The labor journal. [volume] (Everett, Wash.) 1909-1976, 1910-01-07

bers should not fail to get copy and
after reading it pass it on to some non
union friend. The issues involved in
the case now pending before the SUI
preme court affords not only unionists
but every citizen of the country. If
the right of free speech and free press
as guaranteed by the first amendment
to the constitution be abrogated to
unionists, it may also be abrogated by
the courts to any other class of citi-
zens, whenever case may arise in
which any part of the people may feel
called to protest against the powers
of government.
St. Louis was chosen as the place for
holding the next convention. The en-
tire executive board was reelected, no
opposing candidate appearing for any
office.
In concluding this report wish to
say just few words. I have honestly
tried to portray the important events
of the convention exactly as they
occurred. l have necessarily had to
omit many things which / should have
| liked to touch upon, and it has been
real study to decide what to omit as
there was so much that is of vital i'm
portance to the movement. I am candid
enough to admit that l believe that the
American Federation of Labor falls
short of our ideals of a perfect Or
ganization. But l want to say with all
possible emphasis that we are the
American Federation of Labor. As the
foundation cannot rise above it's source
neither can the federation rise above
the rank and file of its membership
Our officers, be they ever so capable OF
ever so willing, can accomplish very lit
tie if the rank and file be apathetic, OF
indifferent, or averse to doing its full
share of the work. For after all the
work of lettering conditions for the
men and women, who produce thu
Wealth of the world, must be done by
the rank and file if it is to be done al
ALL The officers can only carry Out
our will-when they cease to do that
the labor movement becomes an auto
cracy instead of democracy and must
fail of its purpose. While unnecessary
criticism is to be deplored, we should
keep very close to our international of
fieers, and above ALL we should carry
on at all times an educational move
ment among our members, for educa
tion is really the great lever by which
we shall lift ourselves to the high plan
we long for. As l look at it the Ameri
can Federation is simply great clear
ing house for the American labor move
ment. Measures of reform or chang,
if they be needed must come from with
in and not from without. / believe tina
there is a coming together of the or
CARNATIONS within the federation tha
will lead to qualification of all tn
ranks of labor. There was broadnes
of spirit manifest among the delegate
that augurs well for the coming year
There were many men present who's
political and economic views wer
widely at variance but their oneness i,
things vital was well illustrated by tn,
following incident:
Delegate F. j. Hayes, of the Unite,
Mine Workers, had introduced a reso
LUTON, socialistic in character, which h,
later asked consent to withdraw will
the following explanation:
81 desire to say at this time that
feel that discussion of the resoutio,
would consume great deal of time O
the convention, and 1t would be ad
vertised throughout the world tina
there was division in the ranks of or
Iganized labor. While I would like per
sonally to discuss the great fundament
al principles of the economic philosoph,
contained in this resolution, deem i
would be inappropriate at this time
when the labor movement of Amerie,
is facing q crisis. While we NAV dis
agree on economic theories, yet wher
we are attacked by the common enem,
we are on in spirit. In the interest O
solidified labor movement, I asl
unanimous consent of the convention Il
withdraw this resolution"
That is the spirit that I believ.
should actuate the rank and file of or
gained labor in America. 1t ia tn,
spirit that has made possible a great
labor power in English political and in.
dustrial life.
l wish at this time to thank most
heartily the members of our oreaniza.
ton for the great honor they bestowed
upon me in choosing as their represen.
tative to this convention, and for their
renewed expression of confidence at the
late election. / shall try to prove nv.
self worthy by giving the best there is
in me for the advancement of unionism
in general and our own beloved or.
ganization in particular.
Hoping that the sessions of this con.
| Araks sesn ..ssU Il