Muncie labor to participate in State Labor Day celebration in Elwood; LU 23 included

ADVANCE OF UNION LABOR AN EPOCH IN THE HISTORY OF THE GAS BELT

An Army of Toilers Will Go to Elwood Tomorrow to

Participate in State Labor Day Celebration.

Unionism the Battie Cry of Thousands of Hardy Laborers Who Have Set Aside the Fourth of September as Their

Natal Day When Representatives From Over the Great State of Indiana Will Gather at Elwood and

Celebrate In Honor of Their Cause — Muncie, One of the Greatest Labor Cities of the

Universe Will Lead With Hundreds of Delegates From the Different

Councils — Grand Parade to Be Given Before Leaving This City.

"IN UNION THERE IS STRENGTH."

"LABOR OMNIA VINCIT."

"UNITED WE STAND — DIVIDED

"WE FALL."

"A FAIR DAY S WAGE, FOR A FAIR

DAY’S WORK."

Trades unionism and the principles of collective bargaining have not al­ways received the recognition and hon­or that they will tomorrow at Elwood, when thousands of people will flock to that city to pay their tribute at the shrine of labor. The time is not very far past when the English government forbade the meeting of unions and placed a ban upon the members and active workers in these organizations.

In our own country even within re­cent years the unions nave been the ob­jects of misunderstanding and of per­secution on the pan of those who did not understand their purposes or ap­prove of their methods. That day is forever past and the unions stand in the front rank of fraternal organiz­ations. Their members are given po­sitions of trust and influence in the po­litical world and they are recognized as a formidable factor in state and national elections.

These changes have not come with­out effort on the part of the organizers nor has anything been accomplished without sacrifices of loyal men who were willing to surrender their own personal welfare and comfort that some brother might enjoy the exercise of his rights.

Union labor in Muncie has not had to contend with legislation that made unionism criminal, for that sort of thing belongs to another century and a foreign land. But the labor leaders in this city have had their battles to fight that were as real and of as much mo­ment to the workers as those of other years.

Few of the younger generation of of union men appreciate these struggles for they were not in them. Few of the union men that now compose the union army of Muncie 'Three Thousand Strong' can realize the condition of the city when there was but a handful of loyal men.

Muncie now stands as the best organized union town of its in the world and this is not strange, if the be­ginnings of unionism in the city are carefully traced. The foundations for this success was laid when the Muncie Trades Council was organized. Around this body of affiliated unions has can­tered all the battles of unionism and many are the victories that have been won for this or that local by the aid and assistance of the Council.

To understand the history of union­ism in Muncie it is necessary to trace the growth and development of the Trades Council. Its founders were closely con­nected with the labor movements of the time and several of them still remain the "wheel-horses" of organized labor within this city.

The first time that the subject of organizing a Trades Council was ever discussed in the meeting of a local union was on the evening of Tuesday, November 10, 1890. The Operative Plasterers International Associaton was holding its regular session at the corner of Charles and Walnut streets in the little frame building occupied by Dunn & Sons as a lime [sic] time office.

After the matter had been viewed in every possible light, Jehiel Gabriel moved that H. E. Crossfield be appointed as a committee of one to organize a Muncie Trades Council. It was thus that Harry Crossfield, as he is popular­ly known, became the father of the Trades Council. His subsequent work showed that the wisest possible choice had been made.

A call was issued for the following Friday night and in addition to Mr. Crossfield there was present James M. Thomas, the orator of White River. However, Mr. Crossfield called another meeting for the next Friday night. When the time came around there were five present besides Mr. Crossfield. These men were:

James Cavanaugh,

William Whiteman,

Con Hanley,

George Carpenter,

Peter Menard, jr.

This number was too small and nothing was done until one week later when eighteen persons assembled in the little court room, the use of which was donated by Judge Lotz and a temporary organization was formed, with Wm. Fury of the Cigar Makers' union as president and Mr. Crossfield, representing the plasterers, as secretary. With this temporary organiz­ation there were affiliated the follow­ing unions:

Hoosier Lodge No. 4 Amalgamated Association of Iron and Steel Workers.

United Green Glass Workers of United States and Canada, No. 12.

Cigar Makers' International Union, No. 308.

The Operative Plasterers.

This temporary organization lasted until February 12, 1892, when the per­manent organization was effected for the first time and the following officers were elected:

President — Benjamin F. Barbo, Cigar Makers' union.

