Ontario Visited.

A series of splendid mass meetings were held by President Gompers, of the American Federation of Labor, during the past month. On May 1 there was a grand demonstration at London, Ont., and an immense gathering of over 10,000 at the Rink, where stirring addresses were delivered by President Gompers and President W. D. Mahon, of the Amalgamated Association of Street Railway Employes. Resolutions were adopted to revive the "boycott" on the street railways of the city because of victimization. This "boycott" was most general last year, and relaxed during the winter. It is confidently believed that the companies will soon agree to terms of adjustment.

On May 2 a very fair meeting was held at Hamilton, Ont., with quite a number of oldtime trade unionists on the platform.

On May 3 a grand mass meeting was held at the great pavilion in Toronto, Ont., which Mr. Mahon and Mr. Gompers addressed with telling effect. At each of the meetings resolutions were unanimously passed tendering a hearty vote of thanks to the speakers. The general opinion obtains that the brief trip to the cities in Ontario will result in great advantage to the general trade union movement of the Dominion.

On May 4 conferences were held with President Gompers and the striking workmen of the different trade unions at Buffalo, N. Y., and addresses delivered to them in their meetings, subsequent to which Vice-President O'Connell and the then general organizer, J. D. Pierce, gave efficient service with a view of adjusting the existing trade conflicts in that city.

After returning to Washington and resuming work at the office, President Gompers was called to assist in a great labor demonstration in Atlantic City, N. J., and a grand mass meeting at the Auditorium Pier, held May 12. Addresses were made on that occasion by President Gompers and the editors of the two local papers. At no time in the history of Atlantic City has there been any such spirit of solidarity manifested and improvement secured in the condition of the workers as has developed since the meeting referred to. From all quarters come reports of greater activity among the officers and in the rank and file of the whole trade union movement.

The thorough organization of the wage workers in the trade unions of America is in full swing.

A Triumph for Voluntary Arbitration.

The anxiety of the members of organized labor to know the result of the conference between the officers of the International Association of Machinists and those of the National Metal Trades Association which adjourned May 18, in New York City, is thoroughly appreciated by us, and a summary of what was accomplished is hereby hastily presented:

National Recognition. For the first time in the history of our association, we gain recognition; not only as far as our right as individuals to organize is concerned, but we have gained recognition as an organized body. In future

all grievances that may arise between members of the International Association of Machinistseither collectively or individually-and members of the National Metal Trades Association shall be submitted to arbitration and adjudicated by a joint arbitration board. This position can be subscribed to by any man, or body of men, as it is a principle gained that has caused many a bitter fight since our organization came into existence. We are now an organized body, recognized as such with equal rights by a similar body of employing manufacturers. This is point number one gained by the conference.

Limitation of Apprentices.-It would be impossible to emphasize too much the importance of this subject to our organization. It goes to the root of a grievance that has been a menace to us as machinists, and one of our reasons for organization. The ratio of apprentices is now limited to the requirements of the Constitution of the International Association of Machinists. There may be one apprentice for each shop and not more than one for every five machinists, employed in shops controlled by the National Metal Trades Association. This is a point that we had but meagre hope of winning, but which is now an accomplished fact. Of course, it must be distinctly understood that we shall not interfere in any way with the present number of apprentices; nor shall any more be put on until the number falls, either by lapse, or the expiration of existing contracts, to the constitutional ratio of the International Association of Machinists. This is point number two gained.

Definition of a Machinist.-What constitutes a a machinist has been the cause of numberless disputes in all parts of the country, particularly in connection with what constitutes machinists' work, so that the acceptance of the definition as found in the Constitution of the International Association of Machinists is a concession of no small importance to our organization. This is point number three gained.

Nine-Hour Day.-A shorter workday has been the goal towards which organized labor has striven from time immemorial, and has never been gained in our craft before without the accompaniment of disastrous strife. No shortening of the workday has been conceded before through diplomatic action. It took this conference to demonstrate that a shorter workday could be had without striking for it. The 9-hour day was only gained in England after a strike of nine months duration, with all its accompanying horrors; we gain it in 12 months and remain at work while we are waiting for it. But we have gained even better than that, for it was decreed at the conference that six months from the date of the signing of the agreement between the two bodies 57 hours would constitute a week's work, and that 12 months from the signing of the contract 54 hours would be a week's work.

