The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1919-08-31
LABOR HOLDS UP
PLUMB VERDICT
Federation Decides to Study
Carefully Federal Control
Plan Before 1t Acts.
WATCH WILSON'S MOVES
International Conference Re-
ports BOlshevik Wave Is
Receding in Labor.
WATCH WILSON'S MOVES
Special Despatch TO TIE Sun.

WASHINGTON, Aug. 30.--The Ameri-
can Federation of Labor is not pre-
pared to give it's Endorsement as yet,
at least, to the Plumb plan of govern
ment ownership of the railroads. The
executive council of the federation,
after considering the plan and hearing
Mr.. Plumb and others, determined to
examine the question much more
thoroughly before committing the fed
Grafton upon it.
This announcement was made by
President Gompers to-day upon con-
clueion Of the quarterly meeting of the
executive council Of the federation.
In addition Mr.. Gompers made an
other announcement OF far reaching
importance, in view of the present
situation. He said that the report of
tho Amsterdam Conference of Inter
national Trade Unions showed clearly
that the wave of Bolshevism had re-
ceded and that the conference voted
overwhelmingly against any Bolshe-
vik principles or tendencies.
This stand by labor is expected to
have considerable effect in the. United
States to-day. when radicals are trying
to couple labor unrest and demands for
higher pay with Bolshevism.
President Gompers's statement was
formal and outlined the actions of the
executive council. Whether 1t will be
the only word to laborers before Labor
Day remains to be seen. There was no
statement from the White House to-day.
as was expected. but 1t was made known
that .he Federation of Labor was doing
its utmost to prevent strike of the
steel men of the country at this time
and 10 have negotiations conducted TO
an samicable finish.
Labor's Eyes Now on Wilson.
Just what move President Wilson will
make Is being watched with the keenest
interest. Mr. Gompers made no men
ton In his statement of possible or likely
intervention by President Wilson be-
tween the workers and officials of the
Steel Corporation. The fact that he did
say. however, that there was hope of
an amicable adjustment lends color 10
the report that Judge Gary, chairman
of the board OF the Steel Corporation.
has been asked quietly to come to
Washington for conference with the
Chief Executive. officials in Washing
ton and labor leaders are waiting for
Labor Day with considerable calm. and
1t appears that there is little fear of any
outbreaks or disturbance by radicals.
President Gompers's statement says:
The executive council of the Ameri-
can Federation of Labor was called into
extra session to consider a number OF
veXatious questions which are occupying
the attention of the working people and
the people generally of our country.
They desired to have immediate informa-
ton regarding the activities of the dele
CATION of the American Federation of
Labor at the Amsterdam Conference OF
International Trade Unions-the confer
ences which our delegation held with the
representatives Of labor in those coun-
tries
The delegation, consisting of Samuel
Gompers, Daniel J. Tobin and John J.
Hynes, submitted their report in writ
ing and which will be made public very
shortly. We are prepared to give that
out at this time, believing that 1t is
most appropriate that the report be
made direct TO labor first and Jointly
with 1t the general public. This can he
said for the report, that II showed
clearly that the wave OF Bolshevlsm has
Union Conference .at Amsterdam voted
overwhelmingly against any Bolshevik
principles or tendencies: that the Inter
national Trade Union movement is
founded now upon more democratic
basis, that is. that the representation of
organized workers such as the United
States. England. France and Germany
should have its seat in these interna-
tional conferences and that the Offices
and officers have been taken away from
Germany.
Peace Looked For I'm Steel Trade.
THE executive council had under con-
sideration the iron and steel organizing
effort and have endeavored to bring
about the very best results. The efforts
are still being made and the hope Is en-
tertained that an amicable adjustment
may be reached before any outbreak or
cessation CT work shall be lnaugurated.
THE cigarmakers of the United
States are engaged in strikes for i'm
proved conditions occasioned by the high
cost of living. and there are 1876, 900
of that industry who are now engaged
in the struggle. The executive council
indorsed that strike and pledged its
moral and financial support to II and
will issue additionally an appeal to all
labor and friends to come to the finan-
cial and moral assistance of the men
engaged in that controversy.
1.-THE executive council had before II the
representatives of the labor organiza-
tions and their council who favored the
Plumb plan of railway ownership or
railway control and administration.
The council considered the plan as well
as the provisions of the Sims bill deal
ing with this important subject. The
plan and the bill. so the council de-
clared. are of such transcendent impor-
tance to labor, to the people and TO the
country that the council decided 10 de-
fer final action determining the position
of the American Federation OF Labor
. thereon. and in the meantime a sub
committee was created for the purpose
of examining into all the facts and evil
dence obtainnble to secure advice OF all