New-York tribune., 1921-06-23
A. T. L. Rejects
! n Nationalized
Industry Plan
Requests Government Own
ership of Railroads and
Equal Rights for Labor
in Organized Enterprises
Irish Are Denied Boycott
Resolution Offers Sympathy,
Urges Recognition; Beer
amendment TO BE Sought

DENVER, June 22.-Reafflrming its
stand for government ownership with
democratic operation of the railroads,
the convention of the American Fedora
tion Of Labor to-day directed its exec
utive council to draw up proposed
legislation designed to give the workers
through government regulation equal
rights and privileges with capital in
organized enterprises.
The convention sustained the action
of the resolutions committee in strik-
ing out of the resolution a phrase that
would have put organized labor on
record as declaring Tor government
control and democratic operation of
"all Industries organized under cor
porate grants and privileges"
Alter stormy debate earlier in the
session the convention disposed of the
Irish question by adopting a resolu-
ton-trimmed Of its most drastic boy
cott ons--eXpressing sympathy
for the Irish cause.
Boycott Advocates Jeer Gompers
The appeal of ohe boycott supporters
from the ruling of President Gompers
provoked one of the stormiest sessions
IN the hlstoy of the Federation.
Cheers and jeers were mingled as the
boycotters took the floor and attacked
Mr.. Gompers, who had ruled out their
motion to have the boycott declaration
added to the resolution expressing svm
pathy for the Irish republic which was
reported favorably by the committee.
ne convention unanimously adoDted
a resolution urging modification of the
NciS1ead act to permit manufacture
ana sale OF beer. Officers and the
executive council were instructed 10
work for a change in the law. and if
this should not be successful all
unions would be called on to petition
Congress.
Hearst Newspapers Condemned
Condemnation of the Hearst newsna-
pers for publication of an account of
Chicago labor meeting, which the
convention termed "an example of The
propaganda in which the Hearst news
papers are engaged and which has for
It's purpose the destruction of organ
lied labor" was voted. The resolution
condemned the practice of those
newspapers and other publications
Walcn resort to representation and
falsehood."
Other actions of the convention in
cluded:
Adoption of the executive councils
report asking the United States to take
leading step for worldwide disarma-
ment by agreement.
Commendation of Secretary Denby of
the Navy Department for his prompt
action on Admiral Sims's speech in
London.
When the convention adjourned at
noon the debate on the railroad cues
ton was in full swing
Answering criticisms Of Fred Haur;t+
chairman of the machinists' delega-
ton, that the executive council had
not taken desired action to bring about
government ownership, President.
Gompers said:
I'VE have gone as far as it was the
desire of the railroad representatives
Before coming to this convention had
conference with Mr. jewell head of
the railway employees department of
the Federation and he expressed the
opinion that no program of railroad
legislation should be advanced at this
time"
Andrew Furuseth, president of the
Seamen's Union, said he opposed the
minority report if it provided for gov
eminent ownership Of sea and water
way transportation.
Daniel Tobin, president Of the Team
sters' Union. said that this delegation
could not vote for proposal that pro-
vided for government control Of the
teaming and trucking industry"
Printers Would Include All
In a lengthy address Max Hayes, Of
Cincinnati, of the Typographical union,