Denver labor bulletin., 1916-07-15
Especial Correspondence.)

WASHlNGlON, July lU.-laSt week
representatives of the American and
Mexican trade union movements met in
this city and pledged their faith to in
ternational harmony and the workers
cause. 1t was the first meeting of its
kind ever held.
Those present, and who signed the dec
laration embodying these views, were the
Executive Council of the American Fed
Grafton of Labor and the authorized
representatives of the Mexican workers.
The meeting was the outgrowth of a
suggestion made by President Gompers
to the Mexican trade unionists several
weeks ago, that a conference be held at
FL Paso. Texas, between representatives
of the workers of both countries for the
purpose of discussing questions of mutual
interest and the strengthening of frater-
nal ties.
Later it was decided to meet in Wash
ington. This conference here was devot-
ed chiefly to explanations and discus
sions necessary to an understanding.
Suggestions Were considered and declara-
tions approved and signed by the rep
resentatives.
Declarations of Two Countries.
These declarations are as follows:
THE undersigned, the Executive Coun-
ell of the American Federation OF Labor
and the representatives OF the organized
labor movement OF Mexico, express our
deep qualification in the consummation of
this conference, which we hope and be-
lieve has laid the basis for better under
standing and has welded ties that shall
bind together the workers of our respec-
| tive countries.
I'VE are confident that personal con-
ferences of the workers of the United
States and of Mexico will be construc-
tive force in bringing about understand
ing necessary for better relations between
our countries and for maintaining peace
founded upon a proper regard for the
rights of all. 1t is our opinion that this
conference should be followed by another
in which the workers OF both countries
shall be more generally represented for
the purpose of agreeing upon plans for
maintaining permanent relations and for
the federation OF the labor movements Of
all the countries OF the two Americas.
General Conference Deferred.
In view of present relations between
the United States and Mexico, we are Of
the opinion that such a general confer
ence is for the present untimely, and We
express the judgment that the holding OF
such a conference should be deferred until
| later IN tne year. however, III tne event
of an emergency which should make a
general conference of advantage in avert
ing an international crisis, such confer
ence could and should be called for the
earliest time mutually agreeable. To
carry this plan into effect joint COM
mission shall be chosen to consist of two
members from both labor movements, to
remain in Washington until the present
crisis is passed, the said joint commits
sion to have the power OF calling a gen.
eral conference if necessary.
1--WE hold this to be fundamental: No
relations between our countries can be
permanent that are not based upon the
will of the masses of the people and in
accord with their concepts of justice
Voice in international Affairs.
1--WE deem it an essential step toward
democracy and justice that there shall be
established for the masses who have
hitherto been without regular agencies
for expressing their views and desires
opportunities that will enable them to
havee voice in helping to determine in,
ternational affairs.
"The labor movements OF the various
countries constitute the instrumcntalities
that can best accomplish this purpose
and give expression to national ideas and
convictions that have been too long In
articulate and impotent.
I'VE direct the president OF, the Amer.
lean Federation of Labor and the official