Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1922-02-21
Support OF
Labor Men
Is Pledged
Movement TO Install Members
Of Working Class in Legis-
latiye Halls Launched
at Chicago.
Germ Of New Party Born

Chicago, Feb. 20. - unauimou,
support OF a new movement 10 in'
stall men and women OF the work
ing class IN the nations legislative
halls was pledged by farmers, mem
bers OF the socialist and iarmcr-la-
Dor parties, labor union leaders and
elergymen IN a conference today,
called by a group OF railroad union
men, headed by William II. John
ston, president OF the International
Association OF Machinists.
Declared by Morris flillquii OF
New York TO be "thc most signiil-
cant event that has taken place IN
the American labor movement for
generation" the conference
brought together leaders high in Ia.
bor and minor political party circles.
Although Chairman Johnston de-
elared in his opening address tha,
the time was not yet ripe Tor forma-
iion OF new party. today's meet
ing was expected to develop the
germ OF a new political organization
which some delegates said would be
iunctioning by 1924.
Aid to Working Men.
Nonpartisan political action in the
1922 election was the keynote OF
the meeting. A dozen speakers
pledged their support OF a program
to endorse candidates favorable 10
the working man. Committees on
program and organization will re-
port to the convention tomorrow.
when definite plans are expected TO
be adopted.
By combining their efforts, work
crs of every class could build a
political machine which would elect
men and women truly representa-
tive OF the people of the United
States" ]. Manion of the Order OF
Railway Telegraphers, told delegates.
Morrison Hillquit of the socialist
party declared he was not at the
meeting to make political capital
and did not seek office for socialist
candidates.
1--WE are willing to give everything
we have as q party and as move
ment toward the common cause"
Mr.. Hillquit declared. "This is the
first time that the progressive
elements OF all divergent fac
tions have cotton together in one
common action. believe it is the
most significant event that has taken
place in the American labor move
ment for generation.
Urges Unity of All Glasses.
The Rev. Herbert Bigelow of Cin-
cinnati made plea TO capture the
primaries in the established parties
by electing men representative of the
workers interests and H. +. Samuels,
a farmer Of idaho, urged the unity
Of all classes in achieving that end
He declared he had looked and
hoped for IS years to be in such a
as this"
Another clergyman, the Rev. Rich
ard HoAqe of Philadelphia, executive
secretary of the Church League for
Industrial Democracy, pointed out
the opportunity to gather support
from students. "A new tide Of in
only, lacking direction ne
said, was sweeping the schools and
seninaries of the country and its
support could be gained by supplying
The organized farmers attitude
was presented by A. A. Long OF the
United Society of Agriculture, who
the necessity for ob.aIl-
ing the actual facts on the value OF
their products and demandinHthe'r
share Of production.
Brown Pledges Support.
The farmer-labor party, represent
Cd by J. G. Brown, national secre-
.ary, was friendly to the new move
ment, asserted Mr.. Brown, who
Turn to Page Two, Column Six.)