The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1922-04-22
BALANCE CT POWER WINS.

The American Federation Of Labor
started the fight for nonpartisanship
in politics and now it is being gen
orally. favored by the several eco
nomic groups. 1t is true there arc
factions among the groups who still
cling to the independent party idea,
but their number dwindlcs with eacl,
succeeding election as results reveal
the futility Of independent political
action in a country with such vast
diversified interests as we have in
America
Since 1881 organized labor has stood
its ground for this theory, despite at
tempted ridicule, misrepresentation
and honest opposition. Almost all OF
the latte" opponents have disappeared
they have accepted the nonpartisan
idea.
In the last several months nonpar-
t:sanship has made its greatest gains.
Even in the United States senate
A group from agricultural states has
organized farm bloc, which has re-
pcatcdly kicked holes in the discipline
Of their respective parties.
The growth of nonpartisanship is
also indicated by the increasing op-
POSITION Of politicians to the primar'
System.
Political indcnendencc is a menace
to party machine. It destroys their
pc,:cr to nominate tickets. The indie
PENDENT voter can adjust himself to
the primary system. 1t permits him to
exercise his independence.
The politician and the agent for
privilege oppose the primary system.
They would return to the convention
system. where delegates can be de-
ivercd as needed.
Party discipline has lost its force
and politicians arc at their wits ends
to rc-cstablish the power Of the party
"hip.
They insist that this government is
based en- the party system, though
there is nothing in the history of the
Federal constitutional convention to
warrant this claim.
Men no longer talk Of ''party 10y
atty This does not fit in when
voters pride themselves on their po
litical independence.
Under these conditions the trade
union movement enters this years
rrim3 RIGS and elections with a dis.
tinct advantage over former years.
Today labor does not have to ex-
plain or defend its nonpartisan theory.
No one now talks of "voting
straight t;cket.'
The time is ripe for organized Ia
Dor to join hands with other forward
looking citizens and defeat the agents
u reaction, privilege and greed.
Organize now for the June primaries
Don't overlook this strategic point.
The primaries is where the founda-
zion for ship subsidies, sales taxc:,
anti-]abo and other wicked proposals
are laid.
She primaries offer maximum Of
results for minimum Of effort.
Where primaries have been held
start now for the fall elections.
The independent voters of this
country have it within their power
to retire from office every foe Of
American ideals.
The trade union movement can be
the hub around which this indepen-
dent circle revolves. Every local
should have a nonpartisan committee
linked up with similar organizations
appointed by city centrals and state
declarations, and all linked up with
the A. +. of L. national nonpartisan
committee.
The course of every trade unionisr
is clearly charted. He is not confused
as to the best methods to resist ag-
erosion and greed. The times are
with him. His political policy is be-
ing effectively used by others.
BUNCOING THE FARMER.
Farmers who may believe that all
Gbos. I~o,l1o. ,,,:n