The news scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 1920-06-22
LOCAL ORGANIZED
LABOR PLANS FOR
SWAY IN ELECTION
Memphis Branch of Nonparti-
san League Is Formed at
Meeting Monday Evening.
Roberts Opposed.


Memphis organized labor proposes IN
make itself felt in the coming cam
palsn as united force for fair renrs- =
sehtatlon OF the working mans inter
ests' The weight of its influence at
'he polls is to be thrown to the friends
OF organized labor who stand with eouaI
iiueh'y Tor the advancement of the
general good OF the community. the
party "'eSpeouVe OF
Al least such was the sentiment or
pressed at the meeting Of some 90 or
ulore ~ duly elected representatives az
ie 1ile various labor unions of the cIty M
carpenters hall Monday night N ia1nch G
~ 1ne Nonpartisan league of the America n
reoerauon or Labor, as advocated h..
me recent International convention ~
ths- american Federation OF Labor
dtsn. hatIohai issues and presidential can
uloates Wera not mentioned. Business .
was confined closely to plans and meth
vhs ts OF organization and for conducting
me campaign, except for frequent ONT
ppursts from the delegates against Gov
hoperts, whose attitude toward organ.
condemned by nearly every sDeasnTy ts,Isfy
ToV. Roberts, 1t was charged, held up
tennessee organized labor before tbe
eyes OF the world as disloyal wbiie
representatives OF the department ~
Justice after thorough Investigation
ateclared there was not a red in the
state of Tennessee. '''e
Schwalb President.
- Archibald R. schwaIb president Of
the Central Trades and Labor counriI
was elected president of the lea
hrSe wee presidents were named: II.
Powell. Hamilton scott Mas Mas eIectdss
secretary, and H. g. TerIisner press
representative. Mr. Terllsner acted ID
temporary secretary In the absence IN
Mr scott; Officers Of the league Will
c@oihpose @ Inc executive committee, to
Whlch was referred all matters Of or
mary plans -
II there is any radical element in
memphis organized labor il was not
represented at the meeting Monday
night, at least no radical Views found
expression from any OF the numerous
speakers. 0U'
Three matters were given great en-
phasis by all speakers. First. the duty
oI every union man to pay his poll tax,
to register, and cast his balolt intelli-
gently second, the responsibility OF the
league to see that every union man
does qualify to vote and. third that
where women are allowed to vote the
wives, sisters and daughters OF union
men snail be encouraged to exercise
their FRANCHISE In the interests OF the
policies advocated by the league.
The man who does not pay his poll
tax is not good American and not
3 gpod union man. speakers asserted.
The league is determined that every
union man in Memphis shall pay his poll
YAK. II Is prepared to resort to ex-
treme. measures to bring this about, al
though the methods to be employed will
be left to the various unions.
Will Aid Collector.
Some Of the unions have adopted by-
laws declaring members who can not
produce poll tax receipts, not in good
standing. The secretaries of other
unions propose to supply the tax col.
Iector with the names OF all members,
so mat payment can he enforced II not
paid Voluntarily. Another plan sug-
sested is for the union to pay the poll
lax Of all members who fail to nav il
themselves, and deprive the delinaEent
member of benefits until the amount Is
refunded.
, Universal payment Of poll tax will
10 more to arouse interest in public
affairs among the members OF labor
than anything else, lead
srs assert.
An active campaign OF education is
o be inaugurated Immediately Four
minute men will be the main reliance |
II the league to carry its message TO the |
workers. Eleven men were appointed |
IS four minute men Monday night. and |
he number will be increased The |
speakers will work in teams OF three |
Zach, and will attempt to visit every |
Meeting OF every union In the city from |
low until after the November cleo |
ion.
Members Of the four minute men or.
,anizations are w. T, Powell A. NJ.
White, John Vogt.. A, r. Schwalb, j.
= Flynn, Robert Shut, j. Cook. ". q.
rerlisner, T, O. Croce and T. c. Fain |
'wo negroes, Robert Shut and ]. w
'oleman, will speak among the negro
abOr unions.
Members of the Nonpartisan league
hedge themselves to stand by the can
idates indorsed by the league. The
entral body of the league, composed
4 three delegates elected from each
lhor organization and railway brother
ood. promises a fair and impartial in
'estigation Of the qualifications and
lbor record OF each candidate.
Leaders hold no delusions as to the
hility OF the league to command n |
nit vote of all labor for the candt-
atcs OF its choice, but It Is believed
hat with wise leadership and thorough
rganization. the vote OF the 1000. 900
lembers Of The American Federation
( Labor can be so directed that II will
old a balance OF power that will elect
bors friends and defeat its enemies
/ all sections Of the country.
The meeting adjourned to meet al
IN, next Monday at Carpenters hall.
, complct" its organization and per"
apt Dlana for the "a m ma ion