The Washington herald., 1911-12-08

in the name of organized labor, We well
come any investigation which either
Federal or State courts may undertake.
The sessions of the conventions of the
American Federation of Labor are held
with open doors that all may see and
hear what is being said and done. The
books, accounts, and correspondence of
the American Federation of Labor are
open to any competent authority who
may desire to make a study or an in
vestigation Of them.
Books Are Open.
Will the National Manufacturers AS
ISOLATION, the Erectors' Association, and
the detective agencies extend the same
privilege for public investigation and ex-
animation of their books and corre-
spondence.
. When we were selected as committee
on ways and means to raise and dispense
funds for the defense of the McNamaras
and the prosecution of the kidnappers,
We were fully impressed with the inno-
cence of the accused men. That i'm
preston was strengthened by their writ
ten and oral protestations of innocence.
We here and now, individually and col
lectiveIy, declare that the first knowl-
edge or intimation of their guilt was
conveyed by the press in their con-
fessions of guilt. From the outset we
assured all contributors and the public
generally that we would publish an &C
counting of the moneys received, from
whom received, and to whom paid. This
assurance will be fulfilled. A report In
full will first be made to the executive
council of the American Federation of
Labor. at its meeting to be held at
Washington. y. g, January s, 1912.
The American labor movement has
done so much for the workers of our
country in improving their condition. in
tightening the burdens which the workers
have had to bear, bringing light and hope
in the home and in the lives. the fac
tories. and the workshops of our country,
that II challenges the world of inVeSt
gators. The organizations OF labor Of
America have been the most potent fac
tors in the establishment and mainte-
mace Of the largest measure of industrial
peace. Their course is ,; "A ConCiliatOry
character, to reach trade agreements with
employers, and the faithful adherence 10
agreements. When industrial conditions
become unsettled, they arc more largely
due to nredsonableSneSs of employers,
who regard every effort of the work.
ers to maintain their rights and to pro-
mote their interests an invasion Of
employers prerogatives. which are re-
scented with consequent struggles. VI en-
plOS ers will bc hut fair and tolerant, they
will find moro than a responsive attitude
on the part Of organized labor, but, Of
one thing all may rest assured, that with
listing conditions of COnccntra ted wealth
and industry. the organized tUilers of our
country realize that there Is no hope
from abjcct slavery outside of the pro-
lection which the organized labor move
mcnt affords.
Organized Labor GrieNed.
The men of organized labor. In COM
mon with all our people. are Grlevcd be
yond expression in words at the los II
life and the destruction of property. not
only in the case under discussion. hut
in any other case which may have oc-
CURED. We are hurt and Inundated to
think that any man connected with the
la Dor movement should have been guilty
of either. The lesson this grave crime
teaches will. however, have its salutary
effect. II will demonstrate now, more
than ever. the inhumanity as well as
the futIlity Of rcsorting to violence in
the effort to right wrongs or to attain
rights.
In view of the great upliCt work in
which tho men of the labor movement
have been and are engaged. and the in
dustrial problems with which they have
to contend. We insist that our orGaniza-
lions of labor should be judged by what
they do and aim to do, rather than to
he opposed and stigmatized because one
Or a few may be recreant to the good
name and high ideals of la Dor: and we
appeal 10 the fair-minded citizenship and
the press of America for fair treatment
SAMUEL GOMPERS
President 4. F. of l.. Chairman
FRANK MORRISON,
Secretary 4. =. Of l., Secretary.
JAMES A. SHORT
President Building Trades Department
WILLIAM J. SPENCER.
Secretary Building Trades Department
JAMES OJO\SELI..
President Metal Trades UniUl.
s. ]. BERRIES.
Secretary Metal Trades Department
JOHN r. LENNON.
President Cuon Label Trades Department.
THOMAS T. TRACY.
Secretary Union Label Trades Department.
Constituting the Mcnamara Ways and Means Com
mittcc.
Washington D. c. Dec. Z. 1911.