The labor journal. [volume] (Everett, Wash.) 1909-1976, 1919-06-27

members of the Committee, led by
John P. Frey and James Duncan.
ATLANTIC CITY, N. j., June 1S.
The Convention of the American
Federation of Labor today disposed
of some of the most troublesome
matters that are likely to come be-
fore it.
Here are the chief issues acted
upon:
Unanimous vote in favor of self
determination for Ireland.
A demand that the United States
withdraw American troops from
Russian soil, as soon as convenient,
and denial of recognition to the
Soviet Government of that country.
Reputation of the "One Big
Union" propaganda on the Pacific
Coast
Demand for a new trial for
Thomas J.. Mooney and his asso-
ciates, together with a reputation
of the plan for a general strike in
his behalf.
! Dictatorship of the proletariat"
was put to sleep with a bang. So
Wet defenders put up a rather me-
diocre fight, but were swept into
fhA acx i4rify
committed to sanity and democracy.
The action taken provides that
America will recognize no govern
ment not set up by the people and
giving recognition to all elements
in Russian society.
So is the Soviet question settled
in the ranks of American labor. The
same principle held good in the
l"O. B. u" discussion and found ex-
preston in slightly different
form in the Mooney case debate.
American labor voted strong to
stand by tried principles of demo-
cratic progress. Bolshevism and all
other fantastic projects get small
comfort here. The Bolshevik ques-
tion was brought before the Con-
vention by report on three resolu-
tions, dealing with the recognition
of the Soviet Government Of Rus
sia and demanding withdrawal of
American troops in Russia. These
are Resolution 9, urging the feeding
of the starving population of Rus
sia; No. S5, asking withdrawal of
troops in Russia, and No. 1S9, ask
ing recognition Of the Soviet Re-
public"
The Resolutions Committee Of
fered the following resolution COW
ering both points:
Resolved, That this Convention
express it's well-considered convic-
ton that the United States Govern
ment should withdraw all American
troops from Russian soil at the
earliest possible moment, and be it
further
Resolved, That this convention
refuse its endorsement of the Soviet
Government of Russia or any other
| form of government in that country
until the peoples of Russia, through
constituent or other form of ma
tional assembly shall have establish
ed truly democratic form of gov
ernment."
The following resolutions were
adopted:
Endorsing Education Bill Oh. r.
y, creating a Federal Department
of Education, and appropriating
$10O, 100000 for this work in the
States.
Favoring a study of various CO.
operative plans, and giving the
Committee on Cooperation a fund
for this work.
Favoring Civil Service for en-
ployees of public libraries and rep
resentation of a member of the Lii
brary Union on all library boards.
Favoring a broad program of
scientific and technical research by
the Federal Government.
Urging cooperation between la
Dor and the Bureau of Naturaliza-
tion for the education OF the for
eign-born.
Denouncing the retention of
"yeomanettes" in clerical positions
before the civil service register is
exhausted.
Denouncing mob violence, lynch
ings and organized violation of the
law.
Protesting against the massacres
of Jews of Poland, the Ukraine, and
other Eastern European countries. l
Urging the organized spread of
the fight on venereal diseases.
Condemning the acts OF employ
ers in constructing a lower stand
ard of living based upon curtailed
consumption due to high prices.
Favoring reclassification OF Fed
1