On Monday, May 23d, the Conference of the Building Trades met and
modified the platform of principles which had been adopted May 19th. The
principle change was in eliminating the clause requiring employes to
_sign_ the code of principles, and making it necessary only for them to
"_assent to_" them. The platform as amended was as follows:
1. From this time forth the assent to the following code of
principles by the employe be made a universal condition of
employment by all building interests of Chicago--viz.:
I recognize the right of every man to decide for himself, when he
shall work or cease to work, where he shall work, for whom he shall
work, how many hours he shall work, and for what wages he shall
work.
I recognize the right of every employer to decide for himself, whom
he shall employ or cease to employ; to regulate and manage his
business with perfect independence, provided only that he deal
lawfully, justly and honorably with all men.
I recognize the right of every father to have his son taught, and
of every son to learn, any lawful trade, to be the same as his
right to a knowledge of reading, writing, or any other branch of
learning, which should be subject to regulation only by the laws of
the land.
By accepting of employment I agree in all my relations and
intercourse with my employers and fellow workmen, to maintain and
live up to these principles.
2. That this conference recommend to our respective organizations
to request each of its members to employ such workmen only who
recognize the inalienable rights as above set forth.
3. That public announcement be made at once that business will be
resumed on or before June 1, 1887, with this code of principles as
a basis.
4. That a standing committee of one member from each of the
building trades, the Chicago Real Estate board, and the Illinois
State Association of Architects, to be known as the Central Council
of the Building Interests of Chicago, be appointed, whose duty it
shall be to see to the carrying out of these principles; that it
shall have a sub-committee of safety, whose province it shall be to
see that ample protection to all is afforded; with sub-committees
on grievances, strikes, arbitrations and such as may be found
necessary, but that it work always and solely for the maintenance
and protection of the principles herein laid down.
5. That an address to the working men of the building trades and to
the general public be prepared, setting forth your action and your
reasons therefor; that fifty thousand copies be printed and
immediately distributed.
6. That a fund be created to defray the expenses of this Central
Council, and that we request each association here represented to
transmit to the order of George Tapper, chairman, the sum of 25
cents for each of their members, and that individual contributions
of people interested in this work be accepted.
The officers of the National Association of Builders were present, and
through Mr. Sayward congratulated the builders of Chicago for the noble
stand that had been taken in the cause of individual liberty, adding
that the whole country was looking to Chicago for a solution of the
question of labor.