New-York tribune., 1917-12-23
Trade Unions
Led Against Gompers

Most of the Hebrew trade unions be-
long to the American Federation OF
Labor. of which the able and unim-
peaehable Jew Samuel Gompers Is the
head. However according 10 the teach
ings of "The Forward" the adherence
to the Federation is only q necessary
evil. The Jewish trade unions are
affiliated with the Federation for the
timely support they are getting from
il. The main aim is Socialism, which
the Federation does not profess.
Great care is being taken not 20 per-
NIT the Jewish unions TO stand with
the Federation alone for fear that this
might ALLEVIATE them entirely from "The
Forward" group, and such a step might
cut of a great income for "The For
ward" The Jewish unions are told that
the Federation is capitalistie organ
ization, but its benefits are needed, just
as the gifts of the rich Jews are neces-
sary.
Lately, Samuel Gompers, who knows
the crowd, tried to sever the Jewish
unions from the influence OF THE For
ward" proving this would be 70 the
best Of their interests.
Things looked pretty gloomy for
"The Forward" for some TINE. Then an
opportunity arose, of which THE For
ward" took every advantage. Samuel
Gompers showed his patriotism by de-
claring himself for America and the
war that this nation is waging for the
characterization of the world.
This was enough. "rhe Forward" de-
clared that this war is for Wall Street,
and because Samuel Gompers is the
servant of Wall Street. he Is for war.
Gompers was bitterly attacked, called
a murder patriot" hireling OF Nor
gan and the workers were reminded 10
be mighty careful Of such man.
In attacking the war Gompers was
the main target. Preaching paeihsm,
the federation was designated as an in
strument in the hands of capitslistic
government, ready TO shed the blood OF
the innocent.
Hillquit's success as yote-Rettsr
is not due TO pacifism as a principle.
The Jewish unions are militant bodies.
ready to fight even without proyocs
ton. The causes which led 10 Mr.. Hill
quits getting such q large vote are
manifold. and are rooted In demagogy
preached and spread for many years By
able and unscrupulous individuals who
knew how 90 take advantage OF the
situation.
The success Of "The Forward IN
crushing opponents and mastering even
the mighty is most marvellous. Here
is an illustration: THE Forward" for
it's seditious propaganda and its calling
20 actual revolution against the gov
ernment, was on the verge OF being
put out of commission by the Postmas-
ter General. It seemed that IL could
not escape its fate When the Social
lists saw themselves confronted with
this critical situation, they appealed TO
the rich and influential Jews Of the
country and asked them 70 plead with
the government that their organ might
not be stopped. And the strangest
thing happened. The gentlemen APP
psaled to were, IL seems, very much fat
tered by the favor they were asked 20
confer on the traitors 70 their country
md their people. They tarried not, but
hurried TO Washington, and brought
their influence TO bear upon the proper
officials and succeeded in obtaining q
permit for the continuance Of the sheet
that trampled upon law and order and
put their race in a dangerous position.