Gilpin observer., 1906-07-26
ENTERS POLITICS
AMERICAN FEDERATION OF LA.
BOR PROGRAM.
APPEALS TO LABOR UNIONS
Urges Political Action to Secure and
Enforce Laws In Behalf of Labor
Must Not Indulge In Scramble for

Washington.-The executive coun-
Gil OF the American Federation of La
Dor has made good it's declaration of
several months ago to enter the field
of politics in the interest of the trades
union movement and to urge all
friends Of organized labor to elect to
political offices men known to be fav-
orable to labor's cause.
Following is, in part, the text of
the program:
Washington, D. c.. July %, 1906
To all organized Labor and Friends in
the United States:
Dear Sirs and Brothers: Events in
the industrial affairs of our people
have been rapidly changed and are rap
idly changing. The trades union move
ment, as expressed by the American
Federation of Labor, has kept, and pro-
poses to keep, pace Herewith.
1.-THE wheels of industry cannot be
halted OF turned back, nor should they
be, even II that were possible. We'll
coming industrial progress, labor must
be ever alert to meet new conditions,
recognizing that eternal vigilance is
the price of industrial as well as po-
litical liberty.
1.-THE working people cannot hope to
maintain their rights or a progressive
position in the varying phases'of mod
ern society unless they organize and
exercise all those functions which, as
workmen and citizens, it is their priv
ilege and their duty to exercise.
Labor makes no demand upon gov
ernment or society which Is not
equally accorded to all the people OF
our country. 1t can and Will be satls-
fed with nothing less.
"The position of organized labor
upon the question of political action by
the working class, their friends and
sympathizers, has often been declared,
but was more clearly set forth
in the following declaration unani-
yention of the American Federation OF
Labor, in 1897, and often reaftirmed
since:
Resolved, That the American Fed
Grafton of Labor most firmly and un-
euuiyocally favors the Independent
use of the ballot by the trade unionlsts
and workmen, united regardless OF
party, that we may elect men from
our own ranks, to make new laws and
administer them along the lines laid
down in the legislative demands OF
the American Federation OF Labor, and
at the same time secure an impartial
judiciary that will not govern us by
arbitrary injunctions of the courts
nor act as the plant tools OF cor
porate wealth.
Resolved, That as our efforts are
centered against all forms of indus
trial slavery and econmic wrong, we
must also direct our utmost energies
to remove all forms of political servi-
tude and party slavery, TO the end that
the working people may act as unit
at the polls at every election.
1--WE have been ever watchful to
carry the purposes of that declaration
into effect. At times we met with par
tial success, yet within the past few
years claims and promises made in
platforms or on the hustings by po-
litical parties and politicians, and es-
pecially by the present dominant
party. have been neither justified nor
performed.
"The relief asked for has not been
granted. Congress has turned deaf
ear to the voices of the masses of our
people; and. true to our declaration,
we now appeal to the working people,
aye, to all the American people unit
edly, to demonstrate their determine
ton that this republic of ours shall
continue to be of. for and by the peo-
pie rather than of. for and by the al
mighty dollar
"We recommend that central bodies
and local unions proceed without de-
lay by the election of delegates to
meet in conference or convention to
formulate plans to further the inter-
ests of this movement and in accord
ance with the plan herein outlined. at
manner nominate candidates who will
the proper time and in the proper
unquestionably stand for the enact
ment into law of labor and progressive
measures.
1.-THE first concern of all should be
the positive defeat OF those who have
been hostile or Indifferent to the just
demands of labor. A stinging rebuke
to them will benefit not only the toll
ers but the people of the entire coun.
try.
Where a congressman or a state
legislator has proven himself a true
friend to the rights of labor he should
be supported and no candidate nomi.
mated against him.
This movement must not degener.
ate into scramble for office. 1t should
be determined effort, free, absolutely
from partisanship OF every name and
character, to secure the legislation we
deem necessary and essential to the
welfare and happiness of all our people.
AS the present objects of this move
ment are purely In the line Of legisla-
tion, all efforts should be concentrated
upon the election Of members OF Con-
gress and the various State Legisla.
lures.
"In the last British elections flfty.