The New York herald., 1921-02-24
Demands Law OF Congress
Exempting Unions From
Treatment in Equity as
Copartnerships.
70 RAISE PAY STANDARD
Warns Employers They Will
Insist on Present Status and
Fight for Better Con-
ditions.

WASHINGTON, Feb 2S.-Enactment
by Congress of law declaring labor
organizations are not copartnerships
and shall not be so treated in law OF
In equity" is demanded by organized
labor in a declaration Of principles
adopted tonight by representatives Of
the national and international unions
affiliated in the American Federation
of Labor.
The declaration. which was ap-
proved after all all day conference
here, at which Samuel Gompers, presi-
dent of the federation, presided, also
called for the Immediate restoration
Of exemption from, or the repeal of all
anti combination and so-called con-
splracy laws"
condemning the use OF the Injunction
under present laws, the declaration as
serted that the ''only immediate course"
through which labor could find relief
lies in flat refusal on the part of
labor TO recognize or abide by the terms
of injunctions which seek to prohibit
have a lawful and guaranteed right to
CO.,
Labor realizes fully the consequences
of such course" il was added. but IN
tie defence of American freedom and
of American institutions it Is compelled
to adopt this course. be the conse-
uuences what they may
Organized labor In the declaration set
forth at length the principles for which
" stands. and calls upon the people OF
the United States 10 rally with labor
Ito tho defence of orr irnperilled Ameri-
can institutions"
warning 10 EmpIoyers.
Employers are warned in the deciara-
ton that labor mot only insists upon
retaining the present standards of
wages and working conditions but de-
elares its solemn purpose 10 continue
It's struggle further to improve those
standards
The declaration charged some en-
ployers'' in the United States with sup
porting at times In secret some OF the
''insidious propaganda of radical Euro
pean fanaticism' because OF their COM
mon antagonism 70 the trade union
movement
There is an unscrupulousness and
natural aptitude for intrigue in this
fanatical propaganda" the statement
said, (which makes il most subtle
menace TO every democratic ideal and
institution in our country"
Repeal BY the States OF all industrial
II. ~
Give laws including the commonly
Known open port law of Texas, was
demanded, together with freedom from
decisions Of courts holding trade unions
and individual members thereof liable
In damages for the unlawful acts OF
others"
Other recommendati tions made by the
conference In the declaration included ::
Two Year immtgration Bar.
Prohibition of immigration for a period
Of not less than two years.
More general application of the initia
,iye and referendum in the political af-
fairs of the United States and OF the
states.
Removal OF the power of courts to de-
clare unconstitutional laws enacted by
Congress
Election OF judges.
Restoration of an adequate Federal
employment service.
Administration Of credit as a public
trust in the interest of all the people.
Investigation by Congress of the ac-
tivites OF private detective agencies In
the field Of Industrial relations.
The declaration also called upon the
workers to resist all efforts to destroy
the trade unions. whether by the false
.1,.. Ia ad
authority OF courts through writs OF in
junction or otherwise
I'VE call for united support In the pro-
lection OF standards Of wages and oondi-
tons already gained" the declaration
added. "and we summon the workers TO
continued efforts TO increase the consum-
ing pewcr. raise the standards and i'm
rrove tho conditions of life and work"
The open shop" movement was de-
clered TO be a campafeu Cor shop
that shall be closed to. union workers
and primarily a campaign designed to
destroy trade unions and TO break down
and eliminate the whole principle OF
collective bargaining"
Alleged unscrupulous financial specu-
iations and profteerlng were denount cd
vigorously In the declaration. which
sald that the "unscrupulous plrateers OF
finance. having squeezed the consumer
throughout the period OF war, are now
Broadening their field and enrichinR
themselves by squeezing both the pro-
ducer and consumer"
''ii Is astounding. but true" the dec
lsration continued. that even after 60
great q lapse of time since the ending
~ hostlhtes there 10. 10 far as tho av-
srage family y concerned. practically
no reduction lu "a hiEa cost OF living
IL "A Ufa A..
modities there ha ae~n 10 appreciable
reduction in the D prices az which
the working peopt ~rst mako their
purchases
I'VE declare aEnln fh1t ;he Govern,