CHAPTER IV

MAIDEN EFFORTS ON THE ECONOMIC FIELD

The situation at the close of the first convention 113

Progress during the first year 114

Activities among A. F. of L. locals 115

Friction with Federation unions 116

Practical compromises with the craft-union idea 118

Internal dissension 120

Breakdown of the Metals and Machinery Department 122

Defection of the Western Federation of Miners 122

Early strikes and strike activities 123

Strike policies 124

The New Jersey Socialist Unity Conference 125

The discussion on socialism and the trade unions 127

The Unity Conference resolutions 128

The second I. W. W. convention 129

Growth in membership 130

The Industrial Departments 131