Knights of Labor movement from the beginning and were extensively organized thereunder. They were, however, among the first to break away from that movement and join the ranks of the craft unionists. At the instigation of the organization of painters in Baltimore, Md., a conference was called in that city on March 15, 1887. This meeting was attended by representatives of Knights of Labor assemblies and independent craft unions to the number of 13. From this conference emerged the Brotherhood of Painters and Decorators. A journal was started the first year. In 1890, the name was changed to include the paper hangers, and the title then adopted remains the official name of the organization.
A division of interests between the locals of the East and of the Middle West crystallized into a conflict over the location of permanent headquarters, which up to 1894 had been in Baltimore. The result was a schism and the organization of the western faction into a new body. Both organizations functioned independently, the insurgent western group soon outstripping the parent union in membership and aggressiveness. In 1900 the executives of both groups met with representatives of the American Federation of Labor in Washington, and secured an adjustment which again brought them together as one organization. Headquarters were retained by the western group at LaFayette, Ind.
Originally composed exclusively of house painters and decorators, the brotherhood has extended its scope to the entire field of painting as well as paper hanging and the decorative arts, and by so doing has absorbed into its own membership the United Scenic Artists, the National Paperhangers' Association, the National Union of Sign Painters, and the Amalgamated Glass Workers' International Union (stained and decorative glass workers).
Objects. — The objects of this association are: The aiding of members to become more skillful and efficient workers; the promotion of their general intelligence; the elevation of their character; the regulation of wages, hours, and conditions of labor ; the cultivation of friendship among the members of the association and the rendering of assistance in securing employment; the promotion of their individual rights in the prosecution of their trade or trades ; the raising of funds for the benefit of sick, disabled, or unemployed members; and the families of deceased members who continuously complied with our laws ; and such other objects for which working people may lawfully combine, having in view their mutual protection and benefit."
Territorial jurisdiction. — United States and Canada.
Trade jurisdiction. — "The Brotherhood of Painters, Decorators, and Paperhangers of America shall have jurisdiction of all house, sign, pictorial, coach, car, automobile, carriage, aircraft, machinery, ship and railroad equipment painters; over all decorators, paper hangers, hardwood finishers; grainers, glaziers, varnishers, enamelers, gilders, and scenic artists ; over all men engaged in applying or removing paints, oils, varnishes, water colors, wall paper or other materials used in the various branches of the trade, and over all glass workers, to wit : Setters of art glass, prism glass, leaded glass and protection glass, bevelers, cutters, glaziers in lead or other metals, shade workers, sllverers, scratch polishers, embossers, engravers, designers, painters on glass, chippers, mosaic workers, benders, cementers, flat glass or wheel cutters and other workers In glass used in the construction of buildings or for architectural or decorative purposes ; and shall be comprised of an unlimited number of local unions, district councils, and other subordinate bodies, subject to its laws and usages."
Government. — 1. General executive board, composed of president, six vice presidents, exercises " general supervision over the affairs of the brotherhood."
2. District councils, composed of delegates from all local unions within a
given jurisdiction, " shall have legislative and executive power on all matters