Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1919-06-19
A. F. Of |. OPPOSES
MOONEY STRIKE
Federation Also Refuses to En-
dOrse Recognition of Soviet
Russia-Urges Recognition
of Irish Republic
CONVENTION IN UPROAR
Radical Elements Proposal to Change
Date of Labor Day to May 1 Is Re.
jected After Strong Fight Against II
Led by Gompers

Atlantic City, n. j., June 17.-Amid gem
eral uproar, delegates attending the con.
Vehtion here of the American Federation
OF Labor to-day refused to endorse
recognition of soviet Russia, although
urging recognition by the United States
OF the existing Irish republic" and voted
against the general strike proposed for
july in behalf of TON" Mooney con-
victed In connection with the prepared-
ness day bomb explosion in San Francisco.
discussion of Bolshevism developed
"hen the resolutions committee reported
resolution asking withdrawal from
russia Oh American soldiers, but refused
TO report other resolutions demanding
| recognition of soviet Russia and lifting
, or the blockade of Russian ports. The
committee refused to endorse recognition
or the Soviet or any other form of gov
ernment in Russia until the people of that
country by constituent or other form of
national assembly shall have established
truly democratic form Of government"
Inc debate was said by veteran
labor leaders to have been the most
bitter they had ever heard. 1t fol-
lowed rejection by the convention.
over the strenuous protest of the rad
zeal group. of proposal to change
american labor day from the first
Monday in September to May 1, AS a
bond of affection to unite all the
world of labor into universal broth
erhood."
Samuel Gompers, president of the
federation, led the fight against the
May day resolution, asserting that
American Labor Day was "a day for
American labor" and not political
event." as it was in Europe.
Numerous delegates took part in
the debate on Bolshevism. Peter Boil
lenbacher of the Pennsylvania State
Federation of Labor, protested against
rejection of his resolution, which
called for the lifting of the Russian
blockade. declaring he had offered it
ION humanitarian grounds to bring
about relief of women and children.
John =. Frey of Cincinnati, delegate
of the moulders, and chairman of the
committee, replied that organized
la Dor was going to insist on recall
of all American troops from Russia,
but that it could hardly favor send
ing food there for fear the Bolshe-
wiki would get it instead of the wom-
en- and children.
MANY more men than we ever had in
Russia" he added would be necessary
If it was to be insured that the food
and clothing sent there to relieve the
masses would reach their proper destina-
ton"
In response to further argument by
radical delegates Mr.. Frey declared that
the soviet question had been brought to
America and into trade union meetings
and that he and the other members OF
the committee were of the opinion that
the convention should declare in no un-
certain terms just where organized labor
in America stood.
EITHER we should support the soviet"
he asserted, cor we should declare our
disapproval of it, and all things asso-
ciated with it, We should do the latter
If we believe in democratic form Of
government established and maintained
by popular elections"