New-York tribune., 1919-07-10
Neither, He Thinks, Will Men
Now Here Be Denied Right
to Bring Over Families
From Old World Lands
Lighter immigration Rule
Leader Tells Pan-American
Conference They May
Come; League Indorsed

Explaining the position Of the Amer
lcan Federation Of Labor on immigra-
ton, Samuel Gompers last evening told
the delegates Of the convention of the
an-American Federation of Labor
that he did not believe the United
this country the wives and minor chill
dren of Russians and other Europeans
now here.
He further declared 1t to be his opin-
ION that it might not be necessary to
restrict immigration for the perior
OF four years first suggested by the
American Federation of Labor.
Mr.. Gompers's talk on immigration
was IN response to the request of L. n
Monores, Mexican delegate, who pre-
sented resolution asking that the
representatives of the American Fed
Grafton of Labor in the convention ex-
plain the apparent inconsistency be-
tween the declarations Of fraternity Of
the first congress of the American
Federation and the recent declaration
OF the American Federation Of Labor
against all immigration. This declara-
ton was coupled with the specific state
ment that it applied to Mexico.
In answering this, Mr.. Gompers re-
viewed the course of immigration to this
country since Colonial days In late
years, he said, industrial trusts. work
ing with steamship companies, had con-
tracted with large numbers of foreigners
for service in mines, steel mills. packing
plants and other works, with the result
that these laborers were "held for years
in virtual slavery"
This influx, he said. before the war
had menaced the standards of living of
the American workman and made it i'm
possible to organize the steel and pack
ing industries. Now, he said, some prog
ress is being made. With peace a new
problem--that of caring for the returned
soldier-had arisen.
"Our first duty" said he, "is to see
that those who were willing to give up
their lives for the freedom Of others
shall have jobs, and that the American
shall have the right to job before
the man who comes here from any
other country"
On the Atlantic and the Pacific he
said there was q threat Of immigra-
ton that would overwhelm the Amer
ican workers..
"This is a critical time" he went on.
Owe must protect ourselves or be over
whelmed when the critical period has
passed America will again become the
home of those who of their own vcl-
tion may seek to come here. That time
will come probably within four years,
when the restrictions now necessary
can be removed.
81 will not give and | do not think
the American Federation of Labor will
give its Endorsement to any moven ent
denying the right of asylum to ooliti-
cal refugees.
"Many people have come here from
Russia, from Poland and other coun-
tries in that part of Europe, leaving
their wives and children behind them
/ do not believe the government of the
United States will take position that
keep these women and children apart
from their natural protectors. The
American Federation of Labor will ap-
prove no course tending to keep fam
lies separated"
Following Mr.. Gompers's explanation,
Mr.. Morones declared it would serve
to clear up Misunderstanding in Mex
leo and Central America as to the exact
position taken by the Federation, he
conceding the right of the American
workman to protect himself under the
The convention indorsed the peace
treaty and the league Of natiors and
adopted resolutions requesting Mr..
Gompers to use his good offices with
President Wilson to the end that MIR.
Wilson may intervene to bring about
better relations between Peru and
Chile Another resolution, asking for
the removal of American marines from
San Domingo, was also adopted.
At the afternoon session Mr. Comp
ers was reelected president, and Mex
leo City selected as the next meeting
place