The Connecticut labor press. (New Haven, Conn.) 191?-1921, 1920-04-24
SENATE PREDICTS
1000 LABORITES
in NEXT CONGRESS
Myers Very Much Concerned by
Political Action of
Workers.
THOMAS IS ALARMED
Have Field Day on Labor in Sen
ate With Civil Service
Bill.

Bill.
Washington, April 23.-It would be
fine thing to have some member of
Congress frank the April issue of the
Congressional Record to each voter in
the United States, for the pages are
full of protests and pronouncements, of
labor men and labor unions. Among
these is the circular letter issued by
the American Federation of Labor for
non-partisan political action to defeat
members of the Wall street soviet and
elect real representatives of the people.
The debate opened on an amendment
proposed by Senator Myers of Mon
tana to deprive federal employees who
belong to labor unions from participat-
ing in any benefits of the civil service
retirement bill, introduced by Senator
Sterling of South Dakota. Senator
Myers insists that it is crime for
government clerk to join labor union,
particularly one that is affiliated with
the American Federation of Labor.
Senator Thomas of Colorado joined
in support of the amendment and casti-
gated labor ina two-hour speech. Both
senator's read into the record letters
and documents to prove that organized
labor is becoming too independent and
influential for the peace of mind and
hope of reelection of scores of reac-
tionary senators and representatives
Accepts "Labor's" Figures
I "The people seem to be asleep to the
dangers that beset them,' declared
Senator Myers. There are about $50
members of congress. Unless there
should be most marvellous, almost a
H.. <@f L.
predict that the Sixty-seventh con-
gress, which will come into existence
in less than year. will contain at
least 200 members who will be in entire
accord with the demands of organized
labor, and that in the Sixty-eighth
congress, which will come into exist
ence in less than three YEARS, there will
be at least 400 members who will be
in accord with all of the demands of
organized labor"
It is to be hoped that the senator is
a better prophet than he is a represen-
tative of his constituents.
Thomas Is Much Alarmed
Senator Thomas expressed regret
that the anti-strike clause of the Cum
Irins-Esch railroad bill had been elm
mated, eu1ogized Judge Anderson of
the coal miners. He passionately de-
clared his belief that the present poll
tical movement of labor was largely
due to the railroad legislation, meas
ure which he supported and would
support again.
"There are 100000 federal employees
in Washington" said the Colorado
senator, "who belong to unions and
pay so cents per month in dues. Some
of this money is going to be used to
defeat members of congress and elect
representatives of labor"
Then the senator INDUCED himself !
and amused the few members In the
chamber He predicted that when the |
next congress convened the oath of
Office would be amended to read:
Revised Oath of Office
"You do solemnly swear that you
will support and defend the constitu-
ton and bylaws of the American Fed
Grafton of Labor as construed and un9
dersfood by the president thereof that
you will support all legislation ap-
proved by and defeat all measures op-
posed by such president; that you will
otherwise conform your public action
to his wishes and requirements, and
should you at any time refuse or fail
SO to do you will resign. Subject to |
this qualification you do also solemnly
swear that you will support the Con-
stitution of the United States and
faithfully perform all duties imposed
upon you by law. So. help you God"
History Shows Precedent
Senator Thomas is we'll informed
man and a great student of history.
Hence no surprise was occasioned
when he closed his two-hour speech at
tacking labor by this confession:
Il cannot close without acknowledge |
ing that there is much precedent III our
political history, possibly much occa-
sion, for this proposed labor movement
in politics"
The amendment by Senator Myers |
to brand federal employees as criminals |
for belonging to labor unions was de-
feated in the senate by vote of 43 to
8, those in favor being Senators Myers |
Warren of Wyoming.
Employees Retire at TO
The civil service requirement bill was |
then passed without a roll call and sent |
to the House. 1t provides that federal |
employees shall be retired from the ser |
vice at 20 years of age, or previously II |
incapacitated, and receive annual pen
sions ranging from $3.50 to $72O, based |
on length 1of employment and wages
received. The retirement pension fund |
is to be maintained one-half by the gov
ernment and one-half by an assessment |
of 2Lz per cent on the wages of all
persons eligible to retirement under the !
law. 1t is estimated from 1000 to 5000
employees will be retired as soon as the
law becomes operative.
The retirement bill has been before |
congress for 10 years, but this is the
first time it has gained the sanction OF
either legislative branch of the gov
ernment
PUTNAM STRIKE ENDS.