This is what has been accomplished in this direction and how the matter stands : Six months from date of agreement, that will be November 18, 1900, 57 hours will constitute a week's work in all shops controlled by the National Metal Trades Association. Beginning with May 18, 1901-that is, 12 months from date of agreement-the 9-hour day will come into

operation in the same shops. Thus does the International Association of Machinists win for its membership-and for those who have not yet identified themselves with us, as well-a 9-hour day, without having recourse to any action that would antagonize, and by the peaceful methods of arbitration. Just think of the magnitude of this concession from the manufacturers, and call it point number four gained.

Overtime.-The question of overtime, and the rates to be paid for it, has been a sore spot in many points within the jurisdiction of the International Association of Machinists, and has never been successfully and definitely adjusted until now. A great many shops have in the past insisted upon paying nothing but straight time for overtime, and thus causing a continnous friction to exist and fomenting trouble with our members. This cause of strife is now eliminated from shops under National Metal Trades Association jurisdiction, for an agreement has been reached whereby our members will be paid for overtime as follows: All overtime up to 10 o'clock P. M., will be paid for at the rate of time and one-quarter time. From 10 P. M. to 12 midnight, time and one-half, and after midnight and for Sundays and legal holidays double time will be paid. In shops where rates higher than the above is paid no reduction will take place. This is a splendid concession that has been gained, and we may safely say point five in our favor.

Advance in Wages at Paterson, N. J.-The question of an advance in wages at two pointsChicago and Paterson-came up before the ar bitration board for adjudication, with the following result:

Whereas, It is the sense of this board, based apon the evidence placed before it, that the strike at Paterson was due to a misunderstanding as to the intent of the manufacturers regarding an advance in wages; and

The

was in continuous session for eight days in the Murray Hill Hotel, New York-we had no idea that we would be so successful as we were. The points gained, and their vital importance to our craft, can not be over-estimated. magnitude of the principles of a 9 hour day and the limitation of apprentices can scarcely be realized without intense thought and study. Both propositions will mean in a very short time that thousands of opportunities to labor will be opened up to our craftsmen that do not now exist, with the assurance of an advance in wage prices that is inseparable from an increased demand for labor.

Whereas, The members of the National Metal Trades Association, in Paterson, show that since the uniform advance in wages of 10 per cent. was requested, they have advanced their machinists to an average amount of about 7 per cent.;

Now, be it resolved, That the decision of this board is that a 10 per cent. increase in wages be granted in Paterson over and above the rate prevailing December 19, 1899, at the time the request was made for the 10 per cent. advance in wages. This to apply only to the shops in which the strikes occurred that were members of the National Metal Trades Association.

The above resolution explains exactly what was done and requires no comment. A 10 per cent. advance in wages was asked for, and it has been granted. So, mark this as point six that has been scored.

Conclusion.-The findings of the conference and the conclusions reached will be the policy of our organization as far as towards members of the National Metal Trades is concerned; in shops other than these, the same attitude will be assumed that has prevailed before; that is, where our members have a grievance it will take the same course that it has done formerly. It must be submitted and handled as our Con stitution directs, and wherever an employer agrees to abide by the agreement. reached by the New York conference the case will be adjusted in concordance therewith.

The action of the conference does not in any way take away or abridge the right of any local lodge to take up the question of wages with the employers of their localities, and where any such question arises and satisfactory agreement can not be reached, the whole matter can be submitted to the joint board of arbitration for adjudication, both parties being bound to abide by the agreement reached. Fraternally yours,

JAS. O'CONNELL, International President I. A. of M.

D. DOUGLAS WILSON,

International Vice-President.

