West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1916-10-26
Organized Labor Calls its Forces 10
Wilson's Side

reelection was made public today at
the American Federation OF Labor
headquarters. II is a circular letter.
calling on all officers OF organized lab
or to hold special meetings TO consider
thei ssues OF the campaign and to see
that wage earners go TO the polls TO
protect their interests against Wall
street.
The letter is signed by Samuel Com
pers, president, James O'Connell. vice
president, and Frank Morrison, secre-
tary. as the Federation's labor repre-
sentation committee. and II has been
sent to the heads OF all affiliated or
CARNATIONS. Reviewing the record OF
the administration, II praises the
| Presidents course in foreign affairs.
declaring that without war he has Sc
cured all the protection and benefits
that would have accrued from a sue
| cessful war. IL asserts that at home
the labor movement has been able to
secure recognition for the rights of
human beings and opportunity for all
TO participate In the affairs OF the ma
ton in degree that never before has
been accomplished" Following is the
letter I'm part:
Never at any time within the last
| fifty years have the workers had more
at stake in any political campaign
tina min the one that is to be decided
in the election November Z.
During the present administration,
and particularly in this campaign.
there has been developed clear-cut
| issue between the workers-the pro-
ducers-and those who manipulate the
exploiters. The issue is represented
i'm the campaign by the conflicting in
terests represented by labor and Wall
street.
| During the present administration
the organized labor movement has
been able to secure recognition for the
rights of human being and opportun-
ity for all to participate in the affairs
of the nation in a degree that has new
er been before accomplished.
"The dignity Of human life and the
value of the cooperation OF those
whose work are necessary to the pro-
cesses OF industry and commerce have
been given an important place in con-
sidering all problems that concern the
nation. This recognition has taken
the form of legislation necessary to
protect the interests of wage-earners
| and in the ideals of humanity that
have guided and direct national poll
tics both at-home and in our relations
with other nations.
Though half OF the world has been
involved in a terrific conflict and it
seemed at times as though our nation
must be drawn into the vortex of hui
man slaughter, yet the chief executive
of our land has been able to manage
the affairs of the nation and the inter
ests of our citizens so that without the
horros OF war he has established and
maintained protection of human life
and human rights in the somewhat va
que domain OF international law.
without involving this nation In
war he has secured for us all of the
protection and all of the benefits that
would have accrued from a successful
international war and by diplomatic
correspondence has achieved the vic
tory of embodying concepts of human
ity in international activity. at least In
so far as America is concerned.
What has been true in the case OF
the European war is also true in the
country and Mexico.
THE interests that have been seek
ing to plunge our country into war not
only with European countries but also
with Mexico, are the interests that are
represented by the most selfish and
most conscienceless element of Wall
street.
During the past four years there
has been enacted by Congress and
signed by President Wilson humanitar-
ian protective legislation unprecedent-
ed in amount and scope. Legislative
enactment has secured to wage earn
ers fundamental rights necessary for
the very existence OF the organizations
of labor without which wage earners
would have nothing of freedom and no
real opportunity for self betterment."
After mentioning the eight-hour day
act, the Seaman's law and the child
labor law. the letter adds:
"On November ELECTION day-a
decision will be made which win de-
termine the future development Of our
country and the spirit OF our national
life for years TO come
"As representatives Of the organ
ICED labor movement. which is the
militant organization OF all the work
ers and which stands primarily for
human rights, we urge that the issues
be considered at regular or special
meeting held by ysur organization.
1.-THE meeting should be general
one, and II necessary, called specially
for the purpose Of seeing that those
who have so much at stake should go
to the polls to protect their interests
| There is mo- doubt that the inter
ests Of Wall street and their satellites
all over the country are and will eens
tinue their activity 10 retain the spec
ial privileges and power that they
have secretively and corruptly stolen
| from the people
Wage carriers con NOS angrd u lose
their rights and opportunities through