American Flint Glass Workers' Union - Organization Efforts

Progress of Organization.

MUNCIE, IND., Jan. 8. - At no time in the history of the A. F. G. W. U. have there been more non-union factories organized in the gas belt, and elsewhere, as in the last year. Much credit is due our officers and especially to the organizers who have been touring the different localities throughout the country where non-unionism exists. They have bettered the conditions of many workmen, some of whom never before knew of the fruits and benefits of organized labor. With the assistance of the labor press, it can safely be predicted that 1900 will close with all non-union factories in the fold with the union.

In the past four or five years we had to combat with the power of concentrated capital, reinforced by labor-saving machinery, and cheap forms of distributions, all tending to demoralize and weaken the power of organization. That we have been enabled to withstand the combined attack of such forces and increase our numerical and financial strength, despite the fact that our officers and organizers have been handicapped by the biased and adverse decisions of courts, is a marvelous record which bodes great things for the future.

Look where we are now - one of the strongest organizations in the country, and then think what we might be if the two trades would be in one complete organization.

The Muncie Glass Co. have shut down for a few days, making repairs. They are running a little short of gas at the present time.

The C. H. Over window plant had a close call Saturday night from being consumed by fire. All the foot board at the swing hole was burned away, and but for the timely arrival of the Ball Bros., and Hemingray fire apparatus, the plant would undoubtedly have been destroyed.

Sam Hill, the popular presser of Ball Bros., No. 2 factory, is thinking seriously of working in double harness. It is said his better half will be one of Tiffin's fairest belles. We wish him success.

A. J. Evans is able to be on duty again after a lay off with a sore hand. - It is rumored that C. N. Edmonds, our worthy executive officer, is about to accept a position as general manager of the Wilson & McColoch plants at Marion, Converse and Fairmount. We wish him success. But if he accepts the position, the trade will lose one of its staunchest officers.

The Muncie Trades Council are making elaborate preparations for the concert to be held in the grand opera house Sunday 14, for the workingmen's library fund. One of the features of the concert will be the three bands of Muncie combined. We sincerely hope that every laboring man in Muncie will attend, to make it a financial success.

John Dallison, the well-known flint of No. 2 factory, was united in marriage to Miss May Dale, one of the most charming young ladies of Muncie. We all wish John a successful voyage in his new venture of life. - RUB.