workday made by the Granite Cutters' National Union, backed by the American Federation of Labor and which was secured in less than two months, together with an increase of 25 cents per day. It was a just demand, and was so immediately successful that we are led to infer that unions that have not an 8-hour day have been derelict in their duties.

One word to the local unions and the unorganized workers. If you are not a member of the union of your craft join it at once, if none exists form one at once, and you will enjoy better wages, shorter hours and better conditions. The clerks in unorganized cities, while working the longest hours, receive smaller wages than any other workers. In cities where organization is almost universal the clerks have the 8-hour day and Saturday half-holiday. My advice to you is to organize, pay the highest dues, attend meetings regularly and have your union represented in the central body. Have a good labor paper, and see that every member of the union subscribes for it. Unions which have large defense funds are the most successful and have won the most strikes.-Erie People.

Invitation to Letter Carriers.

On motion, the late convention of the National Association of Letter Carriers invited Samuel Gompers, President of the American Federation of Labor, to address that body in Detroit, Mich., on Wednesday, September 5. Being introduced, the orator spoke about the different branches of Government employes that were not organized and he extended a cordial invitation to the mail carriers to join the American Federation of Labor. He called them brothers and said:

"If you refuse to join the Federation do not imagine that we are not still your brothers, for, as in the past, as at present, in the future, and for all time, you are entitled to our greatest respect and courtesy and to every one of you I can assure you a warm hand clasp and a pleasant greeting from the men of labor. But for us, we do not want anything but justice, we do not want anything but what is ours, and we shall never rest until the goddess of justice shall be impartial to all."

When the cheering subsided, Delegate Casey, of West Superior, Wis., made a motion that the convention thank Mr. Gompers for his words of wisdom, patriotism and justice."

The motion was adopted unanimously and with a cheer of approval, and then President Parsons introduced Mayor Mabury, who delivered one of his characteristic welcoming addresses, which, as usual, was received with much favor.-Detroit Journal.

"Say, Tom, what does S. L. P. painted on yonder window mean?" asked a stranger in San Francisco, and pointed to a window in Park Avenue. "That means Socialist Labor Party." "Well, I see a printed notice beneath, 'To Let ;' what does that mean?" "Oh, that means that the Socialist Labor Party is to let or for rent to any politician who cares to rent it for next fall elections."-Coast Seamen's Journal.

GENERAL UNIONS (MONTHLY REPORTS). Coal Miners.-Gen. President John Mitchell, of the United Mine Workers of America, reports that the striking miners recognize as their real opponents in this struggle for a slight amelioration of the hard, grinding conditions of the miner's life, nine railroads, which, with their presidents, are: The Pennsylvania Railroad Company, Alexander J. Cassatt, president; the Lehigh Valley railway system, Fred Walter. president; the Delaware and Hudson railroad, R. M. Oliphant, president; the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad Company, W. H. Truesdale, president; the Central Railroad Company of New Jersey, J. R. Maxwell, president; the Philadelphia and Reading Railway Company, Joseph H. Harris, president; the Erie railroad and the New York, Susquehanna and Western railroad, E. B. Thomas, president; the Delaware, Susquehanna and Schuylkill Company, Irving A. Stears, president; the New York, Ontario and Western railway, Thomas B. Fowler, president. These nine railroad corporations, beside producing approximately 72 per cent. of the hard coal, are the sole carriers to tidewater of all coal mined in the anthracite field of Pennsylvania, and for this service of carriage a charge from 40 to 68 per cent. per ton, according to the size of the coal, is made. Incredible as it may appear, they charge three times as much to carry a ton of anthracite coal 100 miles as is charged to carry a ton of bituminous coal the same distance. So exorbitant are the rates that the legitimate profits which should be credited to the mining departments of these railroads are absorbed by freight rates, and as a consequence their coal properties are made to show a very small profit on their capitalization.

Butchers.-General Secretary Homer D. Call, of the Amalgamated Meat Cutters and Butcher Workmen, reports an increase of 100 members and the formation of new unions in Rochester and Canandaigua, N. Y.; Kansas City, Mo., and Danville, Ill. A reduction of three hours in the length of the working day has been gained in Canandaigua. A lockout of about 70 union men has been in operation in Cudahy, Wis., since January, 1900. A strike of 1,100 men for better conditions and more wages has been in progress during the past month in Buffalo, N. Y.

