The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1920-12-18
LABOR FRAMES
FIGHT ON FOES
Leaders in Conference With
Senators Plan to Oppose
Anti.Strike Laws.

Steps 10 offer stiff opposition to
further attacks in Congress on or
Ranized labor were reported to have
been considered today at a meeting
between members of Congress and
representatives of organized labor;
One OF the first objects sought Is
defeat OF the Poindexter antistrike
bill. which slipped through the sen
ate, but was held up by Senator La
FoIlette's SUBSEQUENT notice OF mo
tion TO reconsider.
Senator France OF Maryland was
among those who attended the meet
Ing. Among others present were
Senators La Toilette, Walsh or Mass
achusetts. and Norris OF Nebraska,
The meeting was held In the oiice or
William Johnston, president or the
International Machinists' Union In
addition to Johnston, labor's repre-
sentatives included w. G.. Lee, OF the
Brotherhood OF Railroad Trainmc
and w. S. Carter. of the Brotherhood
OF Firemen.
OPEN SHOT CAMPAIGN.
In the discussion of the Poindexter
bill II developed that labor leaders re-
gard the fight for the PoindeNter Dill
as part OF a nationwide movement TO
establish the open shop throughout
tho country They link the sentiment
in Washington against strikes with
such developments as the testimony
OF President Grace of the Bethlehem
Corporation, that his concern mas re-
fused to sell fabricated steel to con-
Germs employing union men.
The tight against the movement Tor
the open shop. the labor people be-
will
members of Congress, who believe In
the open shop principle. The reason
for this belief OF the labor leaders Is
that they hold the present activity TOT
the open shop to be in effect drive
against unionism in any form--not
merely insistence upon the right or
. nonunion laborer to get )op.
FORMAL STATEMENT ISSUED.
After the conference in Johnstons
office he gave out statement IN
which he said. in part:
1.-The conference grew out or the
fact that the leaders OF the raiiroad
labor organizations were meeting al
this time in Washington to discuss
various problems and the time was
thought to be opportune for general
discussion Of the entire legislative
situation.
an the course of the discussion
suggestions were made By several OF
those present that a bureau OF leg :sla-
tive information should be established
to act with the liberal members OF
the House and Senate. This sugges'
ton was empha sized by the passage
Of the Poindexter bill prohibiting
strikes in interstate commerce be-
cause opponents of this measure had
not been properly warned that it was
to be taken up by the Senate.
mo definite action was taken by
the conference. but 1t was agreeH
that later meetings would be held
at which plans for bringing about
better coordination of the liberia
forces of the country with their rep
resentatives in the House and Senatt
would be formulated. AS soon A.
anything Of concrete character ha
been agreed upon by the conferenc"
announcement will be made in due
course, together with the names OF
those present"
Senator France, when asked about
the meeting, said:
ut was private gathering and
am not at liberty to discuss wha
WAS considered. However, l feel
free to say that the purpose of the
meeting was not to arrange OPPOSE
ton TO specific legislation against
organized labor. but to consi!ci
future legislation in which all lib
erals are interested"
WAS the Poindexter bill con
sidered?"
at was not on the program TO
consideration, but was mentioned
Incidentally