I have had repeated tenders of office, all of which I have declined to accept. I am now serving as a member of the New York State Factory Investigation Commission (without salary or compensation), this Commission having been created by reason of the great fire in the Triangle Shirt Waist factory of New York, whereby 143 women were burned to death. And it has remained for you, Senator Heyburn, on the 18th day of January, 1912, to raise the question as to whether I am a citizen of the United States! Senator Heyburn, in the Senate, on January 18th, you declared that what you had said was all that you desired to say in regard to me at that time, indicating that you may have something to say at some other time upon this subject. Senator, go as far as you like. There is nothing which you can say which will at all reflect upon my work, my life, and my character, and I am willing that the American people shall judge between you and me as to which of us stands for the dollar and which for the manhood, the womanhood, and the childhood of our country. Calling it "appalling stuff," the California Outlook (December 30) reprints OTIS' PROGRAM OF MURDER“QUICKLY, SURELY, SILENTLY." the subjoined extract from an article on the editorial page in Otis' Los Angeles Times. It states that the extract is being distributed in circular form "all through the northern and middle sections of California." Bringing up the question whether the Times really did utter such sentiments, the Outlook continues: "The answer is: It did publish it, in solemn earnest, not joke, on its editorial page of the issue of November 2. The matter is quoted literally, except in the use of capitals. The sentences quoted do not come in exact sequence. Between the first four lines and the rest of it there is a half column of stupidity and misstatement, but the omission does not affect the accuracy of the quotation. The name appearing under the title is that of one of the regular staff contributors of the paper. Considering the inflammable nature of the stuff, its location in the paper and the status of its writer, the Times can not evade responsibility for the utterance. It is like Debs and the Appeal to Reason, only in this case the boot is on the other leg-the anarchist is in the ranks of capital, not labor-reactionary, not socialistic. "The only possible defense for the Times in this matter is one which its friends have used until it is thread-bare: That it merely made an ass of itself." Here is the extract from the Times: [Los Angeles Times (Otis' paper), Nov. 2.] "And soon-it has begun to happen already-the plain citizens of every country will form a combine. Its object will be the suppression of sedition and anarchy in the persons of the professional agitators. Theirs will be a big, powerful, effective, but very unostentatious revolt. It will work quickly, surely, silently. The first thing the Plain Citizen Combine will accomplish is the QUIET REMOVAL of these gentlemen. They won't be blown up; they will just QUIETLY DISAPPEAR from human ken. There will be a little inquiry at first, but it will die down ever so quickly, for of all people in the world the professional agitator depends entirely upon his presence and his glib tongue to maintain any sort of interest or influence in his followers. His impassioned rhetoric is his only asset. "The idea of the Plain Citizen Combine is not being mouthed abroad and it is not seeking members or subscriptions. But it is growing rapidly nevertheless and it is a very real and tangible thing. With the itch removed, the great disease of unrest will soon be cured, and the world will settle down for another half a century." Suppose that matter such as this, directed against Otis, Kirby, Post & Co., were to be printed in a trade union paper! It would have been telegraphed via the press agencies the very next day all over the United States. Then what fountains of ink the Manufacturers' Association newspapers would have used up in writing and printing their hysterics over the bloodthirsty threats of organized labor! But in this case the press agencies have maintained the silence that amounts to the suppression of news. For news it is when a mass of working people have taken note of this reckless incitation to assassination and set out to give it the publicity it deserves. Come, gentlemen of the sensational daily press! Get your horror works in motion! Set going the wheels of your virtuous indignation! Start up your shrillest shriek whistles! Put out your big type agony bulletins! Use up gobs of your stock appeals to the public conscience! Bring in from the stereotype room a potful of the superheated, vibrating phrases that tell of your well-nigh mortal pains when you hear of a striker hurling a brickbat! And keep up your cries and clamor over Otis' thirst for buckets of blood! It's "good, strong stuff" in the way of news for the man on the street. But-wait a moment, friends. We may laugh derisively on reading these threats of Otis. But suppose-just suppose-those threats have a serious side. What are Otis, Kirby, Post & Co. working themselves up to? CARPENTERS AND For several years a severe struggle raged between the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America and the Amalgamated Wood Workers' International WOOD WORKERS AGREE. Union regarding jurisdiction over factory wood workers. Many conferences, covering a period of several years, were held, in which the President and other representatives of the American Federation of Labor participated. Though these conferences failed to accomplish the immediate results desired, they were fruitful in clarifying the points of difference and cleavage and disclosing the fact that by slight concessions on either or both sides the best interests of the workers involved would be protected and promoted. There were several other cases almost analogous to the above, which came up for the consideration of the Atlanta Convention. The Adjustment Committee had these cases under consideration and strongly recommended conferences of the representatives of the organizations for the purpose of arranging terms of amalgamation, and directing further that unless agreements were reached, the points of disagreement should be referred to the President and the Executive Council of the American Federation of Labor for decision, or the President and the Executive Council to determine upon the plan of amalgamation; directing further that the organization to which