.,- kvV. wys.. yv-.lt . l,. WOBKMEFS ADVOCATE. ghtvct Itcitv, Ito. U Dew fjaueu, outuctlcttt, ,9aturttai, jftlavch 12, 1887 f tie 3 tuts ORGANIZED LABOR, THE CONNECTICUT FEDERA TION OF TRADES. A Large (JutlierJnir of Trades I'liion ists Election of Ollloers-A (ood Heir i n ii i n ir-He-ii on lie I iii,'' the Su preme Court. The State convention of trades unions, held at Hartford March S and 9, was an unexpected success. Two-thirds of all trades unions in this State were represented by delo- j gates. The following places sent, i delegates: I Aiistmin Carpenters' Union and 'i- ! gannakers' Union. Iki ifmrft -Cigarmakers Union, (Jen- tral 1 abor Union, Paper Box Makers Union, Carpenters' Union, Hat Finishers' ; Union. Ihiitfwtl Carpenters' Union. Bar bers' Union, llodcarriers' Union, Cen tral Labor Union, Typographical Union, Tailors' Union, Makers' Union, ('igar makers' Union. Hru iiford Iron Molders' Union. Mew Hu vex Carpenters' Union, Bar bers' Union, Cigarmakers';Unions 119 and i7, Tailors' Union, Typographical Union, Trades Council, Woodearvers' Associa tion. BritlyrjKH t Cigarmakers' Union. bomlauijtoH Iron Molders Union. Norwiclt Typographical Union, Meriden -Carpenters and Joiners and Central Labor Unions. iVec ZfnYa it -Iron Molders' Union. Mauyutiick lion Molders' Union. Kouth A'uriealk Cigannakers' Union. iXoncalk Iron Molders' Union. irteWf7--Bricklayers' and Masons' fJnion. Other unions, not able to send Relegates, signified their intention to (pin the federation at an early date una accept the platform adopted by rf.io convention. The convention, after due consid eration, resolved to form a State Branch of the American Federation of Trades. The convention also resolved to recommend to the organized work ing people in general the trade marks (labels) of the Cigarmakers International Union, the Tailors' Progressive Union, the Iron Mold ers' Union and the Baker's Union. The convention also voted to re commend to Organized Labor to h galize their efforts in behalf of the working people by taking active part in independent labor politics wherever such may seem practical The class verdict against the Courier boycotters called forth an expression of sympathy for the New Haven printers, and the decision was denounced as contrary to justice and law. Also to assist and encourage the labor papers of the State and in gen eral. At the request of the Hartford Typograpj '.Union the Hartford Kaiminen Christian Herald were denounced as "rat" papers. The convention adopted in sub stance the constitution of the Amer ican Federation of Trades adopted at the Columbus, 0., convention. The following officers were chosen for the next year: President, H. J. Bacon, of the Carpen ters and Joiner's Union, of Merideii; Y irst Vice-President, K. J. Teele. of the Brick laytr's Union, Waterbury; Second Vice- President. Mrs. J. t. DeLong, of the flat 1 runnier s Union, JUnbury; Secretary, W. E. Cree, of the Cigarniaker's Union, Hartford; Treasurer, P. 11. Pagan, of Hartford Carpenters I'nion. An executive committee was elected as follows: D. T. McXa- mara, New Haven; John Garvey, of New Britain; S. G. Nichols, of Hartford, who, in connection with the President, First Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer will com pose the active officers for the ensu ing year, and will endeavor to strengthen and promote trades union interests. James Godaker, rrank 11. Gruenthal and E. II. Weir, all of Hartford, will be responsible for the funds with the treasurer. Meriden was selected as the place of meetiug for the next convention, and the first Monday in October the date. A well attended mass meeting was held at American Hall Tuesday evening, at which Samuel (lumpers, of New York, delivered an address in favor of trades unionism. He showed clearly the natural growth of trades unionism, explaining their democratic conduct of their affairs, and disparaged the course pursued by the Knights of Labor in paying large salaries and buying expensive and luxurious quarters for their ex ecutives, and also proved conclu sively that the absolute autonomy of of trades is the surest method of preserving the objects for which wage-workers arc striving through their unions. His remarks were much applauded. He was followed by Mr. hdward Finkelstone, of the Barbers' Union of New York, who spoke for the barbers, one ot the most overworked and poorly paid trades in the country, and asked all to aid them in their efforts to perfect national organization. SOCIAL POLITICAL NOTES. Strange how the "democratic" vote is being decimated in New York city. Boodler after boodlor is chang ing his residence. Local and sectional preference may place this or that qualifying adjective or adverb before the name of the Labor Party, but that need not alter the determination of Amer ican Labor to unite when the time conies upon some common, pro gressive platform. Whatever the name, the Labor Party is the party of the future. The use of the boycott is no longer to be circumscribed by the General Assembly of the Knights of labor, and the Executive Board has announced that the anti-boycott resolutions of the Cleveland conven tion are no longer in force. This sensible decision was necessary in view of the fact that as soon as the workingmen ceased boycotting, the bosses adopted the measure. The Labor Party, of Denver, Col orado, proposes to take a hand in the April elections. An entire mu nicipal ticket has been nominated, and a