The labor journal. [volume] (Everett, Wash.) 1909-1976, 1920-08-27
IAROR COUNCIL HOLDS EXCITING
SESSION-MUCH HEATED DEBATE

of the Gar all lovers OF freedom re-
ioiced and as the workers OF that
great nation heroically faced the
task of setting up new govern
ment. labor the world over recognized
that success upon their part must
have the most favorable and far
reaching effect upon their own con-
ditions of any event in many years.
The Russians were departing from
an old order just as our forefathers
were in 1776, and like our forefath-
ers, asked to be given an opportun-
ity to work out their problems In
their own way, without outside inter-
ference.
Instead, they have been harrassed
on every side, fighting on many
fronts at one time, blockaded, SLAM
dered and yet withal emerging today
confident of the final triumph OF
their cause.
And now, as Poland, her foremost
aggressor, faces we'll deserved defeat
as result of her ill-advised course,
the President of the United States,
together with the Premiers of Great
Britain and France, proposes that
these three great nations shall go
to the support of Poland and con-
tinue a costly war even in the face
of the liberal terms offered the
Polish people by Russia which would
insure for them a larger measure OF
freedom than ever before enjoyed.
Regardless of whether or not the
same can be said for these three
collectively, the peoples of these
great nations and particularly labor,
arc in no way responsible for the
position in which the Polish govern
ment today finds itself, and are un-
der no obligation to assist it.
On the contrary, the blackest page
in our history would be written the
moment we actively participate in
this most outrageous attempt to pre-
vent Russia carrying to their logical
conclusions the hard won victories
which now appear to be hers.
The British workers can be count
ed upon to play their part nobly, as
it is to be hoped the French will also,
in d determination to prevent re-
currence of the experiences still most
vivid in the memories of those who
faced the horrors of the recent war
and to prevent a slaughter of our
sons to satisfy the lust for blood of
twentieth century militarists, but,
grave responsibility rests upon the
shoulders of American workers to de-
termine what course they will pur-
sue in this crisis, and Seattle ap-
peals to them, confident that their
conscience and their manhood are the
equal of any and will not be outdone
by their British brothers.
The Seattle Central Labor Coun-
ell urges:
First: That every Central Labor
body take such action as will effect
ually prevent the manufacture or
shipment of arms, munitions and
supplies destined for use against our
Russian brothers and sisters.
Second: We request that you i'm
mediately vote upon the following
questions:
A. Shall the Executive Council of
the A. F. of L. be requested to call
conference of one representative
from each Central Labor body to
meet with said Executive Council at
a central point for the purpose of
formulating plans to effectively pre-
vent the United States government
making war on Russia without first
securing the consent of the people.
B. In case of an affirmative vote
upon this question, and failure of
the Executive Council to comply with
in fourteen days of receiving the re-
quest, shall this Seattle Central La
Dor Council send out such a call
to all Central Labor bodies?
C. In case such a conference is
called, will it be possible for your
council to be represented there?
In addition to the above you are
earnestly requested to cable or write
the British Labor Party heartily COM
mending it's noble stand upon the
Russian situation and write to every
congressman setting forth your posi-
tion upon this issue in language
such as this: Not one man and not
one dollar to be used against the
Russians.
Trusting that this vitally important
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