. 545 Editor, Bakers Journal 575 Elliott, E. E. 588 Edwards, G. C. 631 Evans, Chas. L. 656 [Executive Council 688] Eichelberger, H. L. 788 Elkers, Abram I. 880 - 925 - 1004 Ekster, Peter 927 Ellis, Geo. H. 941Furuseth, Andrew 11 Flingner, Gus C. 62 Fear, Chas. W. 92-619-909 Flood, Emmett 98-828 Foerster, Robt. F., (Prof.) 177-551 Fehlinger, Hans 185 Flore, Edward 223 Faber, W. A. 242-743 Fandry, E. 345 Foltz, A. C. 392 Fitzpatrick, J. J. 444-569-613 Fletcher, John D. 456 Flynn, Thos. H. 476 Fainauer, Wm. 659 Fisher, R. E. 673 Flynn, John J. 695 Foster, L. A. 704 Farraud, Livingston 762-821 Fisher, Otto E. 774 Foose, H. 796 Francis, L. F. 808 Fandry, E. 866 Ferguson, John H. 889 Frasier, L. F. 901 Flynn, J. J. 978 Feehan, John 979 Flett, John A. 991Finegan, Jas. M. [992]Gauner, Clarence 14 Gothier Geo. 23 Gray, A. H. 38 Galligan, Jas. T. 55 Gradrauer, G. (Dr.) 57 Gage, Earle W. 64-513-983 Goldsmith, Michael 85 Gompers, Samuel Jr. 120 Gladden, Washington (Dr.) 146 Godwin, W. H. 159 X Gompers, Samuel 181-229-232-243-667-245-278-312-389-398-459-469-472-497-525 Gray, Chas. 192 Gill, L. 254 Gage, Earle W. 260-582 Guys, Louis V. 262 Gray, R. S. 311 Goldsborough, (Mrs.) 326-425 Grace, Ed. F. 387 Gilthorpe, Wm. J. 390-404-535-649 Gallegher, Mary C. 402 Gormley, J. E. 414 Goldel Gauzer, Leenora 483 X Gompers, Samuel 536-562-573-653-693-726-876 Gibbs, W. K. 663 Girod, J. 665 Gray, James 703 Gann, Robt. E. 739Garling, Chas. 773 Greenleaf, W. J. 801 Green, Henry 823 Gould, W. E. 860 Garretson, Wm. A. 874 Green, R. S. 883 Gardner, Fredine W. 960 Golden, John 973 Garretson, Wm. A. 986 Gallagher, Andrew J. 1013 Hart, W. O. 47 Hauck, Will F. 73 - 266 Hamilton, M. Grant 121 - 191 - 203 - 225 - 875 Haddell, A. M. 208 Hartman, David 211 Hansen, H. A. 213 Hannahan, Jas. G. 271 Hewitt, A. L. 344 Hayes, Frank J. 427 Hatheway, W. F. (Hon.) 450 Harrington, T. P. 457 Hedrick, Geo. F. 507 Helm, C. 546 Hall, C. G. 627 - 984 Herne, S. R. A. 649 Hayslett, A. G. 702 Hall, C. C. 740 Henderson, Geo. M. 803 Herman, Will 824 - 829 Hambly, Thos. 951 Hehnke, August G. 1026Horne, W. Edward 7 Hibbert, Albert 53 Holland, Wilson S. 61 Hill, John Wesley (Dr.) 139 Huddell, A. M. 270 Huber, Wm. D. 286-290-300-530-807-1022 How, J. Eades 301 Hyman, Wm. 347-444 Hudschmitt, Frank 357 Hughes, Thos. L. 495-607 Honnecker, Katherine 556 Hutchinson Music Co. 587 Hill, J. A. 591 Hunter, E. P. 708 Holmes, C. G. 749 Hord, Francis 847 Hyman, Wm. 868-933 Hunter, J. L. 879 Huff, Harry A. 899Ironside, Alex. 299-442 Iffland, Chas. 320 Insley, Frank 334-475 Irwin, F. A. 691- Iglesias, Santiago 723-782-1006 Johnston, Marshall 3 Jones, Jerome 190 Jarrett, C. H. 202 Jones, F. G. 298 Jacobs, Phillip B. 650 Jackson, H. R. 731 James, Geo. 849Kettler, Geo. 13 Kelly, S. C. 72 Kinghorn-Jones, J. A. 81 Kates, E. A. 166 Kirsch, Henry 167 Keeley, J. 198 Kaplan, N. 226 Krumm, E. C. 285-309-745-851 Kreyling, David 305 Kleibers, Victor 420 Kramer, Will F. 421 Kerbow, T. M. 438 Kerr, J. W. 451 Kinsella, J. T. 460 Kerr, C. H. (Hon.) 515 Kennerly, W. T. 533 Kohn, Armin 543 Karle, J. C. 568 Kelly, M. C. 676 Kase, H. L. 712 Kingsley, F. E. 767 Keefe, Daniel J. 813 Kaefer, J. H. 820 Kelson, Clarence W. 890 Kennedy, John 908 Koontz, A. C. 919 Kellogg, Paul U. 929 Koonz, Edgar V. 938Kubow, J. M. 962 Kringer, Ler. 985 Kuhn, Herman 1027Larney, G. C. 60 Lodge, Wm. 157 Levi, I. M. 304 Lehman, C. F. 328 Lemaux, Max R. 360 Lockhart, J. A. 385 Lyman, Sadie 386 Love, Wm. T. 406 Lewis, John R. 455 Lockhead, Jos. Wm. 604 Legien, Carl 611 Lemon, John B. 612-966 Lyttle, Britt 623 Lever, David 660 Lamb, W. J. 666 Liddy, Jas. W. 744 Lind, C. 770 Lanham, C. F. 775 Lever, David 806 Low, Seth 884-911-967 Lumpkin, G. C. 993 Lamoraux, F. P. 945 Landers, S. L. 954 Lane, E. L. 968 Landry, M. K. 1028Meiler, John G. 131-593 Mahon, W. D. 175-296-419-465-942 Maney, John J. 210 Marsh, Benj. C. 212 Maclean, Malcolm 236 Martin, J. R. 415 Merker, C. W. 430 Marshall, Robert S. 432 Marmon, V. B. 501 Massay, J. M. 549-965 Menton, T. P. 618 Martin, J. R. 624 Marquandt, Louis P. 636 Mattingly, Robt. E. 647 Maynard, L. S. 728 MacMullen, Wilson 763 Marshall, L. R. 894 Menge, Edw. 937 May, J. C. 972 Marks, S. D. 1010 Moyer, Chas. H. 17 Morrison, Frank 37-111-141-614-875 Mitchell, John 109-1016 Murphy, J.W. 116 Moores, H.W. 164 Miller, Owen 228-258 Mick, J.O. 293 Morrison, John 297-324-564-811-858 Mountford, Harry 489 Mickle, John B. 603 Murray, C. L. 651 Mills, H.Y. 742 Monck, Richard S. 787 Mosch, Erwin 915 Moorhouse, E. Frank 953 Mulholland, Frank L. 999-1002McEwen, W. G. 41-263-605 McNulty, F. J. 123-409-511 McCalmont, J. A. 165 McCarthy, D. E. 169 McMillan, A. J. 332-480 McCarthy, Frank H. 362-364-486-684 McDonald, John S. 519-761-853 McCarthy, D. E. 709 McConnell, W. J. 719 McCollom, C. E. 741-843 McGill, Pearl 826 McClelland, A. J. 840 McDonald, Hugh 881 McLaughlin, J. J. 996Nockels, E. N. 118 Novelty News Co. 129 Nichols, Olive 267 Noonan, J. P. 413 Nooney, Allutis 560 Nolan, Thos. H. 566-628 Nolte, Geo. A. 596 Nims, Roy 609 Northrop, W. H. 622 Nickols, Otto 670 Nickle, John E. 701 Nuendlein, Chas. 837 O'Brien, John Robert 30-184 O'Brien, Wm. H. 45-46-235-282 O'Sullivan, B. M. 205 O'Daniell, Chas. W. 375-932 O'Connell, Jas. 407-563 O'Rourke, Alice 447-574 O'Mears, Patrick F. 610 Owens, N. L. 652 Odea, M. L. H. 769 O'Neil, John M. 785 Oliver, John 795 O'Donnell, M. N. 855 National Association for the Study & Prevention of Tuberculosis 926 Nirman, L.W. 1030Perkins, C. A. 5 Perry, Edwin 71-921 Post Master, Washington, D.C. 140 Pettigrew, H. F. (Hon.) 145 Pettiprice, R. P. 162 Pope, Robt. Anderson 170 - 237 Picart, O. 206 Parker, G. F. 222 Painter, A. G. 268 Park, Carlton 306 Phillips, A. H. 429 - 683 - 783 Powers, John (Rev.) 454 Perham, H. B. 493 - 791 - 834 - 859 Piggott, W. M. 518 Peterson, Jas. B. 538 Page, Walter H. 539 Phelan, T. A. 540 Patterson, S. Louise (Mrs.) 630 Phillips, John C. 768 Perkins, G. W. 779 - 786 Phillipson, Thos. 784 Parker, T. W. 817 Pierce, A. A. 844 Polian, John 845 Parker, Alton B. (Hon.) 885 -1001 Persion, A. 902 Pease, Lute 947 Parkinson, Thos. I. 957Prince, Samuel 970 Page, L. W. 995 Panilla, Pedro 1003Rappaport, Leo M. 26 Ryan, M. F. 32-594-841 Ross, Wm. U. 34 Reynolds, Jas. P. 50 Robbins, Raymond (Mrs.) 76 Reid, Stuart 90 Reid, J. J. 117 Rollo, W. R. 150-160 Ryan, Jas. R. 218-351 Ross, Thos. A. 247 Riley, Dixon 256-257 Ritchie, J. M. 264 Rae, John 331 Robine, Martin 343 Reisner, Christian F. (Rev.) 367 Rist, Frank L. 384 Rutledge, C. 412 Rinhard, L. S. 436 Rolt-Wheeler, Francis 467 [Richards, L. S. 473] Robertson, John H. 504 Rickert, Thos. A. 505 Rock, J. A. 544 Rich, C. W. 584 Roberts, Harriet N. 589 Russi, C. F. Jr. 657-816-931 Roberts, A. L. 669 Richard, L. S. 705Reach W. W. 675 Richards W. M. 679 Reece Thomas 687 Rickert, Thos. A. 747 Reilly, Jas. M. 765 Russell, H. K. 766 Rochelle, Chas. 772 [Russi C. F. Jr. 816] Roberts, Winslow H. 872 Roach, W. W. 907 Robe, Henry M. E. 946 Robinson, Hugh 971Seidman, Nathan H. 4 Scates, Louis M. 9 Schram, Louis B. 101-377 Scharrenberg, Paul 112 Schram, Louis B. 277 Scully, T. A. 295-322-598 Seibel, Wm. 445 Schwette, Fred 452 Seibold, L. P. 463 Schooley, B. M. 583 Sherman, French & Co. 629 Shipp, Thomas R. 637 Seyfried Henry 681 Schaar, Oscar S. 724 Short, A. C. 777 Shibley, Geo. H. 910 Schlesinger, Alexander 923 Shell, Louis 1032Stuart, Jas. M. 28 Stone, Warren S. 65-197 Simson, M. 68 Smith, John T. 107-108-221-733-819-924 Strang, Harry O. Jr. 119 Slemp, C. B. (Hon.) 128 Skemp, J. C. 137-291-325-418-462-555-652 Symonds, W. 149 Slobodin, Henry L. 172 Skroog, C. A. 215 Sutton, H. 300 Sommers, Wm. H. 321 Spencer, Wm. J. 327-790 Sullivan, Jere L. 338-433 Steele, J. 341 Spencer, John R. 440-550-578-1005 [600] Sullivan, J. W. 482-725 Steckley, C. M. 516 Spaulding, J. N. 517 Sutton, L. C. 527 Skinner, W. O. 541 Soudder, Geo. W. 558 Smith, Henry A. 644 Smith, B. E. 668 Steelman, Seymour 677 Swift, W. H. 698 Sweeney, Jas. J. 700 Somerville, David M. 718Speer, R. E. 740-984 Stine, J. 740-984 Spence, Wm. A. 798 Smale, Wm. H. 872 Siddons, F. L. 886 Smith, O. P. 887 Steele, J. 900 Stoker, Robt. 918 Spelman, F. C. 981 Smith, G. W. (Hon.) 1008 Stokes, Wm. 1025Thompson, C. H. 40 Tveitmoe, O. A. 74 Tilden, L. W. 78 Tylkoff, Jos. 178 - 405 Tracy, Thos. F. 207 - 400 - 403 - 792 Tullis, C. 227 Taylor, J. M. 281 Thomas, R. Y. Jr. (Hon.) 354 Talkes, S. H. 365 Thwing, E. R. 410 Tracy, Wm. J. 502 Trant, Geo. 514 Taylor, Claude A. 554 Terry, Wm. E. 580 Tierney, F. A. 590 - 930 - 994 Terlisner, H. G. 836 Thomas, Frank S. 944 Tittermore, J. N. 949Ullner, Henry 265 - 381 - 638 - 812 Vanderventer, A. F. (Hon.) 449 Viti, Marcel A. 576 Vetter, A. C. 800Wallace, Henry 8 - 105 Wagner, Robt. F. 36 - 180 - 231 Wallace, F. T. D. Jr. 95 - 426 Wheeler, C. A. 174 - 314 Watson, Chas. 217 Walsh, David A. 253 Walker, Henry W. 276 - 372 - 373 - 470 - 570 - 822 White, I. C. 391 Wuldauer, L. 424 Weber, Jos. N. 509 Whytook. W. R. 606 White, John P. 654 White, W. B. 672 Wetz, Herman 696 West, James E. 697 Welch, Thos. E. 716 White, J. B. 737 Watters, F. A. 862 White, C. F. 896 Welk, F. C. 948 West, Oswald (Hon.) 1024, 1033Willis, Hugh 70 Wilson, O. C. 98 - 748 Woll, Matthew 138 Wilt, Thos. R. 189 Williams, S. 239 Woodman, C. W. 287 - 288 - 468 Wyatt, Cal. 315 Wildly, E. G. 342 Wilson, Augustus E. (Hon.) 366 Williams, B. 393 - 586 Williams, John 423 Wierg, Herman 571 - 710 Wilson, Wm. B. 764 Wilkin, Geo. 830 Will, Edgar 857 Willingale, Fred 912 Willis, Hugh 920 Winslow, Chas. H. 956 - 1020 Wilkinson, Jerome M. 969Young, C. O. 171 - 350 - 993 Yates, Chas. A. 382 Young, Grant 528 Yates, John 664 Zevely, H. B. 699 [*699 before Oct. 1. 130 after Oct. 1.*] 1 X. Aug. 14, 1911. [*COPIED. AUG 14 1911*] Mr. Chas. P. Craine, Secretary, Shop Workers' Union #9993, 728 Union Street, Centralia, Illinois. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the ninth instant at hand and contents noted. You say that Local #9993 is a member of the System Federation of the Illinois Central Railroad Company; that trouble is expected at any time if the Company maintains its attitude of refusing to meet the delegates from the System Federation, and you then request advice as to what course should be followed by your organization should the other delegates of the System Federation declare a strike. Now, let me say first, that Vice-President John R. Alpine, as the representative of the A. F. of L., is meeting in conference in Chicago with Mr. F. J. McCreery, representing the System Federation, and [that] with the Officers of the Illinois Central lines, in the endeavor to reach an adjustment of the questions at issue between the Company and the various organizations of its employes as represented by the System Federation. This of course, includes Local #9993. In the meantime, however, I am submitting the entire matter to my colleagues of the Executive Council, for in the event of a controversy arising by reason of which the members of your local as well as the other locals involved, would become out on strike,2 Mr. Chas. P. Craine -2- the members of your organization would expect financial assistance from the Defense Fund ofthe A. F. of L. under the provisions of Article 13 of the Constitution. Copy of the Constitution is enclosed herein, and your attention is directed to Article 13, relating to the defense fund for local trade unions and federal labor unions. You will observe Section 2, Article 13, of the Constitution, provides that in the event of any disagreement between a local union and an employer, which, in the opinion of the local may result in a strike, the union is required to notify the President of the A. F. of L. who will investigate, or cause to be investigated, the disagreement and endeavor to effect an adjustment of the difficulty. If an adjustment is not brought about it will be necessary for the President of the A. F. of L. to notify the Executive Council, and if the Council approve the strike, the union will be notified that it is authorized to enter upon the strike and entitled to the benefits provided by the constitution. Your attention is called further to the same section, wherein it provides imperatively that no strike or lockout shall be deemed legal or moneys expended from the defense fund on that account unless the strike or lockout shall have been recognized by the President and approved by the Executive Council. Your attention is also called to Section 7, Article 13, which reads as follows: "No union inaugurating a strike without the approval of the Executive Council shall receive benefits on account of said strike." As stated above, I am submitting the entire matter to the Executive Council of the American Federation of Labor, and will advise you just as soon as a decision is reached. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.3 X. Aug. 14, 1911. [*COPIED. AUG 14 1911*] Mr. Marshall Johnston, Secretary, Trades Council, 114 1/2 S. Alamo Street, San Antonio, Texas. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the fifth instant is received, and contents carefully noted. You invite me to visit San Antonio, while on route to California. As my arrangements now stanf, I shall leave this city on August 17 for an organizing trip through the west and to the Pacific Coast, starting back East about September 25th. I considered for a time the matter of returning through Texas, but found that I could not so arrange it. I should like to accept your invitation a nd visit San Antonio, and hope that I shall be able to do so sometime in the future, al though deprived of the pleasure of a visit on this trip. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.4 Aug. 14, 1911. COPIED. AUG 14 1911 Mr. Nathan H. Seidman, Chairman Lecture Committee, The Civic Forum, Kaplan School Building, Brooklyn, N. Y. Dear Sir: Your favor of the 9th instant is received, and contents noted. You state that you are planning a course of lectures to be held on Sunday evenings on and after October first, and ask me to deliver an address during the coming season. I regret that it is impossible for me just now to give you an affirmative reply. On Thursday, August 17, I am to start on an organization and lecturing trip to the west and through the Pacific Coast States. I expect to be away from headquarters about six weeks, returning here the first of October. On the second Monday in November the Convention of the A. F. of L. will meet in Atlanta, and after my return to headquarters I shall have to prepare extensive reports to be made to that convention, as well as attend to the correspondence which will accumulate in my absence. If you will write to me later, I will be able to plan my engagements for the winter, and may then be able to accept your kind invitation. With best wishes, I am, Very truly yours, Sam Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.5 COPIED. AUG 14 1911 X. Aug. 14, 1911. Mr. C. A. Perkins, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, Brownwood, Texas. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 7th instant is received, in which you enclose an article form the Rev. John Power, for use in the symposium in the September issue of the American Federationist, for which please accept my thanks. With best wishes, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.6 X. Aug. 14, 1911. COPIED. AUG 14 1911 Mr. A. L. Dever, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, 382 Main Street, St. John, N. B. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 8th instant is received and contents noted. Many thanks for the articles from Mr. Hathaway, and Senator Ellis. They will appear in the September issue, and extra copies will be sent you for these gentlemen, as per your request. I enclose you herein a new manual, as you state yours was accidentally destroyed. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.7 COPIED. AUG 14 1911 X. Aug. 14, 1911. Mr. W. Howard Horne, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, Commercial Tribune Bldg., Cincinnati, O. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the third instant is received and contents noted. Your commission does not expire until August 17th, at which time I will be glad to renew it and send you new one. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers. president, American Federation of Labor. x. Aug. 14, 1911. Mr. Henry Wallace, President, Third National Conservation Congress, c/o conservation Congress, Kansas City, Mo. Dear Sir: Your favor of the 9th instant is received in which you extend me an invitation to be present, and name five delegates to represent our Conservation Committee, at the Third National Conser- vation Congress, which will be held in Kansas City, September 25,26, 27. I thank you for your kind invitation, but fear I shall be unable to attend the congress. On Thursday, Augest 17, I am to start on an organization and lecture trip through the pacific coast States, which will cover a period of about six weeks, returning to my office about October first. However, I desire to say that I am now endeavoring to arrange with Vice-President John Mitchell, member of our Conservation Committee, to be present at the congress. Very truly yours, President, American Federation of labor.9 X. Aug. 14, 1911. Mr. Louis M. Scates, 9 Gilbert Avenue, Haverhill, Mass. COPIED. AUG 14 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the tenth instant is received, in which you enclose article from Alderman Joe W. Bean, for use in the symposium in the September issue of the American Federationist. Please accept my thanks. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.10 Mr. Andrew Furuseth----2. of your views. However, we can speak of this further when we meet in San Francisco. With best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. P.S. Your letter was the first intimation of the matter. Since then I received two letters on the subject, both express the same view as you did. Not a word on the subject from the other side. SG11 See page 10 for 2nd page of letter. Z August 14, 1911. Mr. Andrew Furuseth, President, International Seamen's Union of America, 44-46 East St., San Francisco, Calif. COPIED. AUG 14 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: I have given the subject matter of your letter of the 6th instant further consideration. You will observe that my other letter in response to it was merely a formal acknowledgment. I also noted with interest the clipping you enclose. It is very regrettable that ample opportunity was not afforded you as well as any other officer or delegate in the Labor Council. The question of the appointment of a committee to visit the unions in order to urge the membership to register as advised in their respective districts is one against which, without any other information upon the subject, I can see no good grounds for objection. Of course if the mere proposition is to be used for a ulterior purpose, that is quite a different thing. The membership is urged to register so that they may be in a position to exercise their political powers to protect and promote their rights and interests, and I repeat that there does not seem to me to be any good ground for objection to the original proposition. In any event, you should have had full opportunity for the presentation12 Z August 14, 1911 [*COPIED AUG 14 1911*] Major J. E. Bloom, 2025 Cropsey Avenue, Brooklyn, N. Y. My dear Major Bloom: Your very interesting favor of the 6th instant has been duly received and contents noted. As I am preparing to leave the City in the course of a day or two for an organizing and lec- turing trip through the west and along the Pacific Coast, I am, therefore, so crowded that it will be impossible for me now to take up the matter about which you write, although I am greatly interested in it. I do not expect to return before the first of October, when I hope that we may be able to continue the correspondence. I want to congratulate you upon your promotion. I know it must be most gratifying to you. Again expressing pleasure at hearing from you and with best wishes, I am Sincerely yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.13 Z August 14, 1911. Mr. George Kettler, Wooster, Ohio. COPIED. AUG 14 1911 My dear Mr. Kettler: It was a very great pleasure to me to have the opportunity of meeting you upon the occasion of my recent brief visit to Wooster, and have the conversation with you upon the various subjects which we discussed. The incident in connection with my visit and meeting and talking with and hearing the address and attending the banquet tendered to Mr. Bryan were all exceedingly interesting as well as "the opportunity of introducing Mr. Bryan to the audience at the great gathering that evening. It was indeed an exceedingly enjoyable occasion. I am taking the opportunity of sending to you under separate cover some of our printed matter which I think you will find of interest, and which I trust you will take the opportunity of reading. Trusting that we may have the pleasure of again meeting at some time in the near future, I am Very sincerely yours, Sam Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.14 X. Aug. 12, 1911. [*COPIED. AUG 14 1911*] Mr. Clarence Gaumer, Secretary-Treasuer Indiana State Federation of Labor, 433 Lemcke Building, Indianapolis, Ind. Dear Sir and Brother: I was very glad to receive and to note the contents of your letter of August tenth. The estimate which I expressed to you in my letter of the 8th instant is fully verified, for it was simply an act of overzealousness, rather than to engage in an enterprize which was really an invasion of the duties imposed by the official representatives of organized labor at the Indianapolis conference. You can understand that under the arrangements which you proposed for the sale and disposition of the McNamara buttons which you issued , no system of supervision can be had, and it is not sure that any returns will be made from the profits for the local sales of them. Under the arrangements of the McNamara Ways and Means Committee, every button ordered, and every cent received from the sale of them will be properly accounted for and utilized for the defense of the McNamaras and the prosecution of the kidnappers. In view of the explanation you have given of the course you write you will pursue in the premises, I have no hesitancy in saying that the entire matter may be regarded as a closed incident.15 Mr. Clarence Gaumer -2- WIth best wishes, and hoping to hear form you at your convenience, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.16 X. Aug. 13, 1911. Mr. A. J. Emmerton, Secretary, Local Union #112, United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, Box 623, Butte, Montana. [*COPIED. AUG 14 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the fifth instant to hand and contents noted. In a letter from Brother Frank Duffy, Secretary of the United Brotherhood, he sends me a copy of your letter to me of August third, and I should say that I am in receipt of a letter from Brother Charles Moyer, President of the Western Federation of Miners, in whichhe advises me that he has corresponded with his locals of the Western Federation of Miners located at Butte, so that they also will have a committee present, and we may have a joint conference on the occasion of my visit to Butte. In view of the hostile forces arrayed against our movement, now more than ever is it essential for us to organize, and unite, and federate the forces of the working people of our country in order to protect and advance the rights and interests of our fellow workers. With best wishes, and anticipating the pleasure of our early meeting, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.17 X. August 13, 1911. Mr. Charles H. Moyer, President, Western Federation of Miners, 605 Railroad Building, Denver, Colorado. [*COPIED. AUG 14 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the ninth instant to hand and contents noted with interest. Of course you can understand that it is not my desire to enter into and certainly not to provoke any controversy between any organizations of labor, or the men representing them. Indeed, it has been my aim and a considerable part of my work to endeavor to allay contentions and controversies. However, when matters are brought to my attention through official sources, I have no right to disregard them. I am greatly pleased to know that you will correspond or have already corresponded with your locals at Butte, advising them to have a representative to meet with the representatives of the Carpenters and Joiners' local and myself, and I join in the hope you express that an amicable adjustment may be reached. In view of the hostile forces arrayed against our movement, now more than ever is it essential for us to organize, and unite, and federate the forces of the working people of our country in order to protect and advance the rights and interests of our fellow workers.18 Mr. Charles H. Moyer -2- I shall, of course, furnish a copy of your letter to Secretary Duffy and express to him the sentiments similar to those contained herein, which I trust will be helpful in bringing about less friction and more harmony and co-operation between the representatives of your organization and the U.B. of Carpenters. Permit me to express my appreciation of your good wishes for the success of my trip to the Pacific Coast States. I am to leave here Thursday morning, and will be due at Denver about one o'clock Saturday afternoon, and if you are in town I shall be pleased to see you. If I can, I will visit your office. No doubt my time will be pretty well occupied, but there ought to be a few minutes at least, in which I can meet you and your colleagues, and have, even if only a brief, pleasant and interesting chat. I am not now sure whether my return trip will bring me to Denver. With best wishes, and hopes for success for yourself, your organization, and the general labor movement, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.19 X. Aug. 12, 1911. Mr. Frank Duffy, Secretary, United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners, Carpenters' Building, Indianapolis, Indiana. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 9th instant, in which you enclose a copy of letter received by you under date of August third, from Secretary A. J. Emmerton, of Butte, Montana, came duly to hand and contents noted. I beg to say that by the same mail I received a letter from Brother Emmerton, conveying the same information, that is, that Local #112 of Butte, has appointed a committee for the purpose of conferring on the occasion of my visit to Butte on August 24. I should say that I am in receipt of a letter from Mr. Charles Moyer, President of the Western Federation of Miners, and for your information enclose a copy of the same herein. I have written in reply, and enclose a copy of that letter herein also. Permit me to express the hope that in view of the absolute necessity for unity of action among the organized forces of labor, I trust that the conference which is to be held at Butte between the representatives of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, and the Western Federation of Miners, with me, may be productive of good results. Of course, it has been and is my aim not to ignore existing points of difference, but to particularly endeavor to be helpful in having our fellow unionists reach some [*COPIED. AUG 14 1911*]20 Mr. Frank Buffy -2- point of harmony and co-operation. Inasmuch as President Moyer has followed this suggestion, and you have done likewise, I assume that it would be the course of wisdom to, at least for the present, avoid the necessity of discussing the controversial questions by correspondence. With best wishes, and hopes for success, and asking to be remembered to our friends and colleagues, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.21 X. Aug 13, 1911. [*Copied. Aug 14, 1911*] Hon. Henry D. Clayton, Chairman, Judiciary Committee, House of Representatives, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: Hon. Alton B. Parker did me the honor this afternoon to call at the office of the American Federation of Labor, and spoke of the pleasant and interesting conference he had with yourself and the Democratic Members of the Judiciary Committee. He stated that at the request of yourself and your colleagues, he would furnish you with the concurring opinion of Mr. Justice Van Orsdel, or the Court of Appeals of the District of Columbia, in the decision of the court in the case, "The American Federation of Labor, et al, appellants, v. The Buck's Stove and Range Company, #1916, decided March 11, 1909". Judge Parker requested me to forward to you a copy of the decision, and especially the concurring opinion of Mr. Justice Van Orsdel. I take pleasure in complying with the Judge's request, and hand you herewith copy of the entire decision of the Court of Appeals, being the opinion of the Court as delivered by Mr. Justice Robb, the concurring opinion of Mr. Justice Van Orsdel, and the dissenting opinion of Mr. Chief Justice Shepard. The opinion of Mr. Justice Van Orsdel is found upon pages 325 to 332, inclusive,22 Hon. Henry D. Clayton -2- of the April, 1909, issue of the American Federationist. I am also forwarding a few copies of the above issue of the American Federationist for your colleagues of the Judiciary Committee. If you can without inconvenience to yourself, see that these are placed in the hands of these gentlemen. I shall appreciate it. Thanking you in advance, and with kindest regards, I am, Very truly yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.23 L. August 14, 1911. Mr. George Gothier, Recording Secretary, Central Labor Union, 905 Hampton Street, Scranton, Pennsylvania. [*COPIED. AUG 14 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of August 7 received and contents noted. You give in detail the case of the Steam Fitters Local Union and the Plumbers Local Union, about which I wrote you on July 24. I have, therefore, written to the secretary of the Steam Fitters Local #71, giving him a copy of your letter to me and advising him that the entire matter should be taken up by the officers of their respective International organizations. With kind regards and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President American Federation of Labor.24 L. August 14, 1911. Mr. M. R. Beattie, Secretary, Local #71, International Association of Steam Fitters 430 Pear Street, Scranton, Pennsylvania. Dear Sir and Brother: In continuation of my letter to you of July 24 in regard to the protest you made against the action of the Central Labor Union of Scranton, in placing the firm Gaylord & Eitapence upon the "We don't patronize" list, as I stated to you, I took the matter up with the secretary of that Central Body. I am now in receipt of a reply from him in which he says: "Yours of July 24th inst. received relating to the complaint made to you by the Steam Fitters Local Union No. 71. In reply we wish to state that the Central Labor Union did not originate the boycott against the firm of Gaylord & Eitapence as reported. The boycott was placed by Local Union No. 524 Steam Fitters and Helpers Union under the jurisdiction of the United Plumbers Union of America. When the new local was formed of Steam Fitters some of the men employed by the above firm joined the new organization and when the firm heard of it they fired the men after the complaint was brought in to our Body a Committee was appointed to investigate when they submitted their report they stating that they could not get any satisfaction and that the firm refused to reinstate the men. The report of the Committee was received and the boycott endorsed. We also wish to state that at the time the Local Union No. 71 of Steam Fitters made their complaint they were not affiliated with the Central Labor Union. In view of the above, that is, that the trouble is really between your Local and the Local of the Plumbers Association, [*COPIED. AUG 14 1911*][*25*] Mr. M. R. Beattie--2 I suggest that the matter should be taken up with the executive officers of your respective International organizations. With kind regards, I remain, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. AUG 14 1911*]26 August 14, 1911. L. Mr. Leo M. Rappaport, Law Building, Indianapolis, Indiana COPIED. AUG 14 1911 My dear Mr. Rappaport: Your favor of July 31, addressed to Secretary Morrison, has been duly received and in his absence has been referred to me. Of course, if for technical reasons you took up the Toledo cases and the expense involved is not large, why, that is well and good, but you can readily understand that we have enough on our hands in the effort to raise funds to defend our own men and to prosecute the kidnappers. Apart from this and from what is published in regard to the Toledo case, it seems rather unfortunately that the men involved were of such as alleged unsavory character. However, some indirect benefit has come of it by the order of Mayor Shank, of Indianapolis, to the Chief of Police, that all cases involving arrest on extradition papers must go before either the Superior Court or the Criminal Court. If this action of Mayor Shank's has been taken some months ago a great outrage would have been avoided. Yes, it is unfortunate that money is not coming in as fast as we should like to have it, particularly in view of the pressing telegrams received from Mr. Darrow. We have already sent him, up to and including August 10, $85,000.00. We practically received27 Mr. Leo M. Rappaport--2 little or nothing since then, although much more may come in in the near future. We are doing everything in our power and are leaving no effort untried, and if we can we shall endeavor to comply with your request. I am pleased to note your expression that it is necessary to supply Mr. Darrow with funds even before you would expect to receive any further remittance. In this, too, we hope to do our level best so as to meet all justifiable requests. Reciprocating your kind regards, I am, Very truly yours, [*Saml Gompers*] President American Federation of Labor.28 August 13, 1911 Z August 13, 1911 Mr. James M. Stuart, member, COPIED Coshocton City Council, AUG 14 1911 630 Bower Avenue, Coshocton, Ohio. Dear Sir: Your favor of August 9th received and contents noted. You say that the Central Body at Coshocton has requested you to deliver an address before that body Labor Sunday, and you therefore desire data and information as to the origin of Labor Sunday in order that you may be properly prepared to make the address. I beg to say that at the Toronto Convention of the Ameri- can Federation of Labor, 1909, a resolution was introduced and adopted by the Convention as follows: "WHEREAS, The churches and the clergy are taking a grow- ing interest in the study of the labor movement; and WHEREAS, Many of the ministers of the various denomina- tions are indicating that interest, in part, by a public discussion in their pulpits of the problems of the toilers; and WHEREAS, It would be an advantage to both church and labor to select a special day upon which the attention of all classes may be concentrated upon the questions which concern the tellers: therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Sunday preceding the first Monday in September be officially designated by the American Federation of Labor as "Labor Sunday", and that the churches of America be re- quested to devote some part of this day to a presentation of the labor question: and be it further RESOLVED, That the various central and local labor bodies be requested to co-operate in every legitimate way with the ministers who thus observe Labor Sunday, seeking, with them, to secure as large an audience of workingmen and others as possible."29 Mr. James M. Stuart ----2. At the meeting of the Executive Council of the A. F. of L., held in January, 1910, the subject matter of Resolution #122 was considered and was referred to the undersigned for editorial comment in the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST and with the further direction that the affiliated City Central Bodies and the labor press should be requested to co-operate toward the observance of Labor Sunday. In the August, 1910, issue of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST, I editorially dwelt on this subject, copy of which you will find enclosed herein. A circular letter was also addressed to all of the city central bodies and to the labor press requesting their co-operation in having Labor Sunday fittingly commemorated and observed in their respective cities. The replies received indicate that the observance of Labor Sunday was quite general. This was equally true of Labor Sunday in 1910, and I have no doubt will be true of the forthcoming Labor Sunday. I contemplate having an editorial upon the subject in the forthcoming issue of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST, which will be out on August 24th. I would suggest that you should secure a copy of it. You should be able to get it from the news stands of your city. If there is any further information which I can give you please advise me. Very truly yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. P.S. Enclosed you will please find a copy of a printed letter to Ministers of the Gospel issued by this office and which has been very widely distributed during the past few years. S.G.30 X. Aug. 13, 1911. COPIED AUG 14 1911 Mr. John Robert O'Brien, c/o Moose Club, Buffalo, New York. My dear Mr. O'Brien: Your kind favor of August the tenth to hand and contents noted. I was really glad to hear from you, and sincerely hope that you are in the enjoyment of good health. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your good wishes. Under separate cover I am sending you a pamphlet and a little leaflet which you may find interesting reading. I am also sending you a copy of the resolution adopted at a recent conference of the editors of labor papers, held at Chicago the end of July. It is as follow: "RESOLVED, by the editors of Official Journals and Magazines of Labor Organizations in Conference assembled at Chicago, Illinois, this 31st day of July, 1911; That, if our Republican Institutions and Free Government is to be maintained and the rights and liberties of our common people sustained and maintained the inalienable constitutional rights of free speech and of free press must be maintained at all hazards. We commend the stand taken by President Gompers in his heroic action in sustaining these precious rights and privileges. We further declare and pledge ourselves individually and collectively to never surrender these rights, and to do everything within our power to maintain and forever perpetuate the right of free speech and a free press." You did not say in the letter to which convention you are to lead a delegation to Detroit the week of August 21st. Let me know if you can by return mail.31 Mr. J. R. O'Brien - 2- Shortly I am to go on an extended trip to the Pacific Coast States, where I trust I may be helpful in the cause of our fellow workers. Again thanking you for your letter and your good wishes, and hoping to hear from you at your convenience, I am, with best wishes, Yours very truly, [*Saml Gompers*] President, American Federation of Labor.[*32*] Mr. J. N. O'Brien -2- Shortly I am to go on an extended trip to the Pacific. coast States. fellow work A [?] your lette L. and hoping to hear from you at your convenience, I am, with Wishes, Yours very truly, President, American Federation August 14th, 1911 Mr. M. F. Ryan, President, Brotherhood of Railway Carmen of America, 503 Hall Building, Kansas City, Missouri. Dear Sir and Brother: Enclosed you will please find copy of a letter, undated. which was received here August 1 from Mr. V. A. Gindra, and also duplicate copy of my reply, both of which I request that you accept as part of this communication to you and act conformity therewith. Trusting that I may hear from you in regard to the enclosed, I remain, Fraternally yours, [*Saml. Gompers*] President American Federation of Labor Enclosures.(COPY) Mr. Frank Morrison, Sec. A. F. of L. Ouray Building, Washington, D.C. Dear Sir and Brother: For the past two or three months the question of the amal- gamation of the two organizations of carmen has been discussed by a few of the members of both organizations here in Chicago. Some of these men (none of them Grand Lodge officers) have asked me what I thought of the movement to try again, I said that I certainly approced of the movement and would do all I could, in my humble way, to help devise ways and means to bring the two organizations together. Nothing more was said of it until last week when it was again dis- cussed. What suggestions have you to offer this handful of men, who are trying to bring about the amalgamation of these two bodies and make one of the largest organized crafts in the country. I wish to say further that none of these men are seeking an office. We thought we would like to get in touch with the Secretaries of every system federation of the railroad employees dept. of the A. F. of L. Will you send the names and addresses of these secretaries. I was talking to Brother James Kirby of the Building Trades Dept. of the A. F. of L. and he suggested that it would be a wise plan to ask you to treat this matter confidentially until we got under good headway toward amalgamation. With best wishes I am, Your fraternally, (Signed) V. A. Gindra 10853 State Street, Chicago, Ill. P. S. Hope to receive an early reply. V.A.G.34 X. Aug. 14, 1911. COPIED. AUG 14 1911 Mr. William H. Ross, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, Box 526, Oil City, Pa. Dear Sir and Brother: Your telegram is just received in which you desire to know if the A. F. of L. can furnish a speaker for Labor Day. You say that you have written twice, but I have no record of the receipt of any such letter from you. In reply let me say that the A. F. of L. cannot and does not undertake to furnish Labor Day Speakers. I would suggest that you take the matter up with the executive officers of the Pennsylvania State Federation of Labor, who may be able to put you in communication with an available speaker, with not so much expense to the labor movement of Oil City. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*35*] [*COPIED. AUG 14 1911*] Washington, D. C., Aug.14 1[911] Mr. John E. Bray, Secretary, Convention, Amalgamated Sheet Metal Workers' International Alliance, Chicago, Ill. Your telegram received. Please convey to the assembled officers and delegates of your convention the appreciation of the McNamara Ways and Means Committee as well as myself of the action taken for raising funds for the defense of the McNamara brothers. Best wishes for success. SAMUEL GOMPERS, President American Federation of Labor. Charge A. F. of L.36 COPIED. X. Aug. 14, 1911. COPIED. AUG 14 1911 Mr Robert F. Wagner, 51 Chambers Street, New York City. Dear Sir: Your telegram of recent date is received, in which you notify me that the Commission appointed by Governor Dix will meet For organization on Thursday, August 17th, at ten A. M. at 165 Broadway, New York City, and you request that I shall attend the meeting. In reply I regret exceedingly to say that it will not be within my power to be present. On the 17th I leave Washington for An organizing and lecturing trip through the West and the Pacific Coast, and will not return here until the first week in October. I would thank you, however, if you will kindly have mailed to my office copy of the minutes of this meeting. Again expressing my regret at my inability to attend the meeting, I am, Very sincerely yours, Saml. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.COPIED. X. Aug. 14, 1911. Mr Frank Morrison, Secretary, American Federation of Labor, The Newark, South Carolina Avenue, Atlantic City, N. J. My dear Mr Morrison: Your letter of the 13th instant to hand and contents noted. I will invite the resident members of the McNamara Ways and Means Committee to attend a meeting here eight o'clock, Wednesday evening. I do not know that we shall have a long session, but I should very much like to have the opportunity of going over a number of matters with you before that meeting. In as much as you will leave Atlantic City at 2:15, why not come to the office, and we can talk over a number of things. Hoping you are having a pleasant and enjoyable time, and with kind regards, I am, Fraternally yours, President, American Federation of Labor.[*38*] Z August 15, 1911. COPIED. AUG 15 1911 Mr. A. H. Gray, President, Central Labor Council, Smith's Hall, Medford, Oregon. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of August 7th is received and contents noted. Were I in a position to visit Medford during the course of my trip through the West and on the Pacific Coast I should be glad to do so, but it is absolutely out of my power. From the day of my leaving Washington, August 17th, until starting back on my return trip from Sacramento on Sept. 25th, my itinerary has been made up. It will be six weeks of continuous travelling, addresses, committee meetings and conferences. As the itinerary now stands, it will be phyicall impossible for me to make any additional engagements. Should you be able to visit Portland while I am there I should be glad to have the opportunity of seeing you. With kind regards and best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. 39 Z August 15, 1911. [*COPIED AUG 15 1911*] Mon. William E. Borah, United States Senate, Washington, D.C. My dear Senator: I have just had the opportunity of looking over the report of the Senate Committee on Investigation of the Administration of the Criminal Law by Federal Officials, and I feel that I must write you a word to express my gratification at the report. I have requested Senator Frandegee to have a dozen copies of the report sent to me, as I can use them to advantage. Expressing my appreciation of your valuable work along these lines, I am Very truly yours, Sam Gompers [signature] President, American Federation of Labor.10 Z August 15, 1911. COPIED. AUG 16 1911 Mr. C. H. Thompson, Secretary, Astoria Central Labor Council, Bosa 642, Astoria, Oregon. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of August 9th is received and contents noted. I should indeed be glad to be in a position to accept your invita- tion to visit Astoria during the course if my trip through the west and on the Pacific Coast, but it will be absolutely out of my power to do so. My itinerary has been made up from the day of my leaving Washington August 17th until starting back on my return trip from Sacramento September 25th. It will be six weeks of continuous travelling, addresses, conferences and committee meet- ings. As the itinerary now stands, it will be physically im- possible for any additional engagement to be made. Should you be able to visit Portland while I am there I should be glad to have opportunity of seeing you. Reciprocating your good wishes, with kind regards, and hoping to hear from you further, I am Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers [signature] President, American Federation of Labor.41 COPIED AUG 15 1911 3 August 15, 1911. Mr. W. E. McEven, Secretary-Treasurer, Minnesota State-Federation of Labor, Manhattan Building, Duluth, Minn. Dear Sir and Brother: I have just been able to reach your favor of August 31, contents of which are noted. I presume you have been made acquainted with the fact before this that we made arrangements so that Organizer Chubbuck should continue his work until the 15th of this month. That is the very best which we could do and he was advised to arrange maters so as to close up his work on that date. I note what you say in regard to the story by Detective Burns in the August issue of McClures. You say that there should be an article prepared for general circulation an answer to this story, that you come in contact with a number of people naturally sympathetic with our cause but who, because of Burns' previous record of going after people in high and low places, believe the story in McClures. Let me say that we have just prepared a pamphlet on the McNamars case which we expect to widely distribute. A copy of this is sent to you under separate cover. If you can use any of these to advantage by distributing them among the parties to when you refer, please advise and we will be glad to send a number of copies to you. 42 Mr. W. E. McEwen---2. I am glad to know that the convention of the Minnesota State Federation of Labor was so successful. I congratulate you and your colleagues upon the election of Mr. E. G. Hall as President. With kind regards and hoping to hear from you often. I am Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*43*] [*COPIED AUGUST 15 1911*] Z August 15, 1911. Hon. Frank B. Brandegee. United States Senate, Washington, D. C. My dear Senator: I want to thank you for your note of August 5th, in which you enclose a copy of the report made by the Senate Committee to investigate the Administration of the Criminal Law by Federal Officials. I note with a great deal of interest and gratification that your committee in its report unanimously condemns the extradition of a person accused of crime without opportunity having been afforded to test the legality of the proceeding by which the party so accused is arrested and extradited. I would appreciate it very much if you would kindly direct that a dozen copies of this report be sent to me. I can use them to advantage. May I inquire when the report of the hearings before your committee will be out? I should be exceedingly glad to receive a copy as soon as the hearings are printed. Very truly yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. 44 Z August 15, 1911. Mr. Frank W. Cotterill, Organizer, 106 East 12th Street, Medford, Oregon. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of August 7th is received and contents noted. I should indeed be glad to be in a position to accept your invitation to visit Medford during the course of my trip through the west and on the Pacific Coast, but it will be absolutely out of my power to do so. My itinerary has been made up from the day of my leaving Washington August 17th until starting back on my return trip from Sacramento September 25th. It will be six weeks of continuous traveling, addresses, conferences and committee meetings. As the itinerary now stands, it will be physically impossible for any additional engagement to be made. Should you be able to visit Portland while I am there I should be glad to have the opportunity of seeing you. Reciprocating your good wishes, with kind regards and hoping to hear from you further, I am Fraternally yours, President, American Federation of Labor.45 COPIED. AUG 15 1911 45 Z August 18, 1911. TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: This is to certify that Mr. William H. O'Brien of Boston, Mass., is appointed as the representative of the American Federation of Labor to attend the third annual convention of the American Institute on Criminal Law and Criminology, which will be held in Boston, Mass., Sept. 1-2, 1911. Very truly yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.46 August 15, 1911 COPIED. August 15, 1911 8 Mr. William H. O'Brien, President, Central Labor Union, 987 Washington St., Boston, Mass. Dear Sir and Brother: The American Institute of Criminal Law and Criminology will hold its third annual convention in Boston September 1-2. The Institute is doing a great work in scientific study of criminal law, prison reform, reform of criminal procedure, and similar subjects. The acting chairman of the committee on cooperation with other organizations has requested me to appoint a representative of the A.F. of L. to attend this convention. Knowing your ability and as you are located in Boston, I would be glad to have you act as A.F. of L. representative and therefore enclose to you herein a credential. I should be pleased to have you make a report to me as to the work of the convention. With kind regards and best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Sam Compano President, American Federation of Labor. 47 Z August 15, 1911. COPIED. August 15 1911 Mr. W.O. Hart, Acting Chairman, Committee on Cooperation with other Organizations, American Institute of Criminal Law and Criminology, 134 Carondelet St., New Orleans, La. Dear Sir: Replying to yours of August 4th, I beg to advise you that Mr. Williams H. O'Brien of Boston, Mass., has been appointed as the official representative of the American Federation of Labor to attend the third annual convention of the American Institute of Criminal Law and Criminology, which will be held in Boston, September 1-2, 1911. Mr. O'Brien is President of the Boston Central Labor Union. Any communication which you may desire to send him should be addressed to him at 1987 Washington St,, Boston, Mass. It should be needless for me to assure you of the deep interest which I have n any line of work which has for its purpose the study of criminal law, prison reform, reform of criminal procedures, etc., etc. In connection with this subject, let me suggest that you request Senator Frank Brandagee to send you a copy of the report of the hearings before the Senate Committee on the Investigation 48 Mr. W. O. Hart---2. of the Administration of Criminal Law by Federal Officials. I appeared before that committee. The hearings have not as yet been printed but I have no doubt they will be out in the near future. Very truly yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.19 Z August 15, 1911 COPIED. August 15 1911 NO.67. EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, AMERICAN FEDERALTION OF LABOR. COLLEAGUE: The American Institute of Criminal Law and Criminology will hold its third annual convention in Boston, Mass., Sept. 1-2, 1911 I have been requested to appoint a representative of the A.F. of L. to attend that convention and in compliance therewith I have issued a credential to Mr. William H. O'Brien, President of the Boston, Mass., Central Labor Union. The Institute is making a scientific study of criminal law, prison reform, reform of criminal procedure, and similar subjects. The Executive Council will please advise me if the appointment of Mr. O'Brien in the capacity indicated above is approved. With best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, President, American Federation of Labor.50 COPIED. August 15, 1911 Z August 15, 1911 Mr. James P. Reynolds, Secretary, Tile Layers and Helpers International Union, Harmony, Pa. Dear Sir and Brother: Secretary Morrison has handed to me your letter to him under date of August 7th, to which he has made partial reply. Referring to the matter of contributions to the McNamara Defense Fund, you say that you are advised by your local union, to whom you addressed an appeal sometime ago, requesting them to make contributions to this fund, that they are making their contributions through the central bodies, and you say that you believe the aggregate sum collected through donations from your locals and your International Union will more than average the twenty-five cents per member called for. I beg to say in reply that the Central Bodies have not been requested to contribute or to have the local unions represented therein contribute twenty-five cents per number to the McNamara Defense Fund. This request has been made through the International Unions so as to make sure that every local of every International will be requested and urged to contribute the full amount asked for. 51 Mr. James P. Reynolds---2. As to your reference to the A.F. of L. making a donation from its "big fund", let me say that you are entirely mistaken as to the A. F. of L. having any "big fund". As a matter of fact we have in the defense fund about $65,000.00 contributed by the directly affiliated local unions to be used in case of strike or lockout. This fund cannot e touched except for the purpose for which it was created and as met forth by Article 13 of the Constitution of the A.F. of L. Were the officers or the A. F. of L. to attempt to use that fund for any purpose other than that for which it was created it would be dishonest and a defalcation. We date not take one cent from that fund for any other purpose than for the assistance of the directly affiliated local union involved in a strike or lockout. We are doing our full duty in trying to raise sufficient funds for the defense of the McNamara Brothers and for the prosecution of the kidnappers. At the same time we are also doing our full duty for the purpose of uniting and federating the toilers of our country into one solid phalanx under the banner of the American Federation of Labor. By order of the McNamara Ways and Means Committee, a pamphlet has been issued, a copy of which is sent you under separate cover. It is commended to you thoughtful and careful consideration. With best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, President, American Federation of Labor. Hon. John K. Beach August 11,1911. 865 Chapel Street, New Haven, Connecticut. My dear Judge Beach: Your favor of the 4th instant to Secretary Morrison, in his absence has been turned over to me for a reply. I too regret that the error should have been made by the Clerk of the United States Circuit Court of Appeals. I suppose, however, that we can do nothing but bide the time when the proper payment can be made covering the cost as determined by the court. I wish you would keep me advised as the matter proceeds, not only as regards the collection of the costs but also in the case, that is, when this matter can be brought to trial. Very truly yours, President, American Federation of Labor. August, 15, 1911 Mr. Albert Hibbert, General Secretary United Textile workers of America, P. O. Box 742, Fall River, Mane. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of August 11th has been received and contents noted. Your previous letter, written while you were in Toronto, was received as you were duly advised, during my absence, and was placed with a number of other letters awaiting my personal attention. I have just been able to take up all of these matters while endeavoring to completely clear my desk before starting on my trip west on the 17th. As directed by the convention of the A. F. of L., I shall make an organizing and lecturing trip throughout the west and along the pacific coast generally, not returning before the first of October. Now as to the matter of issuing credentials to one or more representatives of the Textile Workers in Toronto for the purpose of soliciting funds, I beg to say that there have been so many appeals of this character sent out and so many appeals being sent out that my judgement is against the insurance of any further credentials or appeals for financial assistance at this time. As you know, we are bonding every possible effort and urging every member of the organized labor movement to contribute less than 54 Mr. Albert Hibbert---2. twenty-five cents each to the fund to be used for the defense of the [?] Brothers and for the prosecution of their kidnappers. We have already issued a number of different circulars, circular letters, and anticipate issuing additional letters in behalf of the defense of the incarcerated men in Los Angeles. Under these circumstances I am sure you will agree with me that it would not be practicable or wise to make appeals for any other purpose. With kind regards and best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, [Samuel Gompers] President, American Federation of Labor.[*55*] Z August 15,1911. Mr. James T. Galligan, Organizer, 1203 Ridge Row, Scranton, Pa. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of recent date has been duly received and contents noted. As I have written you before, there is no possibility now of your appointment as salaried organizer for the A. F. of L. I am not an employer of labor and I have no means. The American Federation of Labor has no means. It is hardly a fair comparison you make that when the surgeon finds a man with his leg or his arm in bad condition the surgeon performs an operation and relieves the sufferer. It is not fair to make that application in the case between you and me. No matter how much I may desire to do so, and I do desire to be of assistance, yet, as I say, I have no means and neither have I the opportunity. I trust that you will yet be able to find remunerative and congenial employment. With assurances of my best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. AUG 15 1911*]56 Z August 15, 1911. Mr. B. D. Detweiler, President, The Algoma Power Co., Berlin, Canada, *COPIED AUG 15 1911* My dear Sir: In going through a number of papers and accumulated letters on my desk I find your letter of some weeks ago, in which you enclose a memorial on "The Peace Movement and Organized Labor". You ask my opinion of the memorial. I have not had the opportunity of going through it and I presume now that any opinion I might care to express would be too late to be of any advantage to you. How- ever, I desire to say that organized labor of the country has repeatedly declared in favor of international peace. In connec- tion with this entire subject matter your attention is called to the report I had the honor of making to to the Norfolk Convention of the American Federation of Labor, held in Norfolk, Va., November, 1907, copy of which you will find enclosed herein. That sec- tion of my report dealing with international Peace will be found on page 13. It is commended to your thoughtful consideration With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you again, I am Very truly yours, President, Samuel Gompers American Federation of Labor. *Im dealing with the budget in an editorial in Relief American [?]*[*57*] [*COPIED. AUG 15 1911*] Z August 5, 1911. Dr. G. Gradnauer, Redaktion der Dresdner Volkszeitung, Zwingerstrasse 14, 11, Dresden, A., Germany. Dear Sir: I regret exceedingly that it was impossible for me to write the letter you requested in your communication to me of June 1st. At the time your letter was received here, which was June 12th, my attention was engaged with pressing work of the Federation and also with the defense of the case in which Mr. Mitchell, Mr. Morrison and myself were involved before the courts so that I had not the time to make such a reply as I desired. I sincerely hope that the Trade Union Congress in Germany was successful in every way and that the work there will be productive of great good in protecting and advancing the interests of the German working people and to the establishment of international solidarity of labor throughout the world. I suppose you receive the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST regularly. I endeavor to deal with the broad view of labor not only from a national aspect but a broad view of internationality and brotherhood. Under separate cover I am sending you a few documents issued by the American Federation of Labor. I am sure that some58 Dr. G. Gradnauer---2. of them will interest you. Kindly accept for yourself and for our fellow workers and conferees in Germany my very best wishes for their absolute and continued success. Trusting that I may hear from you again at your convenience, I am Fraternally yours, [*Samuel Gompers*] President American Federation of Labor.[*59*] [*COPIED. AUG 15 1911*] Z August 15, 1911. Dr. George Barthelme, Vertreter der Kolnischen Zeitung, Cologne Gazette, Germany. Dear Sir: I regret exceedingly that circumstances were such as to prevent our conference the early part of this year. I trust, however, that should you have occasion to return to this Country I may have the pleasure of again meeting you. In the meantime, I am sending to you under separate cover, some of our printed matter, which I trust you will find of interest. Hoping that I may hear from you and that we may again meet, I am Very sincerely yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*60*] [*COPIED. AUG 15 1911*] Z August 15, 1911 Mr. G. C. Larney, 462 12th Avenue, W., Vancouver, B. C., Canada. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 8th instant has been duly received, in which you express pleasure at my intended visit to Vancouver on August 29th. I wish to thank you for your cordial expressions and to assure you that I anticipate much pleasure in renewing our acquaintance. Yes, Vice-President Duncan was elected fraternal delegate, or rather one of two fraternal delegates, to the Budapest meeting of the International Secretariat, and is now in Europe. With kind regards and best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*61*] [*COPIED. AUG 15 1911*] L. August 14, 1911. Mr. George Briwa, President, Mr. Wilson S. Holland, Secretary, Typographical Union No. 17, 510 Canal-Louisiana Bank Bldg., New Orleans, La. Dear Sirs and Brothers: I have just been able to reach your favor of July 26, receipt of which has been acknowledged during my absence. I have carefully read it and also the resolution you enclosed, which was adopted by the Central Trades and Labor Council, and against which you, on behalf of Local No. 17, protest. I beg to say that the resolution may technically, but to my mind it does not practically or actually boycott every paper in the city of New Orleans except the official organ of the Central Body. Evidently that was not the intention of the Central Trades and Labor Council. If you will refer to any of the issues of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST you will note that there is a page kept standing of warning to advertisers. This is done not only to protect the good name of the labor movement but also the fair-minded business men. The continued publication of this warning is done by direction of the convention of the American Federation of Labor. It is true that the phraseology of the resolution could be improved, but that the purpose is justified and that those62 Mr. George Briwa Mr. Wilson S. Holland -- 2. interested in any way will clearly understand what is intended to be conveyed I feel confident. Of course, I am not in a position to say anything in reference to the WEEKLY RECORD. More than likely it is entitled to the patronage of business men, but my understanding of the resolution adopted by the Trades and Labor Council is that no publication should seek to obtain advertising upon the direct or indirect claim that it officially represents the organized labor movement of New Orleans. Thanking you for bringing this matter to my attention and with best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam Gompers President American Federation of Labor63 L. Mr. Gus C. Flinquer, President, August 14, 1911. COPIED AUG 15 1911 The Brotherhood Welfare Association, 325 John Street, Cincinnati, Ohio. Dear Sir: I have just been able to reach your letter of July 9, acknowledgement of receipt of which has already been made. You refer to the national convention of the Unemployed organizations which will be held in this city September 1. I regret very much that it will not be within my power to attend this convention as I will leave Washington on August 17 for an extended organizing and lecturing trip through the west and on the Pacific Coast, as directed by the convention of the American Federation of Labor. I do not expect to return here before the first week in October. However, although I will not be able to attend this convention, yet I should like to have the opportunity of a conference with you some time about Octo- ber 9, after my return from the West, when we can discuss the question of the migratory and unorganized workers of the country. Hoping to hear from you again, I am, Very truly yours, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor.[*64*] X. Aug. 15, 1911. [*COPIED AUG 15 1911*] Mr. Earle W. Gage, Jamestown, New York. Dear Sir: Replying to your favor of July 29th, I beg to advise you that I hope to be able to use your article in the September issue of the American Federationist, or if not in that, in an early issue. In the meantime, in compliance with your request, the article has been credited to your subscription to the Federationist. Very sincerely yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor, EDITOR, AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST. L. August 14, 1911 Mr. Warren S. Stone, Grand Cheif Engineer, Brotherhood Locomotive Engineers, Cleveland, Ohio. Dear Sir and Brother: Some weeks ago, as you recall, you wrote to me in regard to a controversy which had arisen in San Francisco regarding the matter of jurisdiction between the Locomotive Engineers and the Stationary Engineers over the engineers working for a contractor. I thereupon took the matter up with the secretary of the San Fran- cisco Labor Council and with the secretary of the International Union of Steam Engineers. In a letter received from the latter he says against which condition by any organization other than the steam engineers; that the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers have been requested a member of times to interest itself in this line of work but without any result, and he says further, "these men are enjoying an eight hour day with a wage scale running from 60 to 75 cents per hour. This was not done solely by our organization but with the assistance of the Building Trades, and, therefore, they are the judges as to who should operate machines on work where they have Mr. Warren S. Stone--2 established conditions." President Comerford of the International Union of Steam Engineers, to whom I also wrote in connection with this matter, advises me that the members of his organization have always operated engines on construction work, that through the efforts of his Inter- national Union the pay for this class of engineers has been raised at least one hundred percent within the last five years, that in San Francisco the wages have been raised from $3.00 to $6.00 per day and that the work in question in San Francisco is cutting a street through a bill and has nothing to do with locomotive work as under- stood by the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. I should be glad to hear from you further in regard to this matter. Fraternally yours, President American Federation of Labor. Z August 15, 1911. Mr. Charles S. Barrett, President, I Farmers' Educational and Cooperative Union, Union City, Georgia. Dear Sir: On April 23rd I wrote you, requesting you to advise me when and where the next annual convention of the farmers' educa- tional and Cooperative Union will be held, so that arrangements might be made to have an official representative of the American Federation of Labor attend that convention. Will you please advise me as to this at your earliest convenience and oblige fraternally yours. President, American Federation of Labor68 Z August 15, 1911. Mr. M. Simson, 150 East 91st St., New York, N.Y. Dear Sir: I have just been able to reach your personal letter of August 1st, in which you request an interview with me sometime when I may be in New York City. I beg to say in reply that I expect to leave Washington this week for an organizing and lecturing trip through the west and Pacific Coast, which will necessitate my absence until the first of October. I would suggest, therefore, that you write me in regard to the matters which you desire to bring to my attention and your letter will be forwarded to me. Very truly yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. Z August 15, 1911. Mr. J. D. Beck, Commissioner, Wisconsin Bureau of Labor and Industrial Satiations, Madison, Wisconsin. Dear Sir: Referring to your letter of recent date in regard to the povention of the National Organization of Commissioners of labor, to be held in Lincoln, Nebraska, Sept. 18th, I may beg to say that I regret exceedingly my inability to be present on that co- opinion. As a matter of fact I shall be in California on that date. The convention of the American Federation of labor has directed that I should make an organizing and lecturing trip through the west and along the Pacific Coast. I start on that trip August 17th and will not return until the first week in October. I note the copy of the bill you enclose, being Substituted Amendment No. 1, A, to Bill No. 963, A. , in the Minnesota State Legislature, and your statement that it would be enacted. I wish You would let me have a word from you as to the final disposition of the bill. Hoping to hear from you further at your convenience, I am Very truly yours, President American Federation of Labor. Z August 15, 1911. Mr. Hugh Willis, Secretary, Central Trades and Labor Council, Herrin, Illinois, Dear Sir and Brother: I am in receipt of your favor of the 12th instant, which you advise that Local Union No. 2621 of the United Mine workers of America owes dues to your Central Trades and labor council from Oct. 1st, 1910, to the present time and refugees to pay or to be a party to the Central Body. i will take the met- ter up with the executive officers of the Mine workers, asking them to take and advise part in the central body. With best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, President American Federation of Labor71 Z August 15, 1911. COPIED, AUG 15 1911 Mr. Edwin Perry, Secretary-Treasurer, United Mine Workers of America, State Life Building, Indianapolis, Indiana. Dear Sir and Brother: I am in receipt of a communication, under date of Aug. 12th, from the Secretary of the Central Trades and Labor Council of Herrin, Illinois, advising your Local No. 2621 of that City owes per capita tax to the Central Body from October 1st, 1919, and refuses to pay or to take any part in the affairs of the Central Body. I have advised him I would write to you, requesting you to take such steps as would lead this local to pay up its indebtedness and again be represented in the Trades and Labor Council. Will you kindly let me hear from you in regard to the matter? With kind regards and best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Sam Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.72 Z August 15, 1911. COPIED AUG 15 1911 Mr. S. C. Kelly, Editor and Manager, The Labor Leader, 739 Fourth St., San Diego, Calif. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 7th instant has been duly received, in which you ask for a cut or photograph of myself to be used in your Labor Day edition of The Labor Leader. In reply I beg to say I am sending to you under separate cover one of my pictures. I regret that I have no cut I could send you but trust the picture will serve your purpose. With best wishes and hoping to hear from you from time to time, I am Fraternally yours, Sam Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.73 Z August 15, 1911. COPIED AUG 15 1911 Mr. Will F. Hauck, Organizer, 3 Deshler Block, Columbus, Ohio. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 12th instant has been duly received, in which you ask me to recommend a speaker for Labor Day in your City. In reply I would suggest you write to Mr. John B. Lennon, Treasurer of the American Federation of Labor, whose address appears on this letter head. I sincerely trust you will be able to make the suggested arrangement with Mr. Lennon. With kind regards and best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Sam Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*74*] [*COPIED. AUG 15 1911*] Z August 15, 1911. Mr. C. A. Tveitmoe, Gen'l Sec.-Treas., State Building Trades Council, Metropolitan Bank Building, San Francisco, California. Dear Sir and Brother: In a letter just received from the Secretary of the Building Laborers, Street, Concrete and Asphalt Workers' Union of San Francisco, belonging to the Building Trades Council, in regard to contributing to the McNamara Defense fund, the Secretary says that the union proposes to send its contribution through the Building Trades Council of San Francisco. I have letters of a similar character from other bodies. It would be well if you would notify the Secretary, Mr. Theodore H. Wiltz, at the Union's headquarters, 200 Guerren St., and all of the Building Trades' Central Councils that in order to avoid confusion and overlapping and to be of the best possible service to all that all money contributed for the McNamara Defense Fund be forwarded to Secretary Frank Morrison, of the American Federation of Labor. Receipts will be forwarded to the organizations or individuals for every dollar contributed to the McNamara Defense Fund. It may be interesting for me to say that the A. F. of L. has already forwarded to Mr. Clarence Darrow $5,000. I know that this amount is not sufficient, that it is not the amount that is75 Mr. O. A. Tveitmoe---2. necessary. We are doing everything we possibly can to raise the fund and place it in the hands of Mr. Darrow so that he may be enabled to make the proper defense. We have also sent to Attorneys Rappaport and Seyfried, who are conducting the kidnapping side of the case under direction of Mr. Darrow, $5,000 and $500 respectively. With kind regards and anticipating the pleasure or our early meeting, I am Fraternally yours, Sam. Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.76 Z August 14, 1911. COPIED. Aug 15 1911 Mrs. Raymond Robins, 1437 West Ohio Street, Chicago, Illinois. My dear Mrs. Robins: Your favor of the 4th instant was duly received during my absence from headquarters on official business and today,by express, the package containing the volumes of the Documentary History of the American Industrial Society reaches me. I again thank you for your courtesy and kindness in sending these volumes for the library of the American Federation of Labor. They will be valuable references. On the 17th I start on my trip west to the Pacific Coast and do not anticipate returning until the first week in October. As you can very readily imagine, I have an immense amount of work requiring my attention before I leave. Mrs. Gompers is still at Atlantic City, where she went by direction of her physician to take the hot salt baths. She has improved considerably but is yet far from well. I am sure were she here she would wish to be most kindly remembered to you.77 Mrs. Raymond Robins---2. With kind regards, in which Miss Guard joins, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am Very sincerely yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*78*] [*COPIED. AUG 15 1911*] X Aug. 15, 1911. Mr. L. W. Tilden, [?]01 Lennox Building, Cleveland, Ohio. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 13th instant is received and contents noted. President Alpine had already written me in regard to your candidacy for Mayorship of Cleveland, to which I replied in full. I enclose to you herein copy of my letter to Mr. Alpine, which I ask you kindly to accept as equally addressed to you. Wishing you every success in your campaign, and with kind regard, I am. Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. P.S. As per your request, I am sending you some literature under separate cover.79 COPY. Washington, D. C., Aug. 12, 1911. Mr. John R. Alpine, Vice-President, American Federation of Labor, 401-6 Bush Temple of Music, Chicago, Ill. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the fourth instant from Cleveland came duly to hand and contents noted. I have been so engrossed with other important work and some time away from headquarters, that I could not give your letter earlier consideration. You say that Brother L. W. Tilden, member of Local Union #65, United Association of Plumbers, Gas Fitters, etc., of Cleveland, Ohio, former General- Secretary of the United Association, is a candidate for Mayor's honors in Cleveland. You say further that a vigorous campaign is being conducted in furtherance of Brother Tilden's candidacy. My regret is that I may not be able to do all that I would like to do in furtherance of the candidacy and the election of Brother Tilden. I am so engrossed with my many duties and responsibilities that I am deprived in many instances of following the bent of my desires and the purposes of the labor movement, that is, the protection and promotion of the interests of labor. You know that there is very little idle or leisure time given to me, and though I am trying my level best to be of service to my workers and fellow citizens, some things are necessarily left uncompleted. Knowing Brother Tilden as well as I do, I am sure that if the working people and other good citizens of Cleveland were to honor him with their votes, both in the nomination and in the election, if elected he would not only be true to the cause of labor but trie to the cause of the common people and the rights of all people. [*80*] [*COPY.*] Mr. John R. Alpine -2- As an administrative officer, as a citizen, and as a man, I feel perfectly sure that he would fulfil every requirement and obligation as an efficient, upright, and faithful public servant. With the very best wishes to you , and hoping to hear from you frequently, I am, Fraternally yours, (Signed) Samuel Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor.[*81*] [*COPIED. AUG 15 1911*] L. August 14, 1911 Mr. J. A. Kinghorn-Jones, 52 Second Street, San Fransisco, California. Dear Sir: I have already made acknowledgement of receipt of your two favors of recent date, addressed to President Gompers, which were received here during his absence. He directs me to say that he can not undertake to advocate a bill before Congress unless such a bill has received the endorsement of the American Federation of Labor at its convention or the Executive Council of the A. F. of L. in the interim of conventions, particularly when such bill or resolutions are of a character which have not received even the consideration of the rank and file of the labor movement of the country. In addition, President Gompers requests me to call your attention to the injustice which is done to the fifteen members of Congress who are trade unionists holding clear cards, and who have devoted and are devoting their time and attention in furtherance of the real interests of the toiling masses of the country. He expresses himself that no one having a decent regard for truth would detract from any effort put forth by Mr. Berger. To say that Mr. Berger is the "only" Representative in Congress is most[*82*] Mr. J. A. Kinghorn-Jones --2 unjust when, as a matter of fact, there are fifteen card members of Congress, as above stated. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*83*] [*COPIED. AUG 15 1911*] Z August 15, 1911. Mr. Ed. J. Cantwell, Secretary, The National Association of Letter Carriers, Washington, D.C. Dear Sir and Brother: I am in receipt of the very kind invitation of your organization for me to attend your eighteenth National Convention to be held at Convention Hall, Rochester, N.Y., September 4th. In reply thereto I beg to say I regret it will be impossible for me to accept, as I am scheduled to deliver the Labor Day address in San Fransisco, California. In fact I leave headquarters on August 17th and shall not return until about October first, as I am to make an organizing and lecturing trip through the west and along the Pacific Coast, as per the instructions of the convention of the A. F. or L. Trusting that much good work may be accomplished by your convention, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. P. S. Perhaps you could get some other labor representative. Write me. I would suggest that you write to John Whelan, former Secretary of State of the State of New York, whose home address is Rochester.84 X. Aug. 15, 1911. COPIED. AUG 15 1911 Mr. G. E. Brandt, Box 339, Cumberland, Maryland. Dear Sir: Replying to your favor of August the 12th, I should be glad to have you send me a copy of the pamphlet which you say you will get out the first part of next week, and which you desire to send to some of our affiliated organizations. In further compliance with your request, enclosed you will please find list of national and international unions, the names and addresses of their respective secretaries. Very truly yours, Sam Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor.85 X. Aug. 15, 1911. COPIED. AUG 15, 1911 Mr. Michael Goldsmith, Organizer, American Federation of labor, 1856 E. 6th Street, Cleveland, Ohio. Dear Sir and Brother: Replying to your favor of the 12th instant, I beg to say that you have been misinformed as to my going to Cleveland. As a matter of fact, I received several telegrams and letter from Secretary Dyche of the Ladies Garment Workers' International Union, and organizer Harry D. Thomas, relative to my going there. I replied fully to Mr. Dyche, explaining why I could not go, and for your information enclose a duplicate copy of that letter herein. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam. Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*86*] L. August 14, 1911. COPIED. AUG 15 1911 Mr. Clarence Darrow, Higgins Building, Los Angeles, California. My dear Mr. Darrow: Enclosed you will please find copy of a translation of a letter written me by Mr. A. M. Carballofias, of Cuba. In substantiation of the statements he makes therein he has forwarded to me the membership book of his informant, Mr. Juliane Dias Alvares, showing that he is a member in good standing in Cigarmakers Local Union #462. The nature of his letter to me is of such a character that it seems to me you should be in possession of the information he gives. I am leaving Washington on August 17 for the Pacific Coast and expect to see you in Los Angeles some time early in September. Very truly yours, Saml Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. Enclosure.(COPY) Habana, Cuba, June 14, 1911. Samuel Gompers, Esq., President American Federation of Labor, New York City. My dear Mr. President; Above all, I wish to tell you that I had the misfortune to lose my dear mother who was, as well as all the rest of my family, firm believer in unionism. What I desire to impart to you to-day is of a serious nature, and my help to prevent the condemnation of innocent men by the court, (who are under arrest for a crime which I do not believe them to be guilty of) for the explosion of the "Los Angeles Times." During the strike of the cigarmakers in Tampa, Fla., (in September, I believe) a certain individual from Chicago came to see me, the bearer of a letter written in English from a supposed Spanish friend of mine, in which it said: "Dear Angel: The bearer of this letter will inform you of his wishes. Greetings." "Chicago, September." After taking cognizance of the contents of the note I asked him what he desired of me, and he said: "I am an anarchist like you and I was informed of the abuses being committed by the Citizens Committee by the party who directed me to you." He said that if I desired it, he would have the "whole bunch before the devil in a minute's time" or "in less than 15 minutes." Of course, I begged him not to put his threat into execution as it would do harm to the cause, and that his plan of revenge was a dangerous and criminal one and[88] ??? would complicate matters. "Very well," said he, "but this must stop." I told him that if he persisted in putting his plan into execution, he would cause the authorities to believe that some Cubans or Italians had done it, as there are thousands of them in the community, especially Cubans." After a while he consented to withdraw his threat, and showed me two metal tubes 1/2 foot long and about 1/? inch in diameter, as near as I could judge. I offered him some money for his fare as he said he was going West and wished me to accompany him ..... On May 19 or 20, on my return from my mother's funeral, this same man came to see me again, and presented me with this little memorandum book (herewith annexed with request to return it) and said: "I have the best reports to make to you of your picturesque and healthy country and ba?? me then to assist him in securing some means to escape suspicion, since he was implicated in the "Los Angeles Times" explosion, and that the two tubes he showed me had been used to blow up the "Times." I told him that ????? was a dangerous place for him to remain because the police was very alert and he run the risk to be captured. I advised him to go to Lima, Peru, because there he would be in less danger to be apprehended. I gave him a letter to Mr. Christian Danic (?), which he accepted with thanks, and he went away. Now, my dear Mr. Compers, I give you these facts with the hope that they will be of some use to you in the defense of the McNamara brothers. I also have other details which I feel it would be imprudent to put on paper at this time, but I will transmit them to you in a more secretive manner if you wish. Yours fraternally, (Signed) A. M. Carballofias Address: 95 Libios St. Habana, Cuba. (W. I.) 89 -3- W.B. I have not written in English, because you would not have been able to understand me, which you can easily have Spanish translated.[*90*] L. August 14, 1911 [*COPIED AUG 15 1911*] Mr. Stuart Reid, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, General Delivery, Taunton, Massachusetts, Dear Sir and Brother: I have just been able to reach your letter of August 4th and have read it with much interest. I am glad that you wrote me so fully as regards the situation, politically considered, in Connecticut. I would be glad to have you write me from time to time along these lines. On Thursday the 17th I leave Washington for a trip through the West and on the Pacific Coast. I do not expect to return here until the first week of October. As you know, the convention of the American Federation of Labor directed that I should make this trip. My itinerary is made up and addresses and meetings have been scheduled for every city which I will visit, which will mean practically one or more speeches every day while I am away, except the days that I am travelling. As you can imagine, it will not be a trip for rest or recreation. With kind regards and hoping to hear from you from time to time, I am, Yours fraternally Samuel Gompers President Ameican Federation of Labor.[*91*] [*COPIED AUG 15 1911*] L. August 14, 1911. Mr. W. S. Carter, President, Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen and Enginemen, Peoria, Illinois. Dear Sir and Brother: I am writing this in further acknowledgement of your letter of July 29 which, as you were advised, reached this office during my absence. Your letter is very important and I think we should continue our correspondence. At present it is simply impossible for me to go into the matter further for I am preparing to leave Washington on Thursday, August 17, for an extended organizing and lecturing trip through the West and on the Pacific Coast, as directed by the convention of the American Federation of Labor. I do not expect to return here before the first week in October. As you can imagine, I am very much crowded with work in anticipation of my prolonged absence, and therefore I can not now do the subject or myself justice were I to undertake to write to you more fully. I trust, however, to hear from you again upon my return. Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. 92 L. August 14, 1911. COPIED AUG 15 1911 Mr. Charles W. Fear, Editor, MISSOURI TRADE UNIONIST, 821 West 4th Street, Joplin, Missouri. In further reply to your favor of July 23, receipt of which has already been acknowledged, I beg to say that it is impossible for me to comply with your request to write a special article for the Labor Day edition of the MISSOURI TRADE UNIONIST. I am preparing to leave headquarters on the 17th for an extended lecturing and organizing trip through the West and on the Pacific Coast, as directed by the convention of the American Federation of Labor. There is a large amount of work to be gotten out in anticipation of my prolonged absence, in addition to the work on the September issue of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST. I regret, therefore, my inability to comply with your request. Hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor. 93 L. August 14, 1911. Mr. A. M. Carballofias, 96 Libios Street, Havana, Cuba. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of June 14 was duly received and contents noted. I thank you for the information you give. It has been referred to our attorneys. I return to you herein the membership book in the Cigarmakers International Union, given you by the party who transmitted to you the information you conveyed to me and which you sent me in substantiation of what you say. If there is any other information of a similar character which may come to you I should be glad to have you advise me. Hoping to hear from you again, I am, Yours fraternally, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor. Enclosure. P. S. I am sending to you under separate cover copy of a pamphlet which has recently been issues by this office under authority of the McNamara Ways and Mean Committee. It is recommended to your careful consideration.94 COPIED AUG 15 1911 L. August 14, 1911. Mr. Joseph Deutsch, Executive Member, The Federal Republican Organization, 2800 Marian Avenue, Bronx, New York City. Dear Sir: I am much interested in your favor of August 2nd, acknowledgement of receipt of which has already been made and which I have just been able to reach. I read with much interest the circular you enclosed and think it is an excellent paper. I would be obliged if you could send me a dozen copies of it. Hoping to hear from you further, I am, Very truly yours, Sam Gompers President American Federation of Labor.[*95*] [*COPIED AUG 15 1911*] L. Mr. F. T. D. Wallace, Jr., Ex-Telegraph Operator, Louisa, Kentucky. Dear Sir and Brother: I have just been able to reach your favor of July 25, acknowledgement of receipt of which was made during my absence from headquarters on official business. I have noted the clipping you enclosed and the page taken from the July issue of the RAILROAD TELEGRAPHER, and am much interested in the matters with which your letter and the clippings deal, that is, safety devices. I most sincerely trust that you will be able to perfect your device for the prevention of derailment of trains due to split switch, broken switch points or mis-set switches, etc., and I would be glad if you would let me hear from you further as to what you have been finally able to do with your invention. Thanking you for your good wishes, which are fully reciprocated, and hoping to hear from you further, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President American Federation of Labor.96 COPIED. AUG 15 1911 L. August 14, 1911. Mr. Ralph M. Easley, 1 Madison Avenue, New York City. My dear Mr. Easley: I would appreciate it very much if you would send me a dozen* or so copies of the pamphlet giving the correspondence between you and Mr. Hillquit. I can use the matter to advantage. Thanking you in advance, I am, Very truly yours, Saml. Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. [*or more*] [*97*] [*COPIED AUG 15 1911*] Washington, D. C., Aug. 15, [191]1. Mr. W. F. Evans, Business Agent, Machinists Union #41, Denver, Colo. Telegram received. Doubt wisdom or practicability of delivering address other than that arranged by Trades Assembly. Shall be glad to be with you. SAMUEL GOMPERS, President, American Federation of Labor.[*98*] [*COPIED. AUG 16 1911*] Washington D. C., Aug. 16, [191]1. Mr. Emmett Flood, 839 N. 51 Court, Chicago, Ill. On August twelfth I sent you a letter General Delivery Galesburg Illinois to proceed immediately to Muscatine to assist the Button Workers. Secretary Morrison advised me that you were scheduled to be in Galesburg the fifteenth. Please proceed Muscatine immediately. Wire answer. SAMUEL GOMPERS, President American Federation of Labor. Charge A. F. or L. [*COPIED. AUG 16 1911*] Washington D. C., Aug. 16, [191]1. Mr. C. C. Wilson, Muscatine, Iowa. Telegram received. Have wired Organizer Flood to Chicago to proceed to Muscatine immediately. SAMUEL GOMPERS President American Federation of Labor. Charge A. F. or L. [*99*] [*COPIED. AUG 16 1911*] Z August 15, 1911. Mr. Frank Duffy, General Secretary, United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners, Carpenters' Building, Indianapolis, Indiana. Dear Sir and Brother: I have just been able to reach your favor of the 4th instant, in which you enclose a copy of circular issued by the Manufacturers' Association of Brewers' Equipment and Supplies of Chicago. I have taken the matter up with Mr. Schram of the Brewers' Association of New York City, and beg to enclose to you herein a copy of my letter to him. When I hear from him I will advise you in regard thereto. With kind regards and best wishes, I am Fraternally yours. Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*100*] [*COPIED. AUG 16 1911*] Z August 16, 1911. Mr. B. A. Dietz, Secretary, Trades and Labor Council, 165 Freemont St., Peekskill, N.Y. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 14th instant has been duly received, in which you extend an invitation to me to visit your city this coming Labor Day. In reply I beg to say this invitation is appreciated by me but it is only fair to say to you now that it would be impossible to be with you, much as I should like to, upon the day in question. The convention of the American Federation of Labor repeatedly and unanimously directed me to go to the Pacific Coast. Recent events in the labor world, which need not be enumerated here, indicate how important my visit there is. Organized labor of the Coast has insisted up my going for the reasons already mentioned and others too numerous to mention, and the Executive Council of the A. F. of L. practically directed me to comply with the requests, and I have, therefore, been compelled to yield obedience in regard thereto. Assuring you of my best wishes for success, and regretting my inability to be with you on the forthcoming Labor Day, I am Fraternally yours. Saml Gompers. [President, A. F]. of L.[*101*] Z August 15, 1911 Mr. Louis B. Schram, Chairman, Labor Committee, Brewers' Association, 60 Hamilton Ave., Brooklyn, N.Y. Dear Sir: I am in receipt of a letter from Mr. Frank Buffy, Secretary of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners, in which he encloses a copy of the circular letter sent out by the Manufacturers' Association of Brewers' Equipment and Supplies, with the office of the Secretary at Clybourne Ave. and Willow St., Chicago, Ill. The letter purports to be issued by Theo. O. Vilter, President of the Association. Attention is called to the fact that an effort is being made on the part of the Brewers' Association, or the members of Brewers' Equipment and supplies, to discourage the purchase of machinery and supplies from concerns which employ workmen belonging to their respective unions. Inasmuch as copies of this circular have been received and placed in the hands of some of your affiliated organizations, I should like to have from you some expression of opinion, not only as to the policy but particularly as to the facts in the case. From experience I have had with you and from your expressions, I am led to to believe that you are not in sympathy with [*COPIED. AUG 16 1911*]102 Mr. Louis B. Schram --------2----. the purposes expressed in the circular. In any event, please let me hear from you at your early convenience and oblige Very truly yours, Sam Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.103 COPY. Manufacturers' Association of Brewers' Equipment and Supplies Office of the Secretary, Clybourn Avenue and Willow Street, Chicago. John Doe Manufacturing Co., Gentlemen: At the United States Brewers' Association Convention, held last June in Washington, D. C., certain labor union organizations made an attempt to have the Brewers' Association declare themselves to purchase machinery and supplies only from such manufacturers as employ union labor exclusively in their factories. To discourage the brewers in considering such a proposition, the manufacturers present in Washington at the time hastily organized the Manufacturers' Association of Brewers' Equipment and Supplies, to demonstrate to them that manufacturers were practically a unit against such an action. The strength in number that attended this meeting made an impression which caused the Labor Committee of the Brewers' Association to pigeon-hole the demand of the unions, and it was not discussed before the open meeting. The past year has shown that to combat such agitation it becomes necessary to organize a larger body of manufacturers and supply houses who sell brewers. The consensus of opinion at the time was that the manufacturers desired to operate open shops, and it is the desire of this Association to foster and promote this attitude. Next October the United States Brewers' Association will have their convention in Chicago and it is rumored that the labor unions are strongly agitating the same subject again. It is104 therefore of great importance that we have a large membership; and if the enclosed Constitution and By-Laws, and the object of our Association meet with your approval, kindly send enclosed application with your attached, to our Secretary. We earnestly request a reply in any event. Yours very truly, Theo. O. Vilter, President.105 X. Aug. 16, 1911. COPIED. AUG 16 1911 Mr. Henry Wallace, President, National Conservation Congress, Convention Hall, Kansas City, MO, Dear Sir: In continuation of my letter to you of the 14th instant, I beg to say that Vice-President Mitchell advises me that it will be impossible for him to attend the National Conservation Congress in Kansas City, September 25-27. I have therefore requested Mr. John T. Smith, of the Missouri State Federation of Labor, t represent the A. F. of L. at the Congress, and have given him credentials authorizing him to represent the A. F. of L. Very truly yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. Aug. 16, 1911. X. COPIED. AUG 16 1911 No. 69. EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, AMERICAN FEDERATION OF LABOR. COLLEAGUES: The National Conservation Congress will be held in Kansas City, Missouri, September 25-27, inclusive. The Secretary of the Congress has requested that a representative of the Conservation Committee of the American Federation of Labor should attend that Congress. I requested Vice-President Mitchell to attend, but he advises me that it will not be possible for him to do so. I have therefore requested Mr. John T. Smith, Secretary of the Missouri State Federation of Labor, who is located in Kansas City, to act as the representative of the A. F. of L. in attending this Congress. By his fulfilling this mission, it will be with little expense to the A. F. of L. The members of the Executive Connell will please advise me if the above meets with there approval. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*107*] X. Aug. 16, 1911. TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: This is to notify that Mr. John T. Smith, Secretary of the Missouri State Federation of Labor, is duly authorized to represent the Conservation Committee of the American Federation of Labor at a National Conservation Congress to be held at Kansas City, Missouri, September 25-27, inclusive. Respectfully Yours, Saml Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. AUG 16 1911*] 108 I. Aug. 16, 1911. COPIED AUG 16 1911 Mr. John T. Smith, Secretary, Missouri State Federation of Labor, Labor Temple, Fourteenth and Woodland Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri. Dear Sir and Brother: The National Conservation Congress will be held at Kansas City, Missouri, September 25-27, at Convention Hall. It is not possible to have a member of the Conservation Committee of the A. F. of L. attend this Congress. I am writing to request that you should act as the representative of the A. F. of L. and attend the Congress on September 25-27, inclusive. Enclosed please find your credential. I shall be glad to have you make a report to me after the adjournment of the Congress. Trusting that you will be able to comply with my request, and with kind regards, I am. Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor.[*109*] [*COPIED. AUG 16 1911*] X. Aug. 16, 1911. Mr. John Mitchell, Vice-President, American Federation of Labor, #3 Claremont Avenue, Mount Vernon, N. Y. Dear Sir and Brother: I beg to hand you herewith copy of letter received from Mr. J. H. Ralston, in which if you will note he requests that the information he gives as to the slight changing of a word in the answers should be conveyed to you. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally Yours, Saml Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.110 COPY. Washington, D. C. Aug. 12, 1911. Mr. Samuel Gompers, Washington, D.C. Dear Sir: I have before me your favor of August 11th. Our answers should be put in the letter part of the coming week. You have, of course, already sworn to them as pleas and I will change the word "pleas" wherever it occurs to "answer". You might notify Messors. Morrison and Mitchell of my intention to make this change in the papers which they have signed. I cannot imagine that there will be any necessity for your personal presence in Washington before October, and probably the second week in that month. I doubt if any argument whatever will be had upon your sworn answer until that time. I trust you may have a successful trip to the west. Yours very truly, (Signed) J. H. RALSTON111 COPIED. AUG 16 1911 X. Aug. 16, 1911. Mr. Frank Morrison, Secretary, American Federation of Labor, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir and Brother: I beg to hand you herewith copy of letter received from Mr. J. H. Ralston, in which if you will note he requests that the information he gives as to the slight changing of a word in the answers should be conveyed to you. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally Yours, Saml. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.112 X. Aug. 16, 1911. Mr. Paul Scharrenberg, Secretary, California State Federation of Labor, COPIED 316 14th Street, San Francisco, Cal. AUG 16 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: Your night lettergram of the 15th came duly to hand and contents noted. I thank you for advising me as to the name of the hotel at which I am to stop during my stay in San Franscico, The Argonaut, Fourth Street, near Market. In a former letter you mention that you are advised that I have some relatives in Los Angeles and would prefer to stay with them during my sojourn in that city. It may be true that I have some relatives there as I have elsewhere, for the Gompers family is quite a large "tribe" (no race suicide) but I am not aware that I have a relative in Los Angeles. In any event I should prefer to stop at a hotel there and in any other city where I am going to stop overnight. I do not care to burden even my kindest friends or nearest relatives. With best wishes, and anticipating the pleasure of our early meeting, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. [*113*] [*COPIED. AUG 16 1911*] X. Aug. 16, 1911. Herr Baumeister, c/o Berlin S.O.16, Engel-Ufer 15, Berlin, Germany. My dear Sir: I recently received copies of three German papers dated August third, 1911, which I read with a great deal of interest. I suppose I am indebted to you for sending them to me. I read the article on the work and growth of the Hotel and Restaurant Employes organization. I also read the article for the meeting of the second international conference to be held October 4, 5, 6, of the present year at Amsterdam. I am going to write to Mr. Jere L. Sullivan, General Secretary of our American organization, and here the master brought up again for the representation of his organization in your international union. There are a number of things which many of the members of the Waiters, Hotel and Restaurant Employes' Organization regard as obstacles against representation. They are too many to be recorded in this letter, which must necessarily be brief. I shall be glad to take up the matter with you some other time. By this time you have returned from the meeting of the International Secretariat at Budapest, in the proceedings of which I have been intensely interested. I would be glad if you could send me at your earliest convenience some little bit of a transcript[*114*] Herr Baumeister -2- of the proceedings. It need not be official. I shall curb my impatience and wait until I can hear from our friend, Mr. Legien. I suppose you have met our delegate, Mr. Duncan. I feel confident that he made a good delegate, and a good impression upon the intelligent, fair minded participants in the Budapest meeting. By the direction of the Convention of the American Federation of Labor, I shall start tomorrow, August 17, on a six weeks organizing and lecturing trip through the west and the Pacific Coast. You may be interested in the itinerary of my trip, copy of which is enclosed herein. This does not include all of the places where I shall have to go, but just those for which arrangements have already been made. The trip will involve travel of about eleven thousand miles. I anticipate returning here the first week in October. You receive the American Federationist regularly. The September issue will be an exceedingly interesting one, and your attention is particularly called to it. A number of active men in the affairs of the nation were asked for an expression of opinion upon the labor movement. The replies received were more than could be published in the September issue. I would like an expression from you as to what you think of it. Remember me most kindly to Mr. Legien, Mr. Sassenbach, and all of our friends. