The labor journal. [volume] (Everett, Wash.) 1909-1976, 1917-02-23


err information in regard to matters of
trade union tactics, rules, regulations
and customs may freely ask this Con-
ference Committee for them, in order
that all may acquire fraternal solidar-
ity.
The working people of all our coun-
tries should give their first attention
to securing better standards of life and
work:
Higher wages.
Shorter workdays.
More safe and sanitary conditions in
all places of employment.
Better homes.
Better surroundings.
Prohibition of child labor.
Protection of children.
Legislative enactments to achieve
and maintain equal rights:
The right of association.
The right of free assemblage.
The right of free speech.
The right, singly or collectively, to
withhold our labor power-the
right to strike.
Latin-American labor organizations
are asked to spread the suggested
ideals of this conference by means of
correspondence, by means of the press
at their disposal, and through pamph-
lets. In order to facilitate this great
work it is desired that all possible in
formation in relation to unions, syn
dicates, declarations and considerations
be sent to the Pan-American Fedora
ton of Labor Conference Committee,
American Federation of Labor Build
ing, Washington, D. c., U. S. A., CIV
ing in detail names and addresses of
leaders, number of members and other
matters of moment.
1t is not the purpose of the Confer
ence Committee in this circular letter
to undertake to discuss all that this
Pan-American Federation of Labor
may encompass or portend Suffice it
to know that this Conference Commit
tee has in mind the establishment of
the most cordial and fraternal rela-
tons, cooperation for the protection
nd the promotion of the rights and in
terests of the working people-this to
maintain the integrity of our several
countries in order that the largest field
of helpfulness may be utilized, and
that the people and all the govern
ments of Pan-America may stand as
one great unit for our common protec-
ton and advancement.
1t is with these thoughts and hopes
uppermost in our minds and our
hearts, the spirit of which we have but
barely expressed, that we appeal to
our fellow-workers of Pan-America to
give this, our solemn purpose, their
immediate, hearty and constant sup
port.
NOTE:-The thought and hope for
a Pan-American Federation of Labor
have been, as is well known, long in
contemplation and for nearly year in
the course of preparation. This mani
festo has been in course of preparation
for several weeks, and is not based
upon the present critical international
situation between the United States
and Germany. Indeed, it was written
before the break came, but between
the time of its production in the Eng
llsh language and its translation into
Spanish, the crisis was reached and its
printing held up to incorporate this
That which precedes this
is all the more significant by reason of |
the crisis in which the United States
and necessarily the Latin-American
countries find themselves, and en-
phasizes more clearly than ever the
necessity for Pan-American Fedora
ton of Labor and spirit of Pan
fraternal relations shall be established |
between the workers and all the peo-
pies of Pan-America with the peoples |
Of all other countries, but come what
may, at least the workers and the peo-
pies of Pan-America must stand true. |
not only to their geographical situa-
ton but for the common protection
and the opportunity for the develop
ment and maintenance of their ideas
and ideals of democracy, justice and
freedom.
Fraternally,
SAMUEL GOMPERS,
JOHN MURRAY,
C. LOVEIRA,
SANTIAGO IGLESIAS,