The Washington herald., 1908-03-22


paign viii he the address issued by the
American Federation OF Labor to or
eanized labor and farmers associations
in this city yesterday. The address was
made public by Samuel Gompers. presi-
dent Of the American Federation. last
night.
Address to the Workers.
II reads as follows:
'Tle protest conference Of the repre-
sentativos Of the workers Of our country
assembled in Washington. d. c., on
March IS 190S. viii probably go down in
history as the greatest gathering ever
held to solemniy voice the protest OF the
people against the denial OF the rights Of
the workers by the judiciary This con-
ference will be memorable also for the
declaration and action looking toward the
upholding and defending of the rights Of
all our people
There were gathered In this conference
the responsible executive officers of us
national and international trade unions
assembled with them IN heerIy agreement
were representatives OF the Farmers
American Society of Equity, and also Off
GERS of railway brotherloods. No more
representative and responsible gathering
of the men OF labor, We believe, was ever
brought together in the effort 10 voice the
just protest and laudable aspirations Of
the workers Of our country
The deliberations of our conference.
which occupied two full days. were pre-
ceded by two days session OF the execu-
tive council OF the American Federation
OF Labor. The proceedings were marked
by the utmost harmony, There was in
deed the intensity of feeling which so
grave situation must evoke there was
also an unbonded enthusiasm, a grim
oarnestness OF purpose. and a firm de-
termination that the work initiated by
this conference should not cease until
the wrongs from which the workers suf-
FER shall he righted and their liberties
which have been imperiled shall be
restored and forever safeguardcd
Freedom of Expression.
"Our consideration Of the circumstances
which made this conference imperative
was characterized by the utmost freedom
Of expression. 1t was felt that in the
consensus of opinion and feeling brought
forth by the representatives Of so many
trades and calllngs from all sections of
the country there could not fail TO be
much that would be helpful in guiding
our deliberations and of service TO our
fellowworkers II is our hope that every
worker and every friend of the workers
viii realize and feel as we DO the serious
ness of the crisis which we now face and
that all will be animated by the earnest
ness. the loyalty. and enthusiasm which
was so marked among the representatives
assembled.
While the Supreme Court, or other in
situations. may be able temporarily to re-
tard and seriously embarrass the growth
and action OF our movement, we boldly
assert that no power on earth can de-
stroy. successfully outlaw, or disrupt the
trade union movement.
Meetings had been held In various
parts OF the country. and resolutions
adopted and forwarded 10 American Fed
Grafton OF Labor headquarters urging
prompt and vigorous action. The sug-
gestions submitted were various in detail,
but al characterized by the earnest desire
that labor should take steps at once 10
exercise its fullest activities in every pos
sible direction In order that relief may be
obtained from the present intolerable sit
uatiOn.
I'm this conference we, your representa-
tiyes. realized the serious responsibility
resting upon us not only to voice ade-
qti.s..Sciy the feeling OF outraged indgna-
ton on the part Of the workers at the
deprivation of their rights and liberties IN
volved in the law as interpreted by recent
court decision. but the even more impor-
tant task of initiating and aiding in carry.
ing toward a successful fulhlIment the
constructive and active work which shall
deliver the workers from the present and
impending danger and insure them the
restoration OF their rights and libertie.
and secure enjoyment in the future OF the
inalienable rights guaranteed by our Con-
stitution.
a large part OF orr deliberations were
naturally devoted to discussion of ths
Supreme Courts action in APPLYING the
Sherman antitrust law to labor.
IAN agreed upon the necessity Of imme.
diate Congressional action if the serio,.
Continued on Page II. Column 6.