The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1920-06-14
Six Hour Day Needed To Give
All Steady Employment.
Every Union in United States
VIII Join Drive.
OUTLAW STRIKES CONDEMNED
Resolution Censuring Unions
Who Aided Outlaws Now In.
British Union Chief Wants
Workers to Prevent Wars.

Montreal. June 14.-Organized Ia
Dor is preparing a nationwide fight
to establish the six hour day.
All unions opening the fight now
are assured full support of the Ameri-
can FeSeration of Labor under unani-
nous decision of the federation's an
nual convention in session here The
convention includes delegates from ev-
cry section of the United States
The annual report of the work dav
committee, presented by Secretary
hays OF the International Topographic
cal union, stated that it may be nee
essary to establish the six hour day
to insure steady employment. A short
er work day makes more Jobs the
committee argued
Outlaw Strikers Condemned.
Central labor bodies which aided
the unauthorized strike of unions dur
ing the recent railroad walkout in the
United States were condemned in a
resolution presented at the annual
convention of the American federa-
tion of labor here today.
Inc resolution was proposed by R
Z. Cashem of Cleveland, in behalf OF
the International Switchmen's union.
Mr. Cashem charged that number of
central bodies thruout the country had
aided switchmen during the unauthor-
izeo strike by raising strike funds and
furnishing them with meeting halls
He referred especially to the San
Francisco Central body
Ihe striking railroad men he
pointed out, were members of Yard
mems associations which were not af-
1ihated with the federation and were
members of rival organization As
the constitution of the federation does
not provide for any punishment for
such action. Mr.. Cashem urged that
the labor bodies in question be con-
demned and warned not to aid any
similar strike in future
Want Political Prisoners Free.
The International Ladies' Garment
workers union today was pressing its
/ fight to have the federation urge the
release of all political prisoners and
the repeal of the espionage act. The
resolution would have organized labor
protest against further useless and
/ lnhuman Incarceration of social IDEAL
/ lists and demand their immediate re-
lease. as well as complete restoration
! to the freedom of the press assem-
blage and association without any re-
| strictions."
The central labor conference body
| of New York, which is backing the
resolution. has placed before the dele
gates statement declaring that from
April 1, 1917, to February 2s. 1920.
there were 1921 men imprisoned as
political prisoners. conscientious OBJ
/ jectors and military offenders.
Wants Labor to Stop War.
International organization of the
union workers to further their aims
and prevent another world war was
I advocated by J. w. Ogden. fraternai
delegate of the British trade union
! congress, today before the American
Federation of Labor. Mr.. ogden.
however warned the federation that IL
must ignore any 'Internationale" sim
liar to that formed in Russia other
countries British workers are con-
stantly fighting the high cost of living,
Mr.. Ogden said. adding that they had
assured the government if il would
smash" prices and profiteering the
workers would ask no further wage
advances and wages will attain their
proper stability"
Mr.. ogden asserted that the labor
party in England was the second in
power, only being outstripped by the
coalition party. T. c. Cashem of
Cleveland was given unanimous con-
sent to introduce a resolution on be-
half of the International Switchmen's
union, condemning central labor
bodies which recently aided the "un-
. authorized" railroad strike in the
United States The resolution was re-
ferred to committee.
J. A. McCleHand. fraternal delegate
from the trades and labor congress of
Canada. urged the federation to ap-
point a committee TO investigate the
Catholic labor union movement and
take steps to end its activities in Can
. ada The Catholic union. which has
been in existence about ten years. he
asserted is opposed to any internation-
al labor organization and has been or
ganized labor's greatest enemy in Can
, ado. Mr.. McClelland declared that or
ganized labor was slowly "conquering
the one big union movement" He
pointed out that there are now z.3O9
local unions in Canada with a mem-
bership of 26o.247.