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 su-
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. 1 have honestly
tried to portray the important events
of the convention exactly as they
occurred. 1 have necessarily had to
omit many things which I should have
liked to touch upon, and it has been
a 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 I believe that the
American Federation of Labor falls
short of our ideals of 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 its source,
neither can the federation rise above
the rank and file of it's membership.
Our officers, be they ever SO capable or
ever so willing, can accomplish very lit
tie If the rank and file be apathetic or
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 the
Wealth of the world, must be done by
the rank and file if it is to be done at
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
fall of it's purpose. While unnecessary
criticism is to be deplored, we should
keep very close to our international Of
ficers, and above all, we should carry
on at all times an educational move
ment among our members, for educa-
ton is really the great lever by which
we shall lift ourselves to the high plane
we long for As look at it the Ameri-
can Federation is simply great clear
ing house for the American labor move
ment. Measures of reform or change
if they be needed must come from with
in and not from without. / believe that
there is coming together of the or
CARNATIONS within the federation that
will lead to qualification of all the
ranks of labor. There was broadnesa
of spirit manifest among the delegates
that augurs we'll for the coming year
There were many men present whose
political and economic views were
widely at variance but their oneness in
things vital was well illustrated by the
following incident:
Delegate F. J. Hayes, of the United
Mine Workers, had introduced reso.
luton, socialistic in character, which he
later asked consent to withdraw with
the following explanation:
II desire to say at this time that l
feel that discussion of the resolution
would consume great deal of time of
the convention, and it would be ad.
vertised throughout the world that
there was division in the ranks of or
ganized labor. While I would like per.
sonally to discuss the great fundament-
al principles of the economic philosophy
contained in this resolution, I deem It
would be inappropriate at this time,
when the labor movement of America
is facing a crisis. While we may dis.
agree on economic theories, yet when
we are attacked by the common enemy
we are on in spirit. In the interest of
solidified labor movement. I ask
unanimous consent of the convention to
withdraw this resolution"
mi
That is the spirit that / believe
should actuate the rank and file of or.
ganized labor in America. II il the
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 organiza.
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. I shall try to prove my
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-
vention win be of great value to us
and that the coming year may see great
strides onward,
I remain fraternally yours,
ERNEST P. MARSH.