South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-12-08
CONGRESS SNUBS
LABOR DELEGATES
Delays Appropriation for In
ternationaI Meet-Britain
Provides American Flag.
Special to The News-Timcs

Special to The News-Timos:
WASHINGTON. Dee. by de-
laying and curtailing the appropria-
ton OF funds for this governments
share of the expenses OF the inter-
national labor conference, whose
members were the official guests of
the United States, the republican
congress left to British delegates the
task OF financing the equipment and
maintenance of headquarters in
Washington, and even of buying
small American flag that decorated
the table assigned to this country's
unofficial representatives.
Although congress had invited the
conference TO hold its first session
in the United States, and gave this
government the part OF host 10 the
foreign delegates who came in re-
Spouse to the invitation, no Ameri-
can official had authority to spend
even a penny for their accommoda-
ton durin gthe first three weeks OF
the deliberations.
This riscourteous treatment of
delegates whom the resolution OF
congress bid to the United States as
guests is attributed to the desire OF
the republican leaders to SPITE Pres't
Wilson and show their contempt for
the League Of Nations. under which
the international conference was es-
tablished.
Early in October. when it was de-
termined to request the information
al conference to hold its initial
meeting in Washington. congress
was definitely promised by repre-
sentatives of the League of Nations
that the United States government
would be reimbursed for expendi-
lures in the rental, furnishing and
maintenance OF a meeting place. and
for secretarial and clerical services.
No Funds for Headquarters.
When some of the delegates to
the conference reached Washington
no money was available for the es-
adjustment of headquarters. Pres't
Wilson directed the secretary Of Ia
Dor 20 make necessary provision.
The navy department gave the use
of one Of its new buildings. Off
Gals and secretaries of the depart
ment OF labor lent their help. but
there was no money and no sanction
for an yOutlay for furniture, station
airy or other requirements.
This situation was known to the
foreign delegates, who diplomatical-
ly pretended not to see II. and went
ahead employing clerks and meet
ing other expenses. The British del
egates used their allowances in this
way while officials of the United
States made the best show OF hospi-
tality they could
Finally, after three and a half
weeks Of the conference had passed.
the appropriation which congress
had grudgingly and tardily voted
became available. That was a few
days before the conference adjourn
ed. The original request upon con-
gress was for $500, 600 to finance
the conference for 60 days. II was
thoroughly understood that all un-
expended funds were to revert TO
the United States treasury and that
this country was 10 be reimbursed
for all btu its own share of the ex-
penses. Only $4,000 was appropri-
ated at last.
Official and unofficial persons
who are aware of the awkward po-
sition in which this government was
placed by this republican partisan
ship are wondering what impression
of the American people the foreign
delegates-ali Of them from friendly
countries-are carrying back home
with them.