Tailors.-General Secretary John B. Lennon,

of the Journeymen Tailors' Union of America, reports the formation of three new unions in Fond du Lac, Wis.; Cape Girardeau, Mo., and Wheeling, W. Va. Demand for more wages, averaging 10 per cent., has been made by 25 local unions, all of which have been won or will be in a few days. Strikes affecting 20 persons have been pending for the past six months in Elmira, N. Y., and Winnipeg, Man. The sum of $616 has been expended for strike benefits and $400 on account of death claims.

Garment Workers.-General Secretary Henry White, of the United Garment Workers of America, reports that since the Garment Workers' convention held in Philadelphia, August, 1899, 47 charters have been granted; four locals have lapsed; eight have been suspended, of which four have become reinstated, thus leaving 101 locals in good standing, this being an increase of 23 over the previous year. The two large clothing cities of Boston and Baltimore are becoming thoroughly organized, and charters have been issued to the unions of the different branches of the trade in those cities, thus completing the chain of organization, which gives the national union a prestige it never before possessed. The total income for the year ending July 31 was $20,203.90; expenditures, $15,761.04; leaving a balance on hand of $1,442.86-as compared with the income of $11,605.56; expenditures, $10,388.33, and a balance of $1,201.48 for the previous year. A large portion of the expenditures during the past year have been devoted to the interests of the union label. Large quantities of literature have been issued, lithograph show cards illustrating a model workshop, and a pictorial colored supplement has been inserted in the leading labor magazines. Besides, space has been taken in numerous local labor journals advertising the names of the stores where labeled clothing is on sale. All such expenses have been justified by the large results which have followed. In the maintenance of strikes only $305 was expended, a most remarkable showing considering the manner in which the treasury was formerly exhausted in vainly supporting hasty and ill-advised strikes. The balance in the strike fund to date is $2,222.73. The 10 per cent. of the per capita tax set aside for this fund is not sufficiently large to guarantee strike and lockout benefits in every case. In order to increase this fund sufficiently so as to afford adequate assistance in every emergency, it is recommended to increase the per capita tax considerably or make provisions for assessments.

Boiler Makers.-General Secretary William J. Gilthorpe, of the Brotherhood of Boilermakers and Iron Shipbuilders, reports an increase of 243 members, with about 50 members suspended, and the formation of new unions in Minneapolis, Minn.; New Orleans, La.; New Haven, Conn.; Troy, N. Y., and Springfield, Mo. A demand for a standard wage of 274 cents per hour has been won in Columbia, S. C., and a demand for a 10 per cent. increase in Portland, Me., is now pending. A demand for better treatment was won in Utica, N. Y., in four days, and a similar demand was won in Harvey, Ill., in six days. Twenty and 14 men were involved in these affairs. A strike of 21 men in Winnipeg, Man.,

for a minimum wage of 20 cents per hour was won in 27 days. A strike affecting 163 men for a 10 per cent. increase of wages has been pending since July 7 in Montreal, Que., and a strike for like object, affecting 38 men, has been pending since August 8 in Portland, Me.

Metal Polishers.-President Lynch, of the Metal Polishers and Glass Workers' International Association, reports that twelve chandelier manufacturers in Boston have signed an agreement with the union for a 9-hour day without any reduction in wages. Furthermore, 17 brass working shops have been unionized, thus bringing every shop in Boston and its vicinity under the 9-hour rule.

Pattern Makers.-General President L. R. Thomas, of the Pattern Makers' League of North America, reports the formation of new unions in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minn.; Kansas City, Mo.; Denver, Colo., and Spokane, Wash. The uniors in Pittsburg, Cincinnati, Chicago, Buffalo, and St. Louis have been successful in securing increases in wages, and in several instances a decrease of the working hours from ten to nine have been secured without strike by negotiating with employers through conference committees.

