The sun., 1919-06-12
Will Go to Washington and
Stage Demonstration at
White House.
VOTE WAS 26,475 TO 1905
Gompers Says Infringement
on Liberty Makes Him Fear
for Nations Future.
Special Despdtch TO The Sex.

approval OF war time prohibition and
Of the inclusion Of beer in the Consti-
tutional amendment.
The American Federation Of Labor
IN thirty-ninth annual session on the
Steel Pier recorded itself 26.475 to
1905 for a resolution introduced on
behalf OF the heads of 100 representa-
tive labor bodies AFFILIATED with the
federation which urged the immediate
repeal or the war time measure and
the exemption Of beer from the amend
ment. There were lively debates on
the issue.
The convention further demonstrated
its determination to bring the fight to
a quick climax by accepting the in
vitatton OF the labor bodies Of Washing
ton, adjourn sessions here Saturday,
board a special train and take the pro-
test right to the capital. It will stage
huge demonstration on the steps of
the White House and then send its
committee with the resolution adopted
to-day to the Congress with the de-
mand that the law makers act on
the protest
~ Gompers Urges II.
Adoption of the resolution came after
two hours Of debate, In which Samuel
Gompers, president, as we'll as the Res
olutions Committee, spoke In its favor.
Tho vote was taken by roll call after
such an individual poll had been de-
manded by both the opponents of the
resolution, who wanted the country to
know what factions stood behind the
movement to wipe from the laws of the
nation the safeguards for the home" and
those in favor, who declared they de
sired to have the nation know Just what
districts were ready to stand up for their
rights and liberty as patriotic citizens Of
the U. 8. A"
The resolution declared that both war
time prohibition and permanent prohibit
ton as provided under the eighteenth
amendment were principally intended to
deprive the workingman of the means
legally to secure a glass Of beer after
the days work." and that all ''restric-
tive and sumptuary legislation has the
effect Of destroying part OF the Ameri-
can labor movement and in seriously
Gripping many international organiza-
tons affiliated with the American Fed
Grafton Of Labor"
The main section declares:
Resolved, That the American Fedora
ton OF Labor in convention assembled
expresses disapproval of war time pro-
hibition, and that strong protest from
the delegates of the convention be for
warded to the Government at Washing
ton setting forth In a most emphatic
manner the opinion OF the delegates of
the convention that the present mild
beers of 2% per cent. alcohol in weight
should be exempted from the provisions
OF the Eighteenth Amendment to the
Constitution, and also from the provi-
stems of the war time prohibition meas
ure: and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Executive Coun-
Gil of the American Federation of Labor
DO and is hereby instructed to convey
these expressions through a committee
TO the President of the United States and
TO Congress and to do everything posi-
BILE in its power to preserve to the people
OF the United States their freedom, lib
erty and democracy"
Gompers II Apprehensive.
Before the adoption of the resolution
President Gompers said:
The name of Samuel Gompers has
been drawn into tho debate and tina,
fact makes It essential that make some
statement with regard to this resolution
II had not been my intention to do So
First let me say that the article ap-
pearing in MoClure's Mapdsine of the
current issue Is not Samuel Gompers
speaking as the president of the Ameri
can Federation of Labor. but Samue
Gompers as q man and a citizen who
sees danger ahead. me closing sen
tenoe OF that article explains Just how
feel It declares verify believe that II
the face of what has developed in ooun
tries that have tried prohibition that tn,
United States really does not wish to pu
into effect as a permanent policy
measure that other nations found un
necessary. impossible and disastrous.
Bound by every tie of principle
hope and aspiration for my country
welfare and progress. associated will
the men and women Of our country a
closely as am. for the first time In m!
whole life am apprehensive for tn
future.
This is the first time that the Con
stitution has denied the rights and lib
critics of the citizens of our great coun
try. That is just what this amendmen
does 1t is the first time anything ha
ever made me apprehensive of the fu
ture of our country. No man in thi
country has worked harder to incul
cato the principles OF temperance an,
temperate conduct in all things than
have done.
Some of those who love me leas
have put me In the company OF tn
President OF the United States as bein
the representative of the brewery inter
estS. Such accusations need no de
tense from me. You all know me to
well.
There are two classes OF intemper
ance. One 10 that OF the rich. idle elias
who md recreation and amusement 4
playing with booze.
THE other class Is that OF the i'm
poverished man who, overworked, find
solace and temporary relief from over
wrought nerves in spirits.
"rhe people In the States now DIR
territory like Seattle may be satiate
with their freedom and better condition
in the security and knowledge that booz
can be secured II they want II at an
time from neighboring territory. Blu
remove this security, take II away en-
urely from tho people. ana you don
know what will happen.
Cites Russia's Example.
'Tn Russia when the ukase agains
vodka was put into effect tho results /
ensuing months showed that there wer
more cases Of alcoholism IN the hospital
than before the regulation went int
operation. In regard TO Bolshevism en-
alcoholism In Russia / am not prepare
to say whether It is a case OF cause an
effect. The Government will md I'll
Seattle proposition IL for Bolsheyism
the United states.
but may say that this resolution ha
haa serious consideration. and men VIII
are prohibitionists and real advocate
agree that this was the right way to &
about IT z II Ii not so much questio
OF prohibition as fair. Just opportunit
70 the ueoDIe TO lead an orderly life tha