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*115*] X. Aug. 15, 1911. Chief Inspector, Post Office Department, Washington, D. C. [*COPIED. AUG 16 1911*] Dear Sir: In continuation of my recent correspondence with you in regard to Robert P. Neil, of the Railroad Employees Magazine, I notice in one of the Boston papers of recent date that Neil has been discharged by United States Commissioner Hayes. I wish you would please advise me just what this decision means, whether Neil is thereby authorized to continue publishing and issuing the Railroad Employees Magazine in the name of an organization which has practically no existence, or whether the decision is simply a formal notice for him to quit publishing the magazine. Thanking you in advance for your reply, I am, Very truly yours, Saml. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. 116 Z. August 16, 1911 Mr. J. W. Murphy, P. O. Box 42, Springfield Illinois. Dear Sir: I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of August 4th and to thank you for the list you enclose of local unions. Very truly yours, Secretary to Pres. Gompers.August 16, 1911 Z Mr J.J Reid, P. O. Box 42, Springfield, Illinois Dear Sir: President Gompers directs me to acknowledge receipt of your favor of August 4th, which is receiving his attention. Very truly yours. Secretary to Pres. Gompers[*118*] [*COPIED. AUG 16 1911*] X. Aug. 16, 1911. Mr. Ed N. Nockels, Secretary, Chicago Federation of Labor, 275 La Salle Street, Chicago, Ill. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 14th instant is received, and I carefully read the report you make as to your visit to Muscatine in behalf of the Button Workers. I had a telegram this morning from Mr. C. O. Wilson, Business Agent of the Muscatine Button Workers' Union, who said that Mr. Flood had not as yet gotten there. I thereupon immediately wired Mr. Flood to Chicago, to proceed to Muscatine immediately. I do hope that Brother Flood may be able to accomplish something in their behalf. As you can very readily understand, I am exceedingly crowded with work incident to my leaving tomorrow, and there I will not attempt to write you at any greater length but am anticipating the opportunity of at least saying "hello" to you in Chicago on Friday morning. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. Aug. 16, 1911. X. COPIED. AUGUST 16, 1911 Harry O. Strang, Jr., 1366 Emerson Street, N. E., City. Dear Sir: Mr. Gompers requests me to send you the enclosed tickets which he has just come across in going through some of the papers in his desk. He does not recall whether there are all of the tickets, or whether some have been used, or whether they have been paid for. In any event, he directed that I should return them to you. Very truly yours, Saml. Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. August 16, 1911. Mr. Samuel Gompers, Jr., 718 L Street, N.E., City, My Dear Mr. Gompers: Your father has arranged with your mother for her and Sadie to return here on Friday, August 25th, on the train leaving Atlantic City over the Pennsylvania Road about 2 p.m., due here about 7. He would like you to meet them. Very truly yours, Secretary to Pres. Gompers [*121*] [*COPIED. AUG 16 1911*] X. August 16th, 1911, Mr. M. Grant Hamilton, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, 38 Lincoln Street, Denver, Colo. My dear Mr. Hamilton: I received your note this morning from Harrisburg, enclosing clipping, and will make data part of the report of the Legislative Committee as you request. Mr. Hayes called me up yesterday afternoon and sent over the copy of the resolution as passed by the Committee on Industrial Education Bill. I will look after both matters. Telegram was received this morning from the Secretary of the California State Federation of Labor, that headquarters in San Francisco will be the Argonaut Hotel, 4th Street near Market. I am glad to say that it has turned very much cooler this morning, and I only hope it will remain so. I hope you are having a fairly comfortable trip to Denver. Yesterday afternoon was certainly terrific here in the way of humidity and heat. Very sincerely yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*122*] X. Aug. 15, 1911. Mr. C. M. Allen, Secretary Barber Shop Porters and Bath House Employes, Union #11963, 1334 Minna Street, San Francisco, Cal. 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 recource 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 of being given careful consideration. I also trust that you will keep me advised fully just what is done, and the results achieved. Asking you to let me hear from you at your early convenience, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. AUG 16 1911*][*123*] [*COPIED. AUG 16 1911*] X. August 16, 1911. Mr. F. J. McNulty, President, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers of America, Pierick Building, Springfield, Illinois. Dear Sir and Brother: Enclosed you will please find a copy of a letter which has been received from Mr. J. J. Reid, representing the Brotherhood of Electrical Workers unaffiliated to the American Federation of Labor. You will note that the unaffiliated organized of Electrical Workers has decided to hold its convention at the same time and place as the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers of which you are President, that is, at Rochester, New York, Sept. 18, 1911. Enclosed you will please find a copy of the action of the Executive Council of the American Federation of Labor in the Electrical Workers case, as directed by the St. Louis convention. You will notice that the Executive Council directed that at the city where the conventions of the two bodies of Electrical Workers are to be held, that the president of the American Federation of Labor, the President of the Building Trades Department, and the President of the Metal Trades Department shall go there to aid in considering and devising rules and plans for the amalgamation of the two bodies of Electrical Workers. Of course before I advise the Presidents of the Departments [to present?] at Rochester for the purpose of carrying into 124 Mr. F. J. McNulty---2. effect the instructions of the A. P. of L. convention, I want you to advise me whether you, on behalf of your Brotherhood, will so conform your course to the and that the Presidents of the Departments or their representatives, and the President of the A. P. of L., or his representative, can carry into effect the instructions given and as more fully set forth on pages 2 and 3 of the enclosed motion of the Executive Council. You will please advise me in regard to the above on or before september 1st. Trusting that I may hear from you at your earliest convenience, and that your reply will be favorable, and that unity may be established, I am Fraternally yours, Sam Gompers President American Federation of Labor.[*125*] COPY. INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF ELECTRICAL WORKERS. Springfield, Illinois, August 4, 1911. Mr. Samuel Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir and Brother: Complying with the recommendations of the Executive Council of the American Federation of Labor held in Washington D. C., January 16-27, inclusive: In Re:... the matter of the division amongst the Electrical Workers ..... "which recommendations and decision you communicated to me February 18, 1911, I advise you that the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers have amended their laws to comply as far as possible with the recommendations of the Executive Council to wit: "The Executive Council therefore requests that both conventions be held in the city of Minneapolis or such other city as may be agreed upon by both organizations." We will meet in Convention September 18, 1911, in the City of Rochester, N.Y. I am informed that the McNulty-Collins faction will convene in Rochester, N.Y., on the same date. I direct your attention to that part of the Executive Council's decision of January 16-27, as follows: "The Executive Council urges all parties interested to make every possible effort to bring about thoroughly representative conventions, and that President Gompers shall, upon receipt of the necessary information as to date and place of holding conventions, issue a circular to all local unions of Electrical Workers, submitting this document and urging them to be represented by their power and legal number of delegates." To further co-operate with you our General Secretary is mailing to you under separate cover the addresses of the Secretaries of our Local Unions.[*126*] -2- I have the pleasure at this time in extending to you an invitation to address our convention and sincerely trust you will find time to attend. With best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, (Signed) J. J. Reid, General President. JJR-McB.127 August 16, 1911. COPIED. AUG 18 1911 Z NO. 68 EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, AMERICAN FEDERATION OF LABOR. COLLEAGUES: Mr. J. J. Reid, of the Brotherhood of Electrical Workers unaffiliated to the American Federation of Labor, advises me that the convention of his organization will be held in Rochester, New York, the week beginning September 19, 1911, at the same time when the convention of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers affiliated to the A. F. of L. will be held. The Executive Council directed that the President of the A. F. of L., or someone whom he should appoint, should be in attendance at the conventions of these two bodies of Electrical workers. As I shall be in California at that time, I have requested Secretary Morrison to act as the representative of the A. F. of L. The Executive council will please advise me if my action on this matter is approved. With best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers American Federation of Labor.128 COPIED. AUG 17 1911 X. Aug. 16, 1911. Hon. C. B. Slemp, House of Representatives, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: Your favor of the 15th instant received and contents noted. You say that you have been appointed on the sub-committee of the Committee on Mines and Mining to prepare for the submission of the full Committee in December a bill governing the operation of mines in Alaska. You then request that I should refer you to some pamphlets, publications, or laws as could be used to advantage by you in framing this resolution. I beg to suggest that you consult the mining laws of Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, and further that you should also confer with your colleague, Congressman William B. Wilson, of Pennsylvania, who is a practical miner, and who for a number of years was Secretary of the United Mine Workers of America. I am deeply interested in this subject, and should like to discuss it in detail with you, but your letter reaches me just as I am preparing to leave the city for six weeks trip through the West and the Pacific Coast as directed by the Convention of the A. F. of L. Very truly yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.129 Z August 17, 1911. COPIED. AUG 18 1911 The Novelty News Company, 215 South Market St. , Chicago, Illinois. Gentlemen: Your favor of August 14th received and contents noted. In reply thereto I beg to say that there would be no objection whatever to your reproducing the fac-simile of the McNamara stamp and button in the September issue of your paper. We only have cuts of the size shown on the enclosed. If you so desire, we can have a cut made for you of any size, of course at your expense. Please advise me as to this at your early convenience and oblige Very truly yours, Saml. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.130 COPIED. AUG 12 1911 Z August 16, 1911. Mr. Clarence Darrow, Higgins Building, Los Angeles, California. My dear Mr. Darrow: Your favor of the 10th instant is received today and contents noted. We are trying to do the best we can to comply with the request you make. At a meeting of the McNamara Ways and Means Committee held this evening, the matter was considered and I instructed to say that we are trying to get a man to work at it and if there is any information or data it will be promptly transmitted to you, and in any event of course we will advise you as to the result of our effort. With kind regards, I am Very truly yours, Sam Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*131*] [*COPIED. AUG 18 1911*] ENP Aug. 16, 1911. Mr. John G. Meiler, General Secretary, Amalgamated Wood Workers' International Union of America, 3538 North Albany Ave., Chicago, Illinois. Dear Sir and Brother: You will recall that at the conference held in Indianapolis, at which were represented the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America and the representatives of your organization, it was agreed that I would submit a proposition based upon the principle of the St. Louis Convention decision, to be submitted to your General Council. On account of being absent from the office a great deal on official business, and other matters pressing upon me, it was impossible for me to give this matter my attention until the present time, and in accordance therewith, the following proposition is hereby submitted to you, and through you to your General Council: "1. The Amalgamated Woodworkers' International Union of America shall be known in the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners as District No. __. Said District to have jurisdiction over all men engaged in their industry at the present time who are members of the Amalgamated Woodworkers.[*132*] Mr. John G. Meiler ---#2. 2. The present international officers of the Amalgamated Woodworkers shall be the District officers and conduct the affairs of the District in accordance with the laws of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners. The salary of the officers to be the same as now paid. 3. The United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners will grant charters and supplies free of cost to all unions in good standing in the Amalgamated Wood Workers and assign them numbers in accordance with the list of unions of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners. 4. All money in the treasury or in hands of other officers, or in any way held as the money of the Amalgamated Wood Workers, shall become the treasury and money of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners, District No. ___ and be held for the purpose of conducting the financial affairs of that district. 5. All members engaged as shop or mill men in the wood working industry who are now members of the Amalgamated Wood Workers, shall carry their membership in the union connected with said district. Members of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners who may be employed now or in the future in shop or mill work, shall transfer to the union having jurisdiction over this work, where the member or members may be employed in the Amalgamated Wood Workers; District No. ___. 6. The United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners agrees to pay 50 per cent of the legitimate salary and expenses of all business133 Mr. John G. Meiler---#3. agents now paid by and under salary of the Amalgamated Wood Workers, and in accordance with the constitution of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners; said business agents shall have their offices in the same office as the business agents of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners, in order that the unnecessary expense of conducting two offices may be avoided. 7. All per capita tax due to the A. F. of L., to the Building Trades Department and to such other departments or organizations as the consolidated organization may become attached to, shall be paid out of the general fund of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners. 8. The Amalgamated Wood Workers, District No. ___ of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners, can hold conventions, adopt laws to govern the district and carry on the affairs of said district practically on the same lines as is now being done by the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners, with the exception that all rules, regulations and laws adopted by the Amalgamated Wood Workers, District No. ___ shall be in conformity with the general constitution of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners. 9. All members of the Amalgamated Wood Workers, District No. ___, affiliated with the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners, shall pay to their local union the same amount of dues per month as is paid by the members of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners, and the same per capita tax shall be paid by said district to the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners as is now paid by the local unions134 Mr. John G. Meiler---#4. of that organization, each union affiliated to conduct its financial business in accordance with the constitution of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners. 10. The United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners agrees to give all members of the Amalgamated Wood Workers in good standing at the time of amalgamation a credit of six months' good standing membership, so that they will be entitled to the death benefits of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners as soon as the amalgamation takes place. 11. All unions of the Amalgamated Wood Workers, District No. ___ of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners shall be entitled to send delegates to the conventions of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners on the same basis as all other unions of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners are entitled to. 12. It is hereby agreed that all members of the Amalgamated Wood Workers transferring to and becoming a part of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners, shall be entitled to all benefits, privileges and assistance of the Brotherhood and its general officers as is given to all members and unions of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners. This proposition as submitted is almost identical with the proposition endorsed by the St. Louis Convention in the matter of the Amalgamation of the Elevator Constructors with the International Association of Machinists. The only matters omitted from the original135 Mr. John G. Meiler---#5. proposition as adopted in St. Louis is the one specifying amounts to be paid to strike and victimized members. The other clause as left out from the agreement provides for an assessment, which does not have any bearing on the subject of wood workers and carpenters. Fraternally yours, Sam Gompers President American Federation of Labor.136 X. Aug. 17, 1911. Mr. Clifton, Y. M. C. A. Building, Washington, D. C. My dear Mr. Clifton: As per my promise to you last evening, I beg to hand you herewith the copy of the New Jersey resolution, together with another matter which I think will be of interest. Very sincerely yours, P. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*137*] Z August 17, 1911. Mr. J. C. Skemp, Secretary, Brotherhood of Painters, Decorators and Paperhangers, Drawer 99, Lafayette, Indiana. Dear Sir and Brother: Mr. Matthew Woll, President of the International Photo-Engravers' Union, was entrusted with the duty of preparing a report of the hearings before the Commission in New York. He has sent the report to me, signed, to which I have attached my signature. Mr. Adams authorized me to sign his name to the report. I have done so, without making any change in the report whatever, and enclose it to you herein. Kindly acknowledge receipt and oblige Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. AUG 16 1911*][*138*] Z August 17, 1911. Mr. Matthew Woll, President, International Photo-Engravers' Union of North America, 6111 Bishop Street, Chicago, Illinois. Dear Sir and Brother: I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 15th instant, in which you enclose report of the hearing before the Commission in New York. I have signed it and, as authorized by Mr. Adams have signed his name also and have filled in the initials of his name in the space left vacant in the report. I have just written to Mr. Skemp and sent it on to him. With kind regards and best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. AUG 16 1911*][*139*] [*COPIED. AUG 18 1911*] Z August 17, 1911. Dr. John Wesley Hill, D. D., 48 7th Avenue, New York City. My dear Doctor: I was exceedingly sorry not to be able to keep my engagement with you last evening. Just previous to my meeting you I had accidentally met a friend of mine in his automobile, who had invited me to ride with him. Just after speaking to you someone called my friend's attention to the fact that the light on the back of his machine was out; that meant an immediate return to garage. Upon our way to the garage a tire became punctured and by that time it was away beyond the time of my engagement with you and I was, therefore, deprived of the pleasure of seeing you further. I regret this very much and hope the next time you come over to Washington we will have better luck. With kind regards, I am Very sincerely yours, Saml Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. 140 X. Aug. 17, 1911. COPIE AUG 18 1911 POST MASTER, Washington, D.C. Dear Sir: Until further notice please send all mail addressed to 2122 First Street, N. W., to Room 508, Ouray Building, City, and oblige, Very truly yours, Sam Gompers141 X. Aug. 16, 1911. Mr. Frank Morrison, Secretary, American Federation of Labor, Ouray Building, Washington, D. C. COPIED. AUG 18 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: I beg to hand you herewith copy of letter which I have received from J. J. Reid, of the Brotherhood of Electrical Workers unaffiliated to the A. F. of L., and also duplicate copy of letter that I have just written to Mr. Frank J. McNulty, President of the affiliated Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. Inasmuch as I shall be in California on the date when the Rochester Convention will be held, I shall be glad to have you act as the representative of the American Federation of Labor in the event of a favorable reply being received from Mr. McNulty. You will note the letter that I have written to the Executive Council in regard to the matter. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.142 COPY. INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF ELECTRICAL WORKERS. Springfield, Ill., Aug. 4, 1911. Mr. Samuel Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir and Brother: Complying with the recommendations "of the Executive Council of the American Federation of Labor held in Washington, D. C. January 16-27th inclusive: "In Re: ... the matter of the division amongst the Electrical Workers ... "which recommendations and decision you communicated to me February 18, 1911, I advise you that the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers have amended their laws to comply as far as possible with the recommendations of the Executive Council to wit: "The Executive Council therefore requests that both conventions be held in the city of Minneapolis or such other city as may be agreed upon by both organizations." We will meet in convention September 18, 1911, in the City of Rochester, N. Y. I am informed that the McNulty-Collins faction will convene in Rochester, N. Y. on the same date. I direct your attention to that part of the Executive Council's decision of January 16-27th as follows: "The Executive Council urges all parties interested to make every possible effort to bring about thoroughly representative conventions, and that President Gompers shall, upon receipt of the necessary information as to date and place of holding conventions, issue a circular to all local unions of Electrical Workers, submitting this document and urging them to be represented by their power and legal member of delegates." To further co-operate with you our General Secretary is mailing you under separate cover he addresses of the Secretaries of our Local Unions.143 -2- I have the pleasure at this time in extending to you an invitation to address out convention and sincerely trust you will find time to attend. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, (Signed) J. J. REID, General President.[*144*] [*COPIED. AUG 18 1911*] X. Aug. 16, 1911. Mr. James Duncan, Vice-President, American Federation of Labor, c/o Mr. Alex. Wilkie, 8 Adelphi Terrace, Adam Street, Strand, London. Dear Friend Jim: I received your note from London with your brief story of your trip for publication in the American Federalist. It got here too late for the September issue, but I will use it in the October number. Needless to say, I was very glad indeed to hear from you and to know that you are having a pleasant and interesting trip. I am anxiously awaiting a report from Mr. Legion or Mr. Baumeister as to the proceedings of the Budapest Congress. Tomorrow I start on my California trip. The itinerary as made up will require constant traveling and one or more speeches practically every day I am gone except the days I am on the road. With best wishes, and hoping to hear from you often, I am, Sincerely yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*145*] [*COPIED. Aug 16 1911*] X. Aug. 16, 1911. Hon. R. F. Pettigrew, Sioux Falls, North Dakota. Dear Sir: Please accept my thanks for your favor of August the eighth which you write in compliance with the request of Mr. F. C. Almont, our Organizer at Sioux Falls. Very truly yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. Pardon brevity am starting for the Pac. Coast[*146*] [* COPIED. AUG 18 1911 *] X. AUG. 16, 1911. Dr. Washington Gladden, Warm Sulphur Springs, Bath County, Virginia. My dear Dr. Gladden, Your favor of the ninth instant has been duly received and contents noted. I am replying briefly to acknowledge its receipt and to say to you that I shall endeavor to make reference to your book in the September issue of the American Federationist. I am glad that you are pleased with my article in the August issue. Please pardon the brevity of this letter, but I am extremely crowded just at this moment with the large amount of work requiring my attention incident to preparing for an extended absence from headquarters on official business. Very truly yours, Saml Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*147*] [*COPIED AUG 1 81911*] X. Aug. 16, 1911. Mr. James Curran, Secretary, United Order of Box Makers and Sawyers of America, 2023 Throop Street, Chicago, Ill. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 14th instant received and contents noted. Your letter reaches me just as I am preparing to leave headquarters for a six weeks trip through the West and on to the Pacific Coast, as directed by the Convention of the A. F. of L. and hence my reply must be brief. I beg to say, however, that I have by no means lost sight of the matter of the application for charter made by your organization. When I was in Indianapolis during the early part of the summer, I had a conference there with the representatives of the Brotherhood of Carpenters, and the representatives of the Amalgamated Wood Workers of Americas, as directed by the Convention of the A. F. of L. I have kept in touch with the situation in Chicago, and am aware of the good results which have been brought about by the understanding between the local unions of Cigar Makers and the local union of Box Makers. As stated above, I have not by any means lost sight of the matter of your charter application, and am doing and shall continue to do my best in the interests of Box Makers, as well as the interests of all labor.148 Mr. James Curran -2- with kind regards, and hoping to hear from you again whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*149*] X. Aug. 16, 1911. Mr. W. Symonds, Secretary, Trades and Labor Council, Box 444, Alberta, B. C., Canada, Dear Sir and Brother: We have been advised that the duty on the McNamara button when shipped into Canada is $1.40 per hundred. At a meeting of the McNamara Ways and Means Committee this evening, I placed this matter before my colleagues of that committee. By direction of the committee, I beg to advise you and all other central bodies in the Dominion of Canada and any interested friends or others that the Custom Duty on the McNamara buttons will be allowed when shipped to Canada, that is, the actual cost to the purchaser will be $2.60 per hundred instead of $4.00 per hundred. Of course we cannot and do not expect the central bodies to lose money by the proposition. Trusting that we may receive an order from you in the near future, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. AUG 16 1911*][*150*] [*COPIED. AUG 18 1911*] Z August 16, 1911 Mr. W. R. Rollo, Secretary Hamilton District Trades and Labor Council P. O. Box 323, Hamilton, Ont., Canada. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of August 18th in regard to the duty on the McNamara button has been duly received and contents noted. The subject was taken up at a meeting of the McNamara Ways and Means Committee this evening, and I am instructed to advise you that custom duty will be allowed your organization, that is, the actual cost of the button to you per hundred will be $2.60. Of course we cannot expect the Central Bodies to lose money by the proposition. With best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.151 [*COPIED. AUG 18 1911*] X Aug. 17, 1911. Mr. Jas. N. Cooper, Secretary United Trades Council, West Brownsville, Pa. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 26th ultimo has been duly received and contents noted. I beg to thank you and the organization for the recommendation you make for the appointment of Mr. H. R. Norman as volunteer organizer for Brownsville and vicinity. It affords me pleasure to comply with the request and recommendation made, and commission will be issued and forwarded to Brother Norman in accordance therewith. There is also forwarded to him package of literature and documents published by this office, which I am sure he will find of assistance to him in the discharge of his duties as the representative of the A. F. of L. for your city. I trust his cooperation and assistance as the duly authorized representative of the A. F. of L. in Brownsville will result greatly in the advancement of our movement in that section in every way. With kind regards and hoping to hear from you from time to time, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. 152 Mr. Jas. N. Cooper ---2. P.s. I regret that there has been delay in forwarding this commission, but your letter was placed in our McNamara file and this matter of the commission for the time being overlooked. COPIED Aug 18 1911153 X. August 16, 1911 COPIED. AUG 18 1911 Mr. T. H. Clark, Secretary, Trades and Labor Council, P. O. Box 362, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Dear Sir and Brother: We have been advised that the duty on the McNamara button when shipped into Canada is $1.40 per hundred. At a meeting of the McNamara Ways and Means Committee this evening, I placed this matter before my colleagues of that committee. By direction of the committee, I beg to advice you and all other central bodies in the Dominion of Canada and any interested friends or others that the Custom duty on the McNamara buttons will be allowed when shipped to Canada, that is, the actual cost to the purchaser will be $2.60 per hundred instead of $4.00 per hundred. Of course we cannot and do not expect the central bodies to lose money by the proposition. Trusting that we may receive an order from you in the near future, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.154 X. Aug. 16, 1911. COPIED AUG 18 1911 Mr. Ed Bouchard, Secretary Trades and Labor Council, 392 St. John Street, Quebec, Canada. Dear Sir and Brother: We have been advised that the duty on the McNamara button when shipped into Canada is $1.40 per hundred. At a meeting of the McNamara Ways and Means Committee this evening, I placed this matter before my colleagues of that committee. By direction of the committee, I beg to advise you and all other central bodies in the Dominion of Canada and any interested friends or others that the Custom duty on the McNamara buttons will be allowed when shipped to Canada, that is, the actual cost to the purchase will be $2.60 per hundred instead of $4.00 per hundred. Of course we cannot and do not expect the central bodies to lose money by the proposition. Trusting that we may receive an order from you in the near future, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.155 [*COPIED. AUG 18 1911*] X. Aug. 16, 19 11. Mr. G. R. Brunet, Secretary, Federated Trades Council, 301 St. Dominique St., Montreal, Que., Canada. Dear Sir and Brother: We have been advised that the duty on the McNamara button when shipped into Canada is $1.40 per hundred. At a meeting of the McNamara Ways and Means Committee this evening, I placed this matter before my colleagues of that committee. By direction of the committee, I beg to advise you and all other central bodies in the Dominion of Canada and any interested friends or others that the Custom duty on the McNamara buttons will be allowed when shipped to Canada, that is, the actual cost to the purchaser will be $2.60 per hundred instead of $4.00 per hundred. Of course we cannot and do not expect central bodies to lose money by the proposition. Trusting that we may receive an order from you in the near future, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.156 [*COPIED. AUG 18 1911*] X. Aug. 16, 1911. Mr. H. R. Barton, Secretary, District Labor Council, 144 Spruce Street, Toronto, Ont., Canada. Dear Sir and Brother: We have been advised that the duty on the McNamara button when shipped into Canada is $1.40 per hundred. At a meeting of the McNamara Ways and Means Committee this evening, I placed this matter before my colleagues of the committee. By direction of the committee, I beg to advise you and all other central bodies in the Dominion of Canada and any interested friends or others that the Custom duty on the McNamara buttons will be allowed when shipped to Canada, that is, the actual cost to the purchaser will be $2.60 per hundred instead of $4.00 per hundred. Of course we cannot and do not expect central bodies to lose money by the proposition. Trusting that we may receive an order from you in the near future, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.157 [*COPIED. AUG 18 1911*] X. Aug. 16, 1911. Mr. William Lodge, Secretary, Allied Trades and Labor Association, Box 51, Ottawa, Ont., Canada. Dear Sir and Brother: We have been advised that the duty on the McNamara button when shipped into Canada is $1.40 per hundred. At a meeting of the McNamara Ways and Means Committee this evening, I placed this matter before my colleagues of that committee. By direction of the committee, I beg to advise you and all other central bodies in the Dominion of Canada and any interested friends or others that the Custom duty on the McNamara buttons will be allowed when shipped to Canada, that is, the actual cost to the purchaser will be $2.60 per hundred instead of $4.00 per hundred. Of course we cannot and do not expect central bodies to lose money by the proposition. Trusting that we may receive an order from you in the near future, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.158 [*COPIED. AUG 18 1911*] X. Aug. 16, 1911. Mr. H. B Archer, Secretary, Trades and Labor Council, 455 St. James St., London, Ont., Canada. Dear Sir and Brother: We have been advised that the duty on the McNamara button when shipped into Canada is $1.40 per hundred. At a meeting of the McNamara Ways and Means Committee this evening, I placed this matter before my colleagues of that committee. By direction of the committee, I beg to advise you and all other central bodies in the Dominion of Canada and any interested friends or others that the Custom duty on the McNamara buttons will be allowed when shipped to Canada, that is, the actual cost to the purchaser will be $2.60 per hundred instead of $4.00 per hundred. Of course we cannot and do not expect central bodies to lose money by the proposition. Trusting that we may receive an order from you in the near future, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*159*] X. Aug. 16, 1911 [*COPIED. AUG 18 1911*] Mr. W. H. Godwin, Secretary, Trades and Labor Assembly, Kingston, Ont., Canada. Dear Sir and Brother: We have been advised that the duty on the McNamara button when shipped into Canada is $1.40 per hundred. At a meeting of the McNamara Ways and Means Committee this evening, I placed this matter before my colleagues of that committee. By direction of the committee, I beg to advise you and all other central bodies in the Dominion of Canada and any interested friends or others that the Custom duty on the McNamara buttons will be allowed when shipped to Canada, that is, the actual cost to the purchase will be $2.60 per hundred instead of $4.00 per hundred. Of course we cannot and do not expect the central bodies to lose money by the proposition. Trusting that we may receive an order from you in the near future, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.160 [*COPIED. AUG 18 1911*] X. Aug. 16, 1911. Mr. W. R. Rollo, Secretary, Trades and Labor Council, Box 323, Hamilton, Ont., Canada. Dear Sir and Brother: We have been advised that the duty on the McNamara button when shipped into Canada is $1.40 per hundred. At a meeting of the McNamara Ways and Means Committee this evening, I placed this matter before my colleagues of that committee. By direction of the committee, I beg to advise you and all other central bodies in the Dominion of Canada and any interested friends or others that the Custom duty on the McNamara buttons will be allowed when shipped to Canada, that is, the actual cost to the purchaser will be $2.60 per hundred instead of $4.00 per hundred. Of course we cannot and do not expect the central bodies to lose money by the proposition. Trusting that we may receive an order from you in the near future, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.161 [*COPIED. AUG 18 1911*] X. Aug. 16, 1911. Mr. Louis B. Albrecht, Secretary, Twin City Trades and Labor Council, Box 665, Berlin, Ont., Canada. Dear Sir and Brother: We have been advised that the duty on the McNamara button when shipped into Canada is $1.40 per hundred. At a meeting of the McNamara Ways and Means Committee this evening, I placed this matter before my colleagues of that committee. By direction of the committee, I beg to advise you and all other central bodies in the Dominion of Canada and any interested friends or others that the Custom duty on the McNamara buttons will be allowed when shipped to Canada, that is, the actual cost to the purchaser will be $2.60 per hundred instead of $4.00 per hundred. Of course we cannot and do not expect the central bodies to lose money by the proposition. Trusting that we may receive an order from you in the near future, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*162*] [*COPIED. AUG 18 1911*] X. Aug. 16, 1911. Mr. R. P. Pettipiece, Secretary, Trades and Labor Council, 2349 St. Catherines Street, Vancouver, Canada. Dear Sir and Brother: We have been advised that the duty on the McNamara button when shipped into Canada is $1.40 per hundred. At a meeting of the McNamara Ways and Means Committee this evening, I placed this matter before my colleagues of that committee. By direction of the committee, I beg to advise you and all other central bodies in the Dominion of Canada and any interested friends or others that the Customs duty on the McNamara buttons will be allowed when shipped to Canada, that is, the actual cost to the purchaser will be $2.60 per hundred instead of $4.00 per hundred. Of course we cannot and do not expect the central bodies to lose money by the proposition. Trusting that we may receive an order from you in the near future, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. [*163*] [*COPIED. AUG 18 1911*] Z August 17, 1911. Mr. John J. Carrigan, Grand President, Brotherhood of Railway Clerks, Kansas City, Mo. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of August 11th, addressed to Secretary Morrison, has been handed to me for reply. In accordance with the requested contained therein I have instructed that Mr. E. S. Sherwood, of New York City, be dropped from our official list of volunteer organizers. With kind regards and best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. 164 August 17, 1911. Mr. H. W. Moores, Secretary, Woodland Local No. 27, Pulp, Sulphite and Paper Mill Workers Woodland, Maine. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 9th instant has been received and contents noted. I beg to thank you and the organization for the recommendation you make for the appointment of Brother H. W. Moores as volunteer organizer for Woodland and vicinity. It affords me pleasure to comply with the request and recommendation made, and commission will be issued and forwarded to Brother Moores in accordance therewith. There is also forwarded to him package of literature and documents published by this office, which I am sure he will find of assistance to him in the discharge of his duties as the representatives of the A. F. of L. for your city. I trust his cooperation and assistance as the duly authorized representative of the A. F. of L. in Woodland and vicinity will result in the advancement of our movement in that section in every way. With kind regards and hoping to hear from you from time to time, I am Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.165 [*COPIED. Aug 18 1911*] Z August 17, 1911. Mr. J. A. McCalmont, Secretary, Central Trades and Labor Council, General Delivery, Temple, Texas. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 9th instant has been received and contents noted. I beg to thank you and the organization for the recommendation you make for the appointment of Mr. J. A. McCalmont as volunteer organizer for Temple and vicinity. It affords me pleasure to comply with the request and recommendation made, and commission will be issued and forwarded to Brother McCalmont in accordance therewith. There is also forwarded to him package of literature and documents published by this office, which I am sure he will find of assistance to him in the discharge of his duties as the representative of the A. F. of L. for your city. I trust his cooperation and assistance as the duly authorized representative of the A. F. of L. in Temple will result greatly in the advancement of our movement in that section in every way. With kind regards and hoping to hear from you from time to time, I am Fraternally yours, Sam Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*166*] [*COPIED. AUG 17, 1 911*] Z August 17, 1911. Mr. F. A. Kates, Secretary, Central Labor Union, 1020 K St., Lincoln, Neb. . Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 19th instant has been received and contents noted. I beg to thank you and the organization for the recommendation you make for the appointment of Mr. T. W. Parker as volunteer organizer for Lincoln and vicinity. If affords me pleasure to comply with the request and recommendation made, and commission will be issued and forwarded to Brother Parker, in accordance therewith. There is also forwarded to him package of literature and documents published by this office, which I am sure he will find of assistance to him in the discharge of his duties as the representative of the A. F. of L. for your city. I trust his cooperation and assistance as the duly authorized representative of the A. F. of L. in Lincoln will result greatly in the advancement of our movement in that section in every way. With kind regards and hoping to hear from you from time to time, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.167 COPIED. Aug 12 1911 Z August 18, 1911. Mr. Henry Kirsch, Secretary, Central Labor Union, Boonville, Indiana. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 14th instant has been received and contents noted. I beg to thank you and the organization for the recommendation you make for the appointment of Mr. John Patton as volunteer organizer for Boonville and vicinity in place of Mr. J. C. Wright, who has resigned. It affords me pleasure to comply with the request and recommendation made, and commission will be issued and forwarded to Brother Patton in accordance therewith. There is also forwarded to him package of literature and documents published by this office, which I am sure he will find of assistance to him in the discharge of his duties as the representative of the A. F. L. for your city. I trust his cooperation and assistance as the duly authorized representative of the A. F. of L. in Boonville will result greatly in the advancement of our movement in that section in every way. With kind regards and hoping to hear from you from time to time, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor168 COPIED AUG 18 1911 Z August 18, 1911 Mr. A. W. Doland, Recording Secretary, L. U. 1789, United Bro. of Carpenters & Joiners, P. O. Box No. 132, Nome, Alaska. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of August 1st has been received and contents noted. I beg to thank you and the organization for the recommendation you make for the appointment of Mr. A. W. Doland as volunteer organizer for Nome and vicinity. It affords me pleasure to comply with the request and recommendation made, and commission will be issued and forwarded to Brother Doland in accordance therewith. There is also forwarded to him package of literature and documents published by this office, which I am sure he will find of assistance to him in the discharge of his duties as the representative of the A. F. of L. for your city. I trust his cooperation and assistance as the duly authorized representative of the A. F. of L. in Nome will result greatly in the advancement of our movement in that section in every way. With kind regards and hoping to hear from you from time to time, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.169 Z August 18, 1911. Mr. D.E. McCarthy, Secretary, Central Labor Union, 583 Union St., Springfield, Mass. COPIED. AUG 18 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: Under date of August 9th Volunteer Organizer Wm. J. Murphy of your city tendered his resignation on the score of ill health. Under the circumstances, there was nothing left for me to do but accept it, and I am, therefore writing to request the Central Labor Union to officially recommend someone to take his place as volunteer organizer, as his resignation leaves but one organizer in your city, and he is a district organizer. We want to have a volunteer organizer for Springfield and vicinity on our list. Trusting to receive a recommendation from you at your earliest convenience, and with best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. [*170*] [*COPIED. Aug 18 1911*] X. Aug. 15, 1911. Mr. Robert Anderson Pope, 527 Fifth Avenue, New York City. My dear Sir: Your favor of August 14th, in regard to the lectures by Mr. Thomas H. Mawson, English Landscape Architect, is received and contents noted. In reply I desire to say that the men who have the privilege of lecturing before the bodies of organized working men, must do so because of their heart in the art, and the desire to be helpful. The men of labor cannot afford to pay One Hundred Dollars for a lecture on landscape art. However, I thank you for your suggestion, and your courtesy in writing me in regard thereto. Very truly yours, Saml Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.171 [*COPIED. AUG 18 1911*] Z August 18, 1911. Mr. C. O. Young, Organizer, General Delivery, Spokane, Washington. Dear Sir and Brother: Please accept my thanks for your favor of August 13th in which you enclose statement from Mr. Govnor Teats for the symposium in the September issue of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST. Please accept my thanks for your attention to the matter. Your letter reaches me, however, too late for this statement to be published in the September issue. However, there were a number of communications which came to late for the September issue and I therefore contemplate publishing theseor extracts from them in the October number. With kind regards and best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Sam Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*172*] [*COPIED. AUG 18 1911*] Z August 18, 1911 Mr. Henry L. Slobodin, Attorney and Counsellor at Law, 302 Broadway, Room 302, New York, N. Y. Dear Sir: You favor of the 15th instant is received and contents noted. You say that you are chairman of the press committee of the local McNamara defense conference, and that you are trying to secure the consent of one of the big magazines to publish an article on the McNamara case in answer to the Burns article in McClures. You then desire that I shall send you such matters as will be helpful to you in the preparation of the article. In compliance therewith I am sending to you under separate cover a package containing all of the printed matter we have thus far sent out on the McNamara case, including my article on the case in the June issue of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST and also my subsequent editorials upon the case. Of course there is some evidence in the hands of our attorneys which would not be within the province of the McNamara defense committee to disclose at the present time. I sincerely trust that you will be successful in getting your article published, if possible in McClures. In any event, I hope you will not fail to keep me advised in regard thereto and to see [*173*] Mr. Henry L. Slobodin---2. to it that copy of your article is forwarded to me as soon as published. If there is any further assistance which I can give you, please advise me and I shall be glad to be of any help within my power. Very truly yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*174*] [*COPIED. AUG 18 1911*] Z August 18, 1911. Mr. C. A. Wheeler, Organizer, 624 South Horton Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. Dear Sir and Brother: Your letter of the 13th instant has been duly received and contents noted. I want to thank you for your prompt attention to our request in regard to taking up with the local unions of Fort Scott the matter of contributions to the McNamara defense fund. I am sending to you under separate cover fifty copies of the McNamara leaflet issued by this office and half a dozen copies of the McNamara pamphlet. If you can use more of these let us know and we will be glad to send them to you. With kind regards and best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*175*] [*COPIED. AUG 18 1911*] X. Aug. 17, 1911. Mr. W. D. Mahon, President Amalgamated Association of Street and Electric Railway Employes of America 604 Hodges Building, Detroit, Mich. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the tenth instant received and contents noted, and I thank you very much for sending me the data you do in connection with the Des Moines strike. As I have been so very crowded with pressing and important work in preparing for my prolonged absence on the Pacific Coast trip, I have very little time to take up the matter of the Des Moines strike, but I have written an editorial upon the subject for the September issue of the American Federationist. I want you to read it and let me know what you think of it. When I was in Chicago about two weeks ago, some friends of mine told me that you had gone with John Fitzpatrick on a short trip to the Old Country and I was under the impression that you were on the other side when the decision of Judge DeGraff was published. Had I known that you were in the United States, I would have urged you to proceed against the decision, the carrying out of that and either injunction or mandamus to be applied in labor disputes with employers, thereby forbidding the men to do the things they have the right to do, and compelling them to do theMr. W. D. Mahon -2- 176 things they have a right to refrain from doing. I would like you to see my editorial in the September issue. Though it is not comprehensive, yet it is to the point. I may, if opportunity affords, take the case up again for discussion. I left Washington at 11:55 this morning on the Pennsylvania train direct for Denver, and after stopping a day there and addressing a meeting will go on to Salt Lake City and various other points, reaching San Francisco September 2d. Desirous of attending to a number of important matters, my secretary has accompanied me as far as Harrisburg and this letter to you is dictated on the train. I wish you could communicate with me somewhere along the road and make the trip with me. Enclosed you will please find copy of my itinerary. In any event, let me hear from you at the General Delivery Postoffice, Butte, Montana, or somewhere else along the route, if you do not get this letter in time to reach me at Butte. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*177*] [*COPIED. AUG 18 1911*] X. Aug. 17, 1911. Prof. Robert F. Foerster, Emerson Hall, Cambridge, Mass. Dear Sir: Your favor of August 14th received and contents noted. You request information as to Italian immigrants and wage workers in this country. I am now investigating the matter and shall be glad to write you further as soon as I am in a position to give you any definite information upon the subject. Very truly yours, Saml Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*178*] [*COPIED. AUG 18 1911*] X. Aug. 17, 1911. Mr. Jos. Tylkoff, Organizer, c/o Mr. Cal Wyatt, 25 Third Avenue, New York City. Dear Sir and Brother: There is some information in regard to Italian wage workers in this country which I should like to get if there is any possible way by which I can secure it. The information is practically as follows: Approximately how many Italians are members of the A.F. of L? Whether they unionize readily? Whether the skilled workmen have commonly been members of unions at home? Whether their home training as skilled workmen has been deficient, and they must learn new ways here? Whether they are as loyal unionists as other members are? Whether you think that, in the main, their presence hurts our labor movement? If you can let me have this information at your early convenience, I would appreciate it. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. [*179*] [*COPIED. AUG 18 1911*] X. Aug. 17, 1911. Mr. D. D'Alessandro, President, Int'l. Hod Carriers' and Building Laborers' Union, Box 597, Albany, N. Y. Dear Sir and Brother: There is some information in regard to Italian wage workers in this country which I should like to get if there is any possible way by which I can secure it. The information is practically as follows: Approximately how many Italians are members of the A. F. of L? Whether they unionize readily? Whether the skilled workmen have commonly been members of unions at home? Whether their home training as skilled workmen has been deficient, and they must learn new ways here? Whether they are as loyal unionists as other members are? Whether you think that, in the main, their presence hurts our labor movement? If you can let me have this information at your earliest convenience, I would appreciate it. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. 180 X. Aug. 17, 1911. Mr. Robert F. Wagner, 51 Chambers Street, New York City. Dear Sir: In continuation of my letter to you of August 14th, I would appreciate it if you would kindly advise me as to the program of the Commission, the names of the various cities which the Commission will visit, the dates when these visits will be made, and any other information in connection with the matter which you may be able to give me. I am dictating this just as I am starting on my trip West, but if you will be so kind as to send your reply to my office, it will be promptly forwarded to me. Respectfully yours, Sam Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. AUG 18 1911*][*181*] [*COPIED. AUG 18 1911*] X. Aug. 18, 1911. Mr. Samuel Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor, General Delivery, Butte, Montana. My dear Mr. Gompers: Your day letter from Chicago is just received. In conformity with your directions, enclosed please find copy of the New York law creating the Commission to investigate the conditions under which manufacture is carried on in cities of the first and second class of that state. We had already written on August 14th to Mr. Wagner, who notified you that the Commission would meet today, explaining to him your inability to attend the meeting by reason of your Pacific Coast trip. However, I am writing him a further letter today, and requesting information as to the program of the Commission, the itinerary, etc., and as soon as it is received it will be promptly forwarded to you. I enclose herein the papers sent you this morning by Mr. M. Simson, of New York City. You requested him to send them here to you, and that they would be forwarded to you. I also enclose one or two personal letters which reached here this morning. I got back to the office last night at eight o'clock, and wrote both you and Mr. Hamilton to Denver. I do not know whether the letters reached you before you left Denver, but I hope that they did. 182 Mr. Samuel Gompers -2- I most sincerely trust that your trip on from Harrisburg to Denver was cooler and more restful than from here to Harrisburg and that you got a good night's sleep last night and are feeling more rested today. I am glad to say that it has been raining and is considerably cooler just now. I will keep you in touch with the office from time to time and matters come up which I may think necessary for you to have while away. With kind regards to you and Mr. Hamilton, in which Mrs. Webster joins, I am, Very sincerely yours, R. Lee Guard P. S. Since dictating the above, and going down through the pile of mail, I find a letter from Mr. W. J. Adames, Editor of the Railway Carmen's Journal, requesting your bill for expenses incurred through trip to New York to appear before the Commission. Copy of Mr. Adames' letter is enclosed herein. I have acknowledged its receipt and advised him that copy is forwarded to you.183 COPY. RAILWAY CARMEN'S JOURNAL, 505 Hall Building, Kansas City, Mo., August 15, 1911. Mr. Samuel Gompers, President, A. F. of L., Washington, D. C. Dear Sir and Brother: Brother Skemp, secretary-treasurer of the Editor's Conference wouldlike to have your bill for your trip to New York attending the hearing before the Federal Postal Commission. He would also appreciate suggestions from you as to the amount to be collected from each organization. Personally I think $10.00 from each would be little enough to ask them to contribute and this would be ample to meet all present expenses. My expenses to New York and return and other incidental expenses connected with the Conference amounts to $76.45 and other expenses owing our organization from postage, printing, etc., amounts to $12.20. Brother Skemp also estimates that the printing of the minutes will probably amount to $20.00, so you may form an opinion of the amount necessary to raise. Trusting you will favor brother Skemp with your statement of expense at your earliest convenience so hemay send out the assessment notice as soon as possible, and with best wishes, I remain, Yours fraternally, (Signed) W. J. Adames, Editor and Manager.[*184*] X. Aug. 17, 1911. Mr. John Robert O'Brien, c/o Moose Club, Buffalo, N. Y. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 15th instant reaches me just as I am leaving headquarters for my trip to the Pacific Coast. I note what you contemplate doing in behalf of the McNamara case, and I want to thank you for it, and hope and believe that you can be of assistance in this way. I sincerely trust that your visit to the Convention of the Loyal Order of Moose will be a most pleasant and enjoyable trip. I should like very much indeed were it in my power, to attend the convention myself. Kindly remember me to any inquiring friends. When you have the opportunity, write me a word occasionally. Even though I may not be at headquarters for the next five or six weeks, my correspondence will be carefully looked after in my absence, and all the necessary letters will be forwarded to me. With kind regards, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. AUG 18 1911*]185 COPIED. AUG 18, 1911 X. Aug. 17, 1911. Mr. Hans Fehlinger, Rinterbruhl 2, Muenchen 41 Munich, Germany. Dear Friend: I am very grateful to you for having sent me the clippings fromt he Metallarbeiter-Zeitung, Austria, containing the criticism of Fritz Kummer upon my book, my work, and my utterance. Anyone who misrepresents another, or misrepresents a cause, may obtain a temporary advantage, but it reacts upon the one guilty of misrepresentation. So it is in the case of Mr. Kummer. He wilfully perverts what I have uttered, taking only part excerpts entirely from their context, and conveying a false impression of his readers. You will notice that in one or two instances he interjects the word "harmony" not that he asserts that it appears anywhere in my book, but as I say, for the purpose of misleading his readers into a prejudicual judgment against me and the cause i have the honor to expose. He intends to convey that I have declared that there must be harmony between labor and capital. He simply parrot-like repeats what other socialists have said in their ignorance, or their hatred of the trade union movement of America, including myself. He or anyone else will look in vein, yes, I challenge him or anyone else to show that I have ever expressed the thought, either in writing or in print, or uttered it by word of mouth, that there is[*186*] Mr. Hans Fehlinger -2- harmony between labor and capital, or that we should work toward harmony between labor and capital. I am using the term, labor and capital, in its generally accepted sense, for as we understand the more accurate expression, laborers and capitalists. Kummer's attack is made upon me incidentally because I happen to be one of the officers of the American trade union movement, and I try as best I can, by the light that I have, to faithfully represent, to defend and to advocate the rights and interests of the workers, and I recognize that they can be best conserved through the trade union movement, and if he, or others of his ilk can destroy confidence of the workers in my associates and myself as leaders of the American trade union movement, why then Kummer, and those who think and not like him, imagine that they can carry their work of antagonism to the trade union movement to a disintegrating point. But Kummer is mistaken, as others have been and are mistaken. The trade union movement is the natural, historically developed labor movement. It is the movement of protest of the workers. It is the movement to obtain better working and living conditions, more intelligence, more character, more time, and more opportunity for the cultivation of the best that is in me. The trade union movement proposes to make the fight now for better conditions of life and labor for the men women and children now, rather than dreaming, and dreaming, and dreaming of a better day to come, some time in the future. With every improvement of the days now will come the better opportunity of the working people to contend for greater improvement and absolute justice in the future. Mr. Kummer says that I rushed through Europe in seven weeks and then wrote a book on the conditions prevailing there. First let me say that I was in Europe seventeen weeks, and that187 Mr. Hans Fehlinger -5- during that time I interviewed and conversed with perhaps more men, more thinking, active men, men who know, than perhaps Mr. Kummer has talked with in his whole lifetime. In addition, I visited labor headquarters in nearly every city where I went, and certainly in every place about which I wrote. I also visited factories, workshops, and homes, and perhaps this may not be uninteresting. Fifteen years before my recent trip to Europe, I visited several European countries, and was therefore in a position to make some sort of comparson between the old and the new, and then again I was born in England and as a factory boy, from my tenth to my thirteenth year, marked in a London workshop. While I do not care to take too much credit, yet I think it would be unfair did I not say that I was an observing youngster. An in addition to all this, I have carefully read some of the very best books, pamphlets, and brochures of America and European workers and thinkers from all viewpoints of sociology and economics, including Marx, LaSalle, Bebel, Leibknecht, Hilliman, Koutsky, Burnstein, and many others. It seemed to me that I ought to write you just a word in regard to Mr. Kummer's criticism, and finding a brief opportunity, I write you the above. Within an hour. I shall be on my way on an organization and lecturing trip through the west and the Pacific Coast, this my direction of the Convention of the American Federation of Labor. You may be interested in the itinerary of my trip, copy of which is enclosed herein. This does not include all of the pieces where I shall have to go, but just those for which arrangements have already been made. The trip will involve travel of about eleven thousand miles. I anticipate returning here the first week in October. 188 Mr. Hans Fehlinger -4- With best wishes, and hoping to hear from you whenver convenient, I am, Sincerely and fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. Dictated by President Gompers before starting on Pacific Coast trip, and therefore not signed by him. 189 COPIED. AUG 19 1911 X. Mr. Thomas R. Wilt, City Passenger Agent, Pennsylvania Lines, 242 So. Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois. Dear Sir: Enclosed you will please find letter and check from Mr. B.M. Newbold, District Passenger Agent of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company of this city for $4.35, which he says is a refund balance on my ticket from Chicago to Washington and return, about which I wrote you and which I turned over to the Company here for redemption in conformity with our correspondence upon the subject. As you know, I paid $36.00 for the round trip ticket from Chicago to Washington by way of New York. By buying the excursion ticket, I paid $5.65 for my ticket from New York to Washington. The fact of my being induced to buy the excursion ticket has made my trip from New York to Washington an additional expense to me, for I always carry mileage over the Pennsylvania and use it in preference to buying tickets. As stated above, I enclose the check and letter and will ask that you kindly give this matter your attention at your early convenience. Very truly yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. 190 COPIED. AUG 18 1911 X. Aug. 18, 1911. Mr. Jerome Jones, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, 406 Austell Building, Atlanta, Ga. Dear Sir and Brother: I have received several letters from Mr. F. C. Linn, of the firm of Neil and Lind, who manage a union habardashary at 915 Franklin Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri. On August 5th Mr. Lind writes to know if space can be secured at the convention in Atlanta for an exhibit of his union made goods. On August 9th I wrote giving him your address and suggesting that he write to you. He now returns my letter with a note asking me to forward you his previous letter, which you will please find enclosed herein. Kindly take up the matter direct with Mr. Lihd, and oblige. Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. 191 Z Agust 18, 1911. Mr. M. Grant Hamilton, Organizer, General Delivery, Butte, Montana. My dear Mr. Hamilton: Will you please have Mr. Gompers sign the enclosed credential for Mr. E.J. Chapman and return same to me at the earliest possible opportunity? With kind regards, I am Very sincerely yours, Secretary to Pres. Gompers. 192 COPIED. AUG 19 1911 X. Aug. 17, 1911 Mr. Chas. Gray, Secretary, The Trades Council, Carlton, Australia, Dear Sir: Your favor of June 30th addressed to Mr. Morrison came duly to hand August 15th, and was turned over to me for consideration. You make inquiry as to Mr. W. T. Mills, of Milwaukee, and the bona fide character of the statements made by Mr. Thomas Morgan of Chicago, in regard to Mr. Mills. The allegations made by Mr. Mills I have heard time and gain. I have not the time, neither have I the inclination, even if I had the time, to look the private character of individuals. I know that Mr. Morgan has a waspish tongue, and wields a bitter pen. I am reliably informed that Mr. Morgan is entirely financially responsible to respond in damages should any suit, for slander, or libel, be made by Mr. Mills again him. Mr. Mills has another remedy, that is, charged for criminal libel, if the statements made by Mr. Morgan are untrue, slanderous, or libelous. I may say that Mr. Mills is in no way connected with the bona fide labor movement of America. He was a member of the Socialist Party, but his relations with that party have been very severely tested, if not already broken asander. But after all, I am very much more interested as I believe193 Mr. Ohas, Gray -2- your Trades Council is, in the great uplift work of the organized labor movement of the civilized world. That is the question in which the trade unions of the American Federation of Labor of this continent are primarily interested. Feeling more that you will be interested in some of the printed matter published by this office, I am sending a package to you under separate cover. It is commended to your consideration. I am also placing your Trades Council on the mailing list to receive the American Federations regularly. Your attention is particularly called to the September issue, as in that issue are published statements from a number of prominent men, expressive of their optimism of the trade union movement and its work and achievements. You will also note that I publish in that issue my Pacific Coast trip itinerary. I am making this organization trip, upon which I start today, by direction of the Convention of the American Federation of Labor. Hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, and with kind regards, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. 194 COPIED. AUG 19, 1911 I. Aug. 17, 1911. Mr. George Creel, c/o Hampton's Magazine, 66 West 35th Street, New York City. Dear Sir: Your last letter undated, from Mountain Lake Park, Maryland, was duly received during my absence from headquarters on official business. Upon my return I was so crowded with pressing matters that I was not able to reach your letter until the present writing. I am now on the train en route for an organization trip of six weeks through the West and on the Pacific Coast, as directed by the Convention of the A. F. of L. I am dictating this brief note to you en the train to my secretary, who accompanied me part of the way so as to afford me the opportunity of winding up some necessary work. Should you yet find it convenient to come to Washington, I shall be glad to afford you the opportunity of going over the data which I have and also of letting you read the letter which I addressed to the President protesting against the appointment of Justice Tarton. I am unable to comply with your request to send the data to you, but as stated, if you can come here, I will be glad to give you every opportunity of going through it full. Very sincerely yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. [*195*] X. Aug. 17, 1911. Mr. Thomas Atkinson, Secretary, Amalgamated Society of Carpenters and Joiners, Room 78, Bible House, New York City. Dear Sir and Brother: I am exceedingly pleased to receive your Letter of August the 16th in which you advise me that the trouble in St. Louis between the two organizations of Carpenters has been amicably and satisfactorily adjusted. This is cheering news for me to receive just as I am starting on my Western trip. Although I will be absent for six weeks, yet full arrangements have been made for my correspondence to be looked after carefully and promptly during my absence, so whenever there is any matter about which you desire to write me, kindly address me at headquarters as usual. Your letter will be given prompt attention. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. AUG 18 1911*][*196*] X. Aug. 17, 1911. Mr. Thomas Atkinson, Secretary, Amalgamated Society of Carpenters and Joiners, Room 75, Bible House, New York City. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 16th instant reaches me just as I am starting on my Pacific Coast trip. It was most kind in you to send me a word expressive of your good wishes for the success of my trip and that physically I may be able to fulfill the strenuous and arduous campaign mapped out for me. I thank you for your cordial and kind wishes and assure you that they are greatly appreciated. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. AUG 19 1911*][*197*] X. Aug. 17, 1911. Mr. M. Simson, 150 East 91 Street, New York City. Dear Sir: Replying to your favor of the 17th instant, I beg to advise you that the papers you sent under separate cover have been forwarded today to President Gompers in conformity with his letter to you of August 15th. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers. [*COPIED. AUG 19 1911*][*198*] [*COPIED. AUG 18 1911*] X. Aug. 17, 1911. Mr. J. Keeley, General Manager, The Chicago Tribune, Chicago, Illinois. Dear Sir: Some time ago you asked me to write you an article expressive of my views upon the necessity of amending the existing law, especially the Sherman Anti-Trust Law. I have been exceedingly busy with work which brooked no postponement, and this is the first opportunity I have had to comply with your request. Enclosed you will please find an article which I send you with the regards of Yours truly, Saml Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.199 BY SAMUEL GOMPERS. Modern business can not be conducted upon the old notions. Development in industry does not admit of it. Development in transportation does not admit of it. The development and transmission of information does not admit of it. Organized labor has realized for a long time, and realizes now - perhaps clearer now than ever before - the necessity for the fullest and the freest hand in the operation of business and industry and the performance of labor, and that in so far as interference by the Government is concerned it should be of the least possible character. Since the Supreme Court decided that labor unions are punishable under trust penalties, we feel that it is necessary to point out how widely different is a labor union from a trust; for upon these vital and fundamental differences of the two are based the main reasons for the insistence that the voluntary organizations of labor shall not under the law be regarded as in the same category as trusts and illegal combinations in restraint of trade. A labor organization is not a trust; none of its attributes, methods, or achievements in behalf of its members and society at large can properly be confounded with whatever is pernicious and selfish in the activities of the trusts. A trust, even at its best, is an organization to monopolize the [?] and control the distribution of material products. [?] voluntary association of the workers for mutual benefit and assistance is essentially different. Even if they seek to control the disposition of their labor power, the power to labor is not a material commodity. It is not a product, it is the personal power of a human being.-2- The human power to produce is the antithesis of the material commodities which become the subject of trust control. The ownership of a free man is vested in himself alone. The only reason for the ownership of a bondmen or slaves is the ownership of their labor power by their masters. If freeman's ownership of themselves involves their labor power, none but themselves are owners of their labor power. The product of a free man is his own. If he, by choice or by reason of his environment, sells his labor power to another and is paid a wage in return therefor, this wage is his own. These propositions are so essentially true that they are the underlying philosophy upon which is based the entire structure of private property. To question or to attempt to destroy these principles involves the entire structure of civilized society. The freeman's ownership of himself and his labor power implies that he may sell it to another or withhold it; that he and others similarly situated may sell their labor power or withhold it; that no man has even an implied property right in the labor of another; that freemen may sell their labor power under stress of their needs, or they may withhold it to obtain more advantageous returns. Any legislation or court construction dealing with the subject of combinations, corporations or trusts which deal in, control, curtail or corner the products of labor, can have no true application to the association of freeman in the disposition or withholding of their labor power.[*201*] -3- While realizing the necessity for a freer hand in industry and commerce, untrammeled by government cramping, and therefore such a change in existing law as will secure these results, I am quite convinced that it is far more important for industry, commerce, labor and the representatives of free institutions that the activities of the wage earners, the wealth producers, in the opportunities for the protection and promotion of their rights and interests are of predominating importance.[*202*] [*COPIED. AUG 19 1911*] Z August 19, 1911 Mr. O. R. Jarrett, President, North Carolina State Federation of Labor, 6 Olive St., Asheville, N. C. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 14th instant has been duly received, with which you enclose statements from two business men of your city on the subject of organized labor. Please accept my thanks for your compliance with my request. We find we have more replies to the recent request than we can use in the September issue of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST, however we intend to use these, or extracts from them, in the October number. With kind regards and best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor[*203*] COPIED. AUG 19 1911 Z August 19, 1911. Mr. M. Grant Hamilton, Organizer, General Delivery, Butte, Montana. My Dear Mr. Hamilton: In further reference to my letter to you of yesterday, with which I enclosed a credential, requesting you to get Mr. Gompers to sign it and return it here, will you kindly have him sign the enclosed credential instead of the one sent yesterday. Through an oversight it was written on the letter head of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST instead of the letter head of the A. F. of L. which latter is customary. With kind regards, I am Very sincerely yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to Pres. Gompers.[*204*] [*COPIED. AUG 19 1911*] Z August 18, 1911. Mr. Harry De Veaux, White Rats Actors' Union of America, 84a Hull St. Borough of Brooklyn, N.Y.C. Dear Sir: On August 17th President Gompers left Washington for an extended organizing and lecturing trip through the west and on the Pacific Coast, as directed by the convention of the American Federation of Labor. For some time previous to his leaving he has been very much crowded with a number of pressing and important matters to which it was necessary for him to give his attention incident to his long absence so much so until he was unable to reply to a number of letters which were being held for his personal attention, yours being among the number. He directed me, however, to acknowledge its receipt and to say to you that he is in correspondence with the officers of the White Rats Actors Union and that the entire matter is being looked after. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to the President, American Federation of Labor.205 COPIED. AUG 19 1911 Z August 19, 1911. Mr. B. M. O'Sullivan, 316 Taylor Street, Colorado Springs, Colorado. Dear Sir: Your favor of August 12th is received and contents noted. You enclose copies of correspondence between you and Mr. William Rader which you desire Mr. Gompers to read. I beg to say in reply that your letter reached here too late for him to see it, as he has now started on a trip west. No doubt you will see him when he reaches Sen Francisco Sept. 2nd. You will, therefore, kindly accept this acknowledgment of the receipt of your letter in his absence. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to Pres. Gompers.[*206*] [*COPIED. AUG 19 1911*] Z August 19, 1911. Mr. O. Picart, Federation Nationale des Travailleurs de L'Industrie, du Batiment de France et des Colonies, 33 Rue de le Grange-sux-Belles, Paris, France. Dear Sir: Your favor of July 25th received and contents noted. You ask for information as to the Union Label Trades Department of the American Federation of Labor, its methods, etc., the organizations which have adopted labels, etc., etc. I have referred your request to Mr. Thomas F. Tracy, Secretary of the Union Label Trades Department of the American Federation of Labor, Room 708, Ouray Building, this city, and have asked him to write you giving full information as to the work and methods of his department and also to send you such printed matter issued by his Department as he thinks will be of assistance to you. As to the Building Trades Department of the A. F. of L., the Secretary is Mr. William J. Spencer, Rooms 412-14, Ouray Building this city. Enclosed you will find a list of the organizations represented in that Department. Trusting that the above information will be of assistance to you, I am Very truly yours, Saml Gompers. President, American Fed. of Labor.[*207*] [*COPIED. AUG 19 1911*] Z August 19, 1911. Mr. Thomas F. Tracy, Secretary, Union Label Trades Department, A. F. of L., Room 708, Ouray Building, city. Dear Sir and Brother In a letter received from Mr. O. Picart, of the national Federation of the Workers of the Building Trades of France and the Colonies, Maison des Federations, 33m rue de la Grange-aux, Bellos Paris, France, he requests information as to the Union Label Trades Department of the A.F. of L., its methods, what organizations have adopted labels, how the Department authorizes employees to use the labels and what results have been attained thereby. He says the desires this information for a report to the approaching Federation Congress of his organization. I have advised him that his request would be referred to you, that you will write him direct in reply thereto, and at the same time send him such printed matter issued by your department as you may think will be helpful to him. Thanking you in advance for your compliance with the above, I am Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor 208 -2- August 12, 1911. Mr. A.M. Huddell, Business Agent, Building Trades Council 386 Harrison Avenue, Boston, Mass. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers, who is on a trip through the west and along the Pacific Coast as instructed by the convention of the A.F. of L., permit me to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 15th instant regarding the appeal of Secretary McDonald of the Boston Building Trades Council. Mr. Gompers will not return to headquarters before the first week of October. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to Pres. Gompers.209 Z August 19, 1911. Mr. C. A. Downes, Member, Brotherhood of Painter and Paperhangers, 603 Park Avenue, Beloit, Wisconsin. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 9th instant has been duly received, in which you make application for a commission as volunteer organizer for Beloit and vicinity. In reply I beg to say it will be necessary for you to have your application endorsed by the Beloit Central Body, as it is our rule to appoint volunteer organizers only upon the request or recommendation or the Central Body where such exists, and in the absence of the Central Body, upon the request or endorsement of the local union of which he is a member. In this way we ensure the co-operation of the central body in the work of the organizer. Upon receipt of an endorsement of your application from the Beloit Central Body I shall be glad to issue a commission to you. With best wishes and trusting to hear from you again, I am Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor209 COPIED. AUG 19 1911 Z August 19, 1911. Mr. C. A. Downes, Member, Brotherhood of Painters, Decorators and Paperhangers, 803 Park Avenue, Beloit, Wisconsin. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 9th instant has been duly received, in which you make application for a commission as volunteer organizer for Beloit and vicinity. In reply I beg to say it will be necessary for you to have your application endorsed by the Beloit Central Body, as it is our rule to appoint volunteer organizers only upon the request or recommendation of the Central Body where such exists, and in the absence of the Central Body, upon the request or endorsement of the local union of which he is a member. In this way we ensure the co-operation of the central body in the work of the organizer. Upon receipt of an endorsement of your application from the Beloit Central Body I shall be glad to issue a commission to you. With best wishes and trusting to hear from you again, I am Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*210*] Z August 19, 1911. Mr. John J. Maney, Editor, The Labor Leader, Batavia, New York. Dear Sir: Your favor of the 11th instant received and contents noted. You request a special letter or telegram from President Gompers to be used in the special issue of the Labor Leader coming but on August 30th. In reply I beg to advise you that by direction of the convention of the A. F. of L., President Gompers has gone west on an organizing and lecturing trip for six weeks, and therefore he will have no opportunity of complying with your request as your paper will be out before his return. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to Pres. Gompers. [*COPIED. AUG 19 1911*][*211*] [*COPIED. AUG 19 1911*] Z August 19, 1911. Mr. David Hartman, 234 East 74th St., New York, N.Y. Dear Sir: Replying to your favor of the 12th instant, in which you ask for information on several points in connection with the labor movement, I beg to advise that President Gompers is away on a lecturing and organizing trip in the west and along the Pacific coast, on instructions from the convention of the A. F. of L., and is not expected to return to headquarters until October 1st. I presume it will be too late upon his return for the information you request to be of any help to you. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to Pres. Gompers.[*212*] Z August 19, 1911. Mr. Benjamin C. Marsh, Executive Secretary, Committee on Congestion of Population in New York, Room 506, Broadway, New York, N. Y. Dear Sir: Your favor of the 12th instant has been duly received, in which you ask for information regarding the policy of the labor unions in fixing union scales of wages. President Gompers is now in the west, as he was instructed to make a lecturing and organizing trip through the west and along the Pacific Coast by the convention of the A. F. of L. He is not expected to return to headquarters before the first week in October, which I presume it will be too late for the information requested to be helpful to you. You advise you were enclosing a circular containing arguments for a change in the system of taxation, but this circular was not received. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to Pres. Gompers. [*COPIED. AUG 19 1911*]213 COPIED AUG 19 1911 Z August 19, 1911. Mr. H. A. Hanson, Secretary, Central Trades and Labor Council, c/o Hennebry and Hughes, Joliet, Ill. Dear Sir and Brother: As per the requested contained in your favor received here on August 10th, and as explained in your favor of the 14th instant, I have instructed that Mr. A. C. Martin be dropped from our list of organizers as volunteer organizer for Joliet and vicinity. With best wishes and hoping to hear from you from time to time, I am Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*214*] Z August 19, 1911. Mr. Joseph Deutsch, Executive Member, For the 18th Congressional District of N. Y., The Federal Republican Organization, 2800 Marion Avenue, The Bronx, New York City. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers, who is in the west on an organizing and lecturing trip, permit me to acknowledge receipt of your favor of August 16th, with which you enclose a copy of the circular addressed by your organization to all the members of both houses of Congress. Please accept thanks for your compliance with Mr. Gompers' request. I am sure he will appreciate it. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to Pres. Gompers [*COPIED. AUG 19 1911*]215 [COPIED. AUG 19 1911] Z August 19, 1911. Mr. C. A. Skroog, Fin. Secretary, F. L. U. #14073, P. O. Box 305, Monaca, Pa. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 16th instant has been duly received, in which you request that a commission as volunteer organizer for Monaca and vicinity be issued to Mr. H. G. Kelly. In reply I beg to say that as your city is covered by the Beaver County Central Labor Union it will be necessary to have this request endorsed by the C.L.U., as it is our rule to issue commission only upon the recommendation or endorsement of the Central Bodies, where one exists in the locality, and in the event of there being no central body, then upon the request or endorsement of the Local Union of which the applicant is a member. If you will have the Beaver County Central Labor Union make this endorsement, I shall be glad to act in accordance therewith. This ensures the cooperation of the Central Body. With best wishes and hoping to hear from you further, I am Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*216*] Z August 19, 1911. Mr. A. J. Berres, Secretary-Treasurer, Metal Trades Department, A. F. of L., Room 513 Ouray Building, City. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers, permit me to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 16th instant, with which you enclose several copies of the decision of the Comptroller of the Treasurer, requested by the Secretary of the Navy on that clause of the Naval Act of March 4, 1911, calling for the eight hour work day for workmen engaged in the construction of battleships and sub-marine boats. Your letter will be placed with the other correspondence on the subject of the eight hour work day. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to Pres. Gompers. [*COPIED. AUG 19 1911*]217 Z August 19, 1911. Mr. Charles Watson, Mutual Casualty Association of America, 701 Singer Building, New York, N. Y. COPIED. AUG 19 1911 Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers, who is on an organizing and lecturing tour through the west, permit me to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 7th instant regarding your plan for a League or Federation of Justice, whose object would be to enable all to obtain justice (or legal protection and service) even though they might be penniless. Your letter was received too late for Mr. Gompers' attention before leaving, and he is not expected to return before the first week in October. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to Pres. Gompers.[*218*] Z August 19, 1911. Mr. James R. Ryan, 302 East 87th Street, New York, N. Y. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers, who is now on an organizing and lecturing trip through the west and along the Pacific Coast, permit me to acknowledge receipt of your favor of 12th instant. I am sure Mr. Gompers will appreciate your kind expressions as regards his work relative to postal rates upon second class mail matter. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to Pres. Gompers. [*COPIED. AUG 19 1911*][*219*] X. Aug. 19, 1911. Mr. W. J. Adames, Editor and Manager, Railway Carmen's' Journal, 505 Hall Building, Kansas City, Mo. My dear Sir: Your favor of the 15th instant is received and contents noted. You request that President Gompers should send you his bill for expenses for going to New York to appear before the Federal Postal Commission. Mr. Gompers is now on his way to the Pacific Coast. I am forwarding your letter to him, though I cannot say just when it will reach him, or when he will have the opportunity of replying. In any event, kindly accept this acknowledgement of its receipt until such time as he may have the opportunity of personally making reply thereto. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers. [*COPIED. AUG 19 1911*][*220*] Z August 19, 1911. Mr. L. W. Butler, Secretary, Central Labor Council, Labor Temple, Los Angeles, Calif. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers, who has started on his western trip, in the itinerary of which Los Angeles is included, permit me to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 14th Inst., and also of the copies of the "Record" containing the editorial: "Shame on you, Burns." I am sure President Gompers will much appreciate your kindness in securing these and also the kindness of "The Record" in furnishing them gratis. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to Pres. Gompers. [*COPIED. AUG 19 1911*]221 COPIED AUG 19 1911 Z August 19, 1911. Mr. John T. Smith, Organizer, Labor Temple, Kansas City, Mo. Dear Sir and Brother: In compliance with your request, I am enclosing herein three copies of the label agreement, to be used by Federal Labor Union No. 13051 of your City and the O. R. Rust Manufacturing Co. I note that this is a renewal of an agreement which expired August 15th. As you know, these agreements are to be filled in in triplicate, one copy to be retained by the union, one by the Company and one for our records here; however, all three are sent here for my signature, and two copies returned to the Union. With best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.222 COPIED AUG 21 1911 Z August 21, 1911. Mr. G. F. Parker, Organizer. 201 N. 9th Street, Grand Junction, Colorado. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 14th instant has been duly received, in regard to the work you are doing in connection with the McNamara Defense matter, and I wish to thank you for your efforts along this line, and express the hope that you may meet with every success. We need the cooperation of everyone in this important case. With best wishes and hoping to hear from you from time to time, I am Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.223 Z August 21, 1911. COPIED. AUG 21 1911 Mr. Edward Flore, General President, Hotel and Restaurant Employes International Alliance and Bartenders' International League of America, 71 Clinton St., Buffalo, N.Y. Dear Sir and Brother: In compliance with your request contained in your favor of the 17th instant, I am forwarding to you under separate cover a commission as general organizer for the United States. It gives me pleasure to do so and I trust you may accomplish much good work for our movement. The AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST is sent regularly to all the organizers of the A. F. of L. With kind regards and hoping to hear form you form time to time, I am Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*224*] Z August 21, 1911. Mr. W. L. Dougherty, Organizer, 913 So. Sahwatch St. Colorado Springs, Colo. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 13th instant has been duly received and I wish to thank you for your efforts in regard to the McNamara defense fund, and to express the hope that you will meet with much success in your work. We need the cooperation of all in this important matter. With best wishes and hoping to hear from you again, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. AUG 21 1911*][*225*] Z August 21, 1911. Mr. M. Grant Hamilton, Organizer, General Delivery, Spokane, Washington. My dear Mr. Hamilton: I would appreciate it if you would kindly keep a record while you are gone of the invitations to Mr. Gompers to deliver addresses or to visit places additional to the itinerary which are declined. I have a record book in which, as near as possible, I keep a record of the invitations accepted and declined during the year. You and the Chief are now on your way to Salt Lake City. I trust the day is as cool and pleasant there as it is here. We are enjoying to the fullest a very delightful drop in temperature. With kind regards, I am Very sincerely yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to Pres. Gompers. [*COPIED. AUG 21 1911*][*226*] X. Aug. 21, 1911. Mr. N. Kaplan, 26 Canal Street, New York City. Dear Sir: Your favor of August 18th addressed to President Gompers, is received and contents noted. You enclose a leaflet which sets forth a device of your invention and for which you have made application for a patent. You suggest that Mr. Gompers should take this matter up with the Commission on Public Safety appointed by Governor Dix, and of which he is a member. I beg to advise you in reply, that President Gompers is now in the West on an extended organizing and lecturing trip as directed by the Convention of the A. F. of L. His engagements are such as will necessitate his absence until the first week of October. I understand that the Commission will hold its first meeting in New York City on September 25th. Perhaps it might be well if you would take this matter up with Mr. Robert F. Wagner, 51 Chambers Street, New York City, or if you do desire, you could write to Mr. Gompers again after his return the first week in October. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers. [*COPIED. AUG 21 1911*][*227*] [*COPIED. AUG 21 1911*] X. Aug. 21, 1911. Mr. C. Tullis, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, Box 655, Shawnee, Oklahoma. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your undated note in which you enclose manuscript for publication in the AMERICAN FEDERATIST, for which you will please accept his thanks. As your letter reaches here too late for publication in the September issue, the matter will be held for his attention in connection with the October number. Very Truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers, [*228*] [*COPIED. AUG 21 1911*] X. Aug. 21, 1911. Mr. Owen Miller American Federation of Musicians, 3535 Pine Street, St. Louis, Mo. Dear Sir: Please accept President Gompers' thanks for your letter of August the 18th, in which you enclose a letter written you by Governor Hadley as a contribution to the symposium in the September issue of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST. As your letter is received too late for the September issue, it will be held for President Gompers' attention in connection with the October number, as a number of other similar communications were received too late for the September issue. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers. [*229*] [*COPIED. AUG 21 1911*] X. Aug. 21, 1911. Mr. Samuel Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor, General Delivery, Spokane, Washington. My dear Mr. Gompers: On June 22d you wrote to Organizer William J. Coates, of Spokane, as follows: "A letter has been received by me from the Secretary of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Mr. Peter J. Collins, requesting the revocation of your commission as volunteer organizer for the A. F. of L. on the ground of your alleged violation of the ethics of the trade union movement and, further, that you advised the local of Electrical Workers in Spokane to join the secession movement. I took the matter up with the Secretary of the Central Labor Union at Spokane, that body having recommended the issuance of your commission, and the Secretary advises me that he knows of nothing you have done that would warrant the revocation of your commission, as per the request made. Will you kindly write me, at your earliest convenience, a full statement of the matter from your point of view? Of course I shall take no action in the interim." Under date of August tenth, Mr. Coates writes: "Your letter of June 22d awaited me upon my arrival from a two months visit in the east. I was a delegate to the convention of my international (Printing Pressmen) at Hale Springs, Tenn., and have but returned home recently. Upon my return from the south I went to Washington expecting that a meeting with you would set this matter right. However, you were away from the office, and after a few moments talk with Sec. Morrison I left expecting to return the next day. With some friends I went to Mt. Vernon, and upon coming to your office the following day I was told that both you and Sec. Morrison had gone to Indianapolis. This was about the 28th of June. I cannot understand the underlying motive for this attack upon me. This is the first time since I have been in the movement have I been accused of doing anything detrimental to the cause. 230 Mr. Samuel Gompers -2- I have attempted to establish no secession movement -- never thought of it. You can understand that with the electrical workers situation and with them and the stage hands both claiming the picture operators what a position an organizer would be in. Even Bro. C.O. Young has been abused over this same thing. The attack is but spite work emanating from a few disgruntled individuals. I have just been elected for the third time as president of the central body. I am second Vice-President of the State Federation, organizer for the Pressmen. I do not cite these things for personal aggrandizement, but to show that others have faith and confidence in me and in my ability to do for the best interests of the movement, all in my power. I respectfully refer you to Mr. Chas. R. Case, President of the State Federation; Geo. L. Berry, President International Printing Pressmen; C. O. Young, organizer, or to any prominent laboring man in the state. I have never performed an act against the movement that I am ashamed of, nor do I intend to do so. I am in the work because I love it, not for personal betterment." Of course I will hold this entire matter until your return, unless in the meantime you give me instructions in regard thereto. I presume, of course, that Mr. Coates and the other interested parties will speak to you in regard to the matter, and hence I am sending this to you, so that you will have it fully in mind. Sincerely yours, R. Lee Guard231 X. Aug. 21, 1911. Mr. Robert F. Wagner, 51 Chambers Street, New York City. COPIED. AUG 21 1911 Dear Sir: Your favor of August 10th addressed to President Gompers has just been received, and I am forwarding copy to him to Spokane, in which city he is scheduled to arrive on August 27th. I am sure he will regret very much not being able to attend the first meeting of the Commission, which you say will be held at the City Hall, New York City, on September 25, and that an executive meeting of the committees will be held on September 10th. As his itinerary now stands, he will not return to this city until the first week in October. He will appreciate it if you will send him copy of the minutes of the meeting of September 25th, and any further data in connection with the work of the Commission which you may deem it necessary that he should have. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.232 COPIED. AUG 21 1911. X. Aug. 21, 1911. Mr. Samuel Gompers, President American Federation of Labor, General Delivery, Spokane, Washington. My dear Mr. Gompers: I received your letter this morning which you wrote on the train to Denver, and was glad to hear from you. I presume you have already received my letter in answer to your telegram from Chicago, in which I sent you copy of the New York law as you requested. I showed your letter to Secretary Morrison and he will fix up the Convention Call and send you today. I also will fix up the letters for the Auditing and Credential Committee, and will send them with this letter for you to sign. Mr. Morrison wrote you on August 18th that he had sent Ten Thousand Dollars to Mr. Darrow. On the same day he wired Mr. Darrow, that it had been sent. The next Ten Thousand Dollars he sends, he will notify me and I will wire Mr. Darrow in your name, as you direct. I note your directions in regard to the letter and data which the party from Milwaukee will send here addressed to you, and your instructions will be carried out in regard thereto. On the back of the envelope of your letter you said for two cent stamps to be sent you. If you will look in the big manila233 Mr. Samuel Gompers -2- envelope that I sent up to your house containing stationary, you will find a package of stamps of different denominations, all fixed in order in paraffine paper so that they will not stick together. There was a sudden very decided drop in the temperature here on Friday evening, and since it has been delightfully cool and pleasant. Indeed, I am sleeping under blankets. I only hope that you also enjoy the benefit of the cool wave. It certainly is a great relief. Enclosed you will please find copy of letter from Mr. Robert F. Wagner, representing the Commission appointed by Governor Dix, and to whom you wrote requesting the minutes of the first meeting of the commission. I have written him in reply to the enclosed, advising him that you will not have returned from the West at the time the Commission will hold its first meeting. I sincerely trust that you are getting along all right, and that despite the strenuous campaign as mapped out, you will find some opportunity for needed rest. I shall not fail to write to Mrs. Gompers in plenty of time, and forward her check as you directed. Mr. Sterne had the back yard of your house cleaned thoroughly this morning. With kind regards, in which Mrs. Webster joins, and I am sure your other friends in the office would do also if they knew I was writing I am, Very sincerely yours, R. LeGuard P. S. I have not dated the letters to the three international unions, but will date them when you return them here, then have them copied in the letter press copy book. Last year we sent these letters out on August 30th.234 COPY. STATE OF NEW YORK. SENATE CHAMBER Albany, Aug. 20, 1911. Mr. Samuel Gompers, 802 C St., N. Y., Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: I am in receipt of your letter of August 14, in which you state that you were unable to attend the first meeting of the commission appointed by Governor Dix. I am very sorry that you are unable to attend the meeting for organization. You requested that I send you a copy of the minutes of the first meeting. Inasmuch as nothing but the selection of a chairman, counsel and secretary took place, I did not deem it necessary to send you the exact minutes, but I can tell you in this letter exactly what took place. The commission organized and selected me as chairman of the commission, which I deem a very great honor. They selected Abram I. Elkus of New York as General Counsel and Frank M. Tierney of Buffalo as Secretary. It was then suggested that the first public meeting be held in the City Hall, New York City, on September 25th and that an executive meeting of the committee be held on September 10th, at which time counsel will be prepared to outline to the commission the first subject of investigation. If you are not able to return for the first public hearing, I shall see to it that you receive a copy of the minutes there taken. Again expressing my regrets of your inability to attend, and hoping you are enjoying good health, I am, Very sincerely yours, (Signed) Robert F. Wagner.235 COPIED. AUG 21 1911 Z August 21, 1911. Mr. William H. O'Brien, Chairman McNamara Protest Meeting, Boston Central Labor Union, 987 Washington St., Boston, Mass. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 19th instant has been duly received, in which you say arrangements have been made for a big mass protest meeting against the kidnapping of Mr. John J. McNamara, to take place at the close of the Labor Day parade, and you invite me to be one of the speakers at this meeting. I regret to say that it will be impossible, much as I should like to, for me to accept your invitation. The convention of the American Federation of Labor repeatedly and unanimously directed me to go to the Pacific Coast. Recent events in the labor world, which need not be emumerated here, indicate how important my visit there is. Organized labor of the Coast has insisted upon my going for the reasons already mentioned and others too numerous to mention, and the Executive Council of the A. F. of L. practically directed me to comply with the requests, and I have, therefore, been compelled to yield obedience in regard thereto. Assuring you of my best wishes for success, and regretting my inability to be with you on the forthcoming Labor Day, I am Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, A. F. of L.236 X. Aug. 21, 1911. COPIED. AUG 21 1911 Mr. Malcolm MacLean, Associate Editor, The Novelty News, 215 South Market Street, Chicago, Ill. Dear Sir: In reply to your favor of the 19th instant, I find upon inquiry that we have only the one out of the McNamara button, and one cut of the McNamara stamp, and therefore could not let you have these, as we will need them here. It would be too late to have another cut made and sent you by the time you want it. I therefore enclose to you herein one of the McNamara stamps, and one of the buttons, from which you can have cut made for your use. Kindly acknowledge receipt, and oblige, Very truly yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*237*] [*COPIED. AUG 21 1911*] X. Aug. 21, 1911. Mr. Robert Anderson Pope, 527 Fifth Avenue, New York City. Dear Sir: Your favor of the 19th instant, addressed to President Gompers, has just been received and contents noted. I beg to advise you in reply that President Gompers is now traveling in the West on an organizing and lecturing trip, as directed by the Convention of the American Federation of Labor. He is scheduled to return here the first week in October, and therefore, of course, he will not be able to give any further attention to the matter of lecturing about which you write until after his return. In the meantime, let me suggest that you might take this matter up, so far as it applies to New York City, with Mr. Ernest Bohm, Secretary, New York Central Federated Union, 210 East Fifth Street, New York. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers. [*238*] [*COPIED. AUG 21 1911*] X. Aug. 21, 1911. Mr. G. Harry Bunderdale, Secretary, Boston Central Labor Union, 967 Washington Street, Boston, Mass. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 19th instant has been duly received, in which you say arrangements have been made for a big mass protest meeting against the kidnapping of Mr. John J. McNamara, to take place at the close of the Labor Day parade, and you invite me to be one of the speakers at this meeting. I regret to say that it will be impossible, much as I should like to, for me to accept your invitation. The convention of the American Federation of Labor repeatedly and unanimously directed me to go to the Pacific Coast. Recent events in the labor world, which need not be enumerated here, indicate how important my visit there is. Organized labor of the Coast has insisted upon my going for the reasons already mentioned and others too numerous to mention, and the Executive Council of the A. F. of L. practically directed me to comply with the requests, and I have, therefore, been compelled to yield obedience in regard thereto. Assuring you of my best wishes for success, and regretting my inability to be with you on the forthcoming Labor Day, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor. [*239*] [*COPIED. AUG 21 1911*] X. Aug. 21, 1911. Mr. B. Williams, Secretary, Badge Makers Union #9136, 1014 Pine Street, St. Louis, Mo. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of August 12th addressed to Secretary Morrison has been referred to me for further reply. You enclose wage scale adopted by Local #9136, and which you desire approved by the American Federation of Labor. Before submitting the scale to my colleagues of the Executive Council, you will please give me the following information: Name or names of the company or companies by which your members are employed; Number of employes of each company or companies other than members of your union; Are such other employes members of other organizations, if so, state names; How do the rate of wages and hours as called for in your new scale compare with the wages and hours in similar lines of work in your locality? What are the present wages paid to, and hours worked by the members of your union? [*240*] [*COPIED. AUG 21 1911*] Mr. B. Williams -2- Are the members of your organization working under a formal signed agreement? If there are other organizations whose members are employed by the companies which employ your members, are such organizations working under formal agreement? If so, does the wage scale of your organization conform to the conditions under which the other organizations are working? In connection with this entire subject matter, and in order to prevent any possible misunderstanding or confusion, your attention is called to Article 13 of the Constitution of the A. F. of L., copy of which is enclosed herein. You will observe Section 2, Article Xlll of the Constitution provides that in the event of any disagreement between a local union and an employer, which, in the opinion of the local may result in a strike, the union is required to notify the President of the A. F. of L. who will investigate, or cause to be investigated, the disagreement and endeavor to effect an adjustment of the difficulty. If an adjustment is not brought about it will be necessary for the President of the A. F. of L. to notify the Executive Council, and if the Council approve the strike, the union will be notified that it is authorized to enter upon the strike and be entitled to the benefits provided by the constitution. Your attention is called further to the same section, wherein it provides imperatively that no strike or lockout shall be deemed legal or moneys expended from the defense fund on that account unless the strike or lockout shall have been recognized by the President and approved by the Executive Council. Your attention is also called to Section 7, Article Xlll, which reads as follows:[*241*] Mr. B. Williams -3- "No union inaugurating a strike without the approval of the Executive Council shall receive benefits on account of said strike." In view of the requirements of the Constitution of the A. F. of L. governing such matters as above set forth, no action should be taken by your organization in the matter of submitting your wage scale to your employers until the Executive Council has had the opportunity of considering the matter. Hoping to receive your early reply, and with kind regards I am. Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. AUG 21 1911*]242 [*COPIED. AUG 21 1911*] X. Aug. 21, 1911. Mr. W. A. Faber, Secretary, Federal Labor Union #11617, Herrin, Illinois. Dear Sir and Brother: In a letter recently received from President Huber, of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners, he calls attention to the fact that his Brotherhood has experienced quite some trouble in Herrin and vicinity in regard to the matter of jurisdiction. In a letter from you addressed to me under date of July 27, you state that you are a carpenter. In connection with the letter from President Huber, I am writing to request you to advise me whether you are employed constantly as a carpenter, and if so, why it is that you are not a member of the Carpenters' local union of Herrin. Mr. Huber states that there is a local of his trade in Herrin, and requested that I should take up with F.L.U. #11617 the matter of whether any of its members are employed as carpenters. I wish you would please advise me as to this at your earliest convenience, and oblige, Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers President American Federation of Labor. Washington, D. C., Aug. 22, 1. Samuel Gompers, Salt Lake City, Utah (try hotels). Your several letters received. Sent you [take?] Seattle buttons. Hades [?] strips you request. September issue is mailed to you promptly. Am writing you to Seattle. R. LEE GUARD. Charge A. F. of L. 244 COPIED. AUG 18 1911245 X. Aug. 22, 1911, Mr. Samuel Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor, General Delivery, Seattle, Washington. COPIED. AUG 22 1911 My dear Mr. Gompers: Your note of last Saturday, August 19th, written just a few hours before your arrival at Denver, is duly received. I imm- diately wired you to Salt Lake City as follows: "Washington, D. C., Aug. 22, 1911. Mr. Samuel Gompers, Salt Lake City, Utah. (try hotels) Your several letters received. Sent you today, General Delivery, Seattle, buttons, badges and stamps you request. September issue will be mailed to you promptly. Am writing you to Seattle. R. Lee Guard." The McNamara stamps, buttons, and the A. F. of L. gold badges were sent you by mail today to Seattle, and enclosed you will find the postage stamps you requested, but as stated in my letter to you yesterday, if you will look in the envelope of stationary I sent up to your house before you left here, you will find a package of stamps. The two copies of the September issue of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST will be sent you to each place you are scheduled to visit, that is, just as soon as the magazine is out. Miss Neilsen tells me that it will be out late in the evening of the 24th, or early in the morning of the 25th.246 Mr. Samuel Gompers I asked Miss Kelly to remind Mr. Morrison as soon as she could speak to him to wire you to Salt Lake City today in regard to the cour proceedings in the contempt case and any other matter of importance. Enclosed you will please find clipping from the Washington Post of Sunday, also clipping from the Times and Star of Saturday afternoon, August 19th. I will surply with your request to write Mrs. Gompers, and of course when they return I will see that the other matters are attended to about which you speak. You need not allow yourself to worry any in that regard. I am sorry that your second night on the train was not restful, and hope that when you got to [?] the enthusiastic good friends in that city gave you the opportunity to get a good nights rest on Saturday. I know if Mrs. Max Morris has anything to say about it you got a good sleep all right. I shall certainly delivery your message to my folks at home and they will appreciate so much your kindly remembrance of them. With kind regards to both you and Mr. Hamilton, in which all of your friends here join, I am, Sincerely yours,[*247*] [*COPIED. AUG 22 1911*] Z August 22, 1911. Mr. Thomas A. Rose, Chairman, Illinois State Association Nat'l Assn. of Letter Carriers, 1934 Maple Avenue, Evanston, Illinois. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 14th instant, addressed to Secretary Morrison, has been referred to me, in which you ask for information bearing on the affiliation of National and local organizations with the American Federation of Labor. I am enclosing herewith a copy of a letter addressed to Mr. Charles Manhoff of Local Branch No. 28, which you will please accept as part of this communication to you, as it covers the ground very fully. I trust you will use your influence to have the National Association of Letter Carriers become affiliated with the A. F. of L. If there is any further information which I can supply I shall be most happy to do so if you will advise me. Trusting to hear from you again, I am, with best wishes, Yours fraternally, Saml Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.248 COPY. July 15, 1911. Mr. Charles Manhoff, Member, Letter Carriers' Association, Local Branch No 28, 392 Fairmont Avenue, Newark, N. J. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of July 10th to Secretary Morrison has been referred to me for further reply. You say that at the last meeting of your organization you introduced a resolution in favor of affiliation of the Letter Carriers with the American Federation of Labor and you ask that you should be informed fully as to the requirements and benefits of affiliation with the A. F. of L. It should be unnecessary for me to say how earnestly I hope the vote on this question will be favorable. We all agree that it is morally wrong for any workman to remain outside of the union of his trade, and all unionists also declare that it is wrong for a local union of a trade to remain outside of the national or international union of its trade. If these propositions are true, and they are true, then it logically follows that it is equally morally wrong for any national or international union to remain outside of the ranks of the great trade union of America, which are banded together under the banner of the American Federation of Labor. Just as well might the individual workman contend that to organize with other fellow-workers of his trade would weaken his position in any matter in which the interests of the workers and the employers might differ as to maintain that it would not add strength to his national organization to become affiliated with the American Federation of Labor. The position taken by the advocates of isolation of the labor organization when affiliation is 249 -2- necessary is just as fallacious and illogical as is the belief of isolation of the individual worker from his union, when organization is so essential to him to protect and further his own and his fellow-workers' interests. In becoming affiliated with the A. F. of L., There is no loss of any right that members of unions surrender, and the autonomy and independence are guaranteed and maintained. Affiliation and non-affiliation present the contrast between cohesion and repulsion, or between co-operation to aid each other's interests, and indifference to each other's conditions; in a word, the recognition of the true meaning of unionism versus non-unionism. It is Well-known that since 1881 the American Federation of Labor has endeavored to bring together the great national trade unions of America into intelligent, fraternal relations, to further and advance and protect the interests of the wage-earners of America. With what success our efforts have been crowned is probably as well known to you as to myself, and needs but little if any, mentions in this letter. In building the basis of the American Federation of Labor we laid the foundation stones, which has proven to be almost magical in its advantages and permanency. In our declaration for the autonomy of the affiliated trade unions, we laid the corner stones upon which our organization rests, and from which, I am confident, it will never depart. In the American Federation of Labor we endeavor to bring about a co-operative effort in order to advance the interests of the tolling masses, to bring to the aid of any organization en- 250 -3- gaged in dispute the practical sympathy and aid of their organized brothers and sisters of labor. It is an effort to accomplish the greatest good to all concerned, without inflicting upon any the evil of governmental authority by an individual or a number of individuals. In the face of antagonism of all kinds and from allsides, the American Federation of Labor has steadily forged its way to the front, until today, it stands preeminently as the living aggressive organized labor movement of our country. To become affiliated with the American Federation of Labor is to manifest a duty which every trade union and every State and Central Branch must readily recognize. It is true that single trade unions have often been beaten in pitched battles against the superior forces of united capital, but such defeats are by no means disasterous; on the contrary, they are useful in calling to the attention of the workers to the necessity of thorough organization, of the inevitable obligation of bringing the yet unorganized workers into the union, of uniting the hitherto disconnected local unions into national unions, and of effecting a yet higher unity by the affiliation of all national and international unions in one grand federation, in which each and all trade organizations would be as distinct as the billows that run as the sea. In the work of the organization of labor, the most energetic. wisest and devoted of us, when working individually, cannot hope to be successful, but, by combining our efforts, all may. And the combined efforts of all the unions, when exerted in favor of any one union, no matter how powerful it may be, if exerted in favor of an unorganized and partially organized mass. 251 -4- The rapid and steady growth of the American Federation of Labor, arising from the affiliation of previous isolated, together with newly formed national unions; the establishment of local unions of various trades and callings, where none before existed; the spontaneous formation of federal labor unions, composed of wage-workers following various trades in places where there are too few persons employed at any particular one to allow the formation of local unions of those trades, thus furnishing valuable bodies of auxiliaries and recruits to existing unions upon change of abode, is gratifying evidence of the appreciation of the toilers of this broad land of a form of general organization, in harmony with their most cherished traditions, and in which each trade enjoys the most perfect liberty, while securing the fullest advantages of united action. The financial requirements of our affiliated organizations are not burdensome. The charter fee is $5.00 and the per capita tax for international unions is one-half of one cent per member per month. This does not mean $5.00 for each one of your local unions, but $5.00 for the entire organization, the per capita tax being also paid by the international. Besides this there is a provision made, by which, with the consent of the affiliated organizations as assessment of one cent per member on affiliated unions may be levied for a period not exceeding ten weeks in any one year. However, in the history of the American Federation of Labor, this assessment has been levied but four or five times. The financial contributions other than the per capita tax are generally of a voluntary character. 252 -5- I am enclosing herewith a list of the literature gotten out by the American Federation of Labor. If there is any of it you desire I shall be pleased to send same to you. With best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, (Signed) Samuel Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor. [*253*] [*COPIED. AUG 22 1911*] Z August 22, 1911. Mr. David A. Walsh, Secretary, Allied Printing Trades Council, New York State, 310 Pulitzer Building, New York, N.Y. Dear Sir: President Gompers being absent on official business, permit me, in his name, to thank you for your letter of August 16th in which you transmit the resolution unanimously adopted at the 15th annual convention of the Allied Printing Trades Council of New York State, commending the stand taken by him in his answer to Judge Wright of the Supreme Court of the District of Columbia, in connection with the contempt proceedings instituted by him. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to Pres. Gompers.[*254*] [*COPIED. AUG 22 1911*] Z August 22, 1911. Mr. L. Gill, Secretary, L. U. 1132, United Bro. of Carpenters and Joiners, 942 State St., Alpena, Michigan. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 18th instant has been received and contents noted. I beg to thank you and the organization for the recommendation you make for the appointment of Mr. Joseph Ayotte as volunteer organizer for Alpena and vicinity. It affords me pleasure to comply with the request and recommendation made, and commission will be issued and forwarded to Brother Ayotte in accordance therewith. There is also forwarded to him package of literature and documents published by this office, which I am sure he will find of assistance to him in the discharge of his duties as the representative of the A. F. of L. for your city. I trust his cooperation and assistance as the duly authorized representative of the A. F. of L. in Alpena will result greatly in the advancement of our movement in that section in every way. With kind regards and hoping to hear from you from time to time, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*255*] [*COPIED. AUG 22 1911*] Z August 22, 1911. Mr. Ernest Cucke, Rec. Secretary, L. U. 129, United Bro. of Carpenters and Joiners, 127 N. Broad St., W. Hazleton, Pa. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 18th instant has been duly received and contents noted. I beg to thank you and the organization for the recommendation you make for the appointment of Mr. Albert Walck as volunteer organizer for Hazelton and vicinity. It affords me pleasure to comply with the request and recommendation made, and commission will be issued and forwarded to Brother Walck in accordance therewith. There is also forwarded to him package of literature and other documents published by this office, which I am sure he will find of assistance to him in the discharge of his duties as the representative of the A. F. of L. for your city. I trust his cooperation and assistance as the duly authorized representative of the A. F. of L. in Hazelton will result greatly in the advancement of our movement in that section in every way. With kind regards and hoping to hear from you from time to time, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*256*] [* COPIED. AUG 22 1911*] Z August 22, 1911 Mr. Dixon Riley, L. U. 285, Journeymen Tailors' Union, Fairmont, W. Va. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 19th instant has been receive and contents noted. I beg to thank you and the organization for the recommendation you make for the appointment of Mr. Dixon Riley as volunteer organizer for Fairmont and vicinity. It affords me pleasure to comply with the request and recommendation made, and commission will be issued and forwarded to Brother Riley in accordance therewith. There is also forwarded to him package of literature and documents published by this office, which I am sure he will find of assistance to him in the discharge of his duties as the representative of the A. F. of L. for your city. I trust his cooperation and assistance as the duly authorized representative of the A. F. of L. in Fairmont will result greatly in the advancement of our movement in that section in every way. With kind regards and hoping to hear from you from time to time, I am Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers. President, A. F. of L.[*257*] [* COPIED. AUG 22 1911*] Z August 22, 1911. Mr. Dixon Riley, Organizer, Fairmont, W. Va. Dear Sir and Brother: In further connection with your favor of the 19th Inst., in which you ask for full instructions as to how to organize the musicians, I beg to say I have requested Secretary Own Miller of the American Federation of Musicians, #3535 Pine St., St. Louis, Mo., to write you direct, furnishing all necessary information. No doubt you will hear from him in a short space of time. With kind regards and best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*258*] [*COPIED. AUG 22 1911*] Z August 22, 1911. Mr. Owen Miller, Secretary, American Federation of Musicians, 3535 Pine St., St. Louis, Mo. Dear Sir and Brother: In am in receipt of advice from Mr. Dixon Riley, Organizer of the A. F. of L., Fairmont, W. Va., to the effect he has prospects of organizing the musicians of that city, and he asks for full information and all necessary documents. I have advised him I would request you to furnish these to him direct. With kind regards and best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Sam Chompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*259*] Z. August 22, 1911 Mr. J. B. Dale, Organizer, California State Fed. of Labor, 924 La. St., Vallejo, California. Dear Sir and Brother: In compliance with the request contained in your favor of the 15th instant, I am sending to you under separate cover a copy of our latest book of instructions to organizers. With best wishes and trusting to hear from you from time to time, I am Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. AUG 22 1911*] 260 Z. August 22, 1911 Mr. Earle W. Gage, 116 Broadhead Avenue, Jamestown, N.Y. COPIED AUG 22 1911 Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers on official business, permit me to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 19th instant, and also of the cut you advise you were sending. I regret to say that both were received too late, as your article had already been placed in the forms of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST and the magazine will be out on the 24th of this month. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to Pres. Gompers. 261 Z. Aug. 22, 1911. Mr. W. Bowden, Secretary, Trades and Labor Assembly, 134 Washington Ave., Collinsville, Illinois. COPIED AUG 22 1911 Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers on official business permit me to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 15th inst., in which you notify him of the action of the Trades and Labor Assembly in regard to the Electrical Workers case. Your letter will be placed with the other communications on this matter and held for future reference. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to Pres. Gompers. 262 Z. August 22, 1911 Mr. Louis V. Guye, Organizer, Bureau of Labor and Industrial Statistics, Lincoln, Neb. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 14th instant is received and contents noted. I received the statement you sent from Governor Aldrich, but I regret it reached here too late for the symposium un the September issue of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST. However, I had more of this matter than could be used in the September issue in addition to some which came in too late, and therefore I anticipate publishing the remainder in the October issue. This will include the statement sent by Governor Aldrich. Thanking you for your cooperation and assistance and with kind regards, I am Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. 263 Z. August 22, 1911 Mr. W. E. McEwen, Organizer, The Labor World, COPIED AUG 22 1911 Duluth, Minn. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers I beg to thank you for sending him the editorial from the Duluth Evening paper of August 12th in regard to the interview he gave the press upon the Des Moines strike. You say you will reply to this editorial in the next issue of the Labor World. May I ask that you kindly send me a copy marked personal? I should also say that President Gompers has taken the subject up editorially in the September issue of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST. I think you will find his editorial of great interest. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to Pres. Gompers. 264 Z. August 22, 1911. Mr. J. M. Ritchie, Organizer, P.O. Box 448, Letherbridge, Alta, Canada. COPIED AUG 22 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 12th received and contents noted. I am glad to know the action taken by the Carpenters Local Union and the Brewery Workers' local in regard to contributions to the McNamara defense fund. I trust that the other organizations in your locality will take similar action. As set forth in my circular letter, a large amount of money is required to properly defend the incarcerated men and to prosecute the kidnappers. I note your reference to the flour and cereal mill workers and in reply would say that the International Union has disbanded and the local unions are now directly affiliated to the American Federation of Labor. Should you succeed in organizing these workers in your locality, application for charter should be made direct to the A. F. of L. In compliance with your request, enclosed please find a blank for of application for charter. With kind regards and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. 265 Z. August 22 1911. Mr. Henry Uliner, Secretary, COPIED AUG 22 1911 American Brotherhood of Cement Workers, 214 Mechanics Bank Building, San Francisco, California. Dear Sir and Brother: I wish you would please advise me at your earliest convenience whether your Brotherhood admits to membership cement block layers. Kindly give me this information at your earliest convenience and oblige Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. 266 Z. August 22, 1911 Mr. Will F. Hauck, Organizer, Room 5, Desler Block, Columbus, Ohio. COPIED AUG 22 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 14th instant is received in which you ask for information in regard to cement block layers and the proper jurisdiction under which they should be placed. I wish you would advise me more fully as to just what is the nature of the work performed by the cement block layers. I am making inquiry as to this class of work and hope to be able, upon receipt of your reply, to advise you more definitely as to where application for charter should be made. With kind regards and best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. 267 Z August 22, 1911 Miss Olive Nichols, Polo, Ogle Co. Ill. My dear Madam: Your favor of the 16th instant received and contents noted. You request information as to the origin, work and present condition of the labor organizations of the United States. To reply to your letter comprehensively would involve much more than could be embodied in a brief letter. I would, therefore, refer you to the following: The Official Printed Proceedings of the Conventions of the American Federation of Labor. Bound volumes of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST, the official monthly publication of the A. F. of L. These you should be able to consult in some library, certainly in Chicago. I would also suggest that you read Thorold Rogers' "Six Centuries of Work and Wages." Enclosed you will find a list of the pamphlets published by this office. If you desire to consult any of these your order will be given prompt attention. I also enclose one of these pamphlets, entitled "History of Trade Unions, by Wm. Trent. If there is any further information I can give you please advise. Very truly yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. 268 Z August 22, 1911 Mr. A. G. Painter, Fin. Secretary, COPIED AUG 22 1911 Railway Equipment Painters L. U. 725, 744 E. Hilton St., Philadelphia, Pa. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers on official business, permit me to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 16th inst. with which you enclose a book of drawing tickets issued by your local in connection with the Baldwin strike. President Gompers is now in the West on an organizing and lecturing trip, as directed by the convention of the A. F. of L., and is not expected to return here until the first week of October. As I note that the drawing is to be Sept. 3rd I presume you will want to report on the tickets and therefore return them to you herein, Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to Pres. Gompers. 269 Z August 22, 1911 Hon. Frank Brandegee, United States Senate, Washington, D.C. COPIED AUG 22, 1911 Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers, I beg to thank you in his name for your letter of August 17th, together with the 15 copies of the report of the Senate Committee to Investigate the Administration of the Criminal Law by Federal Officials. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to Pres. Gompers. 270 Z August 22, 1911 Mr. A. M. Huddell, Business Agent, Building Trades Council, Building Trades Dept. A. F. of L., 386 Harrison Avenue, Boston, Mass. COPIED AUG 22 1911 Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers, who is on an organizing and lecturing trip through the West and to the Pacific Coast, by order of the convention of the American Federation of Labor, permit me to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 15th instant regarding the appeal of Secretary McDonald from the decision of the Boston Central Labor Union. Your letter will be placed with the other correspondence in the case. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to Pres. Gompers.[*271*] [*COPIED. AUG 22 1911*] Z August 22, 1911. Mr. Jas. G. Hannahan, Gen. Sec'y-Treasurer, International Union of Steam Engineers, 6303 Harvard Avenue, Chicago, Illinois. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers on official business, and in continuation of his correspondence with you in regard to the complain you made against Machinists' Helpers Union #9713, of Dubuque, Iowa, I beg to say that the Secretary of that Local writes President Gompers as follows: "Now in regard to the Engineers case, all they have to do is to start the engine and oil it. They are not allowed to use a wrench on it. They have been after the two engineers for a long time. Now if the Stat. Engineers can do anything for them all right, but the only answer they would get from the bosses here would be we will put a helper in their place and leave the others go. Now the Stationary Engineers have got a few men working at the business in the City why don't they get them fellows in line? If they keep after these fellows much longer we will lose them out of our local but we would like to see them where they belong if they can get the rate for them." Will you please let Mr. Gompers have your advice in regard to this at your earliest convenience and oblige Yours very truly, R. Lee Guard Secretary to Pres. Gompers.272 COPIED. AUG 22 1911 Z August 22, 1911. Mr. Lamar T. Beaman, East High School, Cleveland, Ohio. Dear Sir: Your favor of the 18th instant has been duly received, in which you advise you are compiling a work on Compulsory Industrial Arbitration and ask for a statement of opinion from me. I beg to say that the American Federation of Labor has declared in favor of voluntary arbitration, and is opposed to compulsory arbitration. It may not be amiss to call your attention to a statement which I made in an address before the Arbitration Congress held in Chicago, December 17, 1900, which is as follows: "Arbitration is only possible when voluntary. It never can be successfully carried out unless the parties to a dispute or controversy are equals, or nearly equals, in power to protect or defend themselves, or to inflict injury upon the other party." I am sending to you under separate cover copy of this address which was published in pamphlet form. I would 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, 1901; also if you can refer to the Annals of the American Academy Political and Social Science, July, 1902, you can find some helpful matter in that, as the issue contains a number of addresses delivered upon that subject.[*273*] Mr. Lamar T. Beaman----2 "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 enforceable 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 means by which employers can evade an award. The wage earners are earnestly striving to obtain a living wage, which, when expended in the most economical manner, shall be sufficient to maintain an average-sized family in a manner consistent with whatever the contemporary local civilization recognizes as indispensable to physical and mental health, or as[*274*] Mr. Lamar T. Beaman----3 required by the rational self-respect of human beings. That living wage changes continually for what constitutes a living wage today may be entirely insufficient a decade hence. It may not be amiss to say that one of the chief advocates of the compulsory arbitration law of New Zealand, who was largely instrumental in securing its enactment in that country, is a Mr. Lusk who was in the United States in 1900 and left no way untried to laud the compulsory arbitration law of New Zealand, urging its adoption by the people of this country. At that time I protested against such a law being applied to our country, and stated that it may seem to act fairly well during fair times, but the law had not been put to a test through periods of industrial depression. The same Mr. Lusk, after having spent several years in New Zealand since 1900, came to the United States a few years ago and has since publicly admitted that the compulsory arbitration law of New Zealand was not a success. As a matter of fact, it is an effort to pursue an unnatural course to meet a natural situation and condition. It would be the most unwise course for labor to pursue to advocate compulsory arbitration as a means of preventing or adjusting labor disputes. Labor wants to maintain industrial peace, but it must be with honor and justice, and it must not conflict with natural human rights. Labor must organize and possess power and wield that power intelligently and discreetly. We want conciliation, and if necessary arbitration, but arbitration voluntarily entered into and its terms and awards voluntarily adhered to, but compulsory arbitration, never. At the annual meeting of the Civic Federation held in New York December 17, 1907, when the subject "Is Compulsory Arbitra-[*275*] Mr. Lamar T. Beaman---4. tion Practicable" was under discussion, Mr. Lusk was one of the Speakers, and it was then that he admitted that the Compulsory Arbitration Law of New Zealand was a failure. A summary of his address was published in the National Civic Federation Review of February, 1908. Very truly yours, Saml Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. 276 Z August 22, 1911. Mr. Henry M. Walker, Organizer, Lock Drawer No. 698, COPIED AUG 22 1911 El Paso, Texas. Dear Sir and Brother: In compliance with the request contained in your favor of the 12th instant, I enclose herein copies of the two articles you sent to be used in the Labor Day edition of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST, which you say you desire to reproduce in the Labor Day edition of the "Labor Advocate". With best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. 277 [*COPIED. AUG 22 1911*] X. Aug. 22, 1911. Mr. Louis, B. Schram, Chairman, Advisory and Labor Committee, United States Brewers' Association, 109-111 East 15th Street, New York City. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers on official business, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 18th instant, which will be held for Mr. Gompers' personal attention upon his return to headquarters. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.278 COPIED. AUG 22 1911 X. Aug. 22, 1911. Tuesday afternoon. Mr. Samuel Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor, General Delivery, Seattle, Washington. My dear Mr. Gompers: I received a letter today from Mr. Barrett, of the Farmers' Educational and Co-operative Union, saying that his convention will convene at Shawnee, Oklahoma, September fifth. I therefore wrote Mr. Woodman today in your name, requesting him to represent the A. F. of L. at the convention, and sending him credentials to that effect. In the event of his not being able to do so, I will then write Mr. Walker. Enclosed you will please find copy of letter which I received today from W. A. Appleton, written August tenth, from Budapest. I thought you would be interested in reading it. It is the first word that we have had from the International Secretariat. Should I get anything further from there, copies will be promptly sent to you. I also enclose copy of letter received from Mr. Louis B. Schram, of the United States Brewers' Association. As he says that the suggestions he makes are purely personal and unofficial, I have of course merely acknowledged receipt of his letter in your absence, and have not sent a copy of it to Mr. Duffy.279 Mr. Samuel Gompers -2- Mr. Morrison has wired you today to Salt Lake City giving you the information you desire as to the court proceedings, Mr. Darrow's letter, etc., and he too is writing you to the General Delivery at Seattle. Congress will adjourn this afternoon. I was over there for a brief time last evening, but there was nothing special going on and I concluded that it would do me infinitely more good to be out in the air than to be sitting in that stifling atmosphere. With kind regards, I am, Sincerely yours, R. Lee Guard I going through the papers on your table. I found the letter from J. E. Howe, the [nugatory?] labor [man?] and well with him.280 COPIED. AUG 22 1911 X. Aug. 22, 1911. Mr. Charles S. Barrett, President, Farmers' Educational and Co-operative Union, Union City, Georgia. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 19th instant is just received and contents noted. I should be very glad indeed to be able to attend your convention at Shawnee on September fifth, but it will not be within my power, as I will be in California for the whole of that month. The Convention of the A. F. of L. directed that I should make an organizing and lecturing trip through the west and on the Pacific Coast. I will be away from headquarters for the remainder of this month, and all of September. However, I have just written to Mr. C. W. Woodman, of Fort Worth, Texas, and requested him as the representative of the A. F. of L. to attend your Convention at Shawnee. I have no doubt but that he will be able to do so, but in the event of anything preventing his complying with my request, I will arrange to have some other representative of the A. F. of L. present. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. 281 X. Aug. 22, 1911. Mr. J. M. Taylor, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, Brainard, Minn. COPIED AUG 22 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: I am in receipt of your favor of the 16th instant, in which you enclose an article from Mr. H. P. Dunn, Mayor of Brainard, for use in the symposium in the September issue of the American Federationist. The article, however, reaches me too late for use in the September issue, but will be held in connection with the October number. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. 282 X. Aug. 21, 1911 Mr. William O'Brien, c/o 987 Washington Street, COPIED AUG 22 1911 Boston, Mass. Dear Sir and Brother: In continuation of our recent correspondence on the subject of Criminal Law Investigation, I enclose you herewith copy of Senate Report No. 128, Administration of Criminal Law by Federal Officials, which I trust will be of use to you. With best wishes, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. 283 X. Aug. 22, 1911. Mr. Anthony B. Day, Secretary, Galveston Labor Council, 2209 1/2 Postoffice, Galveston, Texas. COPIED AUG 22 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 18th instant is received and contents noted. You desire to know whether a party of four men called the Texas Shorthand and National Shorthand Association, could secure a charter from the American Federation of Labor. I beg to say in reply that we have a number of local unions of stenographers, typewriters, bookkeepers, bookkeepers' assistants, and general office clerks affiliated to the American Federation of Labor, as follows: Stenographers, Typewriters, Bookkeepers and Assistants Association, #13188, San Francisco, Cal. Stenographers, Typewriters, Bookkeepers and Assistants' Association, #11773, Washington, D.C. Bookkeepers and Assistants Association, #13092, Chicago, Illinois. Stenographers and Typists Association, #12755, Chicago, Illinois. Stenographers, Typewriters, Bookkeepers and Assistants, Union #11597, Indianapolis, Indiana. Bookkeepers, Stenographers and Accountants (New York and Vicinity). However, under the laws of A. F. of L. a charter cannot be granted for a local union of any calling with a member- 284 Mr. Anthony B. Day -2 ship of less than seven. I should certainly infer that in a city the size of Galveston that there are many stenographers and type writers. I would suggest that the organization committee of the Galveston Central Labor Council should take up the matter of organizing the stenographers, typewriters, and office assistants of Galveston, for if there are as many as four who have already expressed a desire to become part of the organized labor movement of the country under the banner of the American Federation of Labor, it should not be a difficult matter to secure a sufficient number to get a charter from the A.F. of L. Hoping to hear from you further, and with kind regards, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. 285 X. Aug. 21, 1911. Mr. E. C. Krum, Secretary, COPIED AUG 22 1911 Machinists Helpers and Laborers Local #12952, 446 N. Main Street, Pocatello, Idaho. Dear Sir and Brother: Replying to your favor of August 16th, I beg to say that with the amendment adopted by your local union, your constitution is approved, and it is returned to you herein. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. 286 X. Aug. 21, 1911 Mr. William, D. Huber, President, United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners, Carpenters' Building, Indianapolis, Ind. COPIED AUG 22 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: Replying to your favor of recent date in regard to F.L U. #11617, of Herrin, Illinois, I beg to say that I have written to the Secretary of that organization in regard to the matter of whether he or any other members of that union are employed as carpenters. As soon as I hear from him in regard to the matter, I shall advise you further. In the meantime, with best wishes, believe me to be, Fraternally yours, Sam Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. 287 X. Aug. 22, 1911 TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: COPIED AUG 22 1911 This is to certify that Mr. C.W. Woodman, of Forth Worth, Texas, has been duly authorized as the official representative of the A.F. of L. to attend the Convention of the Fathers' Educational and Co-operative Union, which convenes at Shawnee, Oklahoma, Tuesday, September fifth. Fraternally yours, Sam Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. 288 COPIED. AUG 22 1911 X. Aug. 22, 1911 Mr. C. W. Woodman, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, The Union Banner, Fort Worth, Texas. Dear Sir and Brother: The St. Louis Convention of the American Federation of Labor directed that the Executive Council of the A. F. of L. should appoint a representative from the American Federation of Labor to attend the next annual convention of the Farmers Educational and Co-operative Union of America, and further that the Farmers' organization should be invited to be represented through fraternal delegate at the Atlanta Convention of the A. F. of L. The Executive Council in turn referred this matter to the undersigned. President C. S. Barrett, of the Farmers' organization, advises me that the Convention of the Farmers' Educational and Co-operative Union will be held at Shawnee, Oklahoma, beginning Tuesday, September fifth. I am therefore writing to request that you attend that convention as the representative of the A. F. of L. Enclosed you will find your credential. Of course the expense incurred by this trip will be borne by the A. F. of L. I should be glad to have you, upon the conclusion of the convention, write me a report as to any matters of special interest which occur. You of course have on file, among your records of the A. 289 Mr. D. W. Woodman -2- F. of L., the official proceedings of the annual convention of the A. F. of L. I would suggest that you look over the report of the Executive Council and my report to the last three or four conventions, and the action of the conventions therein. I think you would find this helpful to you in preparing for your visit to the farmers' convention at Shawnee. Upon receipt of this letter please send me a night letter- gram advising me whether you can or cannot comply with my request. I ask that you comply to the assembled delegates my most fraternal greetings and good wishes. With best wishes for success, and trusting to hear from you favorably in regard to this matter, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. 290 COPIED. AUG 23 1911 X. Aug. 23, 1911. Mr. William D. Huber, President, United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners, Carpenters' Building, Indianapolis, Indiana. Dear Sir and Brother: Organizer J. O. Mick, of Goshen, Indiana, has just written to me, and as his letter deals with matters so directly affecting the interests of your local in that city, it seemed to me that you should be furnished a copy. You will therefore find copy enclosed herein for whatever action you may care to take in the matter. I should say that I am also writing a letter similar to this to Mr. J. C. Skemp, Secretary, Brotherhood of Painters, Decorators and Paperhangers of America, at the same time writing Organizer Mick that copy of his letter has been furnished to you and to Secretary Skemp. I shall be glad if you will take the matter up direct with him, and also if you will let me have a word from you in regard thereto. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. 291 X. Aug. 23, 1911. Mr. J. C. Skemp, Secretary, Brotherhood of Painters, Decorators and Paperhangers, Drawer 99, Lafayette, Indiana. COPIED AUG 23 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: Organizer J. O. Mick, of Goshen, Indiana, has just written to me, and as his letter deals with matters so directly affecting the interests of your local in that city, it seemed to me that you should be furnished a copy. You will therefore find copy enclosed herein for whatever action you may care to take in the matter. I should say that I am also writing a letter similar to this to Mr. William D. Huber, President, United Brotherhood of carpenters and Joiners of America, at the same time writing Organizer Mick that copy of his letter has been furnished to you and to President Huber. I shall be glad if you will take the matter up direct with him, and also if you will let me have a word from you in regard thereto. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. 292 COPY. 321 So. 10th St., Goshen, Ind., August 22, 1911. To the officers of the A.F. of L. Gentlemen: I want to give you an insight of conditions in this city and surroundings. We have two locals here, The Carpenters have about thirty members and the Painters have 23. At different times I have tried to organize a central body but could not find men enough taking any interest in the matter, not enough to come to one meeting. The carpenters are like the painters, not attending meetings scarcely once a month. I think it all hinges on selfishness, as some of the painters have said, that had their wages increased, they would say, I am getting more now, what the devil do I care for the others. I do not care if I belong to the local any more. Some of the men when asked by outsiders if they belong to the union, they say no. Most of the men do not read nor will they go to hear anyone explain the objects of the organization. If the boss comes and gives them a few cross words they tremble and get down on their knees to the bosses. At the meeting of the Painters last evening there was a committee appointed to confer with the Carpenters relative to forming a central body. What the outcome will be is a thing to be seen. There is the condition of matters in and about Goshen as they are. I have not put it as strong as it deserving. I beg to remain, Fraternally yours, (Signed) J.O. Mick, Organizer.293 [*COPIED. AUG 23 1911*] X. Aug. 23, 1911. Mr. J. O. Mick, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, 321 So. 10th Street, Goshen, Indiana. Dear Sir: As President Gompers is absent from headquarters on official business, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter of August 22d in which you refer to conditions prevailing in Goshen, in the local unions of Carpenters and Painters. Copy of your letter has been forwarded to President Huber of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners, and to Secretary Skemp, of the Brotherhood of Painters, Decorators and Paperhangers of America. President Gompers will be glad to hear from you further whenever convenient. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.294 X. Aug. 23, 1911. Mr. J. W. Burgess, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, 66 Chalmer Street, Galt., Ont., Canada. [*COPIED. AUG 23 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of August 21st is received and contents noted. In reply I beg to say that you were right in forwarding the application for charter for a local union of Hod Carriers and Building Laborers to the Secretary of that International Union, affiliated to the American Federation of Labor. You say that you have not yet heard from him. It may be that he is away from this office for the time being. Should you not hear from him by the time this letter reaches you, I would suggest that you write him again. You request copies of the Constitution of the Street Railway Men's organization, and of the Plasterers' International Union. I have just written to the Secretary of each organization asking him to send copy to you. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.295 [*COPIED. AUG 23 1911*] X. Aug. 23, 1911. Mr. T. A. Scully, Secretary, Operative Plasterers' Association of the United States and Canada. 442 East Second Street, Middletown, Ohio. Dear Sir and Brother: I am in receipt of a letter from Organizer J.W. Burgess, 66 Chalmer Street, Galt, Ontario, Canada, in which he asks for a copy of the Constitution of your Association, and desires to know the cost of charter. Will you please write him direct, supplying the desired information, and oblige, Fraternally yours, Sam Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. 296 X. Aug. 23, 1911 Mr. W. D. Mahon, President, Amalgamated Association of Street and Electric Railway Employes of America, COPIED AUG 23 1911 601-603 Hodges Building, Detroit, Mich. Dear Sir and Brother: I am in receipt of a letter from Organizer J. W. Burgess, 66 Chalmer Street, Galt, Ontario, Canada, in which he asks for a copy of the Constitution of your Association, and desires to know the cost of charter. Will you please write him direct, supplying the desired information, and oblige, Fraternally yours, Sam Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. 297 X. Aug. 23, 1911. Mr. John Morrison, COPIED AUG 23 1911 25 Third Avenue, New York City. My dear Mr. Morrison: If you can I wish you would tell me when the Manufacturers' Association adopted the resolution prohibiting its members from advertising in the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST and other labor journals, and if you have a copy of that resolution will you kindly send it to me. Thanking you in advance for your prompt reply, I am, Sincerely yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers. 298 X. Aug. 23, 1911. Mr. F. G. Jones, Labor Day Program Committee, COPIED AUG 23 1911 Journal Building, Shreveport, La. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 20th instant is received and contents noted. As per your request, I am forwarding photograph of myself direct to the Grelle-Edgerton Engraving Company, Item Building, New Orleans, La. With best wishes, and trusting that your Labor Day program will be successful, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. 299 X. Aug. 23, 1911. Mr. Alex. Ironside, Secretary, Vermont State Federation of Labor, COPIED AUG 23 1911 32 Ayers Street, Barre, Vermont. Dear Sir and Brother: Secretary Morrison has handed me your letter to him of August 18th, to which he has made part reply. Before giving any attention to the matter of organizers as you recommend, I wish you would send me, at your earliest convenience, a complete list of the newly elected officers of the Vermont State Federation of Labor. Hoping to receive your early reply, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. 300 X. Aug. 23, 1911. Mr. H. Sutton, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, Box 163, Miami, Florida. COPIED AUG 23 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: In further reply to your letter of August 8th, I beg to thank you for the letter you enclose from Mr. S. Rodman Smith, Mayor elect of Miami, as a contribution to the symposium in the September issue of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST. Your letter reaches me too late, however, for the matter to be used in that issue, but I shall be glad to make use of it in the October number. I have had a copy of Mr. Smith's letter made and return the original to you as for your request. Again, thanking you for your attention to this matter, and with kind regards, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. P.S. As per your request, a package of organizer's letterheads is being sent you under separate cover. 301 X. Aug. 23, 1911. Mr. J. Eads How, Chairman, National Committee for Unemployed, St. Louis, Missouri. COPIED AUG 23 1911 Dear Sir: In some way your letter to me of July 22nd became mislaid among a number of papers and has only just come to hand. You advise me of the convention of the unemployed which will be held in this city on September 1-4, inclusive, and you express the hope that I should attend. I regret exceedingly that absence from the city will make it impossible for me to do so. The Convention of the American Federation of Labor directed that I should make an organizing and lecturing trip through the West and on the Pacific Coast. As my itinerary now stands, I will be absent from the city for the remainder of this month, and the entire month of September, returning here the first week in October. If it were possible for me to be in this city, I should certainly attend the convention. As you doubtless recall, at the St. Louis Convention of the A. F. of L., considerable discussion was given to the matter of the organization of the unskilled and migratory laborers, and a resolution was introduced and passed by the convention bearing upon this subject. I have arranged for a conference in San Francisco with several representative men there who are particularly interested in this line of work, especially Mr. Andrew Furuseth. 302 Mr. J. Eads How -2- Again expressing my regret that absence from the city will prevent my attending your convention, I am, Very truly yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. 303 Z August 23, 1911. The Chairmen, The Vice Commission of Chicago, 117 North Peoria Street, COPIED AUG 23 1911 Chicago, Illinois. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers on official business, permit me to acknowledge receipt of a copy of "The Social Evil in Chicago", and to thank you for your courtesy in sending same, which I am sure he will greatly appreciate. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to Pres. Gompers. 304 X. Aug 23, 1911 Mr. I M. Levi, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, 632 N. Third Street, Memphis, Tenn. COPIED AUG 23 1911 Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 14th instant. Mr. Gompers, as per instructions of the St. Louis Convention, in absent/on an organizing and lecturing trip through the west and on the Pacific Coast, and is not expected to return to headquarters until the first week in October. Your letter will therefore be held awaiting his attention upon his return. Very truly yours, R. Lee Edwards Secretary to President Gompers. 305 X. Aug. 23, 1911. Mr. David Kreyling, Secretary, Central Trades and Labor Union, COPIED AUG 23 1911 3535 Pine Street, St. Louis, Mo. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers on official business, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor the 15th instant, which will be held for his personal attention upon his return to headquarters. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers. 306 Z August 23, 1911 Mr. Carlton Park , 65-67 Ninth Avenue, New York, N.Y. COPIED AUG 23 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 21st instant, addressed to Secretary Morrison, has been handed to me for reply. You advise that your address will be that given above in future, and I presume you wish the address changed on our list of volunteer organizers. In reply I beg to say that the commission issued to you for Woodbury would not cover New York City. If you wish to have a commission issued to you for New York City it will be necessary for the Central Federation Union of that place to recommend you for such appointment or endorse your application. It is the rule of the A. F. of L. to only issue commissions to volunteer organizers upon the request or endorsement of the Central Body, where one exists, thus ensuring the co-operation of the Central Body in his work. With kind regards and best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. 307 Z. August 23, 1911. Mr. John Divney, Secretary, Central Labor Union, Rear 249 Congress St., Portland, Maine. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 21st inst. has been received and contents noted. I beg to thank you and the organization for the recommendation you make for the appointment of Mr. Joseph H. De Costa as volunteer organizer for Portland and vicinity. It affords me pleasure to comply with the request and recommendation made and commission will be issued and forwarded to Brother De Costa in accordance therewith. There is also forwarded to him package of literature and documents published by this office, which I am sure he will find of assistance to him in the discharge of his duties as the representative of the A. F. of L. for your city. I trust his cooperation and assistance as the duly authorized representative of the A. F. of L. in Portland will result greatly in the advancement of our movement in that section in every way. With kind regards and hoping to hear from you from time to time, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. 308 Mr. John Divney---2. P.S. In regard to your request for a Manual of Common Procedure, I enclose herewith a marked copy of our list of supplies, from which you will note the prices of same is twenty-five cents a copy. We have made it a rule to send no supplies out until the money for same is received; but on receipt of the necessary amount from you we shall be pleased to fill the order immediately. 309 Z August 23, 1911 Mr. E. C. Krum, Rec. Secretary, Trades and Labor Council, 446 N. Main Street, Pocatello, Idaho. COPIED AUG 23 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 18th instant has been received and contents noted. I beg to thank you and the organization for the recommendation you make for the appointment of Mr. W. R. Blalock as volunteer organizer for Pocatello and vicinity. It affords me pleasure to comply with the request and recommendation made, and commission will be issued and forwarded to Brother Blalock in accordance therewith. There is also forwarded to him package of literature and documents published by this office, which I am sure he will find of assistance to him in the discharge of his duties as the representative of the A.F. of L. for your city. I trust his cooperation and assistance as the duly authorized representative of the A. F. of L. will result greatly in the advancement of our movement in that section in every way. Will you kindly have hum furnish his street address, so same may appear upon our official list of organizers? 310 Mr. E. C. Krumm--2. Will you kindly advise if it is the wish of the Trades and Labor Council that Messrs. A. T. Jones and Wm. Liddell shall be returned on our list of organizers? Both of these gentlemen were recommended by the Trades and Labor Council. Should it be the wish of the Council that they be retained, there is, of course, no objection to there being more than one volunteer organizer in the City. With best wishes and hoping to hear from you from time to time, I am Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. 311 X. Aug. 23, 1911. Mr. R. S. Gray, General Delivery, San Francisco, Cal. COPIED AUG 23 1911 Dear Sir: In acknowledging receipt of your favor of August 20th, written from Detroit to President Gompers I beg to advise you that he is now traveling in the West, and he schedules to reach San Francisco September second. It may be that after all you will have the opportunity personally of meeting him there. Very sincerely yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers312 [*COPIED. AUG 23 1911*] August 23, 1911. Mr. Samuel Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor, General Delivery, Seattle, Washington. My dear Mr. Gompers: Enclosed you will find copy of letter just received from R. S. Gray, of New Zealand. He says he is to be in San Francisco until August 31st. Thinking that he might possibly remain there longer, in acknowledging receipt of his letter I have advised him that you are scheduled to be in San Francisco on September 2d, and that he might possibly have the opportunity of meeting you there. He does not state whom or what he represents, and therefore I hesitated to send him even such matter of yours as has been published upon the subject of prohibition. I trust you are feeling well and fit today - you are now on your way to Butte - that you are not forgetting the tablets that you should take every three or four hours. With kind regards to both you and Mr. Hamilton, I am, Very sincerely yours, R. Lee Guard313 COPY. Detroit, Aug. 20, 1911. My dear Sir: I am from New Zealand and have been studying among other things the Prohibition question and its effect in this country. During my investigations I came across a published opinion of yours which seemed to me so sane and strong an utterance. Now I am most anxious to have some such message from you to the workers of New Zealand. I wonder whether you will do me and the cause of moral reform this great service? A dozen or a score of lines, and as many more as you will, addressed direct to our workers. will be of inestimable value. We take a vote on the question every New Years and women vote as well as men. New Years ago, there was a majority of 33,000 for No License. If you can thus help us, I will be greatly obliged. My address up to August 31st will be General Delivery, San Francisco. Thanking you in anticipation, I am, Yours sincerely, (Signed) R. S. Gray. Samuel Gompers, Washington.314 [*COPIED. AUG 24 1911*] Z August 24, 1911. Mr. C. A. Wheeler, Organizer, 624 South Horton Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 20th instant has been duly received, together with your report for August. As per your request, I am sending to you under separate cover some organizer's letter heads. With best wishes, and hoping to hear from you from time to time, I am Fraternally yours, [Sam Gompers] President, American Federation of Labor.315 COPIED. AUG 24 1911 X. Aug. 24, 1911. WHEN REPLYING PLEASE REFER TO RESOLUTION NO. 65. Mr. Cal Wyatt, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, 25 Third Avenue, New York City. Dear Sir and Brother: Enclosed you will please find copy of letter just received from Organizer Charles Iffland, of the Bakery and Confectionary Workers Union, of Brooklyn, in which he requests the assistance of the American Federation of Labor with the Shultz Baking Company of New York City. As the official representative of the A. F. of L. in New York City, I am referring the matter to you, and would request that you communicate with Mr. Iffland, and do what you can to be helpful. In connection with this matter, if you will refer to Mr. Frayne's records, you will note that on February ninth, 1911, I wrote to him in regard to Resolution No. 65, of the St. Louis Convention of the A. F. of L., dealing with the matter of controversy between the Bakers' International Union and the Schultz Baking Company and the Fleishman Baking Company, of New York. I requested Mr. Frayne to look into the matter and to advise me what he thought were the prospects for bringing about a settlement between the two New York companies and the International Union. Under date of August 15th I find that Mr. Frayne wrote to Secretary Morrison upon 316 Mr. Cal Wyatt -2 the subject, copy of which you will find enclosed herein. In acknowledging receipt of Mr. Iffland's letter, I have advised him that it is referred to you, as I am leaving for the Western Pacific Coast trip, as directed by the Convention of the A. F. of L. Although I will be absent from the city, yet I should be glad to have you advise me in regard to this matter, as I have made arrangements for my correspondence to be promptly taken care of during my absence. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. [*317*] COPY. BAKERY AND CONFECTIONERYmWORKERS UNION OF AMERICA, Brooklyn, August 22, 1911. Mr. Samuel Gompers, President A. F. of L., Washington, D. C. Dear Sir and Brother: You allow to bring a matter to your attention which is of great importance not alone in to the Bakery Workers but to the public in general as the question of bread comes into consideration. Ward Bread Company, who have established in New York City the biggest bakery in the world, have absolutely refused to recognize the organization. All conferences have failed to achieve a settlement because that Company is controlled by the Steel Trust. We have at New York the Schultz Bread Company, consisting of the 14 largest independent bakeries which have since 1889 refused to accept the Union but through the competition they are pressed and may it be possible to come to an understanding if the right party approaches the firm. We have done what we could but failed, so I thought if you would be so kind, after all tried, to take this matter up with the Schultz Bread Company. This would mean if we could come to an understanding with Schultz Company, that we would wipe Ward with all his capital back of him out of existence. Through a settlement with Schultz we would get an organization of 14,000 members in New York City, which would also influence the whole country. The office of the SchultzBread Co. is at 46 Beaver Street, New York City. Hoping you will kindly take this matter into consideration and be successful, I am, Yours fraternally, (Signed) Chas. Iffland, 106 Harman St.318 COPY. New York, Aug. 15, 1911. Mr. Frank Morrison, Secretary, American Federation of Labor, Ouray Building, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir and Brother: I had a long discussion today with General Organizer Chas. Iffland of the Journeyman Bakers International Union. I discussed at great length the situation concerning the Bakers here in the Greater City of New York. There are, as you know, several large concerns who they have been fighting for a long time in an endeavor to unionize their plants. Since the advent of the Ward Baking Company, better known as the Bread Trust, their troubles have increased ten fold. There is one concern here in New York, known as the Shultz Baking Company, that have been fighting the bakers for a number of years. In our talk today Brother Iffland expressed the opinion that since the Ward Baking Company started up in this city the chances for a settlement with the Shultz people seemed more hopeful than ever before. He thought that if it was possible for President Gompers or some member of the Executive Council to get in touch with this concern for the purpose of arranging a conference, it might be possible to get a settlement. The trust is going to make it very unpleasant for some of these independent concerns and they realize that unless the settle the differences with organized labor, their changes for success would be more difficult than ever before. Brother Iffland said he would communicate with President Gompers today and I also promised to do so but I have just found out that he is leaving on his trip to the coast in a day or so and he 319 -2- would not receive this letter, so I am writing you giving you these few facts and asking your opinion as to what you think ought to be done in connection with this letter. During the time that I had charge of the New York office of the American Federation of Labor I made several efforts to adjust this matter between the Smith's Baking Company and the Bakers Union but at that time the Ward Baking Company or trust, had not made its appearance in this section. Kindly let me hear from you at your earliest convenience and if there is anything that I can do in connection with this matter I shall be very glad to act. With best wishes, I beg to remain, Fraternally yours, (Signed) Hugh Frayne. 320 X. Aug. 24, 1911. COPIED. Aug 24 1911 Mr. Chas. Iffland, Organizer, Bakery and Confectionary Workers Union of America, 108 Harmon Street, Brooklyn, New York. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of August 22d received and contents noted. You call attention to the Schults Bread Company of New York City, and then request the assistance of the American Federation of Labor in securing a settlement. I have referred your letter to the official representative of the A. F.of L. in New York City. Organizer Cal Wyatt, at 25 Third Avenue, and have requested him to get into communication with you and to give every assistance he can in bringing about the desired result. I am just leaving headquarters for a six weeks absence on the Pacific Coast and through the West, on the organizing and lecturing trip as directed by the consideration of the A. F. of L. and hence I will not have the opportunity of personally conferring with the representative of the Schults Company. I am sure, however, that Organizer Wyatt will do everything that he can to be of assistance to your International Union. With best wishes for success, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*321*] Aug. 24, 1911. X. Mr. William H. Sommers, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, 1636 Phillips Avenue, Racine, Wis. [*COPIED. AUG 24 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of August 21st received and contents noted. You acknowledge receipt of your commission as volunteer organizer for the A. F. of L. and refer to the general situation in the labor movement in Racine, and then ask if there is any way that the A. F. of L. can assist in having a special organizer take up the work in Racine. I cannot at this time give you any definite promise as to the matter, for the number of organizers on salary for the A. F. of L. is quite limited, and our funds available for that special branch of the work extremely low. I can only say that we will keep the matter in mind and do the best we can to comply with your request. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.322 COPIED. AUG 24 1911 X. Aug. 24th 1911 Mr. T. C. Sauls, Organizer American Federation of Labor, 56 [?]th Street, Waycross, Georgia. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 20th instant is received and contents noted. You say that the local union of colored Painters desires to revive their charter, which became defunct during the panic, and that the union of white Painters refuses to allow them to hold charter. I am sending a copy of your letter to Mr. J. C. Skemp Secretary, Brotherhood of Painters, Decorators and Paperhangers of [?], Drawer [39?], Lafayette, Indiana making him to write you giving you information how to proceed, also to advise me what action is taken. You should therefore hear from him shortly after the receipt of this letter. With best wishes, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.323 COPIED. AUG 24 1911 X. August 24, 1911. Mr. J. C. Skemp, Secretary, Brotherhood of Painters, Decorators' and Paperhangers, Drawer [?], Lafayette, Indiana. Dear Sir and Brother: In a letter just received from organizer T. C. Sauls of Waycross, Georgia, he says: "I was instructed by the two Carpenters Locals #729 and #1? to ask your assistance in helping the colored Painters to retain? their Charter as it works a hardship on the Carpenters. During the panic the colored Painters went defunct because there was not enough to hold their charter, and now they want to renew? their charter, and the white Painters local #602 refuses to allow them this privilege. I was instructed to ask you to assist us in this matter. Give me proper instructions what to do as it is very important to the Carpenters." Of course I have no information upon the subject other than that as given above by organizer Sauls, and I am therefore writing him that the matter is referred to you and that you will communicate with him direct as to what you can do in behalf of the colored Painters. At the same time I would appreciate it if you would let me have a word from you on the matter. With best wishes, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.324 X. Aug, 24, 1911. COPIED. AUG 24 1911 Mr. John Morrison, 20 Third Avenue, New York City. Dear sir: In continuation of our correspondence in regards to Robert P. Neil, of Boston, of the Railroad Employes Magazine, I beg to enclose to you herewith copy of letter just received from the Chief Inspector of the Postoffice Department. Very truly yours, Samuel Gompers American Federation of Idaho, EDITOR, AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST.325 COPY. POSTOFFICE DEPARTMENT OFFICE OF THE CHIEF INSPECTOR WASHINGTON August 21, 1911. Mr. Samuel Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor, Washington, D. C. Sir: Receipt is acknowledged of your letter of the 15th instant, making inquiry relative to your complaint alleging use of the mails for fraudulent purposes by Robert P. Nell, (Railroad Employee Magazine) Boston, Massachusetts. The Department is in receipt of reports showing that Robert P. Nell was arrested July 8, 1911, at Boston, Massachusetts, on the charge of using the mails in furtherance of a scheme to defraud: that he was discharged August 1, 1911, by United States Commissioner Hayes, and that the matter will probably be presented to the United States Grand Jury, which convenes at Boston, Mass., in October, 1911. Your communication will be referred to the inspector having the matter in charge for his information, Respectfully, CHIEF INSPECTOR. 326 X. Aug. 24, 1911. Mrs. Goldsborough, 1223 8th Street, N.W., City, COPIED AUG 24 1911 Dear Madam: In the absence of President Gompers, and replying to your favor of the 22nd instant, I beg to say that we publish a pamphlet on Industrial Education, as you will note from the enclosed list of pamphlets published by this office. This deals with the subject very comprehensively from the standpoint of labor. Should you desire a copy, please advise us and the order will be promptly filled. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers. 327 X. Aug. 24, 1911. COPIED. AUG 24 1911 Mr. William J. Spencer, Secretary, Building Trades Department, A. F. of L., Ouray Building, Washington, D. C. My dear Mr. Spencer: In the absence of President Gompers, I beg to hand you herewith copy of letter just received from the secretary of your local Building Trades Council of Fort Wayne, Indiana, in which if you will note he states that he is returning the charter, and that the Council will be reorganised as an independent body. The charter as already been turned over to your Department, and I have notified the secretary to that effect. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers. 328 X. Aug. 24, 1911. Mr. C. F. Lehman, Secretary, Fort Wayne Building Trades Council, 1111 Clinton Street, Fort Wayne, Indiana. COPIED AUG 24 1911 Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of August 20th, and also the charter which you return, both of which have been turned over to Secretary William J. Spencer, of the Building Trades Department of the A. F. of L. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers. 329 X. Aug. 24, 1911. COPIED. Aug 24 1911 Mr. Alexis Caswell, Secretary, The Publicity Club of Minneapolis, 633 Plymouth Bldg., Minneapolis, Minn. Dear Sir: Your favor of the 21st instant is received and contents noted. On behalf of the Publicity Club of Minneapolis, representing the commercial, manufacturing, and professional interests of your city, you extend to me a cordial invitation to address the Club at one of its regular noon-day meetings, some time this fall or early this winter. You say that the noon-day meetings are held on Wednesday, at which you usually have from three hundred to six hundred members and guests present. In reply, while assuring you of my appreciation of the courtesy of your invitation, it is impossible now for me to say definitely whether I can accept. I am starting on a six weeks lecturing and organising trip through the West and on the Pacific Coast, as directed by the Convention of the American Federation of Labor. I do not expect to return here until the first week of October. At that time it is anticipated that the contempt cases against Messrs. Mitchell, Morrison, and myself will come up in court for trail. What disposition will be made of the case by the court, I am of course unable to foretell. It may be that we will be re- 330 Mr. Alexis Caswell -2 quired to serve the sentences of nine, six, and twelve months imprisonment, respectively, as imposed by Judge Wright. Then there comes the annual convention of the American Federation of Labor early in November, and the presentation of my reports to that convention. Therefore, in view of all these matters, it is impossible for me now to make a definite reply, but if you will write me again after the close of the convention, say about the first of December, I hope to be able to give you a definite answer. If I can so arrange it, I shall be glad to accept your invitation. Very truly yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. 331 [*COPIED. AUG 24 1911*] X. Aug. 24, 1911. Mr. John Rae, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, La Grosse, Wis. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 21st instant is received, with contribution for the symposium in the September issue of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST, for which please accept thanks. However, it is a little too late for the September number, but we expect to continue the publication of this matter in the October number. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samu'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. 332 X. Aug, 24, 1911. Mr. A. J. McMillan, Secretary, Clay Miners' Union #14063, 809 So. Third Street, New Philadelphia, Ohio. COPIED AUG 24 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: Enclosed you will please find copy of letter which I have just received from the Superintendent, J. W. Moore, of the American Sewer Pipe Company, of Urichvile. I wish you would please give me some information in regard to the matter about which he writes and let me hear from you at your earliest convenience. Thanking you in advance for your prompt reply, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.333 COPY. AMERICAN SEWER PIPE COMPANY. Manufacturers of Sewer Pipe and Kindred Products Urichsville, Ohio, Aug. 22, 1911. Hon. Samuel Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: We wish you would kindly investigate and advise why Fire Clay is being mined for the Robinson Clay Product Co., at Midvale, Ohio, under charter issued by the American Federation of labor for less than scale price which is now in effect at Uhrichsville, Ohio, for mining Fire Clay. Thanking you for a prompt reply, we are, Yours very truly, AMERICAN SEWER PIPE CO., (Signed) J.W. Moore, Sup't.334 X. Aug, 24, 1911. Mr. Frank Insley, Secretary, Federal Labor Union #9985, 513 West High Street, Uhrichsville, Ohio. Dear Sir and Brother: Enclosed you will please find copy of letter which I have just received from the Superintendent, J.W. Moore, of the American Sewer Pipe Company, of Uhrichsville. I wish you would please give me some information in regard to the matter about which he writes and let me hear from you at your earliest convenience. Thanking you in advance for your prompt reply, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.335 COPY. AMERICAN SEWER PIPE COMPANY. Manufacturers of Sewer Pipe and Kindred Products. Uhrichsville, Ohio, Aug. 22, 1911. Hon. Samuel Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: We wish you would kindly investigate and advise why Fire Clay is being mined for the Robinson Clay Product Co., at Midvale, Ohio, under charter issued by the American Federation of Labor for less than scale price which is now in effect at Uhrichsville, Ohio, for mining Fire Clay. Thanking you for a prompt reply, we are, Yours very truly, AMERICAN SEWER PIPE CO., (Signed) J. W. Moore, Sup't.336 ENP Aug. 24, 1911. COPIED. AUG 24 1911 Messrs. J. Ed. Cullison, A. C. Esterline, W. Collins, Committee Box 125, Bangor, Maine. Dear Sirs and Brothers: Your favor of August 16, relative to the appointment of a volunteer organizer for the American Federation of Labor for the city of Bangor and vicinity, came duly to hand and contents noted. Other important and pressing matters have prevented me from replying until this time. In answer to your letter let me say that the established custom of the American Federation of Labor for a number of years, in the selection of volunteer organizers, has been, and is, that in any locality where the services of one of these organizers is requested or desired, to communicate with the Central Labor Union in that locality, asking them to recommend some person, or persons, who are capable and willing to perform the work required, and upon such recommendation a commission is invariably issued to the one so recommended by the Central Labor Union. You will realized that in an office so busy as is the Office of the American Federation of Labor, it is impossible for me to give my attention to every matter of minor detail and often times a matter such as this does not come to my attention until the337 2. commission is placed before me for my signature. I find on going through all the correspondence in this matter that through an oversight the letter was written to Cigar Makers' Union #179, Bangor, Me., which should have gone, in the ordinary course of affairs, to the Central Labor Union of your city. I also find that Union #179 did, as you say in your communication, recommend the selection of one of its members, Joseph Beckman, for the position of volunteer organizer for that locality. As soon as it was discovered that an error had been made, the Central Labor Union of Bangor was then communicated with and requested to recommend to this office some active trade unionist for the position of volunteer organizer, and they, in conformity with the usual custom and my request, recommended the name of brother Joseph F. Carr, Secretary of the Iron Molders' Union of Bangor (and undoubtedly your delegates to the Central Labor Union were aware of this fact) and upon the recommendation of the Central Labor Union of Bangor, brother Carr was forwarded a commission as local organizer for that locality, thus making his appointment an authentic one. It is to be regretted that such an error was made, but, however let me say that, if the Bangor Central Labor Union desires to recommend the name of Mr. Beckman as a local organizer to associate with and assist brother Carr in the duties he may be called upon to perform, upon such recommendation from the Central Body I shall be pleased, in accordance with the custom of the American Federation of Labor, to forward a commission to Brother Beckman as a local organizer for Bangor and vicinity. Hoping that this will explain the matter to the officers and members of Cigar Makers Union 179, I remain, Yours fraternally, Sam Gompers President American Federation of Labor338 ENP Aug. 24, 1911. COPIED. AUG 24 1911 Mr. Jere L. Sullivan, Secretary-Treasurer, Hotel & Restaurant Employes' Int'l Alliance & Bartenders' Int'l League of America, Commercial Tribune Bldg., Cincinnati, Ohio. Dear Sir and Brother: I am in receipt of a communication from Mr. A. Baumeister, Secretary of the International Union of Hotel, Cafe and Bar and Restaurant Workers' Union of Germany, relative to the working and growth of that organization and making inquiry as to whether or not it would be possible for some kind of agreement or understanding to be entered into between that organization and the organization of which you have the honor to be secretary-treasurer. I notice in reading over the convention proceedings of your organization, held in Boston, May 8-13 inclusive, that in your report to the convention you embody in the same a letter from Mr. Baumeister, together with rules governing the same, closing with the suggestion that the subject matter could be handled by a committee on organization, or a special committee. In casually looking over the proceedings of your convention, I have been unable to find whether any action was taken on the same, or not. I would therefore request that you communicate to Mr. Baumeister direct, or through me, what action, if any, was taken upon 339 Jere L. Sullivan --#2. this subject matter. I note in your report you make some comment upon the fact that there is affiliated with this International Union a so-called Hotel and Restaurant Employes National Association of Canada. It seems to me that if the true situation as to this so-called national association, and those who are sponsors for it, were placed in the hands of Mr. Baumeister and his colleagues, that but little time would elapse after a full understanding of the situation, before this organization would be stricken from its roll of membership. Hoping that you will give this matter your earliest consideration and awaiting your reply, I remain, Yours fraternally, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. 340 COPIED AUG 24 1911 AH Aug. 24, 1911. TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: This is to certify that Mr. B. G. Barns is hereby duly authorized to install the officers and initiate the members of Laborer's Protective Union #14106 of Collingwood, Ontario, Canada. Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. 341 Z. August 25, 1911. Mr. J. Steele, Organizer, 11 Butler Street, COPIED AUG 25 1911 Fort Huron, Michigan. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 22nd instant has been duly received, together with your report. You advise you have received no commissions volunteer organizer for Port Huron and vicinity. In reply I beg to say it was mailed to under date date of August 10th of this year, addressed to you simply at Port Huron, Michigan, as we did not have your street address. I suggest you inquire at the post office. Of course if you do not receive the commission within a reasonable time a duplicate will be mailed you. Kindly advise to this. With best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. 342 Z Aug. 25, 1911 COPIED. AUG 25 1911 Mr. L. G. Wildy, Organizer, Mounds, Illinois. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 21st instant has been duly received, in which you tender your resignation as volunteer organizer for Mounds and vicinity, on the ground you are not able to look after matters. While I regret to lose you from our list of volunteer organizers, yet under the circumstances there is nothing left for me to do but accept your resignation, and thank you for the work you have done on behalf of our movement in the past, and also to express the hope that although no longer connected with the A. F. of L. in an official capacity, yet you will, whenever opportunity presents itself, do anything you can in the interests of organized labor. You ask what papers you should return, and in reply I beg to say the password, manual of procedure and the commission, unless you would care to retain the latter as a souvenir, in which case you are at liberty to do so. With best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.343 Z August 25, 1911. COPIED. AUG 25 1911 Mr. Martin Robine, Secretary, L. U. 908, United Mine Workers of America, Lilly, Pa. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 22nd instant has been duly received and contents noted. I beg to thank you and the organization for the recommendation you make for the appointment of Mr. William Currie as volunteer organizer for Lilly and vicinity. It affords me pleasure to comply with the request and recommendation made, and commission will be issued and forwarded to Brother Currie in accordance therewith. There is also forwarded to him package of literature and documents published by this office, which I am sure he will find of assistance to him in the discharge of his duties as the representative of the A. F. of L. for your city. I trust his cooperation and assistance as the duly authorized representative of the A. F. of L. in Lilly will result greatly in the advancement of our movement in that section in every way. With kind regards and hoping to hear from you from time to time, I am Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.344 Aug. 25, 1911. Z Mr. A. L. Hewitt, Secretary, L. U. 2041 United Mine Workers of America, Blossburg, Pa. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 21st instant has been received and contents noted. I beg to thank you and the organization for the recommendation you make for the appointment of Mr. W. H. Jones as volunteer organizer for Blossburg and vicinity. It affords me pleasure to comply with the request and recommendation made and commission will be issued and forwarded to Brother Jones in accordance therewith. There is also frowned to him package of literature and document published by this office, which I am sure he will find of assistance to him in the discharge of his duties as the representatives of the A. F. of L. for your city. I trust his cooperation and assistance as the duly authorized representative of the A. F. of L. in Blossburg will result greatly in the advancement of our movement in the section in every way. With kind regards and hoping to hear from you from time to time, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*345*] Aug. 25, 1911. X. Mr. E. Fandry, Secretary, Railroad Helpers and Laborers' Union #12874, 621 So.State Street, Champaign, Ill. Dear Sir and Brother: In continuation of my letter to you of August 11th, I desire to say that the Executive Council has decided that the several organizations involved in the controversy with the Illinois Central Railroad, No. 12874 included, shall be sustained in their effort in conjunction with the several locals of international unions represented in the Federation of Railways Employes. I enclose to you herein copy of letter I have this day written the Secretary of Federal Labor Union #10829, which is self-explanatory, and which you will please accept as equally addressed to you. With best wishes, and asking you to keep me advised of the progress made, I am, Fraternally yours, [Sam Gompers] President, American Federation of Labor.[*346*] [*COPIED. AUG 26 1911*] X. Aug. 25, 1911. Mr. Charles P. Craine, Secretary, Shop Workers Union No. 9993, 728 Union Street, Contrailia, Illinois. Dear Sir and Brother: In continuation of my letter to you of August 14th, I desire to say that the Executive Council has decided that the several organizations involved in the controversy with the Illinois Central Railroad, Shop Workers' Union #9993 included, shall be sustained in their effort in conjunction with the several locals of international unions represented in the Federation of Railway Employes. I enclose to you herein copy of letter I have this day written the Secretary of Federal Labor Union #10829, which is self-explanatory, and which you will please accept as equally addressed to you. With best wishes, and asking you to keep me advised of the progress made, I am, Fraternally yours, [Sam Gompers] President, American Federation of Labor.[*347*] [*COPIED. AUG 25 1911*] I. Aug 25, 1911 Mr. William Hyman, Secretary, Federal Labor Union #10829, 1134 R. 81st Placs, Chicago, Illinois Dear Sir and Brother, Your favor of August 22nd is duly received and contents noted. I am also in receipt of a letter from President Alpine confirming the report you make as to the failure thus far of the Federation of Railway Employees to secure a conference with the representatives of the Railway Company. I trust, however, that the conference may yet be secured. I note that another meeting will be called soon, and if you will advise me by wire just when this meeting will be held, arrangements will be promptly made to have a representative of the A.F. of L. in attendance. Now, as to the matter of the directly affiliated local unions of the A.F.L. who were represented in the Federation of Railway Employees, and the possibility of their becoming involved in a strike in connection with the other local unions of the Federation of Railway Employees, let me say that when this matter first came up, the entire case was submitted to the Executive Council of the A.F.L. and the decision is that the several organizations inspired, F.F.U #1029 included, shall be sustained in their effort in conjunction with the several locals of International Unions. 348 Mr. William Hyman -2 represented in the Federation of Railway Employes, to secure from the representatives of the Railroad Company the improvements as to wages and hours which are being sought. Of course it is earnestly hoped that these matters may be amicable and satisfactorily adjusted without the necessity of having recourse to the drastic measure of a strike. In view of the action of the Executive Council as above set forth, you will please keep me advised promptly and fully as to the entire matter and as above stated wire me when the next meeting or conference is to be held, and arrangements will be made for a representative of the A. F. of L. to be present. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor349 X. Aug. 25, 1911. Mr. John R. Alpine, Vice-President, American Federation of Labor, 411-416 Bush Temple of Music,Chicago, Ill. Dear Sir: Please accept President Gompers' thanks for your report of August 21st of the conference between the Federation of Railway Employes of the Illinois Central system, which you attended as the representative of the American Federation of Labor in behalf of the several directly affiliated local unions which are part of the Federation of Midway Employees. A letter is also received from the Secretary of Federal Labor Union #1082, confirming the report you make. It is to be hoped that the Federation of Railway Employes may yet be able to secure a conference with the representatives of the Railways system. President Gompers is due today at Missoula, Montana. On September 2d he is scheduled to reach San Francisco, and will have headquarters at the Argonaut Hotel, Fourth Street, near Market. Very truly yours R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*350*] [*COPIED. AUG 26 1911*] X. Aug. 25, 1911. Mr. C. O. Young, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, General Delivery, Spokane, Washington. Dear Sir: President Gompers will appreciate your letter of August 21st in which you enclose a statement from Governor West as a contribution to the symposium in the American Federationist. This special feature will be contained in the October number, as there were so many replies received it was impossible to use them all for the September issue. I presume you will, of course, see President Gompers when he reaches Spokane. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers. 351 X. Aug. 25 1911. Mr. James R. Ryan, 342 East 37th Street, New York City. COPIED AUG 25 1911 Dear Sir: Please accept President Gompers thanks for your letter of August the 12th in which you express your commendation of his argument before the special commission in New York City of the Second Class Postal Rates. I am sure he will appreciate your kind words and thoughtfulness in writing to him. He is now making an extended organizing and lecturing trip through the West and on the Pacific Coast, by the directions of the last Convention of the A. F. of L. or he would write to you personally, Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard, Secretary to President Gompers. 352 [*COPIED. AUG 26 1911*] X. Aug, 23, 1911. Hon. Moses N Clapp, Chairman, Committee on Interstate Commerce, United States Senate, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: Your favor of August 21st addressed to President Gompers is received. You advise him that the Senate Committee on Interstate Commerce will meet on the 15th of November, pursuant to the resolution introduced by you on July seventh, and you then invite President Gompers to appear before the Committee, and also to suggest the names of others whom you could request likewise to appear. I beg to say in reply that President Gompers is now making an extended lecturing and organizing trip through the West, as directed by the Convention of the A. F. of L., and is not expected to return here until the first week in October, when I am sure he will be glad to give you a list of the names and addresses of such parties to whom you could issue invitations to appear before your committee. As to himself, I very much doubt the possibility of him appearing at the hearing on November 15th, as upon that date the next annual convention of the A. F. of L. will be in session at Atlanta, Georgia. A President of the American Federation of Labor, he will of course be in attendance at the convention unless prevent- 353 Hon. Moses E. Clapp -2- ed from doing so by the decision of Justice Wright's court in the contempt proceedings. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers. 354 [*COPIED. AUG 26 1911*] X. Aug. 25. 1911. Hon. R. Y. Thomas, Jr., House of Representatives Washington, D.C. Dear Sir: Secretary Morrison has already partially replied to your Letter of August 17th addressed to President Gompers, that is, in so far as receipting for your contribution to the McNamara Defense Fund. In the conclusion of your letter you request President Gompers' advice upon the Clayton Contempt Bill, and request that he should send you a list of the various fines and other punishments inflicted upon labor people by Federal Judges. In reply let me say that he is now making an organizing and lecturing trip in the West and on the Pacific Coast as directed by the Convention of the A.F. of L. and is not expected to return here before the first week in October. Therefore, it will be quite some time before he will have the opportunity of complying with your request as to his views upon the Clayton Bill. As to your further request, I presume you have reference to the data filed by President Gompers before the Judiciary Committee of the House at one of the hearings on our injunction bill in 1908. This was published as a public document entitled "Injunction Data[*355*] [*COPIED. AUG 26 1911*] Hon. R. T. Thomas --2-- filed by Samuel Gompers". No doubt you can secure a copy of this from the Committee. So far as I know there has been no list compiled of fines and other punishments inflicted upon labor people by Federal judges. It should be said in addition to the above that the injunction cases as filed by President Gompers at the hearing, to which reference is made above, are merely some of the most important cases before the Federal Courts. You will realize, of course, that there are many other cases reference to which is not made in the data as filed by Mr. Gompers, as it was his object merely to give the most important ones. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.356 COPIED. AUG 26, 1911 X. Aug. 25, 1911. Mr. M. V. Dennis, Secretary, Amalgamated Sheet Metal Workers' Local Union #356, 1905 Kennedy Avenue, Parsons,Kansas. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers, and replying to your favor of August 21st, I would suggest that you write to the executive officers of your International Alliance, who I am sure will be glad to give you the information you request. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.357 COPIED. AUG 26 1911 X. Aug. 25, 1911. Mr. Frank Hudschmitt, Business Agent, Silk Weavers' Protective and Benevolent Association, Local 607, 184 Main Street, Peterson, N. J. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of August 23d received and contents noted. You request that I should send you copy of any trade agreements that you could use to assist in drawing up an agreement in the silk trade. I would suggest that you take this matter up with President John Gordon, of the United Textile Workers of America, Box 745, Fall River, Massachusetts, who I am sure will be able to assist you in this matter. With best wishes, Iam, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.358 COPIED. AUG 26 1911 K. Aug. 25, 1911 Mr. G.W. Howel and, The Trade Union Congress Parliamentary Committee General Buildings, Aldwych, London, W.C. England. Dear Sir and Brother: I was exceedingly pleased to receive your letter of the 15th instant, together with the photograph of Mr. G. H. Roberts, M.P., organizer of the Typographical Association, who will act as one of the fraternal delegates from the British Trade Union Congress to the Atlanta Convention of the A.F. of L. I shall look forward to receiving from you the photograph of Mr. Roberts' colleague and I trust you will let me have it at your earliest convenience. When sending it, do not fail to give his full name with the trade he represents. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*359*] [*COPIED. AUG 26 19118] X. Aug. 25, 1911. Mr. James L. Boyle, Third Vice-President, Maine State Federation of Labor, Woodland, Washington County, Maine. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of August 23d is received and contents noted. In reply I beg to say that the Law Reporter Printing Company, 518 5th Street, N. W., this city, made these large posters of President Gompers in the campaign of 1906. They still have the place from which these were made, and advise me that they could make copy for you at a cost of Three or Four Dollars. Should you desire this done at your expense, please advise me, or if you would prefer, write direct to the Law Reporter Printing Company. Hoping to hear from you further, and with kind regards, I remain, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*360*] [*COPIED. AUG 26, 1911.*] X. Aug. 25, 1911. Mr. Mas R. [L???????], Organizer, American Federation of Labor, 67 Wayne Street, Pontiac, Michigan. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of August 21st is received, and I note with interest the opinion you express as to the present outlet of organized labor in Pontiac. I am exceedingly glad to learn that there is such a revival of interest. I am more pleased than i can say that you are meeting with success in your work of soliciting contributions to the [M?????] Defense Fund. I only hope that you will be equally successful with other local unions as you were with the Typographical local. You request information as to the affiliation of the Bricklayers local union with the Pontiac Central Body. In connection therewith, I call your attention 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 councils, delegates from any local organization that owes its allegiance to any other body, National or International, hostile to any affiliated organization, or that has been suspended or expelled by, or not connected with, a National or International organization of their trade herein affiliated, under penalty of having their charter revoked for violation of their charter, subject to appeal to the next Convention." Of course you realize that I have no authority to advise you other than as provided by the Constitution of the A.F. of L.[*361*] Mr. Max R. [L????x] --2-- as above set forth. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.362 X. Aug. 25, 1911. Mr. Frank I. McCarthy, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, 67 Union Park Street, Boston, Mass. COPIED. AUG 26 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: Your two favors of August 22d received and contents noted. You enclose the individual receipts for the strike benefits, together with the receipt for the full amount, $206.00?, and the strike form blank properly filled in. You say that the strike was declared off by the union on Friday, August 18th, and that it was more than two-thirds successful, notwithstanding the disorganized condition of the craft, and that while the firm will not agree to discharge any of the strike breakers, it has agreed to employ all of the strikers without discrimination, as soon as business will warrant: that it has str?? also agreed to meet con??????? from the union in the future to adjust our differences that may arise between the firm and its employes. Therefore in lieu of the above, and the fact that all the members of the union are at work, the strike was declared off, so as to get ?????? of the shop wi?? the ?y?? ????? ????. I want to thank you for your attention to this matter and for the assistance you have rendered. I am gratified363 Mr. Frank H. McCarthy --2-- to know that in the disorganized state of the trade, the union who enabled to secure as good results as have been achieved. Again thanking you for your assistance in the matter, and with kind regards, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.364 COPIED. AUG 26 1911 X. Aug. 25, 1911. Mr. Frank J. McCarthy, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, 37? Union Park Street, Boston, Mass. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 22d? instant is at hand in which you make report of your visit to the Salem Central Labor Union, and your endeavor to have this body rescind its action to re???? to the ?nt ? ? workers' case. Although you were unable to have the action rescinded?, yet I note that you finally succeeded in ?ing the matter referred to a committee with instructions for them to confer with you and another to report a resolution at the next meeting of the Central Body, which will be satisfactory to all organizations concerned in the controversy. I most sincerely trust that you will successful in carrying this out, and shall wait with interest your further report. With kind regards, and hoping to hear form you whenever convenient, I am Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.365 COPIED. AUG 25 1911 August 24, 1911 Mr. S?. H. ????kes, Treasurer, 2910? V? Street, N. W. Washington, D.C. Dear Sir: I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of August ??, inn which you enclose box seat for the ball game in the National League Park for the benefit of St. ??????????? public? ??????? ?ayin? in ????????, August 25th. As President Gompers is making an extended lecturing and organizing trip in the West and on the Pacific Coast, and is not expected to return before the first week in October, he will ??????? be unable to make use of the ticket and I return it to you herein. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.366 COPIED. AUG 24 1911 X. Aug. 24, 1911. Hon. Augustus E. Wilson, Governor, State of Kentucky, Frankfort, Kentucky. Sir: In the absence of President Gompers, I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your letter of August 21st in regard to the McNamara case. President Gompers is making an extended organizing and lecturing trip through the West and on the Pacific Coast, and he is not expected to return here before the first week of October. Your letter will be placed among other papers for his personal attention. Very respectfully yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.367 COPIED. Aug 26 1911 X. Aug. 26, 1911. Rev. Christian F. Reisner, 2626 Broadway, New York City. Dear Sir: Your favor of August 25th is received contents noted. President Gompers is now making an extended organizing and lecturing trip in the West and on the Pacific Coast, as directed by the Convention of the A. F. of L., and is not expected to return here until the first week in October. He therefore will not have the opportunity of replying to your letter within the time indicated by you. However, desirous of giving you all of the assistance possible in the preparation for you Labor Sunday sermon, and replying generally to the subject matter with which your letter deals, I am sending you under separate cover a pamphlet published by this office entitled “An Open Letter to Ministers of the Gospel”. I think you will find it interesting and helpful. Hundreds of copies have been sent from time to time to ministers throughout the entire country. You will also find enclosed in the package copy of the Economic Demands of labor and several other publications of this office which you may find of interest and help. You may be interested in the resolution adopted by the annual convention of the A. F. of L. held at Toronto, Canada, November, 1909, being the first official declaration of the American Federation368 Rev. Christian F. Reisner --2-- of Labor for the recognition of the Sunday preceding Labor Day to be known as Labor Sunday. The resolution is as follows: “WHEREAS, The churches and the clergy are taking a growing interest in the study of the labor movement: and WHEREAS, Many of the ministers of the various denominations are indicating that interest, in part, by a public discussion in their pulpits of the problems of the toilers: and WHEREAS, It would be an advantage to both church and labor to select a special day upon which the attention of all classes may be concentrated upon the questions which concern the toilers; therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Sunday preceding the first Monday in September be officially designated by the American Federation of Labor as ‘Labor Sunday’, and that the churches of America be requested to devote some part of this day to a presentation of the labor question; and be it further RESOLVED, That the various central and local labor bodies be requested to co-operate in every legitimate way with the ministers who thus observe Labor Sunday, seeking, with them, to secure as large an audience of working men and others as possible.” In an editorial in the August, 1910, issues of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST, President Gompers has this to say: “Labor Sunday — The Sunday preceding Labor Day — will be observed generally this year and in future years throughout the United States. This because of the American Federation of Labor declaration for the observance of that day. The numerous letters recently received at American Federation of Labor headquarters from ministers is an assurance that interest in the idea of giving especial attention to the cause of labor from the pulpit one day in the twelvemonth is widespread. Our readers are urged to try to bring about an understanding in their respective districts with representatives of the church so that ministers will make addresses that may attract trade unionists to the churches in large numbers for the day. Ministers should say what they think on the occasion in order that their trade union hearers may put the right estimate as to where the church stands on the question of the organization of labor. The more this subject is discussed the better will it be for labor. Union ethics are sound.” In the September issue of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST, this year, which is just from the press, President Gompers’ editorial on “Labor Sunday” is as follows: “The day preceding Labor Day is Labor Sunday. The churche s of recent years have manifested a growing desire to become better acquainted with union labor. It is therefore the part of trade unionists to state to church people the aims and achievements of the trade unions.369 Rev. Christian F. Reisner --3-- We recommend that in the absences of specially prepared addresses, labor’s spokesmen read, and comment upon, ‘The Church and the Labor Question’, by Dr. Gladden, as published in last month’s issue of this magazine. The contents of that article afford many texts for sermons on not only labor but union labor. The declaration of principles of ‘The Federal Councils of the Churches of Christ in America” concludes with an expression of sympathy ‘to those who by organized effort are seeking to lift the burdens of the poor.’ Every union man of a few years’ experience ought surely to find in that expression the starting point for an exposition of union theory and practice as well as for an appeal to church members to stand up for trade unionism as the principal agenda in the protection and defense of labor. Union member, if in your town the churches have not yet begun observing Labor Sunday, whose fault is it?” Copy of the August issue containing the article upon “Dr. Gladden on Trade Unionism” to which President Gompers makes reference in the editorial just quoted, is also sent you under separate cover. You ask in what way should ministers be related to the local central bodies. In reply I would say that there are many city central bodies affiliated to the American Federation of Labor in which the Ministerial Associations are duty represented by fraternal delegates. As to the most important laws. for the enactment of which organized labor is fighting, the three most important [???tires?] are a bill to regulate and limit the issuance of injunctions in labor disputes, an amendment to the Sherman Anti-Trust law, and a law to extend the present Federal eight-hour law so as to supply to contractors and sub-contractors doing work for the Federal Government. Should you desire any literature upon these subjects or upon other subjects of reform legislation, such as prison labor, prison contract labor, child labor, immigration, etc., etc., we would be glad to send them to you. I trust that the above will be of some assistance to you. President Gompers will be glad to hear from you again at any time370 Rev. Christian F. Reisher --4-- when you feel disposed to write. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*371*] [*COPIED. AUG 26 1911*] X. Aug. 26, 1911 Mr. Charles S. Barrett, President, Farmers' Educational and Co-operative Union, Union City, Georgia. Dear Sir and Brother: In continuation of my letter to you of August 23d, I am in receipt of a letter from Mr. C. W. Woodman in which he states that he finds himself unable to attend the Convention to be held at Shawnee, Oklahoma, on September fifth. I am therefore writing today to Mr. Henry M. Walker, of El Paso, Texas, sending him credential, and requesting that he act as delegate to your Convention. With best wishes, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.372 COPIED. AUG 26 1911 X. Aug. 25, 1911. TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: This is to certify that Mr. Henry M. Walker, of El Paso, Texas, has been duly authorized as the official representative of the A.F. of L. to attend the Convention of the Farmers' Educational and Co-operation Union, which convenes at Shawnee, Oklahoma, Tuesday September fifth. Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*373*] [*COPIED. AUG 26 1911*] X. Aug. 26. 1911. Mr. Henry M. Walker, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, Lock Drawer 688, El Paso, Texas. Dear Sir and Brother: The St. Louis Convention of the American Federation of Labor directed that the Executive Council of the A. F. of L. should appoint a representative from the American Federation of Labor to attend the next annual convention of the Farmers International and Cooperative Union of America, and further that the Farmers' organization should be invited to be represented through fraternal delegate at the Atlanta Convention of the A. F. of L. The Executive Council in turn referred the matter to the undersigned. President C. S. Barrett, of the Farmers' organization, advises me that the Convention of the Farmers' Educational and Cooperative Union will be held at Shawnee, Oklahoma, beginning Tuesday, September fifth. I am therefore writing to request that you attend that convention as the representative of the A. F. of L. Enclosed you will find your credentials. Of course the expense incurred by this trip will be borne by the A. F. of L. I should be glad to have you, upon the conclusion of the Convention, write me a report as to any matters of special interest which occur.[*374*] Mr. Henry M. Walker --2-- You of course have on file, among your records of the A. F. of L. the official proceedings of the annual conventions of the A. F. of L. I would suggest that you look over the report of the Executive Council and my report to the last three or four conventions, and the motion of the convention thereon. I think you would find this helpful to you in preparing for your visit to the Farmers' Convention at Shawnee. Upon receipt of this letter please send me a night telegram advising me whether you can or cannot comply with my request. I ask that you convey to the assembled delegation my most fraternal greetings and good wishes. With best wishes for success, and trusting to hear from you favorably in regard to this matter, I am, Fraternally yours, President, American Federation of Labor.[*375*] [*COPIED. AUG 26 1911*] X. Aug. 25, 1911. Mr. Charles W. O'Daniell, Organiser, American Federation of Labor, 114 Branch Street, Spartanburg, S. C. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of August 24th received and contents noted. You say that you have made an arrangement with a local paper in Spartanburg to run a double column of labor items and you request assistance in securing the necessary information in preparing your matter. Enclosed you will find copy of this week's news letter issued weekly by the American Federation of Labor. I have directed that your name be placed on the mailing list to receive the letter regularly each week. It is put in the mails on Thursday. I also enclosed one copy of our list of Labor Press and official Trade Journals. You might be able to make some arrangement with the editor of some of these publications whereby you could secure them regularly. I note your reference to the White Hats. The White Hats Actors' Union is affiliated to the American Federation of Labor, the secretary being Mr. Harry Mountford, 1553 Broadway, New York City. I would suggest that any matters affecting the members of that organization should be referred to the executive officers of the international body. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you whenever376 Mr. Chas. W. O'Daniel[s] --2-- convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.377 [*COPIED. AUG 26 1911*] X. Aug. 26, 1911. Mr. Louis B. Schrum, Chairman, Labor Committee, United States Brewers' Association, 60 Hamilton Avenue, Brooklyn, N. Y. 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 held for Mr. Gompers' personal attention upon his return to headquarters. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*378 COPIED. AUG 26 1911*] X. Aug. 26, 1911. Mr. Frank Duffy, Secretary, United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners, Carpenters' Building, Indianapolis, Ind. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers and in continuation of his letter to you of August 17th in which he gave you copy of letter he had just written to Mr. Louis B. Schram of the United States' Brewers' Association, of New York City, you will please find enclosed herein reply from Mr. Schram under date of August 24. Any further information received on this subject will be promptly transmitted to you. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.379 COPY. UNITED STATES BREWERS' ASSOCIATION 109 & 111 E. 15th St. New York, August 24, 1911. Mr. Samuel Gompers, Pres. American Federation of Labor, 801 G. St., N. W., Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: Your letter of August 16th, 1911, with enclosure has had my attention. The statements made in the letter of the Manufacturers' Association of Brewers Equipment and Supplies, so far as they relate to the United States Brewers' Association or its Labor Committee, are entirely unwarranted by anything that occurred at our 1910 Convention. No demands were made upon us by organized labor or by manufacturers. Our Labor Committee has atall times avoided taking sides in controversies in which they are not directly interested, and has abstained from taking any position that could be considered unideal to the workingmen. We expect equally fair and impartial treatment at the hands of organized labor, as all our plants are operated as union shops. Very truly yours, (Signed) Louis B. Schram, Chairman, Labor Committee, 60 Hamilton Avenue, Brooklyn, N. Y.380 COPIED. AUG 28 1911 X. Aug. 26, 1911. Mr. Chas. Diehl, Secretary, Federal Labor Union No. 7067, A and Spring Streets, Belleville, Ill. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 21st instant is received and contents noted. You state that you are again having trouble with the local union of Cement Workers at East St. Louis encroaching upon the jurisdiction of your members. I am sending a copy of your letter to the secretary of the American Brotherhood of Cement Workers, Mr. Henry Ullner, asking him to take this matter up with his local union at his earliest convenience, and advise me as to the action taken. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.381 COPIED. AUG 26 1911 X. Aug. 26, 1911. Mr. Henry Ullner, Secretary, American Brotherhood of Cement Workers, Room 214, Mechanics Bank Building, Mason and Market Streets, San Francisco, Cal. Dear Sir and Brother: You of course recall my letter to you of March the 9th, 1911, in which I conveyed to you the complaint made by F. L. U. #7067 of Belleville, Illinois, by reason of alleged transgression of the jurisdiction of that organization by the members of your local union at East St. Louis. Under date of August 21, the Secretary of F. L. U. #7067 again writes me as follows: "Some time ago I wrote to you in regards to the East St. Louis Granite and Cement Workers doing work in our city. We are having the same trouble again at present and wish you would try and write the President of that local stating our grievance." May I ask that you kindly take this matter up at your earliest convenience and I will appreciate it if you will let me have a word from you as to what action has been taken by you. Thanking you in advance for your prompt attention to the above, and with kind regards, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*382*] [*COPIED. AUG 26 1911*] X. Aug. 26, 1911. Mr. Chas. A. Yates, Secretary, Central Trades and Labor Assembly, 305 South Warren Street, Syracuse, N. Y. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 18th instant is received and contents noted. You say that you were directed to write me in regard to your previous correspondence relative to the complaint against the Metal Polishers' local union. The matter was placed in the hands of the Metal Trades Department of the A. F. of L., and upon receipt of your letter of the 18th, I referred that also to Secretary Berres. Enclosed you will please find copy of his reply thereto. I would suggest, therefore, that you communicate direct with Mr. Berres upon the subject. I would also be glad to hear from you further in regard thereto. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.383 COPY. METAL TRADES DEPARTMENT A. F. of L. Washington, D. C., Aug. 24, 1911. Mr. S. Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor, Ouray Building, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir and Brother: Referring to the correspondence you received from the Central Trades and Labor Assembly of Syracuse, N. Y., in which they desire to know the status of their complaint lodged with you against the Metal Polishers, permit me to say that we are endeavoring at this time to bring President Daly and either President O'Connell or a representative of the Machinists together at the earliest possible time, in the city of Syracuse, for the purpose of bringing about an adjustment of the situation. President Daly is now presiding over his convention in the city of Boston, and we are of the opinion that it will be impossible to get him, at least until after the adjournment of his convention, to meet with the representatives. I have suggested to the Central Trades and Labor Assembly that in the event of no understanding being reached by the two parties in interest, that the Metal Trades Council could take such steps as it sees fit and refer the same to this Department for its further consideration. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, (Signed) A. J. Berres, Secretary-Treasurer, M. T. D., A. F. of L.384 COPIED. AUG 26 1911 X. Aug. 26, 1911. Mr. Frank L. Rist, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, 1311 Walnut Street, Cincinnati, Ohio. Dear Sir and Brother: Enclosed you will please find copy of letter which I recently received from Mr. Chas. C. Converse, and also duplicate copy of my reply, both of which are self-explanatory. I would appreciate it if you would kindly take this matter up in conformity with the letter I have written to Mr. Converse and advise me what can be done in the premises. Sincerely trusting that you will be able to adjust the trouble, and thanking you in advance, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.385 X. Aug 26, 1911. Mr. J. A. Lockhart, Attorney at Law, Wadesboro, North Carolina. Dear Sir: Your favor of the 12th instant is received and contents noted. You suggest that a representative of the A. F. of L. should visit Wadesboro and vicinity. It is impossible for me to indicate just now the exact time when he will reach your city but it will be as soon as can be done in connection with the other work to which he has been assigned. Again thanking you for the interest you manifest in the matter, and hoping to hear from you again, I am, Very truly yours, Saml. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.386 COPIED. AUG 26 1911 X. Aug. 26, 1911. Miss Sadie Lyman, Secretary, Tobacco Strippers' Union No. 12640, 267 Portsea Street, New Haven, Conn. Dear Madam: Your favor of August 22d is received and contents noted. In reply I beg to say that all affiliated organizations are earnestly urged by the McNamara Ways and Means Committee to contribute 25 cents per member to the fund to be used in the defense of the ? operated men in Los Angeles, and for the prosecution of the kidnappers. this contribution of course is voluntary and the appeal is not to be considered as an assessment, but the need for a very large fund is extremely urgent if the men are to be properly defended and the kidnappers prosecuted. I therefore most earnestly hope that the members of your organization will contribute just as generously as their means will permit and if possible to the full amount of the 25 cts. requested. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.387 COPIED. AUG 26 1911 X. Aug. 25, 1911. Mr. Ed F. Grace, Editor, Labor Record Publishing Company, 525 Poydras Street, New Orleans, La. Dear Sir: Your favor of August 23d addressed to President Gompers has been received and contents noted. He is now making an organizing and lecturing trip through the West and on the Pacific Coast as directed by the Convention of the A. F. of L., and hence of course will be unable to comply with your request for an article for the Labor Day edition of your page. I would suggest that you look through the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST. I am sure that President Gompers would be glad to have you use any matter which appears therein, of course giving due credit therefor. Very truly yours, R. LeGuard Secretary to President Gompers.388 COPIED. AUG 26 1911 X. Aug. 25, 1911. Mr. James S. Converse, 945 Clinton Street, Cincinnati, Ohio. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of August 9th is received and contents noted. You refer to the trouble between you and F. L. U. #5697 in regard to the matter of a withdrawal card and say that you were advised by the Central Labor Council of Cincinnati to take the matter up with us. You then say that you made application to the Watchmen's ? #13150 but that your application was not accepted. I have ? your letter to the A. F. of L. representative in Cincinnati, ? Frank L. Rist, with the request that he investigate the ? and do whatever he can to adjust the trouble between you the organization and to report to me. Organizer Rist can be reached at 1311 Walnut street, and I would suggest that you confer to him in regard to the matter about which you write. I will be glad to hear from you further in regard to the above. Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*389*] [*COPIED. AUG 26 1911*] August 25, 1911. Mr. Samuel Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor, San Francisco, California. My dear Mr. Gompers: As directed by you before you left, enclosed you will please find carbon copy of the letter which you wrote secretary Boharanberg on August 14th in regard to organizing the ? migratory laborers. I also enclose a financial statement of the McNamara defense fund, as you further directed. I have not heard anything from either you or Mr. Hannigan since you left Denver but I trust that everything is getting along all right. In any event, now that you are in the northwest you are free from this excessive, prostrating heat. That, of course, is one big thing in your favor on this very strenuous trip. Mrs. Gompers and Sadie got back last night and I spoke to them this morning over the 'phone. Sadie tells me that Mrs. Gompers is feeling very much improved indeed. I hope that by the time you return she will have entirely recovered. With kind regards, I am Very sincerely yours, R. Lee Guard Copies Sept issue were mailed [???] Thurs to San Francisco. Remember ?? to Mr. Barry ?? ?? and ?? ????390 COPIED. AUG 26 1911 Z August 26, 1911. Mr. Wm. J. Gilthorpe, Secretary, Int'l Brotherhood of Boiler Makers and Iron Ship Builders, 7-12 Law Building, Kansas City, Kansas. Dear Sir and Brother: I am just in receipt of a letter, dated August 25th, from your Seventh Vice-President, Mr. Dowd, reading as follows: "Enclosed you will find commission which you sent to Bro. P. W. Carlin, who was our Seventh Vice-President in this part of the country but has resigned his office some time ago and I have been appointed to fill the unexpired term and if you will notify the Secretary of the A. F. of L. to send all communications to me and you can also have this commission made out in my name and forwarded to my home address." Inasmuch as Mr. Carlin was appointed upon the recommendation of your Brotherhood, I presume it will be equally as agreeable to you to have Mr. Dowd hold a commission as volunteer organizer for North America. Will you kindly advise as to this at your early convenience? Also, please advise if it is your wish that Mr. Carlin be dropped from our list of organizers, or that both shall hold commissions. With kind regards and best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.391 COPIED. AUG 26 1911 Z. August 26, 1911. Mr. I. C. White, President, United Bro. of Carpenters and Joiners No. 1212, 1517 Spruce St., Coffeyville, Kansas. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 22nd instant has been duly received, in which you say your Local Union endorses Mr. T. P. Menton as district organizer. In reply I beg to say that Brother Menton now holds a commission as general organizer for the State of Kansas and I presume you are recommending him for a position as salaried organizer, and in reply would state that the funds of the American Federation of Labor do not warrant the appointment of any more salaried organizers at the present time. I am sure you will agree with me that it would worse than folly to appoint another organizer and then not be in a position to pay his salary and expenses. I regret that we cannot see our way clear to make any appointments at the present time. If at any time in the future we should find ourselves in a position to do so, Bro. Menton's name will receive careful consideration. With kind regards and best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.392 COPIED. AUG 26 1911 Z August 26, 1911. Mr. A. C. Foltz, Secretary, L. U. 1575, United Bro. of Carpenters and Joiners, 564 A. Mulberry St., Hagerstown, Md. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 22nd instant has been received and contents noted. I beg to thank you and the organization for the recommendation you make for the appointment of Mr. Wm. E. Cleverstone as volunteer organizer for Hagerstown and vicinity. It affords me pleasure to comply with the request and recommendation made, and commission will be issued and forwarded to Brother Cleverstone in accordance therewith. There is also forwarded to him package of literature and documents published by this office, which I am sure he will find of assistance to him in the discharge of his duties as the representative of the A. F. of L. for your city. I trust his cooperation and assistance as the duly authorized representative of the A. F. of L. in Hagerstown will result greatly in the advancement of our movement in that section in every way. With kind regards and hoping to hear from you from time to time, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*393*] [*COPIED. AUG 28 1911*] Z August 28, 1911. Mr. B. Williams, Secretary, Badge Makers Union #9136, 1014 Pine Street, St. Louis, Mo. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of August 24th has been duly received, containing further information concerning the new wage scale and agreement which your Union intends to present to the firms by which its members are employed. The whole matter has been submitted to the Executive Council of the A. F. of L. for its approval. When a decision is reached you will be immediately notified. With kind regards and best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*394*] [*COPIED. AUG 28 1911*] Z August 28, 1911. NO. 70, EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, AMERICAN FEDERATION OF LABOR. COLLEAGUES: Badge Makers' Union #9136 of St. Louis, Mo., has submitted wage scale and agreement for which it requests the approval of the American Federation of Labor. You will please find a copy enclosed herein. Upon its receipt the Secretary of Local No. 9136 was requested to give the following information: Number of employes of such company or companies other than members of your union; Are such other employes members of other organizations? If so, state names: How do the rate of wages and hours as called for in your new scale compare with the wages and hours in similar lines of work in your locality? What are the present wages paid to, and hours worked by the members of your union? Are the members of your organization working under a formal signed agreement? If there are other organizations whose members are employed by the companies which employ your members, are such organizations working under formal agreement? If so, does the wage scale of your organization conform to the conditions under which the other organizations are working? To that request the Secretary replies as follows: "Your letter of August 21st on hand. I wish to say that there is no alterations in the wage scale sent you only the first[*395*] Executive Council--2. one I sent from G. E. Bens & Co. I made a mistake in the engravers' scale: I made it out as $3.50 per day and it should have been $3.00 per day but I called Mr. Morrison's attention to the fact. The names of the companies which our members are employed by are Geo. E. Bens & Co. -- Stiner Engraving Co., only two. There is no other members employed outside of the Badge Makers' Local. No other employed of any other organization. The wage scale adopted this last time is similar to the last three that were adopted by our local to my knowledge we are working nine hours a day till Jan. 1st, 1912, which I have a signed agreement from both said firms for an eight hour working day to take place Jan. 1st, 1912, the members of our organization is working under that one agreement for eight hours that is all there is, no other employed by said companies only of our local the Badge Makers' Union #9136. We did not have much trouble getting an agreement signed for eight hours by said firms, only that we had a little argument that did not amount to very much." Local #9136 was chartered May 18, 1901, and has paid per capita tax for the past twelve months as follows: August 1910, 11 Members Sept. " 11 " Oct. " 11 " Nov. " 11 " Dec. " 10 " Jan. 1911, 10 " Feb. " 12 " Mar. " 7 " April " 7 " May " 7 " June " 7 " July " 7 " August " 30 " The Executive Council has approved the wage scales of Tin, Steel, Iron and Granite Workers' Union #10945, Granite City, Illinois -- 160 Members Barber Shop Porters and Bath House Employes #11965, San Francisco, California--25 " And has sustained Federal Labor Union #9995, Centralia, Illinois--90 " Railroad Helpers and Laborers' Union #12874 , Champaign, Illinois-- 7 " F.L.U. #10829, Chicago, Illinois--150 " in their action in cooperating with the other local unions represented in the system federation of the Illinois Central lines. The Executive Council now has under consideration the wage scale of F.L.U. #11617, Herrin, Illinois, by document #63, July 31, 26 members. 396 Executive Council --3. The question submitted to the Executive Council for a vote is: Shall the wage scale of Local #9136 be approved and its members be eligible for strike or lockout benefits from the defense fund of the A. F. of L. in case of their agreement not being signed? Kindly let me have your vote on the foregoing at your earliest convenience, and oblige Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. 397 COPY. Scale of wages to be adopted by the Badge & Lodge Paraphernalia Makers Union #9136. Engravers . . . $3.00 per day. Embossers . . . 2.50 " " Die Makers and Machinists. . . 2.75 " " Polishers and Platers . . . 2.25 " " Solderers. . . 2.00 " " Button Makers. . . 1.50 " " Apprentice. . . 5.00 per week. Ladies' Salary. Cutters and Fitters . . . $2.00 per day Machine Hands, 75¢. $1.00, $1.25, $3.50 per day. This scale shall be nine hours a day's work. Any firm wishing to employ help shall notify the Shop-Steward, who will notify the Secretary and if he finds none out of employment, said firm will be allowed to employ any person that does not belong to the Union. If said position be permanent, it will be the duty of the Shop-Steward to notify the person employed to make application for membership to join the union at next regular meeting. Time and a half shall be paid for overtime. (signed) Steiner Engraving & Badge Co. Chas. W. Steiner. Pres. & Treas.398 Aug. 28, 1911. COPIED. AUG 28 1911 Mr. Samuel Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor, Argonaut Hotel, San Francisco, Cal. Mr. dear Mr. Gompers: This morning I received your note of August 23d with clippings, which was written on the train from Salt Lake to Butte. I turned the clippings over to Mr. Reid and also showed him your note. When he gets out the items that he may want for the newspaper, I will then send them on to Mr. Sullivan. I also received the credentials made out at the request of Mr. John Morrison. This credential by mistake was written on the Federationist paper instead of on the Federation paper. I presume by tomorrow I will receive the one I sent out for the ? party made out on the regular letterhead. I am glad to note that you are feeling pretty fair and trust that you will reach San Francisco in good shape for the strenuous work which I know has been laid out for you in that city. I hope you will find the opportunity on this trip to make a trip to Mount Tamalpias. I recall that you said at one time you had never yet had the chance to make the trip, despite your several visits to San Francisco. To my mind it is well worth the entire trip across the continent392 Mr. Samuel Gompers -2- Just to get that view of San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate, and the surrounding country. If you could possibly arrange to spend a night at the hotel on top the mountain and see the sunrise, I should think that would be gorgeous beyond words. The folks here all wish to be most kindly remembered to you. With best wishes to both you and Mr. Hamilton, I am, Very sincerely yours, P. S. I am enclosing the second of the Benson articles on "The Usurped Power of the Courts", which appears in the September issue of Pearson's magazine. you already have with you the first article from the August issue.[*400*] X. Aug. 28, 1911. COPIED. AUG 28 1911 Mr. Thomas F. Tracy. Secretary. Union label Trades Department, A. F. of L., Ouray Building, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir and Brother: I am in receipt of a letter from Mr. Henry Abrahams, of the Central Labor Union of Boston, Massachusetts, in which he encloses a communication from Miss Mary A. V. Brennan, 81 Hope Street, Providence, R. I., as follows: "In my search for information and statistics on sweatshop conditions, I have been referred to you by Miss Mary Boyle O'Reilly. What I especially need is photos that I could use with stereopticon in my lectures in the State of Washington. A small group of us is working in behalf of the trade union label on goods in Seattle, and Washington generally In my opinion the unions are in dire need of help from all quarters; for it would seem they are being insidiously attacked all up and down the Pacific Coast -- the McNamara case is Los Angeles being just a specialization on of General [?tis]. I am not a union worker nor a union member -> I am a school teacher in Seattle - but I am greatly interested in the advance of the 'masses against the classes' and any information or photos that you can give me will be used early and often in my neck of the Coast. I have written Mr. Abraham that his letter has been referred to you, and would appreciate it very much if you will send Miss Brennan such information as you can along the lines of her inquiry. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*401*] X. Aug. 28, 1911. Mr. Henry Abrahams, Secretary, Cigarmakers' International Union No. 97, 11 Appleton Street, Boston, Mass. Dear Sir and Brother: I am in receipt of your favor of the 26th instant, in which you enclose letter from Miss Mary A. V. Brennan in which she asks for information in regard to sweatshop conditions, and particularly photographs which could be used with moving picture slides. I have referred your letter to Mr. Thomas F. Tracy, Secretary, Union Label Trades Department, A. F. of L., with the request that he write Miss Brennan, giving her all information possible on the subject. With best wishes, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*402*] X. Aug. 28, 1911. COPIED. AUG 28 1911. Miss Mary O. Gallagher, Secretary, Women's Union International Label League No. 277, 1112 W. 9th Street, Waco, Texas. Dear Madam: Your favor of the 22d instant is received and contents noted. As per your request, I enclose you herewith a list of the national and international unions affiliated with the America Federation of Labor. I have referred your letter to Secretary Thomas F. Tracy of the Union Label Trades Department of the A. F. of L., with the request that he send you some printed matter published by his department as will be helpful in your work. Hoping to hear from you further whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. [*403*] [*COPIED. AUG 28, 1911.*] X. Aug. 28, 1911. Mr. Thomas F. Tracy, Secretary, United labor Trades Department, A.F. of L. Ouray Building, Washington, D.C. Dear Sir and Brother: I am in receipt of a letter from Miss Mary C. Gallagher, secretary Women's Union International Label League No. 277, 1112 [?????] [???h] Street, Waco, Texas, as follows: "Please send me a list of the international unions affiliated with the A.F. of L. as we have a new Label League started and I want every craft to know that we are here to boost their label so please send me a list as soon as possible. Our secretary wants to get in touch with every craft and hope in this way to place every article that bears the union label on sale in Waco." I have sent Miss Gallagher a list of the unions affiliated to the A.F. of L. and ask that you kindly send her any printed matter you may have which would be of help to her in her work. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. [*404*] X. Aug. 28, 1911. COPIED. AUG 29 1911 Mr. William Gilthorpe, Secretary, International Boiler Makerw and Iron Shipbuilders, Suite 7-12 Law Building, Kansas City, Kansas. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 24th instant is received, in which you enclose article from Mr. Christie, of Chicago, to be used in the Symposium in the September issue of the American Federationist. Of course it is now too late for the September number, but this feature will be contained in the October number. Please accept my thanks for the contribution. Thanking you for your kind wishes, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*405*] [*COPIED. AUG 28 1911*] X. Aug. 28, 1911. Mr. Joseph [Tyeroff?], Special Organizer, American Federation of Labor, c/o 25 Third 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 26th instant, in which you make report to Mr. Gompers in regard to the Italian wage workers in the United States, as per his request in his letter of the 17th. Your letter will be held for Mr. Gompers' attention upon his return to headquarters. Very truly yours, Secretary to President Gompers.[*406*] [*COPIED. AUG 29 1911*] Z. August 29, 1911. Mr. William T. Love, The Dallas Company, Dallas City, Illinois. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 24th instant and, under separate cover, copy of your booklet entitled "Songs of Discontent." Will you please accept his thanks for your courtesy in sending it to him. It will be held for his attention upon his return. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to Pres. Gompers.[*407*] [*COPIED. AUG 29 1911*] Z August 29, 1911. Mr. James O' Connell, President, International Association of Machinists. 402-407 McGill Building, Washington, D.C. Dear Sir and Brother: Enclosed you will please find a copy of a letter which I have just received from Mr. E. H Thwing, Secretary of the Organizing Committee of the employees of the General Electric Co. at Lynn, Mass., in regard to the matter of organizing the men in the employ of that company. He says that he has written to you upon this subject but notwithstanding it seemed to me that you should also have a copy of his letter addressed to me, and to which I trust you will give your early attention. Asking you to let me hear from you in regard to the above and with best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor President, American Federation of Labor,[*408*] COPY. Lynn, Mass., Aug. 23, 1911. Dear Sir: At the last meeting of the organizing comm. it was moved and carried that I write to you and try to get you to send on organizers from the different trades such as work in the General Electric Company so that we might get better conditions there and Lynn and vicinity. I am writing to Pres. O'Connell of the Int. Asst. of Machinists asking him to send on someone to help us in our campaign. Also have requested him to meet you and to explain conditions in the General Electric Co. as they are at the present time. Hoping to receive an early reply, I remain, Respectfully yours, (Signed) E. R. Thwing, Sec. Organizing Comm. 14 Hamilton Ave., Lynn, Mass.[*409*] [*COPIED. AUG 29 1911*] Z August 29, 1911. Mr. F. J. McNulty, President, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers of America, Pierick Building, Springfield, Illinois, Dear Sir and Brother: Enclosed you will please find a copy of a letter which I have just received from Mr. E. R. Thwing, Secretary of the Organizing Committee of the employee of the General Electric Co. at Lynn, Mass., in regard to the matter of organizing the men in the employ of that Company. It seemed to me this letter should be brought to your attention. Asking you to let me hear from you in regard to the matter and with best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.410 Z. Aug. 29, 1911. Mr. E. R. Thwing, Secretary, Organizing Committee, General Electric Co., 14 Hamilton Ave., Lynn, Mass. Dear Sir: Your favor of the 23rd instant has been received, in regard to the matter of attempting to organize the employee of the General Electric company at Lynn, Mass. I have sent copies of your letter to President O'Connell, of the International Association of Machinists; and to President F. J. McNulty, of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers of America, Pierick Building, Springfield, Illinois; requesting them both to take the matter up and see what can be done. No doubt they will write you direct in regard to the subject. Very truly yours, Sam Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. AUG 29 1911*] 411 E. August 29, 1911 Mr. Eward T. Colvin, Member, Legislative Committee, Virginia Fed. of Labor, 220 N. Royal Street, Alexandria, Va. COPIED AUG 29 1911 Dear Sir: Mr. Gompers is in the west on an organizing and lecturing trip, as per the instructions of the convention of the American Federation of Labor, therefore, permit me to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 26th instant regarding the political situation in Virginia. The letter will be held for his attention upon his return. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to Pres. Gompers. 412 Z. August 29, 1911 Mr. C. Rutledge, Secretary, Miami Miners' Union No. 70, P.O. Box 728, Miami, Arizona. [*COPIED. AUG 29 1911*] Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers, who is on a lecturing and organising trip through the west, as per the instructions of the convention of the A. F. of L., permit me to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 23rd instant. I suggest that you take up with the executive officers of your International Union the matter concerning which you write. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to Pres. Gompers. 413 Z. August 29, 1911. Mr. J. F. Noonan, Int'l Vice- President, International Bro. of Electrical Workers, Pierick Building, Springfield, Illinois, COPIED AUG 29 1911 Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers, who is on a lecturing and organizing trip through the west, as per the instructions of the convention of the A. F. of L., permit me to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 26th instant, concerning the unseating of one of your delegates to the Central Body at St. Louis, Mo. Your letter will be held for Mr. Gompers' attention upon his return. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to Pres. Gompers414 Z August 29, 1911. Mr. J. E. Gormley, Secretary, Int'l Moulders' Union No. 209, 2 Prospect Avenue, Norwalk, Conn. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 11th instant has been received and contents noted. I beg to thank you and the organization for the recommendation you make for the appointment of Mr. J. E. Gormley as volunteer organizer for Norwalk and vicinity. It affords me pleasure to comply with the request and recommendation made, and commission will be issued and forwarded to Brother Gormley in accordance therewith. There is also forwarded to him package of literature and documents published by this office, which I am sure he will find of assistance to him in the discharge of his duties as the representative of the A. F. of L. for your city. I trust his cooperation and assistance as the duly authorized representative of the A. F. of L. in Norwalk will result greatly in the advancement of our movement in that section in every way. With kind regards and hoping to hear from you from time to time, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. AUG 29 1911*]415 Z August 29, 1911. Mr. J. R. Martin, Organizer, 533 Prince Street, Sydney, Nova Scotia. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of August 21st is received and contents noted. I also have before me our previous correspondence in regard to the situation in your district as particularly affects the Steel Workers, your last letter referring also to the general situation of the labor movement there, with special reference to the Carpenters, Blacksmiths, Moulders, Motormen and Conductors, Bricklayers, and Painters. You suggest that the A. F. of L. should make an appropriation similar to the appropriation made by the Trades and Labor Congress of Canada to enable you to successfully carry on the work of strengthening and building up the labor movement in Sydney and vicinity. I fully appreciate the description of the situation you give and the value it would be to the movement in your locality and to the movement in general were we in a position to comply with your request. I fear, however, it would not be possible for us to do so. As a matter of fact the A. F. of L. each year makes an appropriation of $500.00 to the Dominion Trades and Labor Congress to assist in the work there. Then again, for a number of years there has been a special organizer in the employ of the American Federation of Labor, who gives his entire time to organizing work in the Dominion. I refer to Mr. John A. Flett, of416 Mr. J. R. Martin --2. Toronto. I am sure you will agree with me that the A. F. of L. in this way is doing everything within its power to be helpful, and that it is by no means undmindful of the welfare and interests of the men of labor in Canada. I am writing to the executive officers of the several International organisations to which you refer and sending them copy of your letter to me, and it may be they can arrange to have one of their representatives visit Sydney and vicinity. In any event, it seems to me they should be advised of the situation in Sydney and I shall be glad to write to them in regard thereto. Hoping to hear from you again whenever convenient, and with best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. P.S. I am enclosing a list of the Secretaries of the National and International organizations, in compliance with your request.Z. August 29, 1911 Mr. William J. Bowen, President, Bricklayers and Masons' Int'l Union, COPIED Odd Fellows Building, Indianapolis, Indiana. Aug 29 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: Enclosed you will please find a copy of a letter which I have just received from Organizer J. R. Martin of Sydney, Nova Scotia, and also a copy of my reply thereto. The Previous letter received from Organizer Martin and my reply thereto was in parti- cular reference to the situation of the steel workers in Nova Scotia and the effort being made by the United States Steel Cor- poration to crush out any attempt on the part of the men to or- ganize. The matter was promptly taken up with the officers of the Steel Workers organization, and in continuation of the corres- pondence, Organizer Martin writes me as per the enclosed I would be glad if you would communicate with him direct and also if you would let me have a work from you in regard to the matter. With best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, [*Samuel Gompers*] President American Federation of LaborZ August 29, 1911 Mr. J. C. Skemp, Secretary, Brotherhood of Painters, Decorators and Paperhangers, Drawer 99, Lafayette Indiana. Dear Sir and Brother: Enclosed you will please find a copy of a letter which I have just received from Organizer J. R> Martin of Sydney, Nova Scotia and also a copy of my reply thereto. The previous letter received from organizer Martin and my reply thereto was in parti- cular reference to the situation of the steel workers in Nova Scotia and the effort being made by the United States Steel Corpo- ration to crush out any attempt on the part of the men to or- ganize. The matter was promptly taken up with the officers of the Steel Workers organization, and in continuation fo the corres- pondence, Organizer Martin writes me as per the enclosed. I would be glad if you would communicate with him direct and also if you would let me have a work from you in regard to the matter. With best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, [*Samuel Gompers*] President, American Federation of Labor[*419*] Z August 29, 1911. Mr. W. D. Mahon, President, Amal. Assn. of Street and Electric Railway Employes of A., 601-3 Hodges Block, Detroit, Michigan. COPIED. AUG 29 1911 Enclosed you will please find a copy of a letter which I have just received from Organizer J. R. Martin, of Sydney, Nova Scotia, and also a copy of my reply thereto. The previous letter received from Organizer Martin and my reply thereto was in particular reference to the situation of the Steel Workers in Nova Scotia and the effort being made by the United States Steel corporation to crush out any attempt on the part of the men to organize. The matter was promptly taken up with the officers of the Steel Workers organization, and in continuation of the correspondence, Organizer Martin writes me as per the enclosed. I would be glad if you would communicate with him direct and also if you would let us have a word from you in regard to the matter. With best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*420*] Z August 29, 1911 Mr. Vister Kleiber, Secretary, International Moulders' Union of North America, 550 Walnut St., Cincinnatti, Ohio COPIED. AUG 29 1911 Enclosed you will please find a copy of a letter which I have just received from Organizer J. R. Martin, of Sydney, Nova Scotia, and also a copy of my reply thereto. The previous letter received from Organizer Martin and my reply thereto was in particular reference to the situation of the Steel Workers in Nova Scotia and the effort being made by the United States Steel Corporation to crush out any attempt on the part of the men to organize. The matter was promptly taken up with the officers of the Steel Workers organization, and in continuation of the correspondence, Organizer Martin writes me as per the enclosed. I would be glad if you would communicate with him direct and also if you would let us have a word from you in regard to the matter. With best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*421*] Z August 29, 1911. Mr. Wm. F. Kramer, Secretary, Int'l Brotherhood of Blacksmiths, 570 Monon Building, Chicago, Illinois. COPIED. AUG 29 1911 Enclosed you will please find a copy of a letter which I have just received from Organizer J. R. Martin, of Sydney, Nova Scotia, and also a copy of my reply thereto. The previous letter received from Organizer Martin and my reply thereto was in particular reference to the situation of the Steel Workers in Nova Scotia and the effort being made by the United States Steel Corporation to crush out any attempt on the part of the men to organize. The matter was promptly taken up with the officers of the Steel Workers organization, and in continuation of the correspondence, Organizer Martin writes me as per the enclosed. I would be glad if you would communicate with him direct and also if you would let us have a word from you in regard to the matter. With best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*422*] Z Aug 29, 1911. Mr. Frank Duffy, Secretary, United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners, Carpenters Building, Indianapolis, Indiana. COPIED. AUG 29 1911 Enclosed you will please find a copy of a letter which I have just received from Organizer J. R. Martin, of Sydney, Nova Scotia, and also a copy of my reply thereto. The previous letter received from Organizer Martin and my reply thereto was in particular reference to the situation of the Steel Workers in Nova Scotia and the effort being made by the United States Steel Corporation to crush out any attempt on the part of the men to organize. The matter was promptly taken up with the officers of the Steel Workers organization, and in continuation of the correspondence, Organizer Martin writes me as per the enclosed. I would be glad if you would communicate with him direct and also if you would let us have a word from you in regard to the matter. With best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.Z August 29, 1911. Mr. John Williams, Secretary, Int'l Association of Iron, Steel and Tin Workers, House Building, Smithfield and Water Sta., COPIED Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. AUG 29, 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: Enclosed you will please find a copy of a letter which I have just received from Organizer J. R. Martin of Sydney, Nova Scotia, and also a copy of my reply thereto. The previous letter received from Organizer Martin and my reply thereto was in particular reference to the situation of the Steel Workers in Nova Scotia and the effort being made by the United States Steel Corporation to crush out any attempt on the part of the men to organize. The matter was promptly taken up with the officers of the Steel Workers organization, and in continuation of the correspondence, Organizer Martin writes me as per the enclosed. I would be glad if you would communicate with him direct and also if you would let me have a word from you in regard to the matter. With best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.Z Aug. 29, 1911 Mr. L. Valdauer, Secretary, Atchison Trades and Labor Council, Trades and Labor Hall, Cor. 7th and Com'l Sta. COPIED Atchison, Kansas. AUG 29, 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 27th instant has been duly received, in which you urge the appointment of Mr. T.P. Menton as salaried organizer for your district, I beg to say that the funds of the Federation will not permit of the appointment of any additional salaried organizer for the present. I realize fully there is an immense amount of work to be done, work that would redound to the benefit of our movement, but you will readily realize that it would be worse than folly for us to appoint an organizer and then be unable to meet his bills for salary and expenses, and until such time as out treasury increases I do not see how we could possibly consider any additional appointments. I have made a note of your communication, and should I find later that we are in a position to act upon your recommendation I shall be glad to do so, but for the present it is out of the question entirely. With best wishes, and regretting I cannot comply with your request, I am Fraternally yours, Samuel GompersX. Aug. 29, 1911 Mrs. Goldeborough, 1223 5th Street, N. Y., Washington D. C. COPIED Dear Nadan: AUG 29 1911 Your favor of the 25th instant is received and contents noted. Secretary Morrison has already sent you receipt for 85 ots and pamphlet on Industrial Education. I am sure President Gompers would be glad to autograph this pamphlet for you, but he is now away from headquarters on an organizing and lecturing trip in the West and on the Pacific Coast, so directed by the last convention of the A. F. of L. and is not expected to return to headquarters until about the first week in October. Very truly yours, Secretary to President Gompers. [*426*] E. Aug. 29, 1911. COPIED. AUG 20 1911 Mr. F. T. D. Wallace, Jr., Louise, Kentucky Your favor of August 25th is received and contents noted. In reply I beg to say that President Gompers is now making an organizing and lecturing trip through the West and on the Pacific Coast as directed by the Convention of the A. F. of L. He is not expected to return here before the first week in October. It is hardly probable that you will desire the papers you enclose to be retained at this office until his return, particularly in view of the fact that I exceedingly doubt that Mr. Gompers will care to enter into the plan as suggested by you. There have been many previous similar propositions made to him from time to time, to all of which he has replied in the negative. If you desire him to return the enclosures you make, please advise mem and I will do so. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers. 427 COPIED. AUG 29, 1911 X. Aug. 29, 1911. Mr. Frank J. Hayes, State Life Building, Indianapolis, Indiana. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers on official business, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your verses, song of Labor, for which you will please accept Mr. Gompers' thanks. Very truly yours, Secretary to President Gompers.[*428*] K. Aug. 29, 1911. COPIED. AUG 29 1911 Mr.Wm. G. Edens, Assistant Secretary, Central Trades Company, 125 W. Monroe St., Chicago, Ill. Dear Sir: President Gompers will appreciate the kindly expressions in regard to himself which you convey in your letter to him of August 24th. He is now on an organizing and lecturing trip in the West and on the Pacific Coast as directed by the Convention of the A. F. of L., and is not expected to return here until the first week in October. I amsure he will be glad to receive your letter and at some time when he is in Chicago to arrange for an interview with you as you request. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*429*] K. Aug. 25, 1911. COPIED. AUG 26 1911 Mr. A. W. Phillips, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, 21 Grand Avenue, Middletown, N. Y. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 26th instant is received and contents noted. You say that you have received a letter from Franklin [Furnace?], N. J., requesting you to go there for the purpose of organizing about three hundred men, and you desire to know whether the undersigned would authorize you to make the trip and if so that you be furnished with a credential. If the parties in question have arranged to pay the expenses of your trip, there will be no objection interposed by this office to your undertaking the mission. In that event you can use this letter as your authority for organizing the men at Franklin Furnace. Please advise me further as to this at your early convenience, and oblige. Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*430*] K. Aug. 29, 1911. Mr. C. W. [M?ker], Secretary, Local [#36], Journeymen Barbers' Int'l. Union, Box 101, Memphis, Tenn. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 25th instant is received and contents noted. You inquire whether landscape artists, florists and gardeners can form a Federal Labor Union and become affiliated to the A. F. of L. In reply let me say that if the men to whom you refer are working for stated wages either by the day, the week, or month for the proprietors of the landscape artists, florists and gardeners' business, then there is no reason why they should not be formed into a Federal Labor Union and become affiliated to the A. F. of L. However, if you have referenceto the men who own and operate the business themselves, then under the laws of the American Federation of Labor they would not be eligible to membership in a local union directly affiliated to the A. F. of L. Please let me hear from you further as to this as your earliest convenience, and oblige, Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*431*] X. Aug. 29, 1911. COPIED. AUG 29 1911 Mr. Ralph V. Brandt, Secretary, International Union of Wood, Wire and Metal Lathers, 401 Superior Building, Cleveland, Ohio. Dear Sir and Brother: I am in receipt of a letter from Organizer D. L. Easterly, BOX 1245, Tulsa, Oklahoma, in which he says that the local of your International Union at Tulsa disbanded about two years ago, and asks for direction in regard to the supplies of the Local. I have written him that his letter has been referred to you, and that you will write him direct giving the desired information. With best wishes, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*432*] X. Aug. 29, 1911. COPIED. AUG 29 1911 Mr. Hubert S. Marshall, Secretary, International Union of Journeymen Horse Shoers, Room 605, Second National Bank Building, Cincinnati, Ohio. Dear Sir and Brother: I am in receipt of a letter from Organizer D. L. Easterly, Box 1245, Tulsa, Oklahoma, in which he says that the local union of Horse Shoers disbanded in September, 1909, but their charter is still in Tulsa. He states that he advised the members of the local to send in their old outfit and apply for a new charter, and asks for advice. I have written him that his letter has been referred to you, and ask that you kindly communicate with him direct. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*433*] X. Aug. 29, 1911. COPIED. AUG 29 1911 Mr. Jere L. Sullivan, Secretary, Hotel and Restaurant Employes' International Alliance and Bartenders' International League of America, Commercial Tribune Bldg., Cincinnati, Ohio. Dear Sir and Brother: I am in receipt of a letter from Organizer D. L. Easterly, Box 1245, Tulsa, Oklahoma, in which he states that the local which of yourorganization in Tulsa disbanded about two years, and he asks what shall be done with the supplies. I have advised him that his letter has been referred to you, and ask that you write him direct as to the disposition to be made of the effects of the local union. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*434*] X. Aug. 29, 1911. COPIED. AUG 29 1911 Mr. Homer D. Call, Secretary, Amalgamated Meat Cutters and ButchersWorkmen, Cortland and Brighton Ave., Syracuse, N. Y. Dear Sir and Brother: I am in receipt of a letter from Organizer D. L. Easterly, Box 1245, Tulsa, Oklahoma, in which he states that the local union of your organization disbanded about two years, and asks for direction regarding the disposition of their supplies. I have written him that his letter has been referred to you as Secretary of the organization, and that you will write him giving the desired information. With best wishes, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.435 K. Aug. [26?], 1911, COPIED. AUG 26 1911 Mr. D. L. Easterley, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, Box 1245, Tulsa, Oklahoma. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 25th instant at hand and contents noted. You say the the local union of Horse Shoers at Tulsa disbanded in September, 1909: that the charter is still there that you advised their representative to return the old charter and apply for a new outfit. You then request my service in this matter. I have relayed your letter to Secretary Hubert S. Marshall, of the International Union of Journeymen Horse Shoes of the United States and Canada, and have requested him to take the matter up direct with you. I am also writing to the executive officer of the Hotel and Restaurant Employes International Alliance, Amalgamated Meat Cutters and Butcher Workmen, and the International Union of Wood, Wire, and Metal Lathers, regard to the local unions of their respective trades which you may have also discarded in [?]. They will communicate with you direct as to what disposition to make of the charter you now hold. With best wishes, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*436*] K. Aug. 25, 1919. COPIED. AUG 26 1911 Mr. L. S. Richard, Editor, The Boston Common, 46 [Carmill?], Boston, Mass. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers on official business, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of August 26th, in which you request special article from President Gompers on the Initiative and referendum for publication in the Direct Legislation number of your paper, which will be published on September 6th. Your letter will be held for his attention upon his return. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard, Secretary to President Gompers.[*437*] X. Aug. 28, 1911 COPIED. AUG 29 1911 Mr. Henry Campbell, Managing Editor, The Milwaukee Journal, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Dear Sir: I received a letter from President Gompers just after his arrival in Denver in which he told me of his very interesting interview with you when you met him in Chicago and traveled several hours with him on the way to Denver. In that letter he also advised me that you would write to him and send him some important matter in connection with your conversation with him. In confirmation thereof, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter of August the 25th which reached here this morning. As you will surmise, President Gompers' trip is of such a character as will give him no opportunity to devote to correspondence, hence it will be necessary to hold your letter here until his return, then he will be glad to write you fully at the very earliest opportunity. Very truly yours, [R. Lee Guard?] Secretary to President Gompers. [*438*] Z August 29, 1911. COPIED. AUG 29 1911 Mr. T. M. Kerbow, Organizer Beckham, Hotel Greenville, Texas. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of August 25 reviewed and contents noted. You have evidently misunderstood the situation entirely. Our records show that commission was issued to you as volunteer organizer for Greenville and vicinity upon April 7, 1910, and that it was renewed on April 7, 1911. The commission of Mr. J. M. Massay was issued on June [3?] 1911, upon the recommendation of the Texas State Federation of Labor and as volunteer organizer for the State of Texas. Of course you understand that there is no reason why there should not be more than one organizer in any city or locality or in any state. It is our endeavor in the issuance of such commissions to conform entirely to the wishes and recommendations of the city central bodies of the various localities and of the state federations of labor. The issuance of the commission to Mr. Massay was in no way a reflection upon you or your work, but was in compliance with the recommendation of the State branch. Your letter leaves the possible inference in my mind that you did not receive the renewal of your commission on April 7th. Please advise me as to this, for if it did not reach you I shall be glad to issue a duplicate one. 430 Mr. T. M. Kerbow--2. Hoping to hear from you again at your early convenience and assuring you of my appreciation of your work and assistance, I am Fraternally yours Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. [*440*] Z August 29, 1911. Mr. John R. Spencer, Secretary, Texas State Federation of Labor, 1600 Peach St., Waco, Texas. COPIED. AUG 29 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: Upon the recommendation of your State Branch, a commission was issued on June 3rd, 1911, to Mr. J. M. Massay of Greenville, Texas, as volunteer organizer for the State of Texas. In a letter just received from the Organizer T. M. Kerbow of Greenville he calls attention to the fact that Mr. Massey is engaged in the real estate and insurance business and has no time to devote to the duties devolving upon an organizer of the A. F. of L. I would like you to advise me as to this at your earliest convenience and oblige Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.441 COPIED. AUG 29 1911 Z August 29, 1911. Mr. R. E. Blake, Secretary, F. L. U. 14045, Paragould, Ark. Dear Sir and Brother: Your night letter of the 28th instant received and contents noted. You make application for a commission as volunteer organizer for the State of Arkansas. Let me say in reply that if you will have the Secretary of the Arkansas State Federation of Labor endorse your application I shall be glad to issue the commission in conformity therewith. It is our invariable rule to issue commission upon the recommendation or endorsement of the Central Body in a city, or the State Federation, only. In this way we are assured that the organizer will have the cooperation and assistance of the Central Labor Union or the State Federation. In case there is no Central Body in a city, then upon the endorsement or recommendation of the local union of which he is a member in that city a commission as organizer for that place will be issued. You can readily understand our reasons for this method, as indicated above. With best wishes and trusting to hear from you again, I am Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, A.F. of L.442 COPIED. AUG 29 1911 Z August 29, 1911. Mr. Alex Ironsides, Secretary, Vermont State Branch A. F. of L., 31 Ayers Street, Barre, Vermont. Dear Sir and Brother: Replying to your favors of the 18th and 25th instants, requesting that commissions as volunteer organizers for the State of Vermont should be issued to Third Vice-President Fred H. Beal, Fourth Vice-President L. W. Stafford, and State Organizer Fred W. Sutor I beg to say that it gives me pleasure to comply with the request and recommendation made, and commission will be issued and forwarded to each of these brothers in accordance therewith. There are also forwarded to them packages of literature and documents published by this office, which I am sure they will be of assistance to them in the discharge of their duties as the representatives of the A. F. of L. for Vermont. I trust their cooperation and assistance as the duly authorized representatives of the A. F. of L. in Vermont will result greatly in the advancement of our movement in that state in every way. Under date of August 24, 1910, Mr. A. W. Desrochers was issued a commission as organizer, upon the recommendation of the State Branch. This commission was renewed on August 24, 1911. It is the wish of the State Branch that he retain this commission or do you wish it rescinded? There are, of course, no objections[*443*] Mr. Alex Ironsides--2. on our part to his continuing to hold the commission and Mr. Stafford also holding one. Second Vice-President J. P. Fitzgerald holds a commission as district organizer for Bellows Falls and vicinity, upon the recommendation of the central body of that City. If you so desire, and will request him to return the commission as district organizer, we will issue a commission to him also as state organizer. With kind regards, and best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*444*] Washington, D. C., Aug 29, 1911. Mr. William Hyman, 154 E. [31st?] Place, Chicago, Ill Have wire organizer Fitzpatrick to attend conference as representative Federation locals. SAMUEL GOMPERS President American Federation of Labor. Charge A. F. of L. COPIED. AUG 29 1911 COPIED. AUG 29 1911 Washington, D. C., Aug. 29, 1911. Mr. J. J. Fitzpatrick, Room 501, [377?] La Salle St., Chicago, Ill. Please attend conference system Federation Illinois Central now in session in Chicago and represent A. F. of L. locals. Wire answer. SAMUEL GOMPERS President American Federation of Labor. Charge A. F. of L.445 COPIED. AUG 30 1911 Z August 30, 1911. Mr. Wm. Seibel, Manitowoo, Wis. Dear Sir: In further acknowledgment of your contribution to the symposium in the September issue of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST, I beg to say that I am sending you under separate cover copy of that issue. You will note that your article was cut, as were also a number of others. I regretted very much the necessity of doing this but it was unavoidable. Our friends responded so generously to our request for an expression of opinion in favor of the trade union movement, and, at the same time, some were so delayed in sending in their statement, that in order to get them into the September symposium, by reason of time and space, it was necessary to cut considerably. Even at that, a number will be run in the October number. I trust the September number will commend itself to you. I again thank you for your valuable contribution to that issue. Very truly yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. Editor, AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST.446 COPIED. AUG 30 1911 Z August 30, 1911. Mr. W. V. Choisser, City National Bank, Harrisburg, Pa. Dear Sir: In further acknowledgment of your contribution to the symposium in the September issue of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST, I beg to say that I am sending you under separate cover copy of that issue. You will note that your article was cut, as were also a number of others. I regretted very much the necessity of doing this but it was unavoidable. Our friends responded so generously to our request for an expression of opinion in favor of the trade union movement, and, at the same time, some were so delayed in sending in their statement, that in order to get them into the September symposium, by reason of time and space, it was necessary to cut considerably. Even at that, a number will be run in the October number. I trust the September number will commend itself to you. I again thank you for your valuable contribution to that issue. Very truly yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. Editor, AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST.447 COPIED. AUG 30 1911 Z August 30, 1911. Miss Alice O'Rourke, Secretary, Badge, Banner, Regalia, Button & Novely Workers Union 14065, 612 Kosciusko St., Brooklyn, N. Y. Dear Madam: The Union label contracts which you have sent in, which have been signed by the President of your local and by the several companies employing your members, have been duly approved and signed by me with the exception of the contract with the Pioneer Novely Manufacturing Company. That calls for 8 1/2 hours per day. Evidently there has been some mistake made as all of the other contracts are for eight hours per day. I therefore return herewith the three copies of the contract for the Pioneer Novely Manufacturing Co., and ask you to advise me in regard thereto at your earliest convenience. The others, which are signed, will be returned to you under separate cover, one copy of each being retained for the records of this office. Asking you to let me hear from you at your early convenience, I am Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.448 COPIED. AUG 30 1911 Z Aug. 30, 1911 Mr. John V. Ellis, St. John, N. E., Canada. Dear Sir: In further acknowledgment of your contribution to the symposium in the September issue of the AMERICAN FEDERALIST, I beg to say that I am sending you under separate cover copy of that issue. You will note that your article was cut, as were also a number of others. I regretted very much the necessity of doing this but it was unavoidable. Our friends responded so generously to our request for an expression of opinion in favor of the trade union movement, and, at the same time, some were so delayed in sending in their statement, that in order to get them into the September symposium, by reason of time and space, it was necessary to cut considerably. Even at that, a number will be run in the October number. I trust the September number will command itself to you. I again thank you for your valuable contribution to that issue. Very truly yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. Editor, AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST. 449 COPIED. AUG 30 1911 Z August 30, 1911. Hon. A. F. Vanderventer, State Senator, Bartlesville, Oklahoma. Dear Sir: In further acknowledgment of your contribution to the symposium in the September issue of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST, I beg to say that I am sending you under separate cover copy of that issue. You will note that your article was cut, as were also a number of others. I regretted very much the necessity of doing this but it was unavoidable. Our friends responded so generously to our request for an expression of opinion in favor of the trade union movement, and, at the same time, some were so delayed in sending their statement, that in order to get them into the September symposium, by reason of time and space, it was necessary to cut considerably. Even at that, a number will be run in the October issue. I trust the September number will commend itself to you. I trust the September number will commend itself to you. Very truly yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. Editor, AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST.449 COPIED. AUG 30 1911 Z August 30, 1911. Hon. A. F. Vanderventer, State Senator, Bartlesville, Oklahoma. Dear Sir: In further acknowledgment of your contribution to the symposium in the September issue of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST, I beg to say that I am sending you under separate cover copy of that issue. You will note that your article was cut, as were also a number of others. I regretted very much the necessity of doing this but it was unavoidable. Our friends responded so generously to our request for an expression of opinion in favor of the trade union movement, and, at the same time, some were so delayed in sending in their statement, that in order to get them into the September symposium, by reason of time and space, it was necessary to cut considerably. Even at that, a number will be run in the October issue. I trust the September number will commend itself to you. I trust the September number will commend itself to you. Very truly yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. Editor, AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST.[*450*] COPIED. AUG 30 1911 Z Aug. 30, 1911. Hon. W. F. Hatheway, M. F., St. Johns, New Brunswick, Canada. Dear Sir: In further acknowledgment of your contribution to the symposium in the September issue of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST, I beg to say that I am sending you under separate cover copy of that issue. You will note that your article was cut, as were also a number of others. I regretted very much the necessity of doing this but it was unavoidable. Our friends responded so generously to our request for an expression of opinion in favor of the trade union movement, and, at the same time, some were so delayed in sending in their statement, that in order to get them into the September symposium, by reason of time and space, it was necessary to cut considerably. Even at that, a number will be run in the October number. I trust the September issue will commend itself to you. I again thank you for your valuable contribution to that issue. Very truly yours, Saml. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. Editor, AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST.[*451*] COPIED. AUG 30, 1911 Z Aug. 30, 1911 Mr. J. W. Kerr, Pres. & Manager, Steiger & Kerr Stove & Foundry Co., San Francisco, Calif. Dear Sir: The further acknowledgment of your contribution to the symposium in the September issue of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST, I beg to say that I am sending you under separate cover copy of that issue. You will note that your article was cut, as were also a number of others. I regretted very much the necessity of doing this but it was unavoidable. Our friends responded so generously to our request for an expression of opinion in favor of the trade union movement, and, at the same time, some were so delayed in sending in their statement, that in order to get them into the September symposium, by reason of time and space, it was necessary to cut considerably. Even at that, a number will be run in the October number. I trust the September number will commend itself to you. I again thank you for your valuable contribution in that issue. Very truly yours, Saml. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. Editor, AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST[*452*] COPIED. AUG 30, 1911 Z Aug. 30, 1911 Mr. Fred Schwette, Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Dear Sir: The further acknowledgment of your contribution to the symposium in the September issue of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST, I beg to say that I am sending you under separate cover copy of that issue. You will note that your article was cut, as were also a number of others. I regretted very much the necessity of doing this but it was unavoidable. Our friends responded so generously to our request for an expression of opinion in favor of the trade union movement, and, at the same time, some were so delayed in sending in their statement, that in order to get them into the September symposium, by reason of time and space, it was necessary to cut considerably. Even at that, a number will be run in the October number. I trust the September number will commend itself to you. I again thank you for your valuable contribution in that issue. Very truly yours, Saml. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. Editor, AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST 453 Z August 30, 1911. Mr. D. C Coates, Commissioner of Public Works Depeartment of Public Works, Spokane, Washington. Dear Sir: In further acknowledgment of your contribution to the symposium in the September issue of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST, I beg to say that I am sending you under a separate cover copy of that issue. You will note that your article was out, as were also a number of others. I regretted very much the necessity of doing this, but it was unavoidable. Our friends responded so generously to our request for an expression of opinion in favor of the trade union movement, and, at the same time, some were so delayed in sending in their statement, that in order to get them into the September symposium, by reason of time and space, it was necessary to out considerably. Even at that, a number will be run in the October number. I trust the September number will command itself to you. I again thank you for your valuable contribution to that issue. Very truly yours, President, American Federation of Labor. Editor, AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST.[*454*] Z Aug. 30, 1911, Rev. John Powers, St. John's Rectory, Brownwood, Texas. Dear Sir: In further acknowledgement of your contribution to the symposium in the September issue of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST, I beg to say that I am sending you under separate cover copy of that issue. You will note that your article was cut, as were also a number of others. I regretted very much the necessity of doing this, but it was unavoidable. Our friends responded so generously to our request for an expression of opinion in favor of the trade union movement, and, at the same time, some were so delayed in sending in their statement, that in order to get them into the September symposium, by reason of time and space, it was necessary to cut considerably. Even at that, a number will be run in the October number. I trust the September number will commend itself to you. I again thank you for your valuable contribution to that issue. Very truly yours, Saml. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. Editor, AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST.[*455*] [*COPIED. AUG 30, 1911*] Z Aug. 30, 1911. Mr. John H. Lewis, State Engineer, Salem, Oregon Dear Sir: In further acknowledgment of your contribution to the symposium in the September issue of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST, I beg to say that I am sending you under separate cover copy of that issue. You will note that your article was cut, as were also a number of others. I regretted very much the necessity of doing this, but it was unavoidable. Our friends responded so generously to our request for an expression of opinion in favor of the trade union movement, and, at the same time, some were so delayed in sending in their statement, that in order to get them into the September symposium, by reason of time and space, it was necessary to cut considerably. Even at that, a number will be run in the October number. I trust the September number will commend itself to you. I again thank you for your valuable contribution in that issue. Very truly yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. Editor, AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST.[*456*] COPIED. AUG 30, 1911 Z Aug. 30, 1911 Mr. John D. Fetcher, Fidelity Building, Tacoma, Washington. Dear Sir: In further acknowledgment of your contribution to the symposium in the September issue of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST, I beg to say that I am sending you under separate cover copy of that issue. You will note that your article was cut, as were also a number of others. I regretted very much the necessity of doing this but it was unavoidable. Our friends responded so generously to our request for an expression of opinion in favor of the trade union movement, and, at the same time, some of them were so delayed in sending in their statement, that in order to get them into the September symposium, by reason of time and space, it was necessary to cut considerably. Even at that, a number will be run in the October number. I trust the September number will commend itself to you. I again thank you for your valuable contribution in that issue. Very truly yours, Saml. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. Editor, AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST[*457*] COPIED. AUG 30, 1911 Z Aug. 30, 1911 Mr. T. P. Harrington, 316 Century Building, Indianapolis, Indiana. Dear Sir: The further acknowledgment of your contribution to the symposium in the September issue of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST, I beg to say that I am sending you under separate cover copy of that issue. You will note that your article was cut, as were also a number of others. I regretted very much the necessity of doing this but it was unavoidable. Our friends responded so generously to our request for an expression of opinion in favor of the trade union movement, and,at the same time, some were so delayed in sending in their statement, that in order to get them into the September symposium, by reason of time and space, it was necessary to cut considerably. Even at that, a number will be rub in the October number. I trust the September number will commend itself to you. I again thank you for your valuable contribution in that issue. Very truly yours, Saml. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. Editor, AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST[*458*] COPIED. AUG 30, 1911 Z Aug. 30, 1911 Judge Walter Clark, Chief Justice, Raleigh, N. C. Dear Sir: In further acknowledgment of your contribution to the symposium in the September issue of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST, I beg to say that I am sending to you, under separate cover, copy of that issue. You will note that your article was cut, as were also a number of others. I regretted very much the necessity of doing this but it was unavoidable. Our friends responded so generously to our request for an expression of opinion in favor of the trade union movement, and, at the same time, some were so delayed in sending in their statement, that in order to get them into the September symposium, by reason of time and space, it was necessary to cut considerably. Even at that a number will be run in the October number. I trust the September number will commend itself to you. I again thank you for your valuable contribution to that issue. Very truly yours, Saml. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. Editor, AMERICAN FEDERATIONISTCOPIED. Aug 30 1911 Z August 30, 1911. Mr. Samuel Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor General Delivery, Santa Cruz, Calif. My dear Mr. Gompers: Enclosed please find a copy of a letter received today from Mr. Duncan and also duplicate copy of my reply. I also sent a copy to Mr. Sullivan. With kind regards, I am Very sincerely yours, R. L. Guard[*460*] X. Aug. 30, 1911. Mr. J. T. Kinsella, President, International Association of Steam, Hot Water, and Power Pipe Fitters and Helpers, Room 204-5 Marrick Building, 357 West 63d St., Chicago, Ill. Dear Sir: As President Gompers is now making an organizing and lecturing trip through the West and on thePacific Coast, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of August 23d in which you refer to trouble between your local union #71 of Scranton, Pennsylvania, and the Central Body of that city, and recommend that President Gompers should take the matter up either through correspondence or by sending a representative of the A. F. of L. to Scranton to investigate the complaint you make. Upon looking back through the records of this case, I find that on July 24th President Gompers wrote to the Secretary of the Scranton Central Body as follows: "Under date of July 20th the Secretary and President of Steam Fitters' Local #71 of your city writes me, protesting against the action of your Central Labor Union in placing the firm of Gaylord and Eitapeno Co. upon the 'We Don't Patronize' list. They state that your central body was officially advised that this company employs only union men, but that the name of the company has been and is still continued upon the 'We Don't Patronize' list. In connection with the above complaint, your attention is called to Section 7, Article 11 of the Constitution of the American Federation of Labor, which reads as follows; 'No Central Labor Union, or other central body of delegates, shall have authority or power to originate a boycott, nor shall such bodies indorse and order the placing of the name of any person, firm, or corporation on an unfair list until the Local Union desiring the same has, before declaring the boycott, submitted the mat-[*461*] Mr. J. T Kinsella -2- ter in dispute to the Central Body for investigation, and the best endeavors on its part to effect an amicable settlement. Violation of this section shall forfeit charter.' Will you please advise me in regard to this matter at your earliest convenience, and oblige." On August seventh the Secretary replied to Mr. Gompers as follows: "Yours of July 24th is received relating to the complaint made to you by the Steam Fitters Local Union No. 71 in reply we wish to state that the Central Labor Union did not original the boycott against the firm of Gaylord and Eitapeno as reported. The boycott was placed by Local Union #524 Steam Fitters and Helpers Union under the jurisdiction of the United Plumbers Union of America. When the new local was formed of Steam Fitters some of the men employed by the above firm joined the new organization and when the firm heard of it they fired the men. After the complaint was brought into our body a Committee was appointed to investigate when they submitted their report they stating that they could not get any satisfaction and that the firm refused to reinstate the men. The report of the committee was received and the boycott endorsed. We also wish to state that at the time the local union #71 of Steam Fitters made their complaints they were not affiliated with this Central Labor Union." However, the entire matter will be held until President Gompers returns. Very truly yours, [R. Lee Guard?] Secretary to President Gompers.[*462*] COPIED. AUG 30 1911 X. Aug. 30,1911. Mr. J. C. Skemp, Secretary, Brotherhood of Painters, Decorators and Paperhangers, Drawer 99, Lafayette, Indiana. Dear Sir: Please accept President Gompers thanks for your letter of August 28th in which you enclose copies of letter from the Acting Third Assistant Postmaster General to the Postmaster at Lafayette and letter addressed by you to the Lafayette Postmaster and forwarded by him to the Third Assistant Postmaster General. President Gompers will I am sure be glad to have the correspondence on record in connection with other papers and correspondence upon the second class postal rates. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.463 X. August 30, 1911. Mr. L. P. Seibold, Custom House Broker, 1218 31st St., N. W., City. Dear Sir: Replying to your favor of August 29th, I beg to say that I have not as yet been advised as to any consignment of books to me from Hamburg. However, I trust you will look after the matter and have the package delivered to me as promptly as possible. Very truly yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. [*464*] X. Aug. 30, 1911. Mr. James Duncan, Vice-President, American Federation of Labor, c/o Alex, Wilkie, Newcastle, England, My dear Mr. Duncan: Your two letters of August the 15th written from Munich have just been received. I am sure President Gompers will be very glad indeed to hear from you. He is now making the Pacific Coast trip and will not get back here until the first week in October. I am forwarding your letters to him for I know he will want to see them, just as soon as possible, often though he is moving so rapidly from place to place that I doubt he will the the opportunity of writing to you. I am very much interested indeed in your report of the proceedings of the Budapest Congress. Mr. Appleton wrote Mr. Gompers a brief note from there informing him of the way you hammered it into the I.W.W. It is indeed too bad that you will be deprived of your anticipated visit to Italy. Apart from the official side of your trip, I trust that you are having a most delightful and enjoyable time. With Kindest regards, I am, Very sincerely yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers. [*COPIED. AUG 30 1911*][*465*] X. Aug. 30, 1911. Mr. W. D. Mahon, President, Amalgamated Association of Street and Electric Railway Employee of America, 601 Hodges Building, Detroit, Mich. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 25th instant is received and contents noted. I am very sorry indeed that much a misunderstanding should have occurred as to the author of "Not Understood", The poem which I published in the August issue of the American Federationist. Mr. Moffitt sent it to me and advised me that you were the author. From your explanation I can very readily see how easy it was for him to be mistaken in the matter. I shall certainly make the correction in the October issue as you request. With kind regards, I am Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. AUG 22 1911*]466 COPIED. AUG 30 1911 X. Aug. 29, 1911. Mr. joseph H. DeCosta, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, 217 Federal Street, Portland, Maine. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 27th instant is received and contents noted. You acknowledge receipt of your commission as volunteer organizer for Portland and vicinity and then desire to know if there is any monetary consideration attached to the password and if so to give you all information pertaining thereto. I do not know that I fully understand just what it is you have in mind. However, let me say that the password is issued quarterly and is sent to the secretary of each affiliated organization and to each organizer of the A. F. of L. without any cost to them. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*467 *] X. Aug. 29, 1911. X. Aug. 28, 1911. Mr. Francis Rolt-Wheeler 421 West 113th Street New York City. Dear Sir: Your favor of the 28th instant at hand and contents noted. You refer to the statistical yearbook which is now being gotten out by the Current Literature Publishing Company, under your editorial supervision, and you request President Gompers to review the labor section of the sociological division. In reply let me say that it is impossible now to say when President Gompers will be able to comply with your request, as he is now making an organizing and lecturing trip through the West and on the Pacific Coast as directed by the Convention of the A. F. of L. He is not expected to return here until October. For the first two weeks or more after his return there has been a number of most important matters scheduled for his consideration and attention. I fear therefore, that he will not have the opportunity of complying with your request in sufficient time for your publication. Very truly yours, [*R. Lee Guard *] Secretary to President Gompers.468 Copied Aug 30 1911 I. Aug 29. 1911. Mr. O. W. Woodman. Organizer, American Federation of Labor, The Union Barner, Fort Worth, Texas. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 28th instant is received. I [?] received your telegram notifying me of your inability to comply with my request to act as the representative of the American Federation of Labor at the Convention of the Farmers' Educational and Co-operative Union which will be held at Shawnee, Oklahoma, September fifth. I regret that circumstances are such as will not permit you to undertake the mission. Therefore I have made arrangements with some other representatives of the A. F. of L to attend that convention. Of course, under the circumstances as set forth in your letter, I realise your inability to comply with my request. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you Whenever convenient, I am, fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers president, American Federation of Labor.469 Form 2289. NIGHT LETTER THE WESTERN UNION TELEGRAM COMPANY INCORPORATED 25,000 OFFICES IN AMERICA CABLE SERVICE TO ALL THE WORLD ROBERT C. CLOWRY, PRESIDENT BELVIDERE BROOKS, GENERAL MANAGER COPIED AUG 30 1911 RECEIVER'S NO. TIME FILED CHECK SEND the following NIGHT LETTER subject to the terms on back hereof which are hereby agreed to August 30, 1911 Smuel Gompers, FGeneral Delivery, Portland, Oregon. Wm. J. Tracy, fraternal delegate to Canadian Trade Union Congress, owing to conditions in building trades in Philadelphia requiring his presence there for next month, resigns and requests you to appoint some one else. Congress meets at [Alberta] Calgary, Alberta. Please advise. R. LEE GUARD CHARGE A. F. OF L. COPIED [??? ??} 1911[*470*] [*COPIED. AUG 31 1911*] [??] Washington, D.C., Aug 31 1911 Mr Henry M. Walker: Lock Drawer 698, El Paso, Texas. Telegram received. Sorry you cannot attend Farmers' Convention opening day but will be glad to have you go second day and remain until Convention closed. SAMUEL GOMPERS President, American Federation of Labor. Charge A.F. of L. [*471*] [*COPIED. [???] [?] 19[??] Mr. [?????] [?]. Walker. Lock Drawer 683, El Paso, Texas. Telegram received. [* rest illegible*] [*472*] [*COPIED. AUG 31 1911*] Washington, D. C., Aug. 31, 1911. Mr. Samuel Gompers, Portland, Oregon. Have mailed some important matter to you to Santa Cruz. Am mailing an additional matter today to Argonaut Hotel, San Francisco. Don't overlook descriptive letter you were to write for October magazine. R. LEE GUARD. Charge A. F. of L.Aug. 31, 1911. Mr. L. S. Richard, Editor, The Boston Common, 48 Cornhill, Boston, Mass. Dear Sir: President Gompers being in California, your inquiry has been referred to me. I believe I may safely represent his views in the matter, having frequently heard him express them during the last twenty-odd years. With the progressive practice of the Initiative and Referendum in the course of time in this country, its supporters see no reason for any weakening of their conviction that this system of exercising true democracy will result not only in giving a government quickly responds to prevailing public sentiments and principles but that these sentiments and principles are the surest foundation for just and stable government. Our people have a good heart; they want fair play and honesty in public affairs; they hold partisanship secondary to the common welfare. They have also sound common sense; they can vote with discrimination on measures. These qualities have been steadily exhibited wherever the Initiative and Referendum have been practiced - in the trade unions in Oregon in municipal votings. Evidence of this assertion is found in the fact that wherever the system is once established it lives.[*474*] COPIED. [Aug 31?] 1911 [Is there in Massachusetts any possible better basis for settling the pressing question of government than the general conscience made directly applicable to important legislation? This query takes as answer that, the world having experimented with all the bases for government - the will of one, of the few, and of all - it is held in republics, that in democratic authority lies a general defense of common rights. A necessary and practical mechanism for an unfailing general defense is in direct legislation. I may add that after twenty-three years of intimate observation of the development of the Initiative and Referendum - in Switzerland, in the trade unions, in our states and municipalities - I have seen no strengthening of the arguments of the opponents of the system. [Dressed?] up, in principle they are [?] the common arguments against democracy: in their practical import they mainly amount to the undoubted truth that every human institution is not wholly without flaw. Generally, the arguments set up in this country by the uninformed, the prejudiced, the privileged, are but repetitions of those made in Switzerland fifty years ago and now almost forgotten there in a general acquiescence if not a unanimous approval of legislation at the polls. Not everyone in Switzerland favors direct legislation. It could hardly be expected that the greedy dog deprived of his stolen piece of beef would not growl and fight against having it taken from him.] Respectfully, Assistant Editor, AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST. This letter to be signed by Mr. J. W. Sullivan. [*Killed*]475 COPIED. AUG 31 1911 COPPIED AUG 31 1911 X. Aug. 31, 1911. Mr. F. E. Insley, Secretary, Clay Miners' Union #9985, 513 West High Street, Uhrichsville, Ohio. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of August 28th is received and contents noted. Referring to my letter to you of August 26th in regard to the letter written me by the Superintendent of the American Sewer Pipe Company, I beg to say that at the same time I wrote you I also wrote to the Secretary of the Clay Miners' Union at Midvale. Enclosed you will please find copy of his reply to me and also duplicate copy of my answer. I have not as yet replied to the American Sewer Pipe Company and shall await your further advice before doing so. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*476*] COPIED AUG 31 1911 I. Aug. 31, 1911. Mr. Thomas H. Flynn, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, 20 Maple Terrace, Pittsburg, Pa. Dear Sir and Brother: As you were recently sent to Unrichsville, Ohio, to enlist the Clay Miners there, it seemed to me that you should be advised of the situation which has recently arisen in the Clay mining trade in that locality. On August 22d the Superintendent of the American Sewer Pipe Company of Uhrichsville requested me to investigate and to advise him "why fire clay is being mined for the Robison Clay Product Company, at Midvale, Ohio, the men being members of a union affiliated to the A.F. of L. for less than the scale price which is now in effect at Unrichsville, Ohio, for the same class of work". I immediately wrote to the secretary of the Unrichsville Clay Miners' Union and to the secretary of the Midvale Clay Miners' Union, sending them copies of the letter from the Company and requesting their advice. Enclosed you will please find copies of the replies made to me by the representatives of both organizations. I have not as yet replied to the Company and shall not do so until I have further from the secretary of the Unrichsville union. The books show that the Midvale union was chartered June 10th with 28 members, but it has not paid any per capita tax, and of course if no[*477*] Mr. Thomas H. Flynn --2-- per capita tax is paid it will be necessary for it to be suspended under the laws of the Federation. I have just written to Secretary Insley of the Uhrichsville Union sending him copy of the letter from Midvale and also copy of my reply. In the meantime, if there is any information which you can give me I should be glad to hear from you. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.478 Copy. New Phila., Ohio, Aug. 26, 1911. Mr. Samuel Gompers, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir and Brother: Received your favor Aug. 24th and in reply desire to in form you the Robinson Clay Product Co. of Midvale, Ohio, has got their clay mined for nine years for less than Urichsville Clay Miners. When I organized Midvale Clay Miners some time ago they were working for fifty cents per day less than Urichsville Clay Miners. I got an offer of 25 cts. advance per day from Robinson Clay Product Co. of Midvale, Ohio, which still left Midvale Clay Miners 25 cts. below Urichsville Clay Miners. I advised the Midvale Clay Miners to accept these terms until I found the strength of the Midvale Clay Miners. I made no agreement with the Robinson Clay Product Co. whatever. But the Clay Miners of Midvale demanded still a higher wage and have now lost all, so I understand, and are working non=union. So you may inform John P. Moore, sup't. of American sewer Pipe Co. that Midvale Clay Miners are not working under charter of A. F. of L. I have done everything in my power to build this local [#14053?] of Midvale Clay Miners. I have been unable to do so on account of attending to my own work which I must do to maintain my family. I hope this will be satisfactory. I remain, Yours respectfully, (Signed) A. J. McMillen. 609 So. Sd. St.[*479*] [*COPIED. AUG 31 1911*] COPY. CLAY MINERS' UNION #9985, Unrichsville, O., Aug. 28, 1911. Mr. Samuel Gompers, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir and Brother: In reply to your letter that I received on the 2[8?]th as to why those men at the Royal Clay Mine are working at a lower rate of wages than we are, this mine has been a non-union mine and have been getting a much lower wage than we were. This spring they came out on strike and A. J. McMillon organized them and afterwards agreed to go to work for less than we were getting. I would let Mr. Moore wait for a little while and I will send you further information before long. Yours respectively, (Signed) F. H. Insley, Sec.480 Aug. 31, 1911. COPIED AUG 31 1911 I Mr. [?] {McMillan?]. Organizer, American Federation of Labor, 809 So. Third St., New Philadelphia, Ohio Dear Sir and Brother: your favor of August 26th received and contents noted. In regard to Clay Miners' Union #14063, about which I wrote you on August 26th you say that I should inform the superintendent of the American Sewer Pipe Company of Uhrichsville "that the Midvale Clay Miners are not working under charter of the A.F. of L." You then complain at length how you have endeavored to keep this body together but that you have been unable to do so. Our books show that this union was chartered on June the 19th with twenty members and that thus far as per capita tax has been paid. Of course, earlier the hope of the A.F. of L. they will not be suspended on our books for the non-payment of per capita tax until the expiration of three months. As you can readily realize, I should very much dislike to see this union marked off of our books for the non-pay ment of per capita tax. The very fact that you have set forth in your letter should be all the more convincing to the Clay Miners of Midvale of the necessity for a good strong organization, when their fellow workers in the same trade at Unrichsville are getting from 25 to 50 cents per day more in wages. Please advise me further as to this at your early convenience.[*481*] Mr. A. J. McMillan -2- and oblige, Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. COPIED. AUG 31 1911[*482*] X. Aug. 31, 1911. COPIED. AUG 31 1911 Mr. J. H. Sullivan, 1937 Stillwell Avenue, Brooklyn, New York. My dear Mr. Sullivan: I have had the letter to Mr. L. S. Richard, Editor of the Boston Common, typewritten, copied in our letter press copy work, and return it to you herein so that you can sign and mail it from there. Your notes upon the Budapest Congress have been copied and one copy sent to Mr. Gompers. We have had no report from Budapest other than the brief letter from Mr. Appleton and the other one from Mr. Duncan, copies of both of which have also [?] been sent you. I also gave copy of your notes to Mr. Morrison. Secretary Nagel's report on the Steel Workers' investigation has not yet been published. We submitted the report to the Committee just before Congress closed. The committee sent the report to the Government Printing Office with the instructions for a limited number of copies to be printed. [?] been promised five copies as soon as it is out, though the Department is unable to say definitely when it will be out. Just as soon as I can get on the eight-hour matter I will send that on to you. Very sincerely yours, R. Lee Guard[*483*] X. Aug. 31, 1911. COPIED. AUG 31 1911 Miss Judith ?anser, Young Men's Hebrew Association, Lexington Ave. and 92d Street, New York City. My dear Madam: Your favor August 29th is received and contents noted. In compliance with your request, I am glad to send you under separate cover complete set of all pamphlets, published by this office for filing in the Library of your Association. I should be glad to further comply with your request as to the bound volumes of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST, but we find it necessary to make a small charge for these bound volumes, owing to the expense in having them bound. Even at that, I would not be able to furnish you with a complete set. I could let you have them commencing with volume 8 at the following rates: Volume 8, 1901, $3.00 " 9, 1902, 3.00 " 10, 1903, 3.00 " 11, 1904, 3.50 " 12, 1905, 3.50 " 13, 1906, 3.50 " 14, 1907, 3.50 " 15, 1908, 3.50 " 16, 1909, 3.50 " 17, 1910, 3.50 We can also furnish you with the complete bound set of the official printed proceedings of the annual conventions484 Miss Leonore Hattner -2- or the A. F. of L. including the convention of 1910, at S17.25. hoping to hear from you further, I am, very truly yours, Samuel Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor. COPIED, COPIED, Aug 9 1912485 X. [*COPIED. AUG 31 1911*] Aug. 30, 1911. Mr. R. E. [??????], President, Trades Council, c/o Box 369, Olympia, Washington [*COPIED, AUG 31 1911*] Dear Sir: Your favor of the 25th instant is received. President Gompers is now absent on an extended organizing and lecturing trip in the West and on the Pacific Coast, and is not expected to return to headquarters until about the first week in October. Your letter will be held for his personal attention. Very truly yours, Secretary to President Gompers.[486] Aug, 31, 1911. X. Mr. Frank K. McCarthy, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, 97 Union Park Street, Boston, Mass. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of August 29th receiver and contents noted. I have carefully read what you say in reference to your conference with the committee of the Central Labor Union of Salem, and your conversation with President Tobin in regard to the resolution which you finally prevailed upon the committee to adopt and the incumbent which President Tobin suggests should be made, at the same time stating, however, that if the amendment is not adopted the resolution as suggested by you and agreed to by the committee will be satisfactory to him. You then request my opinion and desire to know whether the resolution meets with my approval. In reply I beg to say that any basis of agreement or any resolution which is satisfactory to President Tobin and to the union. C. L. U. will be entirely satisfactory to me. What desire is adjustment of the trouble between the Boot and Shoe Workers and the Salem C. L. U. Asking you to advise me as soon as possible as to the action taken by the Central Body, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. [*487*] Washington,D.C. Sept. 1, 1911. Frank Duffy, Secretary-Treasurer, United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, c/o Wm. E. Towne, 125 East Seventh Street, Duluth, Minnesota. Tracy of Philadelphia wires that on account of trade disputes can not act as fraternal delegate to Canadian Trades and Labor Congress. We therefore request you to accept the appointment as fraternal delegate from the A. F. of L. to the Congress. If you can do so wire that you will accept and your credentials will be forwarded to General Delivery, Calgary, Alberta. SAMUEL GOMPERS, FRANK MORRISON, (Chg. A. F. of L.) [*COPIED. MAY 26 1911*] [*488*] Washington, D. C., Sept. 1, 1911. Mr. D. A. Cary, Evening Telegram, Toronto, Ont., Can. Telegram received. President Gompers is in San Francisco Today. R. LEE GUARD. Secretary to President Gompers. COLLECT. COPIED. SEP 1- 1911 489 X. Sept. 1, 1911. Mr Harry Mountford, Secretary, White Rats Actors Union of America, 1552 Broadway, New York City. [*COPIED SEP 1. 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: On December tenth the charter of the amalgamated organization of the White Rats Actors' Union of America was issued in conformity with the action of the American Federation of Labor. We are now preparing to bring our Union Label Bulletin up to date. On the present bulletin as issued in December, 1909, appears the reproduction of the button of the Actors' Union of America. If any change has been made in the button as issued by the amalgamated organization of White Rats Actors Union of America, I wish you would please send me a cut and reproduction of it at your earliest convenience so that the proper change may be made on our bulletin. Thanking you in advance for your prompt compliance with the above, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*490*] Sept. 1. 1911. COPIED. SEP 1- 1911 X. Sept. 1, 1911. Mr. William R. Deal, Secretary, Coopers' International Union of North America, Suite A, Board of Trade Building, Kansas City, Kans. Dear Sir and Brother: The St. Louis Convention of the A. F. of L. endorsed the application of your International Union for a change in its label. We are now preparing to bring our Union Label Bulletin up to date. On the present Bulletin as issued in December, 1909, appears the reproduction of your old label. I wish you would please send me a cut and reproduction of your new label at your earliest convenience, so that the proper change may be made. Thanking you in advance for your prompt compliance with the above, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. [*491*] X. Sept. 1, 1911. Mr. Charles F. Bailey, Secretary, Laundry Workers' International Union, 691 Second Avenue, Troy, New York. Dear Sir and Brother: We are now preparing to bring our union label Bulletin up to date. The present Bulletin as issued in 1909 gives the reproduction of your label as the International Union of Shirt Waist and Laundry Workers. I would therefore appreciate it if you would kindly send me at your earliest convenience a cut of your label as it now appears after the change in the title of your organization. Thanking you in advance for your prompt reply, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. SEP 1 - 1911*] [*492*] [*COPIED. SEP 1- 1911*] X. Aug. 31, 1911. Mr. B. Dummar, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, 223 E. Chestnut Street, Springfield, Mo. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of August 27th is received and contents noted. In reply I beg to say that I am now making an investigation of the matter about which you write, that is, the Railway Federation local of Springfield, and hope to be able to write you more fully in the near future. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor.[*493*] [*COPIED. SEP 1 1911*] X. Sept. 1, 1911. Mr. H. B. Perham, Chairman, Railroad Employee Department, A. F. of L., Star Building, St. Louis, Mo. Dear Sir and Brother: Enclosed please find copy of a letter which I have just received from Organizer A. Dummaw, of Springfield, Missouri. I would appreciate any information which you can give me as to the local of your Department at Springfield. Thanking you in advance for your prompt reply, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*494*] COPY. 223 E. Chestnut Street, Springfield, Mo., Aug. 27, 1911. Mr. Samuel Gompers, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir and Brother: I write you for information and advice on a matter that is causing a great deal of friction amongst the railway unions. We have a Railway Federation here chartered by the A. F. of L. some two or three years since which is composed of three organizations. Now by consent of their international officers so I am informed the Machinists, Boiler Makers, Blacksmiths and Sheet Metal Workers have formed a dual organization and refuse to allow any other organization to join ant it has caused a very disagreeable state of affairs here. I would like to bring about a satisfactory adjustment of the matter and am unable to do so under present conditions, some claiming if your body gives consent to form dual organization there is no use to try for a federation of the railway crafts. Kindly inform me what methods to pursue in the matter that will bring the desired results. Until I receive information to the contrary I claim the one not chartered under the A. F. of L. is a dual organization and should not be recognized by the Central Body. If I am wrong kindly advise me of the fact. With Kindest regards, I am, Fraternally yours, 9Signed) A. Dummaw, Organizer. [*COPIED. SEP 1 - 1911*] 495 COPIED. Sep 1. 19911 X. Sept. 1. 1911. Mr. Thomas L, Hughes, secretary, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Chauffeurs, Stablemenand Helpers of America, 222 N. Michigan Street, Indianapolis, Ind. Dear Sir and Brother: Wo are now preparing to bring our Union Label Bulletin up to date. The label of your Brotherhood as it appears on the last issue of the Bulletin, which was gotten out September, 1909, gives the old title of your Brotherhood and the reproduction of the old label. Will you please send me at your earliest convenience a out of the present label of your Brotherhood as issued since the St. Louis Convention of the A. F. of L. authorized the change in title. Thanking you in advance for your prompt repIy, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*496*] [*COPIED. SEP 1- 1911*] X. Sept. 1 1911. Mr. James C. Cronin, President, Central Labor Union, 2215 [????] Street, Philadelphia, Pa. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of August 29th. Mr. Gompers is now on an extended organizing and lecturing trip through the West and on the Pacific Coast, and is not expected to return to headquarters until about the first week in October. Your letter will be held for Mr. Gompers' personal attention. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary for President Gompers.[*497*] Sept. 1. 1911. COPIED. SEP 1- 1911 Mr. Samuel Gompers, President, American Department of Labor, Argonaut Hotel, San Francisco, Cal. My Dear Mr. Gompers: Enclosed you will please find copy of letter which is received today from President McNulty. In view of your having written the Executive Council just before you left in regard to the [?], and asking the approval of the members of the E. C. of your appointment of Mr. Morrison to represent the Federation at the Convention, if it should be held, I spoke to Mr. Morrison [?] [?] it would be wise to send copy of Mr. McNulty's letter to the members of the Executive Council, but we both agreed that it would be better to let it [?] and impart the matter to the Executive Council at the December meeting. Mr. [?] approved your [wire?] this [?day] in [?] to the [?] and I sent you and the [?] [?] your [?] to [?] [?] to the [Catholics?] trades and [?] [?'s]. Just as soon as we get a reply from Mr. [?], who is to be in [?] [?] , [?] [?], and if he will accept the appointment, I will send credentials to him and submit the matter to the Executive Council. You have not yet returned the letters in the three[*498*] [*COPIED. SEP 1 1911*] Mr. Samuel Gompers --2-- National Unions about the appointment of the Auditing and Credential Committee, or at least, I have not yet received them, neither have I received the second credential letter for Mr. John Morrison's canvasser. If you have not already started them, please look through your papers while in San Francisco and send these to me. Enclosed you will also find the letter for Treasurer Lennon authorizing the signing of the warrants, and an envelope addressed to him. When you sign and mail this letter, to Mr. Lennon, will you kindly send me a day letter so that I may gauge the time when the warrants are to be signed and forwarded. With kindest regards in which Mrs. Webster joins, I am, Sincerely yours, R. Lee Guard[*499*] INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF ELECTRICAL WORKERS. Springfield, Ill. August 30, 1911. Mr. Samuel Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor, Ouray Building, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor dated August 16, 1911, awaited my arrival at our International Office to-day. In reply beg to call your attention to our letter sent you in answer to your favor of April 3, 1911, which makes the position of our Brotherhood clear in the premises. A joint convention previous to the trial of the suits in Cleveland is impossible and can never be held, regardless of who may desire it, as any effort to hold such a Convention would result in a multiplicity of lawsuits which would complicate the situation more than it is at the present time. No one knows this better than Messrs. Reid, Murphy, Sullivan, etc. Every effort made by us to bring about an adjustment was made sincerely. The opposition took advantage of those efforts to further complicate the situation. Now that they must come into Court and face the issues they, themselves raised, they desire to side-step by urging a joint convention, but as a joint convention can not determine the Legal rights of individual members, or prevent them, in the future, from tying up the funds of our Brotherhood, making it impossible for us to use the funds for the purpose for which they were created, we do not intend to enter [*500*] 2. into any other negotiations with the seceders until the suits at law are settled in Cleveland, which will settle once and for all the legal rights of dissatisfied and disgruntled members, and prevent them from destroying the usefulness of our Brotherhood by keeping us in continual litigation similar to the litigation that confronts our Brotherhood at this time. We recognize and realize that your good officers are tendered to us in good faith, and I assure you that we would be pleased to co-operate with you in carrying out your suggestions if the same were practicable and would bring about the desired end. We sincerely thank you and your coleagues for the services that you tender and assure you that the same is appreciated, but we must decline them for the above mentioned reasons. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, (Signed) F. J. McNulty, International President.[*501*] [*COPIED. SEP 2 1911*] Z Sept. 2, 1911. Mr. V.B. Marmon, Secretary, L.U. 266. Journeymen Barbers, Fairbury, Nebraska. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of August 29th has been received and contents noted. I beg to thank you and the organization for the recommendation you made for the appointment of Mr. Harry Lindsay as volunteer organizer for Fairbury and vicinity. It afforded me pleasure to comply with the request and recommendation made, and commission will be issued and forwarded to Brother Lindsay in accordance therewith. There is also forwarded to him a package of literature and documents published by this office, which I am sure he will find of assistance to him in the discharge of his duties as the representative of the A. F. of L. for your city. I trust his cooperation and assistance as the duly authorized representative of the A. F. of L. in Fairbury will result greatly in the advancement of our movement in that section in every way. With kind regards and hoping to hear from you from time to time, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*502*] [*COPIED. SEP 2- 1911*] Z Sept. 2, 1911. Mr. William J. Tracy, President, Philadelphia Building Trades Council, 1311 Arch Street, Philadelphia, Pa. Dear Sir and Brother: Your telegram of August 30th was duly received, in which you notify me that inasmuch as conditions in Philadelphia in the building trades require your presence there for the next month, you, therefore, regretfully find it necessary to request me to appoint someone in your place to act as fraternal delegate to the Canadian Trades and Labor Congress, which will meet at Calgary, Alberta, Sept. 11th. It is needless for me to say how greatly I regret that circumstances have so shaped themselves as to prevent your representing the A. F. of L. at the Canadian Trades and Labor Congress, as elected by the St. Louis Convention. However, I appreciate the situation in which you are placed and can only accept your resignation. I am in communication with Mr. Frank Duffy, Secretary of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners, and I trust that he will be able to represent the A. F. of L. With kind regards and best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President [American Federation of Labor.][*503*] [*COPIED. SEPT 2- 1911*] AH Sept. 2, 1911. TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: This is to certify that Mr. F. C. Damon is hereby duly authorized to install the officers and initiate the delegates of Central Labor Union of Baker, Oregon. Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor.[*504*] [*COPIED. SEP 2- 1911*] Z Sept. 2, 1911. Mr. John H. Robertson, Secretary, Jeannette Trades Council, P. O. Box 159, Jeannette, Pa. (Penn Sta.) Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of August 31st has been received and contents noted. I beg to thank you and the organization for the recommendation you make for the appointment of Mr. Wm. Lancaster as volunteer organizer for Jeannette and vicinity. It affords me pleasure to comply with the request and recommendation made, and commission will be issued and forwarded to Brother Lancaster in accordance therewith. There is also forwarded to him package of literature and documents published by this office, which I am sure he will find of assistance to him in the discharge of his duties as the representative of the A. F. of L. for your city. I trust his cooperation and assistance as the duly authorized representative of the A. F. of L. in Jeannette will result greatly in the advancement of our movement in that section in every way. With kind regards and hoping to hear from you from time to time, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*505*] [*COPIED. SEP 2- 1911*] X. Sept. 2, 1911. Mr. Thomas A. Rickert, President, United Garment Workers of America, Room 418, 331 So. La Salle Street, Chicago, Illinois. Dear Sir and Brother: The Constitution of the American Federation of Labor provides that the President shall direct the Chief Executive Officer of three national and international unions to appoint one delegate each from their respective delegations elect, who shall compose an Auditing Committee, and also, to act in the capacity of Committee on Credentials. In accordance with the laws of the American Federation of Labor, this committee will meet at headquarters of the American Federation of Labor, 801-809 G St., N. W., Washington, D. C., (where full facilities for the work are afforded) at nine o'clock, Monday morning, November 6th, and there audit the accounts of the American Federation of Labor, for the preceding twelve months from October 1st, 1910 to October 1st, 1911, and also to examine and report upon credentials of delegates. In accordance with this provision of the constitution, I request you to appoint one of your delegates-elect to constitute one of said committee, and to advise me at the earliest convenience of the name and address of said appointee, so that I may communicate[*506*] [*COPIED. SEP [4]- 1911*] Mr. Thomas A. Rickert --2-- with him direct, acquainting him with his duties. Hoping for a prompt reply and compliance, and with best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor,[*507*] [*COPIED. SEP 2- 1911*] X. Sept. 2, 1911. Mr. George F. Hedrick, President, Brotherhood of Painters, Decorators and Paperhangers of America, Drawer 99, Lafayette, Indiana. Dear Sir and Brother: The constitution of the American Federation of Labor provides that the President shall direct the Chief Executive Officer of three national and international unions to appoint one delegate each from their respective delegations elect, who shall compose an Auditing Committee, and also, to act in the capacity of Committee on Credentials. In accordance with the laws of the American Federation of Labor, this committee will meet at headquarters of the American Federation of Labor, 801-809 G St., N. W., Washington, D. C., (where full facilities for the work are afforded) at nine o'clock, Monday morning, November 6th, and there audit the accounts of the American Federation of Labor, for the preceding twelve months from October 1st, 1910 to October 1st, 1911, and also to examine and report upon credentials of delegates. In accordance with this provision of the constitution, I request you to appoint one of your delegates-elect to constitute one of said committee, and to advise me at the earliest convenience of the name and address of said appointee, so that I may communicate[*508*] [COPIED. SEP 2- 1911*] Mr. George F. Hedrick -2- with him direct, acquainting him with his duties. Hoping for a prompt reply and compliance, and with best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*509*] [*COPIED. SEP 2- 1911*] X. Sept. 2, 1911. Mr. Jos. N. Weber, President American Federation of Musicians, 25 St. Nicholas Avenue, New York City. Dear Sir and Brother: The constitution of the American Federation of Labor provides that the President shall direct the Chief Executive Officer of three national and international unions to appoint one delegate each from their respective delegations elect, who shall compose an auditing committee, and also, to act in the capacity of committee on credentials. In accordance with the laws of the American Federation of Labor, this committee will meet at headquarters of the American Federation of Labor, 801-809 G St., N.W., Washington, D.C., (where full facilities for the work are afforded) at nine o'clock, Monday morning, November 6th, and there audit the accounts of the American Federation of Labor, for the preceding twelve months from October 1st, 1910 to October 1st, 1911, and also to examine and report upon credentials of delegates. In accordance with this provision of the constitution, I request you to appoint one of your delegates-elect to constitute one of said committee, and to advise me at the earliest convenience of the name and address of said appointee, so that I may communicate [*510*] Mr. Jos. N. Weber -2- with him direct, acquainting him with his duties. Hoping for a prompt reply and compliance, and with best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samu'l Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor.[*511*] [*COPIED. SEP 3 1911*] X. Sept. 3, 1911. Mr. Frank J. McNulty, President, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Pierick Building, Springfield, Ill. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of August 30th. Mr. Gompers is now absent on an extended organizing and lecturing trip through the West and on the Pacific Coast, as directed by the last convention of the A. F. of L. Your letter will be brought to his attention upon his return. I showed it to Secretary Morrison, and have made a copy which I will try to have reach Mr. Gompers somewhere on the road. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*512*] [*COPIED. SEP 2- 1911*] X. Sept. 2, 1911. Mr. John B. Andrews, Secretary, American Association for Labor Legislation, Metropolitan Tower, New York City, Dear Sir: Your favor of August 28th is received and content noted. In reply thereto I beg to say that the session of Congress just closed did not enact any of the measures which are advocated and supported by organized labor. Very truly yours, Sam'l Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor.[*513*] X. Sept. 2, 1911. COPIED. SEP 2- 1911 Rev. Merle W. Gage, 516 Broadhead Avenue Jamestown, N. Y. Dear Sir: Your favor of August 24th is received and in compliance with your request, copies of the American Federationist containing your article have been mailed to the list of names and addresses you enclosed. Very truly yours, Sam'l Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor.[*514*] [*COPIED. SEP 2- 1911*] X. Sept. 2, 1911. Mr. Geo. Trent, Secretary, Federal Labor Union, No. 8080, New Athens, Illinois. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of August 17th is received and contents noted. In reply thereto I beg to say that you have not yet advised me whether Mr. Schlessinger's brothers, who you say are employed by him and who are his only employes, are members in good standing of your Federal Labor Union. Hoping to receive your early reply, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor.[*515*] [*COPIED. SEP 2- 1911*] X. Sept. 2, 1911. Hon. C. H. Kerr Independence, Kansas. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of August 28th, and to thank you for the information you give. Mr. Gompers is now absent on an extended organizing and lecturing trip through the West and on the Pacific Coast, as directed by the last convention of the A. F. of L. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*516*] [*COPIED. SEP 2- 1911*] X. Sept. 2, 1911. Mr. G. R. Steckley, Business Agent, Local 1714, United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners, Tamaqua, Pennsylvania. Dear Sir and Brother: Replying to your favor of August 31st, I beg to enclose to you herein a list of national and international unions affiliated to the American Federation of Labor. You will note that the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners appears upon that list. It is in full affiliation with the A. F. of L. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor.[*517*] [*COPIED. SEP 2- 1911*] X. Sept. 2, 1911. Mr. J. H. Spaulding, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, 415 Douglas, Ave., Salt Lake City, Utah. Dear Sir and Brother: In a letter just received from Mr. John S. McDonald, Secretary of Mechanics' Helpers' Union #12854, Sparks, Nevada, in referring to the offers now being made by the Machinists' Helpers' locals throughout the country to form an international organization, he asks that the assistance of the A. F. of L. organizer at Salt Lake City and Ogden should be enlisted in the work of organizing the Machinists' Helpers over the Oregon Short Line. I would appreciate it therefore, if you will look into this matter in Salt Lake City and do what you can to be helpful. Thanking you in advance for whatever assistance you may be able to render in the matter, and asking you to advise me in regard thereto, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor.[*518*] [*COPIED. SEP 2- 1911*] X. Sept. 2, 1911 Mr. W.M. Piggott, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, 375 24th Street, Ogden, Utah. Dear Sir and Brother: In a letter just received from Mr. John S. McDonald, Secretary of Mechanics' Helpers' Union #12864, of Sparks, Nevada, in referring to the effort now being made by the Machinists' Helpers' locals throughout the country to form an international organization, he asks that the assistance of the A. F. of L. organizer at Salt Lake City and Ogden should be enlisted in the work of organizing the Machinists' Helpers over the Oregon Short Line. I would appreciate it therefore, if you will look into this matter in Ogden, and do what you can to be helpful. Thanking you in advance for whatever assistance you may be able to render in the matter, and asking you to advise me in regards thereto, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*519*] X. Sept. 2, 191l. Mr. John S. McDonald, Secretary, Mechanics’ Helpers Union No. 12864, Sparks, Nevada. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of August 27th is received and contents noted. Now in regard to the matter of the formation of an International Union of Machinists' Helpers, I beg to say that I have had quite some correspondence upon this subject with Mr. John L. Donnelly, President of Machinists' Helpers Local #11830, of Salt Lake City. Enclosed you will please find copy of a letter which I wrote him under date of June 22d and which I ask that you kindly accept as part of this communication to you. I note your request as to the organizers at Salt Lake City had Ogden making a special effort to organize the Machinists Helpers and the Oregon Short Line, and I shall be glad to take the matter up with them. I will write to them immediately upon the conclusion of this letter to you. With best Wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. SEP 2 - 1911*] [*520*] COPY. Washington, D. C., June 22, 1911. Mr. J. L. Donnelly, Member, Machinists' Helpers' Union #11830. [*#6*] Ontario Court, Salt Lake City, Utah. Dear Sir and Brother: Your exceedingly interesting favor of the 16th instant came duly to hand, together with the copy of the circular issued by your union to other local unions. I have carefully read both your letter and the enclosure and I should say that the idea of organizing an International Union of Machinists' Helpers is one with which I am in hearty sympathy. The question is as to the time and opportunity and the ability, not only to organize an International Union but to maintain it. We have had some experience in prematurely organizing International Unions, the most recent one of which was the Flour and Cereal Mill Workers. The American Federation of Labor, in the organization of wage earners under its banner, has in view the purpose of securing the closest possible Federation among the workers of one industry and to this end, national and international unions are organized. It recognizes, however, the responsibility which devolves upon a national organization and we would be unfaithful to our duty should we give our support and endorsement to the formation of a national body of any trade or calling without being first fully convinced that the conditions warrant such a course. The workers who appreciate the benefit of organization are naturally enthusiastic over the formation of a national union[*521*] Mr. J. L. Donnelly -2- of their trade, realizing as they do, the advantage which have been gained to the workers by a national organization in many trades. You can appreciate, however, the fact that it is essential that a national union must be formed upon a firm foundation if it is to be of any benefit to the workers and the trade. The local unions existing in the trade must first themselves be properly built up and strengthened in order that they could form a substantial basis for the national body. By this you should not infer that the conditions among the workers of any trade must be perfected before a national union could be formed, for on the contrary the institution of a national union is intended to promote the greater advancement of the workers of the trade but it is necessary in order to achieve the best success, that a good start shall have been made by the local unions so that when the national is finally established it will be able to shoulder the burden of the work which the combined interests will involve, and then forge steadily ahead. If however, the local unions are unable to give the proper support and assistance [*assistance*] to the national, it would be very much handicapped so that as a result the members would lose confidence in the organization, [?ming] it for that which they themselves are responsible. The formation of an international union is a goal to [end?] all of us should aspire, but the lesson must not be forgotten, in a premature attempt to form a national or international union [*union*] will not only prove abortive, but postpone indefinitely the time when the bona fide, permanent and successful international union [can?] be launched [*launched*] and maintained. Your circular is well prepared and is interesting. If [?the] [?circumstances] are propitious and anything [?] possible success [*success*] is [?] sight, I shall call upon all organized helpers' local unions[*522*] Mr. John Donnelly --3-- to send representatives to meet at Atlanta, Georgia, about the time when convention of the American Federation of Labor will be held next November, when the necessary steps will then be taken to form an international union of Machinists' Helpers. With kind regards and best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, (Signed) SAMUEL GOMPERS, President, American Federation of Labor.[*523*] [*COPIED. SEP 5- 1911*] Z Sept. 2, 1911. NO. 71. EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, AMERICAN FEDERATION OF LABOR. COLLEAGUES: As you know, the St. Louis Convention of the A. F. of L. elected Mr. William J. Tracy, President of the Philadelphia, Pa., Building Trades Council, as fraternal delegate from the American Federation of Labor to the Canadian Trades and Labor Congress, which meets in Calgary, Alberta, Sept. 11. On August 30 a telegram was received from Mr. Tracy as follows: Phila., Pa. Aug. 30, 1911. Samuel Gompers, President, Am. Fed. of Labor, Ouray Building, Washington, D. C. Conditions connected with the Building Trades Movement in Phila. compel my presence for the next month and it is with regret I ask you to appoint someone in my place as fraternal delegate to the Canadian Trades and Labor Congress to be held at Calgary, Alberta, Canada, during September. Letter containing my credentials follows. Wm. J. Tracy. Knowing that Mr. Frank Duffy, Secretary of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, had been directed by his organization to attend the Canadian Trades and Labor Congress and being advised that he had started on his trip to Alberta, having arranged to stop at different places en route, and being due[*524*] Executive Council---2 at Duluth Sept. 2nd, a telegram was sent to him at that City, explaining the situation, and tendering him the appointment as fraternal delegate from the American Federation of Labor to the Canadian Trades and Labor Congress, subject to the approval of the Executive Council. The members of the Executive Council will, therefore, please return immediately their votes signifying whether the above course meets with their approval. Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. Frank Morrison Secretary, American Federation of Labor.[*525*] [*COPIED. SEP 5- 1911*] Sept. 5, 1911, Washington, D. C. Mr. Samuel Gompers, San Jose, Cal. (try hotels) Mr. Duffy accepts appointment as delegate Canadian Trades and Labor Congress. Credentials mailed him. Matter submitted to Executive Council. R. LEE GUARD. Charge A. F. of L.[*526*] [*COPIED. SEP 5- 1911*] X. Sept. 5, 1911. Mrs. Mary Brauer, Breeze, Illinois. My dear Madam: Your favor of the first instant is received and contents noted. You refer to the treatment seconded your son by the organization of which he is a member, and request that I should take the matter up. You fail to say, however, in which union he held membership. Please advise me as to this, and the matter will be given my prompt attention. Very truly yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*527*] [*COPIED. SEP 5- 1911*] X. Sept. 5, 1911. Mr. L. C. Sutton, Managing Editor, The Labor World, 366 Broadway, New York City. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the second instant is received and contents noted. I appreciate very much your commendatory words in regard to the September issue of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST. In reply to your request, I should be glad to have you reproduce any matter published in the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST at any time you may desire, of course giving due credit therefor. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*528*] [*COPIED. SEP 5- 1911*] X. Sept. 5, 1911. Mr. Grant Young, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, Carbondale, Illinois. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers, who is now making an organizing and lecturing trip in the West and on the Pacific Coast, as directed by the last Convention of the A. F. of L., I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of August 31st. Copy of your letter has been sent to the executive officers of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners, and the Bricklayers and Masons International Union, with the request that they write you direct as to what action they desire taken in the matter. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*529*] X. Sept. 5, 1911. Mr. William Dobson, Secretary, Bricklayers and Masons International Union, Odd Fellow Building, Indianapolis, Ind. [*COPIED. SEP 5- 1911*] Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers, who is now asking an organizing and lecturing trip in the West and on the Pacific Coast, as directed by the Convention of the A. F. of L., I beg to enclose to you herein copy of letter which has just been received from Organizer Grant Young, of Carbondale, Illinois, in which he requests advice as to matters affecting the interests of your local in that locality. In acknowledging receipt of his letter, I have advised him that copy has been sent to you and to the secretary of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners, and that you will write him direct as to what action you desire taken. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*530*] X. Sept. 5, 1911. Mr. Wm. D. Harper, President, United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners, Carpenters' Building, Indianapolis, Ind. [*COPIED SEP 5- 1911*] Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers, who is now making an organizing and lecturing trip to the West and on the Pacific Coast, as directed by the Convention of the A. F. of L., I beg to enclose to you herein copy of letter which has just been received from Organizer Grant Young, of Carbondale, Illinois, in which he requests advice as to matters affecting the interests of your local in that locality. In acknowledging receipt of his letter, I have advised him that copy has been sent to you and to the Secretary of the Bricklayers and Masons International Union, as that we will write him direct as to what action you desire taken. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*531*] [*COPIED. AUG 31 1911*] COPY. Carbondale, Ill. Aug., 31, 1911 Mr. Samuel Gompers, Dear Sir and Brother: I would like to have a little information on a job of work that is being in Herrin, Illinois. There is a contractor who is putting up a brick building here, and is making brick from Chester, Illinois, made by convict labor. Please let me know whether it is wrong for union brick masons and union carpenters to work on the job or not. Please let me know as soon as possible and if it is wrong and convict labor is considered unfair I will take the matter up at once and have it stopped. Yours fraternally, (Signed) Grant Young, Organizer, A.F. of L.[532] [*COPIED. SEP 5- 1911*] X. Sept, 5, 1911. Mr. Geo. N. Berry, President, International Painting Pre????en and Assistant's Union. Somerville, Tenn. Dear Mr. Berry: Your [????} of September first addressed to President Gompers is just received and contents noted. ?????? on the organizing trip as directed by the Convention of the A. F. of L. and is not expected to return before the first week in December. I have placed your letter among those being held for his [?????????] attention as soon as possible after his return. Very truly yours, R. Lee ????? Secretary to President Gompers.[*533*] X. Sept. 5, 1911. Mr. H. T. Kennerly, [*COPIED. Sept 5-1911*] 615 Prince Street, Knoxville. Tenn. Dear sir: In the absence of President Gompers on official business, I hope to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the first instant. In response to your request, I enclose you herewith a copy of the [baccalaureate?] sermon delivered by Governor Wilson at the [Princeton] Government in 1909. Very truly yours, [*R. Lee Guard*] Secretary to President Gompers.[*534*] [*COPIED. SEP 8 1911*] X. Sept. 5, 1911. Mr. John J. Dowd, Vice-President, International Brotherhood of Boiler Makers, 148 Wilkinson Avenue, Jersey City, N. J. Dear Sir and Brother: Replying to your favor of August 25th, it gives me pleasure to issue a commission as volunteer organizer for the United States. There is also forwarded to you a package of literature and documents published by this office, which I am sure you will find of assistance to you in the discharge of your duties as the representative of the A. F. of L. for your city. I trust your assistance as the duly authorized representative of the A. F. of L. in Jersey City will result greatly in the advancement of our movement in that section in every way. You say that former Vice-President Carlin has resigned. Will you kindly advise me if he has also resigned as an organizer? Please let me know as to this at your early convenience, and oblige, Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*535*] [*COPIED. SEP 9 1911*] X. Sept. 2, 1911. Mr. Wm. J. Gilthorpe, Secretary, International Brotherhood of Boiler Makers and Iron Ship Builders ofAmerica, Suite 7-12 Law Bldg., Kansas City, Kansas. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of August 29th is received. Acting upon your recommendation, I have issued a commission to Mr. John J. Down, Seventh Vice-President of your organization, of Jersey City, an volunteer organizer for the United States. Referring to Mr. P. W. Carlin, you recommend that a commission should be issued to him for a year. In the letter from Mr. Dowd, about which I wrote you previously, it said that Mr. Carlin had resigned. I took this to mean to that Mr. Carlin had also resigned as organizer. However, advise me as to this, for if it is the wish of your Brotherhood that Mr. Carlin should hold a commission, I should be glad to act in conformity therewith. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.Mr. Samuel Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor, General Delivery, Los Angeles, [CA] Sept. 5, 1921 Copied Sep 5, 1921 My dear Mr. Gompers: I have just sent you Day letter to San Jose notifying you that Mr. Duffy had accepted appointment as delegate to the Canadian Trades and Labor Congress. [?] did not get any word from him until this morning. Today another letter is received from Mr. [...y?] and as I sent you a copy of his previous letter, I thought you would also want a copy of this one. You will please find it enclosed herein. I received clippings this morning from Mr. Hamilton from Missoula, Vancouver, and Portland. Your trip must certainly be an exceedingly interesting one. I [?] look forward with interest for the clippings from the San Francisco paper regarding your Labor Day address. I hope you have received the copies of this September issue of the American Federationist, they being mailed to you so as to reach you at east Point. We are receiving some very nice commentatory letters on the issue. You returned to [?] my letter [?] you or [?] [?] with [?] bring marginal note reprising to each paragraph, [?] which I note that you did not passuve copy of the New York Law [*537*] Mr. Samuel Gompers -2- as you requested, I therefore enclose another copy herein. With best wishes for the success of your trip, and with kind regards to you and Mr. Hamilton, in which Mrs. Webster joins, I am, Sincerely yours, R Lee Guard[*538*] [*COPIED. SEP 6- 1911*] X. Sept. 6, 1911. Mr. James B. Peterson, 160 Bleecker Street, New York City. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers on an organizing and lecturing trip through the West and on the Pacific Coast, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the second instant, which will be held for Mr. Gompers' attention upon his return to headquarters. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*539*] [*COPIED. SEP 6- 1911*] X. Sept. 6, 1911. Mr. Walter H. Page, Editor, The World's Work, Garden City, Long Island, N. Y. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers on an organizing and lecturing trip in the West and on the Pacific Coast, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of August 31st, which will be held for Mr. Gompers' personal attention upon his return to headquarters. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*540*] [*COPIED. SEP 6- 1911*] X. Sept. 6, 1911. Mr. T. A. Phelan, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, 24 Amherst Street, Nashua, N. H. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of August 28th is received and contents noted. In regard to the matter of your commission as volunteer organizer for Nashua and vicinity, our records show that it was issued on March 11th, 1911, upon the recommendation of the Central Labor Union of Nashua and vicinity. There has been no complaint made to me by the Central Body in regard to you and neither has there any request been made for the withdrawal of your commission. Being a member in good standing of the union of your trade, and recommended by the Central Body of Nashua for appointment as volunteer organizer for Nashua and vicinity, there is no reason why you should not continue to hold your commission, unless for good and sufficient reasons the Central Body should request its withdrawal. I trust that with the co-operation and assistance of the C. L. U. in your work among the labor men of Nashua, that the labor movement there may be greatly strengthened and built up. Hoping to hear from you often, and with kind regards, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*541*] [*COPIED. SEP 8- 1911*] X. Sept. 8, 1911. Mr. W. O. Skinner, Secretary, Allied Printing Trades Association, Box 31, Columbus, Georgia. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the second instant is received and contents noted. You state that you are about to issue a weekly newspaper known as the Columbus Labor News, and make inquiry as to the news service established by the A. F. of L. In compliance with your request, I am glad to add your name to the list who receive the weekly news letter, for which we make no charge. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*542*] [*COPIED. SEP 6- 1911*] X. Sept. 6, 1911. Mr. Roy N. Buell, 80 Pleasant Street, New Britain, Conn. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers on an organizing and lecturing trip through the West and on the Pacific Coast, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the third instant, which will be brought to Mr. Gompers' attention upon his return to headquarters. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*543*] [*COPIED. SEP 6- 1911*] X. Sept. 6, 1911. Mr. Armin Kohn, Counsellor at Law, 115 Broadway, New York City. Dear Sir: In reply to your favor of the second instant, I beg to say that President Gompers is now absent on an organizing and lecturing trip through the West and on the Pacific Coast, and is not expected to return here until the first week in October. It is impossible now to say when he will go to New York. I would suggest that you write us again soon after he returns from the West, when he may be able to designate a definite time when he can see you. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*544*] [*COPIED. SEP 6- 1911*] X. Sept. 6, 1911. Mr. A. A. Hook, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, Leno Dale, Mass. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 11th instant is received and contents noted. In conformity with the statement you make therein, I am glad to re-issue your commission to you as volunteer organizer for Lee and vicinity. It is sent you under separate cover. I also enclose 25 blank forms of subscription to the American Federationist, and trust you will be able to secure a number of subscribers. If there is any further data and information which I can give you, please advise me and the matter will receive prompt attention. With kind regards and best wishes for your success, and thanking you for the reconsideration of your resignation, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*545*] [*COPIED. SEP 6- 1911*] X. Sept. 6, 1911. Mr. N. H. Ellis, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, 93 E. Montcalm Street, Detroit, Mich. Dear Sir and Brother: Your undated favor received today and contents noted. Inasmuch as you have mislaid your commission as volunteer organizer for the State of Michigan, I have issued a duplicate commission which is sent to you under separate cover. I also note that you have changed your address from Kalamazoo to Detroit as above, and have therefore made the change upon our books. You say that you expect to attend the convention of the Michigan State Federation of Labor at Battle Creek on the 23d. I wish you would let me have a word from you as to the work of the convention. With kind regards and best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*545*] [*COPIED. SEP 6- 1911*] X. Sept. 6, 1911. Mr. N. H. Ellis, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, 93 Montcalm Street, Detroit, Mich. Dear Sir and Brother: Your undated favor received today and contents noted. Inasmuch as you have mislaid your commission as volunteer organizer for the State of Michigan, I have issued a duplicate commission which is sent to you under separate cover. I also note that you have changed your address from Kalamazoo to Detroit as above, and have therefore made the change upon our books. You say that you expect to attend the convention of the Michigan State Federation of Labor at Battle Creek on the 23d. I wish you would let me have a word from you as to the work of the convention. With kind regards and best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*546*] [*COPIED. SEP 6- 1911*] X. Sept. 6, 1911. Mr. C. Helm, Secretary, Central Labor Union, Box 88, Medford, Oregon. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of August 21st is received and contents noted. You say you would like to have a little information in regard to the District Organizer of Medford, but you do not state to which Organizer you make reference. Our records show that there are two organizers in Medford, Mr. F. W. Cotterill, and Mr. F. Poole. Please advise me as to which organizer you have reference, and also state more definitely what is the information you desire. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*547*] [*COPIED. SEP 6- 1911*] X. Sept. 6, 1911. Mr. Cos. Curran, #6 Cass Street, Exeter, N. H. Dear Sir: Your favor of September second is received and contents noted. I am interested in what you say in reference to organizing the Woodmen and Sawmill Workers of your locality. May I inquire what trade it is you represent, or whether you hold a commission from any national or international union? In the meantime, let me say that the Woodsmen and Sawmill Workers when organized should become directly affiliated to the American Federation of Labor, as the international union of the trade has gone out of existence. Enclosed you will please find some of our printed matter which gives the information as to the necessary steps to take to organize a union in direct affiliation to the A. F. of L. I also enclose a blank form of application for charter. Should you succeed in organizing these men, the blank form should be properly filled in with the name of seven of the applicants for charter and forwarded to headquarters, together with the charter fee of Five Dollars, and Five Dollars for outfit and supplies, when the matter will be given prompt attention. Hoping to hear from you further at your convenience, I am, Very truly yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*548*] [*COPIED. SEP 6- 1911*] X. Sept. 6, 1911. Mr. Joseph H. DeCosta, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, 217 Federal Street, Portland, Maine. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of September third received and contents noted. In reply I beg to say that there is no charge made for the password but it is sent out regularly from this office every quarter to affiliated organizations and to organizers. The password as you understand, is used only for organizations directly affiliated to the A. F. of L. In other words, it is not used by the locals of national and international unions. You are correct in your surmise that there is a charge made for the Manual of Common Procedure, from which the password is interpreted. The charge for that is twenty-five cents. With best wishes, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*549*] [*COPIED. SEP 6- 1911*] X. Sept. 6, 1911. Mr. J. M. Massay, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, Greenville, Texas. Dear Sir and Brother: On June third, 1911, upon the recommendation of the Texas State Federation of Labor, commission was issued to you as volunteer organizer for the State of Texas. In a letter recently received from Organizer T. M. Kerbow, of Greenville, he calls attention to the fact that you are engaged in the real estate and insurance business. Of course you understand that under the laws of the American Federation of Labor, business men, employers of labor, professional men, are not eligible to membership. It naturally follows therefore, that if not eligible to membership in an affiliated organization, such men would not be eligible to hold commissions as volunteer organizers. I am therefore writing to request that you advise me at your earliest convenience as to whether the information given me as above indicated conforms to the true facts in the case. Hoping to receive your early reply, and with kind regards, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*550*] [*COPIED. SEP 6- 1911*] X. Sept. 6, 1911. Mr. John R. Spencer, Secretary, Texas State Federation of Labor, 1600 Peach Street, Waco, Texas. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the first instant at hand and contents noted. Referring to my letter of you of August 29th in regard to the commission issued to Mr. J. M. Massay, of Greenville, Texas, as volunteer organizer upon the recommendation of the Texas State Federation of Labor, I beg to say that I am taking the matter up direct with him. Of course if Mr. Massay is in the insurance and real estate business for himself, as a business man under the laws of the American Federation of Labor he is not eligible to membership in a directly affiliated local union. It of course naturally follows that he would not be eligible to hold commission as volunteer organizer. However, as stated above, I shall take the matter up direct with him. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*551*] [*COPIED. SEP 6- 1911*] X. Sept. 6, 1911. Prof. Robert F. Foerster, Emerson Hall, Cambridge, Massachusetts. Dear Sir: On August 17th as you requested, I wrote you in reply to your letter of August the 14th advising you that I was investigating the matter of Italian Workers and that I would write you further as to the results of my investigation. I took the matter up with two of the most representative men of the Italian wage working class in this country. One of them writes me as follows: "In regard to the number of Italians who are connected with the American Federation of Labor, will say that over 45% of the members of this organization are Italian and the other organizations connected with the American Federation of Labor have a small percentage, but it is impossible for me to give you the exact number. As far as I know, 75% of the skilled laborers belonged to unions at home before they came here and learned the trade well, but on coming to this country those men have to start over again as the machinery is different but it does not take them long to become acquainted with the work as done in this country. The Italians are very easy to organize as long as we have the proper man to handle them and they become loyal unionists if their leader is an honest man and manages their affairs in the proper way. Italians are not dangerous to the organization at large and just as soon as they understand what organization means, they become good members, especially if called out on strike for they remain out until they get their demands." The response made by the other to my inquiry reads as follows: "1st. It is very hard to state the number of Italians in the A. F. of L., even approximately. The average estimate is, how-[*552*] Prof. Robert F. Foerster -2- ever, about 200,000 of them belong to the A. F. of L., not a conservative estimate in my opinion. 2nd. The Italian unionizes readily if there is a chance to get a prompt raise in wages, not otherwise. 3rd. The skilled workingman from northern and middle Italy usually have been members of unions. Those from the southern part of Italy have mostly not. 4th. It would be improper to say that the home training of the skilled workingman has been deficient, however, even they must get used to the different way (especially to the different tools and machines used here,) and they do so in a short time. 5th. The Italians appear to be extremely loyal to their respective unions when they are satisfied with the same. While on strike they are resolute and persistent. They are, however, just as resolute and persistent when acting as strike breakers. 6th. The unorganized Italians in general and those residing in New York in particular, present an everlasting menace to our labor movement, due to their lower standard of living in comparison with that of the American or Americanized workingmen. Also because they are willing to do any work at all, if for some reason or other they are not getting it in their own trade. There are over two million Italians in the United States, most of them come from southern Italy and almost 80% of them were farm hands at home." Trusting this information will be of assistance to you, I am, Very truly yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*553*] [*COPIED. SEP 6- 1911*] X. Sept. 6, 1911. Mr. D. D'Alessandro, General President, International Hod Carriers and Building Laborers Union of America, Room 47-50, 82 State St., Albany, N. Y. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers on official business, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of August 31st, and to thank you for the information contained therein in regard to the Italian emigrants. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*554*] [*COPIED. SEP 6- 1911*] X. Sept. 6, 1911. Mr. Claude A. Taylor, Rec. Secretary, Trades and Labor Council, 64 Spencer Avenue, Grand Rapids, Michigan. Dear Sir or Brother: Your favor of the 26th ultimo has been duly received, regarding the grievance of Painters' Local Union No. 119 against Organizer Thomas Cameron, organizer for the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners, and the recommendation made by the committee of the Trades and Labor Council that the matter be reported to the American Federation of Labor. In reply I beg to say that this is a matter that comes entirely under the jurisdiction of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners, to the executive officers of which the committee also recommended the matter be referred. I therefore suggest that the entire subject should be taken up with the executive officers of the two national organizations whose respective locals are involved. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*555*] [*COPIED. SEP 6- 1911*] X. Sept. 6, 1911. Mr. J. C. Skemp, Secretary, Brotherhood of Painters, Decorators and Paperhangers, Drawer 99, Lafayette, Ind. Dear Sir: Please accept President Gompers thanks for your letter of August 31st and by express the printed copies of the report of the Chicago conference of labor editors on the second class postal rates. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*556*] [*COPIED. SEP 6- 1911*] X. Sept. 6, 1911. Mrs. Katherine Honnecker, c/o #4 River Street, North Tarrytown, N. Y. My dear Madam: Your personal favor of August the 18th addressed to President Gompers was forwarded to him on the Pacific Coast, where he is now making an organizing and lecturing trip as directed by the Convention of the A. F. of L. As he has no opportunity on this trip to attend to any correspondence, he returned the letter here to be held until he gets back east, hence this delay in the acknowledgement of its receipt. I will endeavor to bring the matter to his personal attention as soon as possible after his return, which will not be until the early part of October. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*557*] [*COPIED. SEP 6- 1911*] X. Sept. 6, 1911. Mr. C. E. Brandt, Box 339, Cumberland, Maryland. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the first instant, and pamphlet "Scrapple to his Son Nicodemus" for which you will please accept Mr. Gompers' thanks. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*558*] [*COPIED. SEP 6- 1911*] X. Sept. 5, 1911. Rev. George V. Scudder, Pastor, Universalist Church, Hudson, New York. Dear Sir: In a letter just received from Mr. Alburtis Nooney, President of the Central Labor Union of Hudson, New York, he advises me of the sermon which you delivered on Labor Sunday at the Universalist Church in Hudson. Mr. Nooney expresses such high commendation of your address, that I feel impelled to write you a line expressive of my appreciation of your observing Labor Sunday in the way that you have. I feel sure that your sermon will be productive of good results. In connection with the general subject matter, it might not be amiss to call your attention to the origin of Labor Sunday. I beg to say that at the Toronto Convention of the American Federation of Labor, 1909, a resolution was introduced and adopted by the Convention as follows: "WHEREAS, The churches and the clergy are taking a growing interest in the study of the labor movement; and WHEREAS, Many of the ministers of the various denominations are indicating that interest, in part, by a public discussion in their pulpits of the problems of the toilers; and WHEREAS, It would be an advantage to both church and labor to select a special day upon which the attention of all classes may be concentrated upon the question which concern the toilers; therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Sunday preceding the first Monday in September be officially designated by the American Federation of Labor as 'Labor Sunday' and that the churches of America be re-[*559*] Rev. George V. Scudder -2- -quested to devote some part of this day to a presentation of the labor question; and be it further RESOLVED, That the various central and local labor bodies be requested to co-operate in every legitimate way with the ministers who thus observe Labor Sunday, seeking, with them, to secure as large an audience of workingmen and others as possible." At the meeting of the Executive Council of the A. F. of L. held in January, 1910, the subject matter of Resolution #122 was considered and was referred to the undersigned for editorial comment in the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST and with the further direction that the affiliated City Central Bodies and the labor press should be requested to co-operate toward the observance of Labor Sunday. In August, 1910, issue of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST, I editorially dwelt on this subject, copy of which you will find enclosed herein. A circular letter was also addressed to all of the city central bodies and to the labor press requesting their co-operation in having Labor Sunday fittingly commemorated and observed in their respective cities. The replies received indicate that the observance of Labor Sunday was quite general. This was equally true of Labor Sunday in 1910 and 1911. I also wrote an editorial on the subject in September, 1911, issue of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST. Copy of this issue is being sent you under separate cover. I am also sending you a copy of a printed letter to Ministers of the Gospel issued by this office, and which has been very widely distributed during the past few years. With best wishes, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Very truly yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. P. S. I enclose a list of the pamphlets published by this office. If you would care to have them for reference, I will be glad to send them to you.[*560*] [*COPIED. SEP 6- 1911*] X. Sept. 5 1911. Mr. Alburtis Nooney, President, Central Labor Union, 518 State Street, Hudson, N. Y. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of September fourth is received and read with an unusual degree of interest. The information you give is indeed gratifying, that is, as to the Labor Sunday sermon delivered by Ref. George W. Scudder, of the Universalist Church. I trust that other ministers in Hudson will do likewise. I shall be glad to write to Mr. Scudder as you request. Now, as to your suggestion as to Mr. Scudder becoming an honorary member of the Central Labor Union, let me suggest that arrangements be made whereby he could be fraternal delegate from the Ministerial Association to your central body. In a number of cities and localities the Ministerial Association appoints fraternal delegates to attend the Central Bodies and it has resulted in a great deal of good to both sides. As you doubtless know, Rev. Charles Stolzle for a number of years has acted as fraternal delegate from the Federal Council of the Churches of Christ to the annual conventions of the American Federation of Labor. As fraternal delegate to your Central Labor Union, Mr. Scudder would be entitled to the same privileges and courtesies as accorded to other fraternal[*561*] Mr. A[lb]ertis Nooney -2- delegates, though of course not having any vote upon matters up for discussion before your meetings. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*COPIED. SEP 7, 1911*] Sept. 7, 1911. Mr. Samuel Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor, General Delivery, Los Angeles, Cal. My dear Mr. Gompers: A letter has just been received from President O'Connell, inviting you to attend the Fourteenth [?] convention of the I. A. of M. to be held at Davenport, Monday morning, September 18th, and which will remain in session throughout the week. I have acknowledged the receipt of the invitation and advised him that you will not return from California before the first week October, but that I would notify you of this invitation. This morning I received from Mr. Hamilton additional clippings from Portland, all [?] have been [?] with a great deal of interest. Your trip is indeed a most strenuous one, and I imagine that the hardest part will be the California itinerary. I trust, however, that you will get through with it all right. With kind regards, in which Mrs. Webster joins, I am Sincerely yours, R. Lee Guard.[*563*] [*COPIED. SEP 7 1911*] 1. Sept. 7, 1911. Mr. James O'Connell, President, International Association of Machinists, McGill Building, Washington, D. C. My Dear Mr. O'Connell: Acknowledging receipt of your favor of the 6th instant in which you extend to President Gompers an invitation to attend your convention which will be held in Davenport, Iowa, for two weeks beginning September 18th. I beg to say that he is not expected to return from California until the first week of October. I am sure if it was at all possible for him to do so, it would afford him pleasure to accept the invitation. In any event, I am writing to him today and shall advise him of your letter. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*564*] X. Sept. 7, 1911. [*COPIED SEP 7 1911*] Mr. John Morrison, 25 Third Avenue, New York City. My dear Mr. Morrison: Through an overnight, the enclosed credential for Mr. E. J. Chapman was written upon the letterhead of the American Federationist, instead of upon our regular letterhead. However, I am sending it to you and when we get another credential made cut and signed by Mr. Gompers either while he is away or after he returns, I will send it on to you and you can have the enclosed returned. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*565*] [*SEP 7 1911*] 3 August 30, 1911. Dear Sir: You will confer a favor upon the American Federation of Labor and its affiliated branches by granting an interview to the 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, 628 City Central Labor Unions and 656 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 commuters.[?] 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 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.566 X. Sept. 7, 1911. [*COPIED SEP 7- 1911*] Mr. Thomas M. Nolen, 15 Mountain Avenue, Somerville, Mass. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers on official business, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the fourth instant, which will be held for Mr. Gompers' personal attention upon his return to headquarters. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*567*] X. Sept. 7, 1911. [*COPIED SEP 7 1911*] Mr. E. C. Davison, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, Box 836, Richmond, Va. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers on an organizing and lecturing trip in the West and on the Pacific Coast, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the fifth instant, which will be held for Mr. Gompers' personal attention upon his return to headquarters. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*568*] X. Sept. 6, 1911. [*COPIED SEP 7 1911*] Mr. J. C. Karle, Organizer American Federation of Labor, 814 Main Street, Keokuk, Iowa. 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 held for Mr. Gompers' attention upon his return to headquarters. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*569*] [*COPIED. SEP 7 1911*] X. Sept. 7, 1911. Mr. John J. Fitzpatrick, Organizer, American Federation of Labor. Near [?], 275 La Salle Street, Chicago, Ill. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of September [?] is received, and I was glad to get your report of what was done at the meeting of the System Federation of the Illinois Central Railroad. I yet hope that an agreement may be reached without any undue friction. Your letter is the first information I have that Federal Labor Union #[?], Waterloo, Iowa, Machinists' Helpers' Union #18845, Paducah, Kentucky, and Machinists' Helpers' Union #18881, of Clinton, Illinois, are also members of the System Federation. When the matter was submitted to the Executive Council I had only been advised that the locals of [?], Centralia and [Parkside?], Chicago, were members. However, I am again writing to the Executive Council in regard to the three first named locals and will advise you as soon as the rate is in. Please keep me advised fully as to this entire matter. With best wishes for success, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor.[*570*] [*COPIED. SEP 7- 1911*] X. Sept. 7, 1911. Mr. Henry M. Walker, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, 400 Texas Street, El Paso, Texas. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of September second received and contents noted. I shall await with interest your report as to the proceedings of the Farmers' Convention at Shawnee. I received the package of the Labor Day edition of your paper, The Labor Advocate, and have noted it with interest. In conformity with your request I have sent copy to Organizer J. D. Pierce, to Secretary Thomas F. Tracy of the Union Label Trades Department, and to Organizer M. Grant Hamilton. With kind regards, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*571*] [*COPIED. SEP 7 1911*] X. Sept. 7, 1911 Mr. Herman Wiers, Secretary, Columbus Federation of Labor, 1495 Thomas Avenue, Columbus, Ohio. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of August 30th addressed to Secretary Morrison has been handed to me for further reply. You say that the Central Body has instructed you to request the withdrawal of all credentials from A. F. of L. organizers in the Columbus District for the reason that some are no longer carrying union cards and that recommendations of names for appointment as volunteer organizers will be sent to me later. Our records show that the following parties now hold commissions as organizers for Columbus and vicinity: James T. Liddy, of the Machinists, recommended by the Columbus Federation of Labor, Aug. 18, 1909; W. B. Hartman, of the Stage Employes, recommended by the Columbus Federation of Labor November 8, 1904; S. P. Ewing, member of the Carpenters, has held commission for a number of years, so far back indeed that we have no record as to when his appointment was first made. Before taking any action upon the requests and recommendations of the Columbus Federation of Labor, I would like definite advice as to each of the three members above named,[*572*] Mr. Herman Vierz -2- Hoping to receive your early reply, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*573*] [*COPIED. SEP 7- 1911*] X Sept. 7, 1911. Mr. Samuel Gompers, President. American Federation of Labor, General Delivery, Los Angeles, Cal. My dear Mr. Gompers: Knowing how fully occupied every moment of your time must be during your Western trip, I have refrained from sending you any letters for signature save two or three absolutely necessary ones. I enclose one addressed to Mr. L. S. Richard, Editor, the Boston Common. I doubt that he can receive your reply in time for his special edition, but in any event I thought you would want the reply to get to him as soon as possible, and as it is a matter I hesitate to sign myself, I an sending it to you. If it is all right, kindly return the duplicate marked O. K. and I will have it put in the letter press copy book. With kindest regards, I am, Very sincerely yours, R. Lee Guard[*574*] [*COPIED. SEP 7- 1911*] X. Sept. 7, 1911. Miss Alice O'Rourke, Secretary, Badge, Banner, Regalia, Button and Novelty Workers' Union No. 14065. 612 Kosciuske Street, Brooklyn, N. Y. Dear Madam: Your favor of the 5th instant is at hand and contents noted. President Gompers is now absent on an organizing and lecturing trip in the West and on the Pacific Coast, as directed by the Convention of the American Federation of Labor. 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.[*575*] [*COPIED. SEP 7- 1911*] Washington, D. C., Sept. 7, 1911. Editor, The Bakers Journal, 212 Bush Temple of Music, Chicago, Ill. Your telegram received. President Gompers is in California. Will not return until first week of October when matter will be brought to his attention. R. LEE GUARD Secretary to President Gompers. COLLECT.[*576*] [*COPIED. SEP 8- 1911*] X. Sept. 8, 1911. Mr. Marcel A. Viti, Counsellor at Law, Franklin Bank Bldg., Philadelphia, Pa. Dear Sir: Your letter of the sixth instant addressed to President Gompers was received here yesterday and today your telegram requesting answers is also received. I beg to advise you in reply that President Gompers is in California on an organizing and lecturing trip as directed by the Convention of the A. F. of L. and is not expected to return here until the first week in October. Therefore, he will not have the opportunity of complying with your request for an expression of opinion regarding your letter to Governor Tener upon the subject of conference of the Governors of all the States which will be held in Spring Lake, September 12th, when many other subjects, such as Employers' Liability and Workmen's Compensation laws will be taken up for consideration. President Gompers is deeply interested in the entire Matter of Workmen's Compensation and Employers' Liability laws, and has made it a subject of discussion both on the public platform and in his writings. Your attention is called to that part of his report dealing with the subject which he made to the last annual Convention of the American Federation of Labor held at St. Louis Missouri, November, 1910. Copy of this report is sent to you under[*577*] Mr. Marcel A. Viti -2- separate cover. I am sure he will very much regret his inability to comply with your request. He will be glad to hear from you upon his return, should you desire to communicate with him further upon this or any other matter of interest. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard. Secretary to President Gompers.[*578*] [*COPIED. SEP 9- 1911*] X. Sept. 8, 1911. Mr. John R. Spencer, Secretary-Treasurer, Texas State Federation of Labor, 1600 Peach Street, Waco, Texas. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of August 30th is received and contents noted. You state that the Texas State Convention, held May 15-19, 1911, adopted a resolution urging upon all affiliated crafts the importance of organizing Federal Labor Unions in Texas, and you ask that a special organizer be appointed by this office for a period of six months for this work. I fully appreciate all that you say, but at present is is absolutely impossible to send a man into that locality. Of course, as you can very readily realize, similar urgent requests are constantly being made from every section of the country. We have but a very limited number of salaried organizers in the field; the treasury of the A. F. of L. is very restricted. It is impossible under these circumstances to comply with every request of this character, though we endeavor to do the best we possibly can in every case. I can only say that a memorandum will be made of your request and should circumstances so shape themselves at any time as to afford the opportunity of sending a man into [?] Texas, we shall certainly be glad to do so.[*579*] Mr. John R. Spencer -2- With best wishes, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Samu'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*580*] [*COPIED. SEP 9- 1911*] X. Sept. 8, 1911. Mr. William E. Terry, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, General Delivery, Waycross, Ga. Dear Sir and Brother: Enclosed you will please find copy of letter received today from Secretary Skemp of the Brotherhood of Painters and Decorators, which is self-explanatory, and which is sent to you for your information and guidance in your work while at Waycross. With kind regards, I am, Fraternally yours, Samu'l Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor.[*581*] COPY. BROTHERHOOD OF PAINTERS, DECORATORS AND PAPERHANGERS, Lafayette, Ind., Sept. 6, 1911. Mr. Frank Morrison, 801-809 G St., N. W., Washington, D. C. Dear Sir and Brother: Replying to your letter of August 31st will state we feel sure our General Executive Board would not consent to issuance of a charter by the American Federation of Labor to the colored painters of Waycross, Ga., to be organized in a federal labor union. Fraternally yours, (Signed) J. C. Skemp, G. S. T.[*582*] [*COPIED. SEP 9- 1911*] X. Sept. 8, 1911. Mr. Earle W. Cage, Jamestown, New York. Dear Sir: Please accept President Gompers' thanks for your letter of September seventh in which you enclosed manuscript for publication in the October number of the American Federationist, saying that you would be glad to write a series of such articles for future issues. President Gompers is now making an organizing and lecturing trip in the West and on the Pacific Coast, as directed by the Convention of the A. F. of L., but your letter will be brought to his attention upon his return. When you write him again in the course of the next two or three weeks, kindly again refer to the photograph you desire, in case your request should in some way be overlooked here. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*583*] [*COPIED. SEP 9- 1911*] X. Sept. 8, 1911. Mr. B. M. Schooley, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, Lawrence, Kansas. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of August 31st in which you enclose several contributions from public men in Lawrence as contributions to the symposium in the American Federationist. Of course, as you know the September issue is now out, but the matter you enclose will be held for President Gompers' attention in connection with the October number. Please accept his thanks for your courtesy in compliance with his request. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*584*] [*COPIED. SEP 9- 1911*] X. Sept. 8, 1911. Mr. C. W. Rich, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, #2, Johnson Building, Springfield, Ohio. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the first instant is received and contents noted. Now in regard to the statements given you by Judge James Johnson, of the Supreme Court of Ohio, and General J. Warren Keifer, former Congressman from your District, as contributions to the symposium in the September issue of the American Federationist, I beg to say that your letter transmitting these was dated August 14th and was received here August 16th, several days after the forms had closed for the September issue, and therefore entirely too late for publication in that issue. If you will refer to the editorial notes on page 715 of the September issue, you will see that I make reference to a number of such contributions which were received here [either]too late for the September issue, and that a number of such articles would appear in our October number. The statements from the two gentlemen in question have in part already been sent to the printer for the October number, together with other such belated matter. I appreciate very much your courtesy in complying with my request, and regret that the responses reached me too late for our Labor Day number.[*585*] Mr. C. W. Rich -2- I trust you will explain the matter to Messrs. Johnson and Keifer, and call their attention to the October number when it is out. With kind regards, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*586*] [*COPIED. SEP 9- 1911*] X. Sept. 8, 1911. Mr. B. Williams, Secretary, Badge Makers Union #9136, 1014 Pine Street, St. Louis, Mo. Dear Sir and Brother: I beg to inform you that the wage scale submitted by your local for the approval of the Executive Council was placed before that body and the same approved. This approval carries with it the authorization of your union to go out on strike if necessary in order to maintain your position, and your members thereby be entitled to benefits from the defense fund, in accordance with Sections 4 and 5 of Article 13 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.[*587*] [*COPIED. SEP 9- 1911*] X. Sept. 8, 1911. The Hutchinson Music Company, 48 Gallia Street, Portsmouth, Ohio. Gentlemen: Your favor of September sixth has been received and contents noted. Beg to advise you in reply that President Gompers is now making an organizing and lecturing trip in the West and the Pacific Coast, and is not expected to return here until the first week in October. I would suggest that you write to Mr. Charles Dold, President, Piano and Organ Workers' Union of America, 1037 Greenwood Terrace, Chicago, Illinois, who will be glad to give you full information on as to the Kimball Piano Company. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*588*] [*COPIED. SEP 9- 1911*] X. Sept. 7, 1911. Mr. E. E. Elliott, 726 Upper Third Street, Evansville, Indiana. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the fourth instant and to thank you in his name for calling attention to "The Future Citizen", a book published by the Sherman and French Company, of Boston, written by T. A. Myers. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*589*] [*COPIED. SEP 9- 1911*] X. Sept. 7, 1911. Miss Harriet N. Roberts, Acting Temporary Secretary, Committee on Safety of the City of New York, #165 Broadway, New York City. Dear Madam: Your favor of the fifth instant is received and contents noted. You advise President Gompers that an executive session of the New York State Commission will be held at the office of the City Committee on Safety, Room 501, 165 Broadway, at ten o'clock on Monday morning, September 11th. I beg to advise you in reply that President Gompers is making an organizing and lecturing trip in California, and as he is not expected to return here until the first week in October he will therefore not be able to attend a meeting on September 11th. Please advise him of any future meetings of the Committee so that if possible he may attend. Yours very truly, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*590*] [*COPIED. SEP 9- 1911*] X. Sept. 7, 1911. Mr. F. A. Tierney, Secretary, New York State Legislative Investigation Commission, No. 165 Broadway, New York City. Dear Sir: Your favor of the fifth instant is received and contents noted. You advise President Gompers that an executive session of the New York Legislative Investigating Commission will be held at the office of the City Committee on Safety, Room 501, No. 165 Broadway, at eleven o'clock on Monday morning, September 11th. I beg to advise you in reply that President Gompers is making an organizing and lecturing trip in California, and as he is not expected to return here until the first week in October he will therefore not be able to attend a meeting on September 11th. Please advise him of any future meetings of your Committee so that if possible he may attend. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard, Secretary to President Gompers.[*591*] [*COPIED. SEP 9- 1911*] X. Sept. 7, 1911. Mr. J. A. Hill, 218 Osage Avenue, Kansas City, Kansas. Dear Sir: Your favor of the fourth instant is received and contents noted. I beg to say in reply that you do not indicate the name of the union to which you desire to make application for membership. In any event, I would suggest that you take the matter up with our official representative in Kansas City, Organizer Sim A. Bramlette, 2596 North 18th Street, Kansas City, Kansas, who will be glad to give you any advice or assistance in his power. Very truly yours, Samu'l Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor.[*592*] [*COPIED. SEP 9- 1911*] X. Sept. 7, 1911. American Surety Company, 100 Broadway, New York City. Gentlemen: In reply to yours of September 6th in regard to Robert S. Maguire, of Washington, D. C., I beg to advise you that President Gompers is at present in California and is not expected to return here until the early part of October, when your request will be brought to his attention. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard. Secretary to President Gompers.[*593*] [*COPIED. SEP 9- 1911*] X. Sept. 7, 1911. Mr. John G. Meiler, Secretary, Amalgamated Wood Workers' International Union, 3538 North Albany Avenue, Chicago, Ill. Dear Sir: As President Gompers is making an organizing and lecturing trip in the West and on the Pacific Coast as directed by the Convention of the A. F. of L., I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of August 31st. Replying to his letter to you of August 16th, you ask whether the propositions he makes therein in conformity with the action taken at the Indianapolis conference have also been submitted to the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners. I beg to say in reply that they have not. The entire matter will be held for President Gompers personal attention upon his return, which will not be until the early part of October. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*594*] [*COPIED. SEP 9- 1911*] X. Sept. 7, 1911. Mr. M. F. Ryan, President, Brotherhood of Railway Carmen of America, 503 Hall Building, Kansas City, Mo. Dear Sir and Brother: In a letter recently received from Mr. George A. Nolte, Grand Lodge Deputy of your Brotherhood, he states that it would be decidedly to the interests of your Brotherhood, as well as of the labor movement in general, if the Vice-Presidents of your Brotherhood held commissions as General Volunteer Organizers for the United States. He says he makes this suggestion because in their work among the carmen, they usually come in contact with helpers and laborers all along the different systems, and it would therefore be of great help in securing the organization of this class of workmen if the Vice-Presidents of your Brotherhood held commissions as volunteer organizers. I shall be glad to have your advice as to this for if the suggestion made by Brother Nolte meets with your approval, it would afford me pleasure to issue commissions in conformity therewith. Kindly let me hear from you at your early convenience, giving me a list of the names of those of your officers to whom such commissions should be issued.[*595*] Mr. N. F. Ryan -2- With kind regards, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*596*] [*COPIED. SEP 9- 1911*] X. Sept. 7, 1911. Mr. Geo. A. Nolte, Grand Lodge Deputy, Brotherhood of Railway Carmen of America, 1201 Harrison Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio. Dear Sir and Brother: Secretary Morrison has handed me your letter of September fourth, to which he has replied in part. In regard to your suggestion as to commissions as volunteer organizers being issued to the officers of your Brotherhood, let me say that I am taking the matter up with President Ryan, for I shall be glad to issue such commission if he so desires. Thanking you for the suggestion, and with kind regards, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*597*] [*COPIED. SEP 9- 1911*] Sept. 7, 1911. No. 72. EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, AMERICAN FEDERATION OF LABOR. COLLEAGUES: By Document #65 of August 12th, and Document #66, August 14th, the attention of the Executive Council was called to the case of Federal Labor Union #9993, of Centralia, Illinois, Federal Labor Union #10827, of Burnside, Chicago, Illinois, and Railroad Helpers and Laborers Union #12874, of Champaign, Illinois, all three of which are members of the System Federation of the Illinois Central Railroad, represented at conferences and meetings of the System Federation first by Vice-President Alpine, and then by Organizer J. J. Fitzpatrick, these three locals of course being required to conform to the action of the System Federation. In a report just received from Organizer John Fitzpatrick of the last meeting he calls attention to the fact that Machinists' Helpers local #12561, Clinton, Illinois, Machinists' Helpers Local #12345, Paducah, Kentucky, and Federal Labor Union #9626, of Waterloo, Iowa, are also members of the System Federation of the Illinois Central Railroad, and subject, of course, to whatever action may be taken by the System Federation. Enclosed you will please find copy of his report. At the time Documents #65 and #66 were submitted to the Executive Council I had not been[*598*] Executive Council-----2. advised that the locals at Clinton, Paducah, and Waterloo were members of the System Federation. The Executive Council by its vote upon Documents #65 and #66 will sustain Locals #12874, Champaign, #10829, Burnside, Chicago, and #9993, Centralia, in the event of a strike being called by the System Federation. The proposition now submitted to the Executive Council for a vote is: Shall Locals #12561, Clinton, Illinois, #12345, Paducah, Kentucky, and #9626, Waterloo, Iowa, all members of the System Federation of the Illinois Central Railway, be also sustained and be allowed benefits from the Defense Fund of the A. F. of L. should the members of those organizations become involved with the other local unions represented in the System Federation of the Illinois Central Railway? Machinists' Helpers Union #12561, Clinton, Illinois, was chartered August, 26, 1907, and has paid per capita tax for the past year as follows: Sept., 1910, 14 members Oct., " 14 " Nov., " 14 " Dec., " 14 " Jan. 1911 14 " Feb., " 14 " Mar., " 14 " Apr., " 14 " May " 14 " June, " 14 " July, " 14 " Aug. " 22 " Machinists Helpers Union #12345, Paducah, Kentucky, was chartered November 21, 1906, and has paid per capita tax for the past twelve months as follows: Sept., 1910, 40 members Oct., " 40 " Nov., " 40 " Dec., " 40 "[*599*] Executive Council - 3- Jan., 1911 40 members Feb., " 40 " Mar., " 40 " Apr., " 40 " May, " 40 " June, " 40 " July, " 40 " Aug., " 40 " Federal Labor Union #9626, Waterloo, Iowa, was chartered February 15, 1902, and has paid per capita tax for the past twelve months as follows: Sept., 1910, 60 members Oct., " 60 " Nov., " 60 " Dec., " 70 " Jan., 1911 70 " Feb., " 70 " Mar., " 70 " Apr., " 60 " May " 60 " June, " 60 " July, " 50 " Aug., " 50 " Please return your vote upon the above at your earliest convenience, and oblige. Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*600*] COPY SEB 160 Bleecker Street, New York, September 2, 1911. Mr. Samuel Gompers, Dear Sir: I have a suggestion to make in connection with the dispute between the Harriman roads and their workmen. I am no judge of the merits of the dispute, but I can show you a way to make serious trouble for the companies if they become too obstreperous. Those Pacific Railroad Companies are operating under illegal charters. Take the Union Pacific for example; that Company is now operating under a charter from the State of Utah, but it was organized under a national charter and the Company holds that charter now and cannot surrender it unless Congress gives permission. But that charter, like every act of Congress, is the supreme law of the land and so long as it exists the road cannot be legally operated under a State Charter. Judge Hough, of this City, said last year in the Panama libel case, "The National Governemtn is not ony supreme but exclusive of every other authority;" hence it necessarily follows that a National Charter is exclusive of every State Charter. I published an article on this subject in the New York Evening Post on July 17, 1909, and I have never seen any attempt to answer it. But I have no copy of it now to send you. If my view is correct, the Union Pacific Company has no right to own stock in the Southern Pacific, nor in the Illinois Central. There are six companies thus operating under illegal charters; The Union Pacific, The Kansas Pacific, The Central Pacific, The601 Mr. Gompers------ 2 Northern Pacific, The Southern Pacific, The Texas Pacific. Those are all national corporations holding charters from Congress but operating illegally under State Charters. I hope you will lay this matter before your Lawyers, and I am sure they will agree with me. Yours truly, (Signed:) James B. Peterson.602 COPIED. SEP 9- 1911 X. Sept. 9, 1911. Mr. William D. Clark, President, International Steel and Copper Plate Printers' Union, c/o Mr. Charles T. Smith, 612 F Street, N. W., City. Dear Sir: Your favor of the seventh instant is received this morning in which you extend an invitation to President Gompers to attend the Testimonial Smoker in honor of Mr. George P. Foster, which will be held at the Social Oyster ClubHouse, this evening at seven o'clock. I am sure if Mr. Gompers were in the city it would afford his great pleasure to accept your invitation. However, he is now in California on an organizing and lecturing trip as directed by the Convention of the A. F. of L. I am sure I express his wishes in saying that I trust the evening will be a most enjoyable and pleasant one. Very sincerely yours, R. Lee Guard. Secretary to President Gompers.603 COPIED. SEP 9- 1911 X. Sept. 9, 1911. Mr. John B. Mickle, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, Box 1260, Pittsfield, Mass. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers on official business, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the seventh instant. However, I find, on looking up the newspaper sent in, that you sent the Tuesday edition, which contains no mention of the Rev. Charles P. Macgregor's sermon. Did you not intend to send Monday's paper? Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.604 COPIED. SEP 9- 1911 X. Sept. 9, 1911. Mr. Jos. William Lockhead, 188 Claremont Avenue, New York City. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers on an organizing and lecturing trip through the West and on the Pacific Coast, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the seventh instant. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.605 COPIED. SEP 9- 1911 X. Sept. 9, 1911. Mr. W. E. McEwen, Secretary, Minnesota State Federation, The Labor World, Duluth, Minn. Dear Sir: Please accept my thanks for your note of September the ninth, enclosing editorial from the Duluth Evening Herald. I am glad to get it and will appreciate your sending me your editorial "Gompers Vindicated", which you say will appear later. Again thanking you for your courtesy, I am, Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.606 COPIED. SEP 9- 1911 X. Sept. 9, 1911. Mr. W. R. Whytook, Box 604, San Angelo, Texas. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers on an organizing and lecturing trip through the West and on the Pacific Coast, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the fourth instant. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.607 COPIED. SEP 9- 1911 X. Sept. 9, 1911. Mr. Thomas L. Hughes, Secretary-Treasurer, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Chauffeurs, Stablemen and Helpers of America, 222 E. Michigan Street, Indianapolis, Ind. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers on official business, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 5th instant, and under separate cover the cut showing the label of your organization. Please accept Mr. Gompers' thanks for your prompt compliance with his request. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.608 COPIED. SEP 9- 1911 X. Sept. 9, 1911. Hon. John Burke, Governor of North Dakota, Bismarck, North Dakota. Dear Sir: As President Gompers is making an organizing and lecturing trip in the West and on the Pacific Coast, as directed by the Convention of the American Federation of Labor, I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your favor of September fourth. He will appreciate your expressions in regard to the McNamara case. Your letter will be place with other similar communications for future reference. I am sure he will be very glad indeed to receive copy of your address before the Iowa Bar Association on Employers' Liability and Workmen's Compensation. In connection with this subject you may be interested in the report which he made to the last annual convention of the A. F. of L., which was held in St. Louis, Missouri, last November. Copy is sent to you under separate cover. Your attention is respectfully called to page twenty-six on which appears the section dealing with Workmen's Compensation and Employers' Liability. Very respectfully yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.609 COPIED SEP 9, 1911 X. Sept. 9, 1911. Mr. Roy Nime, Int'l. Brotherhood of Boiler Makers and Iron Ship Builders, 421 E. Market Street, Warren, Ohio. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of September seventh is received and contents noted. You say that you are endeavoring to organize the employes of the electric lamp factory in Warren, and desire to know where application for charter should be made. Let me say in reply that if you succeed in organizing these people, make formal application for charter to this office, stating explicitly on the back of this charter just what is the nature of the work performed by the applicants. The application will then either be referred to the proper International organization, or charter will be issued direct by theA. F. of L. The application whould be accompanied by the usual charter fee of Five Dollars, and if outfit is desired additional Five Dollars for that. Enclosed please find blank form of application for charter. Hoping to hear from you again at your early convenience, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. 610 Sept. 6. 1911 X. [copied SEP 9 1911] Mr. Patrick F. O'Meara, President, New Haven Trades Council, 260 Poplar Street, New Haven, Conn. Dear Sir: Your favor of September 6th addressed to President Gompors is received. You refer to jurisdictional controversy between the Journeymen Plumbers and the International Association of Steam Fitters, and suggest that some action should be taken by President Gompers. In reply, let me say that he is now making an organizing and lecturing trip in the West and on the Pacific Coast as directed by the Convention of the A.F. of L. and is not expected to return here until the first week of October. In the meantime, in confromity with the course always followed by this office in such mattters, that is, matters of a character similar to which you write, I would suggest that you should take the matter up with the executive officers of your National Association and through them have it taken up with president Gompers. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.611 [COPIED. Sep 9. 1911] I. Sept. 9, 2921. Mr. Carl Legien, Secretary, International Centres of Trade Unions, Berlin S. O. 16, Engel-Ufe, 15, Berlin, Germany. Dear Sir and Brother: In looking back through the records of the International Secretariat, I find that I have the official printed proceedings of the International Congress for the years 1903, 1906, 1907, 1908. I would appreciate it very michif you would send me copy of the proceedings for 1904, 1905, and the later ones as they are printed in English, so that I may have the complete record here. If you can comply with my request, kindly mark the package personal. Thanking you in advance, and with kind regards, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor612 COPIED X. Sept. 7, 1912. Mr, John B. Lennon, Treasurer, American Federation of Labor, Bloomington, Illinois. Dear Sir and Brother: The demands on my time are so great, I find it impossible to affix my name to each and every warrant for the month of August, and have, therefore, authorized the use of a rubber stamp, the same being a facsimile of my signature, as follows: No. 28841, August ist, including No. 29099, August 31st, 1911, amounting to $11,140.24, With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, President, American Federation of Iabor.[*613*] [*COPIED SEP 11, 19118] K. Sept. 11, 1911. Mr. J. J. Fitzpatrick, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, Room 501, 277 Ia Salle Street, Chicago, Ill. My dear Mr. Fitzpatrick: I am not sure that Mr. Morrison will visit Chicago on his return trip, but if he does kindly see that the enclosed letter is delivered to him promptly. If he does not stop there, please return the letter to this office. Thanking you in advance for your kindness, I am. Sincerely yours, R. Lee. Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*COPIED SEP 11. 1911*] X. Sept. 11, 1911. Mr. Frank Morrison, Secretary, American Federation of Labor, C/O Mr. J.J. Fitzpatrick, Room 501, 277 La Salle St., Chicago, Ill. Dear Mr. Morrison, Enclosed you will please find copy of letter from Mr.Brlit Lyttle, of 628 Barry Avenue Chicago. I recall that before you left you said that you might come back by Chicago, and hence I am sending the enclosed to you, as it might give you the opportunity of making some inquiries as to who Mr. Lyttle is and his reliability. I am sending a copy to Mr.Gompors to Bakersfield. I am sorry that the letter got here too late for copy to reach him in Los Angeles. I showed the letter to Mr. Tracy, and am sending it a copy also to Mr. Darros, explaining to him that you are away for the week that I am sending copy to you to Chicago, also to Mr. Gompers. I received a telegram from Mr. Gompore Saturday night authorizing the signing of warrants, and saying that's had mailed the letter of authorization to Mr. Lennon. I therefore signed the Warrants this morning, and I premise Mr. Giles will send them on. 615 Mr. Frank Morrison -2- I am just wondering what the Bakers are going to say to you at the convention. With best wishes for your success, I am, Very sincerely yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.616 Mr. Frank you at the X. Sept. 11. 1911. Kon. Clarence S. Darrow, Higgins Building, Los Angeles, Cal. [*COPIED SEP 11 1911*] My dear Mr. Darrow: This morning a letter was received from Chicago signed by Britt Lyttle, 688 Barry Avenue. It contains information which may or may not be of importance in connection with the McNamara case. Copy of this letter you will please find enclosed herein. I am also sending copy to Mr. Gompers to Bakersfield. I regret that it reached here too late for him to get a copy of it while he was in Los Angeles so that he might discuss the matter with you. Mr. Morrison is also away from the city keeping a number of important engagements in the West. It is possible that he may return by way of Chicago. in any event, I am also sending a copy of the letter to him to Chicago, as he might possibl[e]y have the opportunity of learning something as to the reliability of Mr. Lyttle, in which event he will of course communicate with you. Very sincerely yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers. 617 Sept. 11, 1911. *COPIED SEP 11, 1911* X. Mr. C. E. Brandt, Box 339, Cumberland, Md. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 6th instant, in which you refer to your pamphlet "Sorapple", copy of which you have sent him, and receipt of which has been acknowledged. You suggest that you should submit to Mr. Gompers copy of your contract forms and make an arrangement with him for disposing of the pamphlet through the agency of the various affiliated local unions. I am of the opinion that President Gompers would not care to undertake to carry out this plan you suggest. I base this opinion upon similar propositions which have been made to him, and which he has invariably declined to undertake. Very Truly yours, R. Lee. Guard Secartary to President Gompers.618 X. Sept. 11, 1911. Mr. F. P. Menton, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, 516 West 10th Street, Topeka, Kansas. [*COPIED. SEP 11 1911*] Dear Sir: Your favor of the sixth instant is received. President Gompers is absent from headquarters on an organizing and lecturing trip through the West and on the Pacific Coast, as directed by the last convention of the A. F. of L. He is not expected to return here until about the first week of October, when your letter will be brought to his attention. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*619*] X. Sept. 11, 1911. Mr. Charlee W. Fear c/o The Trade Unionist, Joplin, Missouri. [*COPIED. SEP 11 1911*] Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers on an organizing and lecturing trip in the West and on the Pacific Coast, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the fourth instant, which will be brought to Mr. Gompers' personal attention upon his return to headquarters. Secretary Morrison is also away from headquarters on an important mission. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.620 X. Sept. 11, 1911. Hon. Albert B. Cummins, Des Moines, Iowa. COPIED. SEP 11 1911 Dear sir: In acknowledging receipt of yours of the 6th instant I beg to advise you that President Gompers is now on an organizing and lecturing trip on the Pacific Coast as directed by the Convention of the A. F. of L. He will not return here before the first week in October. Referring to the series of hearings before the Interstate Commerce Commission beginning November 18th, I am sure President Gompers will be glad to have the opportunity of appearing before that Committee in connection with the consideration of the Anti- Trust Law. As to the date when his engagements will permit him to appear, I cannot now definitely say. The next annual convention of the A. F. of L. Will meet in Atlanta, Georgia, November 13-25. He will of course preside over that convention providing the pro- ceedings in Justice Wright's court should take such a course as to permit his doing so. Immediately upon adjournment, another very important con- versation will convene in Atlanta, at which President Gompers will be required to be present. Apart from these matters I have no doubt but that he will621 Hon. Albert B. Cummins -2- be glad to so arrange his engagements as to permit his appearing before your committee. He would appreciate it if you would be so good as to advise him as to the date upon which the hearings will terminate. Very respectfully yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*622*] X. Sept. 11, 1911. Mr. W. B. Northrop, 1481 58th Street, Brooklyn, New York. [*COPIED SEP 11 1911*] Dear Sir: Your favor of the 8th instant is received and contents noted. I have directed that your address be changed to the above so that you will receive the Weekly News Letter promptly. Very truly yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*623*] [*COPIED. SEP 11 1911*] X. Sept. 11, 1911. Mr. Britt Lyttle, 628 Barry Avenue, Chicago, Illinois. Dear Sir: Your two favors of September ninth are received this morning, the contents of which are noted. In reply I beg to advise you that President Gompers is now away from headquarters on an organizing and lecturing trip in the West and on the Pacific Coast, as directed by the Convention of the A. F. of L. However, I am sending copy of your letter to him and am also sending copy to Secretary Morrison who is now in the West fulfilling a number of important engagements. You will therefore kindly accept this acknowledgement of the receipt of your letter until such time as either or bother of them communiate with you direct. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers [*624*] [*COPIED. SEP 19 1911*] X. Sept. 9, 1911. Mr. J. R. Martin, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, 533 Prince Street, Sydney, B. C. Dear Sir and Brother: In continuation of my letter to you of August 29th in regard to the situation in your district as it affects the interests of several different organizations, as I stated to you I took the matter up with the executive officers of the various International Unions interested and am now in receipt of replies from them, a brief summary of which is as follows: President Valentine, of the Iron Molders, says that one of his organizers has visited Sydney within the past month, and reported that nothing could be done at present. President Valentine states he will repeat the effort just as soon as conditions warrant him in doing so. President P. M. McArdle, of the Amalgamated Association of Iron, Steel and Tin Workers, states that his organization has a man working at Sydney at the present time, he being one of the victimized men, and that his organization is unable at the present time to do anything more than that. Secretary Frank Duffy, United Brotherhood of Carpenters, and Joiners, states that he has had considerable correspondence with you on this subject, and that he has turned the correspondence over[*625*] Mr. J. R. Martin -2- President Huber, who has charge of the organizing work. In a later letter from President Huber, he says that he has no one available for the work at present, but that a note has been made of the request, and that if at any time in the future he finds his organization in a position to take up this work, it will be gladly done. Secretary J. C. Skemp, Brotherhood of Painters, Decorators and Paperhangers, writes me that their organization fund is now taxed to its utmost, and it is therefore impossible for him to send a special organizer to Sydney. However, he states that he has referred the correspondence to Sixth Vice-President A. E. Scott, of Winnipeg, who has charge of the entire Dominion, and thinks that perhaps he can arrange to visit Nova Scotia. Secretary William F. Kramer, International Brotherhood of Blacksmiths, states that their organization has maintained one of their vice-presidents in Canada exclusively for the past few years, and that your request will be referred to him, in orderthat he may govern himself accordingly. I trust that through the assistance of the several International Unions as above indicated, much good will result to the movement in your locality. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*626*] [*COPIED. SEP 13 1911*] X. Sept. 12, 1911. Mr. C. E. Dowd, Organizer, International Association of Machinists, Room 8, Union Labor Temple, Pittsburg, Pa. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers on official business, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the tenth instant, which will be held for his personal attention upon his return. He is now in the West on an Organizing and lecturing trip, and is not expected to return here until about the first week in October. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*627*] [*COPIED. SEP 12 1911*] X. Sept. 12, 1911. Mr. E. G. Hall, President, Minnesota State Federation of Labor, 923 Third Ave. North, Minneapolis, Minn. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the seventh instant is received, and your address will be changed as per your request. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*628*] X. Sept. 12, 1911. Mr. Thomas A. Nolan, 15 Mountain Avenue, Somerville, Mass. COPIED. SEP 12 1911 Dear Sir: In further acknowledgment of your letter of September fourth in which you enclose the argument made by your son in the Dartmouth debate, I beg to thank you for your courtesy in sending it to me and have read it with much interest. The matter, however, goes over ground which has been dealt with in the American Federationist, and while it is a most commendable treatise for a young man, yet it hardly comes within the scope of matters such as we publish and therefore Ireturn it to you herein. Thanking you for your courtesy, I am, Very truly yours, Saml. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. EDITOR, AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST.[*629*] COPIED. SEP 12 1911 X. Sept. 12, 1 911. Sherman, French and Company Boston, Mass. Gentlemen: Would you please advise me if you publish a book by F. A. Myers entitled "The Future Citizen", and if so what is the price? Thank you in advance for your prompt reply, I am, Very truly yours, Saml. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*630*] COPIED SEP 12 1911 X. Sept. 12. 1911. Mrs. S. Louise Patterson, Waldheim, Fairmount P. 0., Ohio. Dear Madam: In further acknowledgment of your manuscript on Industrial Education in Switzerland, I beg to thank you for your courtesy in submitting it to me, but as we have had a great deal of matter during the last two years on Industrial Education, matter prepared by the A. F. of L. specially appointed investigators, I fear I will be unable to make use of your manuscript and therefore return it to you herein. Again thanking you for your courtesy, I am, Very truly yours, Saml. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor, EDITOR, AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST.[*631*] [*COPIED. SEP 12 1911*] X. Sept. 12, 1911. Mr. G.C. Edwards, Editor The Laborer, Dallas, Texas. Dear Sir: Your favor of September eighth is received and contents noted. President Gompers is absent from headquarters on an organizing and lecturing trip in the West and on the Pacific Coast, as directed by the last Convention of the A.F. of L. The best reply I can make to your request for information in regard to Whitehead and Hoag Company is to give you copy of the report made by Organizer Cal Wyatt, of New York City, who has been acting as the representative of the A.F. or L, in this matter. The report which he submitted under date of August 12th deals also with a number of other matters, and copy of that portion of it dealing with the Whitehead and Hoag Company is enclosed herein. Trusting that the above will be of assistance to you, I am, Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*632*] extract from report received from Organizer Cal Wyatt, Aug. 19,1911, on Whitehead and Hoag Company. On returning from Atlantis City I stopped at Newark to keep the appointment previously made with Mr. Conklin, of the firm of Whitehead and Hoag, in reference to forming a union of the female employees in that establishment. I was accompanied by Con Ford, President of the N. J. State Federation of Labor, and Henry Hilfers, Secretary of the Essex Trades Council. After we had talked for a few moments with Mr. Conklin in his office, he invited me to inspect the plant. I did so in company with a few other members of the committee. The invitation, however, appeared to be extended to me in a reluctant manner. Realizing there was more behind it than appeared on the surface, I accepted for the purpose of personally inspecting the plant. I noticed during the progress of our inspection that on several occasions Mr. Conklin was desirous of hurrying me through certain departments. This I did not permit and, in such departments, I made a personal inspection of the work. I paid close attention to the condition of the building, I do not consider it the safest place in the world for the large number of employees that I found in it, as its construction would make a very quick and destructive fire if one should by accident be started in the building. The ventilation is fairly good and the light in some parts is reasonably fair, while other parts are apparently very defective. In each department I noticed women operating machines crowded very closely together, there not being sufficient room to pass between them while at work and they were given but little more than probably three feet space in which to do their little stunts. In the sheet metal department I noticed women doing what I consider men's work on heavy stamping machines, which they operate. I have[*633*] -2- no doubt the number of children employed, that Mr. Conklin gave me in his first interview, is correct so far as the young girls are concerned. No mention, however, was made of the number of boys under the age of sixteen years, I presume. I think there are fully twenty of them in addition to the eighty girls. I might say, incidentally, that in passing through the clerical department I saw probably one hundred young men and young women very busily engaged at their work, and by a hasty glance I judge that their age would run from seventeen up, there being at least three women to each man. In my previous reports I made no mention of this because I was not acquainted with the fact. I also discovered by chance that a number of outside workers are employed. I mean by this that the work is carried away from the factory and done in the homes, presumably by the women and children. When I asked Mr. Conklin how many of such employees were on his pay roll, he was unable to inform me, and appeared very much surprised that I was aware of the fact. He called up one of the departments by telephone and in answer tomy question as to the number of the outside employees, said it was from thirty to forty. But judging from my past experience, since I have been handling this matter, I am strongly of the opinion that a muchlarger number is employed than that stated. From the information I have been able to obtain from time to time in various ways, I think I am safe in saying that the total number engaged on work of various kinds in the plant and outside, will exceed 575. I arrived at that conclusion in this way: 140 union men; 250 female employees; 10 in the clerical department; 40 outside workers. This makes a total of 575 as I figure it, while there may be more that I have no knowledge of. After the inspection had been completed, we returned to Mr. Conklin's office and get down to business. One of his first questions to[*634*] no was whether I had any proposition to offer other than the one spoken of at the previous conference. I answered him that I had none. That proposition was that we would be permitted to have representatives of the Women's Trade Union League and also of the Badge Makers Union, visit the plan and talk to the female employers, explaining the benefits of a union and invite them to join. While that experiment was in progress I requested Mr. Conklin not to interfere with it, as I desired the women to have a free hand to demonstrate whether his claim was correct or not. He had insisted that the women he had talked to were not desirous of forming a union. He repeated to me his former reason, in substance; that Mr. Whithead and Mr. Hoag hadnot been consulted and could not be for some time interference to the matter on account of their absence from New York. and that unit they gave their sanction he could and would not permit us to make an effort to organize them. As we were unable to reach an agreement regarding the matter, I decided to end the conference and report the result. Before leaving the office he asked me if I would be offended should he go to Washington and have an interview with President Gompers and yourself. I assured him not only that I would not be offended but I would furnish all the information necessary and assist him in every way to secure such a conference as he desired. At his request, I gave him such information as I thought might enable him to secure the conference. He took occasion to say that he would wire a night letter to you at Atlantic City. Mr. Conklin admitted that the Whithead and Hoag Company had a practical monopoly of their business in this country, after I had asked him if it was not true; and he also admitted that their business had been seriously curtailed on account of the agitation that has developed since our conference had been been on to property[*635*] ash organize the employees of the company. I informed him that no special offers had been made along that line by anybody to my knowledge, and I did not think that there was any intention to injure the business of the firm in that way: only the bare facts had been given and the additional information that I had acquired would be placed in the hands of the people I represented and in all probability a report made on the matter to the coming convention at Atlanta, Ga. After leaving Mr. Conklin the committee consulted and we are of the unanimous opinion, as expressed at that time, that the action of the company is due almost solely to the fact that an organization of the kind we desire would mean an increase in wages for the women, and that is the reason so much opposition is manifested.[*636*] [*COPIED. SEP 12 1911*] X. Sept. 12, 1911. Mr. Louis P. Marquardt, Chairman, Press Committee, Atlanta Federation of Trades, 14 1/2 N. Forsyth Street, Atlanta, Ga. Dear Sir: Your favor of the seventh instant is received and contents noted. I beg to advise you in reply that President Gompers is absent from headquarters on an organizing and lecturing trip in the West and on the Pacific Coast, as directed by the convention of the A. F. of L. In compliance with your request for data to be used in the preparation of special articles in anticipation of the forthcoming annual convention of the A. F. of L. in Atlanta, I enclose to you herein some of the printed matter published by this office, putting forth the aims, objects and work of the Federation. Under separate cover I am sending you group picture of the Executive Council of the A. F. of L. and also a separate picture of President Gompers. You will also find enclosed statement of the names of the members of the Executive Council from 1881 to date. If there is any further date which we can give you please advise us. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*637*] [*COPIED. SEP 12 1911*] X. Sept. 12, 1911. Mr. Thomas R. Shipp, Executive Secretary, National Conservation Congress, Colorado Building, City. Dear Sir: Replying to your favor of September eighth which has just been received, I beg to say that President Gompers is now in California on an organizing and lecturing trip as directed by the Convention of the A. F. of L. He will not return here until the first week in October. As stated to you in a previous letter, it will therefore be impossible for him to attend the Third National Conservation Congress at Kansas City, September 25-27, but Mr. John T. Smith has been appointed as the official representative of the A. F. of L. to attend that meeting. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*638*] COPIED. SEPT 12 1911 X. Sept. 12, 1911. Mr. Henry Ullner, Secretary, American Brotherhood of Cement Workers, Mechanics' Building, San Francisco, Cal. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 8th instant is received and contents noted. In continuation of our correspondence in regard to the complaint made by F. L. U. 7087 as to the transgression of jurisdiction on the part of the Cement Workers, you express the opinion that there are members of the F. L. U. 7087 who are constantly employed at cement work and that they should properly come under the jurisdiction of your local. You further say that you will take the matter up with local #17 of East St. Louis. I also am writing to F. L. U. 7087 of Belleville, and would like you to write me again as soon as you hear from your local #17. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*639*] [*COPIED. SEP 12 1911*] X. Sept.12, 1911 Mr. Charles Diehl, Secretary, Federal Labor Union #7087, Belleville, Illinois. Dear Sir and Brother: In continuation of my letter to you of August 25th, replying to yours in which you complained against the transgression of jurisdiction on the part of Cement Workers of East St. Louis, I beg to say that I took the matter up with secretary Ullner of the Brotherhood of Cement Workers, who is now in Chicago. In his reply he expresses the opinion that from information which has come to him that there are members of your local who are constantly employed as Cement Workers, and who properly should come under the jurisdiction of the Cement Workers' local union. He further says that he is taking the matter up with his local #17 of East St. Louis. In the meantime, I should like you to write me fully as to the claim made by Secretary Ullner as above set forth. Hoping to receive your early reply, and with kind regards, I am. Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor.[*640*] X. Sept. 12, 1911. Mr. S. R. A. Herne, President, Local #138, International Union of Steam Engineers, Butte, Montana. [*COPIED. SEP 12 1911*] Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers on an organizing and lecturing trip in the West and on the Pacific Coast, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of September fifth, which will be held for Mr. Gompers' personal attention upon his return to headquarters. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers. [*641*] [*COPIED. SEP 12 1911*] X. Sept. 12, 1911. Mr. J. C. Coers, Secretary, Federal Labor Union #9066, Breese, Illinois. Dear Sir and Brother: Under date of September first, I received a letter from Mrs. Mary B. Brauer of your city, in which she says: "I would like to have little information on about the way the main officers of the Federation are treating my boy. They took him in the Federation of Labor before he was 16 years of age and then they demanded $25. a month and the Boss, Henry Schroeder would not pay it so they put him out of work. We don't patronize list. So the boy was out of work for over two months. Now they want to pay him $16. for the two months work that he lost and also throw him out of the Federation of Labor and I don't see why. They also told me that he could not join the U. M. W. of A. He is also a miner's son and I am a widow. I wish that you would see after this and attend to it because he is my main support." In acknowledging receipt of her letter I requested her to give me the name and number of the union in which her son had held membership. She advised me that it is F. L. U. 9066. She further says: "to give you more information, I will say that the boy is not yet 16 years of age and I would like to know if it is right to take the boy in the Federation of Labor before 16 years of age. If it is I would like to know why they don't take the rest of boys in who worked before my boy did, and they are still working, and they are not making any attempt to make them join. My boy joined the 13th day of June and he was discharged from his Boss on the 28th because he did not want to pay the scale and my boy did not work any since the 28th of June. My boy they said was put out of the Federation of Labor and put on the unfair listen and the boss Henry Schroeder has a right I would like to know what is wrong."[*642*] Mr. F. C. Coers -2- Please let me hear from you in regard to the above at your earliest convenience, so that I may be in a position to intelligently reply to Mrs. Brauer. Hoping to receive your early reply, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor.[*643*] X. Sept. 12, 1911. Mrs. Mary Brouer, Breese, Illinois. [*COPIED. SEP 12 1911*] Dear Madam: Your favor of the 8th instant is received, in which you state that your son was a member of Federal Labor Union #9066, of Breese, Illinois. I am therefore writing to the Secretary of that union for an explanation of the case, and upon receipt of his reply will write you further. Very truly yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*644*] [*COPIED. SEP 12 1911*] X. Sept. 12, 1911. Mr. Henry A. Smith, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, Berlin, New Hampshire. Dear Sir and Brother: I have recently had several letters from Mr. Oss Curran, of Exeter, N. H., in regard to organizing the woodsmen and saw mill workers. As the international union is no longer in existence, I advised him that should he succeed in organizing the men in question, application for charter should be made direct to the American Federation of Labor. In his last letter, dated September 8th, he says: "I have watched the way those woodsmen and river drivers are treated, and I came to the conclusion that some one must start a reform to stop those long hours and small pay, 18 and 20 hours and sometimes day and night for three or four days at a time is the way they work men in New Hampshire and Maine, and if a man worked 24 hours he is only entitled to one day. I knowthose things from experience for I have done it myself. I have talked with several of the boys and they wanted that I should start a union for them, under the A. F. of L. and I am going to start in a few days to Berlin, N. H. Will make there my headquarters and shall start on an easy going plan till I can secure a number of members, and shall be guarded strictly under the A. F. of L. You shall hear from me in a few days with such names and cash to cover expense of charter, etc. I must tell you I am greatly interested in the work, and I know I can secure some good men to help me carry it along as I intend to roll up a large list of names before 1912." I suggested to him that in as much as he will make his[*645*] Mr. H. A. Smith -2- headquarters at Berlin that you would be glad to give him any assistance within your power. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. SEP 12 1911*][*646*] [*COPIED. SEP 12 1911*] X. Sept.12, 1911. Mr. Oss Curran, #6 Cass Street, Exeter, N. H. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of September 8th is received and contents noted. In referring to the organization of the woodsmen and saw mill workers you say that you expect to make your headquarters at Berlin. Now let me suggest that you confer with the organizer of the A. F. of L. Mr. Henry A. Smith, who is also Secretary of the Central Labor Union. I am sure he will be glad to co-operate with you in any way within his power in bringing about the organization of the men in question. Hoping to hear from you again, and with best wishes for success, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*647*] [*COPIED. SEP 12 1911*] X. Sept. 12, 1911. Mr. Robert E. Mattingly, 472 Louisiana Avenue City. Dear Sir: Your registered letter marked personal of August 17th was duly received. As you have doubtless noticed from the press reports, President Gompers is making an organizing and lecturing trip through the West. When your letter was received, it was laid aside with other special matter for his personal attention upon his return, and hence the delay in making acknowledgement of its receipt. It will be placed among other letters that are being held for Mr. Gompers' attention, but as he is not expected to return until the early part of October, it will be quite some time before he will have the opportunity of replying to you. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*648*] [*COPIED. SEP 12 1911*] X. Sept. 12, 1911. Mr. P. M. Carlin, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, 81 West 18th St., Bayonne, N. J. Dear Sir and Brother: In a letter just received from Secretary Gilthorpe of your International Union, he requests that although you resigned as Seventh Vice-President of the Brotherhood, that your Commission as volunteer organizer for the A. F. of L. should be continued. In a letter from your successor to the Seventh Vice-Presidency, Brother J. J. Dowd he returned you commission, renewal of which was issued to you on August 24th of this year. You will therefore find it enclosed herein. I take it from Brother Gilthorpe's letter that it will be perfectly agreeable to you to continue to act as volunteer organizer for the A. F. of L. and therefore your name has not been discontinued from our records. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*649*] [*COPIED. SEP 12 1911*] X. Sept. 12, 1911. Mr. W. J. Gilthorpe, Secretary, International Brotherhood of Boiler Makers and Iron Ship Builders and Helpers of America, Suite 7-12 Law Building, Kansas City, Kansas. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the seventh instant is received and contents noted. In conformity with your recommendation I have just written to Mr. P. J. Carlin, former Seventh Vice-president of your Brotherhood, and requested him to retain the commission as volunteer organizer for the A. F. of L. When Mr. Dowd advised me of Mr. Carlin's resignation as Seventh Vice-President, he at the same time returned Mr. Carlin's commission. I am therefore enclosing it in my letter to Mr. Carlin. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*650*] [*COPIED. SEP 12 1911*] X. Sept. 11, 1911. Mr. Philip B. Jacobs, Managing Editor, Journal of the Outdoor Life, 289 4th Ave., New York City. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers on an organizing and lecturing trip in the West and on the Pacific Coast, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 8th instant, which will be brought to Mr. Gompers' attention upon his return to headquarters. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*651*] [*COPIED. SEP 12 1911*] X. Sept. 11, 1911. Mr. C. L. Mirray, Secretary, Machinists' Helpers Union #12795 Decatur, Illinois. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of September seventh is received and contents noted. Now in regard to the matter of the formation of an International Union of Machinists Helpers, I beg to say that I have had quite some correspondence upon this subject with Mr. John L. Donnelly, President of Machinists' Helpers Local #11830, of Salt lake City. Enclosed you will please find copy of a letter which I wrote him under date of June 22d and which I ask that you kindly accept as part of this communication to you. With best wishes, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*652*] [*COPIED. Sep 12, 1911*] X. Sept. 12, 1911. Mr. I. L. Owens, General Secretary, Brotherhood of Railway Clerks, New York Central System, 275 Seymour Avenue, Utica, New York. Dear Sir: Acknowledging receipt of your favor of September fifth, I beg to advise you that President Gompers is now making an organizing and lecturing trip in the West as directed by the Convention of the A. F. of L. and is not expected to return here until the first week of October. It will therefore not be within the power for his to accept your invitation to address a mass meeting of the Railway Clerks in the Shubert Theater, Utica, Sunday afternoon, September 24th. I am sure that if circumstances were such as to permit him to accept your invitation it would afford him pleasure to do so. Very truly yours, R. Lee. Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*653*] [*COPIED. SEP 19 1911*] Washington, D. C., Sept. 13, [191]1. Mr. Samuel Gompers, San Diego, Cal. Nightletter received. All matter went to Printers. Will be revised as directed by you. Papers here give notice your visit to McNamara. Everything O.K. Glad to get your Santa Cruz letter yesterday. Your [folks?] well. R. Lee Guard. Charge A. F. of L.[*654*] [*COPIED. SEP 13 1911*] X. Sept. 13, 1911. Mr. John P. White, President, United Mine Workers of America, Seventh Ave. Hotel, Pittsburg, Pa. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers on an organizing and lecturing trip in the West and on the Pacific Coast, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 9th instant, which will be held for Mr. Gompers' attention upon his return to headquarters. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*655*] X. Sept. 23, 1911. Mr. Wm. B. Deal, Secretary, Coopers' International Union, Suite A, Board of Trade Building, Kansas City. Kansas. [*COPIED. SEP 13 1911*] Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers on an organizing and lecturing trip in the West and on the Pacific Coast, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 8th 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.[*656] x. Sept. 15, 1911. Mr. Chas. L. Evans, Secretary, Central Labor Union 2010 West Lincoln Ave., Parsons, Kansas. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers on an organizing and lecturing trip in the West and on the Pacific Coast, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 8th instant, which will be brought to his personal attention upon his return to headquarters. Very truly yours, R Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers[*657*] [*COPIED SEP 14 2911*] X. Sept 12, 1911 Mr. C. F. Russi, Jr., 1014 Lake View Avenue, San Antonio, Texas. Dear Sir: Your favorof September seventh addressed to President Gompers is received and contents noted. You set forth in detail the trouble which exists in san Antonio by reason of the violation of the immigration laws, and express the wish that President Gompers would take the matter up with the Department of Labor, and see if something cannot be done to enforce the laws. In the postscript to your letter you request that your letter should not be passed over to anyone else. I therefore hesitate to submit the matter to the Immigration Bureau and will not do so until further advice from you. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*658*] [*Copied. Sep 13 1911*] .X. Mr. Martin Dee, 741 S. Wyoming Street, Butte, Montana. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers on an organizing and lecturing trip through the West and on the Pacific Coast, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of August 30th, which will be held for Mr. Gompers' personal attention upon his return to headquarters. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers. 659 Sept. 13, 1911. X. Mr. William Feinauer, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, Fremont, Nebr. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of September tenth is received and contents noted. I have referred your letter to Mr. J. C. Skemp, Secretary of the Brotherhood of Painters, Decorators, and Paperhangers, who will give you full information as to how to form a local union of that craft. With best wishes, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. [*660*] X. Sept. 13, 1911. Mr. David Lever, Montana Interscholastic Athletic Association, Missoula, Montana. [*COPIED. SEP 13 1911*] Dear Sir: Your favor of the 6th instant is at hand, in which you request information and literature on the question of "Open vs. Closed Shop". 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 a 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 Hammersmark Publishing Company, 151-153 Wabash Ave., Chicago, Illinois, 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.[*661*] Mr. David Lever -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.[*662*] X. Sept. 13, 1911. Mr. J. C. Skemp, Secretary, Brotherhood of Painters, Decorators and Paperhangers, Drawer 99, Lafayette, Indiana. [*COPIED. Sep 13 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: I am in receipt of a letter from Organizer William Feinsuer, Fremont Nebraska, in which he states that he has 18 signatures of men eligible to form a local union under your International, and desires instructions how to proceed. I have told him that his letter is referred to you and that you will write him direct. Please give this matter your attention, and oblige. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*663*] X. Sept. 12 1911. Mr. W. K. Gibbs, National Defense League, Hannibal, Mo. [*COPIED. SEP 12 1911*] Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers on an organizing and lecturing trip through the West and on the Pacific Coast, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the sixth instant, and under separate cover copy of your local paper containing article on the National Guard organization to which you make reference. Both will be held for Mr. Gompers' attention upon his return to headquarters. Very truly yours, Secretary to President Gompers.[*664*] LF Sept. 13, 1911 Mr. John Yates, Secretary Railroad Helpers and Laborers Union #14088 1320 West 4th Ave., Knoxville, Tennessee. [*COPIED SEP 13 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother; Your favor of the 23rd ultimo containing order of business for conducting meetings of your union, came duly to hand. Let me say that it is necessary that you should submit constitution and by-laws for consideration and adoption. The order of business is only a part of the by-laws. Kindly forward your constitution at the earliest opportunity for the approval of this office. With kind regards, I remain, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers President American Federation of Labor.[*665*] [*COPIED. SEP 13, 1911*] LF Sept. 13, 1911 Mr. J. Girod, Recording Secretary Gardners Protective Union #13020, 315 14th St., San Francisco, California. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of August 31st, containing what purports to be the constitution of your local union, came duly to hand. In your letter accompanying the proposed constitution, you speak of a wage scale. No wage scale is contained in the constitution as proposed ; neither is there any clause in there giving the amount of dues that members must pay. Let me suggest that you consult with the Secretary of the San Francisco Labor Council and request him to assist you in drafting a constitution and bylaws that would be suitable for your organization. With kind regards, I remain, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.666 COPIED SEP 13 1911 LF Sept. 13, 1911 Mr W. J. Lamb, Secretary Machinists Helpers' Union #13069 201 South Fourth St., Marshalltown, Iowa. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of September 5th, containing constitution and bylaws governing the Iowa Central Railway Federated Trades, and which was addressed to Secretary Morrison, has been submitted to me for a reply, in accordance with the usual custom as pertains to constitutions and bylaws of local affiliated unions and central labor unions connected with the A. F. of L. Let me say as to the constitution and by-laws as submitted that they should be referred to the Railroad Employes' Department of the American Federation of Labor for consideration and endorsement, rather than to the American Federation of Labor. The Secretary of this Department is A. B. Lowe, Vanol Building, 3900 Olive St. St. Louis, Mo. With kind regards, I remain, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. enclosure: P. S. I am returning herewith your constitution and by-laws.667 COPIED. SEP 14 1911 Washington, D. C., Sept. 14, 1. Mr. Samuel Gompers, San Diego, Cal. (try hotels) Substance your telegram to Mr. Morrison repeated to him by wire at Muscatine. Funds are slow. Received your notice last night of misdirected letter. Am tracing it. R. LEE GUARD. Charge A. F. of L.668 COPIED. SEP 14 1911 X. Sept. 14, 1911. Mr. B. E. Smith, The Century Company, 33 East 17th Street, New York City. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 11th instant, in which you enclose page proof from the Century Cyclopedia. In the paragraph under "Gompers" you question the accuracy of the date 1864, when he became a member of the Cigar Makers' International Union, inquiring whether it should not be 1874. In reply let me say that with his parents he came to the United States when he was thirteen years old, and settled in New York City. The next year, 1864, he helped to organize the Cigar Makers' International Union, and was one among the first of its registered members. His membership book is Number one. He served his local union as Secretary and President for six years. In addition to the statement in the paragraph that he is editor of the American Federationist, it should also be said that he is the author of a number of pamphlets, of "Labor in Europe and America", and has contributed quite a good deal to newspapers and magazines. Very truly yours, R Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*669*] [*COPIED. SEP 14 1911*] X. Sept. 14 1911. Mr. A. L. Roberts, Contoocook, N. H. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers on an organizing and lecturing trip in the West and on the Pacific Coast, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 8th instant. You refer to conditions which prevail in the Davis Paper Mills, West Hopkington, New Hampshire, and request him to investigate the matter. You then at the close of your letter request that it shall be regarded as confidential. I therefore hesitate to take up your complaint with any of the representatives of the A. F. of L. in that locality and shall not do so until further advised by you. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.670 COPIED. SEP 14 1911 X. Sept. 14, 1911. Mr. Otto Nicols, Secretary, Central Labor Union of Brooklyn, 764 Metropolitan Building, Brooklyn, N. Y. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers on an organizing and lecturing trip in the West and on the Pacific Coast, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 18th instant, which will be brought to his attention upon his return to headquarters. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*671*] [*COPIED. SEP 14 1911*] X. Sept. 14, 1911. Mr. M. Beyer, Local #3, Bakery and Confectionary Workers' Int'l. Union, 949-55 Willoughby Ave., Brooklyn, N. Y. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers on an organizing and lecturing trip in the West and on the Pacific Coast, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of September 12th, which will be held for Mr. Gompers' attention upon his return to headquarters. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*672*] [*COPIED. SEP 14 1911] X. Sept. 14, 1911. Mr. W. B. White, 1839 North 12th Street, Terre Haute, Indiana. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers, and replying to your favor of September tenth, I beg to enclose to you herein list of national and international unions affiliated to the A. F. of L. from which you will note that the Brotherhood of Railway Carmen, as well as the International Association is Car Workers, is affiliated to the A. F. of L. I would suggest that you confer with organizer Phillip K. Reinbold, of Terre Haute, as to the organization of the men in question. President Gompers will be pleased to hear from you again. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.673 [*COPIED. SEP 14 1911*] X. Sept. 14, 1911. Mr. R. E. Fisher, secretary, Brotherhood of Railway Clerks, 307-310 Kansas City Life Bldg., Kansas City, MO. Dear Sir and Brother: I am in receipt of a letter from Mr. C. M. Dunn, 815 19th Street, Huntington, West Virginia, in which he asks for instructions how to organize the clerks of the Huntington Division of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway. He says: "I was referred to you by Mr. T. F. Kilcayn in regard to getting information relative to the Clerks Division of the Federation of Labor. As almost all other crafts of Ches. and Ohio Ry. Co. are organized, we feel that we should be in line also, therefore any information you can give me will be highly appreciated." I have written him that his letter has been referred to you, and ask that you kindly write him direct, giving him full information. With best wishes, and hoping to hear form you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.674 [*COPIED. SEP 14 1911*] X. Sept. 14, 1911. Mr. C. M. Dunn, 815 19th Street, Huntington, W. Va. Dear Sir: Your favor of September 12th is received and contents noted. You request information as to organizing the Railway Clerks of the Huntington Division of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad, to be in affiliation with the American Federation of Labor. I beg to say in reply that the Brotherhood of Railway Clerks, affiliated to the A. F. of L., is the organization having jurisdiction in such matters. The Secretary is Mr. R. E. Fisher, 307-310 Kansas City Life Building, Kansas City, Missouri, and I have just written to him sending him copy of your letter to me and requesting him to get in direct communication with you. In the meantime, I would suggest that you also confer with the official representative of the A. F. of L. in Huntington, Mr. J. E. Verlander, 1319 Eighth Avenue. If there is any further assistance which I can render you in this matter, please advise me and it will be given prompt attention. Very truly yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.675 [*COPIED. SEP 14 1911*] X. Sept. 14, 1911. Mr. W. W. Roach, Organizer. American Federation of Labor, 623 East Railroad Street, Independence, Kansas. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 11th instant at hand and contents noted. In reply I beg to enclose to you herein copy of the blank form of agreement for the union label of the American Federation of Labor. This sets forth the provisions under which the union label of the A. F. of L. is granted to any concern or Company. Hoping to hear from you further in regard to the matter, and with best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*676*] X. Sept. 14, 1911. Mr. M. S. Kelly, Secretary Central Labor Union, Box 597, Paducah, Ky. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 18th instant is received and contents noted. You say that you have been instructed by the Central Labor Union to request that a special commission should be given to organizer R. M. Miles, of Paduoah, to go to Metropolis and organize the Metropolis Lincoln labor union into a Federal Labor Union, as the men in question (colored workmen) object to organizer Roberts, of Metropolis, acting in the matter. I beg to say in reply that I have had quite some correspondences with Mr. Miles in connection with this matter, and on July 28th I wrote him and in that letter stated that he should use that letter as his authority for organizing the men at Metropolis. We had already advised me that arrangements had been made by them to bear the expenses of his trip. I trust he will be successful. With kind regards, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.677 [*COPIED. SEP 14 1911*] X. Sept. 14, 1911 Mr. Seymour Stedman, 106 No. La Salle Street, Chicago, Illinois. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers on an organizing and lecturing trip in the West and on the Pacific Coast, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the tenth instant. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*678*] [*COPIED. SEP 14 1911*] X. Sept. 14, 1911. Mr. W. M. Richards, 1022 North 8th Street, East St. Louis, Ill. Dear Sir: Your favor of the tenth instant is at hand, in which you inquire if agents who solicit insurancewill be granted certificates of affiliation by the American Federation of Labor. I beg to say that the question of insurance of charters to organizations of insurance agents, was before the Boston Convention of the A. F. of L. in 1903, and by the Convention was referred to the Executive Council, which, in turn reaffirmed its former action whereby it was decided that charters should not be issued to unions of insurance agents. In continuation of the above, let me say that these agents are inducing workmen to insure themselves in these insurance companies, from which they receive an exceedingly small amount in return. The inducement is largely brought about by the statement that these solicitors are union men. The working men and working women are weekly paying considerable amounts for which they, themselves, or their heirs, receive a mare bagatelle. In larger profit to the companies is netted from the enforced lapses; these insurance companies simply indefinitely[*679*] Mr. W. H. Richards -2- postpone the date when the union will undertake to protect their membership and the losses to which they are subjects, upon every field of human activity. Very truly yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. [*680*] [*COPIED. SEP 14 1911*] X. Sept. 14, 1911. Mr. Ed Abbott, Secretary, Machinists' Helpers Union #9713, 2135 Jackson Street, Dubuque, Iowa. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of September 11th is received and contents noted. Now in regard to the matter of the formation of an International Union of Machinists' Helpers, I beg to say that I have had quite some correspondence upon this subject with Mr. John L. Donnelly, President of Machinists' Helpers local #11830, of Salt Lake City. Enclosed you will please find copy of a letter which I wrote him under date of June 22d and which I ask that you kindly accept an part of this communication to you. With best wishes, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*681*] [*COPIED SEP 14 1911*] X. Sept. 14, 1911. Mr. Henry Seyfried, Attorney and Counsellor at Law, 142 E. Market Street, Indianapolis, Ind. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers on an organizing and lecturing trip in the West and on the Pacific Coast, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 11th instant, with copy of brief and opinion of the court in the "Rochelle" case. The entire matter will be held for Mr. Gompers' personal attention upon his return to headquarters. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*682*] [*COPIED. SEP 14 1911*] X. Sept. 14, 1911. Mr William Curris, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, Lilly, Pa. Dear Sir and Brothers: Your favor of September 11th is received and contents noted. In reply thereto I beg to say that your commission as volunteer organizer for Lilly having been issued to you upon the recommendation of Mine Workers' Local #908, that local being in full affiliation and good standing with the United Mine Workers of America, there is no reason why you should not hold your commission at least for the present. Of course, if the miners' local should withdraw from the parent body, that would put and entirely different phase upon the subject. I appreciate the position in which you find yourself placed and the desire you manifest to follow whatever source will be in harmony with the policy and practice of the American Federation of Labor. With kind regards, and asking you to let me hear from you often, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*683*] [*COPIED. SEP 14 1911*] X. Sept. 14, 1911. Mr. A. M. Phillips, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, 21 Grand Avenue, Middletown, New York. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of September fourth received, in which you enclose clipping from one of the city papers in reference to the Labor Day celebration. You suggest that the clipping should be given space in the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST. Now let me suggest in turn that in your next report, blank for which is enclosed herein, you should embody a summary of the interesting features of the Labor Day celebration of your city. Such matter is always of interest to the readers of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*684*] [*COPIED. SEP 14 1911.*] X. Sept. 14, 1911. Mr. Frank M. McCarthy, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, 97 Union Park Square, Boston, Mass. Dear Sir and Brother, Your favor of the 11th instant is received, and under separate cover the correspondence and papers in the Salem Central Labor Union case, I am very much gratified that the matter has at last been adjusted to the satisfaction of both the Central Body and the Boot and Shoe Workers' Union, and that this entire matter may now be regarded as closed. Thanking you for the assistance you have rendered in this case, and with kind regards, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*685*] [*COPIED. SEP 22 1911*] X. Sept. 18, 1911. Mr. H. D. Davis, Secretary, Button Workers Protective Union #13151, Lyons, Iowa. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of September tenth is received and contents noted. I have also noted the clipping you enclose giving a report of the strike of the members of your union on September sixth. You say that three of the strikers have returned to work, but that they did not hold paid up membership cards at the time they came out on strike. I infer from your letter that you fully understand the provisions of the Constitution of the A. F. of L. governing such matters, and that the members of your union will not be entitled to benefits from the Defense Fund. As you will note by referring to Section 7, Article 13 of the Constitution of the A. F. of L., it is expressly provided that any union inaugurating a strike without the approval of the Executive Council shall not receive benefits on account of said strike. Though debarred from any assistance from the defense fund under the provisions of the Constitution as just quoted, yet we shall be glad to give you every moral assistance within our power, and will be glad to have you keep me advised as to any new developments of the case and to indicate in what way I can be of assistance.[*686*] Mr. H. C. Davis -2- Hoping to hear from you further and sincerely trusting that the matter will be satisfactorily adjusted, and with kind regards, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*687*] [*COPIED. SEP 22 1911*] X. Sept. 14, 1911. Mr. Thomas Reece, Editor, International News Correspondence Service, 418-422 Strand, London, W. C, England. Dear Sir: Your copy for the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST has been received, and I enclose herewith International money order for $3.00 in payment for same. Enclosed find receipt, which you will please sign and return. Very truly yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor, EDITOR, AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST.[*688*] [*COPIED. SEP 14 1911*] NO. 73. X. Sept. 14, 1911. EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, AMERICAN FEDERATION OF LABOR. COLLEAGUES: Secretary Dyche of the International Ladies Garment Workers' Union, has been in communication with me both by letter and wire in regard to the conditions prevailing in Cleveland by reason of the strike of his members in that city against the cloak and suit manufacturers' association. Yesterday he called me up over long distance phone and requested that the Executive Council should endorse a circular appeal for financial assistance for the striking members of his organization in Cleveland, to be issued by his International Union. I said in reply that he should send the appeal on, and that I would submit it to the Executive Council. He writes me today sending a draft of the appeal, copy of which you will please find enclosed. In his letter of transmittal he says: "There would have been no need for us to appeal to the people outside of our organization for help, if it were not for the fact that the Fall Season in our trade has been extremely dull. We have no chance of winning the strike until the next Spring season which commences in the latter part of November when samples and duplicates are beginning to be made. This strike will have to be kept up until January next when either the manufacturers will have to give in or most of them will have to give up business. By January the Spring season will be in full swing and the assessment which we levy upon our members will easily come in, but until then we cannot conduct the strike on our own resources. We have a little money left among our locals, but they are afraid to empty their treasuries fearing opposition from New York employers.[*689*] Executive Council -E- This strike costs us $20,000 a week, $15,000 of which we are raising among our members through an assessment and the rest we expect to get in collections and donations." The members of the Executive Council will please advise me by wire if the application of Secretary Dyche for the endorsement of the appeal for financial assistance shall be approved. Fraternally yours, Frank Morrison. Secretary, American Federation of Labor.[*690*] [*COPIED. SEP 16 1911*] [*COPIED. SEP 19 1911*] X. SEPT. 15,1911. Hon. Clarence S. Darrow, Higgins Building, Los Angeles, Cal My Dear Mr. Barrow: I have just received a letter from President Gompers dated September tenth and written at Los Angeles, directing me to send you two copies of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST containing the article "The Price We Pay". This article appears in the August, 1910, issue, and two copies are sent you under separate cover. I trust that they will reach you promptly. Very sincerely yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*691*] [*COPIED. SEP 16 1911*] X. Sept. 15, 1911. Mr. F. A. Irwin, Secretary, Central Labor Union, 303 E. 15th Street, Pittsburg, Kansas. Dear Sir and Brother: I am just in receipt of the wage scale of Machinists' Helpers Local #14118, which has been submitted for the approval of the Executive Council of the A. F. of L. I take it that in the event of any controversy arising between the members of that local and their employers in the effort to enforce the wage scale, that they would expect financial assistance from the defense fund of the A. F. of L. In connection with this I desire to call your attention to Article XIII of the Constitution of the American Federation of Labor, a copy of which I herewith enclose. You will note from Section 4 of the Article XIII that it is provided that before a local union is entitled to benefits from the defense fund, it must have been in continuous good standing for at least one year. Inasmuch as this union was chartered under date of August 31, 1911, it does not come within the constitutional provision, hence is not eligible to benefits from the defense fund. I would therefore suggest that a committee be appointed by the local to confer with the representatives of the other local unions whose members are employed by the same concern or company, so as to[*692*] Mr. F. A. Irwin -2- insure the best possible results to the union and its members, as well as to have the co-operation of the other local unions, and the Central Body. It should be unnecessary for me to say to you that the officers of the A. F. of L. will be glad to be of every assistance to the local, as well as to every other organization of labor. Hoping that I may hear from you further and often, and with best wishes for success, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*693*] [*COPIED. Sept. 15, 1911.*] SEP 15 1911 Mr. Samuel Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor, Argonaut Hotel, San Francisco, Cal. My dear Mr. Gompers: I have just received your letter of September ninth with the descriptive news letter enclosed, and also your note of September tenth. In compliance with the letter I have written a note to Mr. Darrow advising him that by your instructions I am sending him two copies of the August, 1910 issue of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST, containing the article "The Price We Pay". Your instructions in regard to your descriptive letter will be fully carried out. The other Federationist matter has not yet reached me but I promise it will come in a later mail today or tomorrow. Either will be in plenty of time for the magazine to get out on the usual date. Needless to say we are all very much pleased to know that you are "surprising" yourself in the way you are working and keeping up. I will know better how all of this is when you get back. In any event, I particularly am glad to know that you "think" you are getting along well. Now as to your reference to the work here at headquarters, I think I will have everything in the best possible shape for you on your return. Fortunately for me, for the[*694*] Mr. Samuel Gompers -2- past three weeks the work has been quite light, and it has given me the opportunity of staying away from the office quite a good deal each day. This has been most opportune for owing to the excessively hot weather I found that I very badly needed the rest. Now that it has really turned cool, I feel very much more rested and have no doubt but that I will be in the best possible trim for the heavy Convention work. Please do not fail to send me a telegram when you start back and the day upon which you expect to reach here. With kind regards, in which Mrs. Webster joins, I am, P.S. Mr. Morrison has not yet returned from the West but I suppose he will be here tomorrow.[*695*] X. Sept. 15, 1911. Mr. John J. Flynn, Vice-President, Metal Polishers, Buffers, Platers, Brass Molders, Brass and Silver Workers' Union, 25 Third Ave., Room 110, New York City. [*COPIED. SEP 13 1911*] Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers on an organizing and lecturing trip in the West and on the Pacific Coast, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 12th instant, which will be held for Mr. Gompers' personal attention upon his return to headquarters. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*696*] X. Sept. 15, 1911. [*COPIED. SEP 15 1911*] Mr. Herman Wesz, Secretary, The Columbus Federation of Labor, 1495 Thomas Ave., Columbus, Ohio. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of September 12th is received and contents noted. You refer to the controversy which has arisen between the management of the Indianola Park in Columbus and the Musicians Local union and then request my advice as to the course which should be followed by your Central Body. In reply I beg to say that the entire matter is one which comes wholly within the jurisdiction of the American Federation of Musicians and whatever action is taken should be in conformity with the laws, policy and practice of that organization. I would suggest that you communicate direct with Secretary Owen Miller. With kind regards, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*697*] X. Sept. 15, 1911. [*COPIED. SEP 15 1911*] Mr. James E. West, Executive Secretary, Boy Scouts of America, 200 Fifth Avenue, New York City. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers on an organizing and lecture trip in the West and on the Pacific Coast, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 14th instant, which will be held for Mr. Gompers' attention upon his return to this office. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*698*] X. Sept. 15, 1911. [*COPIED. SEP 15 1911*] Mr. W. H. Swift, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, 246 Pleasant Street, Bridgewater, Mass. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 13th instant is received and contents noted. I read with interest your report of the organization of the several local trade unions during the recent past in Bridgewater. You say that you are now endeavoring to organize the laborers. You do not state whether they are building laborers or whether street laborers. If the latter, application for charter should be made direct to the A. F. of L. If the former, then you should get in communication with Secretary A. Parsion, Box 597, Albany New York, of the Hod, Carriers and Building Laborers' International Union. He will be glad to give you any assistance within his power. With best wishes for success, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*699*] [*COPIED SEP 16 1911*] X. Sept. 16, 1911. Mr. H. B. Zevely, Secretary, American Surety Company, 100 Broadway, New York City. Dear Sir: Replying to your favor of the 15th instant, beg to say that the number of the inquiry was 10665, of Boston, Mass. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*700*] [*COPIED SEP 16 1911*] X. Sept. 16, 1911. Mr. James J. Sweeney, Secretary, New York Branen, Granite Cutters' It'l. Association. 678 St. Ann's Ave. New York City. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers on an organizing and lecturing trip inthe West and on the Pacific Coast, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 15th instant, in which you enclose circular issued by the Central Federated Union of New York, all of which will be brought to Mr. Gompers' personal attention upon his return to headquarters. Very truly yours, R. Lee Gerard Secretary to President Gompers.[*701*] X. Sept. 16 1911. Mr. John B. Hickle, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, Box 1260 Pittsfield, Mass. [*COPIED. SEP 16 1911*] Dear Sir: I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of September 12th, in which you state that the sermon of Rev. Charles P. McGregor appears on the last page of the paper you sent in. I find myself unable to locate the paper, and ask that you kindly send me another copy. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*702*] [*COPIED. SEP 16 1911*] X. Sept. 16, 1911. Mr. A. C. Hayslett, Secretary, United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners, Local 1947, Atchison, Kansas. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers on an organizing and lecturing trip in the West and on the Pacific Coast, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 6th instant, in which you recommend the appointment of Mr. T. P. Menton as salaried organizer for the A. F. of L. Your letter will be held for Mr. Gompers' personal attention upon his return to this office. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*703*] X. Sept. 16, 1911. [*COPIED SEP 16 1911*] Mr. James Gray, Greentree Hotel El Paso,Texas. Dear Sir: In reply to your note received on the 14th instant, I beg to say that the United Association of Plumbers, Gas Fitters, Steam Fitters, and Steam Fitters' Helpers of the United States and Canada, is in full affiliation with the American Federation of Labor. Very truly yours, Sam'l Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*704*] [*COPIED. SEP 16 1911*] X. Sept. 16, 1911. Mr. L. A. Foster, Trades and Labor Assembly, 1211 Rhodemeyer Ave., Alton, Ill. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of June 12th is received and contents noted. I fully appreciate all that you say in regard to having a special representative of the A. F. of L. devote his time to the work of organizing at Alton, but at present it is absolutely impossible to send a men into that locality. Of course, as you can very readily realize, similar urgent requests are constantly being made from every section of the country. We have but a very limited number of salaried organizers in the field; the treasury of the A. F. of L. is very restricted. It is impossible under these circumstances to comply with every request of this character, though we endeavor to do the best we possibly can in every case. I can only say that a memorandum will be made of your request and should circumstances so shape themselves at any time as to afford the opportunity of sending a man into Alton we shall certainly be glad to do so. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*705*] [*COPIED. SEP 16 1911*] LOS ANGELES, CAL. X. Sept. 11, 1911. Mr. L. S. Richard, Editor, The Boston Common, 46 Cornhill, Boston, Mass. Dear Sir: As I have been making an organizing and lecturing trip through the West and on the Pacific Coast as directed by the Convention of the A. F. of L., your favor of August 26th, receipt of which was acknowledged at my headquarters in Washington, has been forwarded to me to this city. You say that the Boston Common contemplates publishing on September 16th a special direct legislation number, and you request from me a short statement for publication in this issue of my views as to why the State of Massachusetts should adopt the Initiative and Referendum. In reply let me say that the with the progressive practice of the Initiative and Referendum in the course of time in this country, its supporters see no reason for any weakening of their conviction that the system of exercising true democracy will result not only in giving a government quickly responsive to prevailing public sentiments and principles but that these sentiments and principles are the surest foundation for a just and stable government. Our people have a good heart; they want fair play and honesty in public affairs; they hold partisanship secondary to[*706*] Mr. L. S. Richard -2- the common welfare. They have also sound common sense; they can vote with discrimination on measures. These qualities have been steadily exhibited wherever the Initiative and Referendum have been practiced -- in the trade unions, in Oregon, in municipal votings. Evidence of this assertion is found in the fact that wherever the system is once established it lives. Is there in Massachusetts any possible better basis for settling the pressing questions of government than the general conscience made directly applicable to important legislation? This query takes as answer that, the world having experimented with all the bases for government -- the will of one, of the few, and of all -- it is held in republics that in democratic authority lies a general defense of common rights. A necessary and practical mechanism for an unfailing general defense is direct legislation. I may add that after many years of observation of the development of the Initiative and Referendum -- in Switzerland, in the trade unions, in our States and municipalities -- I have seen no strengthening of the arguments of the opponents of the system. Summed up, in principle they are but the common arguments against democracy; in their practical import, they mainly amount to the undoubted truth that every human institution is not wholly without flaw. Generally, the arguments set up in this country by the uninformed, the prejudiced, the privileged, are but repetitions of those which history record as being made in Switzerland fifty years ago and now said to be almost forgotten there in a general acquiescence if not a unanimous approval of legislation at the polls. Not every one in Switzerland, I am told, favors direct legislation. Monopolists and politicians detest its very name. It could hardly be expected that the greedy dog deprived of his stolen piece of beef[*707*] Mr. L. S. Richard -2- would not growl and fight against having it taken from him. Respectfully, President, American Federation of Labor.[*708*} [*COPIED. SEP 18 1911*] X. Sept. 18, 1911. Mr. E. P. Hunter, Secretary, United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners, Local #86, Lancaster, Ohio. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 6th instant has been received and contents noted. I beg to thank you and the organization for the recommendation you make for the appointment of Mr. E. P. Hunter as volunteer organizer for Lancaster 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 is also forwarded to you 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 your city. I trust your co-operation and assistance as the duly authorized representative of the A. F. of L. in Lancaster will result greatly in the advancement of our movement in that section in every way. With kind regards and hoping to hear from you from time to time, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*709*] X. Sept. 18th, 1911. [*COPIED SEP 18 1911*] Mr. B. E. McCarthy, Secretary. Central Labor Union, 19 Sanford Street, Springfield, Mass. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 14th instant has been received and contents noted. I beg to thank you and the organization for the recommendation you make for the appointment of Mr. H. H. LeClair as volunteer organizer for Springfield and vicinity. It affords me pleasure to comply with the request and recommendation made, and commission will be issued and forwarded to Brother LeClair in accordance therewith. There is also forwarded to him package of literature and documents published by this office, which I am sure he will find of assistance to him in the discharge of his duties as the representative of the Al F. of L. of your dity. I trust his co-operation and assistance as the duly authorized representative of the A. F. of L. in Springfield willresult greatly in the advancement of our movement in that section in every way. With kind regards and hoping to hear from you from time to time, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.710 X. Sept. 18, 1911. [*COPIED. SEP 18 1911*] Mr. Herman Wiers, Secretary, Central Labor Union, 1495 Thomas Avenue, Columbus, Ohio. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 12th instant has been received and con- tents noted. I beg to thank you for the recommendations made of Messrs. James T. Liddy, S. H. Baggs, and Arthur L. Leavitt, as volunteer organizers for Columbus and vicinity. It affords me pleasure to comply with the request and recommendations made, and commissions will be issued and forwarded in accordance therewith. There is also forwarded package of literature and documents published by this office, which I am sure will be found of use in the discharge of their duties as organizers. I trust that their co-operation and [assistanceas?] the duly authorized representatives of the A. F. of L. in Columbus will result greatly in the advance- ment of our movement in that section in every way. As you state that T. P. Ewing and W. B. Hartman have not been active members of the trade union movement for some time past, I am removing their names from the list of organizers. With kind regards and best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*711*] [*COPIED. SEP 18 1911*] X. Sept. 18, 1911. Mr. Henry Dolan, Secretary, Lodge Six, Int'l. Association of Machinists, Van Buren, Arkansas. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 9th instant has been received and contents noted. I beg to thank you and the organization for the recommendation you make for the appointment of Mr. Fred Gowdy as volunteer organizer for Van Buren and vicinity. It affords me pleasure to comply with the request and recommendation made, and commission will be issued and forwarded to Brother Gowdy in accordance therewith. There is also forwarded to him package of literature and documents published by this office, which I am sure he will find or assistance to him in the discharge of his duties as the representative of the A. F. of L. for your city. I trust his co-operation and assistance as the duly authorized representative of the A. F. of L. in Van Buren will result greatly in the advancement of our movement in that section in every way. With kind regards and hoping to hear from you from time to time, I am. Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.712 [*COPIED. SEP 18 1911*] X. Sept. 18, 1911. Mr. H. L. Kase, Secretary, Willapa Harber Trades and Labor Council, Box 102, Raymond, Washington. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 6th instant has been received and con- tents noted. You recommend the name of W. L. Brooks to take the place of Mr. Dan Peterson, district organizer, who has resigned on account of leaving the city. It affords me pleasure to comply with the request and recommendation made, and commission will be issued to Brother Brooks and forwarded in accordance therewith. There is also forwarded to him package of literature and documents published by this office, which I am sure he will find of assistance to him in the discharge of his duties as the repre- sentative of the A. F. of L. for your city. I trust his co-oper- ation and assistance as the duly authorized representative of the A. F. of L. in Raymond will result greatly in the advancement of our movement in that section in every way. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you from time to time, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.713 [*COPIED. SEP 16 1911*] X. Sept. 16, 1911. Mr. T. H. Clark, Secretary, Edmonton Trades and Labor Council, Box 383, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Dear Sir and Brother, Your favor of the fifth instant has been received and contents noted. I beg to thank you and the organization for the recommendation you make for the appointment of Bro. Mark C. Rogers as volunteer organizer for Edmonton and vicinity. It affords me pleasure to comply with the request and recommendation made, and commission will be issued and forwarded to Brother Rogers in accordance therewith. There is also forwarded to him package of literature and documents published by this office, which I am sure he will find of assistance to him in the discharge of his duties as the repre- sentative of the A. F. of L. for your city. I trust his co-opera- tion and assistance as the duly authorized representative of the A. F. of L. in Edmonton will result greatly in the advancement of our movement in that section in every way. With kind regards and hoping to hear from you from time to time, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*714*] [*COPIED. SEP 18 1911*] X. Sept. 18, 1911. Mr. N. K. Bushling, Secretary, Trades and Labor Council, Bozeman, Montana. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 7th instant has been received and contents noted. I beg to thank you and the organization for the recommendation you make for the appointment of Mr. John W. Davis as volunteer organizer for Bozeman and vicinity. It affords me pleasure to comply with the request and recommendation made, and commission will be issued and forwarded to Brother Davis in accordance therewith. There is also forwarded to him package of literature and documents published by this office, which I am sure he will find of assistance to him in the discharge of his duties as the representative of the A. F. of L. for your city. I trust his co-operation and assistance as the duly authorized representative of the A. F. of L. in Bozeman will result greatly in the advancement of our movement in that section in every way. With kind regards and hoping to hear from you from time to time, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*715*] [*COPIED. SEP 18 1911*] X. Sept. 18, 1911. Mr. J. W. Barnes, Secretary, United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners, Local #1062, 225 West Figueroa St., Santa Barbara, Cal. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 8th instant has been received and contents noted. I beg to thank you and the organization of the recommendation you make for the appointment of Mr. C. F. Edie as volunteer organizer for Santa Barbara and vicinity. It affords me pleasure to comply with the request and recommendation made, and commission will be issued and forwarded to Brother Edie in accordance therewith. There is also forwarded to him package of literature and document published by this office, which I am sure he will find of assistance to him in the discharge of his duties as the representative of the A. F. of L. for your city. I trust his co-operation and assistance as the duly authorized representative of the A. F. of L. in Santa Barbara will result greatly in the advancement of our movement in that section in every way. With kind regards and hoping to hear from you from time to time, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*716*] [*COPIED. SEP 18 1911*] X. Sept 18, 1911. Mr. Chas. E. Welsh, President Federal Labor Union #14045, Paragould, Arkansas. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the tenth addressed to Secretary Morrison, which has already been partly answered by him, has been handed to me for further reply. I beg to thank you and the organization for the recommendation you make for the appointment of Mr. T. J. Cupp as volunteer organizer for Paragould and vicinity. It affords me pleasure to comply with the request and recommendation made, and commission will be issued and forwarded to Brother Cupp in accordance therewith. There is also forwarded to him package of literature and documents published by this office, which I am sure he will find of assistance to him in the discharge of his duties as the representative of the A. F. of L. for your city. I trust his co-operation and assistance as the duly authorized representative of the A. F. of L. in Paragould will result greatly in the advancement of our movement in that section in every way. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you from time to time, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*717*] [*COPIED. SEP 18 1911*] X. Sept. 18, 1911. Mr. Michael Collins, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, 170 W State Street, Athens, Ohio. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 15th instant, and in compliance with your request enclose to you herein copy of the circular letter sent out under date of July 31, soliciting and urging contributions from all labor organizations of 25 cents per member to the McNamara Defense Fund. As you will note upon re-reading the circular, it is not an assessment by the American Federation of Labor but each affiliated organization is urged to collect the sum of 25 cents from each member. President Gompers will appreciate your cooperation and assistance. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.718 [*COPIED. SEP 18 1911*] X. Sept. 18, 1911. Mr. David M. Somerville, 34 [Gaphead?] Street, Roxbury, Massachusetts. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of September 14th is received and contents noted. You request information upon the subject of labor organi- zations to be used by you in the preparation of an essay upon that subject. You do not state, however, with what particular phase of labor your essay will deal. I am therefore somewhat in doubt as to the data which would be most helpful to you. However, I am taking it for granted that you will have in mind to deal particularly with the work of the organized labor movement as represented by the American Federation of Labor, its aims, objects, and what it hopes to accomplish. Inasmuch as the A. F. of L. represents over 2,000,000 wage- workers and is the federated body of the entire organized labor move- ment of the continent, the history of its growth and progress during the 30 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 publi- cation, 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 pro- ceedings of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST, but you could doubtless secure or consult these at [some public library.?] The balance of this letter is a neostyle form letter, and cannot be copied in the copybook.[*719*] [*COPIED SEP 18 1911*] X. Sept. 18, 1911. Mr. W. J . McConnel, Immigrant Inspector (Section 24) Moscow, Idaho. Dear Sir: President Gompers has not yet returned from his western trip, and hence this acknowledgment of the receipt of your letter of September 12th. Inferring therefrom that when you saw him in Spokane he promised you a list of the various labor organizations in the state of Idaho, you will please find typewritten copy of such list enclosed herein. Kindly acknowledge receipt, and oblige, Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.720 LIST OF LABOR ORGANIZATIONS IN STATE OF IDAHO. Mr. E. L. Krumm, Secretary, Trades and Labor Council, 446 North Main Street, Pocatello, Idaho. Mr. Harry Warnake, Secretary, Trades Assembly, Twin Falls, Idaho. Mr. William Graf, Secretary Trades and Labor Council, Box 199, Wallace, Idaho. Mr. C. G. Holmes, Secretary, Machinists' Helpers and Laborers #12952, 535 N. Hayes Street Pocatello, Idaho. Mr. William I. Sell, Secretary, Teamsters' Local #27, 307 South 7th St., Pocatello, Idaho. Mr. T. O. Smith, Secretary, Retail Clerks' Local #560, 346 So. 4th St., Pocatello, Idaho. Mr. D. B. Edwards, Secretary, Musicians' Local #295, P. O. Bldg., Pocatello, Idaho. Mr. H. B. Sydel, Secretary, Sheet Metal Workers' Local Union #359, 537 N. Garfield St., Pocatello, Idaho. Mr. R. C. Hegaborn, Secretary, Barbers' Union #434, 255 So. Hays St., Pocatello, Idaho.721 -2- Mr. Chase E. Winter, Secretary, Boiler Makers and Helpers, local #16, 584 N. Main Street, Pocatello, Idaho. Mr. Otto Nelson, Secretary, Printers' Local Union #491, Box 134, Pocatello, Idaho. Mr. Paul J. Sorgatz, Secretary, Carpenters' local #1258, 631 S. Main St., Pocatello, Idaho. Mr. A. L. Harens, Secretary, Machinists' Local #198, 822 No. Garfield St., Pocatello, Idaho. Mr. E. Friend, Secretary, Boiler makers' Local #52, 359 N. Main St., Pocatello, Idaho. Mr. A. C. Fouts, Secretary, Plumbers' Local #215, Box 254, Twin Falls, Idaho. Mr. S. G. Rims, Secretary, Printers' Local #241, c/o The Times, Twin Falls, Idaho. Mr. R. M. Sparks, Secretary, Painters' Local #475, Box 744, Twin Falls, Idaho. Mr. G. W. Gardner, Secretary, Carpenters' Local #1116, Box 364, Twin Falls, Idaho. Mr. J. C. Boyd, Secretary, Musicians' Local Union #465, Wallace, Idaho.722 -3- Mr. W. G. Fenn, Secretary, Cigarmakers' Local #380, 708 Cedar Street, Wallace, Idaho. Mr. L. F. Drexler, Secretary, Plumber's Local #203, General Delivery, Wallace, Idaho. Mr. R. B. Sundy, Secretary, Hotel and Resturant Employes' Local #426, Box 135, Wallace, Idaho. Mr. J. H. Carter, Secretary, Hotel and Resturant Employes Local #298, Box 17, Wallace, Idaho. Mr. T. M. Haney, Secretary, Federal Labor Union #12576, Lock Box 842, Wallace, Idaho. Mr. W. B. Davies, Secretary, Painters' Local #849, General Delivery, Wallace, Idaho. Mr. F. J. Martin, Secretary, Carpenters local #220, Box 190, Wallace, Idaho. Mr. Chris Traxell, Secretary, Brewery Workers' Local #184, 822 Residence St., Wallace, Idaho. Mr. G. V. Bard, Secretary, Tailors' Local #361, Box 157, Wallace, Idaho. Mr. R. G. Chambers, Secretary, Printers Local #817, 139 King St., Wallace, Idaho.[*723*] X. Sept. 16, 1911 Mr. Santiago Iglesias, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, 11 Allen Street, San Juan, Porto Rico, [*COPIED. SEP 11 1911*] My Dear Mr. Iglesias, President Gompers will be very much interested in the picture you sent him under date of September 6th of the Labor Day celebration in San Juan. I shall certainly show them to him upon his return. As you doubtless know, he is now in the West on an organizing trip as directed by the Convention. He left here August 17th and will not return until the first week in October. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*724*] COPIED SEP 18 1911 X. Sept. 18, 1911. Mr. Oscar S. Schaar, Secretary, Local #201, United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners, 433 James St., Wichita, Kansas. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers on an organizing and lecturing trip in the West and on the Pacific Coast, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 14th instant, in which you recommend the appointment of Mr. T. P. Horton as salaried organizer, which will be held for Mr. Gompers' personal attention upon his return to headquarters. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*725*] [*COPIED. SEP 21 1911*] LF Washington, D. C. Sept. 19, 1911 J. W. Sullivan 1987 Stillwell Ave. Brooklyn, N. Y. Please wire cover caption. R. Lee Guard (Charge to A. F. of L.)[*726*] Sept. 19, 1911. Mr. Samuel Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor, Argonaut Hotel, San Francisco, Cal. [*COPIED. SEP 19 1911*] My dear Mr. Gompers: A telegram is just received from Secretary Hockin of the Bridge and Structural Iron Workers, conveying the expression of appreciation of the convention of that organization for your work in behalf of the McNamara brothers. The telegram is as follows: "Milwaukee, Wis., Sept. 18, 1911. Samuel Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor, Washington, D. C. The Bridge and Structural Iron Workers in convention assembled extend to you fraternal greetings and desire to express their sincere thanks to you and the American Federation of Labor and through you the international organisations local and federated bodies along with other contributors for the loyal support and financial assistance rendered our organization to secure a fair and impartial trial to our Secretary treasurer, J. J. McNamara who was kidnapped and deprived of his liberties in direct violation of all legal rights and privileges accorded all citizens under the constitution of our country. H. S. Hockin, Act. Sec. Treasurer." I thought you would like to have it before your return from the West. I received the remainder of the Los Angeles clippings this morning, from one of which I understand you are beginning to feel the strain of your trip. I hope though that it is more a newspaper story than the actual facts in the case.[*727*] Mr. Samuel Gompers -2- I also received note from Mr. Hamilton dated the 13th saying that he was leaving you to go to Portland and that Mr. Schafrancerg would make the remainder of the trip with you. I imagine that even though the trip has been in many ways very enjoyable, and of course of absorbing interest, yet in view of the continuous, uninterrupted strain, that you will be glad to turn your face eastward. With kind regards, I am, Very sincerely yours, R. Lee Guard[*728*] X. Sept. 19, 1911. [*COPIED. SEP 19 1911*] Mr. L. S. Maynard, Secretary, Springfield Armory Employes Association, 81 James Street, Springfield, Mass. Dear Sir: As President Gompers is absent from headquarters on an organizing and lecturing trip through the West and on the Pacific Coast, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of September 15th, which has been referred to Mr. A. J. Berres, Secretary of the Metal Trades Department of the A. F. of L. and will give you the information you seek as to Navy Yard and other [?] [?]. Very truly yours, [R Lee Guard] Secretary to President Gompers.729 X. Sept. 19, 1911 [*COPIED. SEP 19 1911*] Mr. A. J. Berres, Secretary, Metal Trades Department, A. F. of L., Guray Building, City. My dear Mr. Berres: As you know, President Gompers has not yet returned from his organization and lecturing trip through the West. There was a letter received yesterday from Mr. L. S. Maynard, Springfield, Massachusetts, addressed to Mr. Gompers, asking for certain information which I am unable to give. Knowing that you are in a position to give the information Mr. Maynard desires, I have acknowledged receipt of his letter in Mr. Gompers’ absence, and advised him that it has been referred to you for reply. Thanking you in advance for the courtesy of your attention to the enclosed, I am, Very truly yours, R Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*730*] COPY. SPRINGFIELD ARMORY EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION. Springfield, Mass., Sept. 17, 1911. Mr. Samuel Gompers, President American Federation of Labor, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: It has been asserted in this city by Geo. L. Cain and his adherents that all, or nearly all, the benefits they (government employes) are receiving because of the 18 days leave of absence with pay, Saturday afternoons off during summer months, pay for holidays, the compensation act, etc. are due to the efforts of the National League of Government Employees in general, and to Geo. L. Cain in particular. Some of us have an idea that the Federation of Labor assisted in securing all these measures. If you will be good enough to inform me as to the facts in these matters I assure you the favor will be very much appreciated. Respectfully, (signed) L. S. Maynard, Rec. Sec. 81 James St.[*731*] [*COPIED SEP 19 1911*] X. Sept. 19, 1911. Mr. H. R. Jackson, Secretary, Central Labor Union. Augusta, Maine, Dear Sir and Brother: Our records show that on January 21, 1911, commission as volunteer organizer was issued to J. S. Nichols, upon the recommendation of your Central Body. In filling out one of the blanks sent out from this office, he gives Bricklayers, Masons and Plasterers Local Union #1 as the organization in which he holds membership. Of course you understand that one of the requirements of anyone holding commission as organizer for the American Federation of Labor is that he shall be a member in good standing of the union of his trade affiliated to the A. F. of L. Please advise me as to this at your earliest convenience, and oblige, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*732*] X. Sept. 18, 1911. [*COPIED. SEP 18 1911*] Mr. Francis B. Atkinson, Technical World Magazine, 68th St. and Drexel Ave., Chicago, Ill. My dear Sir: Your favor of the 15th instant is received and contents noted. I beg to advise you in reply that President Gompers is absent from headquarters on an advertising and lecturing trip in the West and on the Pacific Coast. You say that you are endeavoring to get together all of the material you can with regard to the constructive work of the labor unions, their methods of organization, etc., and you request to be directed to such sources of information as will enable you to secure the necessary data. In reply I beg to enclose to you herein a list of the affiliated national and international unions giving the names and addresses of their respective secretaries. The information you desire as to the methods of organization of the different trades and callings you could secure direct from the secretaries of these various organizations. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.733 COPIED. SEP 19 1911 X. Sept 19, 1911. Mr. John T. Smith, Delegate, National Conservation Congress, Labor Temple, Kansas City, Mo. Dear Sir: Enclosed you will please find copy of letter from Mr. J B. White, Chairman, Executive Committee, of the National Conservation Congress, also duplicate copy of my reply. As you have been appointed by Mr. Gompers to represent the Conservation Committee of the A. F. of L. at the Third Annual Conservation Congress in Kansas City, I thought it but right that copy of the enclosed should be forwarded to you. As President Gompers is in California, there is not sufficient time to send copy of the enclosed to him and for him to write you in connection therewith. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.734 COPY. NATIONAL CONSERVATION CONGRESS Sept. 15, 1911. Mr. Samuel Gompers, Chairman, Conservation Committee, American Federation of Labor, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: In connection with the enclosed official call for the Third National Conservation Congress at Kansas City, September 25, 26 and 27 your attention is invited to a proposed amendment to the Constitution (copy enclosed) which will be submitted at the Congress and will undoubtedly be adopted. The purpose of the amendment is to provide for more effective cooperation among National organizations connected with the natural resources, such as the American Federation of Labor and for their closer cooperation with the National Conservation Congress. Adequate provision was not made for recognizing the National organizations at the Congress at St. Paul last year. You may recall that provisions for reports from National organizations were unfortunately inadequate though you will observe from the volume of proceedings which I send you today with the compliments of the Executive Committee, that the reports submitted by National organizations were printed and, indeed, constitute a most valuable part of the report. It has become clear to the Executive Committee that some way should be devised to give the National organizations fuller and freer action and afford them greater opportunity to join in the Conservation movement.735 Mr. Samuel Gompers -2- I should like to know whether you believe the proposed amendments to the Constitution, if adopted at Kansas City and vigorously carried out, would meet the requirements of the National organizations. It has been suggested that, anticipating the adoption of the amendments during that early hours of the Congress, provision be made in the program for a joint meeting between the proposed Advisory Board and the Executive Committee, at Kansas City, early in the Congress. If it should be that you cannot be present at Kansas City, will you not bring the proposed amendments to the attention of your delegates to the Congress and suggest to them any modifications that may occur to you as desirable. I should also be glad to receive your suggestions which will have careful con- sideration by the Executive Committee at Kansas City. Very truly yours, (Signed) J. B. White, Chairman, Executive Committee.[*736*] COPY. (AMENDMENT INTENDED TO BE PROPOSED TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE NATIONAL CONSERVATION CONGRESS, PROVIDING FOR THE CREATION OF AN ADVISORY BOARD FOR THE CONGRESS) ARTICLE V. Section 3.-- An Advisory Board, consisting of one person from each National organization concerned in Conservation represented at each Congress, with a Chairman to be selected by them from their number, shall be created to act for that Congress and during the interval before the next succeeding Congress. The Board shall report to and cooperate with the Executive Committee.[*737*] [*COPIED SEP 19 1911*] X. Sept. 19, 1911. Mr. J. B. White, Chairman, Executive Committee, National Conservation Congress, Colorado Building, City. Dear Sir: Your favor of the 15th instant is received and contents noted. You enclose copy of xx an amendment to the constitution of the National Conservation Congress, which will be submitted to the Congress at its meeting in Kansas City, September 25-26-27. You then request an expression of opinion from President Gompers whether the amendment if adopted would meet the requirements of the national organizations. As President Gompers is now in California and is not expected to return east until the first week in October, he will not have the opportunity of considering the matter previous to your Congress in Kansas City. However, copy of your letter and enclosure is being sent to Mr. John T. Smith, Labor Temple, Kansas City, Missouri, who will represent the Conservation Committee of the A. F. of L. at the Kansas City Congress. Very truly yours, Secretary to President Gompers.[*738*] X. Sept. 19, 1911. [*COPIED. SEP 19 1911*] Senator Charles Dick, Director, Committee of One Hundred, Colorado Building, Washington, D. C. Dear sir: In the absence of President Gompers on an organizing and lecturing trip in the West and on the Pacific Coast, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 18th instant. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*739*] X. Sept. 19, 1911. [*COPIED. SEP 19 1911*] Mr. Robert E. Gann, President, Alabama State Federation of Labor, Anniston, Alabama. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers on an organizing and lecturing trip through the West and on the Pacific Coast, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 14th instant, which will be brought to Mr. Gompers' attention upon his return to head- quarters. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*740*] [*COPIED SEP 19 1911*] Sept. 19, 1911. Mr. C. Canterbury, Mr. R. E. Speer, Mr. C. C. Hall, Mr. J. Stine, Committee Trades Assembly, Box 487, Fort Worth Texas. Gentlemen: in the absence of President Gompers on an organizing and lecturing trip in the West and on the Pacific Coast, Ibeg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 15th instant, which will be brought to his personal attention upon his return to headquarters. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*741*] X. Sept. 19, 1911. [*COPIED SEP 16 1911*] Mr. C. E. McCollum, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, West Frankfort, illinois. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers, and replying to your favor of September 12th, I beg to say that our records show that the charter application for Federal Labor Union #14094, of Benton, Illinois, was sent in by Mr. Robert Kincade, the Secretary of that local. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*742*] [*COPIED SEP 19 1911*] X. Sept. 19, 1911. Mrs. H. Y. Hills, Sawyerville, Illinois. Dear Madam: In the absence of President Gompers on an organizing and lecturing trip in the West and on the Pacific Coast, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 16th instant. Very truly yours, [*signed*] R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*743] X. Sept. 19, 1911. [*COPIED SEP 19 1911*] Mr. W. A. Faber, Secretary, Federal Labor Union No. 11617, Herrin, Illinois. 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 nec-essary 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 express- ing 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. I wrote you on August 21st, asking to be advised whether you are employed continuously as a carpenter, and whether there are other members of your union who are employed as carpenters. Kindly let me have a reply to this letter at your earliest convenience. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*744*] [*COPIED. Sep 19 1911*] X. Sept. 19, 1911. Mr. James Y. Liddy, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, 44 W. Long St., Columbus, Ohio. Dear Sir and Brother: In connection with my letter to secretary Wierz of the Central Labor Union under date of September 18th, in advising him that commission would be issued to you and to the two other parties recommended by the Central Body, I beg to say that upon referring further to our records, I find that your commission was renewed and forwarded to you on August 19th, and hence there will be no necessity for a new commission to be sent you. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*745*] [*COPIED. SEPT 19 1911*] LF Sept. 19, 1911 Mr. E. C. Krumm, Secretary Machinists' Helpers and Laborers #12952 446 N Main, Pocatello, Idaho. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of September 15th is received and contents noted. You desire to know what will be the attitude of the American Federation of Labor in case the System Federation of the Harriman Lines is unsuccessful in the present negotiations and the members of your local thereby become involved in a controversy. I beg to say in reply that I am now writing to the Executive Council of the A. F. of L. submitting copy of your letter to me and requesting their advice as to what action should be taken in the event of a strike being called. Just as soon as a decision is reached by the Executive Council you will be promptly advised. You understand of course that this action is in conformity with the provisions of Article XIII of the Constitution of the American Federation of Labor. In the meantime will you please advise me whether your local is represented in the System Federation? With kind regards, I remain, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers President American Federation of Labor746 Z Sept. 19, 1911. [*COPIED. SEP 19 1911*] Mr. R. C. Corbin, 409 Washington St. Hagerstown, Md. Dear Sir: Your favor of Sept 15th was received and contents noted. In reply I beg to say that your application for a new membership card should be made to the secretary of the union at Altoona rather than to this office. Very truly yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*747*] [*COPIED. Sep 19 1911*] E Sept. 19, 1911. Mr. Thomas A. Rickert, President, United Garment Workers of America, From 418, 331 S. La Salle St., Chicago, Illinois. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 18th instant, in which you advise me that as you find you will be unable to serve on the Credential and Auditing Committee for the Atlanta Convention that you have appointed Mr. S. L. Landers to act in your place. Notification will be sent to Mr. Landers in due time as to the date when he is to report at headquarters. Very truly yours, R Lee Guard Secretary to Pres. Gompers.[*748*] Z Sept. 19, 1911. Mr. C. O. Wilson, Business Agent, Button Workers' Protective Union 12874, General Delivery, Muscatine, Iowa. [*COPIED. Sept 19 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of Sept. 15th received and contents noted. I beg to advise you in reply that I have just submitted to the Execu- tive Council of the A. F. of L. the formal application you make on behalf of the Button Workers for the endorsement of the strike of August 21st and the payment of benefits to the members of your organization who, under the laws of the A. F. of L. would be en- titled to assistance from the defense fund. Just as soon as a decision is reached by the Executive Council will be promptly advised. With best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*749*] [*COPIED. SEP 20 1911*] Washington D. C., Sept. 20, 1. Mr. C. G. Holmes, President, Machinists Helpers and Laborers #12932, Pocatello, Idaho. Sent you letter yesterday that matter application your union has been submitted to Executive Council. SAMUEL GOMPERS President, American Federation of Labor. Charge A. F. of L.[*750*] [*COPIED. SEP 20 1911*] NO. 74. K. Sept. 19, 1911. EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AMERICAN FEDERATION OF LABOR. COLLEAGUES: The members of the Executive Council are to be a considerable degree acquainted with the situation in Muscatine, Iowa, as re- gards the Button Workers and the difficulties and bitter opposition which they have encountered since the early part of the year in their endeavor to maintain their organization and to secure for its members reasonable wages and fair conditions of employment. In the early part of the year Treasurer Lennon made several visits to Muscatine, and upon each visit devoted considerable time to the Button Workers. Secretary Nockels of the Chicago Federation of Labor was also sent there and Organizer Flood went to that city from time to time under instructions from this office, and is now there. During the time that the A. F. of L. representatives were in Muscatine, several agreements were entered into from time to time between the companies and the union, but controversies arose which necessitated meetings between the representatives of the employers and the representatives of the union to secure a better understanding. Several agreements were entered into which were respectively violated or repudiated. After this an agreement was finally readied which appears to have been fairly well observed until the present controversy between the Button Workers and the McKee-Bliven-Button Company. The details of this controversy are751 Executive Council -2- set forth in part in the formal application of the Button Workers' Union which is made part of this document. Itis unnecessary to take up the time of the Executive Council by recounting in detail herein the different phases which this controversy has assumed from time to time, for I take it that the members of the Executive Council, from the press reports, are sufficiently familiar therewith. It is sufficient to say that on August 21st, after every effort to secure a peaceable settlement had failed, the Britton Workers went out on strike. Organizer Flood was there at the time. Last week Secretary Morrison visited Muscatine, addressed a meeting of the Button Workers, and made an investigation of the causes leading up to the strike of August 21st. He reports that the action of the union in calling the strike was to prevent the disorganization of the employes on the part of the McKee-Bliven Button Co. and the destruction of the organization itself. Under date of September 15th, the Executive Committee of the Button Workers Union makes formal application to the Executive Council for the endorsement of the attitude of the union in inaugurating a strike against the McKee-Bliven Button Co. from the defense fund of the A. F. of L. The application is as follows: "We would respectfully ask for the endorsement of the Executive Council of the A. F. of L. for the strike called against the McKee-Bliven Button Company by the Button Workers' Protestive Union No. 12854 of Muscatine, Iowa, for the following reasons: 1. The strike which was called on august 21st, was only called after every effort to affect a peaceable settlement had failed, and was due to wholesale discrimination on the part of this firm against our members.[*752*] Executive Council --3-- 2. This firm signed the Governor Carroll agreement which provides that no discrimination shall be practiced because of membership in the Button Workers Union. 3. Ever since the settlement was made on May 4th this firm has refused to hire any member of our union and also discharged a number giving various reasons for doing so. This practice reached its climax on July 20th and 31st. When over thirty of our members were discharged, the representatives of the firm throwing off the mask and admitting that they were left out on account of their affiliations with our organization. 4. For three weeks efforts to have the members reinstated failed. Governor Carroll was notified but did nothing. The attorney for our organization, Mr. Hanley, called upon the firm and was informed that they had no intention of reinstating the discharged members, but on the contrary would continue to discriminate until they had weeded out all the members of the union that were still in their employ. Mr. Hanley offered to submit the matter to arbitration and this too was refused. Then Mr. Edward Heckels of Chicago came to the city and endeavored to settle the matter but the firm steadfastly refused to do anything. 5. On August 19th, a mass meeting of all the members was called and a secret strike vote taken resulting in a vote ordering a strike against the firm almost unanimously. The strike was ordered by the executive committee to become effective at noon on August 31st. Every man and woman that belonged to the organization walked out. Only 18 non-union workers remained. 6. At the mass meeting an assessment of $6 was levied on all those at work to support the strikers. 7. In order to reduce the amount of the assessment the753 Executive Council--4-- working time in all but one shop - the Vienna - was reduced from six to four days a week. The Pioneer factory locked their employees out. The Automatic factory laid off all who took part in the Labor Day parade and declared its intention to lay off all who pay the assessment. The Hawkeye factory shut down its cutting department. All firms have reduced the income of the workers by reducing the number of buttons to the pound by skullduggery in the counting methods. 8. The president of the employers association has declared the intentions of the association to defeat and disrupt the organization by locking all the members out and importing strike breakers. 9. Strike breakers and pug uglies are now on duty at the McKee-Bliven shop. 10. Eight hundred of our seventeen hundred members are either on strike or locked out. Destroy your card or lose your job is the demand of the employers' association. 11. Every member of the Hawkeye shop was locked out tonight, the company stating that there was danger of the boiler exploding. The boiler is just fine, only being in use a few weeks. 12. Every indication points to a general lockout of all our members. 13. The members are standing firm and we expect them to put up as good or a better fight than they did before." Local [Sc. 13554?] was chartered November 5, 1909, and has paid per capita [tax?] for the past fifteen months as follows: August, 1910, 7 members Sept., " 7 " Oct., " 7 " Nov., " 51 " Dec., " 150 " Jan., 1911, 150 " Feb., " 200 " March., " 1000 "[*754*] Executive Council -5- April 1, 1911, 1100 members May, ", 1200 " June, ", 1200 " July, ", 1100 " August, ", 1350 " Sept, ", 1500 " Oct, ", 1700 " From al. investigation of this entire situation during his recent visit to Muscatine, secretary Morrison recommends that the application of the union should be endorsed. As will be noted from the above [?] as to the number of members upon whom per capita tax has been paid since August, 1910, and for August, September and October of this year, there are only seven members eligible to benefits. At present there are no benefits being paid from the defense fund. The Executive Council has endorsed the following wage which: Tin, Steel, Iron and Granite Workers' Local No. [10???] of Granite City, Illinois, 175 members. Federal Labor Union #11617, Herrin, Illinois, 38 members. Barber Shop Porter's and Bath House Employes [?] San Francisco, [?6] members. Federal Labor Union [#?] . [?] Chicago: All belonging to the system federation of Illinois Central [?]. By document No. 72, Sept. 7th, the Executive Council has under consideration the matter of Machinists' Helpers [#?] of Clinton, Illinois, 14 members: [#12?45] Paducah, Kentucky. [??] members; [?], Waterloo, Iowa, 60 members, in connection with the negotiations now being carried on by the system federation of the Illinois Central Railway.[*755*] Executive Council -6- The proposition submitted to the Executive Council for a vote is: Shall the application or Button voters Local No. [12086?] for the approval of its strike of August 21st be endorsed and the members thereof who are eligible under the laws of the A. F. of L. be allowed benefits from the defense fund. Please return your vote upon the above at your early convenience. Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers President, American Federation of Labor[*756*] LF September 20, 1911. No. 75 EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AMERICAN FEDERATION OF LABOR COLLEAGUES: By documents #65, August 12; #66, August 14; #72, September 7, 1911, the Executive Council has under consideration the matter of the several local unions of Machinists' Helpers which are represented in the System Federation of the Illinois Central Railroad lines, that is, whether these locals shall be sustained to the extent of their members being allowed benefits from the defense fund of the American Federation of Labor, should the various national unions who the locals are also represented in the System Federation fail to secure a settlement of the matters at issue between the System Federation and the management of the road and a general strike ensue. A smaller situation has now arisen in connection with the Oregon Short Line and the Union Pacific Line. Machinists' Helpers Local #12864 of Sparks, Nevada, whose members are employed by the Oregon Short Line System, wrote under date of July 26 as follows: "Brother Morrison, the different trades on the O. S. L railroad have asked for a conference with Supt. J. F. Dunn, to take place in Salt Lake Utah on August first. They have included the helpers in the articles drawn up for their new agreement. This matter is to be brought up under the System Federation recently organized. We have not as yet been admitted to the System Federation, they claiming that we were not sufficiently well organized. [*COPIED. SEP 20 1911*][*757*] E. C. —2 Again on August 9, the secretary wrote: "The matter of wage scale is still pending. We have been informed that the Supt. J. F. Dunn refuses to meet the System Federation Officials but wants to make separate agreements with each craft. You may yet be able to do something for us, by urging the different crafts to make no settlement until the Helpers are considered." Inasmuch as Local #12864 was not represented in the System Federation of the Oregon Short Line, the matter was referred to Chairman Perham of the Railroad Employes Department of the American Federation of Labor, requesting his advice as to the course which, in his opinion, should be pursued in the matter of looking after the interests of local #12864 in connection with the plan of work of the System Federation. Local #12864 was chartered November 24, 1909 and has paid per capita tax for the past 12 months as follows: September, 1910 35 members October " 35 " November " 38 " December " 38 " January 1911 38 " February " 30 " March " 28 " April " 28 " May " 25 " June " 25 " July " 44 " August " 38 " On September 6th the Secretary of the Machinists' Helpers Local #12764 of Denver, Colorado wrote as follows: "Owing to the pending trouble over the Union Pacific Railway of the Harriman lines, the Machinists Helpers have taken a strike vote of the shops here and was carried unanimously. They have about 27 Machinists Helpers, 20 of whom belong to this local. There are 6 who will be entitled to benefits. The matter of dispute is the recognition of the System Federation which the officials of the Harriman Systems have refused." The Secretary did not state whether Local #12764 was represented in the System Federation of the Union Pacific Line.[*758*] E. C. —3 This matter was also referred to Chairman Perham for his advice and in line with the matter of Local #12864 of Sparks, Nevada. Local #12764 was chartered March 5, 1909 and has paid per capita tax for the past twelve months as follows: September 1910 100 members October " 100 " November " 100 " December " 100 " January 1911 100 " February " 100 " March " 100 " April " 100 " May " 100 " June " 100 " July " 100 " August " 100 " On September 15, the Secretary of Machinists' Helpers and Laborers' Local #12952 of Pocatello, Idaho writes as follows: "You are aware of the condition now existing on the Harriman Lines between the Shop Federation and the officials in relation to recognition of the Federation. The officials positively refuse to recognize the Federation and a strike vote has been taken and carried in favor of a strike. Now Brother Gompers, the Machinists Helpers and Laborers are not affiliated with the Shop Federation, so consequently we have no delegate on the general advisory board of the Federation. We have been verbally informed that the Federation will make the same demands for us as they are making for themselves and are assured of their protection for our cooperation in case of a strike. We are in need of a little advice. What positive assurance have we or can we get that in case we are called they will fulfil their promise and not go to work before we get the equal demands of the Federation." Local #12952 was chartered April 11, 1910 and has paid per capita tax for the past twelve months as follows: September 1910 70 members October " 80 " November " 60 " December " 60 " January 1911 60 " February " 60 "[*759*] E. C. --6 March 1911 40 members April " 25 " May " 30 " June " 20 " July " 30 " August " 35 " Inasmuch as the duties of Mr. Perham's position require his being away from his office so much of the time and in view of the situation on the Harrison lines in regard to the work of the System Federation as reported from time to time through the press, it seemed to me that the entire matter should be formally placed before the members of the Executive Council for their consideration and advice as to what action shall be take in the event of unfavorable results arising. The proposition submitted to the Executive Council for a vote is: In the event of the national union represented in the System Federation of the Oregon Short Line and of the Harrison lines being unsuccessful in their efforts to secure a favorable settlement of the existing controversies and it being unanimous decision of these national unions that a strike should be inau- gurated, shall the several local unions directly affiliated to the A. F. of L. whose members are employed by the Oregon Short Line and the Harrison lines and who would become necessarily involved in such strike, be entitled to financial assistance from the defense fund of the American Federation: At present there are no benefits being paid from the defense fund. The Executive Council has endorsed the following wage scales: Tin, Steel. Iron and Granite Workers' Local No. #10943 of[*760*] E. C. -- 5 Granite City, Illinois, 175 members. Federal Labor Union #11617, Herrin, Ill., 33 members. Barber Shop Porters and Bath House Employes' #11963, San Francisco, 35 members. Federal Labor Union #9993, Centralia, Ill.; Railroad Helpers #12674, Champaign, Federal Labor Union #10329, Burnside Chicago, all belonging to the system federation of the Illinois Central Lines. By Document No. 72, Sept. 7th, the Executive Council has under consideration the matter of Machinists' Helpers' #12561 of Clinton, Ill., 14 members, #12345, Paducah, Ky., 40 members, #9626, Waterloo, Ia., 60 members, in connection with the negotiations now being carried on by the system federation of the Illinois Central Railway and by Document #74 the application of Button Workers Local #12854 for the approval of its strike of August 21st. Please return your vote upon the above at your early convenience, and oblige, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers [signature] President American Federation of Labor[*761*] X. Sept. 20, 1911. [*COPIED. SEP 20 1911*] Mr. J. S. M. McDonald, Secretary, Mechanics' Helpers Local Union #12864, Sparks, Nevada. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 14th instant is received and contents noted. You desire to know what action should be taken by your local in the event that no agreement is reached between the representatives of the management of the Harriman Railroad Lines, and the representatives of the national and international unions composing the System Federation of the Harriman Lines. I beg to say in reply that this entire matter has been placed before my colleagues of the Executive Council, requesting their decision as to what shall be the attitude of the A. F. of L. toward the directly affiliated local unions whose members are employed in the shops along the Harriman Lines, that is, in the event that no amicable adjustment of the existing controversy should be reached. I will advise you immediately after the matter has been decided by the Executive Council. With kind regards, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. [*762*] [*COPIED. SEP 20 1911*] Z Sept. 20, 1911. Dr. Livingston Farrand, Secretary, Nat'l Assn. for the Study and Prevention of Tuberculosis, 105 East 22nd Street, New York, N.Y. Dear Sir: Your favor of the 18th instant has been duly received, in which you advise Mr. Gompers that a meeting of the Board of Directors of the National Association for the Study and Prevention of Tuberculosis will be held on Saturday afternoon, October 7th, 1911, at 4:30 P.M., Room 906 at 105 East 22nd St., New York City. In reply I beg to say that at present Mr. Gompers is in the west on an organizing and lecturing trip, as per the directions of the Convention for the A. F. of L., and will not, therefore, be able to attend the meeting in question. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to Pres. Gompers.[*763*] [*COPIED. SEP 20 1911*] Z Sept. 20, 1911. Mr. Wilson MacMullen, Secretary, Trades and Labor Federation, Adelaide Ave., Highland Park, New Brunswick, N. J. Dear Sir: Your favor of the 16th instant has been duly received, in which you advise you have been elected secretary of the Trades and Labor Federation of New Brunswick in the place of the late Charles Garling. The change will be made in the list of sec- retaries. The resolutions which you enclose for publication in the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST will be submitted to President Gompers upon his return to headquarters. He is now on an organizing and lec- turing tour in the West, as per the instructions of the convention of the A. F. of L. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to Pres. Gompers[*764*] [*COPIED. SEP 20 1911*] X. Sept. 20, 1911. Hon. William B. Wilson, Blossburg, Pennsylvania. My dear Mr. Wilson: Your favor of the 19th instant is received, in which you notify President Gompers of the hearing before the special House Committee to investigate the Taylor and other systems of shop- management, which will be held at the Tourraine Hotel, Beates, Massachusetts, on October 4, 1911, and that the Committee will be pleased to hear such witnesses [?] desire to testify. President Gompers has not yet returned from his western trip and is not ex- pected back until some time the first week in October. Secretary Morrison advises me, however, that you have sent him a similar notification and that he will make arrangements in conformity there- with. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard [signature] Secretary to President Gompers.[*765*] [*COPIED. SEP 20 1911*] X. Sept. 20, 1911. Mr. James M. Reilly, Secretary, McNamara Defense Conference of Hudson County, West Hoboken, New Jersey. Dear Sir: Your favor of September 19th is received. I beg to advise you in reply that President Gompers is now in California on an organizing and lecturing trip as directed by the convention of the A. F. of L. You say that a mass meeting of the McNamara Defense Conference will be held at the Orpheum Theater, Five Corners, Jersey City, October 1, 1911, and you extend an invitation to President Gompers to be present and address that meeting. Let me say in reply that he is not expected to return to Washington until some days after the first of October, hence it will not be within his power to accept your invitation. I have referred your letter to Secretary Morrison for further reply. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*766*] [*COPIED. SEP 21 1911*] LF Sept. 21, 1911 Mr. H. K. Russell, Secretary-Treasurer Utah Federation of Labor 337 South Tenth East, Salt Lake City, Utah Dear Sir: Your favor of the 16th instant with resolution adopted by the Convention of the Utah Federation of Labor enclosed, has been duly received and noted. President Gompers is at present on an organizing and lecturing trip in the West and on the Pacific Coast and your letter will be brought to his personal attention upon his return to headquarters. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard [signature] Secretary to President Gompers[*767*] [*COPIED. SEP 21 1911*] Sept. 21, 1911. X. Mr. F. E. Kingsley, Secretary, Saw Smiths' National Union, Room 64, Baldwin Building, Indianapolis, Ind. Dear Sir and Brother: Will you please advise me at your earliest convenience as to the standing of the Simonds Manufacturing Company with your organization. Thanking you in advance for your prompt reply, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers [signature] President, American Federation of Labor[*768*] [*COPIED. SEP 21 1911*] X. Sept. 21, 1911. Mr. John C. Phillips, Editorial Rooms, American Magazine, 381 Fourth Avenue, New York City. Dear Sir: Your favor of the 18th instant is received, in which you send to President Gompers advance sheets of the first chapter of Senator LaFollette's autobiography which will appear in the October issue of the American Magazine. President Gompers is absent from the office on an organizing and lecturing trip in the West and on the Pacific Coast, and is not expected to return until the first week in October, when Iwill bring your letter to his attention as soon as possible. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard [signature] Secretary to President Gompers.769 [*COPIED. SEP 21 1911*] X. Sept. 21, 1911. Mr. M. L. H. Odes, See America First Association, Hamilton, Montana. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers on an organizing and lecturing trip in the West and on the Pacific Coast, I beg to ac- knowledge receipt of your favor of the16th instant, which will be brought to Mr. Gompers' attention upon his return to this office, which will not be until about the first week in October. However, he will be so crowded with an accumulation of matters awaiting his attention, that I doubt whether he will be able to reach your request in time to serve your purpose. In any event, I am sure he will be interested in the matter and would be glad to look over the printed matter of the See America First Association when you have it ready for distribution. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard [signature] Secretary to President Gompers.[*770*] [*COPIED. SEP 21 1911*] X. Sept. 21,1911. W. C. Liad, St. Louis, Missouri. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers on official business, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 19th instant, enclosing copy for the American Federationist. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard [signature] Secretary to President Gompers.[*771*] [*COPIED. SEP 21 1911*] X. Sept. 21, 1911. Mr. Stephen Bauer, Director, Office International du Travail, (Reference to No. 3350-B) Basle, Switzerland. Dear Sir: Your favor of the 12th instant is received, in which you desire to know if we can supply certain missing numbers of the American Federationist. On looking over our files, I find that I can send you copy for April, 1907, February, 1906, July, 1904, and March, 1903. I regret that our supply of unbound copies for January, 1906, and January, 1902, is completely exhausted, except for the very few numbers it is necessary to keep at this office for reference purposes. I am sending you under separate cover the above named copies for your file. With best wishes, I am, Very sincerely yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. EDITOR, AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST.[*772*] [*COPIED. SEP 21 1911*] X. Sept. 21, 1911. Mr. Chas. Rochelle, Secretary, Trades and Labor Assembly, Wichita, Kansas. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers on an organizing and lecturing trip in the west and on the Pacific Coast, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 15th instant, in which you recommend the appointment of Mr. T. P. Menton as special organizer. Your letter will be brought to Mr. Gompers' attention upon his return to headquarters. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.773 [*COPIED. SEP 21 1911*] X. Sept. 21, 1911 Mr. Chas. Garling, Secretary, Trades and Labor Federation, Rutgers Street, New Brunswick, New Jersey. Dear Sir and Brother: Our records show that T. C. Bennett, 28 Stone Street, New Brunswick, holds a commission as volunteer organizer for New Brunswick and vicinity upon the recommendation of your central body, the commission having been issued upon February 14th, 1911. In filling out a blank form sent him by this office as to his present address and occupation, Mr. Bennett states that he is now now an organizer. Will you please advise me as to this at your earliest convenience, so that our records may be kept straight at headquarters. Thanking you in advance for your prompt reply, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.774 [*COPIED. SEP 21 1911*] X. Sept. 21, 1911. Mr. Otto E. Fischer, Secretary, Bakery and Confectionery Workers of America, 212 Bush Temple of Music, Chicago, Ill. Dear Sir and Brother: Our records show that H. Schirra holds a commission as volunteer organizer for Philadelphia and vicinity upon the recommenda- tion of your International Union, the commission having been issued February 9, 1904. His address on our records is 663 E Clearfield Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa. However, a letter to him at that address was returned to us marked unknown. Can you give us a later address? Thanking you in advance for your prompt reply, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*775*] [*COPIED. SEP 21 1911*] X. Sept. 21, 1911. Mr. C. F. Lanham, Secretary, Machinists' Helpers' Union #14099, Middleport, Ohio. Dear Sir and Brother: I am just in receipt of your favor of the 18th instant, in which you state that your union has submitted a new wage scale to [?] the company employing your members, and taken a strike vote in favor of walking out on the 25th if the scale is not granted. I take it that in this latter event, your members would expect financial assistance from the defense fund of the A. F. of L. In connection with this I desire to call your attention to Article XIII of the Constitution of the American Federation of Labor, a copy of which I herewith enclose. You will note from Section 4 of Article XIII that it is provided that before a local union is entitled to benefits from the defense fund it must have been in continuous good standing for at least one year. Inasmuch as this union was chartered under date of August 12, 1911, it does not come within the constitutional provision, hence is not eligible to benefits from the defense fund. I would therefore suggest that a committee be appointed by your local to confer with the representatives of the other local union whose members are employed by the same concern or company, so as to[*776*] Mr. C. F. Lenham -2- insure the best possible results to the union and its members, as well as to have the co-operation of the other local unions, and the Central Body. It should be unnecesaary for me to say to you that the officers of the A. F. of L. will be glad to be of every assistance to the local, as well as to every other organization of labor. Hoping that I may hear from you further and often, and with best wishes for success, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.777 [*COPIED. SEP 21 1911*] LF Sept. 21, 1911 Mr. A. C. Short, President, Federal Labor Union #12424, Hillsboro, Illinois Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 18th instant is received and contents noted. You say that in looking over some papers, the property of local #12424, you came across some correspondence between former Secretary John F. Winkleman and me in regard to an appeal or com- plaint signed by four members of your organization who were at the time and who are now members in good standing, that my letters to Mr. Winkleman upon the subject bear dates of from April 12, 1910 to June 13, 1910; that with my letters there were some loose sheets in Mr. Winkleman's hand writing which you infer were part of his reply to me; that none of the correspondence was ever placed before your organization, except my letter of June 13, 1910 in which I stated that the matter was dismissed, that is, neither you nor any other officer know what Mr. Winkleman did write me, you therefore request that I should send copies of his letters bearing upon this matter. You also say that Mr. Winkleman is no longer Secretary of Local #12424, he having been discontinued for the non-payment of his dues.[*778*] Mr. A. C. Short--2 In going through all of the correspondence in this case I find that it will be necessary, in order to make it clear, that in addition to the copies of the letters written me by Secretary Winkleman, that you should also be furnished with copies of the letters written me by the four members of your union, A. C. Short, S. D. Roberts, John Price and John W. Jordan, appealing against the action of F.L.U. #12424 and also my replies thereto. You will find them enclosed herein. I would like you to advise me further as to this entire matter. Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers President American Federation of Labor Enclosures:[*799*] [*COPIED. SEP 22 1911*] Washington, D. C., Sept. 22, 1. Mr. G. I. Perkins, Monon Bldg., Chicago, Ill. Organizer Iglesias cables today as follows: "Hundreds cigarmakers strikers. Ponce suffering. Hardships may break strike because unknowning any consideration given there. Just appeal by executive board situationbadly discreditable." Mr. Gompers and Mr. Traoy both absent. Please wire me. R. LEE GUARD. COLLECT.780 [*COPIED. SEP 22 1911*] X Sept. 22, 1911. Mr. P.M. Draper, Secretary, Canadian Trades and Labor Congress, Box 616, Ottawa, Canada. Dear Sir and Brother: Please advise me at your earliest convenience who was elected fraternal delegate from the Canadian Trades and Labor Congress to the Atlanta Convention of the A. F. of L. and also give his trade. In my report to the Atlanta Convention, I desire of course to make as full and comprehensive report as possible of the years work in Canada. I would therefore be greatly obliged to you if you will prepare such a report at your earliest convenience, and send it on to me. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.781 [*COPIED SEP 22 1911*] X Sept. 22, 1911. Mr. C. W. Bowerman, The Trades Union Congress Parliamentary Committee, General Buildings, Aldrych, London, W. C., England. Dear Sir and Brother: In your letter to me of August 15th, you stated that Mr. G. H. Roberts, M. P., would be one of the fraternal delegates from the British Trades Union Congress to the American Federation of Labor Convention at Atlanta, Georgia, in November. You also sent his photograph. As quite some time has elapsed since the adjourn- ment of your Congress, I fear that in the pressure of other business it has possibly slipped your mind that you have not given me the name of Mr. Roberts' colleague. Kindly do so at your earliest convenience, and also send me his photograph. I will be additionally grateful to you if as soon as these two gentlemen definitely decide the date upon which they will travel, and the port at which they will land on this side, you will notify me, so that proper arrangements may be made for their reception. Hoping to receive your early reply, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers [signature] President, American Federation of Labor.[*782*] [*COPIED. SEP 22 1911*] X. Sept. 22, 191. Mr. Santiago Iglesias, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, 11 Allen Street, San Juan, Porto Rico. Dear Sir and Brother: In order that I may make to the Atlanta Convention of the A. F. of L. [????] a full and comprehensive report of the years work in Porto Rico, I am writing to request that you prepare this for me and let me have it at the very earliest possible date. Thank you in advance, and with best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers [signature] President, American Federation of Labor.[*783*] [*COPIED. SEP 22 1911*] X. Sept. 22, 1911. Mr. I. M. Phillips, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, 21 Grand Avenue, Middletown, N. Y. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers on official business, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 18th instant, in regard to the work accomplished by you, for which you will please accept thanks. Mr. Gompers will be pleased to receive your report and to hear from you whenever convenient. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*784*] [*COPIED. SEP 22 1911*] X. Sept. 22, 1911. Mr. Thom Phillipson, Member, Typographical Union #103, Newark, New Jersey. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of September 18th, addressed to Secretary Morrison, has been handed to me for reply. You request information to assist you in sustaining an argument supporting the cause of unionism, as you anticipate being requested to participate in a debate upon the general subject matter of organized labor, and you desire to post yourself as thoroughly as possible so as to be prepared to intelligently defend our cause. You particularly request data and information as to what the labor movement has accomplished and also such data as can be used by you to advantage upon the subject of the union and non-union shop. This latter subject I discussed thoroughly in several editorials in the American Federationist, which were afterwards for convenience published in pamph let form. Copy is enclosed to you herein. Inasmuch as the A. F. of L. represents over 2,000,000 wageworkers 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. The balance of this letter is a neostyle and cannot be copied in the [farm?] book.[*785*] [*COPIED. SEP 22 1911*] X. Sept. 22, 1911. Mr. John M. O'Neil, Editor, Miners' Magazine, Room 605, Railroad Bldg., Denver, Colo. Dear Sir: I would appreciate it very much if you would kindly send me, markedpersonal, copy of your magazine of Thursday, September 14th. Thanking you in advance for your courtesy, I am, Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[786] X. Sept. 22, 1911. [COPIED. SEP 22 1911.] Mr. G. W. Perkins, President, Cigar Makers' International Union, Monon Building, Chicago, Illinois. My dear Mr. Perkins: I received your note this morning and will certainly comply with your request. I have gotten a copy of the Western Federation of Miners' Magazine for September 14th and attached to your letter to show to President Gompers when he returns. From the newspaper reports which Mr. Hamilton has sent me from every point the Chief has visited, he must be having a most interesting trip. The meetings and parades have been given a great deal of space in the papers, and many pictures of him, of the parades, and of the meetings. The trip will undoubtedly do a great deal of good. With kind regards, I am, Very sincerely yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.787 X. Sept. 21, 1911. [*COPIED SEP 22 1911*] Mr. Richard 3. Monok, Organizer. Union No. 38, Operative Planterers' Int'l. Association, 210 Connell Street, Wilmington, Del. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 20th instant, in which you tender your resignation as organizer for Wilmington and vicinity, and request that it shall take effect immediately. In conformity with your request, the proper record will be made upon our books. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.788 X. Sept 22, 1911. [*COPIED. SEP 22 1911*] Mr. H. L. Eichelberger, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, General Delivery, Wilmington, Del. My dear Mr. Eichelberger: In the absence of President Gompers, I beg to call your attention to a letter which is received today, addressed to him by Mr. Richard S. Monok, of Wilmington, copy of which you will please find enclosed herein. Mr. Monok tenders his resignation as organizer for Wilmington and vicinity. This leaves Wilmington without any organizer. In view of your being temporarily stationed in that city, I thought you should be advised of the above. The inference is from Mr. Monok's letter that the Central Body will shortly make recommendation for the appointment of his successor. Please let Mr. Gompers have a word from you in regard to the above, and oblige, Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.789 COPY. Wilmington Union No. 36, O. P. T. A., Wilmington, Del., Sept. 20, 1911. 210 Connell St. Mr. Samuel Gompers, Dear Sir and Brother: I hereby tender my resignation as organizer for Wilmington and vicinity for the following reason. The Central Labor Council has been closed and again open for the purpose of taking several unions that would remain outside until such action would be taken and as they will be a new set of officers elected, I think it only fair that they would have the election of their own organizer. As I think the movement is too large and grand to let any thing interfere with its upbuilding and wishing this new movement success, I remain, Fraternally yours, (Signed) Richard S. Monok, This to take effect at once.790 [*COPIED. SEP 23 1911*] X. Sept. 23, 1911. Mr. William J. Spencer, Secretary, Building Trades Department, A. F. of L., Ouray Building, City. Dear Sir and Brother: In my annual report to the Atlanta Convention of the A. F. of L. I desire of course to make a comprehensive report of the year's work of the several departments of the A. F. of L. I am therefore writing to you to request that you will kindly prepare for me at your earliest convenience such a report of the year's work of your Department as you may deem desirable to have made. Thanking you in advance for your compliance with the above, and with kind regards, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers President. American Federation of Labor.791 X. Sept. 23, 1911. Mr. H. B. Perham, Chairman, Railroad Employee Department, A. F. of I. StarBuilding, St. Louis, Mo. Dear Sir and Brother: In my annual report to the Atlanta Convention of the A. F. of L. I desire of course to make a comprehensive report of the year's worth of the several departments of the A. F. of L. I am therefore writing to you to request that you will kindly prepare for me at your earliest convenience such a report of the year's work of your Department as you may deem desirable to have made. Thanking you in advance for your compliance with the above, and with kind regards, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.792 Sept. 23, 1911. X. Mr. Thomas F. Tracy, Secretary, Union Label Trades Department, A. F. of L., Ouray Building, City. Dear Sir and Brother: In my annual report to the Atlanta Convention of the A. F. of L. I desire of course to makea comprehensive report of the year's work of the several departments of the A. F. of L. I am therefore writing to you to request that you will kindly prepare for me at your earliest convenience such a report of the year's work of your Department as you may deem desirable to have made. Thanking you in advance for your compliance with the above, and with kind regards, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.X. Sept. 23, 1911. Mr. A. J. Berres, Secretary, Metal Trades Department, A. F. of L., Ouray Building, City. Dear Sir and Brother: In my annual report to the Atlanta Convention of the A. F. of L. I desire of course to make a comprehensive report of the year's work of the several departments of the A. F. of L. I am therefore writing to you to request that you will kindly prepare for me at your earliest convenience such a report of the year's work of your Department as you may deem desirable to have made. Thanking you in advance for your compliance with the above, and with kind regards, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.794 X. Sept. 23, 1911. Mr. James E. Burke, Secretary, Printer Roller Makers' Union #10638, 1221 South 42d Court, Chicago, Ill. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 18th instant is received and contents noted. I am very much gratified to know that the agreement between the Printer Roller Makers' Union #10638 and the companies employing its members has been renewed for two years and without any controversy. You say that the only changes made in the agreement are in regard to shop conditions and they are mutually satisfactory. You further say that this settlement takes in the American, The Chicago, and the Buckie Companies, but the Bingham Company has not as yet signed the agreement, though I infer from your letter that the Company will yet be brought to sign. Please keep me advised fully as to this, so that our records may be straight in this matter. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you further at your convenience, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President. American Federation of Labor.795 Z Sept. 23, 1911 Mr. John Oliver, Secretary-Treasurer, Trades and Labor Assembly, P. O. Box 704, Fargo, N. D. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 18th instant has been received and contents noted. I beg to thank you and the organization for the recommendation you make for the appointment of Mr. M. J. Fleming as volunteer organizer for Fargo and vicinity. It affords me pleasure to comply with the request and recommendation made, and commission will be issued and forwarded to Brother Fleming in accordance therewith. There is also forwarded to him package of literature and documents published by this office, which I am sure he will find of assistance to him in the discharge of his duties as the representative of the A. F. of L. for your city. I trust his cooperation and assistance as the duly authorized representative of the A. F. of L. in Fargo will result greatly in the advancement of our movement in that section in every way. With kind regards and hoping to hear from you from time to time, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.796 Z Sept. 23, 1911. Mr. H. Foose, Secretary, United Traders and Labor Council, 38 East Third St., Dayton, Ohio. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 18th instant has been received and contents noted. I beg to thank you and the organization for the recommendation you make for the appointment of Mr. W. O. Chase as volunteer organizer for Dayton and vicinity, to take the place of Mr. Wm. Groniger. It affords me pleasure to comply with the request and recommendation made, and commission will be issued and forwarded to Brother Chase in accordance therewith. There is also forwarded to him package of literature and documents published by this office, which I am sure he will find of assistance to him in the discharge of his duties as the representative of the A. F. of L. for your city. I trust his cooperation and assistance as the duly authorized representative of the A. F. of L. in Dayton will result greatly in the advancement of our movement in that section in every way. Will you kindly furnish us with his address, in order that same may appear on our list of volunteer organizers.797 Mr. H. Foose---2. Upon receipt of twenty-five cents from you, we will immediately forward to you a Manual of Common Procedure. With best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.798 Z Sept. 23, 1911. Mr. Wm. A. Spence, Secretary, Lodge No. 277, Int'l Assn. of Machinists, 406 N. Detroit St., Bellefontaine, Ohio. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of recent date has been received and contents noted. I beg to thank you and the organization for the recommenda- tion you make for the appointment of Mr. C. J. Sandos as volunteer organizer of Bellefontaine and vicinity. It affords me pleasure to comply with the request and recommendation made, and commission will be issued and forwarded to Brother Sandoe in accordance therewith. There is also forwarded to him package of literature and documents published by this office, which I am sure he will find of assistance to him in the discharge of his duties as the repre- sentative of the A. F. of L. for your city. I trust his co-opera- tion and assistance as the duly authorized representative of the A. F. of L. in Bellefontaine will result greatly in the advancement of our movement in that section in every way. Will you kindly give us Brother Sandoe's address, in order that same may appear upon our list of volunteer organizers: Upon the information contained in your communication, we have dropped Mr. A. M. Armer from our list of organizers.799 Mr. William A. Spence----2. With kind regards and hoping to hear from you from time to time, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.800 Z Sept. 23, 1911. Mr. A. [?]. Veter, Secretary, Central Labor Council, Monaca, Pa. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 19th instant has been received and contents noted. I beg to thank you and the organization for the recommendation you make for the appointment of Mr. H. G. Kelly as volunteer organizer for Beaver County, Pennsylvania. It affords me pleasure to comply with the request and recommendation made, and commission will be issued and forwarded to Brother Kelly in accordance therewith. There is also forwarded to him package of literature and documents published by this office, which I am sure he will find of assistance to him in the discharge of his duties as the representative of the A. F. of L. for your locality. I trust his cooperation and assistance as the duly authorized representative of the A. F. of L. in Beaver County will result greatly in the advancement of our movement in that section in every way. With kind regards and hoping to hear from you from time to time, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.801 Z Sept. 23, 1911. Mr. W. J. Greenleaf, Secretary, Yellowstone County Trades and Labor Assembly, P. O. Box 1452, Billings, Mont. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 15th instant has been received and contents noted. I beg to thank you and the organization for the recommendation you make for the appointment of Mr. H. W. Nelson as volunteer organizer for Billings and vicinity. It affords me pleasure to comply with the recommendation made, and commission will be issued and forwarded to Brother Nelson in accordance therewith. There is also forwarded to him package of literature and documents published by this office, which I am sure he will find of assistance to him in the discharge of his duties as the representative of the A. F. of L. for your city. I trust his co-operation and assistance as the duly authorized representative of the A. F. of L. in Billings will result greatly in the advancement of our movement in that section in every way. Of course you understand there are no objections to there being two or more organizers holding commissions from the A. F. of L. in one city, and we have, therefore, not rescinded any commission in issuing one to Brother Nelson. The only802 Mr. W. J. Greenleaf----2. other organizer which our records show we have at Billings is Mr. Hugh McDonald whose commission was issued on the request of the Montana State Federation of Labor, and any request for the [rev???] tion of his commission would have to come from the State Branch. With best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. P. S. Is it sufficient address to send mail to Mr. Nelson at Billings. Mont.?803 Sept. 23, 1911. Z Mr. George M. Henderson, Secretary-Treasurer, Maryland State and District of Columbia Federation of Labor, 102 East Lexington Street, Baltimore, Md. Dear Sir and Brother: Your two favors of the 20th instant have been received and contents noted. I beg to thank you and the organization for the recommendation you make for the appointment of the following as volunteer organizers for the jurisdiction of the Maryland and District of Columbian Federation of Labor: Mr. Wm. H. Ferguson, Mr. Geo. M. Henderson, Mr. H. D. Digney, Mr. W. S. Pierce, Mr. L. A. Sterne, Mr. P. J. Heilker, Miss L. C. Trax. It affords me pleasure to comply with the request and recommendation made, and commissions will be issued and forwarded to these members of your Executive Board in accordance therewith. There are also forwarded to them packages of literature and documents published by this office, which I am sure they will find of assistance to them in the discharge of their duties as the representatives of the A. F. of L. I trust their cooperation and assistance as the duly authorized representatives of the A. F. 804 Mr. George M. Henderson---2. of L. will result greatly in the advancement of our movement in Maryland and the District of Columbia. With kind regards and hoping to hear from you from time to time, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. P. S. As you already hold a commission as volunteer organizer it will not be necessary to issue a new one to you.[*805*] [*Sept.25*] COPIED. Sep 25 1911 Z Sept. 25, 1911. Mr. C. H. Bowerman, The Trades Union Congress Parliamentary Committee, General Buildings, Aldwych, London, W.C., England. Dear Sir and Brother: I was very much pleased indeed to receive your letter of Sept. 13th, in which you enclose the photograph of Mr. James Crinion, J. P., representing the Card and Blowing Room Operatives of the Cotton Industry, who was elected by your recent Congress as fraternal delegate to the Atlanta convention of the A. F. of L. I have just written you a few days ago in regard to the matter and you will have received my letter before this reaches you. Kindly do not fail to advise me as soon as you can as to the time Messrs. Crinion and Roberts will sail for this side, the steamer and line upon which they will sail, and their destination port. It is needless to say that a warm and cordial welcome will await them. With kind regards and best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*806*] Z Sept. 25. 1911. COPIED. SEP 25 1911 Mr. David Lever, Missoula, Montana. Dear Sir: Your favor of the 19th instant is received and contents noted. In reply I beg to say that from now until our annual convention, which opens in Atlanta, Georgia, November 13th, I shall be exceedingly busy with work in preparation for the convention but nevertheless, if you and your colleagues should desire further information in the preparation of your debate, I shall endeavor to find time in which to give it to you. Very truly yours, Saml. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.807 Z Sept. 25, 1911. [*COPIED SEP 25 1911*] Mr. William D. Huber, President, United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, Carpenters Building, Indianapolis, Indiana. Dear Sir and Brother: On August 3rd you wrote me making complaint against Federal Labor Union No. 11617 of Herrin, Illinois, that is, that the Secretary of that organization was a carpenter and therefore should belong to the Carpenters' Local Union. I took the matter up with him and under date of September 23rd he advises me: "Will say that I am not working at the Carpenters trade at present, nor have not for two or more years. I once belonged to the Carpenters & Joiners and dropped out on account of non-payment of dues for I thought it useless for me to pay dues in so many locals. I am mining at present and have been off and on for about fourteen years, but don't think will work at the trade much longer. I will say don't think for a moment that I would work at the carpenters trade without belonging to the Carpenters' union. I will further say that I will never see the union go down. As for anyone working belonging to our local working the Carpenters trade, I don't know of any." Trusting that the above information will be satisfactory to you, and with kind regards, I am Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.808 Z Sept. 25, 1911. [*COPIED SEP 25, 1911*] Mr. L. F. Frencis, Secretary, Central Labor Union, 320 S. 15th St., Independence, Kansas. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of Sept. 21st received and contents noted. In reply thereto I beg to call your attention to Section 7, Article 11 of the Constitution of the A. F. of L., which reads as follows: "No Central Labor Union, or other central body of delegates, shall have authority or power to originate a boycott, nor shall such bodies indorse and order the placing of the name of any person, firm, or corporation on an unfair list until the Local Union desiring the same has, before declaring the boycott, submitted the matter in dispute to the Central Body for investigation, and the best endeavors on its part to effect an amicable settlement. Violation of this section shall forfeit charter." I would therefore suggest that any trouble which may have arisen or which may arise between any local union and any concern or company employing its members should be taken up with the executive officers of the International Union of the trade rather than with this office. Then again, let me say, as you will note be referring to the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST, the American Federation of Labor no longer publishes the "We Don't Patronize" list. In the March, 1908, issue of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST I published an editorial809 Mr. L. F. Francis---2. in which are set forth the reasons for the discontinuance of the publication of that list, that is, owing to the decision of the supreme court in the Hatters' cast. It would be well for you to read that editorial. With kind regards and best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.810 LF Sept. 25, 1911 Mr. Jehiel W. Burgess, Organizer 86 Chalmer St., Galt, Ontario, Canada COPIED. SEP 25 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 13th instant is received and contents noted. I note what you say in regard to organizing the Hod Carriers of Galt and I find that Secretary Morrison has been corresponding with you in connection with this matter. He informs me that he has not as yet had any report from Organizer Plett in regard thereto. No doubt he will write you further as soon as such a report is received. You say that you are organizing the Stove Mounters at Preston, about three miles from Galt. I have just written to Secretary J. H. Kaefer of the Stove Mounters' International Union, requesting him to send you such printed matter and data as will be helpful to you in the work. With kind regards and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers, President American Federation of Labor.[*811*] LF Sep. 25,1911 Mr. John Morrison 25 Third Avenue, New York, N.Y. COPIED. SEP 25 1911 My dear Mr. Morrison: Would you please give me a brief statement as to the conviction and prosecution of any parties by the District Attorney's office in New York who have fraudulently used the name of organized labor, but who have counterfeited the union label. This information is wanted in connection with the reports which are being prepared for the Atlanta Convention. Thanking you in advance for your prompt attention to the above, I am, Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.812 LF Sept. 25,1911 Mr. Henry Ullner, Secretary American Brotherhood of Cement Workers Mechanics Building, San Francisco, California [*COPIED SEP 25 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: In continuation of my letter to you of the 12th instant in regard to the complaint made by Federal Labor Union #7087 of Belleville, Illinois, as to conflict of jurisdiction between the Cement Workers and the members of that organization, I beg to say that under date of September 18th, Secretary Diehl of that organization writes me as follows: "In reply to letter Sept. 12, 1911, regarding the Cement Workers of East Louis, I wish to state that our members doing that class of work do not average over 3 days per week at such work. Also wish to call your attention to our scale endorsed by the executive board of the A. F. of L. giving us jurisdiction over such work which does not expire until May 1st, 1912. Hoping this reply will meet with your approval and notify Mr. Ullner, Secretary of the Cement Workers of such facts also." It would seem, therefore, from Secretary Diehl's letter that you have been misinformed as to the situation in Belleville, that is, that there are members in F. L. U. #7087 who are continuously employed as cement workers. Trusting that you will write me further in regard to this matter, I am, with best wishes, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, A.F. of L.813 X. Sept. 25, 1911. Hon. Daniel J. Keefe, Commissioner General of Immigration, Bureau of Labor, Washington, D. C. [*COPIED SEP 25 1911*] Dear Sir: Referring to our correspondence in the early part of this year in regard to the influx of Mexican laborers in the Southwestern states, which was investigated by the Immigration Bureau, I beg to enclose to you herein copy of letter I received some days ago from Mr. C. F. Russi, Jr., of San Antonio, Texas. As you will note, Mr. Russi's letter is dated September seventh. The matter would have been taken up with you earlier, but for the fact that in a postscript to his letter he requested the matter to be regarded as confidential. I then wrote him as to the matter, and he now writes me that he has no objection to my using his letter in any way that I may see fit. It seemed to me, therefore, that your Bureau should be advised of the information given by Mr. Russi. I am now writing him that I have referred his letter to you and will appreciate any information you may be able to give me as to what dispositionis made of the matter by your Bureau and with what result. Very truly yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.814 COPY. San Antonio. Texas. Sept. 7, 1911. Mr. Samuel Gompers. Dear Sir: I am writing you this letter in order to get your assistance in a matter that is of great importance to organized labor, that is the violation of the immigration laws of this country on the Mexican border. The execution committee of the Trades Council has had this matter in hand for several months. We have laid this matter before the local Federal officers on two different occasions, and cannot get them to do anything. We have statements from Mexicans that were brought here form Mexico by labor agents who live in Laredo and Del Rio, and went to Mexico after them. We submitted the names of these men to the officers here in San Antonio. The Mexicans have made the statements to us that they were hired by labor agents in different parts of Mexico and bunched in New Laredo, Mexico. When they had about fifteen to twenty men, they were crossed in bunches through the Custom House and were taken in charge by other men in the employ of labor agents on this side of the border. We have men who will testify that they saw this themselves. We have a firm of labor agents, Garza & Contras Co. here in San Antonio who have on different occasions laid this matter before the officials here, and they have always said there is nothing to it. There is a concern here building a Five-million dollar dam in Medina County who are using about 1500 Mexicana mostly from Mexico brought here by men in their employ. The Federal prosecuting attorney, a Mr. Cresson in San Antonio, is a stockholder in this concern, and also their legal representative, so you can see for yourself what is wrong. There is but one way to get the violators of the law, and that is to remove the officials here in San Antonio[*815*] --2-- and on the border and bring 10 men who will do their duty. This is no idle talk. I cannot explain to you all the evidence we have as it will take too long to write it, but we have enough to convince several men, only the Federals officials turn us down and say there is nothing to it. I wish you would take this matter up with the Department of Labor and see if something can be done to enforce the laws. Garza & Contras Co., local labor agents, are going to submit a s tatement of the violation of the law to the Department of Labor at Washington. What we want here is a new attorney that will take this matter before the Federal Grand Jury which meets here next month. Hoping to hear from you, I remain, (Signed) C. F. Russi Jr. 1014 Lake View Ave. San Antonio, Texas.815 X. Sept. 23, 1911. COPIED SEP 25 1911 Mr. C. F. Russi, Jr., 1014 Lake View Avenue, San Antonio, Texas. Dear Sir: Your favor of the 18th instant is received and contents noted. Inasmuch as you say that the postscript of your former letter in regard to the alleged violation of the immigration laws on the Mexican border should not deter me from making such use of the letter as I may deem advisable, I have just written to the Commissioner General of Immigration sending him copy of your letter to me and requesting that the matter should be taken up by his Bureau. I should be glad to write you further as soon as I am in a position to give you any definite information. Very truly yours, Sam'l Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.817 Sept. 25,1911 LF Mr. T. W. Parker, President State Federation of Labor 2801 You St., Lincoln, Nebraska [*COPIED SEP 25 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 17th instant is received and contents noted. In conformity with your recommendation and request I am glad to issue a commission to William A. Chrisman of 2509 South 20th Ave., Omaha, Neb., as volunteer organizer for the State of Nebraska. and commission will be issued and forwarded to Brother Chrisman in accordance therewith. There is also forwarded to him package of literature and documents published by this office, which I am sure he will find of assistance to him in the discharge of his duties as the representative of the A. F. of L. for your city. I trust his cooperation and assistance as the duly authorized representative of the A. F. of L. will result greatly in the advancement of our movement in that section in every way. I have also issued commission to you as volunteer organizer for the state of Nebraska and would request that you return to me the commission you now hold as organizer for Lincoln and vicinity. I note what you say in regard to special organization818 Mr. T. W. parker--2 work in Nebraska, but at present I am not in a position to give you any definite assurance that the A. F. of L. will be able to place an organizer in Nebraska at any time in the near future. I can only say that we will keep a memorandum of your request and will do the best we can to comply therewith. With kind regards and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I remain, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.819 X. Sept. 25, 1911. Mr. John F. Smith, Secretary. Missouri State Federation of Labor. Labor Temple, Kansas Ciy, Mo. [*COPIED SEP 25 1911*] Dear sir and Brother: It will be necessary for the Executive Council in its report to the Atlanta Convention of the A. F. of L. to make report upon the conservation of natural resources. I therefore write to request that as soon as you can conveniently do so after the adjournment of the Conservation Congress in Kansas City, September 25-27, that you let me have as comprehensive a report as possible of the proceedings of that Congress and also any printed proceedings which may be issued. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.820 LF Sept. 25,1911 Mr. J. H. Kaefer, Secretary Stove Mounters' International Union 1210 Jefferson Ave. East., Detroit, Mich Copied. Sep 25 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: In a letter just received from Organizer Johial W. Burgess of Galt, Ontario, 66 Chalmer St. he requests that you should be advised that he is organizing the Stove Mounters at Preston, which is located three miles from Galt. I would suggest that you write direct to Mr. Burgess, sending him such date and printed matter as you think will be of assistance to him in the work. With kind regards, I remain, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.821 Z Sept. 25, 1911. [*COPIED SEP 25 1911*] Dr. Livingston Farrand, Executive Secretary, National Association for the Study and Prevention of Tuberculosis, 105 East 22nd Street, New York, N. Y. Dear Sir: Your favor of the 23rd instant is received and contents noted. You refer to Resolution No. 63 of the St. Louis Convention of the A. F. of L. by which the American Federation of Labor gave its endorsement to the use of the Red Cross Christmas Seals as an aid in the anti-tuberculosis campaign. You further say that you should like to make use of this resolution in this year's campaign for the Red Cross Christmas Seal but before doing so you would request my advice as to whether any objections thereto would be made by the A. F. of L. In reply let me say that there will be no objection whatever. Resolution No. 63, as adopted by the St. Louis Convention of the A. F. of L. stands as the declaration of the American Federation of the Labor unless otherwise ordered by the convention. Very truly yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.822 [*COPIED. SEP 26 1911*] Sept. 26, 1911. X. Mr. Henry M. Walker, Organizer, American Federation of the Labor, The Texas Union, El Paso, Texas. Dear Sir: Please accept President Gompers' thanks for your full and comprehensive report of the Convention of the Farmers' Educational and Co-operative Union, held at Shawnee, Oklahoma, Sept. 5, 6, and 7, which you attended as the duly appointed delegate of the American Federation of Labor. I will not fail to bring the report to Mr. Gompers' attention upon his return. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*823*] X. Sept. 26, 1911. Mr. Henry Green, 81 Nassau Street, New York City. [*COPIED. SEP 26 1911*] Dear sir: Your favor of the 25th instant is received, in which you state that you are endeavoring to make up a committee of influential Americans in connection with a mass meeting in New York in the near future to protest against the refusal of Russia to honor American passports held by members of the clergy, Jews, and other classes of Americans. You desire that President Gompers should act as a member of that committee. I beg to advise you in reply that Mr. Gompers is now on the Pacific Coast, and is not expected to return here for some time yet. Therefore I am unable to inform you as to his wishes in the matter. Your letter, however, will be placed among othermatters awaiting his personal attention upon his return, Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*824*] [*COPIED. SEP 26 1911*] X. Sept. 26, 1911. Mr. Will Herman, Secretary, Tin, Steel, Iron and Granite Ware Workers' Union #10943, Granite City, Illinois. Dear Sir and Brother: I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 23d instant in which you enclose the signed copy of the wage scale of your local, about which you wrote me a day or two ago, and to which I replied yesterday. Again expressing my gratification that the matter has been satisfactorily adjusted, and with kind regards, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*825*] X. Sept. 26, 1911. [*COPIED. SEP 26 1911*] Mr. John B. Colpoys, Secretary, Central Labor Union, 425 G Street, N. W., City. Dear Sir and Brother: I should appreciate it greatly, if you will send this office a few copies of your Constitution for reference purposes. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.826 X. Sept. 26, 1911. [*COPIED SEP 26 1911*] Miss Pearl McGill, Secretary, Button Workers' Protective Union, #12854, 516 E. 5th St., Muscatine, Iowa. Dear Madam: I submitted to my colleagues of the Executive council the matter of the strike which was inaugurated August 21st by the members of Button Workers' Union #12854 of Muscatine. At the same time the Executive Council was also furnished with a full copy of a formal application of Local #12854 giving your reasons for the endorsement of the strike, and the members thereby to be allowed benefits from the defense fund of the A. F. of L. I am now writing to advise you that the application of Local #12854 has been endorsed by the Executive Council, and the members of that organization thereby become entitled to benefits from the defense fund. The strike was inaugurated August 21st. Therefore under the provisions of the Constitution of the A. F. of L., the payment of the first week's benefits begins September fourth. Enclosed you will please find two strike report blanks which you will have properly filled in with the names of those members who under the provisions of Article 13 of the Constitution are entitled to benefits. As you know the Constitution provides that only those members who have been in continuous good standing for a period of one year are eligible to benefits. These blanks when[*827*] Miss Pearl McGill -2- properly filled in should be returned to this office when Secretary Morrison will promptly send check for the two weeks' benefits. Should the strike not be adjusted after the action of the Executive Council in endorsing your application, the members will be allowed benefits for the full term of six weeks as provided by the Constitution. Hoping to receive your early reply, and with kind regards, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.828 X. Sept. 26, 1911. COPIED SEP 26 1911 Mr. Emmett T. Flood, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, General Delivery, Muscatine, Iowa. Dear Sir and Brother: Enclosed you will please find duplicate copy of letter which I have just written to the Secretary of Button Workers' local union #12854. I ask that you kindly see to it that the strike report blanks are properly dated and filled in and returned to this office promptly, as stated in my letter to Secretary McGill. In addition thereto I should say that should the trouble not be adjusted, the union under the Constitution of the A. F.of L. would have the right to make application for continuation of the payment of benefits upon the expiration of the six weeks as allowed by the Executive Council. Trusting that I may hear from your early convenience, and with kind regards, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.829 Z Sept. 25, 1911. Mr. Will Herman, Secretary, Tin, Steel, Iron and Granite Workers Union #10943, 2034 Dewey Ave., Granite City, Ill. [*COPIED. SEP 26 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 21st instant is received and contents noted. I am exceedingly gratified to learn that the new wage scale and agreement of your organization has been accepted by your employers and that your members have thereby secured a substantial increase in wages. You say that the scale is somewhat changed from that as approved by the Executive Council, but if it is satisfactory to your union of course it will be satisfactory to this office. Please do not fail to send me a copy of it at your earliest convenience. With kind regards and best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*830*] Z Sept. 26, 1911. Mr. George Wilkin, Secretary, Central Labor Union, 60 Maple St., Burlington, Vt. COPIED. SEP 26 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of Sept. 22nd is received and contents noted. In reply thereto I beg to call your attention to Section 2, Articlle 11 of the Constitution of the A. F. of L., which reads 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." You will, therefore, understand from the above that not only is it the duty of all local unions to be duly represented in the City Central Body but also that they should be represented in the State Federation of Labor and when eligible be represented in the several departments of the A. F. of L. With best wishes, and hoping to hear from you from time to time, I am Fraternally yours, Saml.Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*[831]*] [*COPIED. SEP 26 1911*] Z Sept. 26, 1911. Mr. W. S. Carter, President, Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen and Enginemen, Peoria, Illinois. My dear Mr. Carter: Your letter of September 18th is received. Mr. Gompers has not yet returned from his Western trip and is not expected back until sometime next week. As you can imagine, he will of course be exceedingly busy upon his return and it may be quite some little time before he is able to reach your letter, but I shall try to bring it to his attention at the very earliest possible moment. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to Pres. Gompers.[*832*] Z Sept. 26, 1911 Mr. H. G. Demerritt, Organizer, Hutchinson, Kansas. COPIED. SEP 26 1911 Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers, who is on an organizing and lecturing trip through the West, as per the instructions of the convention of the A. F. of L., permit me to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 20th instant, in which you say you wish to procure some photographs of scenes and events in the McNamara case, to be used by you during a lecture tour. Your letter will be brought to President Gompers' attention at the earliest possible moment after his return to headquarters. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to Pres. Gompers.833 Z Sept. 26, 1911 [*COPIED. SEP 26 1911*] Mr. A. Dumaw, Organizer, 223 East Chestnut Street, Springfield, Missouri. Dear Sir and Brother: In continuation of my letter to you of August 31st in regard to the railway unions of Springfield and the formation of a dual Railroad Federation, I beg to say that, as stated to you, I sent copy of your letter to Chairman Perham of the Railroad Employees Department of the A. F. of L. He now writes me, under date of Sept. 22nd, as follows: “Your letter of September 1st was duly received. It is true that a rival dual federation has been formed on the St. Louis and San Francisco Railroad. It cannot be recognized as a federation by the Railroad Employees Department, and I am inclined to believe that it would not receive support from the International organizations as a federation. Mr. C. G. Kelse, 434 South Main Street, Springfield, Mo., is Chairman of the regular System Federation on the St. Louis and San Francisco Railroad and Mr. Dumaw should consult him as to the way out of the difficulty. I send some literature about the Department, which may be useful to Mr. Dumaw in his work as it contains about all there is to be learned about the Department.” I would suggest that you confer with Mr. Kelse as indicated by Mr. Perham. With best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*834*] Z Sept. 26, 1911. Mr. H. B. Perham, Chairman, Railroad Employees Department, Star Building, St. Louis, Mo. COPIED. SEP 26 1911 Dear Sir: Please accept Mr. Gompers' thanks for your letter of Sept. 22nd, in which you give him the requested information as to the System Federation of the St. Louis and San Francisco Railroad, with offices at 434 South Main St.. Springfield. Organizer Dumaw of that city has been furnished with a copy of your letter. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to Pres. Gompers.[*835*] Z Sept. 26, 1911. [*COPIED Sep 26 1911*] Mr. T. M. Daly, President, Metal Polishers, Buffers, Platers, Brass Molders, Brass and Silver Workers' Union of N. A., Neave Building, Cincinnati, Ohio. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers on a lecturing and organizing trip in the West, as per the instructions of the convention of the A. F. of L., permit me to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 22nd instant, recommending the appointment of Mr. J. J. Flynn as special organizer for New York City. Your letter will be brought to President Gompers' attention at the earliest possible moment after his return to headquarters. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to Pres. GompersZ Sept. 26, 1911. [*COPIED SEP 26 1911*] Mr. H. G. Terlisner, Editor, The Memphis Social Democrat, 1085 Indiana Street, Memphis, Tennessee. Dear Sir and Brother: In reply to your favor of the 22nd instant, I beg to advise it will give us pleasure to comply with your request and place you on our list to receive the weekly news letter and also on the exchange list of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST. 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. Editor, AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST.837 Z Sept. 26, 1911. [*COPIED. SEP 26 1911*] Mr. Charles Muendlein, Cor. Secretary, Trades and Labor Assembly, 401 William St., Belleville, Illinois. Dear sir and Brother: Replying to your favor of the 18th instant, in which you advise that the local union of Tailors of your city has withdrawn from your Central Body. I beg to advise I have taken the matter up with Secretary Brais of the Tailors, requesting him to take steps to have his local re-affiliate. As soon as I hear from him I will write your further in regard to the matter. With best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.838 Z Sept. 26, 1911. Mr. E. J. Brais, Secretary, Journeymen Tailors' Union of America, P. O. Box 597, Bloomington, Illinois. [*COPIED. SEP 26 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: In a letter just received from Mr. Charles Muendlein, Secretary of the Belleville, Illinois, Trades' and Labor Assembly, he advises that your local union at that point withdrew its delegates from the Assembly about a year ago and since then efforts to have it reaffiliate have proved unavailing. In this connection I would call your attention to Section 2, Article 11 of the Constitution of the A. F. of L., which reads 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, will you kindly take steps looking toward having your Belleville local reaffiliate and cooperate with the Trades and Labor Assembly at that point, advising me what has been done in the matter? With kind regards and best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.839 Z Sept. 26, 1911. COPIED. SEP 26 1911 Col. H. F. Crosman 5515 Washington Ave., Hyde Park, Chicago, Ill. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 20th instant has been received, in which you tender your resignation as volunteer organizer for Niles, Michigan, and vicinity, as you have moved to Chicago. I regret you cannot continue your work as organizer but under the circumstances I can but accept your resignation, and take this opportunity to express my appreciation of and thank you for the good work performed by you while acting in that capacity. I am pleased to note that though no longer connected with the A. F. of L. as our official organizer, you will yet lend your influence wherever possible to the strengthening of our great cause. With best wishes for success, and hoping to hear from you occasionally, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.840 Z Sept. 26, 1911. [*COPIED. SEP 26 1911*] Mr. A. J. McClelland, Organizer, Odin, Illinois. Dear Sir and Brother: Your undated favor at hand and contents noted. You say you wish to resign your commission as volunteer organizer for Odin and vicinity as you have moved in the country. I regret to lose you as organizer, but under the circumstances I can but accept your resignation, and take this opportunity to express my appreciation of and 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. in the capacity of official organizer, you will yet land your influence wherever possible to the strengthening of our great cause. With best wishes for success, and hoping to hear from you occasionally, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.841 Z Sept. 26, 1911. [*COPIED. SEP 26 1911*] Mr. M. F. Ryan, President, Brotherhood of Railway Carmen, 505 Hall Building, Kansas City, Mo. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 21st instant has been received and contents noted. I beg to thank you and the organization for the recommendation you make for the appointment of the Grand Lodge Deputies and General Officers of your Brotherhood as volunteer organizers for the A. F. of L. It affords me pleasure to comply with the request and recommendation made, and commissions will be issued and forwarded to Messrs.M. F. Ryan, Frank Pequin, Alf. Chartrand, J. H. Spelts, J. J. Gallagher, W. H. Bonemus, J. J. Suthons, F. P. Lewis, J. H. Walters and Geo. A. Nolte in accordance therewith. There are also forwarded to them packages of literature and documents published by this office, which I am sure they will find of assistance to them in the discharge of their duties as representatives of the A. F. of L. I trust their cooperation and assistance as the duly authorized representatives of the A. F. of L. will result greatly is the advancement of our movement in every way.[*842*] Mr. M. F. Ryan---2. With kind regards and hoping to hear from you from time to time, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.843 Z Sept. 26, 1911. [*COPIED. SEP 26 1911*] Mr. C. E. McCollum, Organizer, West Frankport, Ill. Dear Sir and Brother: Replying to your favor of the 21st instant, I beg to advise that under date of Sept. 23rd Secretary Merrison forwarded a check to you in payment of your services in organizing Federal Labor Union #14094, Benton, Ill. I trust by now you have received the same. With best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.844 Z Sept. 26, 1911. [*COPIED. SEP 26 1911*] Mr. A. A. Pierce, President, Trades Council, Johnston City, Ill. Dear Sir and Brother: I am in receipt of your letter of the 22nd instant in which you recommend someone whose name I am unable to decipher as volunteer organizer for Johnston City. I should be pleased to issue a commission upon your recommendation if you will kindly write the name plainly in order that same may appear absolutely correct upon our records. With best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.845 Z Sept. 26, 1911. [*COPIED. SEP 26 1911*] Mr. John Polian, Secretary, Central Labor Union, P. O. Box 570, Omaha, Nebraska. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 22nd instant has been received and contents noted. I beg to thank you and the organization for the recommendation you make for the appointment of Mr. James R. Wangberg and Mr. H. E. Wilson as volunteer organizers for Omaha and vicinity. It affords me pleasure to comply with the request and recommendation made, and commission will be issued and forwarded to these brothers in accordance therewith. There are also forwarded to them packages of literature and documents published by this office, which I am sure they will find of assistance to them in the discharge of their duties as the representatives of the A. F. of L. for your city. I trust their cooperation and assistance as the only authorized representatitive of the A. F. of L. in Omaha will result greatly in the advancement of our movement in that section in every way. Will you kindly advise if Mr. L. V. Gaye is still active in the movement and if it is the wish of your Central Body that he also be continued as organizer for Omaha? If such be your wish, there are no objections to doing this.[*846*] Mr. John Polian---2. With kind regards and best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.847 Z Sept. 26, 1911 [*COPIED. SEP 26 1911*] Miss Frances Hord, Secretary, Central Labor Union, 1110 Scott Ave., Fort Scott, Kansas. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 22nd instant has been received and contents noted. I beg to thank you and the organization for the recommendation you make for the appointment of Mr. S. M. Stallard 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 Stallard in accordance therewith. There is also forwarded to him package of literature and documents published by this office, which I am sure he will find of assistance to him in the discharge of his duties as the representative of the A. F. of L. for your city. I trust his cooperation and assistance as the duty authorized representative of the A. F. of L. in Fort Scott with result greatly in the advancement of our movement in that section in every way. With kind regard and hoping to hear from you from time to time, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. P. S. Please advise us as to the correct address of Bro. Stallard.848 LF Sept. 28, 1911 [*COPIED. SEP 26 1911*] Mr. Chas. Diehl, Secretary Federal Labor Union #7087, A & Spring Sts., Belleville, Ill. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 18th instant is received and contents noted. I am again writing to Secretary Ullner of the Brotherhood of Cement Workers sending him copy of your letter to me in which you state that the members of your organization are only occasionally employed for a day at a time on cement work. I am calling Secretary Ullner's attention particularly to this point in your letter and hope to hear from him in regard thereto in the near future, when I will again communicate with you. With kind regards, I remain, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers President American Federation of Labor.849 X. Sept. 26, 1911. [*COPIED. SEP 26 1911*] Mr. George James, Secretary, Machinists Helpers' Local Union #12764, 223 E. 20th Avenue, Denver, Colorado. Dear Sir and Brother: As I stated to you in my recent letter would be done, I submitted to my colleagues of the Executive Council the matter of Machinists Helpers' Local Union #12764, should circumstances so shape themselves that your members would become involved in a con-troversy with the management of the Oregon Short Line and the Harri- man Lines through the efforts being made by the officers of the National and International Unions represented in the System Federa- tion of that line to secure improved conditions of employment for their members. I am authorized by the Executive Council to advise you that in the event of the national unions represented in the System Federation of the Oregon Short Line and of the Harriman Lines being unsuccessful in their efforts to secure a favorable settlement of their existing controversies, and it being the unanimous decision of these international unions that a strike should be inaugurated, the members of your local will thereby become entitled to financial assistance from the defense fund of the A. F. of L. as provided by Article 13 of the Constitution. I sincerely trust, however, that the negotiations for settlement which are now pending may be brought850 Mr. George James --2-- a favorable conclusion. In any event, write to me from time to time, and keep me fully advised as to just what is being done. With best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.851 X. Sept. 26, 1911. Mr. E. C. Krumm, Secretary, Machinists' Helpers and Laborers #12952, 445 N. Main Street, Pocatello, Idaho. COPIED. Sep 26 1911 Dear Sir and Brother: As I stated to you in my recent letter would be done, I submitted to my colleagues of the Executive Council the matter of Machinists* Helpers and Laborers Union #12952, should circumstances so shape themselves that your members would become involved in a controversy with the management of the Harriman Lines through the efforts being made by the officers of the National and International Unions represented in the System Federation of that line to secure improved conditions of employment for their members. I am authorized by the Executive Council to advise you that in the event of the national unions represented in the System Federation of the ????? Harriman Lines being unsuccessful in their efforts to secure a favorable settlement of their existing contro- versies, and it being the unanimous decision of these international unions that a strike should be inaugurated, the members of your local will thereby become entitled to financial assistance from the defense fund of the A. F. of L. as provided by Article 13 of the Constitution. I sincerely trust, however, that the negotiation for settlement which are now pending may be brought to a favorable852 [*COPIED. SEP 26 1911*] Mr. E. C. Krum --2-- conclusion. In any event, write to me from time to time, and keep me fully advised as to just what is being done. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.853 X. Sept. 26, 1911. [*COPIED. SEP 26 1911*] Mr. John S. McDonald, Secretary, Mechanics' Helpers Local Union #12864, Sparks, Nevada. Dear Sir and Brother: As I stated to you in my recent letter would be done, I submitted to my colleagues of the Executive Council the matter of Mechanics' Helpers Local Union #12864, should circumstances so shape themselves that your members would become involved in a controversy with the management of the Harriman Lines through the efforts being made by the officers of the National and International Unions represented in the System Federation of that line to secure improved conditions of employment for their members. I am authorized by the Executive Council to advise you that in the event of the national unions represented in the System Federation of the Harriman Lines being unsuccessful in their efforts to secure a favorable settlement of their existing controversies, and it being the unanimous decision of these international unions that a strike should be inaugurated, the members of your Local will thereby become entitled to financial assistance from the defense fund of the A. F. of L. as provided by Article 13 of the constitution I sincerely trust, however, that the negotiations for settlement which are now pending may be brought to a favorable854 Mr. John S. McDonald --2-- conclusion. In any event, write to me from time to time, and keep me fully advised to just what is being done. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.855 X. Sept. 25, 1911. [*COPIED. SEP 26 1911*] Mr. N. H. O'Donnell, Secretary, Machinists' Helpers' Union #14105, c/o 811 High Street, Oakland, Cal. Dear Sir and Brother: I am in receipt of your favor of the 21st instant in which you say: "As secretary of Machinist Helpers' Union #14105 of Oak- land, Cal., I have been instructed to communicate with you in regard to a strike. Who will we look to for orders in care of trouble?" Kindly let me know if your union is involved in a strike or if one is pending, so that the files of this office may be complete. In nomination with this I desire to call your attention to Article XIII of the constitution of the American Federation of Labor, a copy of which I herewith enclose. You will note from Section 4 of Article XIII that it is provided that before a local union is entitled to benefits from the defense fund, it must have been in continuous good standing for at least one year. Inasmuch as your union was chartered under date of August 21, 1911, it does not become within the constitu- tional provision, hence is not eligible to benefits from the defense fund. I would therefore suggest that a committee be appointed by your local to confer with the representatives of the other local unions whose members are employed by the same concern or company,856 Mr. N. H. O'Donnell --2-- so as to insure the best possible results as to the union and its members, as well as to have the co-operation of the other local unions, and the Central Body. It should be unnecessary for me to say to you that the officers of the A. F. of L. will be glad to be of every assistance to the local, as well as to every other organization of labor. Hoping that I may hear from you further and often, and with best wishes for success, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*857*] LF Sept. 27, 1911 Mr. Edgar Will, Secretary Allied Printing Trades Council, Central Labor Union Hall, Toledo, Ohio. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers on an organizing and lecturing trip through the west and on the Pacific Coast, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 20th instant which will be brought to his personal attention upon his return to headquarters. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers. [*COPIED. SEP 27 1911*]858 LF Sept. 27, 1911 COPIED. Sep 27 1911 Mr. John Morrison 25 Third Avenue New York, N. Y. My dear Mr. Morrison: Pending Mr. Gompers' return from his Western trip, I am endeavoring to get every bit of work possible cleared away so as to be able to give my entire to him. As you can realize, in the short time between his return next week and the Convention in Atlanta on November 13th, there will be a vast amount of work to be gotten through with. I am now getting up, tabulating and preparing as much of the convention work as possible. Therefore I would like you to advise me just which of the package of papers I am holding here in connection with the American Federationist you desire me to take to Atlanta, or shall I take them all? Very truly yours, Secretary to President Gompers'859 X. Sept. 27, 1911. [*COPIED. SEP 27 1911*] Mr. H. B. Perham, Chairman, Railroad Employees' Department, A. F. of L., Star Building, St. Louis, Mo. Dear Sir: Please accept Mr. Gompers' thanks for your letter of September 25th in which you enclose report of the year's work of your Department in compliance with his request of September 23rd. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.860 X. Sept. 27, 1911. [*COPIED. Sep 27 1911*] Mr. W. E. Gonld, Secretary, Federal Labor Union, #9826, 386 Newell Street, Waterloo, Iowa. Dear Sir and Brother: As I stated to you in my recent letter would be done, I submitted to my colleagues of the Executive Council the matter of Federal Labor Union #9626, should circumstances so shape themselves that your members would become involved in a controversy with the management of the Illinois Central Lines through the efforts being made by the officers of the National and International Unions represented in the System Federation of that line to secure improved conditions of employment for their members. I am authorized by the Executive Council to advise you that in the event of the national unions represented in the System Federation of the Illinois Central Lines being unsuccessful in their efforts to secure a favorable settlement of their existing controversies and it being the unanimous decision of these interna- tional unions that a strike should be inaugurated, the members of your local will thereby become entitled to financial assistance from the defense fund of the A. F. of L. as provided by Article 13 of the Constitution. I sincerely trust, however, that the negotia- tions for settlement which are now pending may be brought to a favorable conclusion. In any event, write to me from time to time.[*861*] Mr. W. E. Gonld --2-- and keep me fully advised as to just what is being done. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. SEP 27 1911*]862 X. Sept. 27. 1911. Mr. F. A. Walters, Secretary. Machinists' Helpers' Union #12345, 1309 Jefferson Street, Paducah, Ky. [*COPIED SEP 27 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: As I stated in my recent letter would be done, I submitted to my colleagues of the Executive Council the matter of Machinists' Helpers' Union #12345, should circumstances so shape themselves that your members would become involved in a controversy with the management of the Illinois Central Lines through the efforts being made by the officers of the National and International Unions represented in the System Federation of that line to secure improved conditions of employment for their members. I am authorized by the Executive Council to advise you that in the event of the national unions represented in the System Federation of the Illinois Central Lines being unsuccessful in their efforts to secure a favorable settlement of their existing controversies and it being the unanimous decision of these international unions that a strike should be inaugurated, the members of your local will thereby become entitled to financial assistance from the defense fund of the A. F. of L. as provided by Article 13 of the Constitution. I sincerely trust, however, that the negotiations for settlement which are now pending may be brought to a favorable conclusion. In any event, write me from time to time,[*863*] Mr. F. A. Walters -2- and keep me fully advised as to just what is being done. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. SEP 27 1911*]864 X. Sept. 27, 1911. [*COPIED. SEP 27 1911*] Mr. Henry H. Brockman, Secretary, Machinists' Helpers and Laborers' Union #12561, 803 West Main Street, Clinton, Illinois. Dear Sir and Brother: As I stated in my recent letter would be done, I sub- mitted to my colleagues of the Executive Council the matter of Machinists' Helpers' Union #12561, should circumstances to shape themselves that your members would become involved in a controversy with the management of the Illinois Central Lines through the efforts being made by the officers of the National and International Unions represented in the System Federation of that line to secure improved conditions of employment for their members. I am authorized by the Executive Council to advise you that in the event of the national unions represented in the System Federation of the Illinois Central Lines being unsuccessful in their efforts to secure a favorable settlement of their existing controversies and it being the unanimous decision of these inter- national unions that a strike should be inaugurated, the members of your local will thereby become entitled to financial assistance from the defense fund of the A. F. of L. as provided by Article 13 of the Constitution. I sincerely trust, however, that the negotia- tions for settlement which are now pending may be brought to a favorable conclusion. In any event, write me from time to time,[*865*] Mr. Henry H. Brockman -2- and keep me fully advised as to just what is being done. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. SEP 27 1911*]866 X. Sept. 27, 1911. [*COPIED. SEP 27 1911*] Mr. E. Fandry, Secretary, Railroad Helpers and Laborers' Union #12874, 661 So. State Street, Champaign, Ill. Dear Sir and Brother: As I stated in my recent letter would be done, I sub- mitted to my colleagues of the Executive Council the matter of Railroad Helpers' Union #12874, should circumstances so shape themselves that your members would become involved in a controversy with the management of the Illinois Central Lines through the efforts being made by the officers of the National and International Unions represented in the System Federation of that lin to secure improved conditions of employment for their members. I am authorized by the Executive Council to advise you that in the event of the national unions represented in the System Federation of the Illinois Central Lines being unsuccessful in their efforts to secure a favorable settlement of their existing controversies and it being the unanimous decision of these inter- national unions that a strike should be inaugurated, the members of your local will thereby become entitled to financial assistance from the defense fund of the A. F. of L. as provided by Article 13 of the Constitution. I sincerely trust, however, that the negotia- tions for settlement which are now pending may be brought to a favorable conclusion. In any event, write me from time to time,[*867*] Mr. E. Fendry -2- and keep me fully advised as to just what is being done. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.868 X. Sept. 27, 1911. [*COPIED. SEP 27 1911*] Mr. William Hyman, Secretary, Federal Labor Union #10829, 1154 E. 31st Place, Chicago, Illinois. Dear Sir and Brother: As I stated in my recent letter would be done, I submitted to my colleagues of the Executive Council the matter of Federal Labor Union #10829, should circumstances so shape themselves that your members would become involved in a controversy with the management of the Illinois Central Lines through the efforts being made by the officers of the National and International Unions represented in the System Federation of that line to secure improved conditions of employment for their members. I am authorized by the Executive Council to advise you that in the event of the national unions represented in the System Federation of the Illinois Central Lines being unsuccessful in their efforts to secure a favorable settlement of their existing controversies and it being the unanimous decision of these international unions that a strike should be inaugurated, the members of your local will thereby become entitled to financial assistance from the defense fund of the A. F. of L. as provided by Article 13 of the Constitution. I sincerely trust, however, that the negotiations for settlement which are now pending may be brought to a favorable conclusion. In any event, write me from time to time,[*869*] Mr. William Ryman -2- and keep me fully advised as to just what is being done. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. SEP 27 1911*]870 X. Sept. 27, 1911. COPIED. SEP 27 1911 Mr. Chas. P. Craine, Secretary, Shop Workers' Union #9993, 728 Union Street, Centralia, Illinois. Dear Sir and Brother: As I stated in my recent letter would be done, I sub- mitted to my colleagues of the Executive Council the matter of Shop Workers' Union #9993, should circumstances so shape themselves that your members would become involved in a controversy with the management of the Illinois Central Lines through the efforts being made by the officers of the National and International Unions represented in the System Federation of that line to secure improved conditions of employment for their members. I am authorized by the Executive Council to advise you that in the event of the national unions represented in the System Federation of the Illinois Central Lines being unsuccessful in their efforts to secure a favorable settlement of their existing controversies and it being the unanimous decision of these inter- national unions that a strike should be inaugurated, the members of your local will thereby become entitled to financial assistance from the defense fund of the A. F. of L. as provided by Article 13 of the Constitution. I sincerely trust, however, that the negotia- tions for settlement which are now pending may be brought to a favorable conclusion. In any event, write me from time to time,[*871*] Mr. Chas. P. Craine -2- and keep me fully advised as to just what is being done. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. SEP 27 1911*][*872*] LF Sept. 27, 1911 [*COPIED. SEP 27 1911*] Mr. Wm. H. Smale, Organizer 707 1st St., Wausau, Wisconsin Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of September 24th is received and contents noted. I regret very much that you find it necessary to tender your resignation as organizer for Wausau and vicinity, but of course, under the circumstances I can but accept it, at the same time thanking you for your cooperation and assistance in the past. Though you will no longer be officially connected with the labor movement, I trust that we may have your sympathetic help whenever the opportunity affords. You recommend in your successor, Mr. J. R. Lynch, 4th and Jackson Sts., who is a barber. Let me say in reply, that in conformity with the course always followed in the matter of the appointment of volunteer organizers, if you will have your recommendation endorsed by the Central Labor Union of Wausau, I shall be glad to act in conformity therewith. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you at your early convenience, I remain, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, A.F. of L.873 [*COPIED. SEP 28 1911*] X. Sept. 27, 1911. Mr. Winslow H. Roberts, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, Vinalhaven, Maine. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 22d instant is received, and I have noted what you say in regard to your being assigned to the special mission of organizing the lobster fishermen of Vinalhaven and vicinity. I should be glad to be in a position to comply with your request, but I far at present that it will not be possible to do so owing to the financial reasons. However, I will not lose sight of your suggestion in this matter and if we can avail ourselves later of the opportunity of organizing the lobster fishermen with your assistance 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.[*874*] X. Sept. 26, 1911. [*COPIED. SEP 28 1911*] Mr. Wm. A. Garretson, Missouri State Union, Farmers' Educational and Co-operative Union of America, Lebanon, Missouri Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers on official business, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 25th instant, which will be brought to his attention upon his return to headquarters. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*875*] [*COPIED. SEP 28 1911*] Washington, D.C., Sept. 28, 1911. Mr. Frank Morrison, Victoria Hotel, New York City, N.Y. Denver Mr. Gompers leaves Sacramento, to-day, due Saturday morning. Stops there for day. Reach here about Wednesday next. R. Lee Guard. Charge A. F. of L. Washington, D.C. Sept. 28, 1911. Mr. M. Grant Hamilton, 36 Lincoln ave., Denver, Colo. President Gompers leaves Sacramento noon to-day. He wants you to meet him ten fourty-five Saturday morning Denver. Expects to break trip there. R. Lee Guard. Charge A. F. of L.[*876*] LF Washington, D. C. Sept. 28 [*COPIED. SEP 29 1911*] Samuel Gompers, c/o Mr. M. Grant Hamilton 36 Lincoln Ave., Denver, Colorado. Your letters from Yosemite Valley, San Francisco and telegram from Sacramento received. I am glad you will break the long ride by a day in Denver. Call issued today for E. C. meeting as instructed. Nothing new in the court case. Have cleared away all the Convention work I can manage without your instructions. R. Lee Guard (Charge to A. F. of L.)[*877*] X. Sept. 29, 1911. [*COPIED. SEP 29 1911*] No. 76, EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, AMERICAN FEDERATION OF LABOR. COLLEAGUES: It having been decided at our meeting in June that the next meeting should be held at headquarters the week beginning October 16th, I take this opportunity of reminding the members of the Executive Council of that action and at the same time to express the earnest hope that every member will so arrange the affairs of his own organization as to permit his attendance. There will be many matters of importance to be considered and particularly our report to the Atlanta Convention. Enclosed you will please find a list of some of the matters which will be taken up at that meeting. A complete list will be furnished you upon arrival at headquarters. Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.878 COPY. LIST OF MATTERS BEFORE E. C. [???????] , OCT. 16-21, 1911 Washington, D.C. McNamara Case Buck's Stove and Range Co. Contempt Case. Hatters Case President Gompers Western Trip E. C. Report to Atlanta Convention. High Cost of Living - investigation of in Southern States. Weekly News Letter for all countries. Revisit Constitution, A. F. of L. Application Endorsement Union Label Amalgamated Carpenters. Colored Printers, Waycross, Georgia. Organization Colored Switchmen, Brakemen and Train Porters. Homestake Mining Co., Lead, S. Dakota (Rec. #19) Electrical Workers - C. L. U. St. Louis, - Moving Picture Machine Operatives. Brotherhood of Butcher Workmen of America.[*879*] LF Sept. 29, 1911 [*COPIED. SEP 29 1911*] Mr. J. L. Hunter 1010 Ellis Street Paducah, Ky. Dear Sir: I am in receipt of your letter of September 25th, in which you request that I should advance you the sum of $700, to assist you in completing your education. I am at a loss to understand how you have the impression that I am a man of means and would be in a position to advance to you or to anyone the sum of $700., even were I disposed to do so. The American Federation of Labor is not a financial institution and the officers of the American Federation of Labor and the members and officers of its affiliated organizations are not monied men. Very truly yours, Sam'l Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.[*880*] X. Sept. 22, 1911. [*COPIED. SEP 29 1911*] Mr. Abram I. Elkus, Chief Counsel, Factory Investigating Commission, 170 Broadway, New York City. Dear Sir: Your two favors of September 27th was received and contents noted. You say that a lantern slide exhibition, showing conditions in factories and manufacturing establishments in the City of New York, will be given under the auspices of your Commission on Wednesday afternoon, October 4th; that if this date is not satisfactory to all the members of the Commission that you will endeavor to arrange a date when the entire membership can be present. In reply I beg to say that President Gompers is in Sacramento, California. He expects to start back east today, stopping at one or two points on the way. It will therefore be impossible for him to be in New York on October fourth, and I am unable to say definitely when he could go over. However, I will bring the matter to his attention upon his return, and he will advise you further in regard the thereto. The circular letter you enclose I should think you would desire to send to the secretaries of all the national unions affiliated to the A. F. of L. You will please find list of these enclosed herein. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*881*] X. Sept. 29, 1911. [*COPIED. SEP 29 1911*] Mr. Hugh McDonald, Secretary, Trades and Labor Assembly, 1211 14th St., Superior, Wisconsin. Dear Sir and Brother: On February 11, 1910, upon the recommendation of your Central Body, a commission as volunteer organizer was issued to William M. O'Carroll. In filling in blank form furnished by this office to him and all other volunteer organizers, Mr. O'Carroll stated that he is a member of the Bricklayers and Masons' International Union. As you know, one of the requirements of a man holding a commission as volunteer organizer for the A. F. of L. is that he shall be a member in good standing in the union of his trade, in full affiliation to the A. F. of L. Please advise me as to this at your earliest convenience, and oblige, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*882*] X. Sept. 29, 1911. [*COPIED. SEP 29 1911*] Mr. G. V. Burghard, 667 Webash Avenue, Detroit, Michigan. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers on official business, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of 24th instant, in which you enclosed poem entitled "The Brothers" for use in the American Federationist. The matter will be held for Mr. Gompers' attention, and if found unavailable for use in the American Federationist, will be returned to you as you request. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*883*] X. Sept. 29, 1911. [*COPIED. SEP 29 1911*] Mr. H. S. Greer, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, 1514 R.R. Ave., Beaumont, Texas. 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 clippings from the Beaumont Enterprise, of Sept. 24th, for which you will please accept Mr. Gompers' thanks. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers. 884 September 29,1911 [*COPIED. SEP 29 1911*] Hon. Seth Low, Mt. Kisco, Westchester County, New York. My dear Mr. Low: Judge Parker writes me that you contemplate writing an article in connection with which you would like to make a study of the various opinions that were written in the several courts on our case, namely; in the Supreme Court in the equity case, that of Mr. Justice Wright in the contempt case, the Court of Appeals on the review of the final decree in the equity case, the Court of Appeals on the review of Mr. Justice Wright's decision in the contempt matter,and, lastly, the opinion of the Supreme Court of the United States. All of these are being sent to you under separate cover. Should you find that you will need any other matters which can be supplied by our office, kindly advise either Mr. Gompers or me and they will be promptly sent to you. You may be interested in knowing that Mr. Gompers started yesterday from Sacramento on his return trip east and hopes to reach Washington about Wednesday next. Very sincerely yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*885*] Sept. 29, 1911 [*COPIED SEP 29 1911*] Hon. Alton B. Parker, 37 Wall St., New York, N. Y. My dear Judge Parker: Your letter of the 28th instant is received and I have gotten together the several matters which you request I should send to Mr. Low and am mailing them to him today. In advising him that they are being sent in compliance with your request, I also suggested that if there should be any further matter which he might desire, we would be glad to sent it to him. I am sure you will be interested in knowing that Mr. Gompers has started on his return trip east, having left Sacramento yesterday. He anticipated stopping over in Denver Saturday and will probably reach Washington about Wednesday. It is needless to say we will be glad to have him home again. Very sincerely yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.886 LF Sept. 30,1911 [*COPIED SEP 30 1911*] Mr. F. L. Siddons, Secretary Washington Peace Society Bond Building, Washington, D.C. My dear Mr. Siddonw: Replying to your notification dated September 29th of the meeting of the Washington Peace Society in the office of the Secretary of the Young Men's Christian Association, Monday evening, October 2nd, at 8 P.M., I beg to advise you that President Gompers in now on his return from the Pacific Coast, but will not have reached the city by that date, and therefore he will be unable to attend the meeting. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers887 LF Sept. 30, 1911 [*COPIED. Sep 30 1911*] Mr. O. P. Smith, 409 North Street Logansport, Indiana. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter of September 28th in which you tender your resignation as volunteer organizer for Logansport and vicinity. You request that your resignation should take effect at once and therefore the record has accordingly been made on our books. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers[*888*] LF Sept. 30, 1911 [*COPIED. Sep 30 1911*] Capt. J. E. Bloom, 2025 Cropsly Ave., Brooklyn, N. Y. Dear Sir: Your favor of September 28th is just received. I beg to advise you in reply that President Gompers is now on his way from Sacramento to the east, but is not expected to reach Washington until the middle of next week, as he will make one or two stops on the way back. Your letter will be placed among the other communications awaiting his attention on his return. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*889*] LF Sept. 30,1911 [*COPIED. SEP 30 1911*] Mr. John H. Ferguson, Organizer 2715 Jefferson St., Baltimore, Maryland. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of September 28th is received and contents noted with interest. I am particularly interested in the statement you make in reference to the arrangements with several churches [have] for the delivery of a lecture on trade unionism and what it has done and what it hopes to do, the lectures to be given for a series of five Sunday nights. Your idea is a most excellent one and I am sure can but be productive of good results. If we can be of assistance by sending printed matter or literature printed by this office, please advise me and I shall be glad to do so. With best wishes and hoping to hear from you often, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.890 X. Sept. 30, 1911. [*COPIED. SEP 30 1911*] Mr. Clarence W. Kelso, Geneva, Nebraska. Dear Sir: Your favor of the 25th instant is at hand, in which you request information and literature to assist you in preparing for a debate upon the question of the "closed shop". 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 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 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 Feb. 17, 1905, 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[*891*] Mr. G. V. Kelso -2- 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 issent to me. Very truly yours, Samuel Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. 892 X. Sept, 30, 1911. Mr. Lynn Castle, Lock Box D, Correctionville, Iowa. COPIED. Sep 30 1911 Dear Sir: Your favor of the 22d instant is at hand, in which you request information and literature to assist you in preparing for a debate upon the question, "Resolved, That the movement of organized labor for the closed shop should receive the support of public opinion." 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 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 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 which893 [*COPIED. SEP 30 1911*] Mr. Lynn Castle - 2 - appeared in the Feb. 17, 1905, issue of "The Journal", Rochester, New York. 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 me. Very truly yours, Sam'l Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.894 X. Sept. 30, 1911. [*COPIED. SEP 30 1911*] Miss L. R. Marshall, High School, Marion, Iowa. Dear Madam: Your favor of the 26th instant is a hand, in which you request information and literature to assist you in preparing for a debate upon the question, "Resolved, That the movement of organized labor for the closed shop should receive the support of public opinion." 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 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 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 which895 Miss L. R. Marshall -2- appeared in the Feb. 17, 1905 issue of "The Journal", Rochester, New York. 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 me. Very truly yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*896*] X. Sept. 30. 1911. [*COPIED. SEP 30 1911*] Mr. C. F. White, Sup't., Trenton Public Schools, Trenton, Nebraska. Dear Sir: Your favor of the 22d instant is at hand, in which you request information and literature on the "Closed Shop". You say you wish to use the material in public school debating work. 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 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 the 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 discussion between Mr. Clark and the undersigned upon the subject of the "Open Shop," a report of which appeared in the Feb. 17, 1905, issue of "The Journal", Rochester, New York.897 [*COPIED. SEP 30 1911*] Mr. C. F. White --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 me. Very truly yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.898 Z Oct. 2, 1911 [*COPIED. OCT 2- 1911*] Mr. T. A. Scully, Secretary, Operative Plasterers' Int'l Assn. of the U. S. and Canada, 442 East Second Street, Middletown, Ohio. Dear Sir and Brother: In a letter received from the Secretary of the Twin City Federation of Labor, Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, he advises your local is not affiliated with the Central Body. In this connec- tion I would call your attention to Sec. 2, Art. 11 of the Con- stitution of the A. F. of L. which reads 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, Depart- ments, 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 foregoing, will you kindly take up the matter with your local in Champaign-Urbana, with a view to having it affiliate and cooperate with the Central Body. Trusting to hear from you at your early convenience, I am, with best wishes, Yours fraternally, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*899*] Z Oct. 2, 1911. [*COPIED. OCT 2- 1911*] Mr. Harry A. Huff, Secretary-Treasurer, Central Labor Council, 42 East Walnut St., Pasadena, California. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 23rd ultimo has been received, and in compliance with the request contained therein, the name of Mr. G. W. McDonald has been dropped from our list of volunteer organizers. This leaves Pasadena without an organizer and I trust the Central Labor Council will recommend someone for the position at its earliest possible convenience, when commission will be immediately issued to him. I am enclosing herein a blank form of application for charter, together with necessary instructions as to how to form a trade union. If you will have this charter application properly filled in and returned to this office with the fee of ten dollars for charter and supplies, we will either issue a certificate of affiliation or else refer the application to the National organization under whose jurisdiction it may come. With best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*900*] Z Oct. 2, 1911. [*COPIED. OCT 2- 1911*] Mr. J. Steele, 7 Woodbridge Street, E., Detroit, Michigan. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of Sept. 26th has been duly received, and I note that you have moved to Detroit and therefore tender your resignation as organizer for Port Huron. Under the circumstances I have no alternative but to accept your resignation and to thank you for your work in the past. If you will have the Central Labor Union of Detroit recommend you for a commission as volunteer organizer for that city, or endorse your application for such commission I shall be pleased to act in accordance therewith and issue it. With kind regards and best wishes, and trusting to hear from you from time to time, I am Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.901 Z Oct. 2, 1911. [*COPIED. OCT 2- 1911*] Mr. L. F. Frasier, Secretary, The Independence Central Labor Union, 3208- 15th Street, Independence, Kansas. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of Sept. 29th has been received and contents noted. I beg to thank you and the organization for the recommendation you make for the appointment of Mr. H. C. Sadler as volunteer organizer for Independence and vicinity. It affords me pleasure to comply with the request and recommendation made, and commission will be issued and forwarded to Brother Sadler in accordance therewith. There is also forwarded to him package of literature and documents published by this office, which I am sure he will find of assistance to him in the discharge of his duties as the repre- sentative of the A. F. of L. for your city. I trust his co- operation and assistance as the duly authorized representative of the A. F. of L. in Independence will result greatly in the advance- ment of our movement in that section in every way. Mr. W. W. Reach already holds a commission as volunteer organizer so no new action will be necessary in his case. With best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.902 Z Oct. 2, 1911. [*COPIED. OCT 2 1911*] Mr. A. Persion, Secretary, Int'l Hod Carriers and Building Laborers, P. O. Box 597, Albany, N. Y. Dear Sir and Brother: In a letter received from the Secretary of the Twin City Federation of Labor, Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, he advises your local is not affiliated with the Central Body. In this con- nection I would call your attention to Sec. 2, Art. 11 of the Constitution of the A. F. of L., which reads 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 charted Central Labor Bodies, Departments, and State Federation 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 foregoing, will you kindly take up the matter with your local in Champaign-Urbane, with a view to having it affiliate and cooperate with the Central Body? Trusting to hear from you at your early convenience, I am, with best wishes, Yours fraternally, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.903 LF Oct. 2, 1911 [*COPIED. OCT 2- 1911*] Mr. C. C. Lumpkin, Recording Secretary Button Workers' Protective Union #14121 Devalls Bluff, Ark. