AFGWU Convention ends; Banquet attended by LU 23 members

CONVENTION

Big Day’s Business for

the Visitors

ENDS WITH BANQUET

Nearly 200 Covers Served —

Im­pressive Oratory.

Greens Refuse to Appoint a Committee on

Almalgamation [sic] Amalgamation Causing a Sensation —

Several Additional Reports Made

— Day in General.

Several interesting reports were made at the Flint Glass Workers' International convention yesterday, some from committees, but probably the most in­teresting feature of the day's proceed­ings was information that came in the form of a telegram to the convention from the Green Glass Workers' meet­ing in Atlantic City. This Information came during the morning, and was to the effect that the convention there had failed to elect a committee to meet with the committee selected by the Muncie convention to decide the matter of amalgamation.

The Information came like a thunderclap to the convention, and when the noon adjournment came the delegates spread the information among green glass workers, many of whom express­ed great disappointment.

THE TOASTMASTER.

One prominent "green" stated that there would most likely be a vote of the trade called for, and if so the 3,500 members would vote down the action of the seventy-odd delegates, and order President Hayes to name a committee to meet with the one selected by the Flints.

This seems to be the end of the am­algamation scheme for the present, at least.

During the day several committees reported. The pressed ware committee recommended an increase of 10 per cent and the shade committee demanded a 5 per cent increase in the wage scale. During the afternoon a special committee which had been sent out reported, recommending that there be only a lim­ited number of shades made during the coming year.

The iron molders' committee report­ed, making recommendations for changes in several numbers, but

NO ADVANCE IN WAGES

Was requested. During the afternoon the prescription ware, or bottle blow­ers' committee, reported, and at the time of closing the meeting it was being discussed by the convention. The re­port makes a number of suggestions on matters of importance with which this trade has to deal at this time, because of labor troubles. A vigorous plan was recommended for the non-union con­cerns.

President Smith made no statement as to the wage question in the report.

There will be reports galore today from the different committees that have not yet reported, and the special committees will be charged with their work.

The indications now are that the convention will conclude its work to­morrow evening, though it may be nec­essary to keep at it until Friday.

LAST NIGHT'S BANQUET.

What Happened at Shirk's Hall — Feast of

Oratory and Eatables.

The last of the events of the past ten days with reference to the entertainment of the visiting delegates at the Flint Glass Workers' convention oc­curred last night in Shirk's hall, in the form of a banquet to the visiting dele­gates and a few invited persons, and it proved a momentous occasion.

There were two hundred covers laid and a great flow of oratory was listened to from the toastmakers at the conclusion of the splendid dinner.

There were no decorations in the hall except the display of "Welcome A. F G. W. U.," flags from the chandeliers and the display of potted plants on the tables adding enchantment to the ap­pearance of the hall. The tables were covered with new linen and the fine ap­pearance of the delegates and those in­vited made the affair attractive to the eye while the excellent music and the big bill of fare with the flow of oratory did the rest.

The tables numbered six with the head table near the foot of the orches­tra rostrum, seated at which were the toast master, guests of honor and speakers. Those seated at this table were Mrs. Lillibridge and Mrs. Crossfield, National officers of the Womans International Union Label League.

President W. J. Smith.

Walter L. Ball.

Edward M. White.

Judge Joseph G. Leffler.

Congressman G. W. Cromer.

Editor Gauding, of the Pittsburg Commoner.

Assistant Secretary Clair.

Police Commissioners Victor E. Silverburg, Dr. Frank Jackson and C. R. Heath.

Superintendent Cashmore.

Captain Turner.

Secretary Kuntzler.

Vice-President Smart.

National Organizer Rowe.

Seated at table number two was the general reception committee with Chairman Edmonds who was one of the speakers at the head. The committee consisted of the following:

LOCAL UNION NO. 2.

C. N, Edmunds.

John Fitzgibbon.

William Finley.

A. Burkhardt.

F. E. Duke.

J. Creamer.

J. Clark.

W. Mullen.

LOCAL UNION NO. 23.

T. J. McElheron.

James Sullivan.

James Burke.

Charles Curtis.

Alf Mecham.

John Sullivan.

Charles Jenkins.

George Brunning.

LOCAL UNION NO. 91.

James McMonagle.

F. Gass.

C. Schehan.

C. Canning.

George Willson.

S. Hudson.

J. Spence.

Ed Gottloeb.

With the committee were seated sev­eral delegates. The delegates and vis­itors were met at the door and seated by hustling members of the committee and during the time of arrivals the Indiana orchestra entertained those present with most excellent music. The orchestra consisted of the following players:

J. F. Givens, leader.

Charles McCaughan, second violin.

Prof. ALfreed Damm, violin.

Elijah Ward, bass.

Ernest Summers, clarionet.

J. A. Hoyt, first cornet.

U. G. Sanders, second cornet.

Theo. Woods, trombone.

John Eskew, drums.

It was 9 o'clock when the first course of the banquet was served. The service was rendered by the lady members of the Union Label League, who were paid for each plate served. The committee furnished everything. The services could not have been more excellent and the caterer exercised his best efforts.

The following menu was served:

Wine

Cold Ham, Prescription Style.

Kalamazoo Celery. English Gherkins.

French Potato Salad.

Brown Bread.

Chicken, a la Dewey.

Flints' Saratoga Chips.

South Side Slaw (Cream) a la Amalgamation (Chicken Dressing)

Cream Bread.

Cold Tongue, Pressed.

Queen Olives

Gthered [sic] Gathered Cheese Straws.

Mold Makers' Tomatoes, Sliced.

Blowed Java.

Cakes Assorted.

Strawberry, a la Smith.

Cocoanut, a la Kuntzler.

Chocolate Layer Cake of Union Labels.

Ice Cream.

