The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1919-06-18
RADICALS In A. F. |.
CONVENTION ROUTED
Endorsement of Soviet Rule in
Russia and Mooney Strike
Refused.
DEBATE Is ACRIMONIOUS
Recognition Of existing Irish
Republic" Urged in Resolu-
ton for Versailles.
special Despatch TO THE srS.


ATLANTIC CITY. June 17.--After a bit
ter debate during which physical encoun-
tiers seemed for time imminent, the
radical element in the convention OF the
American Federation OF Labor here to-
day was routed. A resolution was
adopted refusing to indorse the general
strike called for July 4 as protest
against the imprisonment OF Tom Moo
rey. convicted In connection with the
preparedness day bomb explosion in
San Francisco
Furthermore. the convention refused
to sanction The recognition Of Soviet
rule In RussM, "or any other form OF
goN eminent in Russia until the people OF
that country. by constituent or other
form OF national assembly. shall have
established a truly democratic form Of
government" The convention also de-
olined 10 ask that the blockade Of Rus
sian ports be lifted. although the with
drawal of American troops was asked.
Irish Recognition Asked.
A resolution was unanimously adopted
urging recognition by the United States
Of the existing Irish republic" and urg-
ing that the Peace Conference receive
the three Irish representatives in Paris
Compulsory military training was con-
demned and Federal legislation asked
TO ''break the monopolistic control OF
food products.
The debate to-day was said by veteran
labor leaders to be the most acrimonious
they had ever heard. It started with
the rejection by the convention. over
the strenuous protest OF the radical
group. Of proposal to change Labor
day from September to May 1 "as a
bond of affection to unite all the world
90 la. t.... "
The fight against the May day resolu-
ton was led bx Samuel. Gompers, presl-
dent of the federation, who said II was
"a day for American labor and not a
political event. as in Europe
Many OF the delegates took part in the
debate on Bolshevsm. John +. Frey OF
Cincinnati said that organized labor was
going to iisist on the recall OF all Amer
lean troops from Russia. but that II
would not favor shipping food there for
fear the Bolshevhd would get II, rather
Frey said the Soviet question had been
brought up in trade union meetings
here and that organized labor should
declare. through the convention, where
II stood in the matter.
Either We should support the Soviet
or we should declare our disapproval OF
II and all things connected with IT,"
said he. I'VE should do the latter II
we believe In a democratic fern OF
government. established and maintained
by popular elections
Although refusing to indorse the SYM
pathy strike for Mooney, the conv ention
pledged itself. through it's executive
council. TO make every effort to obtain a
new trial for the labor leaders. The
Mooney Defence Committee was CEN
sured for its alleged efforts to disrupt
the federation and II was charged that
II had used funds contributed in
Moneys behalf for this purpose II,
was also asserted that money collected
to pay the expenses OF delegates to the
recent Mooney convention In Chicago
was directed TO pay the salaries OF
workers for the Mooney Defence COM
mittee. Delegates who urged radical
action in Moneys behalf were hooted
and jeered and there were cries OF Put
'em out -
The resolution for the Irish republic
was a substitute reported by the COM
mittee on resolutions for a much milder
memorial which would merely have ex-
tended the sympathy of the convention.
But even the substitute did not satisfy
the vehement Irish sympathizers who
secured a couple of amendments.
Wilson Asked to Present II.
The main section as finally adopted.
read
Resolved, that We affirm that it is