of Labor, at its meeting recently held in this city, having under consideration protests received from various localities against the local unions of Flint Glass Workers being represented in affiliated central bodies and State Federations of Labor, adopted the following resolution:

"'Resolved, That President Rowe, of the American Flint Glass Workers, be notified that all state and central bodies have been notified to exclude all local unions of the American Flint Glass Workers from representation in their bodies until the American Flint Glass Workers' Union comply with the decision rendered by the American Federation of Labor, and to which the representatives of the American Flint Glass Workers' Association agreed at the Minneapolis Convention.'

"You will, therefore, please read this letter at the next regular meeting of your organizations, so that the delegates may be fully informed as to the conclusion reached by the Executive Council, to the end that action may be taken in conformity therewith.

"Let me hear from you in regard to this at your early convenience.

"Fraternally yours,

"SAMUEL GOMPERS, "President

"American Federation of Labor."

con

As your Executive Council, we are convinced that it is our duty to the Glass Bottle Blowers' Association, as well as to the rank and file of the American Flint Glass Workers and the general labor movement, to declare that the laws and policy of the American Federation of Labor, based upon the highest and best cept of true trade unionism, demand that the decision reached at the Minneapolis Convention and agreed to by the representatives of the American Flint Glass Workers' Union be carried out in good faith; that until such a fulfillment is reached, it be made plain once for all that the American Flint Glass Workers' Union be given to understand that, much as we would like to have it in full affiliation with us, it can not and will not receive charter a until the agreement reached is complied with and the rights of all conserved.

SEAMEN-LONGSHOREMEN.

In connection with the action of the Norfolk Convention relative to the dispute between the above named organizations, President Gompers and Treasurer

Lennon attended the Convention of the International Union of Longshoremen, held at Erie, Pa., July 6th.

As the result of our meeting, a resolution was adopted by the Executive Board of the International Longshoremen's Association to the effect that its delegates to the Twenty-Eighth Annual Convention of the American Federation of Labor "be and are hereby authorized and clothed with full power and authority to represent our organization in the controversy with the International Seamen's Union of America, and, be it further

"RESOLVED, That in the event of an understanding or agreement being reached satisfactory to our delegates, that they be instructed to enter into such an arrangement, the result of which will be binding on all branches and locals affiliated with the International Longshoremen's Association."

President Gompers has been in communication with the officers of the Seamen's and Longshoremen's organizations with a view of bringing about the conference suggested by the resolutions above quoted. It is our sincere hope that the conference will take place during our Convention, and that an amicable adjustment of this long standing difficulty may be perfected.

PLUMBERS-STEAM FITTERS.

The subject-matter of Resolution No. 66 refers to the dispute between the United Association of Plumbers, Gas Fitters, Steam Fitters and Steam Fitters' Helpers of the United States and Canada, and the International Association of Steam and Hot Water Fitters and Helpers of America, and provides that three representatives from each organization meet with a representative of the American Federation of Labor for the purpose of arranging an agreement defining the jurisdiction of the two organizations.

This conference was held at headquarters at Washington between the representatives of the above named organizations and President Gompers. No agreement having been reached between the representatives of the organizations in question, the Executive Council having considered the matter decided that the subject-matter be referred to the Denver Convention with the recommendation that it be referred to the Building Trades Department of the American Federation of Labor for adjustment.

HOD CARRIERS AND BUILDING LABORERS-BROTHERHOOD OF

CEMENT WORKERS.

Upon the subject-matter contained in Resolution No. 47, relative to the jurisdiction dispute between the above named organizations, a conference was held between their representatives at Washington and no agreement was reached.

The Executive Council has given this matter its attention, and we recommended that the matter be referred to this Convention with the further recommendation that it be referred by you to the Building Trades Department of the American Federation of Labor for adjustment.

WOODWORKERS-CARPENTERS.

The subject-matter of Resolution No. 119 deals with the dispute between the Woodworkers and the Carpenters. The matter was taken up between the officers of both organizations, with the result that a conference was held between the representatives of both organizations and President Gompers. No agreement was reached at this conference and it was decided to hold another. However, the proposition looking toward the amalgamation of both bodies was proposed by the Woodworkers and submitted to the officers of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters.