Vice-President — Con Hanley, A. A. I. and S. W. Hoosier Lodge.

Secretary — H. E. Crossfield, Plaster­ers.

Financial Secretary — George Derrick, Bakers' and Confectioners'

Treasurer — George Carpenter, A. A. I. and S. W. Hoosier Lodge.

Sergeant-at-Arms — John Cavenaugh.

At the time of the first permanent organization, the following unions were affiliated with the Council:

Plasterers No. 83.

Green Glass Workers No. 12.

Building Laborers No. 3.

Bakers' and Confectioners' No. 130.

Flint Glass Workers No. 91.

Cigar Makers No. 308.

Carpenters and Joiners No. 592.

Hoosier Lodge No. 4, A. A. of I. and S. W.

Tailors Union No. 90.

Barbers Union No. 28.

Since that time the Trades Council has enjoyed an unbroken carreer [sic] career of success. It has been a power among the unions in Muncie and acted with a wonderful influence upon the labor problems of the day in Muncie. At the present time, the Council is composed of the unions found under another head. All the delegates are also given in another column.

The officers of the Council at present are:

President — Casper Orebaugh.

Vice-President — Mrs. Ellen Lillibridge.

Secretary — Ed. Bell.

Financials Secretary — George Derrick

Treasurer — William Getz.

Sergeant-at-Arms — Ward Mullen.

CONSTITUTION.

H. E. Crossfield, Ben Barbo, William Fury and George Carpenter composed the committee that drafted the constitution and by-laws of the Trades Council. They did their work so well that scarcely any revision has been needed since that time. The constitution is a model of business rules and fair propositions to which no one could make any objections.

TRADES COUNCIL

The List of Unions That Goes to Form

Organizations.

The Trades Council is a representative body and is composed of delegates sent from the various local unions. Below is a list of the unions that go to form the Council and the Delegates from each that represent their organizations in the general conference:

Bakers' and Confectioners' —

George Derrick,

F. Hollenback,

O. S. Tuttle.

Barbers Union —

H. H. Austin,

Grant Grooms,

John Nixon.

Building Laborers' Protective Asso­ciation. —

Walter Tyner,

Oliver Benton,

F. Denivan.

Cigar Makers' Union. —

John Shaubet,

J. C. Fox.

Carpenters' and Joiners' —

J. M. Winters,

Fred Hettle,

J. C. Weatherman,

D. H. Gracy,

W. S. Dicks,

S. F. Pipin.

A. F. G. W. U. 23. —

B. J. Grant,

Joseph Jenkins.

A. F. G. W. U. 91 —

J. Hinkley, jr.

Green Bottle Blowers' —

George Reed,

William Getz.

Iron Moulders' Union. —

J. F. Richards,

A. R. Stevens,

John Kinsley.

Musicians' Protective Association. —

Theodore Wood,

Clifford Hamilton,

Peter Dobble,

S. E. Watson,

President of the Muncie Trades Council and Secretary of the Street Railway Employes' Union.

Painters' and Decorators' 65 —

Milton Ridge,

Edward Bell,

Edward M. Seldomridge.

Retail Clerks' Union 36. —

L. A. Paris,

John Jackson,

Joel Hoyt.

Street Railway Employes. —

Casper Orebaugh,

William Griffith,

C. E. Hollinger.

Typographic Union. —

J. B. Besack,

R. A. Hettle,

W. R. Bean.

Journeyman Tailors' Union. —

Milo King.

Window Glass Workers' L. A. 300. —

Charles Montgomery,

Thomas Dixon,

Frank Green.

A. A. I. and S. W. No. 26. —

Everett Stanley.

Retail Grocery Clerks. —

John Purfurst,

William Dennis,

Elmer Hays.

Operative Plasterers' Union. —

Walter Hayworth,

J. A. Webb,

J. D. McDonald.

Womans' Union Label League. —

Mrs. Ellen Lillibridge,

Mrs. Sarah Crossfield,

Mrs. B. J. Grant,

Mrs. McDonald,

Mrs. Schwenisen.

Amalgamated Wood Workers. —

S. T. McArthur,

Grant Bisel.

William Perdien,

American Agents' Association, -—

G. P. Hayworth,

J. A. Stanford,

J. D. Oaks,

J. W. Mitchell,

A. F. G. W. U. No. 2. —

Ward Mullen.

Window Glass Workers 7329. —

Frank Howell,

Thomas Burbridge,

Harry Briggs.