platform in which the follow ing is the leading plank: "We, the organized working people of Denver, declare that the lirst principle of Americanism is that he who will not labor neither shall he eat; that we approve this doctrine and further declare that the produce belongs to the producers, the tools to the toilers and that speculators must go." The New York monopolists are perfectly satisfied with the constitu tion as it is, and their hirelings in the State Assembly are doing their best to prevent the constitutional convention which the people of the State by an overwhelming vote de manded. When it comes to tramp ling upon the expressed will of the people it is time to prepare for the use of something more potent than the ballot. The water thieves and speculators who have been operating in New Jersey are now at Harrisburg, Pa., seeking corporation powers and charters, to seize upon and possess the sources of water supply in the Keystone commonwealth, for the purpose of hereafter laying toll on towns and villages. The ownership of water is still within the people's control. The thieves will probably buy the legislators. Some dav the outraged eople may hang both gangs. X. V. Leader. The organization of a national party at Cincinnati composed of all shades of dissatisfied people, is a fact. The convention finally adopted the name of Union Labor Party, though at one time it had been decided to name it Union Party. A reconsid eration, however, followed, and the word Labor was inserted. One of the delegates suggested the name "Mixed-up" Party, but that was not euphonious enough, however well it expressed the character of the ag glomeration. Certain it is that the farmer element, which was largely represented, has taken a forward step, though the platform is not so radical as that of the United Labor Party in various localities, where the workingmen have already achieved victories. Nor is it likely that the workingmen who have marched under the banner of an ad vance labor parly will beat a retreat, even though they may have to wait for the farmer's contingent to catch up with them. SNEAKED OUT. Charles Hradlaugh sneaked out of the House of Commons when the condition of the unemployed was brought on the other night. The workers never really supported this overrated bully, but they now hiss and hoot him publicly as a cow ardly olfice-seeker and traitor to the cause of the people. IahhUhi Justice. MRS. LANGTRY TELLS TALES. Mrs. Langtry has been lately treated with coldness by the British aristocracy. They are tired of their pet. But the aristocracy were wrong to offend a woman who knows them so well. She has spoken some bit ter and truthful words, that will make many an ear tingle. "The aristocratic world," she says, "is hopelessly corrupt. What the pub lic learns is a mere trifle to what the public never hears. The men and women of fashion stand by each other and help in mutual conceal ment." "Besides." she adds, "they lay claim to moral privileges, and think they can do what other peo plo dare not." This is the most ter rible and most truthful word of all. And we, the Democracy, are not without our share of blamo. Every moment that . we permit these privi leges of hell to contiuue, we are sin ning against the clearest light. London Democrat. ENGLAND AWAKENING A Labor Amendment Which Did Not Pass Nevertheless a Mood Sign. London, Feb. 25. Last week a most unusual thing occurred in the House of Commons. An amend ment was actually moved to the Ad dress that the question of the Unem ployed should be considered ! After three short speeches had been made the Speaker, who is simply a Tory tool, closed the debate, although night after night had been wasted with quibbling over some unimport ant item of government policy. Of course, questions which deeply affect the interests of the working classes must be carefully excluded from that assemblage, of landlords and capitalists yclept Parliament. To his great shame be it stated Mr. ('has. Bradlaugh, who has for so many years posed as the representa tive of the working classes, got up and left the House when the divis ion took place upon the amendment. Some of the "labor representatives," so called, were also absent whilst those who were present and who voted for the amendment raised no protest against the arbitrary and des potic ruling, of Speaker. The present crisis in the North umberland coal trade is one which will be long remembered. The at titude of both men and masters points to a long and bitter struggle. The coal owners are determined to enforce the reduction of the miners' wages, and the men are as firm in resisting the reduction. The drain upon the resources of the Union is enormous: ciose ujon X'8,000 ($40, 000) a week being required for sti ike pay. John E. Williams, of the So cial -Democratic Federation, is visit ing the district for the purpose of holding meetings and making collec tions in support of the men. The iron trade shows signs of im provement, and advances are being asked by some of the Unions. The Bolton IJranch of the Amalgamated Engineers have demanded an in crease of fifty cents a week. This the masters refuse and a strike is expected. II. W. Lee. WATCH TOWER'S LIGHT Shines on the Pathway of Senator Holt and Makes it Look Crooked. Nkw Biodi'oui), March 9, I SST. To the Workmen' Advocate: 1 am glad to see that you don't allow the film to grow over the eyes of your readers. If every one could discern public worth