WOOD, WIRE AND METAL LATHERS-BRIDGE AND STRUCTURAL

IRON WORKERS.

The subject-matter of Resolution No. 110, which deals with the dispute between the above named organizations, having been considered by the Executive Council, it was decided that this matter be referred to the Denver Convention, with the recommendation that the subject-matter be referred to the Building Trades Department of the American Federation of Labor for adjudication. The officers of both organizations were SO notified, and Secretary-Treasurer Brandt of the International Union of Wood, Wire and Metal Lathers made the request, "That you set forth in full the action of your Executive Board on this question which took place in March, 1907, and also set forth the action of the Norfolk Convention on this question by quoting the action of the Building Trades Committee in this dispute, which can be

done by quoting the report of that committee." In the event of the Convention adopting the recommendation of the Executive Council, all the papers in this matter will be referred to the Building Trades Department, thus complying with the request of Secretary-Treasurer Brandt.

SHEET METAL WORKERS-STOVE

MOUNTERS.

In the matter of the dispute between these two organizations, a conference was held between the representatives of both organizations at the Federation headquarters in April, at which no agreement was reached. A further conference was held in September between the representatives of these organizations and Vice-President Hayes representing the Federation. Mr. Hayes recommended that charter be issued under the title of Stove and Steel Range Mounters. The Executive Council adopted the recommendation and decided that it be reported to this Convention for your consideration, because the Amalgamated Sheet Metal Workers International Alliance protested against the words "Steel Range" being contained in the Stove Mounters' charter, basing its claim on section 11 of article 9, of the American Federation of Labor Constitution.

UPHOLSTERERS

CARRIAGE AND WAGON WORKERS.

The subject-matter of Resolution No. 75, relative to the dispute between the above named organizations has received the attention of this Council at several meetings. Representatives of both organizations submitted their cases in writing to the Executive Council at the January meeting, but no settlement was reached. The Secretaries of both organizations in interest stated in communications that they are trying to bring about an adjustment, but nothing has been accomplished in this direction. At the meeting of the Executive Council held in June, the following resolution was adopted:

"RESOLVED, That inasmuch as every effort has been made to bring about a settlement without success, that this fact be reported to the Denver Convention."

The matter is therefore submitted to you for such action as you may deem advisable to take.

INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD

OF COMPOSITION ROOFERS-
SLATE AND TILE
ROOFERS.

As to the difficulty between the International Brotherhood of Composition Roofers, Damp and Waterproof Workers of the United States and Canada and the local unions of the International Slate and Tile Roofers' Union of America, in Boston, we beg leave to report that an amicable adjustment of this difficulty has been reached, the Roofers' Union of Boston having applied for and been granted a charter by the International Brotherhood of Composition Roofers.

SHEET METAL WORKERS-SLATE

AND TILE ROOFERS.

The subject-matter of Resolution No. 170 is the complaint made by the representatives of the Sheet Metal Workers as to the members of the Slate and Tile Roofers doing work which comes under the jurisdiction of the first named organization. We beg leave to report that the Slate and Tile Roofers' Unions has instructed its members to discontinue doing such work.

MARBLE WORKERS-TILE LAYERS.

The subject-matter contained in Resolution No. 130 is in reference to the dispute between the above named organizations. We desire to report that after conferences with the representatives of the two organizations an adjustment of the difficulties existing between them has been effected.

INTERNATIONAL LADIES' GARMENT

WORKERS.

The subject-matter contained in Resolution No. 174 relates to the controversy between the International Ladies' Garment Workers' Union and local union No. 10 of that organization.

It was decided that Organizer Ford be selected to arbitrate the difficulties between the contending parties in accordance with an agreement between them. Organizer Ford, after considering the matter, made an award by which it is claimed the International Union failed to abide. Organizer Ford was further instructed to bring the matter contained in his award to the attention of the Executive Board of the Central Federated Union of New York as well as to the

representatives of the parties in interest. In the report made to the Executive Council under date of September 15, Organizer Ford says: "If I may presume, without being presumptuous, it appears to me that a thorough investigation of both organizations, local and international, is in order, with a view to re-organization of the International Union. The only solution to this chaotic and deplorable condition that I can see from my connection with the case is that above mentioned."

