Newark leader. ([Newark, Ohio]) 1917-1946, 1922-03-03
WILL IT BE AGO
MEETING FOR PROGRESSIVE PO-
LITICAL ACTION.
Representatives of Labor Unions and
Farm Organizations Gather in
Conference to Discuss Fu-
ture Policy.
(By Federated Press)

Chicago-A tentative alliance Of
progressive farmer and labor groups
was formed here last week and christ
ened the Conference for Progressive
Political Action. No new party was
launched and no existing party was
endorsed. The railway and other un-
ions, the farmers organizations and
the Socialist and Farmer Labor par
ties which participated in the confer
ence will form committees in each
state to devise the most effective
means of political action in that COM
munity in the coming primaries and
elections. In December the groups
adhering to the conference and such
other organizations as meet with its
approval will assemble to consider the
results of these campaigns and at
tempt to perfect permanent organi-
zation. Some delegates anticipated
fusion into a single labor party.
William Johnston, president Of the
International Association of Machin-
lists, who was instrumental in calling
the meetin, was made chairman of the
conference and Frederick c. Howe,
Secretary. The committee of fifteen,
which is to direct the work in the
coming elections, is composed of
Johnston, Howe, Warren S. Stone,
grand chief of the engineers; Joseph
A. Franklin, president Of the boiler
makers; E. ]. Manion, president of
the railway telegraphers; Sidney
Hillman, president of the Amalga-
mated Clothing Workers; William
Green, secretary of the United Mine
Workers; Jay G. Brown, secretary of
the Farmer-l1abor party; Morris Hill
Quit, for the Socialist party; Agnes
Nestor, Woman's Trade Union
League; George H. Griffith National
Nonpartisan League; Benjamin c.
Marsh, Farmers National Council;
Mrs. f. B. Costingan, of the League
of Women Voters; Edward Heating,
and Basil Manly, Washington, d. c.
The plan of action adopted by the
conference sets forth the common
purpose "to secure the nomination
and election of senators and represent
atives to congress and to the various
state legislatures, and Of other state
and local public officers in the coming
election of 1922, who are pledged to
Ufl0 lIUeTeSlS III Cllc pIOuuClIlS CldSScS
and to the principles of genuine dem
ocracy in agriculture, industry and
government"
Groups entitled to send delegates to
the national conference which will be
held the second Monday in December,
1922, are defined as follows: "Pro-
gressive organizations of farmers, or
ganizations of labor, cooperative So
cieties, the Socialist and Farmer Lab
or parties, Single Takers and other
liberal political groups and such other
organizations, bodies and persons as
the committee may invite; provided
that such organizations or persons are
in accord with purposes of this con-
ference"
After considerable discussion it was
decided to adopt no program because,
said Morris Hillquit, "we hold no man.
dates from our organizations and to
put our views on record at this time
would stultify our progress. We are
now united by common desire and
that means more than a resolution
setting forth our common beliefs. Our
plan of action permits those who be-
| lieve in class parties to function dur
ing the coming elections and it af
fords freedom to those who think they
can do something in the old parties.
! In December we can compare notes
and shape our course"