Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1906-07-26

stand and be supported as such by
union men and their friends and
sympathizers, irrespective Of previous
political affiliation.
Wherever 1t is apparent that an en-
tirery independent labor candidate
can not be elected, efforts should be
made to secure such support by In
dorsement of candidates by the
minority party In the districts and by
such other progressive elements as
will insure the election of labor
representatives.
Operations In Britain.
All observers agree that the CAM
paign of our fellow wrokmen of Great
Britain has had wholesome effect up
on the government, as well as the In
terests of it's wage-earners, and the
people generally of that country. In
the last British elections fifty-four
trade unionists were elected. to Parlia-
ment. If the British workmen with
their limited franchise, accomplished
so much by their united action, what
may we In the United States not do
with universal suffrage?
In order to systematically, carry out
the policy and work necessary to this
campaign, the executive council of the
American Federation of Labor has Sc
lected the following members as the
Labor Representative Committee"
Samuel Gompers, James O'Connell,
Frank Morrison.
Those earnestly engaged in our
movement must, we repeat, be guided
by 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
it 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 repre-
sentat1ves.
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
Federation Of Labor, who will give
the best possible information and adj
vice on uniform procedure.
| Whatever vantage ground or Inns
proved conditions have come to the
workers of our country we're not
brought to them on silver platters;
they are the result of their better or
ganization and their higher intellf-
gence; of the sacrifices they 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
powers that be, but achieved tn spite
of the combined bitter hostility Of
mendacious greed, corporate corrup-
ton. legislative antagunism and judi
cial usurpation.
Labor men Of America, assert your
rights! and in addition to strengthen.
ing your faith and loyalty to your orr
| ganization on the economic field, ex-
ercise your full rights Of citizenship in
the use Of your ballot. Elect honest
men to congress and to other halls OF
/ legislation, and by SO doing you will
more completely and fully carry out
your obligations as union men, and
more than ever merit the respect OF
your fellow-citizens.
Labor demands distinctive and
larger share in the governmental af.
fairs Of our country; 1t demands JUS
tice; it will be satisfied with nothing
less.
FraternaIy yours,
n Samuel Gompers, President; James
Duncan, first vice president; John
Mitchell, second vice president; James
i O'Connell, third vice president; Max
Morris. fourth vice president; Dennis
A. Hayes fifth vice president: Daniel
j. Keefe, sixth vice president; William
D. Huber, seventh vice president; 10.
seph F. Valentine. eighth vice presi-
dent; John B. Lennon, treasurer;
Frank Morrison. secretary, members
ON the Executive Council, American
Federation of Labor.