Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-12-08

open to any competent authority who may
desire to make study or investigation of
them.
Twill 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 correspond
ence?
When we were selected as a commit
tee on ways and means to raise and dis
pense funds for the defense of the Nc
Namaras and the prosecution Of the kid
napers we were fully impressed with the
innocence 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
lectively, declare that the first knowledge
or intimation of their guilt was conveyed
by the press in their confessions of guilt
From the outset we assured all contribu-
tors and the public generally that we
would publish an accounting of the mon
eys 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, D. c.,
January 8, 1912
Makes for Industrial Peace.
"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 homes and in the lives, the facto-
ries and the workshops of our country,
that 1t challenges the world of investiga-
tors. The organizations of labor OF
America have been the most potent fac
tors in the establishment and mainte-
nance Of the largest measure Of industrial
peace. Their course is Of conciliatory
character, to reach trade agreements
with employers, and the faithful adher-
ence to agreements. When industrial con-
ditions become unsettled they are more
largely due to unreasonableness OF en-
ployers who regard every effort OF the
workers to maintain their right and to
promote their interests as an invasion of
employers prerogatives. which are re-
scented, with consequent struggles. II
employers will be but fair and tolerant
they will find more than responsive at
of one thing all may rest assured. that
with existing conditions of concentrated
wealth and industry the organized toilers
of our country realize that there IS no
hope from abject slavery outside OF the
protection which. the ORGANIZED aApoF
movement Affords.
'The men Of organized labor, In com
mon with all our people. are grieved De.
yond expression in words at the loss OF
life and the destruction Of property. not
only in the case under discussion. but In
any other case which may have occurred
We are hurt and Inundated to think that
any man connected with the labor move
ment should have been guilty OF either.
The lesson this grave crime teaches. how
ever will have its salutary effect. It will
demonstrate now more than ever the IN
humanity as well as the futility of resort
ing to violence in the effort to right
wrongs or to attain rights.
Fair Judgment Besought.
In view Of the great uplift work in
have been and are engaged and the in
dustrial problems with which they have
to contend, we insist that our organiza-
tons Of labor should be judged by what
they do and aim to do rather than OPP
posed and stigmatized because one or a
few may be recreant to the good name
and high ideals of labor, and we appeal
to the fair-minded citizenship and the
press of America for fair treatment.
SAMUEL GOMPERS.
President American Federation of Labor,
FRANK MORRISON.
Secretary American Federation Of Labor.
Secretary.
JAMES A. SHORT.
President Building Trades Department.
WILLIAM j. SPENCER.
Secretary Building Trades Department.
JAMES O'CONNE1L.
president Metal Trades Department.
IA. J. BERRIES,
Secretary Metal Trades Department.
JOHN B. LENNON,
President Union Label Trades Depart.
ment.
THOMAS F. TRACEY,
Secretary Union Label Trades Depart
ment.
constituting the McNamara ways and
means committee.
washington, D. c., December Z, 1el1'