Of course, the matter or re-organizing an existing international union is a matter which should be approached with the greatest possible care, but that some action that will be helpful to the workers of the trade is necessary no one disputes.

This matter is referred to this Convention for consideration and action.

PAVERS AND RAMMERMEN.

Το the subject-matter contained in Resolution No. 38 relative to the International Union of Pavers and Rammermen and its contending local unions, the Executive Council gave its consideration, and a representative of the American Federation of Labor was selected to meet with the representatives of the contending parties for the purpose of settling the matter in dispute by arbitration. Conferences were held between the various representatives, and after hearing the both testimony on sides, an award was made which is as follows: "That the officials of the Pavers and Union Rammermen's International are justified in their act of suspending local unions No. 10 and No. 19."

The local unions in interest, however, refused to accept the decision of the arbitrator and have formed independent unions. We recommend that efforts be made to bring about an amicable adjustment of this difficulty.

MOVING PICTURE MACHINE OPER

President Gompers at Washington and an agreement reached. Later it developed that the Actors' organization also made claim for jurisdiction over the picture machine operators. A conference was thereupon held in New York City, when it developed that the Theatrical Stage Employes at their last Convention had repudiated the agreement entered into between them and the Electrical Workers. An effort is now being made to have representatives of these three organizations meet in conference with President Gompers as early as possible after the close of this Convention. BROTHERHOOD OF RAILWAY CLERKS CHARTER APPLI

CATION.

The Brotherhood of Railway Clerks made application for charter. The representative of the Interior Freight Handlers and Warehousemen's International Union protested against its issuance, claiming that their International Union covered Railway Clerks. These matters came before the Executive Council, and we directed that a conference be held by the representatives of both organizations with President Gompers in an effort to reach an agreement relative to jurisdiction claims. Without commenting upon the matter we are of the opinion that arrangements should be made by which the charter should be issued. INJUNCTION-ANTI-TRUST LAW DE

CISION.

1907,

When the injunction was secured by the Buck's Stove and Range Company against the American Federation of Labor, and others, in December, we, the Executive Council, directed that the name of the Buck's Stove and Range Company be discontinued in the publication of the "We Don't Patronize" list in the American Federationist. Later, when the Supreme Court of the United States rendered its decision in the Hatters case, the publication of the "We Don't Patronize" list was discontinued by the authority of the Executive Council.

This was done because under the Supreme Court decision any firm published on that list might bring proceedings against any of the organizations and the individual members of the organizations, as well as the Executive Council, and that the publication of a firm on that list would furnish the evidence upon

which a suit for damages might be instituted. We did not feel that we had a right to subject the men of labor to the damage suits, fines and imprisonment which that decision declared could follow under the law. This entire subject is more fully set forth in the personal editorial written by President Gompers addressed "To Organized Labor and Friends," pages 192-193 and 194 of the March, 1908, issue of the American Federationist.

The Norfolk Convention authorized the Executive Council to levy an assessment upon all affiliated organizations for one cent per member for a legal defense fund in the injunction proceedings brought by the Buck's Stove and Range Company, and authorized the levying of such additional assessments as may be necessary. We levied but one assessment of one cent per member, and preferred to issue an appeal for voluntary contributions for the legal defense fund rather than to levy another assessment. The total receipts on this assessment and the voluntary contributions amounted to $27,487.96.

We authorized the retaining of Hon. Alton B. Parker and Messrs. Ralston and Siddons as our counsel. In the contempt proceedings against Samuel Gompers, Frank Morrison and John Mitchell, as officers of the American Federation of Labor, and the latter also in his capacity as President of the United Mine Workers of America, the same counsel defended them. Argument and decision upon the contempt proceedings are set for November 10th.

Up to date we have expended for attorneys' fees, attorneys' expenses, traveling, etc., court reports, printing of appeal, etc., etc., $19,474.19. You will thus observe that there is an exceedingly small balance, and we are at a loss to provide such additional funds as may be necessary to further carry on the legal defense.

