New-York tribune., 1921-06-17
IF. of T.. Turns
Down One Bic
s
Union Proposal
Labor Delegates Reject the
Plan Without Discussion
bv Sustaining Action
of Organization Board
Race Question Starts Row
Negro Delegation Denied
Right 90 Introduce
Resolution ON Mob $

DENVER, June 16.~The American
Federation of Labor to-day unani-
modsly repudiated the "one big union
idea. Without discussion the forty
first annual convention of tte Fedora
tjoa sustained the action of its COM
ring in resolution calling for zone
body OF workers through amalgama-
tons, federatiOns and protective agree
ments."
The declaration presented by ]. l..
psuley, OF the West Virginia State
Federation of Labor, also urged all
national and international unions to
insert clauses in their working agree
ments whereby they can s'render such
assistance as is needed~,by any and
sl crafts, when called upon to do so.'
Il asked that ali unions arrange the
dates of their contracts so that they
would expire at the same time.
The convention was thrown into con-
fusion when several delegates by objec-
tons denied the negro delegation per
mission to introduce a resolution con-
den,ning the "mob violence" of the
Ku-Klux- Klan or White Caps" OF the
South.
President Samuel Gompers had great
difficulty in restoring order, as nearly
. score of delegates jumped from their
seats and demanded the names of the
delegates who had objected.
Names Not Given
He declined to give the names. AS
+be confusion increased President Will
liam Hutcheson of the United Brother
hood of Carpenters and Joiners, arose
and said:
"If you want to know who the OBJ
iector is--it is l."
Several delegates called his name
aloud as the convention proceeded to
further business.
The resolution also urged that steps
be taken to have the government "abol-
ism this unlawful organization known
as the KluKlux Klan, or White Caps"
and that the Federation use its "best
endeavors to protect organized labor
as represented. by the colored workers" "
great ovation was given the Rev.
G. s. Lakeland, of Grace Methodist
Episcopal Church of Denver, who dis
cussed "The Duty of the Church to
Labor" He was cheered repeatedly as
he condemned the enemies of organ
ICED labor.
Colonel Olney NJ. ousley, director of
the American Legion, brought a fra
torral message from that organization
to the labor men:
The harmony of this nation and its
honor only can be preserved by up
holding the Constitution of the United
States,' he said. closing with an appeal
for justice TO each and every man."
Mrs. Lucy Robbins Speaks
During the afternoon session Mrs.
Lucy Robbins. Of New York, secretary
Of the Central Labor Bodies Confer
euce. which has been making efforts TO
get amnesty for prisoners held under
wartime laws. described conferences
between labor leaders and government
officials.
She said refusal Of President Wilson
20 pardon Eugene Y. Debts was due to
the fact that the committee was unable
to get personal interview with the
President.
A letter was read from Debs, thank
ing President Gompers and his asso-
eiates for their efforts to obtain his
release and the release of other "politi-
cal prisoners"
Reports that President John L. Lewis
ef the United Mine Workers would
announce his candidacy for the presi-
dency of the Federation in opposition
to Mr.. Gonlpers soon. could not be
confirmed tonight.
The miners leader declined to make
any statement. Representatives of
several unions supporting Lewis claim
that canvass of delegates shows that
Lewis is assured of from $4,000 to
$4,000 votes OF the more than $4,000
votes in the convention.
The executive council Of the Ameri-
can Federation of Labor has finally and
completely repudiated the international
Federation of Trade Unions as it is
low conducted.
This announcement was made to-
night at the convention headquarters