New-York tribune., 1920-02-07
Aggressive Political Cam
paign Prepared to Win
Control of Congress and
Elect State Officials
Candidates Sought
In Both Parties
Compers Under Orders of
A. f. of l.. Directs Call
to 100000 Workers

WASHINGTON, Feb 6.-Deinitt
plans for the first nationwide, aggres
sive political campaign by organized
labor to control Congress and elec>
friendly national and state officials
have been made by committee of the
American Federation Of Labor and viii
be announced soon. The fight, labor
officials declared to-day, will be bi-
partisan and will be launched in the
coming Presidential primaries.
Organization details have been formu-
lated by committee composed of the
executive council and department pres.
idents of the Federation, which has
been in session here for the last two
days. Samuel Gompers, president OF
the Federation, said tonight that an
explanation Of the movement would
be made public tomorrow.
Committee Forms Plans
The committee formulating plans
was appointed by Mr. Gompers in ac-
cordance with instructions given by
the General Labor Conference held
"declaration Of principles" adopted at
that time.
Representatives in Congress whose
records show them to be uafriendly to
organized labor, it was said by mem
bers of the committee, will be opposed
vigorously for reelection, and new can
didates hostile to labor's interests will
meet the same opposition. Every CT: it
affiliated with the Federation will be
called upon to join the political fight
it was added. Congressional districts
will be actively canvassed and an army
Of organizers put in the field. The Fed
GRAFTON now claims a membership of
more than 100000.
carried into state and local primaries
obtain Governors, judges and Legis-
latures we'll disposed toward labor.
Labor leaders explained that while
an effort would be made to enlist the
support of the farmers no third party
movement is considered advisable. No
attempt to reach an agreement with
national farm organizations will be
made, but the appeal will be addressed
directly to the workers themselves, 1t
was said. The cooperation Of friendly
state and local farm organizations,
however, is hoped for, particularly in
North Dakota, Minnesota and adjoin-
ing states where the Nonpartisan
League has gained hold, and in New
York, South Carolina and other states
having strong farmers organizations.
Real Men Are Reticent
Chiefs of the four big railroad
brotherhoods, now in Washington for
wage conferences with the Director
General, SHE'D at any political discus
sion when asked to-day if the railroad
employees were aligned with the Fed
Grafton in the contemplated fight.
On the other hand, to-mofrow's issue
of Labor" the official organ of the
Plumb Plan League, will have as it's
leading editorial call to "ninety mill
ion wage earners and farmers to organ
zc now to elect their quota of Con-
gressmen." II. Z. Wills, chairman of
the legislative committee of the
brotherhoods, and L. E. Sheppard, presi-
dent Of the conductors, are members of
the editorial board of Labor"
The editorial declares that there
should be at least 200 workers and
Mariners in Congress instead of the
"lawyers, the bankers, the trust barons
and the mine operators" now holding
seats.
The editorial condemns the return Of
the railroads to private ownership, uni
versal training, Intervention in Mexico
anti-strike legislation and "a new alien
and sedition law" Privilege, it says
wants IAN Attorney General Of it's own
choosing, so it can put men in Jail for
even discussing the right to strike"
ain Republican district man
should be nominated who can be relied
upon to oppose these things" it con-
tinues. "In a Democratic district a
Democrat should be nominated who will
oppose these things"