Carpenters -General Secretary P. J. McGuire, of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, reports that during the biennial term ending July 1, 1900, the number of local unions of the brotherhood increased from 428 to 718, and the membership from 31,508 to 68,413. The finances of the organization are in a healthy condition, there being a balance of $30,268.28 on hand. The recent convention, at Scranton, Penna., during its two weeks' session decided to remove the national headquarters from Philadelphia to Indianapolis. A resolution to choose a label to be placed on union made mill goods was adopted, and it was decided to hold the next convention in Atlanta, Ga., two years hence.

Coopers.-General Secretary James A. Cable, of the Coopers' International Union, reports an increase of 50 members and the formation of new unions in Eagle Rock, Va.; West Superior, Wis., and Dwamish, Wash. Strikes in Pittsburg and Allegheny, Penna., for a 15 per cent. increase of wages, which lasted nine days and affected 40 members, have been won. Strikes for recognition of union by which 60 members are affected, in Detroit, Mich.; Freeburg, Ill., and Des Moines, Iowa, have been pending for five months, three weeks and five weeks, respectively. One strike of 28 members for increased wages has been lost in Indianapolis after a struggle of seven months' duration.

Wagon Workers.-General Secretary Chas. A. Baustian, of the Carriage and Wagon Workers' International Union, reports the formation of new unions in Springfield, Mass., and Palmerston, Ont. A demand for a 9-hour workday and 10 per cent. increase of wages has been made in Milwaukee, Wis., and 12 out of 16 shops have granted the demand after a strike of 14 weeks' duration, thus benefiting 82 members.

Printers.-General Secretary Hugo Miller, of the German-American Typographia, reports that for the year ending June 30, the total

to

receipts, including balance, amounted $39,369.62; expenses, $27,773.36; balance, $11,596.26; $8,703 were paid for out-of-work benefit; $4,651.65 sick benefit; $3,275 death benefit, and $267.50 strike benefit. The Typographia has 1,044 members, and the annual dues for the past year were $25.50 per member.

Stationary Firemen.-General Secretary C. L. Shamp reports an increase of 1,263 members and the formation of new unions in Cincinnati and Cleveland, O.; Pittsburg and Leavenworth, Kans.; Scranton, Penna.; Newark, N. J.; Cambridge, Mass.; Cresicona, Tex., and Watertown, N. Y., during the past month. From all points come reports of better treatment as soon as organized. At the recent convention held in Peoria, Ill., it was decided to put out general organizers, and these will enter on their duties October 1. The books show that the number of local unions have more than doubled and the membership has more than trebled during the past year. More than 1,500 firemen have gained an 8-hour day, instead of a 12 hour day, aud are receiving better pay than they were receiving for the longer day. The headquarters will be moved to Chicago, Ill., after January 1, 1901, at which time also sick, death and burial benefits will go into effect.

Longshoremen.-General Secretary Henry C. Barter, of the International Longshoremen's Association, reports that the strike in Baltimore, Md., for recognition of union, which has lasted five weeks and affected 1,400 men has been won. The strike in Erie, Pa.. for increase of wages, which has lasted 10 weeks and affects 400 men is still pending.

Stage Employes.-General Secretary Lee M. Hart, of the National Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employes, reports the formation of a new union in Atlantic City, N. J. Demands for increase of wages ranging from 25 per cent. to 50 per cent. have been made in Newark and Canton, O., Buffalo, N. Y., and Winnipeg, Man., which have been granted in every place. Strikes affecting 480 persons are pending in Boston, Mass.; Detroit, Mich.; Denver, Colo.; Scranton, Penna., and Binghamton, N. Y.

Hotel Employes.-General Secretary Jere L. Sullivan, of the Hotel and Restaurant Employes' Association, reports an increase of 456 members and the formation of new unions in Columbus, Ga., by organizer N. F. Corbett; Newburyport, Mass., by Organizer R. W. Kennedy, and E. Valleyfield, Que., by Organizer Dan Lorraine. A strike directly affecting 23 members, having for its object the unionizing of products handled has been won after a three months' strike. The hotel employes' label and buttons are doing great work, not only for them, but in pushing union label goods. Contributions are being sent to the local union at Galveston where several members lost their lives. The national union expects to send at least $2,000 for that purpose.

