Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1914-11-20


"The Charter of Industrial Freedom
was the term applied by Secretary of
Labor William B. Wilson to the Clayton
antitrust law in an address before the
convention OF the American Federation
OF Labor. in horticultural Hail.
Mr.. Wilson told the convention of the
work being done by his department. He
explained the much discussed question of
why the Lincoln Memorial Is being built
by non-union labor and outlined the
princlplea which govern the work OF his
department. in the settlement of indus
trial disputes.
After being introduced to the delegates
as "our Bill" by President Gompers the
Secretary was escorted to the platform
by Vice President James Duncan and
former Vice President John Mitchell.
CriticisIng those "prejudiced employers
who still look upon their employees as part
OF their machinery and plant equipment
Secretary Wilson said:
THE machine Is so constructed that the
employer knows exactly what It's wear
and tear Is and what its breaking point
may be. Not so with the human being
operating the machine. II you drive the
human machine TO the breaking point
nothing can replace It.
LABOR NOT A COMMODITY.
"It is this principle which the Clayton
Antitrust law enunclated. 1t Is this
principle which will forever establish the
truth that labor is not a commodity to be
treated in the same manner as every other
commodity, as a pound OF tea, sugar or
can of oil.
"The defense which the employer has
thus far sought In obtaining injunctlons
against organized labor was that he con-
sidered the labor power which he en-
ployed as a property right
I'VE must recognize labor as a part
and parcel OF the community. For the
first time in the history OF this or any
other country Is IT recognized that labor
is not commodity and cannot be treated
as such. For this recognition labor has
struggled for at least the 43 years dur
ing which I have been associated with
the labor movement. Our progress has
been slow and painful. Large bodies al
ways move slowly. But this progress has
been due entirely to the militant activl-
ties of organized labor through its trade
unions"
Speaking of the work of the Depart
nent OF Labor. Secretary Wilson said the |
department was striving to obtain in
dustrial justice not only to labor but to !
the employers OF labor
But" he declared, while we desire |
Industrial peace we realize that there |
can be no permanent industrial peace that
Is not based upon industrial justice 10
labor"
ADDRESSES FELLOW UNIoNIsTs"
II have been reproaehed by some EN-
pioyers and employers associates con-
tlnued Mr.. Wilson. "for addressing you.
on various occasions. as fellow trade
unlonists. / would not change that salu-
tation or any OF the statements I made
20 you on the rights OF labor down to
the statement that every title to property
Is a law created and a law protected
title. The same elements that criticize
me for addressing you as trade unionlsts
also assert that the Department OF Labor
e partisan to labor"
Mr. Wilson proceeded TO explain the
building OF the Lincoln Memorial with
nonunion labor.
In carrying out the purpose OF my de-
partment." said Mr. Wilson. zone OF the
nrst steps that we took was to communi-
cate with the other departments OF the
Government. asking them to inform the
Department OF Labor OF every contract
for work granted by them in order that
We may be able to ascertain whether or
not the eight-hour law on Government
work was being applied In carrying out
tha work OF those contracts.
in passing the eight-hour law on Gov
efnment work we met with various obsta-
ei=s eH the feor q congrszs."
That Samuel Gompers win be re-
Ni4eteu president OF Ane American Hed-
eration OF labor. although he win be
opposed b. = candidate representing
radical element. is the opinion Of many
Delegates
ofncers for the ensuing year win BE-
chosen tomorrow. Il has bean freely
predicted that Gompers opponent for
the presidency viii be MAX Hayes, OF
ths International Typographical Union.
WHO vas a candidate at the Rochester
eQngehtiou two years ago.
seeiaIIsts viii also pat up candidates
lar The Executive Council. Fhsy declare
thef Wii AZ least elect William II. John- I
sea president u the international Aaso- I
station Of Maehinists. IN opposition . I
james o'Connail.
Compare expects 70 be rs-eleetad On :
Wednesday when the question Of rails :
na lhe presidents salary from 5000 [
Ic 4lsee Vas being considered. ar. Com /
0a1s objected % the raise. saying II 1
IS quite able - get along On my present I
aat {
4s4 esnesntlan feday eonsideEsd luFis- I
ao asoazeg nregsht W b tne 9
aa4 ~ tz1rnatere Vnienz. {
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