The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-11-20

rive council endorsing the work OF
the AR ericsn alliance
Barnes. who for wears has been
prominent In the Socialist party, and
more recently in charge OF the labor
f~ction of the peoples council, oppos-
sd the acceptance OF the report on
The ground that The alliance was un-
patriotic, and denounced ITS efforts In
opposition to the peoples council.
Governor Low'dsn. Of Illinois was de-
nounced for using troops To prevent
The council meeting there, and Gov
ernor Rurnquist, OF Minnesota. was
called unfair in that after refusing
10 allow the oouncti TO meet in Min
nespolfs he spoke at the alliance con
s'ention. IF. said he. that is pa
triotisn4. I am net a patriot and ]
hon't want any OF It in mine
John Fischer. OF Montana, followed
with demand that Mr.. Gonpers
state his definition OF patriotism.
,'Patriotism,' he said. IL, term now
bsing used 70 cover ali sorts of tyran-
ntcal action. Ia like To know what
sFcu mean by IT before ! state my po-
siticn.''
You'll have to restrain your criti-
risxn for q while" replied Gompers,
recognizing John II. Walker. presl-
nsnt of the Illinois Federation of La 20
Dor.
Walker. defending the action ~
Governor Lrwden, declared the labor
movement ts infested with Gerraa n
agents seeking 10 advance tbs cause
VI ksfserisr1.
Preaching seditton.
There are said 70 be" said he a
Ect Of people with union cards going
Mrourd the country coming ar near
preaching ssdition and treason M
Ahsy can without paying the penalty
ScT These crimes. am in favor Of
snterntns ahose spies. official and un-
o0ctal. for the period Of the war, and
II that treatment does not suince.
then ! stand for mora vigorous treat
Msnt"
Com era took the floor
You have had free discussion sns
rotten everything off your chests that
you had on their" said Gompern as =
prslade 10 tho fay ins he gave his as
sailants. He then proceeded TO de-
nounee Barnes and all those who sided
with htru- taking side swipe at the
socialist party.
II an accused" he said of hob
nohbtng with the enemies of organized
labor. Ny answer is that / Will GO
anywhere 70 carry labors banner Of
hope. And challenge you 10 produce
enc uttsrsnce or action OF mine against
rhs interests Ga labor
The American alliance was born
because there was such OPPOSITION, a
xreat deal of II artificial some OF IL
criminal, axstnvt the government and
because the Socialist party had de-
rasAned ittelf Of declaring against the
war and therefore against the govern
meat
Mrs. Stokes. Wellington. shsrgo.
and Mrs. Fuller and others left that
party because Of the reasonable con-
duct Of the that party. They are
abe people my friend Barnes is too
good to associate with. They were
therefore proclaimed scaiawags and
untruthworthy.
II the Socialist party will call a
convention at once ami undo the great
wrong 1t has done the American gov.
nrninsnt. will have different story
TO tell. but not until then"
Progress by Evolution.
6cmpsre then compared Barnes and
his associates with tho MaxfmaIists
and Bolshevtki of Russia, saying:
Revolutions occur In Russia and
elsewhere. but IL is by evolution that
progress is made; and not by such
groups denaa pdins all. air and Andiug
/ themselves on. their knees before Aats~
erism.
Referring 20 himself Gomrers said.
xoa may keep me- at tina head OF
WeaS organization or van can put ms