The labor argus. [volume] (Charleston, W. Va.) 1906-1915, 1907-11-07
THE NORFOLK CONVENTION.

VI CHc American federdG10n1St,
President Gompees says in part:
The annual convention of the
American Federation of Labor now
takes its place as one of the notable
events Of the year. The deiibera-
| tons of these few hundred repreta-
tlves of millions of wage work ers
touch SO many phases Of civic and
| industrial life, deal with so many
vital problems pertaining to the
general welfare that public atten-
ton is sharply focused on the ac-
ton of the American Federation of
Labor Convention.
This year the twcnty-seycnth
annual convention will be held at
Norfolk, Va, beginning November
llth and holding daily sessions
until the vast mass of business be.
fore it shall be disposed Of.
Each annual convention of the
American Federation of Labor is
truly more important than it's pre-
decessors, Our Federation yearly
grows in mem bers, influence, and
scope of activity. AS a coroIlary
1T can be inferred that the opposi
ton of those who would exploit
humanity for private gain grows
more desperate as an enlightened
public opinion and the strength Of
the organized workc rs compel a
greater degree of justice for the
workers.
In the constantly growing spirit
OF harmony and SOLITARY among
our members is found reason for
colgratnlation The work of or.
ganlzatlon goes on stcadiastly and
porsistcnly. Even those vet un.
organized look to the American
Federation of Labor for protection
and help--and not in vain.
From the stand point of a success
full convention it is found that the
300 or 400 delegates from quite IA
large enough body for intelligent
and careful and rapid dclibcration.
Probably at no convention pre-
cedlng this about to be held at
Norfolk has there been so MANY
questions of public Importance to
be discussed and acted upon. The
delegates viii bring all their cuer-
glcs to the consideration of the
economic and governmental prob
lens which have arisen recently or
which loom upon the horizon.
The deliberations of our convcn-
tention are always public and the
Attendance of both friends and
enemies is welcomed, to the capac
ity of the hall where the sessions
are held. The utmost freedom and
latitude Of debate is ENCOURAGED
Because of this freedom of cx
preston it is impossible to fore
cast. the action Of the convention
on Che many important questions
which will come before is.
The recent fierce attacks upon
organized labor from such sources
as the National manufactures
Association and the insidious
efforts on the part of corporate
power to divert the courts from
their proper functions and thus
deny Labor it's rights and IT'S
proper protection, and, also, APP
preaching political events. serve to
bring together our representatives
IN Il spirit of carneStnesS and en-
thuSlasm which promises well for
the results of their deliberations.
The great eSponSibility of reflect
ing Alright the desires and aspir
atoms Of so large a body of intclli-
gent wage-workers is recognized by
those whom they have honOred
with their confidence, but with an
appreciation of the duty involved
comes the ability to serve faith
fully and efficiently those who
wait only the word to carry into
every part of this nation-aye,