NATIONAL SECRETARIES (MONTHLY REPORTS). Coal Miners.-General Secretary W. B. Wilson, of the United Mine Workers of America, reports that the strike at Coal Creek, Tenn., for the reinstatement of four discharged men has resulted in a victory for the union. The strike lasted seven weeks, and involved 400 members. Strikes are pending in districts 14, 21 aud 16; the first two of these are in the Southwest, and

last named in Maryland. The object of these strikes were increased wages, shorter hours and recognition of union, and involve 10,000 men. Brickmakers.-General Secretary James Fraser, of the National Brickmakers' Alliance, reports an increase of 300 members during the past month and the formation of new unions in Litchfield, Ill.; St. Joseph, Mo., and Terre Haute, Ind. A demand for a reduction of one hour in the length of the working day has been made at Zanesville, O. A demand for higher wages has been made in Bloomington, Ill. No agreement has been reached thus far. One hundred and ninety-six members are affected by these disputes. The number of unemployed members is reported as about nine hundred.

Bakers.-General Secretary F. H. Harzbecker, of the Journeymen Bakers and Confectioners' National Union reports an increase in membership of 180 during the past month and the formation of unions in Memphis, Tenn.; Trenton, N. J.; San Antonio, Tex.; Spokane, Wash. Unions have lapsed in St. Paul, Minn., and Norwalk, Conn. Demands for reduction in length of workday averaging one hour have been made in Buffalo, N. Y.; Newark, N. J.; New York City; Duluth, Minn.; Galesburg, Ill.; Cleveland, O., and Brooklyn, N. Y. Successful demands for increased wages have been made in every one of the above named cities. He reports an expenditure of $100 on account of one death, and $45 on account of four sick members. Five hundred members are reported unemployed. He also reports that the use of the bread as well as the cracker label is fast gaining ground, thanks to the demand for it created by organized labor. The miners' organization in this regard deserves special mention. From February 1 to May 1, 1900, 17,314,000 bread labels have been shipped through the general office to the local bakers' unions. In the mining districts the union label on cracker boxes is universally demanded.

Butchers.-General Secretary Homer D. Call, of the Amalgamated Meat Cutters and Butcher Workmen of America, reports an increase of 300 members and the formation of seven unions in Leavenworth, Kans.; Hanover, Pa.; Seattle, Wash.; Omaha, Neb.; Minneapolis, Minn.; Little Falls and Olean, N. Y.

new

Tailors.-General Secretary John B. Lennon, of the Journeymen Tailors' Union of America, reports the formation of a new union in Danville, Ill. That demands for more wages have been made in more than 20 cities since April 10, involving from 800 to 1,000 workmen, all of which demands have been won. Strikes are still pending in Spokane, Wash.; San Antonio, Tex.; Niagara Falls and Elmira, N. Y., in which 29 members are interested. National union has expended $590 on account of eight deaths and has paid out $7,000 on account of strike benefits during the past month.

Boilermakers.-General Secretary Wm. J. Gilthorpe, of the Brotherhood of Boilermakers and Iron Shipbuilders, reports an increase of 231 members and the formation of unions in Chillicothe, O.; Oswego, N. Y.; Nashville, Tenn.; Dayton, O.; Olean, N. Y. and San Bernardina, Cal. One union has lapsed in Ogden, Utah. A successful demand for 10 per cent. increase in

wages and abolition of the black list has been made in Cincinnati.

Carvers.-General Secretary Frank Detlef, of the International Wood Carvers' Association, reports that a successful demand for a 10 per cent. increase in wages has been made in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minn., and that the sum of $300 has been expended on account of two deaths. He reports 309 members out of work.