A. F. G. W. U. No 115. —

Grant Sanders,

Richard Burns,

Peter Mackern,

William Pritchard.

Womans' Federal Union. —

Mrs. Spangler,

Mrs. McArthur,

Mrs. K. Gracy.

MARKED PROGRESS

Treasury Was Never In a Better

Con­dition.

The past year has been one of marked progress for the Trades Council. Never was the treasury in a better condition and never was the increase in membership so substantial. During the last twelve months the following organizations have been added on the membership books of the Trades Council:

Industry Lodge,

American Agents' Association,

Broom Makers',

Enamelers,

Womans' Federal Union,

Woman's' Union Label League,

Lathers,

Butchers,

Mixed Window Glass Workers,

Wood Workers',

Restaurant Employes.

THREE THOUSAND MEN

Form Delaware County's Union Army

According to Recent Statistics

James F. Downs of this city, Chief of the Delaware county department of the State Bureau of Statistics has furnished the following official information in regard to the secretaries of the various unions and their numeratical [sic] numerical strength. The figures were carefully compiled by Mr. Downs, who finished his work but a few days ago. They show some remarkable facts.

According to the enumeration there are 2,558 union members in Muncie alone. This leaves uncounted two or three unions on which no returns have been made yet. In addition to this there are 151 unionists in Albany and 95 in Eaton making a grand total of 2,804 union men in Delaware County. If all the returns were in the number would easily reach 3,000.

Bakers' and Confectioners' 130. —

    Secretary — George Derrick.

     Members — 12.

Cigar Makers' 308.

     Secretary — Robert Cordle.

     Members — 26.

National Association of Post Office Clerks, Branch 138. —

     Secretary — Hancie Ebright.

     Members — 2.

Muncie Branch 93 Letter Carriers —

     Secretary — K. M. Pfitzner.

     Members — 11.

Musicians' Protective Association —

     Secretary — George W. Bryant.

     Members — 57.

Bartenders' League —

     Secretary — H. B. Hayden.

     Members — 81.

Amalgamated Association of Iron and Steel Workers No. 20. —

     Secretary — O. W. Black.

     Members — 145.

A. A. I. and S. W. White Star Lodge. —

     Secretary — F. P. Evans.

     Members — 35.

A. A. I. and S. W. Unity Lodge. —

     Secretary — David J. Williams.

     Members — 92.

A. A. I. and S. W. Midland Lodge. —

     Secretary — W. H. Evans.

     Members — 113.

A. A. I. and S. W. Hoosier Lodge. —

     Secretary — Samuel Short.

     Members — 49.

Window Glass Workers' L. A. 300 K. of L. —

     Secretary — Frank Green.

     Members — 104.

Maring, Hart & Co., Preceptory Window Glass Workers' L. A. 300 K. of L. —

     Chief Preceptor — C. C. Montgomery.

     Members — 108.

Window Glass Cutters' League. —

     Secretary — William A. Bowe.

     Members — 75.

Glass Flatteners of North America. —

     Secretary — A. C. Shinn.

     Members — 26.

Glass Bottle Blowers. —

     Secretary — George Thompson.

     Members — 120.

A. F. G. W. U. No. 115 —

     Secretary — C. C. Canning.

     Members — 118.

A. F. G. W. U. No. 23 —

     Secretary — Joseph A. Jenkins.

     Members — 62.

A. F. G. W. U. No. 91 —

     Secretary — F. Hinkley, jr.

     Members — 118.

A. F. G. W. U. No. 2. —

     Secretary — A. G. Evans.

     Members — 84.

Bolt Makers Union —

     Secretary — Will Atwood.

     Members — 40.

Retail Clerks No. 210 —

     Secretary — Elmer Hayes.

     Members — 125.

Federal Labor Union No. 7056 —

     Secretary — Casper Orenbaugh.

     Members — 150.

Retail Clerks No. 66 —

     Secretary — Carl Janney.

     Members — 125.

Painters' and Decorators' No. 65. —

     Secretary — Edward Seldomridge.

     Members — 30.

Street Railway Employes' —

     Secretary — Casper Orebaugh.

     Members — 33.

Journeyman Tailors' Union 234. —

     Secretary — M. T. Schesky.

     Members — 36.

Operative Plasterers' Association 83. —

     Secretary — H. E. Crossfield.

     Members — 44.

Barbers' Local 28. —

     Secretary — H. H. Austin.

     Members — 46.

Building Laborers'

     Secretary — W. E. Tyner.

