New-York tribune., 1921-06-11
Metal Workers
Reject Plan to
Merge Unions
Overwhelming Vote Cast
Against Move; Conpers
Promises to Pursue His
I.ife's Work to the End
Saws Labor Will Triumph
Resolution Presented Asks
Discharge of Sims il He
Was Correctly Quoted

DENVER, June 1o.-Delegates to the
invention Of the metal trades depart
rent of the American Federation of
labor this afternoon by an everwhelm-
inr vote defeated a proposal designed
"a bring about the organization of one
bis metal trades union in the United
States.
Representatives of the international
Association of Machinists, who intro
duced the resolution, were vigorously
scored as advocating and attempting to
revive the 'one big union" idea in this
country. The debate was long and bit
ter. representatives of the Pattern
Makers League of North America, the
International Brotherhood of Boiler
makers and International Brotherhood
Of Electrical Workers. vigorously op-
posing the proposal.
A roll call showed that the resolu-
ton was defeated by vote of 3,210
to III. The International Association
Of Machinists was the only union to
vote solidly for the resolution. The
Metal Pohshers' International Union
delegation was split, while the Metal
Trades Council, of Chicago, voted in
the affirmative.
AS long as I live, no matter how
placed, l shall endeavor to pursue my
hfes wor.. until the end!"
With this pledge of service to the
yerpetuity of the American labor
movement, President Samuel Gompers
OF the American Federation of Labor,
L. = l.. l IL
annual convention of the metal trades
department..
Gompers's Confidence in Fellows
When that end comes" added the
veteran labor leader, Il hope | may be
conscious so as to express to my fell
lows past ard here the justice and the
confidence that have in them and
the respect that | have for them and
TIE hope for the perpetuity of the
great American labor movement"
President Gompers urged the metal
trades unicns to be optimistic as to
the future, asserting that the present
reaction would not be lasting.
Organized labor, he declared, is go
ing to hold all that it has gained and
has made successful fight against
its enemies.
The American labor movement is
safe. sad the labor chief. at is pro-
gresslye. 1t is less fantastlcal, but it
IS more pracucal."
resolution WAS presented to the
conTention ceiling upon the CivI Serv-
zee Commission, Secretary of the Navy
and Secretary of War to imm A{iately
discharge ali aliens in the government
employ who DO not Immediately qualify
fer citizenship.
Ash Boycott on British Goods
Before adjourning the convention
received resolution from the Amalga-
mated Sheet Metal Workers demand
ing that steps be taken to have the
organized workers Of the country bow
eott British manufactured goods and
materials until Great Britain stops it's
war on reprisals, killing of people
and destruct on of property in Ireland" "
Another resolution urged the eXecu-
tive council of the department to in
vestigate the possibility of establishing
a national building material supply
company. This was declared noces-
sary, as it alleged building material
supply dealers had allied themselves
with the different elements and asso-
cations that are trying to destroy the
building trades unions.
The recall of Admiral Sims from
england ana MS dlshonorable dis
charge from the United States Navy by
President Harding, if his remarks in
London or the Irish question are found
70 be correctly quoted, were demanded
IN another resolution presented.
The resolution will probably be acted
upon tomorrow.
Immediate recognition of the "Irish
republic. withdrawal of the British
troops from Ireland and the repayment
BY Great Britain Of the $4,000 900 900
loaned by the United States are de-
manded in the resolution tentatively
drafted by Irish sympathizers to be
submitted to the convention Of thu
american Federation Of Labor here
next week.