First Sentence

"Gentlemen: The undersigned Executive Council of the American Federation of Labor, and those accompanying us in the presentation of this document, submit to you the subjects matter of the grievances which the workmen of our country feel by reason of the indifferent position which Congress of the United States has manifested toward the just, reasonable and necessary measures which have been before it these past several years, and which particularly affect the interests of the working people, as well as by reason of the administrative acts of the executive branches of this Government and the legislation of the Congress relating to these interests."