Norwich bulletin., 1921-06-17
A. r. OF L. REPUDIATEs THE
 "oNE BIG UNION" IDEA

Denver. June 16-The American Fed eration of Labor today unanimously re- pudiated the ''one big union" idea
 Without discussion. the forty-first an nual convention Of the federation sus- tained the action of its committee on or ganization in not concurrins in a resolu- ton calling for 'one body of workers through analgamations, federstions and protective agreements"
 The declaration. presented by J. L. Pauley of the West Virginia State Fed eration Of Labor. also urged all national and international unions 10 insert clsuses in their working agreements whereby they can render such assistance as is needed by any and all crafts. when called upon 10 do so." IL asked that all unions arrange the dates of their contracts so that they would expire at the same time.
 The convention was thrown into confu- sion when several delegates by objections denied the negro delegation permission 10 introduce a resolution condemning the mob violence" Of the "klu-Klnx-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
 He declined to give the names. AS the confusion increased President William Hutcheson of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and oJiners arose and said: If you want to know who the objector 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 abolish this unlawful organization known as the klu KluX klan or white caps" and that the federation use it's "best endeavors to ! protect organized labor as represented by the colored workers.
 | Rev. G. $. Lackland of Grace Meth odist Episcopal church of Denver who discussed the duty of the church to la bor," was repeatedly cheered as he con- demned the enemies of organized labor. He declared the American Legion should get together in the fight for the masses" adding T believe they will" | Colonel Olney AL ousley. director of the American Legion, brought a fratern2I message from that organization to the labor men.
 The harmony of this nation and It's honor only can be preserved by uphold ing the constitution of the United States. he said, closing with an appeal for jus tice 10 leach and every man" During the afternoon session Mrs. Lucy Robbins of New York, secretary of the central labor bodies' conference. which has been making efforts to get am nesty for prisoners held under wartime laws. described conferences between la bor leaders and government officials. She said refusal of President Wilson to pardon Eugene V. Debs was due to the fact that the committee was unable 10 get personal interview with the president
 "A remnant of political prisoners re- mains" Mrs. Robbins said, declaring that credit for the release of those already free was largely due to the efforts of the American Federation of Labor.
 A letter was req dfrom Debs thanking President Gompers and his associates for , their efforts to obtain his release mad the release of other political prisoners"
 Reports that President John L. Lewis of the United Mine Workers would an. nounce his candidacy for the presidencs of the federation in opposition 10 Mir Gompers within the next few days coulC not be confirmed tonight. The miners leader declined to mak, , any statement. Representatives of sev eral unions supporting Lewis claim tha
 a canvass of delegar-s shows that Levi, is assured of from 14.6oO to % 900 vote. of the more than B. 900 votes in the con
 vention.