New-York tribune., 1920-06-16
A.F. Il. Opposes
Recognition of
Soviet Russia
Also Votes Down Resolu-
tion Asking Z. $. to Open
Trade Relations: Reds
Scored as Militaristic
Propaganda Denounced
Convention Calls Upon
President Wilson to Free
All ''Political Prisoners''

MONTREAL, June 15.-The move
rsn. to call upon the United States TO
recognize the Soviet government or
hf. the embargo on trade with Russia
was blocked in the annual convention
OF the American Federation OF Labor
here to-day after q heated debate.
James a. Duncan of the Seattle Cen
.ral Labor Council leo the fight in be-
half OF the Soviet. with the aid of
representatives Of the Ladies Garment
Workers. but the convention adopted
BY an overwhelming vote the report
OF the resolutions committee opposing
sny action.
The committee report declared the
Federation would not be justified in
taking any action that might be con-
s,rued as an assistance to, or approval
OF the Soviet government so long as
it is based upon authority which has
not been vested in it by popular
nstiona representative assembly of
the Russian people. o. so long as it
endeavors 10 create revolutions in
= wel-established civilized nations of
the world, or so long as it advocates
and applies militarization to labor and
prevents the organizing and function
ing OF trade unions and maintenance
Of free speech free press and free
public assemblies.
Lenine's Speeches Quoted
John Frey, chairman of the resolu-
tions committee, said it had ascertained
on the highest authority" that the
Soviet government Is an "autocratic,
militaristic government that does not
believe in democracy and is ruling by
the iron hand Of the dictatorship"
Extracts from Lenine's speeches, which
he read, showed, Mr. Frey declared
that Lenine believed in making trades
unions subservient to the Soviet gov
eminent and labor compulsory"
Opposition to the report, he said.
might indicate that the Bolsheviki
had infested the ranks of organized
labor IN America with its propa-
ganda."
Mr.. Duncan said the committee had
made 'camoufage report" to deceive
the workers OF the country as to the
true situation in Russia. Conditions
in this country, he said, and added
that President Wilson and Premier
Lloyd George approved recognition of
the Soviet government, but had not
the courage of their convictions to
stand up and declare for it."
James Duncan, first vice president
Of the federation, answered in defense
Of the committee report. He read a
telegram from Secretary of State Colby
which said the existing government
did not represent the will or consent
Of any considerable proportion of the
Russian people"
David Grange, a New York delegate,
said the greatest trouble in America
was the Bolshevik plotters, who are
trying TO disrupt organized labor.
Il don't care what President Wilson
or Lloyd George have approved he
sad but do know we have a good
enough form of government here in
America for me, and I am not going to
take any chances with Trotzky's and
Lenine's Bolsheviki crowd. They are
not any more friends of labor than
was the Gar in Russia"
demand by Abraham Greenstein, a
delegate of the jewelry workers, that
II send an investigating commission to
learn the true facts" in Russia. The
American press and news agencies, by
disappearing the facts" he said
were responsible for the present situa-
ton Of Russia.
An amendment to the report, offered
by Joseph D. Cannon, Of New York,
which would urge the government to
cease lis activities IN upholding the
blockade" Of Russia and would protest
against supplying munitions to nations
wa <(<.T,
mously.
Other Pleas Ignored
no vote was taken on a resolution
ohered BY Luigi Antonio, Of the Inter
national Ladies Garment Workers, to
declare the United States, in continu-
ing the blockade was "an abetter in
'hiS most heincos crime against free
sovereign people, with whom the Amer
Ian people have always been at peace"
me convention also passed over motions
snat the convention use its influence to
o!ing about withdrawal Of armed forces
% %, az foreign powers now opposing the
bolsheviki
.~ ne telegram form Mr. Colby said:
There is no licensed or regular trad
ing between the United States and Rus
ia a. present. There have been, as
:ou may know, several conferences on
'he subject Of removal Of restrictions
against trading with Russia. These
conferences have been held in Europe
ana tnelr course has been carefully
observed by this government They
naFe 80 far been void Of rasult The
"',iet government 3 Ins!stent upon
poIitcai recognition as condition
Precedent % resewal Of any COM
merclal contact
while tnls government has no de-
IRE s. 70 interfere with the internal af-
@ .@als oi me Russian people or to sug-
sss. me Kind oi government that they
T4oa!o p. nave, The existing regime in
aia ..-saia poes not Represent the will or
.shasnt II any considerable proportion
y. the Russian people. It repudiates
.sfy principle of harmonious and
..us:ini relations. whether Of nations
=. " lnelWduals, and is based upon the
Aegatlpn NJ honor and good faith and
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