The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1919-06-14

AZ last d. great AdUOi u1SLo1y: "A
book crammed full of facts about the
American labor movement, set down
out of the official records.
Title: American Federation of La
Dor History, Encyclopedia and Refer
ence Work. Price 50. Order from
Frank Morrison, Secretary. A. F. of L.
Washington, D. c.
William c, Roberts, member of the
international Typographical Union,
Chicago, is the compiler of the book.
Roberts is dean of American labor re-
porters. He began work on the book
little more than year ago.
The new book is without question
the most valuable book ever written
about American labor. 1t is not only
a complete history Of the labor move
ment, but is a history written in La
boris own language-the language of
the conventions of the American Fed
Grafton of Labor. ::
The Introduction contains this
statement: ...
"The rule followed was to use the
official language of the convention.
The belief was that it should be an
American Federation of Labor book.
not the work Of any individual or
group of individuals. The real au-
thors are the delegates to the con-
ventions, extracts from whose resO-
lutions and speeches are printed
literally but in condensed form. It
: is the American Federation Of Labor
officially talking to you as you read,
not an individual author. Every
delegate who presented a PROPOSE
ton, discussed any issue or in any
way left the impress Of his thoughts
on the trade union movement will
recognize the result of his work in
the book. Only the names are omitted
making all the delegates equally re-
sponsible for the magnificent growth
and victories gained by the American
labor movement"
Beginning in 1881 with the forma-
ton of the American Federation of
Labor, the historical section presents
a complete and authentic recital of
labor events to the present. The rec
ord is one of firm adherence to cor
rect principles. showing in striking
form the steady and consistent growth
Of the movement. No more impress
sive record has ever been written by
any movement.
Nearly 500 subjects considered in
A. F. of L. conventions are to be
found in the encyclopedia, section.
The subjects listed are those con-
sidered in the 3S conventions of the
federation and are used in the book
in the language of the conventions,
thus 'insuring an exact record OF
events. New members and others who
seek knowledge of the movement
should find this section Of the book
Of unusual value.
The declaration adopted in WASH
ington March -, 1917, setting forth
"Labor's Position in Peace or in War;
is reproduced.
The Reconstruction program draft
ed by a special committee appointed
by the St. Paul convention is in
Guided in the book.
Color reproduction of the Charter
of the National Labor Union and the
A. F. of L., various lists of officers
the A. F. of L., constitution, names
of fraternal delegates from Great
Britain and Canada. lists of unions
that use labels or SnOp carOs-tneSe
are but an indication Of the facts
contained in the book.
The war record Of Labor is COM
plete. Eighty-four subjects are
treated under this head. The his
torical section is voluminous and sat-
isfying.
Labor in Europe" is described in
section under that heading. There
is to be found the report of the A.
F. of L., delegates to the Inter-Allied
Conference Of September, 1918, and
number of other reports.
Other subjects are:
History of the five A. F. Of L. De-
partments.
Federal court decisions affecting Ia
Dor.