New-York tribune., 1919-06-20
Battle Over Resolution Is
Averted at Convention as
Chairman Rushes a Vote
After Committee Report
Demand Immigrant Bar
Workers Want Protection
During Reconstruction;
Wilson Message Received
Staff Correspondeuce

convention of the American Federation
OF Labor here to-day over the bitter
opposition of the radical delegates.
The Federation also declared against
organization of distinctive labor
party, battle on this issue being
avoided by the chairman's putting the
question to vote Immediately after
the committees report was read.
The interest manifested by delegates
and onlookers in these two outstand-
ing features of to-day's session was
equslled only by their speculation re-
garding the contents Of President Will
sons message on the status Of the
peace treaty and its labor and league
of nations covenants. The Presidents
message was referred to the sub-com-
mttee on international relations, ana
will not be made public until to-mor-
row afternoon.
Condemning "usurpaton" by the ju-
dietary of legislative and executive
functions, the convention adopted res
olution urging organized labor to ig-
more court injunctions which violated
Constitutional rights. 1t was demand
cd that judges guilty of tyranny" be
promptly impeached.
Gomperss Plan Adopted
The reconstruction plan framed by
President Samuel Gompers and the
executive council was adopted and the
settlement of the controversy between
the machinsts' and flint glass blowers
unions, which was expected to precipi-
tate fight, announced.
Matthew Woll, chairman of the COM
mlttee on executive councils report,
opened the imm grafton discussion by
recommending that legislation looking
toward prohibiting all immigration for
period of years be enacted by Con-
gress.
The campaign to permit the resump.
ton of immigration, he said, was fos-
tered by employers who want an over
supply of labor. Until readjustment
was complete, the committee held,
there should be nothing done to in
crease the amount of available labor.
Max Gorenstein, of New York, speak
ing as a naturalized citizen for an
organization made up of persons of
alien birth. said other means to pre-
vent unemployment could be adopted,
citing the six-hour day as one way.
de objected to closing "the doors of
asylum to the oppressed and perse-
euted of Europe"
Urges Plea to Congress
Frank Morrison declared that snch
employers as the steel trust and the
lumber barons" are anxious to see
the bars taken down. The federation.
he declared, had the right to and
should ask Congress to protect Ameri-
can citizens from any influx at this
time. calling attention to the sugges-
tion credited to Judge Ebert H. Gary
early in tie war that Chinese coolies
be permitted to enter the country.
Andrew Furuseth, speaking as one
born abroad, opposed any immigration
at this time
President Wilson's answer to the re-
quest for information came to Mr..
Gompers at the hands of Guy H. Oys-
ter, who left here last night for
meeting with Secretary Tumulty, to
whom the request for information was
handed. Oysters departure for Wash
ington was known to but few, and on
his arrival tonight he was Immediate
iy closeted with the committee.
The committee, it was stated by
member this evening, expects to be in
session the greater part of the night.
Ihis Is taken by those who know the
situation to mean the committee is
divided in it's opinion as to the best
tv, al, L,~L
with the least amount of friction on
the floor OF the convention.
Answer Not Definite
1t is understood that Mr.. Wilson's
answer as transmitted by Secretary
Iumulty is not as definite as some Of
the members would wish and is largely
confidential in its nature. Whether or
not message to the convention accom-
panied it cannot be learned tonight.
The fight on immigration to-day was
lead by Max Gorenstein, representing
the International Ladies' Garment
workers Union. Gorenstein was given
respectful hearing, but, on vote, the
sentiment Of the convention was almost
unanimously against him, only few
OF the radicals, led by James A. Dun
can, OF Seattle, supporting him.
The action of the convention on the
question of a labor party was the big
surprise Of the week. When Chair
man VOL began to read the report Of
tne committee the delegates settled
gown in their seats for a lively fight
ne followed the reading with the Gus
omary motion to adopt the recon-
mendstions. Frank Duffy, who was in
.ne chair Immediately put the ques-
.i"n and before any one quite realized
q" tne report was adopted.
IN the matter Of the courts, the re-
port adopted by the convention takes
sne ground that the Constitution does
NOT give the courts the right to nullify
legislation by finding it unconstitu-
noha'' and that this right exercised
~ the courts since the days of John
.sfsnaii Ia usurpation Of power that
snould be curbed.
win Petition Congress
- . means toward this end it is
oFasFsd that "tbe executive council
.a o sii state organizations move for
ING early enactment of ADEQUATE laws
20 deny the further usurpation of
sness nnwarrantcd powers by our
courts and that Congress be petitioned
70 Iupsach all fndyc. e.. II