Waterbury Democrat., 1901-12-17
RESOLUTIONS PRESENTED.
What Federation of Labor Had to Say
 on Socialism.

What Federation of Labor Had to Say
 on Socialism.
 At the last session of the Federation of Labor at Scranton the committee on resolutions having charge of the twelve resolutions on socialism, made it's report as follows:
 The aims, desires and aspirations of trade unionists comprise all that is ne- cessary or possible to the well-being of the human family, and in the pursuit of accomplishment of which we cheer fully accept, and in fact desire all the assistance which can be given our movement by those reform forces which stand for the betterment of mankind. In this position we are in close relation to the greater body of socialists, and with them agree that not only should the burdens of toll be made lighter, but that each worker has an undeniable right to enjoy the full benefit of that which he or she produces.
 We like their stand for greater lib erty and we are determined to so act that the future shall be more congenial to the whole human family, and es- pecially more bright and enjoyable to men and women bread winners of North America whom We directly and indirectly represent.
 It is true, nevertheless. that in fur therance of our claim. namely that our principles comprise the fullest and highest scope of human activity and from time to time will be enhanced and advanced in accordance with the demands to satisfy human needs and desires, the people we represent, the working class, hold different views on the best methods of furthering the de sired end, even though there is little difference among them as to the desira- bility of the position we hope to at tain.
 We unhesitatingly announce that the trade union movement theory repre- sented is the most practical, safe and legitimate channel through which the workingmen and women of North America should not only continue to seek redress for their wrongs, but by which they can strengthen their eco homie position until it will control the political field and thereby place labor in full possession of its inherent rights.
 We declare that since the inception of our movement inquiry into the best form of government has been it's guid- ing star, and will so continue while there is high moral desire to gratify or an injustice to correct.
 Our meetings. local and national, are now. and always have been, free to the discussion of any legitimate eco homie or political question, but on the other hand, are as equally pronounced against parties and politics, religious decisions or race prejudices, and as success has followed those meritorious conclusions, we would be unfaithful to the duty we owe mankind to do other than strongly recommend continu- ance of the methods. the medication of which means the greatest amount of safety to our movement with the least degree of danger.
 Tn conclusion we assert it is the duty of all trade unions to publish in their official journals, to discuss in their meetings and the members to study in their homes all questions of public na- ture having reference to industrial or political liberty and to give special consideration to subjects directly af- fecting them as a class: but we as wig orously submit that it is not within the power of this organization to die tate to members of our unions to which political party they shall belong o1 Hhich party's ticket they shall yote.