shall be attributable the cause of failure to agree to amalgamation in the first instance, or to abide by the plan devised by the President and the Executive Council, in the second, should have its charter revoked. In furtherance of this policy the Adjustment Committee made the following declaration and recommendation to the Atlanta Convention: Whatever argument or excuse there might have been in the past for the existence of two organizations of the one craft, we now believe that such argument or excuse is absent. It is the unanimous opinion of the Committee on Adjustment, many of whose members have had to deal with disputes caused by the existence of two organizations of one craft for many years, that the time has arrived for the American Federation of Labor to openly and emphatically declare itself to the effect that, large as this country is, it is not large enough to hold two organizations of the one craft. Therefore your committee recommends that this Thirty-first Annual Convention of the American Federation of Labor goes squarely on record in favor of the above declaration, and your Committee further recommends that this convention instruct the President and the Executive Council of the American Federation of Labor to carry into effect the principles and purposes involved in this declaration-one craft, one organization. This declaration was adopted by unanimous vote. In compliance with the decision and declaration of the Atlanta Convention the representatives of the Carpenters and Wood Workers were invited to a conference at headquarters of the American Federation of Labor January 6; and, after painstaking effort, reached an agreement to which the endorsement of the Executive Council was sought by both parties to it. The following is a copy of the agreement: Amalgamation Agreement. This agreement entered into this 10th day of January, 1912, by and between the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America and the Amalgamated Wood Workers' International Union, in compliance with the action of the American Federation of Labor Convention held at Atlanta, Georgia, November, 1911. Article I. All beneficial members of the Amalgamated Wood Workers' International Union in good standing at the time vote is taken on this amalgamation agreement shall be placed immediately in full beneficial standing on the books of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, as provided for in the general constitution and laws of the United Brotherhood governing the payment of benefits and donations. It is agreed that all members of the Amalgamated Wood Workers' International Union thus becoming members of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America shall be entitled to all rights and privileges accorded members of the United Brotherhood. Article II. For the purpose of these articles all members of the Amalgamated Wood Workers who joined under sixty years of age, and are at present in good standing on the books of the Amalgamated Wood Workers, shall be placed on the books of the United Brotherhood as full beneficial members. Article III. Any apprentice over seventeen (17) years of age at the time of initiation into the Amalgamated Wood Workers' International Union shall be classed as a semibeneficial member and shall be entitled to the donations specified in section 89 of the United Brotherhood Constitution, and he shall, upon attaining the age of twenty-one years, and proving himself otherwise qualified, as per section 55, be transferred to the full beneficial class and be immediately entitled to the donations enumerated in sections 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, and 88 of the United Brotherhood Constitution. Article IV. In Cities or Districts where two or more Locals of Factory Wood Workers and Carpenters are located a joint council shall be formed. Article V. It is agreed that the forming and maintenance of separate Local Unions shall be optional to the Factory Workers, subject to the approval of the Joint District Councils, where District Councils exist. Article VI. It is also agreed that the United Brotherhood will issue charters to all Local Unions of the Amalgamated Wood Workers if so desired. Article VII. The Amalgamated Wood Workers' International Union membership is composed of men employed at the following branches of the Wood Working trade, and it is understood that continued effort will be exerted to organize and improve the conditions of these workers, namely: employes in building material factories; special furniture shops; piano factories; planing and flooring mills; box factories; market furniture, and picture frame factories. Article VIII. It is further agreed that at the next General Convention of the United Brotherhood, after the consummation of the merging of the members of the two organizations, a committee shall be appointed composed of Delegates representing Locals of Factory Wood Workers. This Committee shall formulate and submit to the Convention a code of laws and methods by and through which the Factory Wood Workers affiliated with the United Brotherhood can vote on and decide on questions directly affecting the interests of the Factory Wood Workers. Article IX. In case any differences arise relative to the provisions of this agreement that can not be settled by the representatives of the organizations in interest, then the question in dispute shall be referred to the Executive Council of the American Federation of Labor for adjustment. Article X. It is further agreed that the foregoing agreement shall be submitted to the membership of the Amalgamated Wood Workers' International Union immediately upon the signing of this agreement for their ratification, according to the law of the Amalgamated Wood Workers. Respectfully, Representing the United Brotherhood of WM. D. HUBER. THOS. NEAle. CHARLES FIESELER. GEO. H. LAKEY. WM. J. KELLY. Representing the Amalgamated Wood D. D. MULCAHY. Endorsed by the Executive Council of the American Federation of Labor, this 10th day of January, 1912. SAML. GOMPERS. The earnest hope is entertained by all sincere men engaged in the great cause of labor that the above agreement will be ratified by the membership of the Wood Workers' International Union, and that more thorough and comprehensive organization in the wood-working industry will ensue to the betterment of the condition of all. Conferences of a similar character with the representatives of the U. B. Carpenters and of the Amalgamated Carpenters' organizations and with the representatives of the Plumbers and of the Steamfitters have been held with the same purposes in view as have been agreed upon between the Carpenters and Wood Workers. Labor is looking forward with expectant and hopeful vision that similar results will follow. Now, more than ever, is it essential for the toilers of America to realize the bitter and relentless antagonism leveled against the uplift movement of organized labor. Again we press home upon you, our fellow-workers. Grit your teeth and organize, unite, amalgamate, solidify, and federate your ranks. Legislative Committee Report. WASHINGTON, D. C., Jan. 18, 1912. Mr. SAMUEL GOMPERS, President, American Federation of Labor. DEAR SIR AND BROTHER: The following is the present status of legislation before Congress on matters of interest to the workers: Anti-trust and Injunction Limitation Measures.