Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1919-07-20
SANCTION PACT,
A,F,L,PRESIDENT
TELLS MEMBERS
Labor Body Urges Sub-0r-
ganization to Urge Their U.
S. Senators to Speed Peace
Treaty Ratification.
BY JUSTIN M'GRATH.

Washington, July l9.-The Amer
Nicau Federation of Labor has brgun
its campaign for the ratification of
the peace treaty. A circular letter
signed by President Gompers and
Secretary Morrison was sent out to
the officers and all members of or
ganized labor. Accompanying the
circular letter were two pamphlets
dealing with the treaty of peace, the
covenant of the league OF nations
and the labor charter.
The circular letter contained the
resolution OF Endorsement of the
treaty passed by the convention OF,
the American Federation at Atlantic
City, adopted by vote of 29,9O9 in
favor to APO against.
After citing the resolution. and
the vote by which it was adopted
the circular letter says i'll part:
"There are no people in the
United States so vitality interested
in the ratification of the treaty as
the working people and it is the
duty of the organized labor move
ment in every section OF our coun-
try to make known by resolutions.
letters or kilograms to their United
States senators that it is the wish
and the hope of their respective
unions that these senators shall
vote for the ratification of the
treaty.
Social Justice Issue.
6 "Social Justice here takes its place
as one of the prime considerations
Of mankind. Nor is this social JUS
tlee mere abstraction. 1t becomes
in the treaty of peace something
definite that enters the lives OF all
people"
The nine points of the labor char
ter OF the treaty, which are charac-
terized as labor's new bill OF rights
are thus enumerated:
"First, the guiding principle above
enunciated that labor should not be
regarded merely as commodity or
article of commerce.
Second the right of association
for all lawful purposes by the en-
ployed as we'll as by the employers.
"Third, the payment to the EN-
ployed of wage adequate to main
tain a reasonable standard of life as
this is understood in their line and
country.
"Fourth, the adoption of an eight
hour day or a 48-hour week as the
standard to be aimed at where it has
not already been obtained.
Fifth, the adoption of a weekly
rest OF at least "a hours which should
include Sunday when practicable.
"Sixth, the abolition of child labor
and the imposition of such limlta-
tions on the labor of young persons
as shall permit the continuation OF
their education, and assure their
proper physical development.
i Seventh, the principle that men
and women should receive equal re-
Enumeration for work of equal value.
Eighth, the standard set by
law in each country with respect to
the conditions of labor should have
due regard to the equitable eco
nOmlC treatment Oh ali WI MI - IA "
fully resident therein.
Urge State Inspection.
Ninth, each state should make
provision for a system of lnspec-
ton in which women should take
part in order to insure the enforce
ment of the laws and regulations
for the protection of the en-
ployed."
In addition to the so-called bill
Of rights, the labor section of the
treaty provides for an international
labor congress. Of this congress
the federation says:
THE International labor congress
cannot impose its will on any un-
willing nation. 1t will have none Of
the functions of supreme parlia.
ment. The underlying idea is to
foster progress throughout the
world by a free will adoption of
higher standards as a result of the
reasoned decision of nations acting
collectively"