Great Falls tribune. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1921-current, 1921-06-23

The convention sustained the action
OF the resolution committee in striking
out Of the resolution a phrase that
would have put organized labor on
record as declaring for government
control and democratic operation of all
industries organized under corporate
grants and privileges"
Sane and Constructive
In authorizing the legislation pro-
gram the convention overthrew the ma
jority report of the resolutions COM
mitree. which provided aid only for the
railroad unions in their fight for gov
ernment ownership of the railroads.
Ihe debate was long and stormy.
Opponents of the minority report de-
clared that its declarations were $50
csalistic and red'' and were designed
TO extend government ownership to all
basic Industries of the country. incmd-
ing the mines. textile, iron and steel.
newspaper and book industries.
They were answered with the argu-
ment that the declarations set forth a
sane and conservative policy for or
ganized labor and there was no So
cialism, bolshevism, communism, or an
archism in it,
Seamea Object.
Because of the objections Of inter.
national seamen's union and the team
sters' union delegates to government
control Of their industry, the convene
ton amended the declaration which
called for immediate legislation pfovid-
ing ownership and democratic control
of the transportation. go that it would
only apply to railroad systems.
One of the main supports of the mir
Tx
Lewis of the United Mine Workers,
who is a candidate for the presidency
of the federation.
Mr.. Lewis said the miners still had
under consideration the problem of ma
of the mines and he de-
clared for government control Of these
basic industries where the workers felt
such policy was essential and desired
II believe in the right of labor and
the public to regulate the affairs Of
industry in the interest of all the peo-
ple." he said.
Approved Resolution.
The text of the approved resolution
reads as follows:
The American Federati Of La
Dor hereby declares its purpose to
secure a return of those principles
upon which our government was
instituted in order that we may
better secure the blessings of lib
erty. and to the end that we re-
affirm our united support of legis-
lation that will bring about the
public ownership and democratic
operation of the railways of the
United States as being in strict
conformity with those principles
upon which the government is in
stituted.
We declare for the recognition
and restitution of these funda-
mental principles so that those men
who contribute their effort to in
dustry shall enjoy all the rights.
privileges and immunities granted
to those men who contributed cap
ital. in proportion to the value
which each contributes. in order
that the government shall be insti-
tuted for the common good and not
for the profit Of a class and in
order that all men may enjoy the
gains of their own industry.
In order to put the declarations
ato effect in "the industrial life Of
he executive council to devise and
ublish the necessary legislative pro-
ram.
The council was also directed to
assist the recognized railroad labor
rgan;zation by every effort within
heir power to have such legislation
nacted.
Preamble OF Declaration.
The preamble of the declaration set
prth labor's stand as the fundamental
rinciples of government as follows:
The government was founded as
a democracy. instituted to protect
all of its citizens in their inherent
right to equality of opportunity in
their Industrial relations with each
other. and to that end the fathers
declared the following fundamental
principles as controlling every act
of the government they had es-
tahlished:
First-Government is instituted
for the common good. for the poi-
tical safety. prosperity anad happi-
ness of the people and not for the
honor or profit of any man. fam
ily or class of men.
Second-No man. corporation or
group of men shall have any other
title to receive compensation from
the public other than that which is
measured BY the value Of the SER
vices then render to- the public,
Thim-'The prime purpose Of
government is to give security to
life. liberty and enjoyment by the
people Of the gains Of their own
industry
Rap transportation Ace.
G. F. Grove Of Portland, Ore. Of y
= machinist..1 1recited the history 81,
CContfhued on Pare Tan.l