The San Francisco call., 1907-03-23

The municipal grating recently
brought 10 light in this city was the
subject of much discussion I'm last
nights meeting of the Labor Council
The speeches oentered upon a series OF
resolutions presented by President Bell
and Secretary McCabe.
Delegate Benham took issue with the
purpOrt of the resolutions. He thought
the Council should go slow in a whole
sale condemnation Of the Union Labor
party and was favorable TO Delegate
Tracys motion that the resolutions be
given into the hands OF a committee OF
three 70 prune them down and have
them state facts, and only facts.
The original resolutions were placed
IN the hands of Delegates French,
Zimmerman and Tatenheirn, and as
amended were adopted
Delegate Gallagher stated the Coun-
ell could well AFFORD TO condemn cor
ruption IN public or private life, but II
sbould be laid down as fact that
there are many innocent men who
have been called grafters, bribe-takers
etc There may have been some cor
ruption," continued Gallagher, but
that IL was not as general as had been
stated was also fact.
so far as am personally con-
cerned," he said. ''the investigation
cannot come any too quick IN regard
70 the Office with which I have been
connected. I DO not think that Mayor
Schmitz himself would object TO the
resolution. I believe him TO be honest
Let the Grand Jury tell without bias.
those who have been honest and those
who have confessed, II they really
itsVe. I do not presume 10 speak for
this administration, but 1 DO feel that
much Injustice has been done. BY all
means, let the investigation proceed TO
the end, but let those who investigate
do so without malice and with sin
certify OF purpose"
MACARTHUR STANDS PAT
Delegate Macarthur was favorable TO
The adoption Of the original resolutions.
de claimed that the action Of the Coun-
! eil would be felt for a long time to
F. come. The trades unionists were TO a
man against corruption in public Of
fce The action tonight would de-
sermine whether the Council was op-
posed to corruption IN men OF trades
union proclivities.
II we have not got the courage or
. the moral perception 10 criticise the
union labor government. If we cannot
.criticise that kind OF government We
have no right TO criticise any other
kind Of government" said Macarthur.
A thrill went round the world IN 1905
when the entire labor party was elect
ID. Whether that hope shall survive or
whether that hope shall be destroy ed
viii depend largely upon the vote
taken here tonight This is not the
1rst time that an administration has
proved recreant to its trust don
believe the present city administration
represents the labor movement Of San
Francisco.
Il hope that we can yet elect repre-
sentatives who viii represent us in
ar4 oE in NJ me This rnqffar
has gone beyond newspaper gossip
many people seem to accept the
charges The Labor Council should
have courage enough to condemn men
who use its name. We are simply con-
ironted with a question OF self-de-
tense"
other delegates who spoke on the
question were Tatenheim, Jones and
HcCabe.
BRIBERs CONDEMNED
Following are the resolutions as
adopted:
whereas. The indictments issued during the
past few days by the San Francisco Grand Jury
against certain individuals involve specific
charges OF fragrant and widespread corruption
the part Of many members Of the present
whereas Sale government having adopted the
name of Union Labor" has prOfessed particu-
Jar concern for the welfare OF the working class,
represented by organized labor, and has
aty 10 the principles, economic and political,
a. which organized labor everywhere is CON-
mitfed: and
Whereas, The alleged conduct Of the city gov
elnment is not only grossly repugnant 10 the
principles OF organized labor but TiOlative OF
every rule Of common honesty and
Whereas The conduct of the Union Labor
government and the inevitable association thereof
with the character OF the local labor movement
are calculated 70 lead TO public misconception Of
the latter and thus 70 injure II and lessen its
efficiency IN fits chosen field: therefore, be II
Resolved by the San Francisco Labor COun-
oil That we declare that every cOrruptiOnist-
:. briber and bribed-should be prosecuted and
punished according 10 law. and hereby pledge
our cooperation TO that end: further
Resolved. That reassert the position Of the
San Francisco Labor Council n body organ
ized and conducted FOR purely economic pur-
poses, having connection, direct or implied.
with the Union Labor" party or any other
political party or organization, and therefore
being in no way responsible for the conduct or
misconduct Of any such party OF organization;
further
Resolved. That we also reafirm belief that
the private ownership of public utilities con-
etitutes the chief source Of public corruption,
and n IN fact a premium thereon and therefore
ought be displaced by the system OF public
ownership OF public utilities.