The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1919-06-19
"A. F. OF l. DEMANDS
BURLESON'S GUSHING
Calls on Wilson to Remove
Him to Satisfy a "Wrath-
full People"
RADICALS AGAIN BEATEN
Gompers Wins Repeatedly on
Every Test Of Strength
in Convention.

I'm Convention.
Special Despofch TO THn SuS.
ATLANTIC CIrr, June 1s.-A further
strong rebuke OF the radical element
which went down to overwhelming de-
feat on every issue, several tests OF the
strength OF President Samuel oompers.
In which he cana out victorious each
time, and bitter denunciation Of Post
master-Gsneral Burleson, ending with
unanimous vote tina. President Wilson
dismiss him from his Cabinet, were high
lights to-day in one of the busiest ses-
sions Of the Thirty-ninth annual conven-
ton Of the American Federation OF La
Dor here
The expression OF the sentiment Of the
worl<ingmen toward the radical wing Of
the convention came after an arraiEn-
ment Of the committee on resolutions by
James A Duncan, delegate of the Seattle
Central Labor Council. for It's unfavor-
able report Of resolution he had sub
mitted that would give the rank and file
Of labor an initiative and referendum
power on any question upon the demand
Of per cent. OF the local unions.
Duncan Leads Radicals' Fight.
Duncan. who has been leading the
radicals all through tho convention. de-
clared:
when I listen to the report Of the
Resolutions Committee, both now and
during the last two days: I am not at
all surprised at its action on this par
ticular resolution. presume It 10 Boil
shevism to offer resolution providing
for a Government of. for and by the
workers. have noticed that In all its
reports the committee has declared We
are heartily in accord with things as
they are, but strongly advise against
anything that seeks to give the rank
and file Of the workers their just dues.
or words to that effect at least by in
ference"
Detroit Socialists leaped into the fray
at this point and said: '"The committee
has shown a keen desire to choke off
everything that is new and progressive,
Its attitude toward this resolution Is
most uncharitable.
Secretary Fry of the resolutions COM
mittee. who reads all the resolutions re-
ported into the convention then took a
fling at the radicals. He said:
We have reported non-concurrence
with this resolution because IL will pre-
vent either investigation or elaboration
OF labor before II expresses It's opinion.
The committee Is guided by experience.
There Is such thing as democracy rum
ming wild.
THE resolution is without value be-
cause labor would not have time to de-
liberate sanely before acting. Some of
US are justified in rebuking those who
charge us with being reactionary and
obstructive to Justice. To term us such
liz to apply the accusation to the conven-
ton in general. for it's vote has sup
ported practically unanimously all the
reports we have made to date on reso-
lutions."
The report of the committee refusing
| concurrence was adopted overwhelm-
ingly.
In reporting resolution that sought
immediate repeal OF the espionage laws
the Resolutions Committee dropped the
| fore part of the resolution which was In
PRODUCED by the Granite City Ull) labor
council. but approved the final two Sec
| lions reading:
Resolved, That the convention In
struct the executive council to oppose
| any and all attempts on the part of the
present Congress, State Legislatures
city councils or law making bodies to
| enact legislation Of a character de-
nounced by the executive council abridg-
| ing or restricting the constitutional
| rights of American citizens and be II
| further
Resolved. That the secretary Of the
American Federation of Labor be in.
| structed to transmit copies Of this reso-
luton TO the President OF the United
States, both houses of Congress and the
| Governors and Legislatures OF the sew.
| eral States"
Approved by Convention.
Its action was approved by the con.
! vention.
The committee reported favorably or
Congressional legislation giving tn,
postal and civil service employees re
| tirement pensions and also a resolution
| from the Massachusetts, branch tina
declared the civil service laws defectiy,
IN that they make no provision for pro
hcting the employees with the right Il
appeal from the judgment of department
officials In cases affecting their remova
! ar demotion. II asks the executive coun
Gil to cooperate with the representative
If affiliated organizations OF civil seryic,
employees in their endeavors to secur,
the right of an appeal and a hearin,
/
| appeals. The convention concurred IN
the committees action.
The resolution demanding the dismis
tai of Postmaster General Burloson rea,
az follows:
"WheEeas, President Wilson In hi
message to Congress made this declare
| ton: The question which stands a
the front Of all others In every coun
try among the present great awakening
Is the question of labor. The object o
all reform In this essential matter mus
be the genuine characterization of I'm
dustry, based upon full recognition O
those who work, in whatever rank, u
participate In some organized way IL
every decision which directly AFFECT
their welfare or the part they play 4,
industry. and
Whereas. Postmaster General Burle
son has pursued n labor policy In direc
conflict with this enunciation OF prin
ciples, and In answer to President Conn
ers OF the American Federation OF Labo
has characterized as silly the right o
collective bargaining.
Whereas, Mr.. Burleson has ruthlessl,
invaded the rights OF the employees an,
has interfered in defiance of law will
the proper functionlng OF their organ
izations, and has not only refused :.
recognize the accredited representatives
but has also sought 20 have repealed IN,
employees constitutional right of direc
appeal to Congress.
Whereas this labor policy-a polic,
fastened upon every Governments