The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1906-07-23

Of Industry, have indeed become the own
ers of the legislators of our country. Pub
lie officials. many of whom have the cry
Of stop thiefr nearest the tip of the
tongue, have been elected through these
very agencies and the contributions from
them.
Dollar Sets Principle Aside.
IF 1t has come to a condition in this
earth, that the almighty dollar is to be
earth, hat the almighty dollar IS to be
worshipped to an extent Of forgetting
principle, conscience, uprightness and
Justice. the time has arrived for labor
and its friends to raise their voices in
condemnation of such degeneracy, and
to invite all reform forces to join with
it in relegating Indifference to the peo-
pies interests. corruption and graft ia
political oblivion; to raise the standard
of legislation by the election of sincere
progressive and honest men who while
worshipping money less, will honor con-
science, justice and humanity more.
I'VE recommend that eentral>bodies and
local unions proceed without delay by the
election of delegates to meet in confer
ence, or convention to formulate plans
to further the interests of this move
ment, and In accordance with the plan
herein outlined at the proper time and in
the proper manner nominate candidates
who will unquestionably stand for the
enactment into law of labor and progress
sive measures.
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 singing rebuke to them will
benefit not only the toilers but the peo-
pie of the entire country.
Wherever both pSrties ignore labors
legislative demands a straight labor can
didate should be nominated, so that hon
est men may have the opportunity In
exercising their franchise to vote accord
ing to tho conscience instead of being
compelled either to refrain from voting
or to vote for the candidate and the party
they must in their innermost souls de-
spise.
Support Labor's Friend.
Where a congressman or state legisla-
tor has proven himself a true friend TO the
rights of labor he should be supported
and no candidate nominated against him.
This movement must not degenerate
into a scramble for office. 1t should be
determined effort, free, absolutely, from
partisanship of every name and character,
to secure the legislation we deem neces-
sary and essential to the welfare and
happiness of all our people. AS the pres
ent objects of this movement are purely
in the line of legislation, all efforts should
be concentrated upon the election of men,
hers of Congress and the various state
legislatures
ITO make this-our movement-the most
effective the utmost care shauld be taken
TO nominate only such union men whose
known intelligence, honesty and faithful
ness are conspicuous. They should be
nominated as straight labor representa-
tives and stand and be supported as such
by union men and their friends and SYM
pathizers, irrespective of previous politi-
cal affiliation.
Whenever 1t is apparent that an entire
ly Independent labor candidate cannot be
elected, efforts should be made to secure
such support by Endorsement of candidates
by the minority party In the districts and
by such other progressive elements as will
insure the election of labor representa-
tives
"All observers agree that the campaign
of our fellow workmen of Great Britain
has had a wholesome effect upon the
government as well as the interests of its
wage-earners, and the people generally
of that country. In the last British cleo
lions ffty-four trade unionists were elect
ed to parliament If the British workmen
with their limited franchise, accomplish
ed so much by their united action, what
may we in the United States not do with
universal suffrage?
Labor Committee Named.
I'm order to systematically carry out
the policy and work necessary to this
campaign, the executive council of the
American Federation of Labor has select
| ed the following members as the Labor
Representative Committee? Samuel
Gompers, James O'Connell. Frank Nor
rison.
Those earnestly engaged in our move
he p1Ii6ad nv the
fact that the principles for which we
stand must be of primary consideration,
and office, secondary. We ask our fellow
workers and friends to respond to this
call and to make of 1t a popular uprising
of honest men, and to see to 1t that the
best, most conscientious men of labor or
their supporters are chosen as their rep
resentatives.
reports and returns should be made
to the headquarters of the labor repre-
sentation committee (Which will be To-
Gated in the offices OF the American Fed
Grafton of Labor who will give the best
possible information and advice on uni
form procedure.
Whatever vantage ground or improved
conditions have come TO the workers of
our country were not brought to them
on silver platters; they are the result
of their better organization and their
higher l1ltlliBChIcs VI ehS 9eAN'AAANSS ny
have made and the industrial battle-scars
of many contests. The progress of The
toilers has not been due to kindness or
consideration at the hands of the pow
ers that be. but achieved in spite of
the combined bitter hostility of menda-
cious greed, corporate corruption, legis-
lative antagonism and judicial usurpa-
ton.
Labor men of America, assert your
rights! and IN addition to Strengthening
your faith and loyalty to your organiza-
ton on the economic field, exercise your
full rights of citizenship in the use of
your ballot. Elect honest men to Con-
gress and to other halls of legislation
and by so doing you will more complete
ly and fully carry out your obligations
as union men, and more than ever merit
the respect of your fellow citizens.
Labor demands a distinctive and
larger share In the governmental affairs
of our country; 1t demands Justice; it
will be satisfied with nothing less. Fra
ternally yours,
SAMUEL GOMPERs, President.
JAMES DUNCAN, First Vice Pres
ident.
JOHN MITCHELL. Second Vice Pres
ident.
JANE oCoNNELL, Third Vice Pres
ident.
MAX MORRIS. Fourth Vice President.