The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1908-05-02
" LAB0R'S POLITICAL CAMPAIGN.
Workers Friends Aroused Necessity of United and Det
mined Action Splendid Prospect Of Labor's Sue
in 1908.
BY SAMUEL QOMPERS.

BY SAMUEL GOMPERS.
The question of the most effective use
of the political and industrial power
Of the workers during the coming con-
gressional campaign was the most i'm
portant subject considered by the pro-
test conference of the workers and
their sympathizers held In Washington
on March 1919 to consider the situ-
alton in which they found themselves
as result Of recent supreme court de-
cisions and the apathy Of congress to-
ward their interests.
One OF the most important contribu-
tions to the deliberations Of the con-
ference was the presentation Of the
tabulated statistics Of the vote cast
for congressional candidates in 1904
and 1906. These figures acquired ad-
d1tlonal Importance from the fact that
IN 1906 labor, for the first time made
a strong effort to elect it's friends to
congress and defeat it's enemies.
That the dominant majority in con-
gress was cut from 112 to Sc by la
bor's efforts in the campaign Of 1906,
Is a fact which has been sedulously
ignored by the partisan press of the
country, yet this, a most remarka BILE
and encouraging result, grew out of 4
campaign entered upon very late by
the workers, without adequate means
TO carry on the work in congressional
districts scattered throughout the
country. The statistics Of the con-
gressional vote cast in 1904 and 1906,
with the comparison OF relative plu-
ralities, were carefully compiled by
Mr.. Thos. F. Tracy and Mr.. Arthur E.
Holder, the legislative committee Of
the American Federation of Labor.
The results of the congressional elec-
tions as shown In the tables are
worthy Of the careful study Of the
members and friends of labor. The
figures are absolutely authentic and
were obtained from the secretaries of
state in the various states. The in
creases or decreases in pluralities
demonstrate beyond doubt the practi-
cability and influence Of the American
Federation Of Labor plan Of campaign,
and should be an incentive to all ar
dent, active unionists and their friends
to give renewed activity to this move
ment this year when so much Is at
stake.
In perusal of the tables, it will be
noticed that a number of states ara
omitted, tn most noticeable being the
southern states. The explanation is
that 1t Is almost invariably the rule
IN that section Of the country. to make
nominations In the Primaries rather
than by nominating conventions The
result Of the primary vote is equiva-
lent to an election, and 1t is impossible
to get any information from the re-
suits OF these primaries, as they are
not made a matter of state record.
therefore the results Of congressional
elections in those states can not be
ascertained in form suitable for tab
ulation.
In presenting these tables, showing
the enormous reductions in pluralities
OF some of the candidates who were
not friendly to labor's interests and
the defeat of others either for renom-
ination or election, there is no desire to
antagonize, but it is only fair to record
this history for the announcement Of
our members and friends in the fu-
ture.
The efforts Of the workers in 1906 "a
elect their friends and defeat their
enemies yielded results that are rich
in suggestion as to what may be ac-
complished in the future by still
more united effort.
Ihe comparison Of the increased and
decreased pluralities is a most inter-
estlng study. 1t will be especially VAL
uaole to the voters in the respective
districts because they are able 10
judge for themselves what were the
influences which decided the vote in
1906 and they alone can carry into full
effect the determination of the people
Of the country to protect and defend
the natural and inherent rights of the
workers.
Every one must realize that in .
campaign of this kind funds are neces-
sary to pay the legitimate expenses
SUCH as hall rent, printing, and posi-
age. When it is considered that our
total income for carrying on this work
In 1905 was only $S,225s4, all of which
was donated by local unions and
friends and in view Of the fact tha,
recently the press Of the country has
been exposing the enormous amounts
OF money that were raised from COR
porat1ons or their representatives IL,
corruption purposes the American Fed.
Grafton of Labor, it's members AMI
friends, may we'll be proud of It;
achievements In the past and ma;
hope for a far greater measure of sue.
cess in the future -,
The campaign as conducted was Dr
clean, honest, partisan lines II
every particular, and was a credit :.
| those who had it in charge. An item:
| lied statement of every penny OF III.
come and expenditure has bee,
printed, and given full publicity, some.
thing that has never been done befor,
in the history Of political party 81
| movement.
The same course will be pursued f.
the impending campaign.
We have every reason to believe
that in view Of the serious crisis whist
/ confronts the workers, there will .b.
! far greater political activity this voa !,