New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1922-06-10

disposed, may cflticlAe 1oHkictas VI
even the President Of the United
States. Pray. Of what flesh are tho
members OF the Supreme Court that
they are above criticism beyond that
Of the PRESIDENT"
Mr.. Compers began his address BY
referring 10 the bred Scott decision OF
the Supreme Court prior 70 the Civii
War. He compared the principles then
laid down, providing for the rcstora-
ton Of escaped slaves 70 their owners,
20 what he intimatcd would be the
involuntary servitude Of American
workers should the Coronado decision
not be nrllifed by an act OF Congress.
-Subsequent % the Dred Scott de-
eisicn, Abraham Lincoln and the Ihir-
teenth Constitutional Amendment for
ever abolished slavery from the United
States" he said, "and now some Of our
very good friends are not satisfied
The head Of the American labor
movement then went on 90 refer 20 The
DAnbury hatters decision and the TAI
Vale ease. he next touched upon the
Clayton act. which, he said. clearly
established the principle that labor is
not a commodity or an article OF COM
nercs and therefore Is pot liable under
the Sherman antitrust laws.
Despite the passage % this law" he
said, "the Supreme Court, ia IT'S Cor
onado case decision. has declared that
an organization approving the demand
OF local union 10 be sustained IN TAX
ing stand for a wage increase or
against wage reduction ~ responsible
in treble damages under the sherman
laws.
Would End international Union
what is 70 become Of the working
men and women Of America IL that de-
c.sion is permitted 70 stand? IL would
mean that the national or international
union would never approve, would
never dare approvce, the decision OF
any Of lie component parts to take
stand for an increase IN wages or
against a reduction in wages. They
would be compelled 20 be In constant
litigation and be driven out Of ex-
ittenee."
The speaker here issued his chal-
isnge 70 the Supreme Court on the
subject Of criticism. He concluded as
follows:
"Of course, the men and women Of
labor and the right thinking, freedom
loving citizenship Of our country will
take action for the purpose OF secur-
ing some Tcctifoation at the hands Of
tie Congress Of the wrong done by tie
decision OF the Supreme Court. We
shall 90 on in American fashion %
obtain the relief from the proper chan.
ncl-the Congress Of the United
States
Considerable ground was covered in
to-day's sessions Of the important in
dustrial departments OF the Fedora
tion, as preliminary 90 the opening o.
the convention on Monday.
While the Building Trades Depart
ment officially did little more than
meet and adjourn. 10 was learned that
plans were being drawn I'D for an
ultimatum 90 be sent 20 the leader ~
the Chicago building trades unions
concerned IN the lands award, direct
ing him % abide by Its terms. This
cdict, which Is IN keeping with the
reform from within principles an
nounccd yesterday By John Donlin
president Of the department.. VIII be
certain TO provoke Lot fight, 70 rs
believed.
Mr. Gompers postponed his attempt
O. adjust the difference between the
department and the carpenters union.
but plans 20 make such an effort to-
morrow.
The metal trades department con-
cluded SIS sessions Of the day by tho
reelection Of James O'Connci as prCsi-
dent A. j. Berries as secretary and
treasurer and all its other officers of
the last year. and by decision 20 send
Dir. O'COnnoil on a speaking tour
against political candidates deemed as
having been unfair TO workers in the
metal trades
Resolutions Assay Congress
In tins connection the departm ent
adopted resolutions assail'n8 Congress
and the state lcgill9igres.
"FOr many months" these read, i'm
part, Congress has snccrcd and scoHed
AZ the only duly elected representatives,
Of organized labor, who have been
charged by the wage earncrs with Che
responsibility Of securing ncccrrary
and juetifablo legislation. As 90 pres
ent constituted Congress does not rep
resent the great mass Of people. 10 is
not responsive TO labor needs, as many
81 is LAWYER member, some OF whom
began their careers 81 attorneys for
huge corporate Interests, do not lndor-
stand them. what is true Of Congress
Is true Of most Of The legislature"
In addition % drawing up O cam-
paiCn for extension Of the use Of the
union label, the union label trades de-
pariment reelected John ~. Hays as
president. John j. Manning as fecr--
tary-treasurcr, and Jacob Fisher
George W Perkins, Matthew Wall Jo-
seph proe5stle and G L. Ba.ne as vice
presidents.
Aaotacr meeting Of importance IN
CONNECTION with The convention was one
Of the executive board Of the Inter
ns.ional Ladies' Garment Workers
Union. At th.s gathering t was voted
20 appropriate $4,000 for organization
work this year this 60 hc devoted
chiefly 90 uniouiz'ng the waist. Dress.
kimono, corset and underwear workers
in the small towns of the East and mid
West and on the Pacific Coast
Benjamin Schicingcr president q
the union, VIII have charge of tie
organization work. and q general STRIFE
OF the workers concerned wiil be called
on January ! in the ovcr- Che employ
ers refuse 90 enter aeeot.a.ions with
the union.