DISTRICT NO. I.-EASTERN.

MASSACHUSETTS.

Boston.-Secretary Henry Abram reports that since the commencement of the cigarmakers' strike in New York City on April 16 last, Cigar

makers' Union, No. 97, of Boston, has donated and forwarded the sum of $13,000 for the support of the strikers, making it necessary to levy an assessment of $11.50 per capita, which has been paid cheerfully by the members. During the time stated union No. 97 has also donated the sum of $200 to their striking fellow craftsmen of Dayton, O. The payments during this period have been as follows: Regular weekly dues, 30 cents; weekly international assessment, 25 cents; weekly New York strike assessment, 50 cents; weekly New England assessment, 2 cents; or a total weekly dues and assessments of $1.07. In addition, the members of No. 97 give from 10 cents to 25 cents per week to help the widows and those in distress. The flourishing condition of the Boston union is an evidence that the higher the dues the higher the wages-the manufacturer pays the freight.

Milford.-Organizer Louis W. Weeks reports having formed unions of barbers and painters. He is completing the formation of a union of retail clerks, which now has 115 members, and will proceed to South Framingham to organize the retail clerks there.

QUEBEC.

Montreal.-George S. Warren reports having organized three local unions, viz., the tinsmiths, roofers and sheet iron workers, the latter with 46 charter members and good prospects of gaining the whole of the 400 men engaged in that craft; the bakers and confectioners of the city of Quebec, and the ice workers and drivers of Montreal, who will be affiliated directly to the American Federation of Labor.

VERMONT.

St. Albans.-Organizer A. B. Marvin reports the formation of a printers' union, with 18 charter members.

DISTRICT NO. II.-MIDDLE. General Organizers, J. D. PIERCE and JOHN A. FLETT. DELAWARE.

Wilmington.-Organizer R. S. Monck states that all unions show a healthy upward tendency. The Labor Day celebration was a success socially and financially, with about 6,000 men in line.

NEW JERSEY.

Hoboken.-Organizer Cornelius Ford reports that typographical union, No. 110, has had passed in Weehawken, Union Hill, West Hoboken, West New York, and several other towns, ordinances covering the use of the union label on all public printing. Also, through the efforts of the Hudson County Central Labor Union, resolutions have been passed requiring all labor on municipal works to be performed by union men.

Orange.-Organizer J. A. Werner reports another big victory gained in the Orange Valley, resulting in the unionizing of the hat factory of E. V. Connett & Co., employing about 700 men. By this victory the whole of that district has become strictly union. The surrender of the firm was the result of the boycott declared against it by the United Hatters a month ago.

All arrangements for the unionizing of this factory were completed at three conferences between the firm and the union officers, according to which union cards were issued to 75 nonunion men after they had paid fines amounting in the aggregate to $4,000.

Paterson.-Organizer Paul Breen reports that conditions are not good in Paterson at present, as the silk mills are almost closed. He also reports that he has some 40 names on the list for the formation of a bartenders and waiters' union.

Trenton.-Organizer J. W. James reports having, during the past three months, formed and affiliated unions of hod carriers, rubber workers, musicians, street railway men, potters, pottery packers, chain makers and horse shoers. Two strikes, one in a pottery and the other in a cigar shop, have been won. A strike of electrical workers was called off and a strike in the watch factory being unorganized was lost. Improvements in wages have been gained without striking by the machinists, cigarmakers, brewers and street railway employes. Steps are being taken to organize unions of pattern makers, freight handlers, shoe workers, stationary engineers, bottlers and blacksmiths.

NEW YORK.

Albany.-Organizer Peter J. Downey states that since his last report he has assisted in organizing unions of blacksmiths, blacksmith helpers, carriage and wagon workers, steam and hot water fitters and helpers, ice handlers, foundry laborers, shirt, collar, cuff and waist cutters, car builders, car painters, electrical workers and street railway men, aggregating 750 members. All the building trades are working eight hours per day since their strike on May 1, and have received in all cases increased wages.

