New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-03-05
Gompers Calls
Labor Conference
To Aid Defence
Wants Union Heads to
Evolve Nationwide Pre-
paredness Policy

Washington, March Samuel Comp
ers. president Of the American Fedora
ton Of Labor. announced here to-day
that he had called q conference Of ITO
presidents of national and interna-
tional unions and the four railroad
brotherhods 10 meet here on March -
The stated purpose OF the conference
is 10 consider the present situation Of
the United States, particularly in view
Of the fact that preparedness policies
are about to be formulated in which la
Dor ought to have voice.
Mr.. Gompers. in his letter 20 the
union presidents. reminded them that
he had been appointed by President
Wilson a member Of the Advisory Com
mission Of the Council Of National De-
fence.
Immediate Action Urged
There is an immediate critical sit
uation which the labor movement must
meet at once" the letter said. ma
tional constructive policies Of pre-
paredness and defence are now being
formulated. The wage earners Of the
United States will have to recognize
their obligations TO maintain institu-
..ons of liberty and justice if they
arc to have part in directing the spirit
and the methods that shall be adopted
for the defence Of our Republic.
Some plan shall be adopted. What
ever the plan may be. il will affect
wage earners primarily. Either dutles
and service in connection with ha-
tional defence will be imposed upon
the workers. without their advice when
formulating these plans, or LABOR must
make this an opportunity for empha-
eizinq the tremendous service that 1t
has rendered TO society. both in peace
and in war. and for demanding that all
plans be in harmony with the thought
that human life and human welfare
are the ultimate purposes when poth
peace and war serve
Seriousness Grows Daily
Every day has added to the seri-
ousncss Of the situation that conironts
our nation. Even though we should
be able 10 maintain our rights without
being drawn into active participation
i'm tie present world conflict. yet we
shall be compelled to meet the prob
lens Of readjustment after the war
and 10 do our part 10 have incorporated
into internationa, regulations "hat
ehaU determine the future ideals and
principles Of human justice and de-
mocracv. and the establishment OF IN
stit1tious and relations 10 deal with
Il 4. fFgV a n
gicting interests so that they may be
guided In such a way as TO prevent
future wars.
"Wage carners, the great masses OF
Tho neoplc. have the right 20 demand
that the interests Of humans shall un-
Jor al circumstances be made para
,,ount TO the interests OF property.
"rbc labor movement has repeatedly
declared that representatives OF wage
,orncrs ought 20 be included IN every
.ocncv actins for the government OF
General policies are now IN the max
ing. and can be directed either IN ac-
card with the interests OF humanity or
against them. But organized labor can
not delay In expressing itself upon the
present and impending critical si'us-
tiOn.
Metal Workers Start Plan
within the last few days a critical
situation developed. making IT neces-
tary for metal workers employed IN
Government navy yards 20 determine
wbat attitude they would take toward
plana for national defence. a confer
cucc held 20 consider that particular
pioblcm. found ~ necessary to discuss
tbc entire situation. In that conference
rcprcsentatiyes Of the railroad depart,
ment Of the American Federation OF
Labor. who we're then in Washington
c0ufcrring with representatives OF raii-
road companies regarding wages, stand
ards and schedules. met with ofhcers
and Representatives Of the American
Fcdoration of Labor"