Atlanta tri-weekly journal. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1920-19??, 1920-06-17
]. 8. OWNERSHIP Of
RAILROADS ASKED IN
LABOR RESOLUTION

MONTREAL, June 15.-The Ameri-
can Federation of Labor in annual
convention here today called upon
President Wilson and Attorney Gen
eral Palmer, of the United States, to
secure amnesty for all political pris-
oners"
In a resolution the convention de-
clared that the further prosecution
and Imprisonment in the United
States of political offenders is con-
trary to the democratic idealism and
the traditions of freedom to which
our country is committed.
The federation also adopted a reso-
luton demanding repeal of the COM
pulSory arbitration sections of the
ESch-CumminS transportation act of
1920. The executive council was in
structed to take steps to bring about
this action.
In PRODUCTION of military training
into schools was condemned by the
convention and the executive council
was directed to oppose any attempt
to establish compulsory military
service as unnecessary, undesirable
and un-American."
The railroad solution, supported by
the Brotherhood of Railway Carmen,
International Switchmen's Union,
Brotherhood of Railway Clerks, and
mands repeal of the transportation
act, and enactment of legislation pro-
vidtng for government ownership
and democratic operation of the rail-
road systems and necessary inland
waterways" This is necessary, the
resolution declares, in order to pro-
vide more adequate and cheaper
transportation and to eliminate the
sinister influence of railroad corpor-
atoms from our national life"
The resolutions committee an
nounced hearings were Still being
held. on the Irish question, which
probably will be reported tomorrow.
The executive council committee also
will be ready to report tomorrow on
the major problems before the fed
Grafton.
Birmingham, Ala, and Los Ange-
les, Cal, are the only announced
candidates for the convention next
year, but several other cities are
expected to enter the contest this
week.
The federation pledged support to
striking longshoremen on the Atlantic
recognition" and their opposition to
1.-The policy of the open shop"
A. Q. Anderson, of New York. rep
federation, declaring that the steam
ship companies are refusing to ar
bitrate and compromise the issue"
an dare "employing strike-breakers.
Texas is a corporation represent
ative," declared the speaker, de-
scribing alleged conditions at Gal
weston: He asserted that the martial
law edict there was unnecessary
and an attempt to ''break" the
strike.
The convention, in supporting the
strike of coastwise longshoremen,
took it's first step against the open
shop" policy inaugurated by trans
portation and steamship interests at
new York, Galveston and other
'The coastwise branch of the in
ternational branch of the Interna-.
tional Longshoremen's association on
the Atlantic and Gulf coast" read
the resolution adopted today, "have
been out on strike for over two
months, contending for recognition
and adjustment of demands, filed by
them with the coastWise steamship
companies more than nine months
ago for increases in wages and bet
terment Of conditions of employ
ment.
"The companies refused their de-
mands. pleading poverty, inability to
grant any increase in wages and re-
fusing to arbitrate and compromise
the issue, on the other hand employ
ing strikebreakers and declaring for
the open shop.
Therefore, be it resolved, that we
the delegates to the American Fed
Grafton of Labor, in convention as
sembled, and the various crafts di-
rectly affected, pledge our support
to the coastwise longshoremen in
their fight for recognition and
against the policy of the open shop