Coopers.-General Secretary James A. Cable, of the Coopers' International Union reports, an increase of 250 members during the past month, and the formation of new unions in Campbell Hill, Ill., and Providence, R. I. A demand for a 9 hour day has been made in New York City but no result has been yet reached. Demands for from 5 to 10 per cent. more wages have been made in Dubuque, Ia.; Springfield, Mo., and Kansas City. The demand has been successful in Kansas City. A strike for the recognition of union has been won in Freeport, Pa., which, after three days, terminated in the signing of an agreement for one year. Strikes for increased wages are still pending in Springfield, Mo.; Dubuque, Ia.; Indianapolis, Ind.; St. Paul, Minn. and Chicago, Ill., and against reductions in wages at St. Louis, Mo., and Cedar Rapids, Ia. These strikes affect about 125 members. Broommakers. - General Secretary W. R. Boyer, of the International Broommakers' Union, reports an increase of 50 members and the formation of a new union in Grand Rapids, Mich., during the past month. A successful demand for a reduction in the hours of labor from ten to nine per day has been made in Hamilton, O., and a demand for an increase of from 10 to 18 per cent. in wages has been successfully made in Paris, Ill., and Cincinnati, O.

Trunk and Bag Workers.-General Secretary Joseph H. Schiekel, of the Trunk and Bag Workers' International Union, reports a gain of 300 members during the past month, a voluntary increase of wages in Buffalo, N. Y., of about 15 per cent., and a slight increase with piecework in St. Louis, and that the union label is now in use in Buffalo.

Papermakers.-General Secretary George A. Godsoe, of the United Brotherhood of Papermakers of America, reports the formation of a new union in Mechanicsville, N. Y., and that an advance of 10 per cent. in wages has been made in Taylorsville, Ill., which demand has been conceded.

Steam Engineers. - General Secretary S. L. Bennett, of the International Union of Steam Engineers, reports the formation of new unions in Philadelphia, Pa., and St. Paul, Minn., during the past month. In Boston, Mass., a demand was made for an 8-hour day in the brewery, and, failing to reach a settlement, the men were called out on May 1. After being out two days, the Brewers' Association signed an agree ment conceding the 8-hour workday in all Boston breweries. In St. Louis the union has also been successful in reaching a settlement and obtaining contracts with the breweries. The local union of Belleville, Ill., has won its strike for the reinstatement of engineers who have been unjustly discharged. Duration of strike, one day. The Kansas City union has made a demand for the 8-hour day in breweries, and

has good chances of success, as most of the breweries have expressed a willingness to allow the same if made general in the trade. Reports from local unions indicate that concessions are being made in the way of increased pay and shorter hours without the necessity of resorting to extreme methods.

Hoisting Engineers.-General Secretary T. E. Jenkins of the National Brotherhood of Coal Hoisting Engineers states "I am glad to be able to report a rapid growth in our membership with excellant prospects for the future. We have the States of Illinois and Indiana thoroughly organized and expect to start in Ohio in a short time. We met the coal operators of southern Indiana on April 23, and made a demand for the same wages as the engineers in the central and northern portions of the State receive, viz: $75 and $65 per month for first and second engineer respectively. This demand was refused and a strike was called which lasted from one to four days, and resulted in a victory. This was an advance of from 40 to 60 per cent. over the wages heretofore paid in that district. About seventy-five men were benefited by the movement.

Stationary Firemen.-General Secretary C. L. Shamp of the International Brotherhood of Stationary Firemen reports an increase of 103 members during the past month and the formation of new unions in Hutchinson, Kans.; Rochester, N. Y.; Clinton, Ind.; Saginaw, Mich, and Fort Wayne, Ind. Demands for reduction in the length of the workday from twelve to eight hours have been made in Fort Worth and Minneapolis; and have been granted in both cities. Demands for higher wages have been made in Toledo, O.; Buffalo, N. Y.; Terre Haute, Ind. A gain of 40 cents a day has been made in Toledo, 35 cents per day in Buffalo, and 20 cents per day in Terre Haute.

Longshoremen.-General Secretary Henry C. Barter, of the International Longshoremen's Association, reports that: The ninth annual convention of that union will be held in Duluth, Minn., beginning Tuesday morning, July 10, 1900. The call states:

"Our conventions of late years have been well patronized. This fact has been observed by an organization with which we are thrown into daily contact, viz.: the Lake Carriers' Association. You well remember the indifference and defiance we encountered in endeavoring to establish friendly relations with the Lake Carriers' Association, and with what reluctance they met our advances. They did not believe that a common longshoreman had the least business tact about him. But thanks to the self-sacrificing efforts of pioneers of the International Longshoremen's Association, they have changed their minds, and, instead of shunning us, rather look for us, and are anxious to deal with us."

