The New York herald., 1922-07-12
State Chief Says There Will
Be housekeeping Among
Locals Here.
COMMUNIST HAND SEEN
Induce Three Groups to At
tack Peace Pact in Gar
ment Trade.

Ine actlOn OF the american FeQera-
ton of Labor in taking up the char
ter of the Bookkeepers. Stenographers
and Accountants Union No. 12646
Monday night because of the activities
of the ultra-radical element In the
local will be followed by similar moves
by the federation If other locals In this
city do not of their own accord Danish
the small percentage of troublemak
ers. Officials Of the federation are
resolved that the alleged influx into
labor unions here of ENJOYS from
Soviet Russia shall not be tolerated.
Such was the substance of remarks
made yesterday by Hugh Frayne, New
York State head Of the A. F. of L.. to
a reporter for THE New York HERALD.
Mr.. Frayne declined to make any spe-
cific statement as to the number Of
unions listed at the national headquar-
ters for purging. The percentage of
radicals in this city is remarkably
small, Mr.. Frayne said. and the ma
tional body feels it will not be difficult
to eliminate them.
You can say for me, and for Presi-
dent Gompers. whom 1 represent. that
there is to be a general houseclean-
ing In this city, among the locals. and
1t has started now"
Radicals Start Trouble.
An indication Of the part played by
-
to eliminate was given yesterday In
connection with the differences between
members Of the International Ladies'
Garment Workers Union and allied
unions and the garment manufacturers
| For some time there has been talk OF
strike. In an effort to avoid further
trouble until the industry can regain its
feet the manufacturers and labor lead
ers made an agreement, the manufac-
turers concedlng every demand OF the
unions. and receding from their owr
demands. asking only a clause against
any strikes or lockouts for two years
arbitration board. Benjamin Schles-
niger. union president. considered this
distinct victory.
When the agreement went to the vari-
Gus locals the radical element started
trouble and as result three locals re-
! fused to accept and demand a strilss
vote. The matter Of accepting or re-
fusing the agreement and the calling Of
a strike will go to a referendum OF
eleven local unions Friday and Satur-
day.
Reports last night indicated commun-
list agents were eager to keep the rank
and file of the workers from participat-
ing In the referendum and were round
ing up every one of their own supporters
to vote down the agreement. 1t was
similar action in the Bookkeepers
Stenographers and Accountants Union
which caused the American Federation
Of Labor to suspend the charter Some
fifty Communists with a few extra fol.
lowers were outvoting the 500 other
members because they attended meet
ngs in body and the others we're lax
in attendance and interest.
Capmakers strike.
About 5000 capmakers struck yester-
day in the general strike called by the
United Cloth Hat and Cap Makers OF
North America, who want 20 drive out
OF the industry the small non-union
shops and the so-called Sweat shops,
which are running contrary to union
hours and regulations. A mass meeting
of several thousand strikers was held
at the Workers Lyceum. 210 Fifth
street. The union demands that all work
be done in the inside shops except work
those inside shops are not equipped TO
handle. conference between the man
ufacturers and the strikers will be held
during the week
Meanwhile the work OF reorganizine
the membership of the Bookkeepers,
Stenographers and Accountants Unior
goes on under directions OF the national
headquarters Of the American Fedora
tlon Of Labor, and I'm the interim all
operations of that local have been sus-
pended.
The Bookkeepers Union characterized
its suspension as high handed" piece
OF star chamber" procedure last night
and said 1t would fight the action. The
union issued n statement saying
THE undersigned members Of the ex-
ccutive committee make the following
statement in regard TO the amazingly
arbitrary and unconstitutional proceed
ure of Mr.. Gompers. The latter ordered
the charter OF the union suspended with
out a trial. hearing or even a state
ment of charges.
"Its charter grants II autonomy sub
ject only to the constitution OF the
A. r. OF l.. and the rules OF the execu-
tive council. The union has been con-
tinuously In good standing for the last
fourteen years. ever since it's organiza-
tion. There is nothing and has been
nothing In its activities which could
Justify such summary action.
'Mr Frayne was asked what con-
stitutional provision Mr.. Gompers had
for this act. The representative Of Mr..
Gompers could not and did not point to
any such provision or rule
"The next regular meeting OF the
union will be held Monday night. July
II. at headquarters, so University place.
at 6 80 p. NJ"