New-York tribune., 1919-07-11
American Labor Delegates
Going to international
Congress to Form New
Trade Union Movement
Will Fight Bolshevism
Great Wrong to Permis the
lingo Spirit Bring On a
Mexican War, He Says

Samuel Gompers, Daniel j. Tobin and
John J. Hynes, representing the Amer
can Federation of Labor, will sail from
New York on the Mauretana this
morning to take part in the interna-
tional trade union congress called for
July 26 in Amsterdam. The Amster-
dam congress, according to Mr.. Com
pers, is being held for the purpose of
forming new international trade
union movement or international fed
Grafton of labor.
THE first idea," he said, in a state
ment last night, sis to form a new
federation of the trade unions of the
various countries and to set forth the
aims and purposes and aspirations Of
the tolers of the civilized countries
of the world and help in any and
every way, both in economic and legis-
lative purposes, for the betterment, the
protection and the welfare of workers.
Would Move Seat From Berlin
THE international trade union move
ment had it's headquarters at Berlin,
and it is my judgment that our meet
iaG ct Amsterdam will determine to
t>.e the seat of the administration to
some other country. This choice is a
matter for the congress to determine,
but am rather dubious that they would
be willing to bring the executive office
so far distant from so many of the
European countries. Yet it would have
its advantages because, in addition to
the adherence or affiliation of the labor
movements of the European countries,
we would have the tWenty-one repub-
lies of the two Americas
THE labor movements of the Pam
American countries will not be repre-
sented by any particular delegate at
Amsterdam except as the convention
of the Pan American Federation of
Labor just closed decided that l should
represent them. Inasmuch as l repre-
sent the American Federation of Labor
l shall not be in a position to have two
votes. However, | shall try my level
best to bring about the best results" !"
Mr. Gompers was asked ii he would
attempt to have a stand made by the
on Belshevism and radicals.
"More than likely there will be Ger
man delegates" he replied
To Fight Rolshevism
"The question of radicalism and Boil
shevisni," he replied, rs the lnterpre-
tation placed upon it. So far as my
associates and l are concerned, repre-
senting the sentiment OF Ame rican
labor, we arc opposed to Bolshevlsm
and shall do everything that We can
to advocate democracy and freedom
and justice and the betterment of the
condition of the toiling masses and the
achievement of the rights to which the
workers are entitled as against Boil
@shegisnl, which is another name fol
autocracy and force
"Wll there be German delegates at
sthe congress
|. Speaking of international affairs
nearer home, Mr. Gompers expressed
sreeret that :liere should be any pes
s nslbility OF .-Cuble with Mexico.
TO my mind,' said he, sit would De
hfictcd upon the people of the Uult.ed
States as we'll as OF the people CT
Mexico if the jingo spirit, which now
s seems 10 be in the course of manu-
afacrure. should drive US into anything
! like conflict with the people of Mex
!, ice. The President has negotiated a
Ntreaty OF peace and in it is established
. the covenant for the league Of nations.
gone OF the highest purposes is the
bsot' cement of international disputes by
Speacefu| means and we cannot consis-
atently advocate such high principles in
sour dealing with the European nations
Gas provided in the covenant and then
Crush into armed conflict with Mexico
( Against War With Mexico
{ "There is rule of conduct of man
BAND of nations that can be followed in
Eal instances in pursuing one course
with a group of nations or a single ma
4 ton and an opposite course with any
other nation. The American people
shave had enough Of war. We entered
81. from the highest motives and with
saltruistic purposes to attain interna-
{tional peace and justice; the overthrow
sof autocracy and militarism. For that
4struggle we made many sacrifices and
Fare proud of them as we'll as of our
achievements in the war just closed
2and am firmly persuaded that we are
Enot going to war with Mexico, parti-
Fcularly in the interests of the special
interests"