The labor journal. [volume] (Everett, Wash.) 1909-1976, 1917-04-27
THE WAR POLICY AND PROGRAM OF
ORGANIZED LABOR OF THIS STATE

w dSuHlSOOn DldIG Il TGuSIdClOil VI La
Dor to discuss the stand of organ
lied labor in the war, large repre-
sentation of the trades unions of
the state was present. After a long
and exhaustive argument, wherein
every phase of the question was
taken into consideration, the follow
ing declaration Of policy was made:
In peace or war the organized la
Dor movement of America is the ar
ticulate expression of all labor. The
economic pressure of capital renders
voiceless the mass of labor against
unjust conditions through fear of
loss Of employment; it as surely
throttles free political expression
through the same economic fear.
Through the years OF industrial,
commercial, civic and political
growth, the organized labor move
ment has functioned as spokesman
flor the mass Of labor and must so
function through the stirring mo-
ments of our national life and in
the years to come. In this serious
hour when our government has COM
mitted its people to actual warfare
against another nation, it is imper
ative that the organized labor move
ment give voice to the feelings, the
hopes and aspirations, the patriot
ism and loyalty that at all times
actuates the mass of American la
Dor, in war or in peace.
Since it has been decreed that this
nation must become an active par
ticipant in the world war, we regard
it as fortunate that the President
of the United States in his war
recommendation to Congress de-
clared the high principles that
should be our guiding motive for
drawing the sword: That we have
no selfish interests to serve; that
we desire no conquest; that we seek
no indemnities; that we wish no ma
terial compensation for the sacri-
fices we shall freely make; that we
propose to further the movement Of
democracy in the automatically
ruled nations of Europe.
In this hour of national peril
Labor wishes no misunderstanding
to exist as to it's deep-seated con-
victions; no doubt of it's loyalty; no
aspersion of it's motives; and to the
end that the high-minded sentiments
expressed in the foregoing may be
the guiding spirit of the American
people in the prosecution of the war,
organized labor of the state of
Washington declares for the follow
ing policy and program:
= /. Speculation in foodstuffs by
individuals and corporations must
cease. To make an eXtortionate
profit out of food supplies is Grim
inally wrong in time of peace, it is
treason in time of war. We insist
on federal supervision and distribu-
tion of food supplies, the elimina-
tion of the food speculator AS q
necessary step toward this end we
believe it to be of the first import.
ance that the national government
Immediately take possession of al
means of transportation and com
munication.
2. While we commend the patri
of Y,1oxyircs
and corporations in proposing t.
pay their employees who enlist tht
difference between the government
wage for soldiers and their pay a.
civilian employees, we are positive
that this is a crude and humiliatinl
makeshift and will never solve tn,
problem. We believe that such
solution can be found only in tn
passage of laws guaranteeing to en-
listed men pay sufficient to pu
them on an economic equality wit
governmental employees in civil ser
vice.
8. Bonds already voted by Con
gTeSS W Oli ehO "oi NNiioSiSN'
a sum so stupendous as to be almos
inconceivable and impose burde
of taxation never before equalled i
this country. In order that thi
burden may be borne by that POI
ton of society best able to bear i
we take the position that it shoul
I ba ro;sad hv q graduated income ia
: on all incomes in excess of that ne'
essary for the support of familie
We further insist that all profits I
firms, corporations and co-partne
ships be appropriated by the go
ernment to help meet the tremen
Gus expenses of the war.
y A. In order that the producti
power of the nation may be devs