The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1908-06-17
GOMPERS PRESENTS
PLANK FOR LABOR
Wants Republicans to Re-
nounce Capital and Elimi-
nate lnjunCtions.

CHICAGO, June 1.-THE labor plank
adopted by the Executive Council OF
the American Federation Of Labor,
and which President Samuel Gompers
/ presented today 10 the subcommittee
on resolutions OF the National Con
vention. for insertion in the platform,
IS as follows:
The Republican party is in accord
with the great emancipator Abraham
Lincoln. when he declared that Labor
is prior 10 and independent of capital.
Capital is only the fruit OF labor, ana
never could have existed II labor hau
not first existed
Labor Is the superior Of capital ana
deserves much more consideration
Through his wise and humane policy,
the shaCkles were stricken from the
limbs OF four million chattel slaves.
THE Republican party has been the
stanch defender of property ana
property rights. yet holds and de-
cIares that personal rights and human
liberty are, and must % necessity be,
entitled 20 the best and highest con-
sideratiOn.
Recognizing the new conditions aris-
ing from our marvellous industrial devel-
9
opment, our people and our nation real
ize the fact that the wheels of industry
and Of commerce of our time require
that new laws aud new concepts of laws
must be enacted to conform 10 modern
industry and commerce and advance
freedom in line Herewith.
I'VE therefore pledge the Republican
party to the enactment Of law by
Congress, guaranteeing to the wage
earners, agriculturaiists and horticul-
turalists Of our country, the rlgh- of
organized effort. to the end that sIch
associations or their members shall not
be regarded as Illegal combinations in
restraint Of trade.
Against InjunctiOns-
I'VE pledge ourselves to the enact
ment Of "a law to prohibit the issuance
Of iniInctions. in cases arising out Of
labor disputes. when such injunctions
would not apply when no labor disputes
existed: and that in no case shall an
Injunction be issued when there exists
a remedy by the ordinary process Of law
and which act shall provide that in the
procedure for the punishment of CON
tempt OF court the party cited for con
tempt shall. when such contempt was
the court. be entitled TO a trial by jury.
.'V . pledge the Republican party TO
the enactment Of an amendment extend
ing the existing eight-hour law to all
Government employees. and to all work
ers. whether employed by contract or
subcontract, or doing work for OF Oh
behalf of the Federal Government.
I'VE pledge the Republican party TO
the enactment Of law by Congress, as
far as the Federal jurisdiction extends.
for a general employers liability act,
for injury to body or loss Of life OF
employe.
For women's Suffrage.
eve pledge the Republican party 10
the enactment OF a law, 10 the extent
OF Federal jurisdiction, granting wom-
ems suffrage. and to submit a consti-
tutional amendment Tor ratification 10
the States for the absolute suffrage o.
women, co-equal with men.
I'VE pledge the Repubh a2n party to
the enactment of a law creating q. De
paTtmeBt of Labor, separate from any
existing department, with a Secretary
at its head having a seat in the Presi
dents Cabinet.
We pledge The Republican party 10
the enactment of law for the creation
| Of a Federal Bureau Of Mines and Min
! ing, preferably under the proposed De
partment OF Labor, and the appropria-
tiou of sufficient funds 10 thoroughly
/ investigate the cause, 50 that regula-
/ tiOns may be commended and enacted
J which Will prevent the terrible manning
/ and loss Of life in the mines
we pledge the Republican party 10
the enactment OF a law for the estab-
| lishment of United States Government
] Tostal savings bank"
Gompers argued every point I'm the
demands OF labor. ne denounced tho
/ Manufacturers Association, and firaIly
he delivered this ultimatum to the Re
/ publican party:
IF you outlaw the labor movement.
] ICoutnued on Eighth Page)