The labor journal. [volume] (Everett, Wash.) 1909-1976, 1920-01-02
HERE IS LABOR'S
RENEWED AVOWAL
Of AMER|CAN|SM
(By SAMUEL GOMPERS.

Labor has put forth a program
of thoroughly constructive criti-
cism and suggestion. It's demands
are the demands of forward-look-
ing citizens who seek the advance
ment and perfection of our civili-
zation.
The representatives of the workers
met in Washington on December
18th and adopted document that
is fit companion to the declaration
adopted by labor on March 18th.
1917, when our country stood on
the threshold of war. This present
declaration is intended to help avert
calamity in our republic. 1t is in
tended to help promote the national
well-being. For that reason labor
Iunhesitatingly condemns tat which
holds to be unjust and unwarrant-
able.
Labor's declaration condemns the
warranted use of the injunctive
process. To quote from the decla-
ration: Formerly injunctions is
sued in labor disputes were of a
Drnh bjtivo oh q oroc+ar u-;+L;,, .I,o
recent past this abuse of the in
junction writ has been enlarged to
include mandatory orders whereby
men have been compelled to do
specific things which they have a
lawful right to refrain from doing.
I'VE declare these abuses in the
exercise of the injunction writ are
clearly violative of the constitution
and that this issue must be deter
mined definitely in accordance with
the guarantees Of the Constitution
of the United States"
Labor's declaration condemns
legislation calculated to make
strikes unlawful. 1t condemns such
autocratic and unbearabIe conduct
as that of the United States Steel
Corporation and the bituminous
coal mine operators. 1t must be re-
mem bered that arbitrary restric-
tions have never in the worlds his
tory stilled the voices crying for
justice or halted except for mo-
ment the march of progress.
America faces a great and sub
lime task. In this she can succeed
only if those ideals that were Civ
en- such vitality during the war are
carried effectively into our indus
trial mad social life today and to-
morrow.
This declaration of labor is more
than bill of rights. 1t is a con-
structive program for the indus
trial life of America.
The solemn warnings and the
policies set forth are
measures conceived by a most prac-
tical craftsmanship in response to
the experiences and needs of those
who serve in the hard reality of
the world of work.
Broad purpose and deep patriot
ism underly every word written in
to this declaration. There is in it
no thought of gain except for free !
dom and humanity and justice. We
have the right to call upon all of /
our countrymen for support and |
helpfulness in the furtherance of /
such principles.
The war we have fought together
has brought us victorious peace.
the problems of which can be solved /
only by united unselfish effort.
We declare ourselves unrelent-
ng in condemnation of malpractices
IN our democracy. We cannot and
must not tolerate autocracy of anv
character in our land. Those who
would defy the ethics and the law
md the morality of civilization we
an know only as foes of humanity.
The warning of labor is sincere
md the product of understandings.
The declaration calls together all
hose who give service in every walk
If life to arise and purge the land
IT abuse and wanton exploitation
md autocracy of conduct.
Freedom makes stern demands
lpon those who would enjoy free
lom. Labor's declaration is its
.voWal of understanding and its
hedge OF loyalty to that noble con-
ept.
The union label stands primarily