Norwich bulletin., 1920-02-09

Washington, F'b. S.-eBy The A. P.) Organized labor, 5000 strong. has thrown it's hat into the political ring. Vigorously deuouncing congress, which 1t was sad, "has failed to do it's duty" the American Federation or Labor today announced the appoint ment of a national non-partisan po- liticaf campaign committee which will mobilize trade unionists and "all lovers of freedom in an effort to de- feat candidates indifferent or hostile to labor and to elect true and tried friends of the trade union move ment.
 Not waiting for the general cleo ton in November, the campaign will be started immediately and pursued without relaxation through the pri- naries, in which it is stated all as- pirants for office will have their records analysed. stated in unmis- takable language and gwen the widest possible publicity"
 This programme applies to all can- didates, from presidential nominees down.
 Samuel Gompers. president of the federation: Frank Morrison, secre- tary, and James OConnell, president of the federation's metal trades de- partment, were appointed as execu- tive committee, empowered to obtain such assistants as necessary. Four women are included in the national committee.
 A national crisis. threatening the free institutions of the country by the ''reactionary'' attitude of con- gress. 1t was said. impelled organized labor to apply this year the non-par- : tisan policy formulated in 1906 and used In several subsequent cam paigns. Announcement of the decis- ion was made in an official circular embcdying the conclusions of the federatlUu's general committee which has been in session here several days This circular will be distr buted to trade unionists in every state through the local unions, by which it will be called also to the attention of friends of organized labor.
 '-The inherent rights and principles of our people are threatened" the circular begins.
 The free institutions of our coun- try are menaced.
 The ideals of democracy are in danger.
 ''The congress of the United States has failed to do its duty. It has faiI- ed to meet the emergency. It has given encouragement and support to autocratic and reactionary policies Its dominating thought has been the repression of labor.
 Every effort to secure remedia, and constructive legislation has been strangied. Every appeal for redress has met with subtle and open hostil- fly. The halls of congress have been used by labor's enemies to foster and spread a vicious propaganda against the efforts of the toi1ers to exercise the-r normal and lawful activities fol the protection and promotion of theil interests and welfare Labor has appealed for relief in vain.
 The hour has arrived when those who believe in the maintenance of democratic institutions must marsha their forces in defense of their rights and ideals.
 Tt is intolerable that people who spared no cost to make the world safe for democracy should be. forced to submit to any restriction of the glorious liberties inherited from the founders of our nation. The perpet- uation of our fundamental rights and the enactment of essential cor/ruc. tive legislation demand the efectior of men. regardless of their politica affiliations. who are truly representa-. tive of American ideals of liberty.
 Conscious of its responsibilities nPt SSSeu ny lHe grave problems re- sulting from the great war, the American Federation of Labor at it, annual convention in June, 1918 adopted 9 reconstruction programme This programme defined the essentia industrial policies andk legislative en. actments required to establish 2 fuI measure of justice and opportunit1 for labor.
 Because of r emergencies which arose since that convention, i became imperative that the repre- sentatives of organized labor and O farmers should assemble and confe to devise ways and means for safe. guarding their rights and liberties al free men and citizens On Decenbe 13, 1919, a conference of representa- lives Of labor and of farmers met il Washington. D. c.
 This conference expressed labor grievances. protests and demands
 No favorable legislative action up on the recommendations contained il the American Federation of Labo reconstruction programme, or thos expressed at the December confer ence. has been taken by congress. In stead many congressman have en deavored to enact legislation provid ing for compulsory labor. Despit the patriotism and sacrifice of tn masses of labor of America duriny the world war, under the guise Q anti -sedition laws the effort has bee made to repress free association, ire speech and free press
 "Scorned by congress. ridiculed an mis-represented hy many members 0 both houses. the American labo movement finds it necessary to vigor ously apply it's long and well-estab Iished non partisan political policy.
 "Confronted by a succession of hos file congresses, the Amer Mn Fedora tion of Labor in 1908 announced it historic bill of grievances Thi was followed by a vigorous and sue cessful non-partisan political cam paign. In 1908, 1910 and 1912. tn saine programme was energetica1lJ applied As a result. many of labor enemies in congress were defeate and all of the essential legislation i 1abor's bill of grievances of 1906 wa enacted.
 Constructive legislation has neve been so necessary as at present. Nev CT has it been so essential to secur the defeat of labor's enemies and tn election of it's friends and supporter