Norwich bulletin., 1921-06-13
t1sT ANNUAL CONVENTION OF
 A. F. OF L. OPENS TODAY

Denver. June 12-The forty-hrst an- nual convention of the A. F. of L., which onens tomorrow will be a gathering for the promotion and development of Amer ican welfare and freedom, President Samuel of the federation declared in a statement tonight.
 This convention, the veteran labor leader said would mark a milestone in our national progress" would deal with the great postwar issues confronting organized labor, which are today in the balance at the crucial moment, where the die will be cast one way or the other."
 More than 500 delegates from the United States and Canada were assem- bled for the meeting. which will prob ably continue two weeks. J. H. Thomas. president of the Railway Workers Union of England, was here to represent as a fraternal delegate the workers of Great Britain in the British Trade Union Con- gress.
 Despite reports that President Com oers and his administration would be opposed for reelection, up 10 tonight there had not been any indication of such ? movement. While John P. Lewis, president of the United Mine Workers, Doomed as a candidate for the presiden- -v hy the anti-Gompers forces declined 10 Ike any statement, it was understood that he would not oppose the labor chief.
 The delegates to the machinists' union cannot vote for President Gompers as they are instructed by the convention of their international organization not to vote for any officer who is an active or honorary member of the National Civic Federation They, however, have not announced any intention of putting candidate in the field
 Leaders of railroad organizations and ieveral other unions. 1t was learned, spre planning to hold a conference to iscide whether they would put a candi- late n the field for vice president. taEt var these organizations attempted 70 get this representation on the feder- aton's executive council but failed. The major issues before the convention as outlined by President Gompers tonight Include.
 '-rhe condition of unemployment. of which estimates run as high as 5,Oo0,- bo0 workers
 "The un-American movement to crush labor and blast it's spirit through what s called. with miserable disregard for Inc truth. the open shop movement.
 "The railroad problem, involving the nations chiem means of transportation.
 "The immigration problem with its vi- tal bearing on American standards of living and of citizenship.
 "The problem of Russian affairs. the cancer that is eating at the vitals of world civilization.
 "The problem of how best to meet con 1itons brought about by court decisions. problem unhappily not decreasing in importance. and for that reason demand Ing more than usual attention.
 Added to these are the constructive demand which labor must voice with endless repitition and with growing in- diligence and emphasis the problems hat will be brought forth by the dele rates affecting the trades and calling of he workers; the relationship of Amer4- san labor to international bodies the consideration of suggestions and propos- als looking to the marking out of new work and new programmes of action"
 Disarmament and the Irish question and the high cost of living will also occupy outstanding positions on the fed eration's progra mTne.
 The adoption of a resolution calling upon congress to take steps to bring about world wide disarmament wM be anopposed, labor leaders declared as the convention in 1913. 1914 and in 1919 went on record favorable to international disarmament.
 Two factions Of Irish Sympathf3efs have developed among the delegates. One s preparing a resolution demanding that he Harding administration immediately recognize the Irish republic. that Great Britain withdraw her troops from Ireland and that she also repay immediately the g poo. 900 900 loaned her by the Unted States. The other gloup is preparing similar resolutions but demand that President Gompers take Steps to put any lction of the convention on the Irish question into effect.