Canandaigua.-Organizer L. D. Cinsebox reports the organization of a union of retail clerks, and that they have resolved to close all clothing, dry goods, grocery and millinery stores at 7:30 every evening. Canandaigua is the youngest union city in the State, but it is among the foremost in putting trade union principles into effect. On March 1 one union existed there; today nearly a dozen unions are in existence and working harmoniously. The entire building trade will only work eight hours per day in 1901.

Hornellsville.-Organizer E. W. Hanlon reports that nearly every trade in that city is now organized and affiliated. He states that business men are now beginning to see the advantages of keeping union-made goods, but one man in particular has been so long opening his eyes that his business has been permanently injured thereby. The Labor Day parade was over a mile in length and was the most imposing ever seen in Hornellsville. The cigarmakers, locomotive firemen, railroad trainmen, boilermakers, retail clerks, machinists, silk glove makers, blacksmiths, carpenters, textile workers, painters, barbers, plumbers, brewers, butchers, bartenders, federal labor and the ladies' federal labor union were in line. The addresses were delivered by A. Wilson, Vice President of the Brotherhood of Locomotive

Firemen, J. Phillips, of New York, and F. A. Seeverman, of Rochester.

Jamestown.-Organizer J. E. Carlson reports that the flint glass workers employed at the Linford Cut Glass Works are on strike to resist a reduction in wages. They are determined to remain out until their former wages are restored, and feel confident of success. The strike of textile workers at Hall & Co's woolen mill is still on, with no material change in the situation. For the first time in Jamestown Labor Day was appropriately celebrated by a parade of unions, speeches, and a water excursion.

Niagara Falls.-Organizer James Mahoney reports the formation of a union of wood, wire and metal lathers. The teamsters' union has succeeded in gaining an 8-hour workday with ten hours' pay. Labor Day was celebrated by a successful street parade, but rain marred the afternoon ceremonies.

Seneca Falls-Organizer A. H. Morden reports that the iron molders in Rumsey & Co., 30 in number, resumed, pending arbitration with the employers' association, after being out five days. He reports slight improvement in wages for molders and machinists and a constantly increasing demand for union made boots and shoes, clothing and cigars.

ONTARIO.

Hamilton.-Organizer John A. Flett reports having organized a union of plumbers in Kingston and unions of printers, carpenters, bricklayers and masons and a federal labor union in Brockville. He reports great activity in the building trade in Ottawa, owing to the disastrous fire a few months ago, and expects the co-operation of the local organizer, J. W. Patterson, to organize English-speaking and French-speaking carpenters' unions there.

Toronto.-Organizer John H. Kennedy reports having formed a union of rubber workers and that the trades council of that city has organized the garment workers. Unions of brewery workers and retail clerks are under way and it is expected that they will apply for charters to the international unions of those crafts.

PENNSYLVANIA.

Two

Bangor.-Organizer Samuel Prince, of New York city, reports having visited Bangor, to deliver the Labor Day address in that place. Three thousand people were present, of whom two-thirds were slaters. The slaters have five unions, but only 600 of them are union men. The laborers are better organized and have improved their conditions considerably. years ago the laborers were only receiving 60 cents per day for 12 hours' work. Today, when there is hardly a laborer in Bangor outside the union, they are getting from $1.40 to $1.50 per day of 10 hours. The working people of Bangor complain of the existence of corporation stores, and there is a growing desire to wipe them out. The independent business men would like to see the slaters better organized, as then they would get better wages and expend more money with them.

Bradford. - Organizer M. C. Howe reports having organized unions of street railway men,

painters and paper hangers, hotel and restaurant employes and a union of snappers.

Erie. Organizer E. W. McCully reports the formation of a union of boilermakers and that the plasterers, tinners, wood workers and piano and organ workers will soon be in line. Business is slack, but prospects are bright for union organization. The bartenders' union cleared $700 by their excursion on September 16. Owing to the discharge of two union laundry girls, an active fight will be waged against the nonunion laundries. The trouble between the longshoremen and the N. A. Railroad Company has been adjusted and the union recognized. A new firm will start in Erie about January 1 with a full line of union-made shoes and none without the label will be sold. An injunction against the locked-out molders of Black and Germer, manufacturers of the "Radiant Home Stove," is now being argued. The firm secured a temporary injunction against the men engaged in picketing the shops.