     Members — 40.

Carpenters' and Joiners' 592. —

     Secretary — S. F. Pippin.

     Members — 424.

Muncie Typographical Union 342. —

     Secretary — J. B. Besack.

     Members — 42.

Iron Moulders. —

     Secretary — John Kinsley.

     Members — 34.

Wood Workers' Union 22. —

     Secretary — S. T. McArthur.

     Members — 47.

American Agents' Association. —

     Secretary — F. M. Peck.

     Members — 60.

Window Glass Workers'

     Secretary — Frank Howell.

     Members — 37.

Lathers' Protective Union. —

     Secretary — Ralph V. Brandt.

     Members — 49.

Womans' Union Label League. —

     Secretary — Mrs. Emma Strang.

     Members — 146.

Womans' Federal Union. —

     Secretary — S. T. McArthur.

     Members — 38.

Broom Makers' Union. —

     Secretary — Frank Penny.

     Members — 48.

Magic City Enamelers. —

     Secretary —

     Members — 26.

A. A. I. and S. W. Industry Lodge. —

     Secretary — M. F. Downs.

     Members — 34.

Restaurant Employes —

     Secretary — Frank Hill.

     Members — 20.

Brick Layers' Union —

     Secretary — Harry Wolf.

     Members — 35.

BUILDING TRADES

A Potent Factor Among Labor

Organizations of City.

The Building Trades Council is of later origin than the Trades Council and its scope is necessarily not so large, but it has nevertheless become a potent factor among the labor organ­izations of Muncie. Including as it does all the workmen whose employ­ment is in connection with building work, it binds its members together not only by the tie of unionism but by that of a common and direct interest in one line of work, thus making the need of co-operation self evident.

The Building Trades Council was first organized in November 1892 by the following delegates from five unions:

Carpenters' and Joiners —

John Hutchings,

Adam Rischer.

Plumbers' Union —

Will Hankin.

Plasterers' —

Minor Walden.

H. E. Crossfield.

Jabiel Gabriel.

Hod Carriers' Union —

Rufus Mann.

Painters and Decorators' —

John Phillips.

Rufus Mann served as the first secretary of the Council and Harry Crossfield as the first walking delegate. These officers served from Noivember of 1892 until May of 1893. At this time the Building Trades Council went to pieces as a result of the famous carpenters' strike which resulted disastrously for all the unions affiliated with the Building Trades Council.

For a number of years, no successful attempt was made to revive the Council. In July 1898, an effort was begun and this finally culminated in May 1899 when the council was reorganized. In July of this year the Building Trades Council received a charter from the National Building Trades Council and thus was officially recognized by the general union that controls the building organizations of the country. The following officers were the first to be elected under the new regime and they are still in office:

President — S. T. McArthur.

Vice-President — Edward Bell

Recording Secretary — W. T. Hayworth

Financial Secretary — Waltre E. Tyner.

Treasurer — E.W. Naville.

Sergeant-at-Arms — J. D. McDonald.

AFFILIATED UNIONS.

The Building Trades Council is composed of representatives from the affiliated unions. Below is given a list of these unions and their delegates:

Building Laborers' Union —

W. E. Tyner.

Peter Donavan.

W. H. Horton.

T. Jaurdon.

A. Alred.

Lathers' Union —

Bert Branch.

G. Cupp.

Will Alman.

Amalgamated Association of Wood Workers —

W. Perdieu.

S. T. McArthur.

Grant Bisel.

W. H. Crapmpton.

W. W. Carter.

Painters' and Decorators' 65. —

Ed Bell.

Edward Seldomridge.

R. W. Jones.

Charles Carter.

John McIlvane.

Operative Plasterers Union —

W. T. Hayworth

E. W. Naville.

Birch Davis.

Charles Gabriel.

J. B. McDonald.

PROSPECTS AND HOME.

While only five unions are at present associated with the Building Trades Council, there is every prospect that this number will be increased in the near future. The carpenters and ma­sons will soon join, as will every other union that is elegible [sic] elligible.

The quarters of the Building Trades Council are at present located in the Johnson building where a suite of room [sic] rooms is leased for holding meetings. These rooms are commodious and well adapted to the purpose.

Secretary-Treasurer Steinbiss of the National Building Trades Council recently paid a visit to Muncie and was greatly pleased at the outlook in this vicinity. He complimented the union in high terms and said that the body of men here were the best that he had ever had the pleasure of organizing.