The New York herald., 1922-06-14
Insurgent Leaders Plan Battle
for Recognition on Exccu-
tive Council.
SUBSIDY BILL ATTACKED
Gompers Makes an Explana-
tion for Losses in Mem
bership of Body.

Special Dispatch to THE NEW York HERALD
CINCINNATI. June 13.-While the
delegates to the annual convention of
the American Federation Of Labor
We're passing resolutions to-day con.
demnng the ship subsidy BILL which
action was taken almost simultane-
ously with the announcement made
by President Harding in Washington
that he would call an extra session
of Congress to pass the measure If
action were not taken on the bill at
the present session, the leaders of the
railroad unions were laying plans for
fight for recognition on the execu-
tive council
The rail unions eleven of which
are represented In the convention,
made such an attempt two years ago
when they tried to elect William II.
Johnston of the machinists union to
place among the vice presidents.
They failed that time, Johnston be-
ing defeated by Jacob Fischer of the
BARRIERS union. This time the rail
unions have picked Joseph A. Frank
lin, president OF the boilermakers'
union, for their candidate.
Franklin will oppose Daniel Tobin.
president OF the teamsters union, for
treasurer. Tobin is the incumbent and
admittedly possessed Of great strength.
II the overthrow of Tobn seems too
great an undertaking to carry through
successfully the rail men may have
Franklin switch his opposition to
Fischer for vice-president.
First sign of Insurgency.
The announcement of the candidacy Of
Franklin is the first sign of insurgency
since the assembling of the convention.
1t was made Immediately following
conference of the rail chiefs at which
the plans for the fight were laid. The
rail unions control about a third of the
convention vote and their leaders are
looking favorably for victory for their
long cherished ambition to be repre-
sented on the executive council. IL
they win 1t will not be an easy victory,
for Tobin says that with Samuel
Gompers at his back he Is ready for
finish fight
The resolution adopted by the con-
vention in opposition to the ship sub
sidy bill termed that measure one of
the most scientifically constructed loot
ing propositions ever conceived.
The resolution, which was telegraphed
to President Harding and to Congress.
declared the bill 10 be cunningly de-
yised scheme TO enrich certain classes
of so-called American ship owners at
the expense of the truly American tan
payer and also to provide patronage
which was certain to be used for purely
political purposes.
Its enactment the resolution further
asserted, would bring about condition
under which all managers and oper-
ators of ships must regard politics as
the prime factor in their business, and
efficient management as secondary
consideration OF comparatively little
importance. The bill is condemned Gs
inimical to the public interest, and
particuIarly destructive to "the ma
nations hopes and aspirations for sea
power"
The resolution, which was introduced
by James Duncan. representing the
Granite Cutters International Associ-
alton, found champion In Andrew
Furuseth OF New York. president Of the
clared that the law " passed. would re-
duce seamen serving on American ships
to the status OF slavery.
Champion of Resolution.
Very few OF you know what is
meant by bondage" Mr.. Furuseth said
but we of the sea know II. The men
represent lived until some six years
ago. and many live yet under condi-
tions that can only be compared to the
conditions that prevailed in the South
before the civil war.
II have no hesitancy in comparing
their existence in the past with the ex-
istence of the black man. and call on
God to save the sailors from a return
to their former status"
Immediately after the meeting was
called to order. the report of the audit
ing committee was read, following
which Samuel Gompers, president OF
the Federation. spoke.
There seems to be something OF a
disposition to misunderstand the mem
r-s-