The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1919-06-20
LABOR ADOPTS
 PROGRAM FOR RECONSTRUCTION

Atlantic City, N. J.. June 20-A comprehensive reconstruction pro- gram, designed to bring to all peo- pie greater hope for a better day. brighter life, greater liberty and a larger degree of happiness" was adopted by the American Federation of Labor at yesterdays session of It's annual convention.
 Radicals and conservatives united in approving a report embodying re- constructive recommendations devised by the Federation's executive coun- ell. The report last night was term ed by labor leaders "a new declara- ton of independence for the workers of America"
 'Developments in our social, in- dustriai and political relations, by reason of the necessities of war, have been as varied fin nature as they have been grave in character" said the report. "One of the most pronounce ed and far-reaching results is the realization of workers rights. duties and responsibilities in the structure of society, industry and government.
 'Conscious, as never heretofore, of its power, labor no longer will rest content under a system which treats workers as a commodity or article of
 
 the status and have come to that de- termination which demands treat ment of equality with all other men and women in modern society. They now insist on full value and full com pensation for services rendered on a basis that will enable all to enjoy the higher things fin life, rather than merely exist near the line beyond which we find human misery which spells human bankruptcy.
 '-The great value of the report on reconstruction, which received the unanimous approval of the executive council. lies in It's compilation in con- secutive order of the Fundamentally important and urgent subjects and relations to which organized labor must apply itself diligently and un- swervingly if the workers are to make permanent progress and gain fin the struggle between democracy and eutocracy fin industrial life.
 "The reconstruction program in brief recommends remedies against unemployment demands adequate wages; declares labor's right to fix its own working hours; demands pro- tection of women and children in fn- dustryi favors cooperative institu- tons of farmers and such producing
 
 of the courts to make and unmake laws; favors full participation of labor in politics but disapprova1 of partisan politics; favors public extension of waterways and public ownership and development of water power; urges e. minimum of land tenancies, and fa- vors farm ownership with public aid; would curb corporate power; insists upon a full return of freedom of speech and pressi would prohibit im- migration for two years and restrict thereafter; would tax In proportion to the income of persons or property; favors state college for worlingmen's children and demands a verdict for labor in conducting industrial educa- ton: urges governmental aid in building honest opposes larger stand ing armies, favors help for soldiers, and as an urgent and immediate remedial measure urges the payment of salaries to returning soldiers and sailors for a limited period after dis charge,
 Tho committce recommends ap- provul of the program. not because 1t believes 1t all comprehensive but fundamental. not becaaise of its fdeal- ism, but because of its practicability, mot because of its novelty but be- cause it is founded on experience and Justice. The program fs highly con- struotive fin character and excelIently designed to benefit not only a part of society. but to bring to all the peo- pie greater hope for a better day. q brighter life, greater liberty and a large measure of prosperity and hap piness"