New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1921-08-26
A. f. of l.. Calls
On Government
To Aid .Jobless
Demands Public Credit BE
Utilized and Federal Im-
proycmenis Launched 10
Provide Work in Crisis
Employers PIo. Charged


DeSlarFU u II Il & I way
ATLANTIC CITY. Aug. 25--Asscrt-
srg that willful stoppagc OF production
on the part Of employers is responsible
for the unemployment of 100000 in
this country, the executive council Of
the American Federation of Labor,
after an al-day session at the Hotel
Ambassador issued proclamation to-
night, calling upon wage earners every
where to join in demanding that public
credit be extended to stimulate bust
ness.
The proclamation, the first Of it's kind
ever issued by the executive heads Of
the largest labor organization in the
world, was looked upon by President
Samuel Compers and his associates as
setting precedent in the Federation 3
avowed purpose to use every means at
its command to prevent further wage
reductions. The document as approved
by Mr. Gompers and eight vice-presi-
dents or the Federation, is given the
backing OF almost 100000 union
workers.
Gloomy prospects for labor this win
ter are predicted unless the councils
orders are carried out.
Public Works Demanded
'In the interests of the millions Of
the millions Of those dependent upon
the wage earners for their livelihood. +"
says the proclama alton, "the executive
council demands that both our Federal
and state governbcnts Immediately
concern themselves with putting into
operation processes of production for
public improvement of buildings, roads.
etc., and TO Use the credit Of the coun-
try for the encouragement of produc-
tive processes.
1T also calls upon the wage earners,
organized and unorganized, to resist
attempts at wage reductions and urges
all the people to join in the demand
that our processes of production be
stabilized and that the well organized
and concerted efforts of the exploiters
of our land for the further reduction
of wages shall come to an imme date
end"
The action of the executive heads
of the federation in making an appeal
through proclamation rather than bv
private correspondence with unions
was forcshadowed in an interview with
Mr.. Gorpers published in The Tribune
on Tuesday. Mr.. Gompers declared
that organized labor was prepared to
resist wage reductions by every means
at its command. Secretary Frank Nor
rison interpreted this to mean that
strikes would be 7esorted TO if neces-
sary.
Plot to Import Chinese Charged
In an effort to reduce wages further,
the proclamation says, the enemies of
labor have entered into "a despicable
conspiracy" to import Chinese labor in
this country"
The document continues: "The peo-
pie of America, as we'll as the wage
earners, are called upon to waken to
the menace that coufronts the nation
and threatens the welfare of our people
by the influx of q people that cannnt
ne assimilated with our race. We con-
denim this attempt as the most despica-
ole yet attempted to break down Amer
lcan standards and as menacing the
civilization of America, in order that a
Few enemies of labor and small group
Of prohteers may exploit Chinese labor
to the detrinent and irreparable injury
of all honest employers and men wage
earners."
High cost of living has not been af-
fected by wage reductions, according to
the proclamation. "If production is to
be enhanced the consumption ability of
our people must be enlarged" it con-
tinues.
at has been demonstrated that re-
ducing wages does not increase produc-
ton. The recent campaign for the
reduction of wages has not reflected
Itself proportionally in the lowering of
prices. To the contrary, we find prices
and the cost of living increasing What
it has accomplished has been to create
lack Of confidence in our productive
processes. Every reduction in wage
has only increased the desire to with
hold production, in the hops and bele f
that still further reductions of wages
will take place"
Cost of Living Basis Rejected
Another radical step was taken by
The council to-day. 1t decided that
hereafter wages scales are not to be
arranged or basis Of the cost of liv.
ing The American trade union move
ment." said report setting forth the
cf wage fxation, "believcd that the
lives Of the working people should be
made better with each passing day anc
year. The practice of fixing wages
sotely on d basis CT the cost Of living
IS violation Of sound economy and is
Atteriy without logic or scientific sup
port Of any kind"
Speaking before the K;wanis Club
an ore: nization Of business men, Pres
dent Gompers to-day extolled Presi.
dent Harding for arranging confer
e e On limitation Of armaments
LABOR welcomes the move by the
Jreslcert u bring about world con.
ierence TO discuss disarmament By
Un.vSfsai agreement" said Gompers
we say that while take of nv
n"' and pay tribute 70 the Prosidon,
~ making snat move, the American
,eoor movement antedatcd The inyit,-
ion oy years. Az the last convention
81 re Federation, held at Denver. the
n ., vas emphasized and the
government Of the United States ureed
% initiate the procecding fo~ s,eners'
''ssrmament by agreement.v
Dave Bancroft Fined So
For Speeding ON R:vcra;J.