The New York herald., 1921-06-23
LABOR AGAIN URGES
us. RAIL0WNERSHIP
Effort to Include All Indus
tries Defeated by Action at
A. Il. of L. Convention.
G0MPERS HALTS CRITIC
Brady Resolution Adopted,
Urges Congress to Give Rec
oeniticn to Irish Republic.

DENVER, June 22.--Reaffirniing its
stand for Government ownership. with
democratic operation of the railroads.
the convention of the American Fedora
ton OF Labor to-day directed its execu-
tive council TO draw up proposed legis-
lation designed TO give the workers,
through Government regulation. equal
rights and privileges with capital in or
ganized enterprises.
The convention sustained the action OF
the resolutions committee in striking out
of the resolution q 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"
In the debate on the railroad Ques-
ton, answering criticisms OF Fred
Hewitt. chairman Of the machinists'
delegation. that the executive council
bad 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 1 had
conference with Mr.. Jewell. head of
the railway employees department OF
the federation, and he expressed the
opinion that no programme Of railroad
legislation should be advanced at this
time
Andrew Furuseth, president Of the
Seamens Union. said he opposed the
minority report II it provided for Gov
ernment ownership of sea and waterway
transportation.
Daniel Tobn, president of the Team
sters Union, said that his delegation
could not vote for q proposal that pro-
vided for Governments control OF the
teaming and trucking industry
Max Hayes OF Cincinnati Of the Tpyo-
graphical Union supported the minority
report and urged Government control OF
all industries. He challenged critics OF
the resolution to openly charge that II
was a ''socialistic or red" declaration.
IT don't see any reason said Frank
Morrison why labor should hesitate to
declare itself for legislation that pro-
vides for enactment of agreements that
would enable labor to meet TIN. en-
ployers face to face on the same OASIS
of equality. Why hesitate to enact leg
islation that will enable tho workers to
have sonss voice in regard to fixing
wages and working conditions?'
Speaking on railroad conditions. Mr..
Morrison declared that the public had
no right to say that the workers should
not strike "in the face OF unsatisfactory
conditions"
stand for strike Of railroad en-
ployees," he said. "The railroad COM
panies have entered into an agreement
70 furnish service. Now. why does not
the public demand this service from the
railroads. even IL they have to pay
more wages and give shorter hours?''
John Frey Of Cincinnati secretary of
the resolutions committee. urged the ma
jority recommendation pledging aid to
the railroad workers in their fight for
Government ownership. He opposed
declarations in the minority report that
charged that the Government had de-
parted from the fundamental principles
of democracy"
Matthew Vol OF Chicago, president
of the photoengravers. sought to settle
the question by referring it back to
committee with instructions to separate
the railroad proposition from the general
declaration in favor of Government
ownership of all basic Industries.
John l.. Lewis candidate for the presi-
dency, in an address on tho convention
floor, declared for the Inherent right
of labor and the public to regulate the
affairs Of industry in the interest Of all
the people,
The Irish resolution adopted by the
convention was drafted by a committee
of Irish syinpathizers headed by Peter
Brady of New York. who opposed the
boycott This declaration reafflrmed the
action ofthe Montreal convention in sup
porting the Irish people in their struggle
for freedom and for recognition OF the
Irish Republic. and instructed fedora
tion executive officers and asked all
national and international unions to
urge the Administration officials at
Washington and all members Of Com
gress to Immediately pass legislation
recognizing the Irish Republic
II also provided for the sending Of .
special communication to the British Pre-
rnier. his Cabinet and members Of Par
lament protesting against "the cam
paign of violencS in Ireland"
After disposal of the railroad resolu-
tion the convention worked fast, dispos-
Ing of many resolutions and recommen-
dations until the question of unemploy-
n1ent insurance was reached. A spirited
debate preceded action Of the convention
In adopting the committees report. The
insurance provision was eliminated 1eav-
Ing only recommendation that every
State organization urge immediate un-
dertaking OF contemplated public works
to relieve unemployment.
Condemnation of the Hearst news
papers for publication Of an account Of
Chicago labor meeting which the con-
vertion termed ian example of tho
propaganda in which the Hearst news
papers are engaged and which has for
its purpose the destruction Of organized
labor" was voted.
Other actions OF the convention I'M
cluded: Adoption OF the executive coun-
ctls report asking the United States to
take a leading step for worldwide dis
armament by agreement and comnlenda.
ton OF Secretary DENLY of the Navy De-
partment for his prompt action on Ad-
niral Sms's speech in London.
Samuel Gompers took an active part
In debate to-day. and In doing so re-
piled to what he said were criticisms Of
him because of his foreign birth.
There has been some criticism of
myself because I am not native of
this country" he said. ut Is q fact that
! was born in England. came TO the
United States when was 10 years old.
i have lived in these United States
ffty-eight years. That. dare say. Is a
longer period that the average American
II Il.