New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-08-16
Labor to Unmask
Traitors Working
In Name of Peace
American Alliance Appeals
to Workers to Support
War for Democracy

The American Alliance for Labor and
Democracy, formed by Samuel Gompers
and other labor leaders to combat pro-
German and other hostile influences in
the ranks of American labor, opened
its campaign yesterday by issuing a
statement of the purposes which called
it into existence, the principles it
stands for and the objects it will strive
10 attain.
This statement is a counterblast
against the unpatriotic propaganda
which has been circulated by social
istic and anarchistic organizations OF
Ieutonic leanings. 1t contradicts the
statements of certain factions that this
is capitalists war, and says it is a
freeman's conflict.
Believers in the great and splendid
vision of democracy and information
alism, the fraternalism and solidarity
of all peoples" the. statement reads,
1--WE assert at this time our unquali-
fed loyalty to the Republic of the
United States of America and our de-
termination to do ali that lies in our
power to win the war in which it is
engaged.
Loyalty to the ideals of freedom
and democracy and internationalism
requires loyalty TO America. Disloy-
atty to America in this crisis is dis
loyalty to the cause of freedom, democ-
racy and internationalism,"
Will War on Traitors
The statement then declares unqusli-
ned war upon all pacifists and others
whose activities lay them open to the
charge of treason.
eve aim to "trip the mask" it says,
"from those who, in the name of
democracy, itarism and peaee,
propaganda OF treaehery to all that
these noble words represent.
1--WE indignantly repudiate the claim
that this propaganda which, be it re-
membered, brings joy and comfort to
the labor movement of America.
"Not even at the behest of the So
called Peoples Council will the work
ers of America prostitute the labor
movement to serve the brutal power
responsible for the rape of Belgium
the power that would. subject Russia 10
a worse despotsm than that of the
Romanoff's. Democracy will not be
served by the victory of autocracy; by
letting the Declaration of independence
be supplanted by the Kaiser's fiat.
Owe shall be as loyal TO the struggle
for freedom and democracy at home as
TO the struggle for freedom and democ-
raey in international relations. We
harbor no delusions. We know that
even in this great democratic nation
war inevitably brings its abuses.
Aim to Extend Labor's Influence
Attempts may be made to invade
our democratic rights. Against these
evils we shall strive vigorously and
successfully as We contend against the
menace of German despotism. More
over, as the exigencies of the war de-
velop new opportunities to increase
our political and industrial democracy
and to extend she influence of labor
in the control Of governments and
industrial affairs, we shall seize these
opportunities.
"To the men and women of the Amer
lean labor movement and TO all sincere
friends of democracy and information
alism we call for loyal support to
America and her Allies in this great
struggle. Let us make our beloved Re-
public strong and victorious for the
sake of humanity, and thus insure for
our children and their children the
priceless heritage of liberty and free
dom.
"Let us at the same time stand
shoulder to shoulder in the fight
against the foes of democracy within
our own borders, resolved never TO rest
until the goal has hfen attained