The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1921-03-04
LABOR PUBLICITY DRIVE
OPEN SHOP PROPAGANDA
IS TO BE MET
Corps of Minute Men Will Give
Out The First Hand
information
ASSOCIATED Press Dispatch1


Washington, D. c., February
The conference also adopted q
resolution expressing sympathy
toward the government and the
people Of North Dakota and REQ
commended that the labor organi.
zation give friendly considera.
tion" to the bond issue of the
state owned bank OF North Da-
kato. This action was taken
after Spurgon odeII, represent
tative of the bank had asked la
boris "moral and financial" sup
port for the bonds.
Washington, d. c., February "a
drive to Offset "open shop" and other
propaganda of enemies or organized
labor were being considered here to-
day at the second session or the con-
ference of representatives OF national
and international unions affiliated in
the American Federation of Labor.
While the details Of the program
were withheld, it is understood pro-
posals have been submitted for con-
for the dissemination Of the principles
of unionism. Plans also are being con-
sidered, 1t Is understood, to send
corps of minute men" throughout the
the country to give the public first
hand information regarding the or
ganized labor movement
Will Boost Legislative Program.
Publicity may also be used to boost
the federation's legislative program
and industrial courts. Repeal of the
Volstead act will be another matter to
be considered. The executive council
has been asked to consider a proposal
to ask congress to take action toward
the repeal of the act and make a re-
port at today's meeting.
While the conference was cleaning
up It's last business today, q staff Of
clerks were busy at the federation
neadquarters preparing for nation
declaration Of principles. This dec.
laration which sets forth the full story
or iabor's grievances and recon-
mendations for their correction is
considered by labor leaders to be one
or the most important documents ever
issued by the federation.
veto WinsioW. Townsend Bill uraed.
President Wilson has been urged
10 veto the Winslow- Townsend bill
as IAN unjustif1ed and unjustifable
concession to the railway owners
who have shown wanton disre-
gard for laws and lawful processes"
In resolutions adopted here today by
the executives Of national and in
ternational trade unions, affiliated in
the American Federation of Labor.
Should congress attempt to OVER
ride the veto and enact the measure
which provides for immediate pay
ment Of large part OF the $500, OOO,-
600 due the railroads uYier the
transportation act, legislative rep
resentatives of all labor organize
tons are instructed to use every eff
fort and all legitimate means to
prevent passage Of the bill.
Support Workers In Porto Rico.
Refusal OF the railroad to meet in
general conference with railroad
workers unions, the resolution said
was evidence Of a purpose to de-
stroy trade mionism that Is identical
with the so-called open shop move
ment In the other Industries" The
conference also went on record as
supporting the workers OF Porto Ri
CO in their request that the United
States congress appoint a commission
to investigate Industrial conditions
as well as the general governmental
affairs of the island, especially Of
fecting education, health and sani-
tation, economic and living condi-
tions Of workers. 1t was also de-
manded that the constitution Of the
United States and laws passed by
congress intended to protect the
American workers shall be applied
fully to the working men Of Porto
Rico"