The labor journal. [volume] (Everett, Wash.) 1909-1976, 1917-08-10
THE PEOPLES
COUNCIL OF
AMERICA

J. Mahlon Barnes sets forth the
objects and aims of the Peoples
Council of America for Democracy
and Peace as related to labor or
CARNATIONS.
The Peoples Council movement has
come into being for "super-purpose
in the present crisis" says j. Mahlon
Barnes, for twenty years and dele
gate from the Cigarmakers to the
American Federation of Labor con-
ventions. This super-purpose, as
pointed out by Mr.. Barnes, who has
enlisted an organizer in the move
ment, is not to supersede, invade
or even guide any of the activities
of any organization now in existance
but to afford a common instrument
by which all may attain such ends
as they agree upon through their
delegates to the Constituent assem-
bly, of the Peoples Council which is
to come into being September 1.
1t was first expected that the Con-
stituent Assembly, which is to be the
governing body of the Peoples Coun-
Gil movement, would be created Au-
gust a. Upon application of a
number of labor unions, Socialist
locals and other bodies which desire
to send delegates and have a voice
in the movement, the date has been
made September 1. The meeting place
will probably be Minneapolis, al
though it may be st. Louis, the
choice between the two cities having
been left to committee.
"The great-the very greatest -
issue before the people of this nation
whether in war or peace" said Mr..
Barnes in discussing the Peoples
Council movement, "is the preserva-
ton of democracy in America. Bound
up with that question is that social
justice, and the basis of social JUS
tice is justice for labor.
Gall Dc ilO uOuDG tileiC al
overwhelming majority of our peo-
pie, a majority of millions are of
one purpose against surrendering
one jot of liberty or the standards
-of American life. Rather, they are
determined to advance both.
"These sentiments of the masses
have not penetrated the congress of
the United States. The government
has not recognized this great fact
These millions with the same
thoughts and the same purposes must
be given an opportunity to center
their forces behind a brief, direct,
vital program The millions of voices,
now lost in confusion, must become
one big voice-a voice that must be
heard and understood.
"That is why these forces, repre-
senting labor, Socialism, Single tax
ers, peace advocates, antimilitarists,
men who favor the repeal of conscrip-
tion-advocates of democracy and
justice under many names and men,
bers of many organizations have
brought forth the Peoples Council
movement.
"That movement is to be the in
strument and the weapon of all. 1t
will be controlled by those organiza-
tions who through their delegates
to the council create that body. 1t
will invade no territory. 1t will not
set aside or take on the work of
any existing organization, but it will
serve to vitalize and apply those
principles for which nearly every or
ganization of workers stands"
Thus far the Peoples Council
movement represents labor unionists,
Socialists, Single Takers, peace advo-
Gates, advocates of repeal of con-
scription, farmers unions and similar
organizations. Scores of unions
have become affiliated directly or in
directly with the movement. The
response of Socialists has been al
most universal. At present there are
some fifty local councils. Among the
larger cities represented are New
York, Boston, Philadelphia, Pittsburg,
Milwaukee, Louisville Cincinnati, Pat
erson N. j., Los Angeles, Indianapolis,
Detroit, Atlantic City, Newark, N. j.,
Buffalo, Harrisburg, Pa, Spokane
and Salt Lake City.