The age-herald., 1901-12-15
American Federation of Labor Makes a Stradd|e of the
 Question of Socialism
COMMITTEE ON AUTONOMY
Where There Are Only Few Craftsmen It Is to Their Interest to Join the Best Paramount
 Organization.

 ican Federation of Labor at this after noon's session, put itself on record on trade autonomy and socialism.
 In brief the special committee on auton- omy recommended for large industrial concerns where there are only few craftsmen that the best interests of all would be conserved by the few joining the best paramount organization possible in such establishment, and the promulga- tion of sub-divided crafts into district and national trade councils, where all dis putes should be settled. The recommen- dations of the committee were unani- mously adopted without remark being made
 The miners, who have favored indus trial autonomy, and who have put that principle into effect in the mines, looked upon it as a victory, while the brewery workmen, pressmen and longshoremen saw some concessions in the report. Some declare that the report was a 'straddle" and that the question would come up again. The recommendations of the com mittee's report are as follows:
 The Best Organization.
 l. As the magnificent growth of the American Federation of Labor is conced- ed by all students of economic thought to be the result of organization in trade lines and believing it neither necessary nor exYedieAt to make any radical de- parture from this fundamental principle, we declare that as general proposition the interests of the workers will be best os. oIa f0 hat doctrine as the recent great changes in methods of production and employment make practicable. Owing to the isolation of some industries from thiclkly populated centers, where the overwhelming number follow one branch thereof we believe that jurisdiction in such industries by the par amount organization would yield the best. fresults to the workers tll rein. This is not intended to mean a reversal of any decision rendered by former executive councils or previous conventions on ques- tions of jurisdiction.
 2. We hold that the interests of the trade union movement will be promoted by closely allaying the sub-divided craft. giving consideration to amalgamation and to the organization of district na- tional trade councils. to which should be referred questions in dispute and which should be adjusted within allied craft lines. .'.s't..-'
 Not Antagonize Union Laws.
 3. The American Federation of Labor being a voluntary association cannot di- rect and should not adopt methods antag- onistic to or in conflict with established trade union laws. The American Fedora tion of Labor pledged Its offices to aid and assist in the adjustment of such craft encroachments as disputants may be willing to submit to its arbitrament.''
 i. e. ty..x. Nf kN-1 G. t-I&. lNI- A~<. 4@ attack the sub-resolution was the sur prise of the day. The substitute was adopted by a large majority. It is as fol- lows:
 Text of Resolution.
 The aims and desires and aspirations of trade unionists comprise all that is necessary or possible to the well-being of the human family, and we desire all the assistance which can be given by those reform forces which stand for the betterment of mankind. We are in close relationship to the greater body of So- cialists, and with them agree that not only should the burdens of toll be made lighter. but that each worker has an un- deniable right to enjoy the full benefit that he or she produces. We, like them, stand for greater liberty, and are deter mined so to act that the future shall be more congenial to the whole human fam
 
 joyable to men and women bread-earners of North America, whom we directly and indirectly represent.
 Hold Different Views.
 The people we represent. the working class, hold different views on the best method of furthering the desired end, even although there is little difference among them as to the desrability to the positions we hope to attain. We un- hesitatingly announce that the trades union movement theory represented is the most practicable, safe and legitimate channel through which the working men and women of North American should not only continue to seek redress for their wrongs but by which they can strength en their economic position until 1t will control the political field, and thereby | place labor in full possession of it's in- herited rights.
 We declare that since the inception of our movement inquiry into the best form | of government has been its guiding star, and will so continue. Our meetings. To- l cal and national, are now and always l have been free to the discussions of any legitimate economic or political question and on the other hand are as equally pro- nounced against parties and politics, re- | ligious decisions or race prejudices, and | as success has followed these meritorious l conclusions, we would be unfaithful to the duty we owe to mankind to do other | than strongly recommend continuance | of the methods, the medication of which means the greatest amount of safety to | our movement, with the least degree of danger.
 Study Public Questions. | In Conclusion we assert 1t is the duty | of all trade unions to publish in their of ficial journals, to discuss it in their meet ings and the members to study in their homes, all questions of public nature having reference to industrial or political | liberty, aud to give such consideration to subjects directly affecting them as class, but we as grieviously submit that | it is not within the power of this organ