Clerks.-General Secretary Max Morris, of the Retail Clerks' International Protective Association, reports the formation of eleven new locals located at Vallejo, Cal.; Marinette, Wis.; Hillsboro, Tex.; Albia, Ia.; Austin, Tex.; St. Joseph, Mo.; Antigo, Wis.; Herrin, Ill.; Little Falls, N. Y.; Menominee, Mich.; and Adams,

Mass. He reports the expenditure of $50 on account one death.

Hotel Employes.-General Secretary Jere L. Sullivan, of the Hotel and Restaurant Employes' International Association, reports an increase of 551 members during the past month and the formation of new unions in Murphysboro, Ill., by P. H. Strawhun; San Antonio, Tex., by Chas. Dunbar; Alton, Ill., by Rud Benz and Giles; Montreal, Que., by Geo. S. Warren; Oklahoma, O. T., by C. E. Ballard ; and Sioux Falls, S. D., by the Hotel Employes' General Office; and at St. Joseph, Mo,, by C. W. Krumm. One union has lapsed at Galveston, Tex., during the same period. Four hundred dollars has been paid by the local unions on account of eight deaths; the amount expended on account of six sick members averages about $300 per month in all locals combined. He further states" our organization is making excellent progress, and if nothing happens to prevent, we expect to reach a tenthousand membership mark before the 1st of January, 1901. American Federation of Labor organizers are doing great work for us, for which we are grateful.

DISTRICT NO. 1.-EASTERN.

CONNECTICUT.

Norwich.-Organizer Felix Callahan reports having organized unions of painters and clerks, also a federal labor union, since last report.

MAINE.

Portland.-Organizer C. F. Stubbs reports the formation of a union of woodworkers and its connection with the national union of that trade, making five new unions which he has organized during the present year. The granite cutters who struck in that city on March 1 for eight hours and $3 a day have gained the 8-hour workday, 35 cents per hour, being a gain of one hour and ten cents a day over the former scale. The hat finishers employed by Ayer, Houston & Co. struck on April 25 against the apprentice system carried on by that firm, and are still out, but will no doubt speedily win. The cigarmakers have gained an increase in their bill of prices of $1 per thousand and will soon have a separate charter for Portland. They are now under the jurisdiction of the Biddeford union. The journeymen barbers are pushing their union placard and gaining many new members. The carpenters' union is taking in new members at every meeting, and will demand the 8-hour workday in a short time. The central labor union of that city has applied for a charter from the American Federation of Labor.

QUEBEC.

Montreal.-Organizer Geo. S. Warren reports the formation of a union of bartenders, with 46 members. The bakers' union of that city has 300 members in good standing, and four employers are using the union label on bread. He states that he recently paid a visit to the city of Quebec and delivered a series of lectures in the French language, with the object of pushing the sale of union-made goods. He states that the labor movement is moving fast in lower Canada.

VERMONT.

Rutland.-General Organizer Clinton Simonton reports the formation of a union of marble cutters and polishers in that city, with every shop represented. He stated that there are about 6,000 marble workers in that section, and that there are good prospects for organizing them all. He states that the condition of the marble workers of Vermont is pitiable, and that many men of that trade have declared to him that they had not seen one dollar in money for ten years. Senator Proctor owns the town, called by his name, the stores, rents, and help. less wage workers as well. He has secured the names of a sufficient number to form a federal labor union in Burlington, and the journeymen barbers have signed list for a union in the same city. The granite cutters and polishers of Rutland have gained their de mand for an 8-hour workday at $3 per day.

DISTRICT NO. II.-MIDDLE.

General Organizers, THOMAS FLYNN, CAL. WYATT, J. D. PIERCE and JOHN A. FLETT.

DELAWARE.

