The Butler County press. [volume] (Hamilton, Ohio) 1900-1946, 1916-12-08
A. F. of [. Convention,
1916, Will Prove Historic.

falo. Old officers were unanimous
ly elected, no other names having
been presented,
John Golden, president of the
United Textile Workers union,
and Frank harrington, president
Of the Illinois district, United Mine
Workers union, were slected fra
ternal delegates to the British
Trades Union Congress.
Emanuel Koveleski, representing
the Hotel and Restaurant En-,
ployes' International Alliance and
Bartenders' International League of
America, was elected fraternal del
egate to the Trades aud Labor Con-
gress of Canada.
The convention proceedings will
prove historic and were marked by
a fine spirit of solidarity that
reached a high plane on both fun
damental questions and methods Of
policy although the discussions
were at al times vigorous enough
to dispel any illusion that the trade
union movement is not democratic.
Other features were the presence
for the first time, of delegates re-
| presenting the Bricklayers, Masons
and Plaster rs international un-
ion and the American Federation
Iof Teachers, both of which are
now affiliated to the A. F, of l.,
and the appearance Of the execu-
tives Of the -four railroad brother
hoods, who addressed the couven
ton.
Increasing opposition to strike
Iinjunct 'ons was recorded in he
convention declaration that these
writs should he ceforth be ignored
let the consequences be what they
may The effect of this decision
lis shown in the alarm of newspa-
pers at labor's so-called defiance
of law, entirely ignoring the fact
that congress has outlawed these
writs, now issued by state judges,
who would deny constitutional
guarantees
The A. T. of l.. non partisan
political policy was given hearty
approval
Organized labor is urged to
greater activity in securing more
proportionate representation mot
only in city councils, state legisla-
tures and in congress, but also on
every city, state and federal com
mission that deals with public poll
cies or matters of general concern.
The eight hour day for all work
ers was again indorsed.
Because Of the present eight-hour
situation on railroads, and the fact
that the Adams6n law is now be
fore the courts, the convention took
this action on several resolutions
calling for eight hours bv Jaw:
I" We pledge the unswerviug deter
mination Of the American labor
movement TO the eight-hour prin-
ciple and in or Ter to carry out this
parP Sc your committee recon-
mends that the foregoing resolu-
ti9ns be referred to a special com
mlttee to be appointee by the pre-
sid-nt OF the A. T. of L. with
powers to confer with representa-
tlTes ct the organized employees Of
the transPortion companies, the
committee to report to the execu
tive council of the A F. of L. at
the time and in the manner it deems
advisable, but at least four weeks
before the next annuul convention
OF the A. 4. Of L."
Opposition to all forms of milf
tarism as a part Of physical train
ing was recorded oMilitarism,
it was declared, "even in its less
horrid manifestations, brutalizes
those influenced by the spirit of the
institution.
President Wilson and congress
were asked to place an embargo on
wheat until domestic needs are pro-
vlded for.
The question Of old-age pensions
was referred to the executive coun-
ell for study and Investigation.
Opposition was registered % all
forms Of investigation Of industrial
asEazszgsszI
r RUY WORD