Peach, al la Clare.

Bisque, Past Mold.

                                                       Milk                                      Ice Tea.

Fruit.

                                                       Peaches                                Bananas.

The "Prescription Style," "South Side Slaw," "Mold Mkers' Tomatoes," "Past Mold" and names of officers used in the program were novel conceptions of the committee in charge.

The chairman of the banquet committee was Samuel J. Hudson who has proven himself to be a hustler from way back and Muncie is proud to have such citizens.

Hon Walter L. Ball as toastmaster of the occasion proved a happy selec­tion, the wit be displayed in the intro­ducing of speakers being a feature of the program in his opening remarks introductory to the occasion. Mr. Ball paid high tribute to the visiting dele­gates and organized labor in general. He referred to the banquet an example of now the union men never do things by halves and said that the only limit placed upon the guests was "not to eat and drink less than you want." Further he said "Don't permit your sons to grow to manhood with a trade and education for society. Don't make him a gentleman without vocation. A man who would press down upon the heart of labor, is an unfair citizen. I think there is now in course of operation things that will take away from capital, thing that justly belong to la­bor and when it does come, we will prove to be the greatest country on the globe. Stand for labor to organize and you will have a triumphant end."

The toastmaster then introduced Judge Joseph G. Leffler, who had been booked for a toast, but because of the forced

ABSENCE OF MAYOR TUHEY

Caused by sickness, Judge Leffler was selected as acting mayor. He said: "I find that I have been transfered from a place on the program as a private citizen to that of acting mayor. I desire to extend to you a hearty welcome about this festive board in a great city always ready to honor and dignify organized labor and honest toil; a city that knows such men are a benefit to the community and honor to the nation; a city that knows such men are producers in peace and defenders in time of war. In behalf of the city which is the seat of organized labor we greet you and hope that you will come again. As acting mayor, I gladly turn the keys over to you for your pleasure during the remained of your stay." Three cheers followed the remarks.

President Smith was the next speaker introduced and he grew quite enthusiastic while describing the birth of organized labor and that of his union.

"To those unfamiliar with organized labor, the subject of tonight is dry, but those who have marched with the pro­cession In triumphs and defeats it is quite interesting." President Smith then refered [sic] referred to the accomplishments of the union over which he presides, and cited several struggles the union has gone through. One in particular was the great strike at the United States Glass works at Gas City where the struggle was carried on for four years, at an outlay of a million dollars and the loss of three times that amount in wages. The union won the day, and the good that will stand as a monument of the victory more than atones for the outlay. The principal fight against the union now is in some localities where manufacturers refuse to grant the right for their employes to organize. The speaker stated that some things look dark to him, but then he remembers how the slave

QUESTION WAS SETTLED

When there were those who contended that it was impossible. The reconstruc­tion measures were likewise quickly settled, and so will the one that is of such importance to organized labor at this time with machinery and trusts as the opponents. At this point the speaker paid a high tribute to the Womans Union Label League proposing the fol­lowing toast in conclusion: "The Womans Union Label League, may it in­crease in numbers until the wives, sis­ters, mothers and daughters of every toiler in the land are bound to .., and it will then have the power it deserves."

Hon. George W. Cromer was the next speaker. He made the excuse that he is no after dinner speaker and then proceeded with one of his characteristic speeches in behalf of organized labor. The introduction he received at the hands of the toastmaster caused the speaker to compare his feelings with those of a man who was compelled to ride to the funeral of his wife with his mother-in-law as "it destroys the en­joyment of the occasion." Mr. Cromer referred to the open display of good fel­lowship among the delegates here, and stated that never before has he experi­enced such signs of friendship among any secret organizations as are shown among these union men. He said: "Sociability is the chief aim in life. With brotherhood your chief aim in life, you will continue to march across the continent until the signs above all non-union shops have been removed and when that is done your good work will have been accomplished. No lodge ever succeeded so well as since the auxiliaries were organized by the women.

"I have never said much about government injunction, but I hope to God you will win that case in circuit court in our adjoining county east of here." This remark caused the wildest cheering.

H. W. Gauding, travelling representative of the Pittsburg Commoner was next introduced and after

PAYING A HIGH TRIBUTE

To the appearance of the delegates recited interesting facts about the organization from personal observances, and advocated a stronger tie among the organizations. His works were well received.

Prosecutor Edward White was next introduced, and proved to be the right person in the right place. He did not explain his absence from the glass workers as being through fear of having to prosecute any of hem, but did say: "You have surprised me by your fine conduct and gentlemanly ways at all times."

Like the Irishman, Mr. White said, he had no subject to talk about, and he de­time he complimented the organization represented, and and other labor unions, remarking that they are most admired where best known, and expressed hope that the day was not far distant when the only sign that blasphemes unionism in Muncie shall be removed. "The un­ion labor man can get trusted where the man not a unionist can not in the stores. Then, why should we not most desire this class of citizens?" argued the speaker. "This is a great meeting and feast, but not too great."

The next speakers were Mrs. Crossfield and Mrs. Lillibridge, representa­tives of the national organization of the Woman's Union Label League. Mrs. Crossfield, the national organizer, talk­ed at length, and commanded the at­tention of the big audience. She proved able to do honor to the high position she holds.

CHAIRMAN BANQUET COMMITTEE

The remarks of Mrs. Lillibridge came next, and were fallowed by Charles N. Edmonds, chairman of the local com­mittee on entertainment. At the con­clusion of his remarks three

CHEERS WERE GIVEN

For the work of the committee by the visiting delegates. They could not be misunderstood. He urged the delegates to go home, and talk Union Label League to their wives and daughters. Hon. James Morrison, of Anderson, was on the program, but begged to be excused, and Mr. Ball closed the events with a few remarks. This was after the midnight hour.