Franklin.-Organizer J. J. Welsh reports that the iron molders, who were on strike one week to resist reduction in wages, have succeeded in gaining recognition of the union and have returned to work with all grievances adjusted. McSherrytown.-Organizer J. B. Kuhn reports a strike of cigarmakers union, No. 316, for recognition of union. The strike involves 560 men and women.

Reading.-Organizer J. C. Taylor reports the formation of a union of newspaper writers with three-fourths of the eligible men as charter members and its affiliation to the international typographical union. The platers and buffers have gained an increase of 5 per cent. and 10 per cent., respectively, and received recognition of their union in all departments of the Reading Stove Works. Labor Day was celebrated with a grand parade and monster carnival, participated in by 5,000 people. Addresses were made by P. J. McGuire, general secretary of the carpenters brotherhood, and Dr. John Stolze, of Reading.

DISTRICT NO. III.-SOUTHERN.

ALABAMA.

Birmingham.-Organizer J. H. Leath reports the organization of a union of carpenters and joiners in Wylam, and one of soil pipe workers in Gadsden.

FLORIDA.

Tampa.-Organizer W. A. Platt reports that four strikes of cigarmakers have been declared and won in less than two days. The strippers' protective union, composed of tobacco strippers in cigar factories, now has 100 applications for membership on file. Prospects are good for organizing the laundry workers. The painters have secured a 9-hour workday with 20 per cent. increase of wages, and, by the assistance of the central body, have secured contracts to that effect. The trimmers' protective union has also secured less hours. He says: "We have driven out Hamilton-Brown shoes. No merchant will handle them. L. G. Plant and Sons' shoes were sold in great numbers, and their agent was obstinate enough to say he would handle them in defiance of organized labor.

But he now acknowledges it has practically ruined him. Some Fontella' and 'Geo. W. Childs' (scab) cigars were put in here, but they won't sell and are rotting in the show cases. There is a great rush among merchants to get union goods in stock. The chief of police is an ex-president of the cigarmakers' union, and has the entire support of the mayor. Several trade unionists are members of the city council. A resolution, requiring city printing to be given to union shops, has been passed and the police force has been put on an 8-hour day. There is no end to the strength of organized labor in Tampa. All we have to do is to tell a dealer not to handle any more of such and such an article, and it is settled. Tampa is the best organized city in the South."

KENTUCKY.

Central City.-Organizer W. B. Kissinger reports that the carpenters of that city have gained a reduction of one hour per day without reduction of wages. Labor Day was celebrated by a picnic, which was a very enjoyable affair and attended by a large number. The miners turned out to a man and presented quite an imposing body. The Central City brass band was on the ground, several speeches were made and the affair was a great success.

Louisville.-Organizer James McGill reports strikes of carpenters on large dry goods emporium being built by J. Bacon & Son, contractors, and on the Elks carnival. Both strikes were won and scabs fired. There were fully 10,000 persons in line of march on Labor Day. H. J. Skeffington, of the Boot and Shoe Workers Union, was the speaker of the day, and several hundred dollars was realized from the picnic. Preparations are being made for the 20th annual convention of the American Federation of Labor.

Organizer Harry Crandall reports that Fed eral Labor Union, No. 6873, has been strengthened by some 60 members, mostly street laborers and they will form a separate union in the near future. Business is pretty good in that locality, and nearly all union men are at work.

Owensboro.-Organizer William A. Lossie reports having organized a union of retail clerks with 40 members, and that they have started out with the determination to have every retail clerk in that city in the union before New Year's Day. He also expects to organize a union of barbers before Thanksgiving Day.

Paducah.-Organizer Sam Simon reports that carpenters and joiners union No. 559 of that city has established a 9-hour workday with 10 hours pay, and that all union men are busy.

NORTH CAROLINA.

High Point.-Organizer C. P. Davis reports having organized two unions of textile workers, one at Laxahow and the other at Glenco. Men at Durham have been discharged for joining the textile workers' union. Unionism in North Carolina is marching onward.

SOUTH CAROLINA.

Columbia.-Organizer M. C. Wallace reports the formation of union of loom fixers, boiler makers and street railway employes. The musicians are next in order for an organization