, 1923-10-18
The Promise in Labor's Future

After n two weeks session at Portland the
American Federation of Labor has adjourned
and its delegates have returned TO thelr MONIES
satisfied with the work performed. wen they
NAV. For the 1923 convention sounded a new
note. One that has already met with the cordlal
approval of the county. 1t was a note OF con
servatism, which adds a future confidence III
the policy promulgated by the federation, at
times lacking in the past. 1t was truly a conser-
vative gathering. And the impatience manifested
with radicals was a distinctly bright spot In
the proceedings.
A review of the acts of the convention dis
closes that not only conservatism but wisdom
ruled in many of the propositions brought before
the assembly. The decision against the formation
of a separate political party in connection win
farmers or other elements or blocs Is 10 De
commended. Labors appeal and strength Tor
its own welfare lie in a strict adherence to
this policy. So long as labor refuses to hero
its members into a political organization for a
purely selfish purpose it Will have the respect
and support of the public. Public opinion is not
favorable toward any organization seeking to
control the political or the religious action OF It's
members. These are things for individual deter
mination and so contemplated by those VINO
founded the government, and by all OF those VINO
subsequently framed its laws.
As to the federation's reaffirmation of its de.
sire for a modification of the Nolstead act, per-
hitting the manufacture and sale of wines and
beer, the matter is open to debate. However that
the federation takes a stand on a question which
most folks regard as finally determined and
closed, it is even so entitled TO have its wishes
respected. 1t is just as certain that the majority
OF members of organized labor are not in favor
of a return of these beverages, as 1t is the fact
that n majority of no other large organization
of men and women would desire a return of
drink.
The most pleasing feature of the convention
was its attitude toward the radical element OF
its membership. At no point was radicalism tri-
umphant. Rather was 1t overwhelmingly out
voted. On such matters as the one big union, rec
IGNITION of the Russian soviet, the unseating of
communistic delegates advocating revolutionary
enc and other similar matters, the con
~vention took prompt, positive and proper action.
1t was done with such heartiness and by such
majority as to disclose no sympathy whatever
with those who had wandered from the real aims
and objects of organized American labor.
Denunciation of the Ku Klux Khan, Industrial
Workers of the World and the Facisti movement
was no less strong than that against their own
radicals. That organized labor takes this stand
at once becomes a large element of strength in
public opinion respecting these several organ
~izations and their activities.
One declaration in the 8ederation's resolu,
lions report will not meet with approval outside
possibly of the federation itself, and that is the
election of federal judges and the excusing of
labor organizations from the operation of in
functions. These questions are of long standing
and controversial with organized labor and
strike at fundamentals in which the public has
the larger interest which of course should be
served. Organized labor should take the larger
view of the injunction. 1t has been found useful
at times to labor unions in their own behalf
as It has been found useful and proper against
unions on other occasions. However tho deter
mination of that particular matter is away in
the future and there is no harm in labor express
ing its opinion on the subject.
The federation's convention Just closed may
be set down as marking an era in general labor
affairs, lifting its cause by its acts, at once, into
a position of higher regard by the public and
insuring a more willing and cordial support by
employers than ever before in the past.
There is some real light breaking in upon the
relations of employed and employers that au,
ours we'll for the future.