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of September 20th received. I note that almost immediately upon the organization of your union, your members have been locked out by the button manufacturers. I regret to learn the conditions are as you describe them to be. Of course you understand that we may always expect more or less opposition when any endeavor is made by the way of organization to unite the efforts of the wage earners to secure improved conditions of work and better wages for work performed. This has been the history of every trade which has been organized; that is, that it is always a struggle and a fight to become established, to be recognized as an organization, and to secure improved conditions of work. There are many national organizations which have been in existence for years, and yet they are constantly meeting with just such conditions as confront the members of your organization, so you see you need not feel that the case of Button Workers' Protective Union #14121 is by any means an isolated one, but that our[*904*] Mr. C. C. Lumpkin--2 fellow-unionists in every section of the country have to struggle and fight against the antagonism and opposition of the employing class. I trust our fellow-workers will not become discouraged by this, but that you will continue your efforts to strengthen and build up the movement in Devals Bluff until every wage earner shall have become a member of the union of his trade. It is only by constant, persistent and untiring effort that we can ever hope to accomplish the end we have in view; that is, the organization of our fellow wage earners, and thereby to secure the rights to which they are justly entitled. You do not make any reference to whether the members of your union expect any financial assistance from the defense fund of the American Federation of Labor, but in any event, so as to prevent any misunderstanding in the matter, I beg to call your attention to Article XIII of the Constitution of the American Federation of Labor, a copy of which I herewith enclose. You will note from Section 4 of Article XIII that it is provided that before a local union is entitled to benefits from the defense fund, it must have been in continuous good standing for at least one year. Inasmuch as your union was chartered under date of September 6, 1911, it does not come within the constitutional provision, hence is not eligible to benefits from the defense fund. Though your union is not eligible to benefits from the defense fund, it is unnecessary for me to assure you that you have my very best wishes for success, and that I am willing to do everything within my power consistent with the constitution and905 Mr. C. C Lumpkin--3 laws of the American Federation of Labor to be helpful to the members of your union in securing a settlement of their present difficulty and improved conditions, economic and social. Sincerely trusting that the trouble may yet be satisfactorily adjusted and asking you to keep me advised fully in regard there: to, I am, Fraternally yours, Samel Gompers President American Federation of Labor. Enclosure:906 LF October 2,1911 [*COPIED. OCT 2 1911*] O. C. Darling and Company Providence, Rhode Island Gentlemen: I would like you to make three badges of the A.F. of L. design. I want them with a bar and a hanger to be worn on the vest and the word "Delegate" on the bar with following in- scription on the reverse side: "Presented to G. H. Roberts, Fraternal Delegate, British Trades Union Congress, by A. F. of L. Atlanta, Georgia, November 13, 1911." "Presented to J. Crinion, Fraternal Delegate, British Trades Union Congress, by A.F. of L. Atlanta, Georgia, November 13, 1911." "Presented to William Glockling, Fraternal Delegate, Trades and Labor Congress of Canada, by A. F. of L. Atlanta, Georgia, November 13, 1911." Please send these to me here not later than November 1, and oblige, Very truly yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, A.F. of L.907 LF Oct. 2, 1911 [*COPIED. OCT 2- 1911*] Mr. W. W. Roach, Organizer 623 West Railroad St., Independence, Kansas. Dear Sir and Brother: Replying to your favor of September 20th, I beg to call attention to Section 5, of Article XI of the Constitution of the American Federation of Labor, which reads as follows: "No Central Labor Union, or other central body of delegates, shall have the authority or power to order an organization, affiliated with such Central Labor Union, or other central labor body, on strike, where such organization has a national organization, until the proper authorities of such National or International organization have been consulted and agreed to such action." In addition to the above, let me say that the President of the American Federation of Labor has no power or authority to call out on strike even one member of an affiliated organization, much less an organization itself. Such power rests entirely with the organizations themselves. Hoping to hear from you further, and with kind regards, I remain, Fraternally yours, Samel Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.907 LF Oct. 2,1911 [*COPIED. OCT 2- 1911*] Mr. W. W. Roach, Organizer 623 West Railroad St., Independence, Kansas. Dear Sir and Brother: Replying to your favor of September 20th, I beg to call attention to Section 5, of Article XI of the Constitution of the American Federation of Labor, which reads as follows: "No Central Labor Union, or other central body of delegates, shall have the authority or power to order any organization, affiliated with such Central Labor Union, or other central labor body, on strike, where such organization has a national organization, until the proper authorities of such National or International organization have been consulted and agreed to such action." In addition to the above, let me say that the President of the American Federation of Labor has no power or authority to call out on strike even one member of an affiliated organization, much less an organization itself. Such power rests entirely with the organizations themselves. Hoping to hear from you further, and with kind regards, I remain, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.908 LF Oct. 2, 1911 [*COPIED. OCT 2 1911*] Mr. John Kennedy, President Brotherhood of Butcher Workmen of America 456 West 40th St., New York, N.Y. Dear Sir: I beg to hand you herein letter dated September 30th addressed to the Executive Council of the American Federation of Labor, written on the letterhead of the Brotherhood of Butcher Workmen of America, with space left for the signature of the President and Secretary. You overlooked signing it and am therefore returning it to you for your signature. President Gompers has been on the Pacific Coast since the 17th of August, but is expected to return here sometime next week. The Executive Council of the A. F. of L. will meet here the week of October 16th, and your letter, when duly signed, will be scheduled with the other matters for the consideration of the Executive Council. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers Enclosure:909 LF Oct. 2, 1911 [*COPIED. Oct. 2 1911*] Mr. Charles W. Fear, Organizer 602 Jackson Street Joplin, Mo. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers, who has not yet returned to headquarters from his trip to the Pacific Coast, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of September 29th, which will be brought to his personal attention upon his return. Very truly yours, Secretary to President Gompers910 LF Oct. 2, 1911 [*COPIED. Oct 2- 1911*] Mr. George H. Shibley, Chairman Non-Partisan Progressive Federation Bliss Building, Washington, D. C. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers, who has not yet returned from his western trip, I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 29th ultimo, which will be placed with the papers and date when Mr. Gompers takes up the preparation of his report to the Atlanta Convention. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*911*] [*COPIED. OCT 2- 1911*] October 2, 1911 Hon. Seth Low, Mt. Kisco, Westchester County New York. My dear Mr. Low: In my letter to you of September 29th I omitted to request that you kindly return the pamphlets I sent you after they have served your purpose. We now have but a few of these and there are many requests for them from time to time. Very sincerely yours, Secretary to President Gompers.912 [*COPIED. OCT 3- 1911*] Z Oct. 3, 1911. Mr. Fred Willingale, Fin. Secretary, Saskatoon Trades and Labor Council, P.O. Box No. 22, Saskatoon, Sask. Canada. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 27th ultimo has been received and contents noted. I beg to thank you and the organization for the recommendation you make for the appointment of Mr. F. J. Barton as volunteer organizer. It affords me pleasure to comply with the request and recommendation made, and commission will be issued and forwarded to Brother Barton in accordance therewith. There is also forward to him package of literature and documents published by this office, which I am sure he will find of assistance to him in the discharge of his duties as the representative of the A. F. of L. for your city. I trust his cooperation and assistance as the duly authorized representative of the A. F. of L. in Saskatoon will result greatly in the advancement of our movement in that section in every way. Our records show that your Trade and Labor Council is not affiliated with the American Federation of Labor. In view913 [*COPIED. OCT 3- 1911*] Mr. Fred Willingale---2. of this let me say we all agree that it is morally wrong for any workman to remain outside of the union of his trade, and all unionists also declare that it is wrong for a local union of a trade to remain outside of its International Union. The same reasoning also applied to Central Labor Unions and their affiliation with the American Federation of Labor, for it must be equally morally wrong for an International Union or a Central Body to remain outside the ranks of the great trade unions of America, which are banded together under the banner of the American Federation of Labor. The position taken by the advocates of isolation of the labor organization when affiliated is necessary, is just as fallacious and illogical as is the belief of isolation of the individual worker from his union, when organization is so essential to him to protect and further his own and his fellow workers’ interests. In becoming affiliated with the A. F. of L. there is no less of any right that members or unions surrender, and the autonomy and independence are guaranteed and maintained. Affiliation and non-affiliation present the contrast between cohesion and repulsion, or between cooperation to aid each others interests, and indifference to each others conditions; in a word, the recognition of the true meaning of unionism versus non-unionism. In the American Federation of Labor we endeavor to bring about a co-operative effort in order to advance the interests of the toiling masses, to bring to the aid of an organization engaged in a dispute the practical sympathy and aid of their or-914 [*COPIED. OCT 3- 19118} Mr. Fred Willingale--3. [or]ganized brothers and sisters of labor. It is an effort to accomplish the greatest good to all concerned, without inflicting upon any the evil of governmental authority by an individual or a number of individuals. In the face of antagonism of all kinds and from all sides, the American Federation of Labor has steadily forged its way to the front, until today, it stands pre-eminently as the living, aggressive organized labor movement of the country. To become affiliated with the American Federation of Labor is to manifest a duty which every trade union, and every central and state branch readily recognize. In the work of the organization of labor, the most energetic, the wisest and devoted of us, when working individually, cannot hope to be successful, but, by combining our efforts, the probabilities of success are thereby just that much increased. Trusting that the foregoing will be given serious consideration by the delegates to your Trades and Labor Council, and with best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.915 [*COPIED OCT 3 - 1911*] LF October 3, 1911 Mr. Erwin Mosch, Secretary Federal Labor Union #12362 Box 52, Galeton, Pa. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of September 21st has already been partially answered by Secretary Morrison and has been referred to me for further reply. You say that the Executive Council of your local has conferred with the Superintendent of Motive Power of the company employing your members, in regard to the matter of increase in wages but without result. You then say: "The Executive Council met again Sept. 18, and instructed the Secretary of each Lodge to write to the grand officers and get your advice in regard to asking for an increase in wages to stand by same. The working hours were ten a day until the first of the month. They cut us to nine, but no more money. The Helpers rates are from 16¢ to 17 1/2¢ but very few getting 17 1/2¢. We were going to ask for about 3¢ increase an hour and would like your advice how to proceed in this matter." It is not entirely clear to me just what you mean by your "Executive Council". I infer that it is a committee of the different local unions whose members are employed by the company which employs the members of your organization. If I am correct as to this, of course these different local unions, including Federal Labor Union #12362, will necessarily cooperate and work together916 Mr. Ewin Mosch--2 so as to secure the best possible condition for their respective members. However, there is another matter to be taken into consideration in so far as concerns the membership of your local and that is the provisions of the Constitution of the American Federation of Labor, governing the use of the defense fund as no doubt should your members become involved in the controversy and go out on strike, they would expect the financial support of the American Federation of Labor. I enclose you herein copy of the constitution of the A. F. of L. and would call your attention to Article XIII, relating to the defense fund for local trade unions and for federal labor unions. You will observe Section 2, Article XIII of the Constitution provides that in the event of any disagreement between a local union and an employer, which , in the opinion of the local may result in a strike, the union is required to notify the President of the A. F. of L. who will investigate, or cause to be investigated, the disagreement and endeavor to effect an adjustment of the difficulty. If an adjustment is not brought about it will be necessary for the President of the A. F. of L. to notify the Executive Council, and if the Council approve the strike, the union will be notified that it is authorized to enter upon the strike and be entitled to the benefits provided by the constitution. Your attention is called further to the same section, wherein it provides imperatively that no strike or lockout shall be deemed legal or moneys expended from the defense fund on that account unless the strike or lockout shall have been recognized by the President917 Mr. Erwin Mosch--3 and approved by the Executive Council. Your attention is also called to Section 7, Article XIII which reads as follows: "No union inaugurating a strike without the approval of the Executive Council shall receive benefits on account of said strike." However, in view of the requirements of the constitution of the A. F. of L. as above specifically referred to, you will please keep me advised fully and promptly as to what progress is made, and whether there is any probability of a controversy arising between your union and the company. By all means let me impress upon your minds to endeavor to exercise the greatest care, calmness and reason, and, if possible, under all circumstances to avert or avoid a strike or lockout. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you at your early convenience, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.918 Z Oct. 3, 1911 [*COPIED. Oct 3- 1911*] Mr. Robert Stoker, Secretary, Salt Lake Federation of Labor, 250 Chicago St., Salt Lake City, Utah. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 22nd ultimo has been received and contents noted. I beg to thank you and the organization for the recommendation you make for the appointment of Mr. A. E. Harvey as volunteer organizer. It affords me pleasure to comply with the request and recommendation made, and commission will be issued and forwarded to Brother Harvey in accordance therewith. There is also forwarded to him package of literature and documents published by this office, which I am sure he will find of assistance to him in the discharge of his duties as the representative of the A. F. of L. for your city. I trust his cooperation and assistance as the duly authorized representative of the A. F. of L. in Salt Lake City will result greatly in the advancement of our movement in that section in every way. With kind regards and hoping to hear from you from time to time, I am, Fraternally yours, President, Sam'l Gompers. American Federation of Labor.919 LF Oct. 3, 1911 [*COPIED. OCT 3-1911*] Mr. A. C. Koontz, Organizer 120 29th St., Newport News, Virginia. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of October 1st is received and contents noted. You advise me of the conference you had with the representatives of the oyster men of Newport and vicinity and say that they desire to be organized and affiliated to the American Federation of Labor. I do not know any reason why this could not and should not be done. I note that you are to have a further conference with the committee in the course of the next few days. I trust you will be able to effect an organization and make formal application for charter to the American Federation of Labor. The charter fee, as you know, is $5.00; $5.00 additional for outfit and supplies. If there is any printed matter or data which you may desire and which you think will be of help to you in this work, please advise me and it will be promptly forwarded to you. With kind regards, I remain, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.[*920*] LF Oct. 3, 1911 [*COPIED. Oct 3- 1911*] Mr. Hugh Willis, Secretary Central Trades and Labor Council, Herrin, Illinois. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of September 28th has been duly received and contents noted. In reply thereto I beg to state that by this mail I am taking up the matter about which you write with Secretary Perry of the United Mine Workers Union of America. With kind regards, I remain Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.[*921*] LF Oct. 3, 1911 [*COPIED. Oct 3- 1911*] Mr. Edwin Perry, Secretary United Mine Workers of America, State Life Building, Indianapolis, Ind. Dear Sir and Brother: On August 15th I wrote you in regard to the complaint made by the Central Trades and Labor Council of Herrin, Illinois that Mine Workers Local #2621 of that city had refused to pay its dues to the central body since October 1, 1910 and had declined to take any part in the central body. Under date of September 28th the Secretary again writes me in regard to this same matter. Will you kindly take the matter up with your local at your earliest convenience as provided by Section 2 of Article XI of the Constitution of the American Federation of Labor, which reads 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." Thanking you in advance for your prompt attention to the above, and with kind regards, I remain, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.[*922*] LF Oct. 3,1911 [*COPIED OCT 3- 1911*] Hon. John K. Beach, 865 Chapel Street, New Haven, Connecticut. Dear Sir: Your favor of October 2nd is received. President Gompers is expected to return his Pacific Coast trip tomorrow evening. Mr. Mulholland has also written to him in regard to the proposed new trial in the Loewe case. His letter, as well as yours, will be put with Mr. Gompers' personal mail so as to receive his earliest possible attention upon his return. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers. [*923*] LF Oct. 3, 1911 [*COPIED. OCT 3- 1911*] Mr. Alexander Schlesinger, Secretary American Anti-Wage-Slavery Society 759 East 138th St., New York, N. Y. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 2nd instant which will be brought to his attention upon his return to headquarters. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*924*] LF Oct. 3, 1911 [*COPIED. OCT 3- 1911*] Mr. John T. Smith, Secretary Missouri State Federation of Labor 14th & Woodland Ave., Kansas City, Mo. Dear Sir: You will please accept Mr. Gompers' thanks for your letter of September 28th, in which you enclose your official report as representative of the American Federation of Labor at the Third National Conservation Congress, held in Kansas City, Missouri, September 25-27, 1911. President Gompers is expected to return in a day or two, when your report will be brought to his attention. I also acknowledge receipt of the newspaper clippings in reference to the Congress, which you sent under separate cover. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*925*] LF Oct. 3, 1911 [*COPIED. OCT 3- 1911*] Mr' Abraham P. Elkus, Chief Counsel, Factory Investigation Commission, 170 Broadway, New York, N.Y. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers, I beg to thank you for your letter of September 30th in which you enclose the certificate of his appointment as one of the Commissioners to investigate the conditions under which manufacturing is carried on in the cities of the first and second class of New York State. He has not yet returned from his Pacific Coast trip, but when he does get back, which will be sometime this week, your letter will be brought to his attention. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers[*926*] LF Oct. 3, 1911 [*COPIED. OCT 3 1911*] The National Association for the Study and Prevention of Tuberculosis 105 East 22nd St. New York, N.Y. Gentlemen: Enclosed please find check for $5.00 in payment of annual dues from June 1st, 1911 to June 1st, 1912 to the National Association for the Study and Prevention of Tuberculosis; also receipt which kindly sign and return to this office. Very truly yours, Sam'l Gompers President American Federation of Labor Enclosure:[*927*] X. Oct. 3, 1911. [*COPIED. OCT 3- 1911*] Mr. Peter Ekster, 251 Sheldon Street, Grand Rapids, Michigan. Dear Sir: Your favor of September 27th is received and contents noted. You request information upon the subject of blacklist and lockout. I wish you would please advise me what it is you represent and for what purpose you desire the information. In the meanwhile, replying generally, I would suggest that you write Dr. Charles P. Neill, Commissioner of Labor, Department of Labor, this city, and request him to send you copy of the report of his Department dealing with strikes and lockouts. Very truly yours, Sam'l Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*928*] [*COPIED. OCT 3- 1911*] CABLEGRAM Washington D C October fourth Bowerman General Buildings London November thirteenth GOMPERS Charge A. F. of L.[*929*] [*COPIED. OCT 4- 1911*] X. Oct. 4, 1911. Mr. Paul U. Kellogg, The Survey, 105 East 22d Street, New York City. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers, permit me to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the third instant, and to thank you for the information you give therein. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*929*] [*COPIED. OCT 4- 1911*] X. Oct. 4, 1911. Mr. Paul U. Kellogg, The Survey, 105 East 23d Street, New York City. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers, permit me to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the third instant, and to thank you for the information you give therein. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*930*] [*COPIED. OCT 4- 1911*] X. Oct. 4, 1911. Mr. Frank A. Tierney, Secretary, Factory Investigating Commission, 165 Broadway, New York City. Dear Sir: I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the third instant in which you notify President Gompers that the Factory Investigating Commission will begin its public hearings at the City Hall, October 10, at 11 A. M. and at 10 o'clock the same day an executive meeting of the Commission would be held at 165 Broadway. I beg to advise you that President Gompers has not yet returned from his Pacific Coast trip, though he is expected to be here by October 10, but as he has an important engagement for that date I very much doubt that he will be able to attend the hearings. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.[*931*] [*COPIED. OCT 4- 1911*] LF Oct. 4,1911 Mr. O. F. Russi, 1014 Lake View Ave., San Antonio, Texas. Dear Sir: In continuation of my letter to you of the 23rd ultimo, I beg to state that under date of October 2nd I am in receipt of a letter from Commissioner-General of Immigration Keefe, in which he says that the matter will be investigated in a careful and thorough manner and that I will be advised of the result as promptly as possible. As soon as I hear from Commissioner Keefe, I will write you further in regard thereto. Very truly yours, Sam'l Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.[*932*] [*COPIED. OCT 4- 1911*] LF Oct. 3, 1911 Mr. Charles W. O'Daniell, Organizer 114 Branch St., Spartanburg, South Carolina. Dear Sir and Brother Your favor of the second instant is received and contents noted. You recommend that a commission as volunteer organizer should be issued to Mr. J. R. Wham, for Greenville, South Carolina. You say that Mr. Wham is Secretary of the Spartanburg Central Body. If Mr. Wham resides in Spartanburg, then it will not be practical to issue him a commission as volunteer organizer for Greenville. Please advise me as to this. Then again, in conformity with the policy and practice of the American Federation of Labor, it will be necessary for him to be endorsed by the union in which he holds membership, if he resides in Greenville, or by the central body if he resides in Spartanburg. In any event, let me hear from you further and I will be glad to give the matter prompt attention. With kind regards, I remain, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.[*933*] LF October 4, 1911 [*COPIED. OCT 4- 1911*] Mr. William Hyman, Secretary Federal Labor Union #10829 1134 E 81st Place, Chicago, Ill. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of September 30th is received and contents noted. In regard thereto I beg to say that the course you took in regard to the strike of the employes of the Illinois Central Railroad was the proper course to take. The attitude of F.L.U. #10829 in this matter has been submitted to the Executive Council and you have been advised as to the decision reached by the Executive Council. It, therefore, remained with you, as the executive officer of F.L.U. #10829 to officially notify the members when it became necessary for them to act in concert with the members of the other local unions employed by the management of the Illinois Railway Company. You say that you will keep me fully posted as to the entire situation. That is what I will want you to do, for the Executive Council having endorsed the attitude of your organization in this matter, your members will thereby become entitled to financial assistance from the defense fund of the American Federation of Labor, if the trouble is not adjusted in the period of two weeks, as prescribed by the Constitution of the A. F. of L.[*931*] [*COPIED. OCT 4- 1911*] Mr. William Hyman--2 With kind regards and sincerely trusting that the entire matter may be adjusted and with advantage to all the organizations whose members are involved, and hoping to hear from you frequently, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.[*935*] {COPIED. OCT 4- 1911*] LF October 3, 1911 Mr. R. F. Craddick, Organizer 2517 Shelby Ave., Mattoon, Ill, Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of September 29th is duly received and contents noted. In compliance with your request I am sending you under separate cover organizing literature published by this office. With kind regards, I remain, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.[*935*] [*COPIED. OCT 4- 1911*] LF October 3, 1911 Mr. R. F. Craddick, Organizer 2517 Shelby Ave., Mattoon, Ill. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of September 29th is duly received and contents noted. In compliance with your request I am sending you under separate cover organizing literature published by this office. With kind regards, I remain, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.[*936*] LF Oct. 4, 1911 [*COPIED. OCT 4- 1911*] Mr. Frank Duffy, Secretary United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners, Carpenters'’ Building, Indianapolis, Ind. Dear Sir and Brother: I am in receipt of a letter from organizer John R. Clark, Temple, Texas, in which he says: "The Carpenters of this place have voted to work Eight Hours, to take effect November 15th, and we are in need a deputy organizer as there is some work here that I, as a local deputy can not handle." I have written Organizer Clark that I would take this matter up with you, and trust that you will communicate direct with him in connection therewith. With kind regards, I remain, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.[*937*] LF Oct. 4, 1911 [*COPIED. Oct 4- 1911*] Mr. Edward Menge, Secretary National Brotherhood of Operative Potters, Box 6, East Liverpool, Ohio Dear Sir and Brother: Under date of September 30th, I am in receipt of a letter from Mr. Edgar V. Koons, Roseville, Ohio in which he says: "Will drop you a fine in regard to organizing the pottery workers of Roseville. There are about 400 men in them and they are greatly in need of an organization. Would like you to let me know as soon as possible about it and what steps could be taken in regard to it." I have written Mr. Koons that the matter is being referred to you and that you would write him direct in regard thereto. Kindly give the matter your early attention, and oblige, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.[*938*] [*COPIED. OCT 4- 1911*] LF Oct. 4,1911 Mr. Edgar V. Koons, Roseville, Ohio Dear Sir; Your favor of September 30th has been duly received and contents noted. In reply thereto I beg to state that by this mail I am writing to Secretary Edward Menge of the National Brotherhood of Operative Potters in regard to the organization of the pottery workers of Roseville, and he will write you direct regarding the same. Thanking you for bringing the matter to my attention, I remain, Very truly yours, Sam'l Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.[*939*] LF Oct. 4, 1911 Mr. John R. Clark, Organizer Temple Texas. [*COPIED OCT 4 1911*] Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor dated September 18th was received October 2nd. In reply let me say that by this mail I am taking up with Secretary Duffy the matter about which you write and no doubt you will hear from him direct in regard thereto. With kind regards, I remain, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers President American Federation of Labor.[*940*] LF Oct. 4, 1911 [*COPIED. OCT 4- 1911*] Mr. G. V. Burghard 657 Wabash Ave., Detroit, Michigan. Dear Sir: I beg to thank you for the courtesy in affording me the opportunity of reading your verses on the McNamara Brothers. I regret that I cannot make use of them in the American Federationist and therefore, in compliance with your request, return your manuscript herewith. Very truly yours, Sam'l Gompers President American Federation of Labor Enclosure:[*941*] LF Oct. 4, 1911 [*COPIED. OCT 4- 1911*] Mr. George H. Ellis, The Decatur Trades and Labor Assembly 1338 N Union St., Decatur, Ill. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of September 30th is received and contents noted. In reply thereto I beg to say that the local leagues of the Women's Union Label League should be accorded representation in affiliated central bodies or State Federations of Labor by fraternal delegates the same as is done in the case of the national body and similar organizations in the conventions of the American Federation of Labor. Such delegates, while occupied the courtesy of a seat in the central bodies, and state federations of labor are not privileged to vote upon any matter up before the house. With kind regards, I remain, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.[*942*] LF Oct. 5, 1911 [*COPIED. OCT 4- 1911*] Mr. W. D. Mahon, President Amal. Assn, of Street and Electric Railway Employes 601-3 Hodges Block, Detroit, Mich. Dear Sir and Brother: As you recall, the early part of this year, we had quite some correspondence in regard to the data that you were gathering on fraternal organizations end which you hoped to prepare for publication in the American Federationist. I am very anxious to have this matter and am writing to inquire whether you have been able to complete it and if not, when you could let me have it. I have just returned to headquarters from my trip to the Pacific Coast and,as you can imagine, I am overwhelmed with not only an accumulation of work, which it was necessary to hold for my personal attention, but I will be crowded to the limit with the preparation of my report and the report of the Executive Council to the Atlanta Convention of the American Federation of Labor, and then the immediate work of the Executive Council which will meet here the week of October 16th. It will be all I can do to get through with it in time for the Atlanta Convention.943 Mr. W. D. Mahon - 2 With kind regards and hoping to hear from you at your early convenience, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor944 X. Oct. 4, 1911. Mr. Frank S. Thornes, Investments, Real Estate Loans, Topeka, Kansas. [*COPIED. Oct 4 1911*] Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers and acknowledging receipt of your favor of September 30th, I would suggest that if you would write to Mr. Woodrow Wilson I have no doubt but that he would be glad to furnish you with a copy of the address to which you refer. Very truly yours, Secretary to President Gompers.945 X. Oct. 4, 1911. Mr F. F. Lamoraux, Editor, Fresno Labor News, Fresno, California. [*COPIED. Oct 4 1911*] Dear Sir: You will please accept President Gompers' thanks for your courtesy in sending him the several pictures taken while he was recently in Fresno. I am sure he will appreciate your courtesy very much. He has not yet reached Washington, though he is expected here very shortly. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.946 X. Oct. 4, 1911. [*COPIED. Oct 4- 1911*] Mr. Henry N. E. Rabe, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, 2012 Avenue M, Galveston, Texas. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of September 30th is received and contents noted. You refer to a conversation you recently had with President Huber in regard to the motion pictures portraying the incidents in the life and in connection with the kidnapping of John J. and J. B. McNamara. You then offer the suggestion that care should be exercised that when these pictures are exhibited that they will not be placed in an unfair house. In reply let me say that our plan in the matter is that the central bodies in each locality where the pictures are exhibited will be requested to appoint a committee who will sell the tickets and arrange with the Local house in which the picture will be placed. This will be done for the very purpose of presenting any such trouble as that to which you refer. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.947 X. Oct. 4, 1911. [*COPIED. Oct 4 1911 Mr. Lute Pease. Editor, The Pacific Monthly, Pacific Monthly Building, Portland, Oregon. Dear Sir: Please accept my thanks for your letter of September 29th. I shall be glad to have the privilege of re-publishing in the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST Dr. Chapman's article "Our Sacred Constitution and Its Guardian Priesthood". Very truly yours, Sam'l Gompers President, American Federation of Labor, EDITOR, AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST.[*948*] X. Oct. 4, 1911. [*COPIED. OCT 4- 1911*] Mr. F. C. Wells, President, Central Labor Union, 1357 West Second Street, Huron, South Dakota. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of September 21st received and contents noted. You say that your Central Body has no Constitution and by-laws; that a dispute has arisen which you and your colleagues have been unable to adjust. You then request me to send you Constitution and by-laws to assist in settling the matter. In reply I beg to say that it is the province of each central body to adopt such Constitution and by-laws as may be deemed best fitted for the conduct of its own affairs, of course in conformity with the Constitution and laws of the A. F. of L. Such a Constitution when drafted should be submitted to the President of the A. F. of L. for approval. I would therefore suggest that a committee be appointed by your Central Body for the purpose of drafting Constitution and by-laws. When this draft is approved by your Central Body, then it should be submitted to the undersigned. In the meantime I enclose to you herein copy of the Constitution of the Washington Central Labor Union, which your committee will no doubt find helpful in its work. Hoping to hear from you further, and with kind regards, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*949*] LF 0ct. 4,1911 [*COPIED. OCT 4- 1911*] Mr. J. N. Tittemore, R. F. D. #22, Omro, Wisconsin. Dear Sir: Your favor of October 1st is received and contents noted with much interest. In compliance with your request I am sending you under separate cover copy of Senate Document #521, being a Report on Strike at Bethlehem Steel Works, South Bethlehem, Penn., Financial Statement, Showing Receipts and Disbursements by Executive Committee of Striking Employes of the Bethlehem Steel Company, and the "Report of Special Committee Appointed by the commission in the Church and Social Service of the Federal Council of the Churches of Christ in America, concerning the Industrial Situation at South Bethlehem, Pa." I would suggest that you communicate with the Clerk ofthe House of Representatives and ask that he send you the Hearings Before the Committee on Investigation of the United States Steel Corporation, House of Representatives, as we have only the one set of these hearings and therefore must retain them for the records of our office.[*950*] Mr. J. N. Tittemore Trusting that you may obtain the desired information, I remain, Very truly yours, Sam'l Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. P. S. I am enclosing also a pamphlet published by this office entitled: "Statement and Evidence in Support of Petition and Changes Presented to the President of the United States against the U. S. Steel Corporation; which I think will be of help to you.[*951*] Oct. 5, 1911 [*COPIED. OCT 5 - 1911*] Rev. Thomas Hambly, D.D., Field Secretary The Southern Bureau of Education c/o 2221 7th Ave. N., Birmingham, Ala. Dear Sir: Your favor of September 26th is received and contents noted. You set forth in detail the work contemplated to be inaugurated by the Southern Bureau of Education and then propose that the American Federation of Labor should erect the industrial hall for the organization at a cost of $150,000. In connection therewith, you request that you should be allowed the opportunity of presenting your plan to the Atlanta Convention of the A. F. of L. While deeply interested in all institutions and organizations whose purposes are for the betterment and uplift of humanity, yet if your porposition is to have the A. F. of L. undertake the erection of one of the buildings at a cost of $150,000, then I am free to say to you that it would be a waste of your time, as well as needlessly taking up the time of the convention to bring such a proposition to it. The convention has had under consideration for a number of years the matter of erecting a building as the permanent headquarters of the A. F. of L., but circumstances have been952 Rev. Thomas Hambly--2 such that it has not yet been practical to raise the money with which to defray the expenses of such an undertaking. Then again, if you have followed the course of the work of the labor movement for the past few years, and particularly this year, you will realize the enormous expense to which the men of labor have been put in defending their men, their rights and their interests before the courts. This has taken and takes every dollar that can possibly be raised. Should you have occasion to visit Atlanta during our convention, we should be glad to have you attend its sessions, and personally I should be glad to welcome and greet you, but I again repeat, it will be a useless waste of time to present your proposition to the convention. Very truly yours, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor.[*953*] Z Oct. 5, 1911. [*COPIED. Oct 6- 1911*] Mr. E. Frank Moorhouse, Delegate, Brotherhood of Painters, Decorators and Paperhangers, Hoffman House, Boston, Mass. Dear Sir and Brother: I am in receipt of a letter from President George F. Hedrick, of the Brotherhood of Painters, Decorators and Paperhangers, in which he advises me that you have been selected by your International Union to act as a member of the Auditing and Credential Committee of the A. F. of L. This Committee will meet at the headquarters of the A. F. of L., 801-809 G Street, N. W., Washington, D. C., (where full facilities for the work are afforded), Monday morning, November 6, at nine o'clock. I trust that you will not fail to be on hand. With best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*954*] Z Oct. 5, 1911. [*COPIED. OCT 6- 1911*] Mr. S. L. Landers, Member, United Garment Workers of America, 16 Sherman Ave., Hamilton, Ont, Canada. Dear Sir and Brother: I am in receipt of a letter from President Thomas A. Rickert of the United Garment Workers of America, in which he advises me that you have been selected by your International Union to act as a member of the Auditing and Credential Committee of the A. F. of L. This Committee will meet at the headquarters of the A. F. of L., 801-809 G St., N.W., Washington D. C., (where full facilities for the work are afforded) Monday morning, November 6th, at nine o'clock. I trust that you will not fail to be on hand. With best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*955*] Z Oct. 5, 1911. [*COPIED. OCT 6- 1911*] Mr. D. A. Carey, Member, American Federation of Musicians, 170 Montrose Ave., Toronto, Canada. Dear Sir and Brother: I am in receipt of a letter from President J. N. Weber of the American Federation of Musicians, in which he advises me that you have been selected by your International Union to act as a member of the Auditing and Credential Committee of the A. F. of L. This committee will meet at the headquarters of the A. F. of L., 801-809 G Street, N. W., Washington, D. C.,(where there are full facilities for the work afforded) November 6, Monday morning, at nine o'clock. I trust that you will not fail to be on hand. With best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*956*] LF Oct. 5, 1911 [*COPIED. OCT 6- 1911*] Mr. Charles H. Winslow, Victoria Hotel, New York, N. Y. My dear Mr. Winslow: Enclosed is a manuscript on Industrial Education which has been sent in,as you will note,by the Principal of the Wentworth Institute of Boston for publication in the American Federationist. Any criticism or suggestion which you have to offer in connection therewith would be appreciated. I realize of course that you are busy, but if you can find a spare hour in which to look this over, I would appreciate it. I have just returned to headquarters after 'six weeks' absence on the Pacific Coast and as you can realize, I am exceedingly crowded, particularly as I will have my report and the report of the Executive Council to the Atlanta Convention to prepare and there will be a meeting of the Executive Council here the week of October 16th. When do you anticipate coming over to Washington? Hoping that I may hear from you at your early convenience, I am, Very truly yours, Sam'l Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.957 X. Oct. 5, 1911 COPIED. OCT 8TH 1911 Mr. Thomas I. Parkinson, Colombia University, New York City. Dear Sir: In the absence of President Gompers, and replying to your favor of October the third, I enclose to you herein three copies of the A. F. of L. Employers' Liability and Workmen's Compensation Bill, also copy of Hearings before the Commission of Employers' Liability and Workman's Compensation. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers I approve. S.G.[*958*] LF Oct. 5, 1911 [*COPIED. OCT 6- 1911*] Mr. James Duncan, Vice-President American Federation of Labor, Hancock Building, Quincy, Mass. Dear Sir and Brother: This is my first day at the office since August 17th when I started on my trip to the Pacific Coast, from which I returned to the office last night. As you have just returned from an even longer absence abroad,we are both in pretty much the same box so far as concerns an accumulation of work to be cleared away before our Atlanta Convention. I am, therefore, going to write to you briefly as it will be such a short time until we meet here at the meeting of the Executive Council on October 16th. My particular object of my writing now, however, is to ask whether you will have time to prepare that section of the Executive Council's report to the Atlanta Convention dealing with the International Secretariat. I shall endeavor to have a rough draft of the Executive Council's report prepared in part, if not completed, for consideration at our meeting on the 16th. After the Executive Council meeting I shall have to devote my energies to preparing my own report and even at that the time will be very brief in which to prepare it.[*959*] [*COPIED. OCT 6- 1911*] Mr. James Duncan--2 I trust you and Mrs. Duncan are feeling well and rested from your trip and hope that you had a most interesting and enjoyable time. Anticipating the pleasure of our meeting on the 16th and with best wishes, I am, Sincerely and fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers President American Federation of Labor Was glad that a member of the Boys not and greeted you on your arrival. Wish I could have been one of the member. GS960 LF Oct. 5, 1911. COPIED. OCT 6 1911 Mr. Frederic W. Gardner, Southern Hotel, St. Louis, Mo. My dear Mr. Gardner: I have just returned today from my Western trip and as you can imagine, there is a very great accumulation of matters awaiting my attention. Miss Guard has brought to my attention your letter of September 29th, in which you request my address during the Atlanta Convention. In reply, let me say that the Executive Council will have headquarters at the New Kimball Hotel in Atlanta, the convention opening on November 13th. I note that you anticipate preparing a souvenir for distribution to the delegates. If you will have it sent to me, I will see to it that it is properly distributed. I have not now the opportunity, owing to the pressure of the many matters awaiting my attention, to enter into a discussion of the other matter to which you refer in your letter, but I merely desire to say that we have been and are doing the best we can in the premises.[*961*] Mr. Frederic W. Gardner--2 With kind regards, I am, Sincerely yours, Saml. Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. COPIED. OCT 8 1911[*962*] LF Oct. 5, 1911 [*COPIED. OCT 6- 1911*] Mr. T. M. Kerbow, Organizer Beckham Hotel, Greenville, Texas. Dear Sir and Brother: On August 29th I wrote you in reply to your letter of August 25th in regard to the commission which had been issued to Mr. J. M. Massay on June 3, 1911, upon the recommendation of the Texas State Federation of Labor, commission being for volunteer organizer for the State of Texas. At the same time I also wrote to Mr. Massay. I am now in receipt of a reply from Mr. Massay, copy of which you will please find enclosed herein. You will note that Mr. Massay states that you, in December, 1910, requested him to make application for membership in Federal Labor Union #13064, that he questioned you at the time as to whether he was eligible to membership in a local union directly affiliated to the A. F. of L. Will you please let me have your reply as to this at your earliest convenience, and oblige, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. Enclosure:[*963*] LF Copy. Greenville, Texas, 9/15/11 [*COPIED. OCT 6- 1911*] Samuel Gompers, Pres. Washington, D.C. Dear Sir and Brother: Your letter Sept. 6th relative to my being eligible to hold commission as organizer; in reply will say that Mr. Kerbow is right when he advised that I am engaged in the fire insurance and real estate. I have been a member of labor organizations for 19 years and am now 37 years of age. I moved to Greenville and withdrew from the Farmers Union, in which I had held various official positions and had worked with Mr. Kerbow on various joint committees. During December of 1910, Mr. Kerbow as Organizer, came to me and solicited me to join Federal Labor Union #13064 of this city and as organizer took my application and fee for membership. At the time he took my application, I asked him to be sure that I was eligible and he assured me that I was. After being obligated I was elected V.P. of Local and delegate to Trades Assembly. At request of Secretary of State Federation, I succeeded in getting my local and Trades Assembly to affiliate with State Federation and was elected a delegate to State Federation. While attending State Body, I served on the Grievance Committee and was selected as a V.Pres. I was appointed by Trades Assembly to take up and adjust with the Flour Mill one of the largest employers of labor in the city, the grievance of their employes and succeeded in securing recognition of the union and an agreement to employ none but union men, however this has nothing[*964*] [*COPIED. OCT 6- 1911*] -2- to do with my eligibility for membership. Have requested a withdrawal from Federal Labor Union #13064, after reading to them your letter and they refused to consider it. Am enclosing herewith my commission and will ask that you investigate fully and I shall be pleased to abide by your decision, assuring you that whether in or our of the organization the working class shall have my best endeavors. If your decision shall be adverse to me, I shall at once tender my resignation to the State Federation and withdraw from membership in Federal Labor Union #13064. Awaiting your reply, I am, Fraternally, (Signed) J. M. Massay.[*965*] [*COPIED. OCT 6- 1911*] LF Oct. 5, 1911. Mr. J. M. Massay, Organizer Greenville, Texas. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of September 15th is received and contents noted. I am now writing to Organizer T. M. Kerbow, giving him copy of your letter to me and requesting him to make reply thereto at his earliest convenience. In the meantime, if as you state, you are in the fire insurance and real estate business for yourself and are not employed as a wage earner, then, under the laws of the American Federation of Labor, you are not eligible to membership in an affiliated organization, and therefore not eligible to hold commission as a volunteer organizer. Please write me further as to this, for if I correctly understand your letter, it will be necessary for our records to be changed and your name discontinued from our lists. Hoping to hear from you at your early convenience, and with kind regards, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.[*966*] LF Oct. 6, 1911 [*COPIED. OCT 6- 1911*] Mr. John B. Lennon, Treasurer American Federation of Labor Bloomington, Ill. Dear Sir and Brother: The demands of my time are so great, I find it impossible to affix my name to each and every warrant for the month of September, and have, therefore, authorized the use of a rubber stamp, the same being a fac simile of my signature as follows: No. 29,100 September 1, 1911, including No. 29,426, September 30, 1911, amounting to $14,354.48. Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.967 Oct. 5, 1911. COPIED. OCT 6- 1911 Hon. Seth Low, One Madison Avenue, New York City. My dear Mr. Low: Your favor of the third instant is received and contents noted. In compliance with your request, it gives me pleasure to send you herewith copy of the order of Justice Gould certifying the case over to Judge Wright, the order of Judge Wright appointing the commission of lawyers, the report of the commission, and the motion to require sworn answer to charges and replies made thereto by Messrs. Gompers, Mitchell and Morrison. Mr. Siddons, one of our attorneys, advises me that the enclosed will probably be all that will be necessary for your purposes. However, if there is anything further which we can send you, please let me know and it will be given prompt attention. President Gompers returned to the city last evening. He is of course very much fatigued from his strenuous trip, but otherwise he is feeling quite fit. He wishes to be most kindly remembered to you. Very sincerely yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers. X.[*968*] X. Oct. 5, 1911. [*COPIED. OCT 6- 1911*] Mr. E. L. Lane, Box 335, Hobart, Oklahoma. Dear Sir: Your favor of September 26th received and contents noted. In reply I beg to say that there is no Cleaners and Pressers' Union located at Hobart, but there are affiliated to the A. F. of L. unions of this trade as follows: Cleaners and Dyers' Union #14092, Kansas City, Mo. Cleaners, Pressers & Dryers' #14110, Muskogee, Okla. Cleaners and Pressers Association #14130, Ardmore, Okla. If there is a sufficient number of men employed at the trade in Hobart, there is no reason why a union should not be formed and affiliated to the A. F. of L. Our organizer at Hobart is Mr. Jerome M. Wilkinson, 309 Main Street, and I would suggest that you confer with him in regard to the matter. I will be glad to give you any assistance within his power. I am writing him by this mail, sending him copy of your letter to me, and also duplicate copy of my reply. Very truly yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.969 X. Oct. 5, 1911. [*COPIED. OCT 6- 1911*] Mr. Jerome M. Wilkinson, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, 309 Main Street, Hobart, Oklahoma. Dear Sir and Brother: I am in receipt of a letter from Mr. E. L. Lane, Box 335, of Hobart, in which he makes inquiry as to a union of Pressers and Cleaners. Please find enclosed copy of letter from Mr. Lane, and also copy of my reply, both of which are fully explanatory. Please get into communication with Mr. Lane, and oblige, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*970*] X. Oct. 6, 1911. [*COPIED. OCT 6- 1911*] Mr. Samuel Prince, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, 277 Broadway, New York City. Dear Sir and Brother: Your letter marked personal of September 19th I find awaiting me upon my return to the office today after a six week's trip on the Pacific Coast. I was glad to hear from you and gratified to know that your Labor Day address was a success. As you can very readily understand, I find an immense amount of accumulated work awaiting my attention upon my return. With kind regards, and hoping to hear from you often, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*971*] X. Oct. 6, 1911. [*COPIED. OCT 6- 1911*] Mr. Hugh Robinson, Organizer, American Federation of Labor, #3 Kent Street, Hamilton, Ont., Canada. Dear Sir and Brother: I have just returned to headquarters after a six weeks absence on the Pacific Coast, and one of the first matters to receive my attention is your letter of August 19th, for which you will please accept my thanks. I read with much interest the several cards you enclosed, and thank you for sending them to me. I have also directed that another copy of the September issue of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST should be sent to you. I trust it will reach you promptly. With best wishes, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*972*] X. Oct. 6, 1911. [*COPIED. OCT 6- 1911*] Mr. J. C. May, Secretary, Black Hills Trades Assembly, Lead, South Dakota. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of October third is received and contents noted. In reply I beg to say that the Executive Council of the A. F. of L. will hold a meeting in this city the week of October 16th, and your letter requesting the endorsement of an appeal to solicit funds in behalf of the men engaged in the controversy at Lead, South Dakota, will be placed before my colleagues for whatever notion they may deem advisable to take in the premises. You will be promptly advised as to the conclusion reached. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.973 X. Oct. 5, 1911. COPIED. OCT 6 1911 Mr. John Golden, President, United Textile Workers of America, Box 742, Fall River, Mass. Dear Sir and Brother: Secretary Morrison has showed me your letter to him of September 7th and his reply of September 9th in regard to the contemplated application for charter by the National Loom Fixers. In connection therewith, I beg to enclose to you herein copy of letter dated October 2d which has just been received from the Secretary of the Loom Fixers' Union, in which formal application for charter is made. The matter will be placed before the Executive Council of the A. F. of L. at its meeting which will be held in this city the week of October 16th. If there is any additional statement which you desire to make in connection with this matter, please do so in order that the case may be in proper shape for consideration by the Executive Council. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.974 COPY. Oct. 2, 1911. Mr. Samuel Gompers, Pres. American Federation of Labor, Washington, D. C. My dear Mr. Gompers: At the last convention of the Loom-Fixers National Union held in Boston in September of this year, I was instructed by a unanimous vote of the delegates present to request your Honorable Body for a charter of affiliation. Our International Organization represents fifty locals and approximately 3500 members. We are not connected with the United Textile Workers of America because we feel that we are more capable to handle the affairs of the Loom-Fixers than is any other class of textile workers. The Loom-Fixers' Union is not opposed to the American Federation of Labor and never has been. We have always advocated its principles and tried to carry out in every way its decisions and policies. In the printing trades, the compositors, the pressmen, stereotypers, the book-binders, the photo engravers, all have their separate International Unions. In the building trades, the carpenters, painters, brick-layers, lathers, et cetera, all have their different International Unions and we feel, after giving careful consideration to this most important question, that the textile workers of this continent as represented by the weavers, loom-fixers, mule spinners, wool sorters, etc., are entitled to separate charters, the same as other trades herein mentioned.975 COPY. -2- There is just as much difference between a wool sorter and loom-fixer as there is between a linotype operator and a printing pressman, or as much difference between a weaver and a mule spinner as there is between a carpenter and a brick-layer. We feel that progress cannot be made in the textile industries of this country along organization lines until these separate crafts have been granted charters of their own and permitted to handle the affairs of their separate organizations themselves. In recent years a large number of unions have withdrawn from the United Textile Workers of America. All of the Weavers' Unions of any importance have withdrawn and have organized a national union of their own. The many unions that I represent have withdrawn and have established a National Union of their own also. The wool sorters have done likewise. The mule spinners have had a National Organization for a number of years and are affiliated with the American Federation of Labor and also with the United Textile Workers of America, but at their convention held recently, a motion was made that their organisation withdraw from the United Textile Workers and this motion was defeated by a very, very close margin, so you see that today the feeling among textile workers is that they should be organised in their separate International Unions and those separate International Unions should be chartered by the American Federation of Labor. I believe that I can truthfully say that the Weavers' Federation and also the Wool Sorters National Union desire charters from your Honorable Body and should this petition be granted, which we pray it will, no doubt they shall apply in the same form and when charters have been granted to these separate International[*976*] [*COPIED. OCT 6- 1911*] -3- Unions, then and not until then shall any progress be made in the organization of the Textile Workers of this country. Should the executive council look favorably upon granting charters to the several International Unions of Textile Workers, then a council of all the officers of the several Internationals could be held the same as in the printing trades, the building trades and through this council the welfare of all crafts could be looked after. Trusting that the council will grant this application of affiliation and hoping to hear from you soon with regard to this matter, I am, Fraternally yours, (Signed) Oliver Christian, Secretary National Loom-Fixers' Union, P. O. Box 8, Lawrence, Mass. [*977*] X. Oct. 5, 1911. [*COPIED. OCT 6- 1911*] Mr. George W. Berry, President, International Printing Pressmen and Assistant's Union, Rogersville, Tennessee. Dear Sir and Brother: Acknowledgment of the receipt of your favor of September first has already been made during my absence in the West and on the Pacific Coast. You recommend for appointment as special organizer for the A. F. of L. Mr. George Kenney, member of the Pressmen's Union #25 of New York City, as being an able and thoroughly competent man should there be a vacancy on the staff of organizers whereby his appointment could be made. I beg to say in reply that at present I cannot offer you any very great encouragement as to the possibility of Mr. Kenney's being appointed at any time in the near future, but I can only say that if an opportunity does present itself you may rest assured the matter will be given very careful consideration. At present, owing to financial reasons, it is hardly probable that any additional organizers will be appointed for some time to come. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*978*] X. Oct. 5, 1911. [*COPIED. OCT 6- 1911*] Mr. John J. Flynn, Vice-President, Metal Polishers, Buffers, Platers, Brass Molders, Brass and Silver Workers' Union, Room 110, 25 Third Ave., New York City. Dear Sir and Brother: Acknowledgement of the receipt of your favor of September 12th, which reached headquarters before my return from the Pacific Coast, has already been made. Now in regards to the matter of your application for appointment as special organizer for the city of New York, let me say that as you know, Organizer Cal Wyatt is now stationed at New York headquarters. I cannot now say with any degree of definiteness that the vacancy in the corps of the A. F. of L. organizers caused by Mr. Frayne’s resignation will be filled other than by the transfer of one of the present organizers to the New York office, that is, either the continuation of Mr. Wyatt or the transfer of someone else. However, should there be any question as to the appointment of another organizer for that position, your letter, together with a number of other applications, will be given careful consideration, With best wishes, and hoping to hear form you whenever convenient, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*979*] COPIED. OCT 8 1911 LF October 5,1911 Mr. John Feehan, Representing Pattern Makers' League of North America, 228 Port Ave., Elizabeth, New Jersey Dear Sir and Brother: Your letter of September 27th addressed to Secretary Morrison has been handed to me for reply. In it you apply for a position as special organizer for the American Federation of Labor. I beg to say in reply that at present I cannot offer you any very great encouragement as to the possibility of your being appointed at any time in the near future, but I can only say that if an opportunity does present itself, you can rest assured the matter will be given very careful consideration. At present, owing to financial reasons, it is hardly probably that any additional organizers will be appointed for some time to come. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.[*980*] [*COPIED. OCT 8 1911*] Z Oct. 5, 1911. Mr. T. M. Daly, Int'l President, Metal Polishers, Buffers, Platers, Brass Molders, Brass and Silver Workers' Union of N.A., Neave Building, Cincinnati, Ohio. Dear Sir and Brother: Your letter of the 22nd instant has been received, in which you endorse the application of Mr. J. J. Flynn for appointment as special organizer for the City of New York. In reply thereto let me say that Organizer Cal Wyatt is now situated at the New York headquarters and I cannot now say with any degree of definiteness that the vacancy in the corps of A. F. of L. organizers caused by Mr. Frayne's resignation will be filled other than by the transfer of one of the present organizers to the New York office, that is, either the continuation of Mr. Wyatt or the transfer of someone else. However, should there be any question as to the appointment of another organizer for that position your letter, together with others of a similar character, will be given careful consideration. With best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*981*] [*COPIED. OCT 8 1911*] Z Oct. 2, 1911 Mr. F. C. Spelman, Financial Secretary, Twin City Federation of Labor, 208 W. Vine Street, Champaign-Urbana, Illinois. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of Sept. 24th has been received, and in reply thereto I beg to say that Mr. R. E. Hatch's commission as volunteer organizer for your vincinity will expire October 11, 1911, at which time it will be renewed for one year, as per your request. I note that the matter of the appointment of Mr. Louis Schell is settled, he having moved to Carlinville, Illinois. The Brick Layers are not entitled to representation in an affiliated Central Body. Sec. 10, Art. XI of the Constitution of the A. F. of L. reads as follows: "Local Unions of National or International Unions 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." I have today written to the executive officers of the Operative Plasterers and the Hod Carriers and Building Laborers, calling their attention to the fact that their locals are not affiliated with the Twin City Federation of Labor, and requesting[*982*] Mr. P.C. Spelmen---2. that they take the matter up with their locals, with a view to having them affiliate. Upon receipt of a reply from them I will write you further. With best wishes, I am Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. Copied Copied Oct 4 1911[*983*] COPIED. OCT 8 1911 X. Oct. 5, 1911. Mr. Earle W. Gage, Jamestown, New York. Dear Sir: In further reply to your favor of September seventh, I beg to say that with your permission we will be glad to hold your article as we may be able to use it later but we would rather use anything than what has a direct bearing upon our movement. In the meantime, should you desire it returned we make use of it kindly advise me. In compliance with your request, I am sending you under separate cover one of my autographed photographs. Very truly yours, Saml Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*984*] COPIED. OCT 8 1911 X. Oct. 5, 1911. Mr. C. Canterbury, Mr. R. E. Speer, Mr. C. C. Hall, Mr. J. Stine, Committee Trades Assembly, Box 437, Fort Worth, Texas. Dear Sirs and Brothers: One of the first matters to receive my attention upon my return from the west, is your letter of September 15th, receipt of which has already been acknowledged. Now as to the matter of Mr. C. W. Woodman being appointed as representative of the A. F. of L. to make one of the committee of seven to make a complete investigation in the southern states of the high cost of living, I beg to say that the matter will be placed before my colleagues of the Executive Council at their meeting in this city the week of October 16th, and you will be advised as promptly as possible as to what action is taken. Of course, as you can very readily appreciate, in a matter of this kind I hesitate to take action without first consulting the members of the Executive Council. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*985*] X. Oct 5, 1911. [*COPIED. OCT 6- 1911*] Mr. Olav Kringen, Telfets Hus, Kristiana, Norway. Dear Sir: Your favor of September 18th has been received and read with an unusual degree of interest. I am indeed gratified to know that the A. F. of L. weekly news letter is being so favorably received not only in this country but in Europe. I am firmly convinced, and the service thus far has confirmed my opinion, that the weekly news letter can be and will be of inestimable benefit to the wage earners of this country. Your suggestion as to the news letter for the entire world is a most excellent one and is worthy of consideration. In fact,, I shall place your suggestion before my colleagues of the Executive Council of the A. F. of L. when they meet in this city the week of October 16th. Our annual convention will open its session in Atlanta, Georgia, the week of November 13th, and if the Executive Council thinks favorably of your suggestion, no doubt the matter will be incorporated in the report of that body to the Atlanta convention. Thanking you for your letter, and trusting that I may hear from you again some time when convenient, I am, Very truly yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*986*] X. Oct. 5, 1911. [*COPIED. OCT 6- 1911*] Mr. Wm. A. Garretson, Missouri State Union, Farmers' Educational and Co-operative Union of America, Lebanon, Missouri. Dear Sir: Upon my return to headquarters, your letter of September 25th, receipt of which has already been acknowledged, is brought to my attention. You make inquiry as to "how the practice of accepting and using free passes from railroad companies is regarded and treated by your (our) organization". In reply thereto I beg to say that the A.F. of L. as such has had no opportunity of either accepting or declining the "courtesy" of free passes by any of the railroad companies. I cannot speak for the individual officers and members of the organizations affiliated to the A. F. of L. I can only speak for myself by saying that whenever I have occasion to travel, and you know the duties of my position require me to travel extensively, I always purchase tickets to the full value required by the road over which I travel. For the annual convention of the A. F. of L. we always endeavor to arrange for the usual special rates that are accorded to organizations of any character when traveling in large bodies over the roads. Whatever arrangements as to rates are made are always set forth in the official[*987*] [*COPIED. OCT 6- 1911*] Mr. William A. Garretson--2 convention call, copy of which you will please find enclosed herein. Perhaps I should add that I am almost confident that the course I pursued, in regard to free passes and transportation, or so-called "courtesies" extended by transportation companies to individuals has very nearly generally been pursued by my colleagues in the labor movement. I have always been of the opinion that when railroads or other transportation companies extend these courtesies, they do so for a purpose and in some form or other place the recipient and user under some direct or implied obligation; and this is a position in which no man, true to himself and to the cause of labor, would care to be placed, or to place himself. There is an exception to this rule, and even to this thought. I refer to the men who are the representatives of employees of railroads and other transportation companies, particularly when these representatives of employes are organized, and to whom frequently transportation is accorded,for the purpose of conferring with representatives of railroads and other transportation companies. In such instances,I am advised,it is done for the mutual convenience and benefit of the company and employees. Very truly yours, Sam'l Gompers. President American Federation of Labor.[*988*] LF Oct. 6, 1911 [*COPIED. OCT 6- 1911*] 30. 77. EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AMERICAN FEDERATION OF LABOR, COLLEAGUES: Late night before last, October 4th, I reached Washington and came to the office yesterday morning and gave attention to a number of matters requiring my immediate attention. The Pacific Coast trip seems to have given great satisfaction to our fellow workers and friends of the cause of trade unionism and I feel that I have contributed something to give our movement a considerable impetus. During my absence, I have endeavored to keep in touch with the headquarters, both by mail and night letter telegrams. With a feeling of satisfaction I returned to work at the desk and will endeavor to give a recount of my recent work, either through the columns of the American Federationist, or elsewhere. Your attention is respectfully called to the October issue of the American Federationist, and particularly the two letters which are published therein and which, in addition to other matter, I sent from the coast. I sincerely hope that all the members of the Executive Council will be in attendance at the meeting to be held as headquarters989 E.C.--2 Washington, D.C., beginning Monday, October 16th. Sincerely and fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor.990 LF Oct. 5, 1911 COPIED. Oct 5, 1911 Mr. E. H. Ellis, Organizer, 95 E Montcaln St., Detroit, Mich. Dear Sir: President Gompers has just returned to headquarters this morning from his Pacific Coast trip and directs me to acknowledge receipt of your favor of October 3rd, and to thank you for sending him the data you give therein. It will be of value to him. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.991 LF Oct. 5, 1911 COPIED. OCT 6 1911 Mr. John A. Flett, Organizer, 195 Sherman Avenue, South Hamilton, Canada. My dear Mr. Flett: Mr. Gompers has just returned to Washington this morning from his Pacific Coast trip and as it will be quite sometime before he can take up his correspondence, owing to an accumulation of matters which have been held for his personal attention, he directs me to acknowledge receipt of your personal favor of the 4th instant and to thank you for writing him and sending him the clippings. He will read them very shortly. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.992 LF Oct. 5, 1911 COPIED OCT 6 1911 Mr. Jas. M. Finnegan, , Member Lodge #56, Brotherhood of Railway Clerks, 803 Jackson Ave. New Orleans, La. Dear Sir: I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of October 2 in which you suggest that President Gompers should take up with Chairman Knapp of the Interstate Commerce Commission the matter of the strike on the Illinois Central Railroad. Mr. Gompers has just returned to headquarters this morning from his Pacific Coast trip and it will probably be several days before he will be able to reach his correspondence, owing to the accumulation of important matters which are being held for his personal attention. I am, therefore, making this acknowledgment of the receipt of your letter until such time as he can make personal reply thereto. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.993 [*COPIED. OCT 8 1911*] LP Oct. 5, 1911 Mr. C. O. Young, Organizer, P. O. Box 709 Tacoma, Washington. My dear Mr. Young: Mr. Gompers has just returned to Washington this morning from his Pacific Coast trip and as it will be quite sometime before he can take up his correspondence, owing to an accumulation of matters which have been held for his personal attention,he directs me to acknowledge receipt of your favor of September 30th and to thank you for writing him and sending him the clipping. We will read it very shortly. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers.X. Oct. 6, 1911 Mr. Frank A. Tierney, Secretary, Factory Investigating Commission, 165 Broadway, New York City. Dear Sir: I have just returned from a trip on the Pacific Coast, of which you have been advised by my Secretary. Nothing unforeseen occurring, I shall be present at the executive meeting of the Commission at 165 Broadway, and at ten o'clock Tuesday morning, October tenth, and then attend the public hearing at eleven o'clock at City Hall. I cannot now say whether I will be able to go to New York Monday afternoon, October 9th, or Tuesday morning, October tenth, but in any event, I shall certainly use my best endeavors to attend that meeting. Very truly yours, [Sam. Gompers] President, American Federation of Labor Please write me again. S.G.[*995*] X. Oct. 8, 1911 [*COPIED. OCT 8- 1911*] Mr. L. W. Page, President, American Association for Highway Improvement, Colorado Building, City. Dear Sir: Your favor of October fifth is received and contents noted. I thank you for your invitation to deliver an address before the First Annual Road Congress of the American Association for Highway Improvement, which will be held at Richmond, Virginia, November 20-23. I beg to say, however, that the annual convention of the American Federation of Labor will be in session in the City of Atlanta at that time, and therefore it will net be within my power to accept the invitation. Your suggestion that five representatives of the American Federation of Labor should be appointed to attend the Congress should I be unable to present, will be placed before my colleagues of the A. F. of L. at the meeting which will be held in this city the week of October 16th. I will endeavor to advise you as promptly as possible as to what action is taken upon your suggestion. Very truly yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.996 COPIED. OCT 8 1911 X. Oct. 6, 1911. Mr. J. J. McLaughlin, Secretary, Executive Committee, The John O. Sheatz Association, 1516 N. Dover Street, Philadelphia, Pa. Dear Sir: Your favor of October fourth is received and contents noted. In reply thereto I beg to say that if Mr. John O. Sheatz, the candidate for City Controller of Philadelphia, is the choice of the labor men in your city, I have no hesitancy in expressing the hope that he will be elected. However, I should feel a considerable hesitancy in expressing an opinion one way or another as to Mr. Sheatz's candidacy, for in matters of a municipal character or of a state character, it is the policy of the American Federation of Labor that they should be left to the organized labor movement of the municipality or of the state. Very truly yours, Saml Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*997*] X. Oct. 8, 1911. [*COPIED. OCT 8- 1911*] Mr. Willard Sowell Best, General Delivery, Davenport, Iowa. Dear Sir: Your favor of October third is received and contents noted. You say that you will complete your work in Davenport about the first of November, and I infer that you would then, if agreeable to me, come on East in connection with the matter of my portrait, about which you spoke to me when you recently saw me at the Kaiserhof in Chicago. In reply let me say that the next annual convention of the American Federation of Labor will open in Atlanta the week of November 13. From now until the convention, my time will be fully engrossed not only with the many matters which were held for my personal attention during my absence on the Pacific Coast, but in the preparation of my report and other work immediately connected with the Convention. It would therefore not be possible for me to give any time on the matter of the portrait until after the adjournment of the convention. I therefore suggest that you write me again, say about the middle of December, when I may be able to advise you more definitely. Very truly yours, Sam'l Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. [*Good luck.*][*998*] X. Oct 6, 1911. Mr Ralph M. Easley, Secretary, Executive Committee, National Civic Federation, One Madison Avenue. New York City. My dear Mr. Easley: Mr. John Harrison, Advertising Manage of the AMERICAN FEDERATIONIST. advises me that you recently made inquiry to his office as to a publication called "The Labor World" gotten out by a party named Sutton, who has been collecting money from the public by fraudulent use of the name of the American Federation of Labor and who has also used your name and the name of Mr. Mitchell in soliciting such donations. I would appreciate it if you would give me the particulars of the matter in so far as regards the use of your name, as we have had a great deal of trouble by reason of unscrupulous parties using the name of the American Federation of Labor in soliciting contributions of money from business man and the general public. In some instances we have succeeded in convicting such parties and having them sentenced. Thanking you in advance for your prompt compliance with the above, I am, Very truly yours, Saml Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. OCT 6- 1911*]999 Washington D. C., Oct. 6, 1911. Mr. Frank L. Mulholland, Nicholas Building, Toledo, Ohio. Letters from yourself and Mr. Besch regard trial of Hatters' case received. Would suggest we hold conference in Judge Parker's office Monday afternoon at one o'clock. Wire answer whether you will be in attendance. Am telegraphing Judge Beach and Judge Parker. SAMUEL GOMPERS President American Federation of Labor. Charge A. F. of L. COPIED OCT 6- 19111000 Washington D. C., Oct. 6, 1911. Hon. John K. Beach, 865 Chapel Street, New Haven, Conn. Letters from yourself and Mr. Mulholland regard trial of Hatters' case received. Would suggest we hold conference in Judge Parker's office Monday afternoon at one o'clock. Wire answer whether you will be in attendance. Am telegraphing Mr. Mulholland and Judge Parker. SAMUEL GOMPERS President American Federation of Labor. Charge A. F. of L. COPIED OCT 6- 19111001 X. Oct 6, 1911. Hon. Alton B. Parker, 57 Wall Street, New York City. My dear Judge: I just got back from the Pacific Coast trip yesterday and find letters from Mr. Frank Mulholland and Mr. John K. Beach advising me that notice has been received from the attorneys of Loewe and Company that "the Loewe case will be claimed for trial on October tenth", and they both suggest that a conference should be had in regard to the case, although they are of the opinion that the trial of the cause may be begun some time later. In view of this fact I have taken the liberty to ask both Mr. Beach and Mr. Mulholland to meet at your office Monday, October ninth, at one o'clock high noon, and if it be convenient to you I trust that we may have the benefit of your presence and advice. At the conference we can discuss all matters in such detail as may be necessary. With sincere good wishes, I am, Very truly yours, Saml. Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. COPIED. OCT 6- 19111002 Washington D. C., Oct. 6, 1911. Mr. Frank L. Mulholland, Nicholas Building, Toledo, Ohio. Letters from yourself and Mr. Beach regard trial of Hatters' case received. Would suggest we hold conference in Judge Parker's office Monday afternoon at one o'clock. Wire answer whether you will be in attendance. Am telegraphing Judge Beach and Judge Parker. SAMUEL GOMPERS President American Federation of Labor. Charge A. F. of L. COPIED OCT 6- 19111003 COPIED. OCT 7- 1911 LF Oct. 7, 1911 Mr Pedro Parrilla, President Federated Union #12967, San Lorenzo, P. R. Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of September 20th is duly received and contents noted. In reply thereto I beg to state that I am, by this mail, referring the matter to Organizer Santiago Iglesias, our official representative in San Juan, Porto Rico, and requesting him to communicate direct with you in regard thereto. You will no doubt hear from Organizer Iglesias at an early date. With kind regards, I remain, Fraternally yours, Saml. Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. COPIED. OCT 7- 19111004 LF Oct. 7, 1911 Mr. Abram L. Elkus, Chief Counsel, Factory Investigating Commission 170 Broadway, New York, N.Y. Dear Sir: Replying to your favor of October 6th I beg to advise you that President Gompers has returned from his Pacific coast trip and has arranged to be in New York Tuesday, October 10 to attend the Executive session of the Commission at ten o'clock and the public hearing at eleven o'clock. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to President Gompers1005 [*COPIED. OCT 7- 1911*] LF Oct. 7, 1911 Mr. John R. Spencer, Secretary State Federation of Labor 1600 Peach St., Waco, Texas. Dear Sir and Brother: Your night lettergram is received and noted. In reply I beg to say that the American Federation of Labor Convention opens at Atlanta, Georgia, on the morning of November thirteenth. The Executive Council of the A. F. of L. meets there several days in advance. I am now fully engrossed with the work of preparing my reports to the Convention and, therefore, regret that it will be impossible for me to accept your invitation to deliver an address at the Labor Day of Texas Cotton Palace Association Fair, November seventh. Regretting that I cannot be with you and wishing the Association every success, I remain, Fraternally yours, President American Federation of Labor.1006 LF Oct. 7,1911 [*COPIED. OCT 7- 1911*] Mr. Santiago Iglesias, Organizer 60 Luna St., San Juan, Porto Rico. Dear Sir and Brother: Enclosed you will please find translation of a letter received at this office from Pedro Parrilla, President of Federated Union #12967 of San Lorenzo, Porto Rico. I ask that you will kindly look after the matter contained therein and advise us in regard thereto, and also to communicate direct with Mr. Parrilla. Thanking you in advance for your compliance with the above, and with kind regards, I remain Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers President American Federation of Labor. Enclosure:1007 DF (Copy of Translation) San Lorenzo, P.R. September 20, 1911 Mr. Samuel Gompers, President, American Federation of Labor, Washington, D.C. Dear Sir and Brother: A lockout having taken place at Alvares Garcia & Co. manufacturers of cigars of this city, I therefore file this application for benefits on behalf of one Don Calisto Masquido, a member in good standing in the Federated Union #12967. The said member was employed by the above firm at the time this lockout occured and is entitled to benefits as prescribed in article XIII, Section 2, of the Constitution of the A. F. of L. I remain, Fraternally yours, (Signed) Pedro Parrilla President, Federated Union #129671008 Z [*Personal*] Oct. 6, 1911. Hon. G. W. Smith, COPIED Fresno, California OCT 7 1911 My dear Judge: After leaving Fresno I visited the Yosemite Valley, then to 'Frisco, where I had several other meetings scheduled, from there to Sacramento for two additional meetings, and then started upon my return trip east, reaching Washington at 8:45 on the evening of October 4th. While my trip involved a great deal of hard work, constant travelling, and much fatigue, yet it was exceedingly interesting and I believe will bring good results to out movement. One of the most pleasant incidents of my visit to California is our meeting in Fresno. Even though I am, as you may imagine, so very much crowded with an accumulation of matters requiring my immediate attention, yet I feel that I must take a moment to write you a word in reference to our meeting in Fresno and to again express the great pleasure which our acquaintance afforded me. I am looking forward to the time when you will come east and I may have the oppurtunity of again meeting you. I told my Secretary, Miss Guard, something of my visit to Fresno, the mutual regard I believe we entertain for each other, and our conversation in regard to her, and she desires me to convey1009 Hon G. W. Smith---2 to you her appreciation of your kindly message. She is looking forward with much pleasure to the opportunity of meeting you. I trust that you will hear from me occasionally. I assure you it will afford me much pleasure to have a word from you whenever you may feel disposed to write. With kind regards, I am Very sincerely yours, Saml Gompers President, American Federation of Labor. [*Hold on to the Rope*][*1010*] LF Oct. 7, 1911 [*COPIED. OCT 7- 1911*] Mr. S. B. Marks, Chairman Entertainment Committee,Atlanta Federation of Trades 480 Pulliam St., Atlanta, Georgia Dear Sir and Brother: Your favor of the 3rd instant is received and contents noted. You say that preparations are being made for a barbecue at Union City, the headquarters of the Farmers' Educational Cooperative Union and you desire to know when it will be most convenient and will least interfere with the work of the Atlanta Convention, for the delegates to attent the barbecue. The date for the barbecue would better be set about the middle of the first week. While the Convention and the officers of the American Federation of Labor, as well as the delegates to the Convention, will be deeply appreciative of every effort on the part of your committee for their comfort and entertainment, yet I trust your committee will not lose sight of the primary purpose of the Convention, and that there will be a great amount of business to be transacted by the Convention, and that the social features of the two weeks of the Convention should not be allowed to interfere with the serious work of the Convention.1011 Mr. E. B. Marks--3 Anticipating the pleasure of meeting you and the other good friends in Atlanta, and hoping to hear from you whenever convenient, I remain, Fraternally yours Samuel Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. 1012 LF Washington, D.C. oct. 7,1911 Mr. Ralph M Easley 1 Madison Ave. Metropolitan Building, New York,N.Y. Telegram received. Can see you three-thirty Monday afternoon, Victoria Hotel. Samuel Gompers (Charge to A.F. of L.) COPIED. OCT 7 19111013 Oct. 7, 1911 X. Dr. Andrew J. Gallagher, Secretary, San Francisco Tradea Council, 316 14th St, San Francisco, Cal. Dear Sir and Brother, Your favor of the second instant reached here today, the contents of which were noted with interest, pleasure and satisfaction. In reference to the interview we had with the Newspaper Publishers of San Francisco, let me say that I cannot regard it as having been entirely satisfactory, for as a matter of fact, their position has not changed in any degree. They declared that they could not see how they could consistently and with any consideration for the safety of their business, recognize the Newspaper Solicitors as a union and to deal with them as such: that this department was the revenue raising department of their business, and over that department it was necessary for them to have direct control: that this was essential for them to continue, not only in the issuance of their respective newspapers, but also in paying the wages, con- ceding the hours, and other conditions of employment to the men engaged in the machanical, the productive departments of the news- paper: that they, the publishers, not only recognize but have agreements with the unions of the mechanical and productive de- partments, but that they have agreements with these unions which COPIED. OCT 7 - 19111014 Mr. Andrew J. Gallagher -2- are mutually satisfactory and advantageous. The conference lasted nearly two hours after you left. Indeed, it consumed more than three hours in all, during which I argued and endeavored to per- suade the publishers to come to some amicable adjustment of the matter in dispute, to confer either with theSolicitors' Union direct, or through some one representing them. I mentioned the names of several men as being possibly fairly good intermediaries, and stated that I would ask you to see the publishers again for the purpose of continuing the purpose of the conference. I can say to you that I found the publishers much wrought up and apprehensive as to what the possibilities were for their less or destruction if they recognized the Newspaper Solicitors as an organized union, and to deal with them in that capacity. The publishers also claimed that they were in no wise hostile to the union, that is, that they made no inquiry as to membership in a union, and had not would not discriminate against a Solicitor because of his membership. I regret that I was not able to bring about a more satisfactory result of the conference. I note with a great deal of satisfaction the opinion you express as to the result of my visit to and efforts on the Coast and of its advantage which you declare will accrue to our fellow workers. Indeed, if I have contributed something toward aiding, helping, advising my fellow workers of the Pacific Coast to a clearer understanding of their rights and their duties, and have stimulated them to greater activity, sympathetic to co-operation and solidarity, I am amply repaid. Permit me to express to you, and through you be the workers of San Francisco and of the entire Pacific Coast, my great appreciation for the uniform courtesy extended to me, and the1015 Mr. Andrew J. Gallagher -3- assistance rendered me in my many difficult duties which I endeavored cheerfully to perform, and to perform to the very best of whatever ability I possess. Despite the arduous duties, I returned to my desk with energy renewed and hope revived, and if possible a more determined purpose to give to my fellow workers the very best that is in me, and that includes in addition to office work, the mingling with my fellow man of our entire continent, California included. With best wishes, and hoping to be remembered to all our friends, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President American Federation of Labor. P. S. I reciprocate the wish that we may meet at Atlanta in November. P. S. NO. 2. I should have added that the publishers desired that they had no desire to take any unfair advantage, or any advantage at all, of the Newspaper Solicitors; that they were paying a minimum of $18.60 to Solicitors, and would be glad to pay any additional sum for more than the ordinary ability manifested, or results achieved.[*1016*] [*COPIED. OCT 7 - 1911*] X. Oct. 7, 1911. Mr. John Mitchell, Vice-President, American Federation of Labor, #3 Claremont Avenue, Mount Vernon, New York. Dear Sir and Brother: I am endeavoring to begin the preparation of my report and the report of the Executive Council to the Atlanta Convention of the American Federation of Labor. The rough draft of the latter I hope to have completed, or at least partially completed, for submission to the Executive Council at our meeting here the week of October 16th. If you have the time, I would appreciate it very much if you would prepare something for me on the subject of Employers' Liability and Workmen's Compensation, which can be used in thse reports. It will be a great help and assistance to me. Knowing that you are so thoroughly conversant with the subject and have given it so much study, I am making this request of you. Trusting that I may hear from you in regard to the above at your early convenience, and with best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Sam'l Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*1017*] X. Oct. 7, 1911 [*COPIED Oct 7 1911*] No. 78. EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, AMERICAN FEDERATION OF LABOR. COLLEAGUES: In view of the active participation of the Socialist Political Party in the elections of the Journeymen Tailors' Union of America, and the more recent election in the Hatters' Union, in the Cigar Makers' International Union, and the International Association of Machinists, action of the Toledo Local of the Socialist Party as indicated in the enclosed copy of a resolution which reached this office will prove interesting. I am therefore sending it to the members of the Executive Council for their information and reply. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.1018 "Toledo, Ohio, Sept. 7, 1911. "At the general party meeting of Local Toledo, held Sunday, Sept. 3d, the following Resolution was adopted by Local Toledo: "Resolved, by Local Toledo of the Socialist Party, that we issue a call for a national referendum as follows: "Resolved that the National officers and committee of the Socialist Part by instructed not to interfere in the election of officers or in the other internal affairs of trade union or other labor organizations." (Signed) Josephine, Bates, Secretary.1019 Oct. 7. 1911. Hon. Oswald West, Executive Department, Salem, Oregon. My dear Governor: I have just returned to Washington from my Pacific Coast trip. One of the first letters to be brought to my attention is your letter of September fifth. I hasten to acknowledge its receipt, and to express to you my great appreciation of your having extended executive clemency in the case of Jesse P. Webb by commuting his sentence of execution to life imprisonment. His wife and little daughter must be overwhelmed by your order. I too regret it very much that owing to your absence form Portland when I visited that city that I was prevented the opportunity of personally meeting and greeting you. With assurances of my high regard, I am, Very sincerely yours, Saml Gompers. COPIED. OCT 7- 1911 Destroyed[*1020*] X. Oct. 7, 1911. [*COPIED. OCT 7 1911*] Mr. Charles H. Winslow, Victoria Hotel, New York City. My dear Mr. Winslow: As you can very readily appreciate, owing to my prolonged absence from headquarters, and the number of matters which were necessarily held for my personal attention, the preparation of work in connection with the forthcoming Executive Council meeting, and then preparation of the reports and other work for the Atlanta Convention, I will have about all that I can manage between now and the opening of the Atlanta Convention. I am endeavoring to have the rough draft of the report of the Executive Council to the Atlanta Convention all prepared ready for submission to the members of the Executive Council at our meeting the week of October 16th. After the adjournment of the Executive Council meeting, I want to commence the preparation of my own report. It would be a great assistance to me if you can find time to draft something on Industrial Education for the report of the Executive Council, and also for my report. The latter, of course, it would not be necessary for me to have for quite some little time yet, but I would like to have the former either by the first or the middle of the week of October 16th.1021 Mr. Charles H. Winslow -2- Thanking you in advance for whatever you may be able to do in the premises, and with kind regards, I am, Sincerely yours, Saml. Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*1022*] I. Oct. 7. 1911. Mr. Wm. D. Huber, President, United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, Carpenters' Building, Indianapolis, Indiana. Dear Sir and Brother: You will recall that at the conference held at Indianapolis the early part of the summer, at which were represented the Amalgamated Wood Workers' International Union and your Brotherhood, it was agreed that I should submit to the Wood Workers a proposition based upon the principle of the decision of the St. Louis Convention, the Wood Workers in turn to submit the matter to their General Council. I thereupon on August 18th, submitted the enclosed to Secretary Meiler. The decision of the St. Louis Convention is as follows: "Your Committee on Adjustment made this report; We therefore recommend that the terms proposed by the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America be accepted and adopted by the Amalgamated Wood Workers International Union as a basis for settlement of the differences between these organizations. That the Executive Council of the American Federation of Labor be instructed to use its good offices, without delay, to consumate the amalgamation of the Carpenters and the Wood Workers International Union, and that the Executive Council for the American Federation of Labor become a party to the plan of amalgamation and settlement as a guarantee to the absolute fulfillment of its terms. We, your Committee, further recommend that the Executive Council of the A. F. of L. be authorized and instructed to take such action in the premises as may be deemed necessary to accomplish the desired result." My understanding was that I should write to the Wood [*COPIED. OCT 7.- 1911*][*1022*] X. Oct. 7. 1911. Mr. Wm. D. Huber, President, United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, Carpenters' Building, Indianapolis, Indiana. Dear Sir and Brother: You will recall that at the conference held at Indianapolis the early part of the summer, at which were represented the Amalgamated Wood Workers' International Union and your Brotherhood, it was agreed that I should submit to the Wood Workers a proposition based upon the principle of the decision of the St. Louis Convention, the Wood Workers in turn to submit the matter to their General Council. I thereupon on August 18th, submitted the enclosed to Secretary Meiler. The decision of the St. Louis Convention is as follows: "Your Committee on Adjustment made this report; We therefore recommend that the terms proposed by the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America be accepted and adopted by the Amalgamated Wood Workers International Union as a basis for settlement of the differences between these organizations. That the Executive Council of the American Federation of Labor be instructed to use its good offices, without delay, to consumate the amalgamation of the Carpenters and the Wood Workers International Union, and that the Executive Council for the American Federation of Labor become a party to the plan of amalgamation and settlement as a guarantee to the absolute fulfillment of its terms. We, your Committee, further recommend that the Executive Council of the A. F. of L. be authorized and instructed to take such action in the premises as may be deemed necessary to accomplish the desired result." My understanding was that I should write to the Wood [*COPIED. OCT 7.- 1911*][*1023*] Mr. Wm. D. Huber -2- Workers giving the proposition as it would read as changed from the proposition submitted in the case of the Machinists and Elevator Constructors to apply to the Carpenters and the Wood Workers. I drafted such a proposition, making such changes by omitting those things which did not apply in the case of the two latter named organizations. As stated above, copy of the proposition as submitted by me to the Wood Workers is enclosed herein. I understand that that was the last proposition which the officers of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners agreed to, and which should be submitted to the Amalgamated Wood Workers for approval. May I inquire from you if my understanding of the matter is correct, inasmuch as the Wood Workers have asked the question. My absence on the Pacific Coast for a considerable time made it impossible for me to take up this matter earlier. I would appreciate your reply at your earliest convenience, at least, some time during the coming week or before October 16th. With best wishes, I am, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor.[*1024*] Oct. 7, 1911. Hon. Oswald West, Executive Department, Salem, Oregon. My dear Governor: I have just returned to Washington from my Pacific Coast trip. One of the first letters to be brought to my attention is your letter of September fifth. I hasten to acknowledge its receipt, and to express to you my great appreciation of your having extended executive clemency in the case of Jesse P. Webb by commuting his sentence of execution to life imprisonment. His wife and little daughter must be almost overwhelmed by your order. I too regret it very much that owing to your absence form Portland when I visited that city that I was prevented the opportunity of personally meeting and greeting you. With assurances of my high regard, I am, Very sincerely yours, Saml. Gompers [*COPIED. OCT 7- 1911*]1025 COPIED Oct 9 1911 SEB Oct. 9, 1911. TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: This is to certify that William Stokes is duly authorized to install the officers and initiate the delegates of the St. Thomas Trades and Labor Council of St. Thomas, Ontario and vicinity. Fraternally yours, Samuel Gompers President, American Federation of Labor.[*1026*] SEB Oct. 9, 1911 TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: This is to certify that August G. Helmke is duly authorized to install the officers and initiate the delegates of the Central Trades and Labor Council of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and vicinity. Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers. President American Federal of Labor. [*COPIED. OCT 9- 1911*][*1027*] SEB Oct. 9, 1911. TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: This is to certify that Herman Kuhn is duly authorized to install the officers and initiate the delegates of the Central Labor Union of Quakertown and vicinity. Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers. President, American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. OCT 9- 1911*][*1028*] Oct. 9, 1911. Z Miss M. K. Landry, Metropolis Bank Building, Cor. Market and New Montgomery Sts., San Francisco, California. [*COPIED. OCT 9- 1911*] My dear Miss Landry: I am sure President Gompers will appreciate very much your kindness in sending him copies of the winning essays upon the subject "The Lesson That Labor Day Teaches", which were prepared by the two school children and read at the Labor Day celebration in San Francisco. Mr. Gompers is now absent in New York on official business and hence this acknowledgement of the receipt of your letter. He reached Washington late on the evening of October 4th, extremely fatigued of course, but otherwise feeling well. He spoke most appreciatively of his Pacific Coast trip and the many kindnesses and courtesies extended to him. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to Pres. Gompers.[*1029*] Z Oct. 9, 1911. Mr. P. M. Draper, Secretary-Treasurer, The Trades and Labor Congress of Canada, Drawer 515, Ottawa, Ont., Canada. [*COPIED. OCT 9- 1911*] My dear Mr. Draper: Please accept Mr. Gompers' thanks for your letter of October 8th, in which, in compliance with his request, you enclose a statement in connection with the labor movement in Canada. Mr. Gompers is now in New York on official business. Your letter will be placed with the other matter in connection with his report and will be helpful to him. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to Pres. Gompers.[*1030*] Oct. 9, 1911. Z [*COPIED. OCT 9 1911*] Mr. L. W. Neiman, Editor, Milwaukee Journal, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Dear Sir: Please accept Mr. Gompers' thanks for your letter of October 7th. He is now absent from the city on official business but I will see to it that your letter is brought to his attention as promptly as possible after his return. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to Pres. Gompers.[*1031*] Z Oct. 9, 1911. Mr. Ernest Bond, Secretary, Central Federated Union, 210 East 5th St., New York, N. Y. Dear Sir: I beg to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 7th instant, in which you enclose circular issued by the Factory Investigation Committee of New York, which you say the Central Federated Union refers to President Gompers as being the representative of Labor on this commission. Let me say in reply that President Gompers has copies of this circular and will be in New York tomorrow to attend the hearings before the Commission. Very truly yours, R. Lee Guard Secretary to Pres. Gompers. [*COPIED. OCT 9- 1911*][*1032*] LF Oct. 9, 1911 Mr. Louis Shell, Secretary Twin-City Federation of Labor, 409 West Beerdsley Ave., Champaign, Ill. Dear Sir and Brother: In reply to your favor of recent date I beg to state that I took up the matter of the affiliation of the local union of Hod Carriers and Building Laborers with the Twin-City Federation of Labor with Secretary Persion, who under date of the fourth instant, writes me as follows: "Your favor of October 2nd received. In reply I beg to inform you that this International Union has no good standing local in the city of Champaign-Urbana, Ill. For this reason, I am unable to comply with the request quoted in your letter, but I would appreciate it if you would communicate with the Twin City Federation of Labor so that they would make an effort to have the local of Building Laborers existing in their territory, affiliate either with the International Union and with that Central Body." Hoping that you will give this matter your further attention, to the end that a local of Building Laborers will be formed, and with kind regards, I remain, Fraternally yours, Saml Gompers. President American Federation of Labor. [*COPIED. OCT 9- 1911*]1033 COPY. NEW PERKINS HOTEL, Portland, Ore. September 1, 1911. Hon. Oswald West, Governor of Oregon, Salem, Oregon. Dear Sir: In the course of my duty, I am a temporary sojourner in Oregon. The case of Jesse P. Webb, now under sentence of death, was brought to my attention. It was stated to me that owing to begligence or laxity on the part of Webb's representatives, and over whom he had no control, the right of appeal to the higher courts of the State was lost. It was also stated that although Webb deserved punishment for his crime, the circumstances surrounding its commission should preclude it as of the first degree, and that if the case had been presented to the higher Oregon courts Webb would surely have been held guilty of the crime, but of a lesser degree. The case has now passed beyond judicial power, and rests entirely in your hands. Even though a citizen of another state, and notwithstanding that I am unfamiliar with the details and circumstances of the crime, in the name of humanity I join in the petition to you to extend the great power vested in you by exercising executive clemency to Webb by commuting the sentence of death. Sincerely and respectfully yours, (Signed) SAMUEL GOMPERS.