United labor bulletin., 1910-03-04

The Twenty-seventh Annual Conven-
ton of the American Federation of La
Dor, at Norfolk, November, 1907, adopted
by unanimous vote the following resolu-
ton (No. 161):
Whereas the nonpartisan movement
for installing the initiative and referen-
dunn in our country's government, started
by our convention in 1892, and accentu-
ated in 1901 by President Gompers, the
executive council, and the annual con-
vention, has since been taken up by most
of the nonpartisan organizations that are
opposed to the ruling few, and during the
past year the movement reached place
where it was sweeping everything before
it, which caused the monopolists and
their attorneys to openly combat it or
suffer immediate and complete defeat;
and
Whereas the issue is SO clear that the
monopolists' deceptive arguments have
not stayed the tide, which should be aug
mented by the systematic questioning of
the candidates that are to come before
I the primaries and conventions of the
parties not yet pledged to the peoples
rule, each candidates attitude to be re-
ported to the voters, followed at later
day by the questioning of the nominees,
state and national, and the widespread
publication of their replies; and
Whereas for the purpose of organic
ing the interviewing people of this coun-
try to Systematically do this work
throughout the United States, also to
publish and distribute a campaign text
book, and for the interogating, funds are
absolutely necessary, and, as the object
is to terminate special privileges, the
funds must come from the people in gem
eral, including trade unionists: There
fore, be it
Resolved, BY the American Fedora
tion of Labor in convention assembled
at Norfolk, that our executive council
be directed to issue in behalf of this non
partisan initiative and referendum move
ment an appeal for funds, and to mail a
copy to each affiliated union, including
the locals attached to the internationals
and nationals, also to such of the So
cieties of equity farmers unions.
oranges, woman suffrage associations,
and other organizations as it may deem
advisable, using, if thought best a News
Letter, entered as second-class mail mat
ter, which publication may be issued as
frequently as the needs of the situation
may demand, provided the entire cost be
betrayed from the special fund.- and
Resolved, That the appeal shall desig
nate trade-union official to receive
trade-union funds, The disbursement of
which shall be by order of the executive
council, or a committee to be named by
it; also that the executive council be
authorized to take such additional non
partisan action as N its judgment win
promote the cause; and
Resolved, That every voter in the
land is urged to agree with his fellow
citizens that he will vote only for such
candidates and nomin ees as are pledged
to the restoration Of the peoples rule.
Today as in 177G. he establishment of
political liberty is the paramount issue.
Why should voters choose between
would-be rulers. when they can at once
become the sovereign power? And, be
it further
Resolved, That we proclaim to the
world that the epoch-making achieve
ment of restoring self-government to
the American people will not be due
to any political party. but to the nom
tisan movement. leading part of which
is the federated trade unions"
All sympathizers and sincere members
of organized labor are urged to assist us