The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1920-06-24

Covenant Is Endorsed by Organ
lied Labor Convention.
o. KID WITHOUT RESERVATION
Gompers Breaks His GaVel in Pre- serv-
ing order-Takes Floor in Support
of the Committees Report "a
vorine the Pact.

Montreal, June 2l.-The American
Federation of Labor adjourned its an
nual convention here after indorsng
the League of Nations without reserya-
tlons
The closing session of the two weeks
convention was a stormy one. Irish
sympathzers, supported by the pro-
greSsiye wing of the federation OPP
posed the movement to indOrSe the
league and throughout the debate on
the question President Samuel Com
pers had difficulty in maintaining or
der His gayel was smashed in his
efforts to quiet the proceedings.
The League of Nations issue arose
shortly before adjournment Its oppo-
nents were unable to gather sufficient
votes for a roll call, and number Of
Irish sympathizers jumped to the floor
and demanded that their votes be re-
corded AZ mo" in the records.
Gompers Takes Floor.
President GOmpers was compelled to
take the floor in support of the league
when it became apparent the delegates
were swinging to the opposition.
Members of the executive council
made emphatic appeals in behalf Of
the covenant.
The report of the committee on inter-
national relations which was adopted
declared to reject the league would be
endorsing the policy of greed, hatred
and brutal war as the rule that guides
in the settlement of relations between
nations"
ut is not a perfect document, and
perfection is not claimed for it," the
report added. 1T does, however, mark
the nearest approach to perfection that
ever had been devised for the proven
ton of war. 1t must meet with the
unqualified approval and support Of
the American working people"
Always Favored Peace.
when has the American Fedora
ton of Labor failed to place itself on
record for international peace?" asked
Mr.. GOmpers. II can't recall it. The
federation has endeavored to use its
Influence and power to prevent war.
Who has not struggled for such peace?
Shall we now reverse the policy which
we have suppOrted?"
Dan McKillip of Seattle led the OPP
position to the covenant, because, he
said it guarantees the territorial in
ltegrity of the British empire. He also
declared the American workingman
does not understand the full meaning
of this league"
Mr.. Gompers and the executive coun-
Gil will leave Immediately for Wash
ington to put into operation the pro-
gram framed by the convention.
The first move, it was said, will be
launched against the Democratic ma
tiOnal convention to obtain incorpora-
tion OF the federations program in the
party platform. They will urge also
that the federations nonpartisan po-
litica policy, which was unanimously
approved by the convention, be car
ried out.
BlOklhlli 40 ouiiihSu ny
convention demands, follows:
Ratification of the peace treaty.
Government ownership, with demo
cratic operation of railroads.
Curb on prOiiteerlng and high cost
of living.
Would Jail Profteers.
failing of food and clothing prof
iteerS.
Right to strike and abolition of COM
pulsory arbitration and anti-strike leg
iSlation.
Hands Gff in Mexico by the United
States government.
Endorsement of the Irish republic.
Right of collective bargaining.
Advances in wages wherever neces-
sary to maintain the American stand
ard Of living
Shorter work day, If necessary to
prevent unemployment.
cEH0MD pI hHE NIT E0p H0Y