Wheeling majority. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1907-192?, 1912-04-25
Legien Addresses
House Of Congress

Washington, April M.-(Special.)
After mild objection on the part
Of Republican Leader Mann the
House unanimously agreed to take 8
recess for fifteen minutes to hear and
meet Karl Legien, the noted German
Socialist and Labor Leader.
Mann declared that he would not
object in this case, but gave the
House warning that he would do SO
hereafter When Mann arose to make
his remarks, Victor L. ! Berger, the
Socialist Representative from Wis
consin, called the attention of the
Republican leader that he (Berger)
had withdrawn a similar objection
in the case Of a Bohemian count
few weeks ago with the understand
ing that Socialist would also
permitted to address the House
'Karl Legion is a Socialist-one
of the ITO Socialists recently elected
TO the German Reichstag," said Be-
ger. Berger's referenecto Legiens-
party affiliations was no doubt a.
shock to the A. F. of L. leaders who
were in the gallery. Representative
Wilson. Of Pennsylvania, made the
motion to grant Legion the privilege
of the floor. but carefully emitted 70
mention that Legien is i Socialist.
After. thanking the >4ouse for the
honor accorded him, Legien said:
Unfortunately am not IN q po-
sition to speak to you on behalf OF
the entire German nation becar:se OF
the strong differences existing be-
tween various political parties Of our
country. However, I can convey to
you the greeting Of the united labor
movement of Germany which repre-
sents more than 100000 trade un-
ionists and over 100000 votes out Of
a total of 100000, Also / greet
you in the name Of the International
Labor Secretariat which is composed
of 10000, 900. wageearners, the Amer.
lean Federation Of Labor included.
Permit me to state that the or
gained workers do not only stand
for progress in-their respective coun-
tries but also are the strongest adj
yocates of peace among nations. Our.
party in the German Reichstag has
often brought pressure upon the gov
eminent to avert war by getting into
friendly communication with our
neighboring countries. Our party has
consistently opposed the policy Of in
creasing ornaments. (Applause)
"The labor movement the world
over aims at the bringing abou. Of
universal peace instead of allowing
nations to- rival with each other In Sc
curing the latest weapons to murder
each other. (Applause)
"Our labor movement has for years
furnished legislation for the protec-
ton of workers, education and the
general uplfft Of humanity. We are
full of hope when we note that the
same efforts are being directed In
every civilized land. Such legislation
fosters good will and will make It
possible for the human race to
achieve the highest state Of ciytlt-
zation."
Following his short speech Legien
held a reception in front Of the
Speakers rostrum and shook hands
with nearly 200 Congressman. An
interesting feature OF the reception
was the anxiety of the pages to shake
hands with the noted Socialist leader.
The little boys stood in line until the
Congressman were throug and then
took their turn.
The night before the appearance Of
Legien before the House, the Wash
ington Central Labor Union held
meeting for Legion. The meeting
was rather poorly attended. Repre-
sentative Wilson, in Introducing Lei
glen, said that he was a member Of
the, German Reichstag. I''A Socialist
member" cried many in the audience.
Gompers and Wilson looked rather
sheepish. and then Wilson caid
sloyIw, "Yes, Mr.. Legion is a Social
list member, as has been intimated
Iherel" Following Legien Gompers
| spoke and tried to show that the a.
lE. of L. was not behind the interna-
Itional labor movement. It took him
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