The Commonwealth. [volume] (Everett, Wash.) 1911-1914, 1913-11-20
FEDERATION OF
LABOR DISCUSSES VITAL
QUESTION.

The thirtythird annual convention
of the American Federation of Labor,
now in session ut the Ilippodrome. Sc
attic, Is by far the most important
ever held in the history of organized
labor in America. Two million and n
half worldngmen, through their $50
representatives I'm convention are seek
ing to inaugurate n campaign of in
dustrial and social reform of ire
mendous import to men and women
who have labor-power only to sell.
Resolutions read before the conven-
ton If passed. will put the federation
on record for widespread program
of social betterment. Leaders say
they will be adopted. And not only
adopted, but that vigorous measures
will be taken toward their fulfillment.
The resolutions are as follows:
To further the amalgamation of in
ternational unions and as rapidly as
possible organize along industrial
lines.
To support the strike of the Pacific
Gas & Electric company employees
establishing the principle that work
er on strike is entitled to protection
no matter what his organization.
To secure amalgamation of the Reid
and McNulty factions of the Interna-
tional Brotherhood of Electrical Work
ers.
To prevent in the future any split
in an international organization by
failure of the international officers
to give the rank and file hearing
and providing for the executive coun-
Gil of the federation conducting a con-
vention or referendum of disputed
questions.
To provide for the proper financing
of all strides by a uniform assessment
and providing for a commission to pro-
vide ways and means.
To assess the entire membership l
cent to be used in the organization of
women wage WORKERS.
To enable public school trustees to
borrow money on school bonds direct
from postal savings bank trustees
without paying a commission to stock
brokers, as under present system.
To prevent accidents in loading and
unloading ships.
To prevent the insertion of jokers
into laws calling for the recall, refer
endum and initiative.
To secure uniform text books fol
schools in all states.
To increase the supply of teachers
so the present system of overcrowdine
classes can be avoided and so more
individual attention can be given to
each pupil.
To secure data on which to base a
plan for the prevention of Industrial
accidents and diseases.
To secure passage of seamen's bill
containing provision for protection OF
life and property at sea.
To appoint a commission to investi
gate the extent of the displacement
of labor by machinery and to deter
mine the proper length of work-day sc
that all may be assured of employ
ment.
To secure a more rigid enforcement
of the immigration laws and to secure
amendments to secure laws to make
them more effective.
To amend election laws so as to
give people chance to vote for OF
against all of the great national ques'
tions which agitate the nation from
time to time.
To secure collective ownership of
and democratic management of mines,
railroads and other industries upon
which the people depend in common.
To secure the building of all naval
vessels at government navy yards.
To prevent immigration into this
country of people who would tend to
lower the standard of society
To secure the increase of safety APP
pliances on railroads.
To protest against any increase in
Sunday labor in the postal depart
ment.
President Berry, of the Pressmen's
Union has also proposed a new labor
party to be composed of the trades
unions, the Socialists and the femin-
lists for the advancement of the inter
ests of the workers and of humanity.
Another subject of vital importance
is government by gunmen-the sub
letting of the police power to hired
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