— On January 11 President Gompers made an argument before the Senate Committee on Interstate Commerce in behalf of the bill H. R. 11033, introduced by Representative Wilson of Pennsylvania, for the purpose of excluding the organizations of labor from the Anti-Trust Law. Hearings were continued and other representatives and friends of labor appeared before the committee and made statements. On January 17 and 18 President Gompers and other representatives of the A. F. of L. appeared before the House Committee on Judiciary and made arguments in behalf of the bill H. R. 11032, by Representative Wilson, introduced for the purpose of regulating the issuance of injunctions, restraining orders, etc., and to limit the meaning of the word "conspiracy." Much progress can be made if the men of labor will immediately get into active correspondence with their Representatives and United States Senators and urge the enactment of these very necessary measures. Contempt Bill.-Hearings on the bill H. R. 13578 were held by the House Committee on Judiciary December 7 to 11, and again on January 17, 1912. The committee has shown a lively interest in the statements made by friends of the measure and closely questioned attorneys of the National Association of Manufacturers and the Anti-Boycott Association while they were making their opposing arguments. Copies of the earlier hearings are in print and can be obtained on application to the Chairman, Mr. Clayton. A favorable report from the committee on this bill is anticipated. Convict Labor.-The House Committee on Labor reported favorably to the House the bill H. R. 5601. This bill has been strongly urged by labor. Children's Bureau Bill.-The bill S. 252, reported out of committee during the last session, has been called up in the Senate several times by Mr. Borah, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Education and Labor. His colleague Senator Heyburn of Idaho, has made strenuous objections to this bill and denounced its provisions in severe terms. It is on the Senate calendar and is liable to be called up at any time. The bill H. R. 4694 by Mr. Peters of Massachusetts, is identical with the Sen ate bill No. 252. The House Committee on Labor ordered it reported favorably on December 19. Civil Service Employes.-The Lloyd bill H. R. 5970 which received much attention during the first session of this Congress by the House Committee on Reform on the Civil Service is still being strongly urged before the committee for early action. The final hearing upon this bill was held on January 16. An early favorable report is expected from the committee. Eight Hours.-The Eight-Hour Bill H. R. 9601 passed the House with some amendments on December 14, 1911. During the discussion of this measure many members who had formerly opposed it made speeches on this occasion in its favor. It is now before the Senate Committee on Education and Labor. That committee gave hearings to the opponents of the measure on January 9, 16, and 18. It would be well if our organizations and individual members would immediately correspond with their United States Senators and urge them to pass the bill as it came from the House. Employers' Liability and Workmen's Compensation. The Federal Commission which has had this subject under consideration during the past year has worked industriously and intelligently in behalf of a comprehensive compensation bill which will automatically pay to injured employes engaged in interstate commerce certain definite, scheduled rates for specific injuries. The commission has completed its tentative bill which, with its report, will be made to the Congress at an early date. On January 15, the Supreme Court of the United States, gave its unanimous approval to the Employers' Liability law, enacted by Congress in 1908. Justice Van Devanter announced the opinion of the court and in doing so, rejected all of the defenses that had been raised by attorneys for the Northern Pacific Railroad and the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad, in which efforts were again made to retain the "fellow servant" and "contributory negligence" defenses. The court held that Congress had the power to regulate the duties of common carriers in respect to the safety of their employes and the liability of the carrier for injuries sustained by the employes while on duty. The court also held that, "since Congress had acted, the laws of the States, in so far as they cover the same field, are superseded, for necessarily, that which is not supreme must yield to that which is." This is a most significant and far reaching suggestion and is worth observing by all members of organizations of labor throughout the several States. It is equivalent to recommending that the Federal law should be used as a model by the States, and the further suggestion is herein added that it should be made applicable to all employments in a State and not confined to merely the employes of common carriers. The Government Employes' Compensation Act, approved May, 1908, was further amended by the House on December 6 1911, by extending its provisions to the employes in the new Bureau of Mines. It is expected that the Senate will approve this amendment to the Act. Industrial Education.-On December 14 a conference was held which was called by the Southern Commercial Congress, at which were present representatives from the American Federation of Labor, the National Educational Association, the Grange, the Agricultural Association of Colleges and Stations, and kindred organizations. The con |