The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1917-10-20
THE LA TOILETTE RESOLUTION.

IOulSu lucuL was CIcdLcu 1cCoAtAy
when news dispatches stated that
the California State Federation Of
Labor at it's convention had Endorsed
Senator La Toilette and expressed
confidence in his integrity and loyal
ty as a true American citizen.
Many persons Immediately con-
Guided that organized labor in the
Pacific coast state, by it's resolution
had subscribed to the viewpoint of
the Wisconsin senator on the war
issues, and consequently had taken
a disloyal stand toward the govern
ment in the prosecution Of the war.
A knowledge of the circumstances
attending the adoption of the resolu-
ton and its contents will dispel any
doubts as to the intent or motives of
the labor body, for it is quite evil
dent that the action was instigated
by desire to be grateful and true
to former benefactor at a time
when hastily-formed public opinion
was denouncing La Toilette and de-
handing his expulsion
Workingmen generally are ac-
quainted with the fact that the man
who is now the object of much Wifi
cation and abuse has for years been
a constant exponent and advocate of
legislation lettering the welfare of
the masses, and that it was he who
was largely responsible for the pass
age of the Seamen's act, which has
proved so beneficial to the maritime
workers.
1t was the intention of the Cali
fornia resolution to urge a tolerance
OF the people during the war crisis
and demand the right for a senator
to express the views or an Intelligent
minority, fundamental of true
democracy
Without a doubt La Toilette has
taken an unwise attitude on many
questions of the war, at variance
with the rank and file of organized
labor, but his efforts to place the
burden Of financing the war on the
wealthy meet with the unanimous
appreciation of most of the people.
To stifle opposition to the will of
the majority by expelling a legally
elected representative of the people
who represents a small minority is a
procedure calling for calm delibera-
ton and one fraught with much dan
ger to the future solidarity of the
nation.
The loyalty of organized labor is
in no way minimized by the resolu-
ton adopted by the California State
Federation of Labor, which follows:
.. Whereas, recent articles in the pub
lie press note the condemnation and
f even the intended impeachment Of
Wisconsin, n tSe Tnited st ais5te se1 of
ate, on account Of his minority stand
on certain issues of our present war;
American labor movement yields to
none IN its loyalty and fealty to our
nation in this, her hour of need; and
Whereas. the long years of expert
ence and deep friendship between SEN
ator La Toilette and organized labor.
in whose cause no truer friend has
labored. directs the California State
Federation of Labor. in it's eighteenth
annual convention, in regular session
assembled, in the city of Sacramento,
in speaking a message Of calmness and
tolerance to all citizens Of our land
be it ~
Resolved. that we ask for Robert NJ
Ia Toilette the greatest right Of all
democracy, right to be heard, a right
TO- express the views of In intelligent
MINORITY; for on this rock is founded
all liberty.
Resolved, that we convey to Senator
la Toilette our confidence in his in
tegrity and loyalty. as true American
cit1zen; even though he differ with the
some questions of the war.