with the same mental sagacity, there would soon be an end to all bossism. Bob How ard, the king of the mule spinners in this district, Senator, and Master Workman of a Knights of Labor Assembly, has played some small capers in labor matters in this dis trict of late. He was the arbitrator in the late spinners' strike in this city, He settled it by sacrificing the most conspicuous unionist among the spinners, whereby the man was debarred from getting auy work in the place, although he is a good hand religious and temperate, and has a wife and six children depending up on him for daily bread. This man was promised ten dollars a week for his martyrdom. He got it for live weeks; then, five dollars for four four weeks. Then the generous and noble order offered him the munifi cent sum of ten dollars per week, which he indignantly refused; yet, Senator Bob never uttered a word in his behalf. The Senator engineered the strike of the woolen weavers in Fall lliver, and his shoddy sympathy for the master class was again conspicuous. He settled the strike by sacrificing the best and most prominent man of the Knights in the mill, and there not being another mill of the kind in the city, this man's fidelity will cost him dear at the hands of the Honorable Senator. Possibly these are victories for Bobby and his friends, the manufac turers, but two of the best labor men in this part of the State have been sacrificed needlessly. One of the subscribers here to the Fibre and Fabric received for his share a few weeks ago a barrel of beer. Watch Tow e it. THE WESTERLY, R. I., STRIKE. Conspiracy of Capitalists Against Working; People. The following came just as we were going to press, and the burden of it is the same old story of wrong and oppression. Keep away from Westerly. Pkoviih:n :k, March ?. The Moss Manufacturing Company, of Wes terly, li. L, by its arbitrary and ty rannical conduct forced its em ployes to go out on strike on No vember 4 tli last, since which time not one man, woman or child has returned to work. On the one had it is the Moss Manufacturing Company backed by the combined capital of the State, the "Slater Club," and on the other it is those men, women and children backed by organized labor. Briefly, the strike did not arise from a question of wages, though in csdental to it, but because the super intendent sought to compel Bthe weavers to operate more looms, and produce perfect cloth than it was possible for them to do, and do so at a reduced rate, which was simply an attempt to increase the already destructive competition among the laborers. And now having failed to browbeat, cajole, or intimidate us otherwise, they have arrested two of the strikers, and sworn out writs for others, charging us with conspiracy to raiae wages, and claiming '-J0,000 damages from each man, and among others to be proceeded against the publishers of the Boston Herald, and the district master workman of the K. of L. of this State. We ask you, Mr. Editor, to give publication to this that the masses may have some knowledge of the true state of affairs, and that the men and women may not to en trapped into doing something that they would not do were they rightly informed, namely, become the agents of their own degradation by being made the tools for the destruction of their fellow toilers. I). M. W. IN LUXURY'S LAP "PEACE AND PROSPERITY TO THE FAITHFUL." Especially Prosperity Tlie Luxury of One is the Luxury of All Car pets of Hand-Woven Satin. A Wine Cooler and a llurtflar Alarm i 'oiiiloiisril I'rutii t lit- .lourmil, oflli'liil onriiii of the K of I.. The general executive board of the Knights of Labor last week com pleted negotiations for the purchase of new and permanent headquarters for the order in Philadelphia. The residence which has been va cated for the general executive board is considered one of the handsomest in tho city. The building is of brown stone, four stories high, with a frontage of about forty feet, with a two-story brick stable, which is fitted up in modern style, with stalls, har ness room, storage rooms and dwell ing apartments for attendants. The board has also purchased the real property, furniture, furnishings and fixtures of tho building. The building is entered by a broad flight of brown stone steps, on either side of which is a heavy stone hand rail. Above the heavy walnut double doors is a small stone balcony, upon which one of the Becond-story win dows opens. There are two large windows on each sido of the door, and the entry separates two rooms, the width of each of which is about fifteen feet. The entry is carneted with Wilton carpet and likewise tho stairs, which lead to a large stained glass window representing the four seasons. The balusters are of cf.rved wood of unusual thickness, and the newel post is surmounted by a bronze. J he room on the south, which was the parlor, is carpeted with hand-woven satin and lined car pet that was made especially in Brussels. The room is about forty feet long, and contains three large mirrors framed in handsomely carved walnut. The mantels are in laid with marble, line lace curtains and ornamented hangings decorate the windows, and the walls are fres coed with elaborate designs. In this room are three immense old-gold satin tufted battings, one of which, on the southern wall, covers a sur faco of probably twenty feet, square. They are several inches deep, and are bordered with colored satin hangings. Some of the wood carv