The discontinuance of the publication of the "We Don't Patronize" list, or its revival, and this entire matter, are referred to this Convention for such advice and action as you, after due consideration, may deem advisable.

LABOR'S CAMPAIGN FOR JUSTICE. With the constant abuse of the injunction writ by the courts, culminating in the injunction issued by the Supreme

Court of the District of Columbia, at the instance of the Buck's Stove and Range Company against the American Federation of Labor, its officers, affiliated unions, their memberrs, and all who might sympathetically aid us in our cause, the situation became most acute among our fellow workers and friends, for it denied us the right of the essential guarantees of the Constitution, including the denial of the right of free speech and free press.

Closely following upon that the Supreme Court of the United States, in the Danbury Hatters case, decided that the Sherman Anti-Trust Law applies to the voluntary organizations of the workers, with the several damages of fine and imprisonment involved.

To formulate and bring in some direct form the agitated state of mind of our fellow unionists, we held a meeting of the Executive Council and authorized President Gompers to invite in our name the officers and representatives of the international unions and farmers' organizations to a conference in Washington.

After a general discussion at that conference, committees were appointed to draft documents, one a Protest to Congress, and another an Address to the Workers of our Country. These documents were unanimously adopted by the conference, as well as by us. They are as follows:

Office of the American Federation of Labor.

LABOR'S PROTEST TO CONGRESS. American Federation of Labor, Washington, D. C., March 19, 1908. We, the official representatives of the national and international trade and labor unions and organization of farmers, in national conference assembled, in the District of Columbia, for the purpose of considering and taking action deemed necessary to meet the situation in which the working people of our country are placed by recent decisions of the courts, now appear before Congress to voice the earnest and emphatic protest of the workers of the country against the indifference, if not actual hostility, which Congress has shown toward the reasonable and righteous measures proposed by the workers for the safeguarding of their rights and interests.

In the name of labor we now urge upon Congress the necessity for immediate action for relief from the most grave and momentous situation which has ever confronted the working people of this country. This crisis has been brought about by the application by the Supreme Court of the United States of the Sherman anti-trust law to the workers, both organized and in their individual capacity.

The workers feel that Congress itself must share our chagrin and sense of injustice when the courts exhibit an utter disregard for the real intent and purpose of laws enacted to safeguard and protect the workers in the exercise of their normal activities. There is something ominous in the ironic manner in which the courts guarantee to workers:

The "right" to be maimed and killed without liability to the employer;

The "right" to be discharged for belonging to a union;

The "right" to work as many hours as employers please and under any conditions which they may impose.

Labor is justly indignant at the bestowal or guaranteeing of these worthless and academic "rights" by the courts, which in the same breath deny and forbid to the workers the practical and necessary protection of laws which define and safeguard their rights and liberties and the exercise of them individually or in association.

The most recent perversion of the intent of a law by the judiciary has been the Supreme Court decision in the Hatters' case, by which the Sherman antitrust law has been made to apply to labor, although it was an accepted fact that Congress did not intend the law to so apply and might even have specifically exempted labor but for the fear that the Supreme Court might construe such an affirmative provision to be unconstitutional.

The workers earnestly urge Congress to co-operate with them in the upbuilding and educating of a public sentiment which will confine the judiciary to its proper function, which is certainly not that of placing a construction upon a law the very opposite of the plain intent of Congress, thus rendering worthless even the very moderate efforts which Congress has so far put forth to define the status of the most important, numerous and patriotic of our people-the wageworkers, the producers of all wealth. We contend that equity, power and jurisdiction, discretionary government by the judiciary for well-defined purposes and within specific limitations, granted to the courts by the Constitution. has been so extended that it is invading the field of government by law and endangering individual liberty.

As government b equity, personal government, advances, republican government. government by law, recedes.

We favor enactment of laws which shall restrict the jurisdiction of courts of equity to property and property rights and shall so define property and property rights that neither directly nor indirectly shall there be held to be any property or property rights in the labor or labor power of any person or persons.

The feeling of restless apprehension with which the workers view the apathy of Congress is accentuated by the recent decision of the Supreme Court.

By the wrongful application of the injunction by the lower courts the workers have been forbidden the right of free press and free speech, and the Supreme