Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-10-03
IN LABOR CIRCLES
g.

For the first time in the history of the
American Federation Of Labor, politics will
be considered as a business proposition by
| the assembled delegates at a national con-
vention of that widespread organization.
At the annual meeting Of the Federation,
to be held at Minneapolis, beginning No
vember II, it is expected that the delibera-
tons Of the convention will cover two
weeks. The incursion of the Federation
into the realm of politics will come in for
much discussion from the socialists, as well
as from others who are opposed to the
political program of President Gompers
and the executive council. This opposition
will be still more pronounced if that pro-
gram shall have resulted in failure.
In the convention call it is explicitly
stated that no grievance will be considered
that has been decided by a previous con-
ventfon, except upon the recommendation
of the executive council, nor will any griev-
ance be considered where the parties there
to have not previously held conference
and attempted to adjust the points at is
sue themselves. The dsputants in the
numerous Jurisdiction squabbles will not
withstanding doubtless find way to bring
| their controversies before the house.
Coincident with the convention an exhi-
| btion of union labels has been planned
which will not be confined strictly to a
| showing of union-made products. The 9TH
er side will be presented in several scenes,
which will set forth sweat-shop conditions,
especially in the cigarmaking and clothing
industries.
In connection with this matter of labor
in politics a Chicago labor writer has the
following to say:
Now that Samuel Gompers president OF
the American Federation of Labor, Is ac-
tually in Chicago to make his fight In the
interest of labor against the reelection Of
certain congressman Of this state. it may
be Of interest to know exactly what his
views are on legislation, politics and labor
The following expressions are from the
American Federationist, and were written
by Mr.. Gompers himself: "A good many of
labor's friends are seriously disturbed by
the announced determination of the Ameri-
can Federation of Labor to carry the war
for justice and fair play deeper into politics
to punish enemies, support friends and
elect to Congress men from the ranks of
labor. Admonitions warnings and exhorta-
lions are being addressed to trade unionists
from various directions with regard to the
proposed policy. Would the work.
men Of Great Britain be as influential as
they are now II they had voted and elected
tories and sham liberals to the house of
politics and class legislation Is plausible
when you do not stop to consider It. AS a
matter Of fact it is devoid Of meaning Pro-
tectionists are not asked to vote for free
traders, gold men are not expected to work
for men who believe in control Of rate max
ing or in government ownership OF railways.
Government is not platonic. 1t rep
resents dominant interests. 1t legislates for
those who are strong enough to command
respect for their wishes. When the poll
ticians fear the people they legislate-after
fashion-for the people. When the public
is Indifferent special interests control legis-
lation, for they are always vigilant and
tireless. - What did organized labor
get from Congress? It was interested in
several bills; it argued, presented data at
tended hearings. When the session came
to an end. what was the net result Of this
work. There was no result The eight
hour bill. the anti-injunction bill, and other
bills tending to the protection of the rights
and lives of men, women and children, had
again been juggled with. but none of them
satisfactory action on any of them at the
next session. We are told that
workmen should vote with their respective
parties as republicans or democrats or pro-
hibitionists or what not? But, pray, what
has labor secured from its affiliation with
and blind following Of the political parties
without at one time or another manifesting
a determination for change and relief?
For the toilers to occasionally show
their teeth Is more effective than to con-
tinually below their threats sore over the
old political party hacks who are owned
body. boots and breeches by corporate
power and predatory wealth. The fact that
a senator or representative in Congress
calls himself a republican or democrat does
not give him vested right in the work
mems votes
The Stove Mounters and Range Workers
Journal editorially comments upon the en-
trance of the labor men into politics as fol-
lows: President Gompers' plan of going
into politics may not prove a complete sue
cess, but we venture to say that 1t will lead
to a movement that will arouse the senti-
ment of the workingmen to an appreciation
Of the possibilities that are in store for
them, and cause them to take advantage
Of same. The old party prejudice must be
wiped out. Labor fakirs must be given the
go-by We must unite in one party, the
union labor party, and elect men from our
own ranks, for 1t is really the toiling masses
who have the interests Of good government
at heart a great deal more so than others,
and 1t is from them that the representa-
tives Of the people ought to be chosen.
Eat the present time the trades unionists
are advised-to vote for union men, no mat
ter which party they may be affiliated with,
and we hope this advice will be carried out.
The time is coming when we will have our
own party with which to appeal for votes.
At the polls this fall, remember your
friends, and don't forget your enemies"
In an article in the Chicago Record Her
aid. Luke Grant says:
. 1.-The success of the telegraph operators
during the last week in their controversy
with the Postal Telegraph Gable Company
will go long way toward building up the
Commercial Telegraphers' Union Of Amer
ica which has been in existence since
March, 1908. Probably there Is no class of
workers in the country requiring an equal
degree of skill that is poorly paid as
commercial telegraphers
while the men in the local office Of the
Postal Company did not get any actual
money increase. they made great gains in
the way of securing improved working con-
ditions. In some instances they were
granted material reduction In hours, |
which they consider of more importance at
this time than an increase in wages.
rho Cd 10 rad which Al
tors consider Of most Importance to them |
however. was the practical recognition Of !