The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-11-19
SOCIALISTS APPEAL ]. T0LAb0R FOR HELP Ask Aid in the Los Angeles
 Campaign s"os SESSION HELD Understood That Committee Will Re- port Adversely on Resolutions
 Offered By Socialist Dele
 gates to Convention
sHoR SESSION HELD


 Atlanta, November 1S.-An appeal was made today by the socialists to- the American Federation of Labor in con vention here to help them in their fight to elect Job Hartman mayor of Los Angeles.
 The following letter from the national executive committee of the socialists was read today in the convention by Presi- dent Gompers. The national executive committee of the socialistic party on mo- ton of Victor l.. Berger has adopted the following notion: That a request be made to the American Federation of Labor through President Gompers and Secretary Morrison that the federation assist financially in the Los Angeles cam paigh and thus prove the solidarity of labor"
 "As you know the enemies of labor are making a determined effort to break the spirit of the workers in Los An geles. They have chosen that city as the battle ground, where they hope to crush labor so completely that it will not lift it's head fin self respect and struggle for it's rights again. They arc making this attempt on the economic and political field. Just at present the fiercest part of the struggle is on the political field. If the enemy should suc- ceed 1t would have disheartening ef- feet upon the labor movement every where. On the other hand in the lan- rr11a of Ta14t ,I,a,. r,F executive committee: No man doubts that the election of Hartman would be a great gain for the McNamaras and cause of labor unions
 ."The circumstances are wholly excep- tional I am safe to say that our national committee thoroughly understands the non-politcal character of your body We are not asking you for any general endorsement of the socialist party or its principles or policies, any action you may take in this matter will not be so considered.',
 Mir. Gompers who Is chairman of the committee on labor representation to which the letter was referred said later the socialists could rest assured that the federation would do all in it's Iowor to assist in the election of the socialisr can oidatcs,
 The convention was in session but a short time today, adiourning early again to permit the various committees to con- tinue with their work
 + Is understood the resolutions com : mitsee has practically decided to re- port adversely on the resolution re- quiring President Gompers and other labor leaders to sever their connection with the National Civic Federation also on the resolution proposing the rpfaraud11rn n a1act nf of f,ft l, Federation. Both resolutions are cham pioned by the socialists in the conven- ton, who are expected to oppose the adoption of the report.
 Little hope Is held out for an agree ment being reached in the dispute be- tween the carpenters and the building trades department. The carpenters in sist upon dictating the terms in event they are reinstated by the department and the readjustment committee which Is holding daily hearings on the con- troversy Is not inclined to recommend their reinstatement unless they will agree to abide by the rulings of the department.
 An air of expectancy prevailed at the opening of today's session of the American Federation of Labor conven- ton converting In this city. Several resolutions and recommendations of vital importance are now under con- sideration for special committees for the introduction and reports by com mittee on any one of them are ex- pected to precipitate heated discus sion.
 A report Is expected in the immediate future by the committee on the pres idents report toward which the reso- lution to appropriate $50,O0 toward the defense of the McNamaras offered by A. J. Gallagher of the California dele gation was referred.
 A recommendation by the committee. 1t Is said, will be followed by lively argument on the floor of the conven- tion no matter whether it favors or opposes the appropriation.
 The first sign of hostility during the present convention against the present administration made its appearance yesterday when a resolution was intro duced purposing that the federation adopt. the initiative and referendum in the election of officers. This matter is now in the hands of the committee on law and promises interesting develop ment when report Is submitted
 When asked for a statement in re- gard to the resolution introduced Thursday calling upon President Com pers and, 14 other labor officials who are officers of the National Civic Fed eration ftoe resign. First Vice President James Duncan of the federation only expressed the opinion that 1t was re- newal of the fight against Gonlpers. President Gonnpers declined to discuss the subject at all. No business ses- sion was held by the convention last night, the majority of the delegates 1l.-- Al