40) SG to FT, September 20, 1897.
Sept. 20th, 1897.
Mr. Fusataro Takano
#31 Oiwake St.,
Komagome, Hongo, Tokyo, Japan.
Dear Sir and friend:--
Your favor of the 3rd inst. with article came duly to hand. It is indeed very interesting, but received here too late to go into the October issues of our labor journals, hence it will be necessary to keep it a week or so. I trust, however, that you may continue to write your articles so that they may be published monthly without interruption hereafter.
I was very much impressed with the report of the meetings you describe as having been held and the prospect of bringing about a better method of organization among the workers of your country. Of course, it is needless for me to say that it is indeed a pleasure to learn that any matter which I have written and has appeared in the American Federationist, has by a coincidence been of some value in your effort to bring about unity of action among the workers of Japan. The article which you refer to bearing upon the right of public meeting and free speech must have been entirely appropriate at the meeting which you addressed, more particularly in view of the fact of the police surveillance of your meeting. This is certainly an indication that your movement is growing in importance. When it shall not only be requisite to agitate for organization, but the workers to organize, they will command the respect of those in authority and compel fair and decent treatment at their hands. I presume you have learned that the Miners have won a very great victory. This is the first increase in wages that they have secured in a number of years. For a long period it has been nothing but reductions after reductions in wages. The wages were 54 cents per ton; they demanded a 69 cent rate. They agreed to a 65 ct. rate, which was an increase of 11 cents per ton. The Miners' representatives will meet the Mine operators in December, and then jointly agree upon a mining rate for the coming year. Of course, you understand that the different mining districts have a differential in the rate, that is as the veins run thicker or otherwise, the rate being based upon the so-called Pittsburg district.
I presume you will be somewhat interested in the appearance of the September issue of the American Federationist, a copy of which you have no doubt received before this. I presume, too, that you have also received the money order for $11.00 forwarded to you some two weeks ago. Yes, there is a very much better outlook at the present time among the workers for organization in this country. I think we are on the road to a revival in organized labor.
Do not fail to let me hear from you soon, and let me repeat the request for the monthly article reaching here regularly.
With the sincere wish for every success to you and the movement of labor throughout the civilized world, I am, with kindest regards and best wishes,
Yours fraternally,
Samuel Gompers.
President A.F. of L.