Evening journal., 1919-12-15
LABOR DISCUSSES
EARMERS' PE AN
Scheme Would Form Co
operative Union Between
Farm and City Worker
NO DEFINITE
ACTION TAKEN

WASHINGTON. Dec i5-Phns for
economic and legislative cooperation
with the farm organizations OF the
country have been placed before the
American Federation Of Labor Both
PROGRAMS were discussed yesterday at
an executive session Of the federations
committee on cooperation and a SINH
lar body representing the farmers.
choseH-ai the national farm conference
In Chicago. November 2i.
No definite action was taken on
either proposal and the final decision
rests with the executive council OF
the American Federation Of Labor,
which viii pass on the recommenda-
tions of the joint body Of workers and
farmers.
The expressions OF leaders among the
union men and farmers on labOr's "bill
OF rights" showed here were many
who were by no means satisfied with
the action taken by the labor conven-
ton The bill Of rights" was father
ed and pushed through by Samuel
Gompers, president OF the American
Federation OF Labor. II had been pre-
pared days In advance and was adopted
by the convention without dotting an
or crossing a T.
Especially strong opposition develop
ed among the followers Of John Fitz
Patrick, leader OF the steel strike, who
launched the labor party In Chicago
last month. BY them the federation
declaration was characterized meaning
less and said TO contain only two spe-
ciflc ecommendatlons-for the ratlflca-
iion OF the treaty and retention OF the
railroads
Members OF the Fitzpatrick faction,
who were allied with The radical far
mer element in the formation OF the
Labor party. were active today in seeh
ing support among the farming repre-
seniatives for their cause They
found some sympathy due Ia The fact
that the federation prOnouncement en-
bottled IN only one particular the legls-
laiive remedies sought by the farmers.
The movement for economic coop
Grafton which was present at yester-
days meeting goes far beyond the
Rochdale system OF cooperation, advo-
Gated In labor's bin Of rights. and
would form a cooperative union 10
enable the workers on the farm and
the workers in the city 10 get In such
close touch that the profits now taken
by series OF indictment would be
Eliminated absolutely.
Labor was asked 10 indorse the
movement and TO appoint delegates 10
a conference to be held on February i2
at which preparations would be made
TO carry Il into effect.
The legislative program which the
American Federation OF Labor has been
asked TO second Is more specific than
labor's bin OF rights and was to have
been presented for action before The
meeting OF the international union
presidents yesterday according to the
original program Samuel GOmpers.
president Of the American Federation
Of Labor. did not grant the farmers an
opportunity for presenting their pro-
gram before the bill OF rights was
adopted and had lt referred TO fhe ex-
ecuilve council without being passed
on by The full convention.
The articles in the legislative pro-
gram follow:
First Passage OF the Kenyon Bill
for federal regulation Of the packing
industry.
Second Government ownership Of
railroads and government control Of
the merchant marine
Third Naturalization OF the nat
ural resources and TO have them con-
Quoted on a cost and not profit basis.
Fourth. Democrat financing Of the
war cost by maintaining the income,