THE IOWA STATE FEDERATION OF LABOR BY LORIN STUCKEY SUBMITTED TO THE FACULTY OF THE GRADUATE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE IOWA CITY, IOWA PREFACE The State has rarely been taken as the unit for the scientific study of the labor movement in America. There are reasons, however, for regarding it as a logical and convenient area for the investigation of certain phases of that movement, and for anticipating that a series of monographs will yet be written on organized labor in the several commonwealths. The following pages are presented as a contribution to the history of organized labor in Iowa. They do not purport to cover the entire field; but are concerned quite strictly with one organization, entirely within the boundaries of Iowa, but State-wide in its ramifications, and representative of a wide range of crafts and industries. As a background for this study, it was thought desirable to review briefly the earlier history of organized labor in Iowa, including the rise of trade unionism and the ephemeral career of the Knights of Labor. The central purpose, however, has been to set forth clearly and systematically the history, structure and government, policies, and influence of the Iowa State Federation of Labor. It is impossible to make adequate mention of all of the assistance rendered by interested friends, but the thanks of the writer are due to Professor P. S. Peirce for patient and painstaking assistance and scholarly suggestions at all times. Mr. A. L. Urick, Mr. J. H. Strief, Mr. A. E. Holder, and Mr. John T. Clarkson have read the manuscript carefully, and have made many valuable suggestions. Information concerning the Knights of Labor in Iowa has been secured largely through the kindness of Mr. W. H. Winsor, who loaned the writer his private diary, and placed several copies of the proceedings of the meetings of the Knights of Labor in Iowa in the library of the State Historical Society of Iowa, at Iowa City; and from Mr. Matthew Cowden, Jr. Furthermore, this monograph would scarcely have been possible had it not been for the loyal assistance of former students and the constant help and encouragement of my wife. LORIN STUCKEY State University of Iowa |