Chicago Daily Tribune

THE CIGAR-MAKERS.

A special meeting of the Cigar-Makers' Union No. 11 was held yesterday afternoon at No. 45 North Clark street, Mr. Fred Elliott in the chair, for the purpose of discussing the best means to ameliorate the condition of the laboring man, and the advisability of establishing co-operative shops, and to amalgamate the two Cigar-Makers' Unions in this city.

Mr. Beichler made a few remarks about the necessity of consolidation. Mr. Kelby spoke of the evils arising from trades-unions taking part in political issues. They could better their condition much more by establishing more effective unions to be prepared to fight their antagonists more effectually.

Mr. M. Danbeam stated that the strike at Goldsmith Brothers was at an end, the firm having agreed to re-employ the Union men at the old wages. The firm also promised to furnish a list of all non-Union men in their employ who kept at work during the strike.

Several of those present were dissatisfied because Goldsmith employed non-Union men at lower wages than were paid to Union men. This, it was thought, would create a conflict, and may cause further trouble.

Mr. Danbeam did not think there was a necessity for alarm on this account. The non-Union man would soon find out that it will be to their advantage to join the Union, and they would do so, and thus get the benefit of the higher rate paid to Union men.

Mr. Kooth was of the opinion that nothing could help the workingmen except political action. If the workingmen did not act politically they could never obtain their rights. Strikes and co-operative systems would, in his opinion, do no good at all.

Mr. Julius Heck said they had first to look to the causes that brought about their deplorable condition, and find out, then what remedies were necessary. There must be a reduction of the hours of labor, the truck system needs rectifying, child-labor must be abolished, and other things done to make the condition of workingmen tolerable. And this legislation could not be secured unless the laboring men took part in the political issues and help to elect such men as would bring about the desired changes in the laws.

Mr. Kolby was opposed to strikes as much as anybody, but circumstances will arise occasionally that make strikes necessary. They were continually battling against the strong and powerful, and these must be fought with their own weapons. If they had co-operative shops, those out of employment could earn a living without being supported by the Unions, and thus preserve their manhood. There were some manufacturers who would always pay good wages to good men, but there were a few bad men against whom they had to continually buck. These men must be fought with their own weapons, or they would take advantage of their employes whenever an opportunity offers.

After some further discussion, it was decided to postpone the matter of consolidating and strengthening the Unions at the regular Union meetings, and an adjournment was had.