Wilmington.-Organizer R. S. Monck reports the formation of a union of carpenters and joiners since last report, and states that since January last four unions of painters, iron molders, plumbers and carpenters have been organized in that city. The painters demanded a 9-hour workday at $2.25 per day, and got it without losing one hour's work. On the 1st of May the plasterers demanded an 8 hour workday at $3 per day, and the same was granted cheerfully by all the contractors except one. The said contractor sent a communication to the union, informing them that he would not grant the demand until next year; but by the date of the next meeting he reconsidered his decision and granted the union's demands. He states that organized labor will be a factor in that city, for they are determined that none but union men shall get city work. They have been successful in having all repairs made by the city on brick work, and in having the city printing done by union men, and intend to have a child-labor law passed and a factory inspector appointed.

NEW JERSEY.

Atlantic City.—Organizer W. F. Potter reports the formation of unions of sheet metal workers and printers, the former with 44 members and the latter with 28.

Orange.-Organizer J. A. Werner reports that the Montclair carpenters have gained an increase to $2.75 for eight hours without strike. The bricklayers and masons have also secured $3.50 for an 8-hour day; in fact, all the building trades have gained better conditions in that locality.

Paterson.-Organizer Paul Breen reports that he, in company with Brothers Hopper and Connors, visited Dover, N. J., on May 12 and 13, and held a joint meeting of unions Nos. 8103 and 7211 and gave them a good talk. "But," he adds, "they forgot to ask us if we walked or not. We hope, however, that our efforts will produce good results, all the same."

Salem.-Organizer Daniel F. Harkins reports having organized a building trades union in that city consisting of carpenters, painters, stone masons, plasterers, plumbers, bricklayers and paper hangers. These unions demanded and secured on May 1 a 9-hour workday. The knitting mill workers have gained a slight advance in wages without striking and have good prospects of another raise before long. The city council have increased the wages of the street workers from $1.25 to $1.40.

NEW YORK.

Amsterdam.—Organizer J. W. Criddle reports the vetoing by the mayor of an ordinance to raise the wages of city employes from $1.50 to $1.75 for eight hours' work. The mayor's action in this matter was reviewed by a mass meeting held May 9 in the opera house, which was only half large enough to held the crowd, about 1,500 persons being present.

Buffalo.-President W. V. Wolcott, of the Waiters' Alliance, No. 196, reports that there is but one union hotel in Buffalo suitable for the traveler-the Rienzi or White Elephant, opposite the Iroquois, on Main street.

Elmira.-Organizer James Clancy, Jr., reports the formation of unions of bartenders and plumbers and steamfitters, also a federal labor union with 120 members. The men of the federal labor union consist of bridge workmen and railway roundhouse employes, and were on strike when organized. The strike is now settled by the men getting a slight advance.

Hornellsville.--Organizer E. W. Hanlon reports the formation of a union of painters with 45 members, and that it will be affiliated to the national union when the pending difficulty in that trade is settled. On May 17, 21 members of Textile Workers' Union, No. 196, were locked out for refusing to sign an agreement to withdraw from the union, and not to join any similar organization as long as they were employed by the Steuben Silk Company. The men refused to sign the agreement, and as a result the factory had to close down. The matter has been placed in the hands of the central labor council, and an assessment of 25 cents bas been levied upon organized labor for the support of the locked-out. He also reports that the federal labor union of that city has gained 100 members and has now nearly 300 members. About 900 wage-earners have joined the ranks of labor in that little city of 10,000 inhabitants since January 1, without outside assistance of any kind.

Jamestown.-Organizer J. E. Carlson reports the formation of a union of textile workers in that city with a large number of charter members, and that there are good prospects of organizing a union of retail clerks. A large strike is on at the Hall & Co.'s Worsted Mills. The spinners, drawers and combers asked for an increase in wages, which was refused, and they went out, the firm attempting to fill the strikers' places, but the weavers refused to work on scab filling, and also went out. Mills are running in crippled condition, and the strikers are confident of winning. Between 400 and 500 workers are involved.