The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1901-09-07
gates on account Of their personal poll
tical affiliations.

gates on account Of their personal poll
tical affiliations.
They, however, pleaded for the admis-
sion of Mr.. Sanial as the representative
of something entirely different from 4
trade union Among the Socialist dele
gates might be named Mr. Thomas J.
Morgan. Mr.. August ;Delabar. Mr.. Ern-
est Bohm and Mr.. August Braunsch-
weig; though the latter three have
since become converts to the trade un-
ion methods CT the American Fedora
ton of Labor.
Attacks and fierce denunciations Of
the policy Of the American Federation
of Labor were INDUCED in by several of
the Socialist delegates. Feeling ran ex-
ceedingiy high. The contest was the
more exciting 70 me because perceived
during the course of debate that many
of the delegates were unaware of the
tactics in opposition to trade unions
practiced by the Socialist political party
In order to give them clear idea OF
this bitter prejudice, it was necessary
for me to take very active part in the
proceedings.
AAACAC "NAS uCAC5oSCo ~ CSCut u VOL
ious and no political beliefs; yet all ex-
cept the Socialists were agreed that
neither political utilization nor religious
creed nor racial differences should be
permitted to interfere with their work
on economic lines as trade unionists.
Yet so tactful and subtle was the
attack on the one side and so general
the lack of suspicion on the other, that
the trade union movement was threat
ened with the ENGRAVING upon the
American Federation of Labor of po-
litical incubus which would have great
ly crippled its power for good, If not
have ruined it altogether.
In order to reach a decision a COM
mittee was appointed, consisting of
Frank X. Foster, w. J. Shields, John
B. Lennon, w. j. Cannon and Frank
L. Rist, before whom all parties in in
terest appeared. This was after the
whole matter had been pretty thor
oughly discussed on the floor Of the
convention.
The committee submitted careful
ly prepared report sustaining the &C.
ton of the president. in refusing the
charter to the New York Fedora ton
of Labor, so long as it admitted polit-
1cal representatives.. declaring against
the seating of Mr.. Sanial as a repre-
sentative of the Socialist Labor Party
and making the following general dec
| laration, which has stood the test OF
time, and has been the keynote for thu
] maintenance and continuance of the
| strict trade union policy by the Amer.
lean Federation Of Labor ever since.
I'VE recognize, however, that men Of
different schools or reform though
seek to arrive at the same end by diff,
ferent roads. This right of difference
must be considered. This is the logica
outcome of variation of circumstances
birth, education and temperament.
1--WE affirm the trade union move
ment to be the legitimate channe
through which wage-earners of Amer
lea are seeking present amelioratio1
and future emancipation. Its methods
are well-def1ned, it's functions special
lied, its work clearly mapped out.
1--WE further hold that the trad,
unions of America, comprising tn,
American Federation of Labor. ar,
committed against the introduction O
matters pertaining. to party politics
to the religion of men or to their birth
place.
| 1--WE cannot logically admit the So
cialist Labor Party to representation
and shut the door in the face of othe
political organizations formed t.
achieve social progress.
1--WE are of the opinion that a DO
| itical party Of whatsoever nature i