The labor advocate. [volume] (Cincinnati, Ohio) 1912-1937, 1916-12-09
UNIONISM PRAISED
American Federation of Labor Off
cials Thanked.

Baltimore-In the closing days of the
A. +. of L. convention the following
tribute to the trade union movement, to
the officers and to the individual mem
bers of the American Federation of La
Dor was submitted by the committee on
report of executive council and unani-
mously adopted:
Reviewing and rejecting upon the
history of the American trade union
movement, its struggle, achievements
and accomplishments as related in the
partial observer or unbiased student can
doubt for one moment the efficiency Of
our movement and the high and lofty
character of its aims and purposes,
hopes and aspirations.
"The history of the organized labor
struggle reveals that in its inception the
trade union movement was looked upon
as too insignificant for attention and
omitted entirely from serious considera-
ton. AS the movement gained in
strength, power and influence, when the
workers movement of our country COM
PEELED public recognition, it was treated
with contempt and uncompromising hos
tility regarded as a social enemy and
an obstacle to our economic and indus
trial progress. All this has changed
Trade unions are today acknowledged
essential to the interests of the men and
women of labor and justified as an in
valuable institution to human progress
and for the advancement of higher and
a greater civilization.
"The efficacy of trade unionism is con-
clusively proven by the rapidity with
which its principles are spreading among
the workers and the eagerness with
which its god will and support is sought
bv those inspired by the high motives
of improving the lot of mankind and
advancing the doctrines of true brother
hood New adherents and additional
supporters are being attracted to the
trade union movement each succeeding
day and with each recurring year. To-
day the American Federation of Labor
embraces within its membership approx
imatcly two and quarter million mem
berS.
What greater inspiration could be
asked for? What greater source OF
hope and encouragement can we lind
for continued and persistent efforts IN
the cause of labor? The prospects OF
the future of the workers of America
are higher than ever. Few realize that
no previous time was more evcnttul IN
the life of our economic and industrial
society than the age in which we are
living. Great economic and social forces
are sweeping over our country and OF
which we are but half-conscious. Such
Al. ,I,,,
is the influence and power OF our great
American labor movement
"Underlying all the activities is evi-
denccd, silently, yet with certainty, the
ever thoughtful observer, the careful
and clear thinking student and the sym,
pathetic but courageous heart and mind
of our president Samuel Gompers. We
unhesitatingly commend him for his un-
questioned devotion to our cause and
for his UNQUALIFIED and unreserved con-
tribution of his great ability to our
movement.
"We, too commend Secretary Morri-
son for his unquestioned loyalty and for
unlimited devotion to our cause. Pains
taking in. the particular work delegated
to his care, accurate in the manifold
duties of his office, and imbued with a
spirit of loyalty, unblemished and unfair
nished, we congratulate him upon the
efficient response to our cause and move.
mcnt. And so we also heartily commend
for your thanks, approval and appre-,
citation the work of your treasurer and
that OF your vice-presidents, consti-
tuting the executive council, in all mat
tiers having been considered and acted
upon by them during the past year and
as reported to this convention. Indeed
the organized workers themselves are
deserving of congratuation for the pru-
dency and foresight so spendidly por-
trayed by their fealty and loyalty to the
human and civilzing principles OF oui
cause and Of our movement