ings about the mirriors are elaborate. This room, which is to be occupied by (leneral Secretary Charles II. Li tollman and his corps of assist ants, many of whom are ladies, is partly separated from a small recep tion room, about twelve by fifteen feet in dimensions, by huge veneered and highly polished double columns. A magnificent chandelier is one of the features of this small room. The reception room opens again, through sliding doors with plate-glass win dows, upon what was ferrnerly the picture gallery. The gallery is about forty feet long. The floor is inlaid with hard wood. Around this room, as around all others in the house, there is solid marble wainseoating about three feet deep. On the north side of the entrance there is a room which was formerly occupied as a library. It is hand somely frescoed, and is partly divi ded by polished walnut columns. It is carpeted with Axminster and contains three stationary book cases, two large mirrors and hand-made lace curtains, with red plush hang ings. There are two open fire- f daces in the room with imitation ogs, through which gas is burned, and around them are handsome brass mounted steel "fire dogs." There are a number of large windows and easy chairs, covered with red velvet, together with a massive sofa uphol btered m the same way, which ex tends a distance of ten feet along the southern wall and is rounded to fit a pedestal over which a chandelier is supended. 77 m room will be used bjl the Kitiyhlx as a ''reception room." At the back of tho room there are large windows wdiich open upon the smoking room. This room has in it a large brown leather sofa and a wine cooler. The wood decorations are beauti ful and the floor is covered with a Wilton carpet. Back of tho smok ing room is the dining room, which is lighted through an octagon-shaped dome. This room is about twenty four feet square and from an artistic point of view is probably the hand somest in the building. The base of the dome has eight sides, upon which are painted repre sentations of fruits and flowers. Above these sides are perpendicular skylights over which the dome again assumes the shape of an octagon, tho sides of which are painted emblem atic of tho seasons. From the cen ter of the dome is suspended a re volving chandelier, with twenty four highly polishod and ornamented brass burners. Around the base of the dome, carved in wood, is a deer, with real antlers, a boar, ducks, fish and other specimens of game. There are five doors in tho room, around all of which is ornamentation, and eight carved columns run up its sides. On tho second and third floors of the main building there are eight largo private apartments which are finely carpeted and the windows of which are covered with lace curtains and satin hangings. On the fourth floor in front is one large room extending the length of the building, which contains a bil liard table covered with mrble. The entire building is heated by steam, and there aie registers in every room. . There are also electric call bells, messenger calls and burg lar alarms. ' Ah, There ! BRIDGEPORT. Politicians Uneasy Straight Nomina tions Socialism Applauded. 1 Last Sunday evening our Independent Labor Party had a large and enthusiastic meeting, and commenced making nomi nations fur city and town election. The proceedings were spirited but harmoni ous. Kverylnxly seemed desirous to have none but honest producers who are in full sympathy with radical reform on the ticket. Up to tlie eleventh hour the politicians of the rum and hoodie parties trusted the Independents would not attempt to nominate a straight labor ticket, and that the workinguien would, as of yore, march under t lie party whips. In such idle hopes they were encouraged by some heelers who have unfortunately invaded the ranks of the K. of L. The subsidized party press had abstained for a while from its venomous attacks on lator organizers and agitators, which attacks had about the same effect on the latter as barking dogs have on the pro gress of a locomotive. Hut the die is cast and mud-slinging from the "demo cratic" quarters at least, is in order. With intense relish these organs reprint ed a slanderous falsehood appearing in a paper issued by Troup's lieutenant, in Hartford a lit disciple of that worthy. 1 1 announced to your readers last ! wti one of our most prominent carpet me mnts was to read a paper on " at is Socialism?" at the Scientific Society. The event took place Tuesday evening. I doubt whether the local dailies would have urged the public, as they did, to attend the lecture of Mr. McCord. who. thev said, had all the ability to handle that subject, had they anticipated his conclusions, t rom Midi a course they certainly eipected nothing short of denunciations of Socialism. The lec turer's clear and logical exposi tion of the new Gospel and his final en dorsement of all its aims must have been a sad disappointment to them. ' A remarkable feature of the lecture was that three-fourths of the audience consisted of ladies, w ho gave the closest attention to the seaker ami manifssted their approbation hy prolonged applause. He quoted extensively from Belel and (Ironlund. It is amusing to see the most conserv ative element gradually ojen their eyes, while the highest official of the largest lalKir organization is playing the ostrich for fear of stepping on somebody's 'corn and disturbing the beautifid harmony U-tweeii the wolf and the sheep. C'RAXK. L f.