Southwest Washington labor press. [volume] (Hoquiam, Wash.) 19??-19??, 1924-08-29

advance the cause of humanity and
the best interests of the American
nation, to which you have so fully
demonstrated your complete devo-
ton.
I take this opportunity to trans
nit through you to the millions of
members Of your organization a brief
message regarding the purpose and
character of the undertaking upon
which we have embarked.
To Restore Government to People
Our ultimate objective has never
been more accurately or fittingly de-
scribed than by the statement in your
message that it is "the restoration
of government to its sole rightful
purpose-the service of the masses Of
the people"
n That is indeed true, but venture
Ito predict that before this campaign
is ended this declaration of the fun
damental principle of all genuinely
democratic government will be brand
ed as radical by the forces we are
fighting.
It is radical in that it goes to the
very root of the evils by which we
are confronted. But in its essence it
is conservative. Our aim is to con-
serve-to save-to protect this gov
eminent from those who would still
further divert it from the high pur-
poses for which it was established.
Conserve Rights of Masses
Ours is a policy of conservation of
human rights. We would save these
rights established by the blood of our
forefathers. We will encroach upon
the rights Of no man but we are de-
termined to halt the Entertainments
of special privileges upon the funda-
mental rights Of the people.
Unfortunately, the term "conserv-
alive" has been taken over by those
whose only idea is to conserve GER
tain negotiable advantages, certain
special privileges, certain unfairly ac-
quired property rights which in
fringe upon the rights Of others.
In the best sense of the word, the
American Federation of Labor is a
great conservative institution.
Through its democratic organization
and exceptional leadership it has
maintained and conserved the rights
Of the masses of the people. It has
conserved the children, taking them
from the mine, the mill, the sweat
shop, and bringing them the blessings
of education and play. It has con-
served the lives of men and women
through the shorter workday and
constantly improved working cn1ii-
tions, to which, in my opinion, is due
in large part the steady increase in
the longevity of the American people.
Labor Movement Peoples Champion
The American labor movement has
been a prime factor in every enter
prise for the conservation Of human
rights, human lives and those great
resources with which nature so law
ishly endowed our country for the
use and enjoyment of its people.
Had the American Federation Of
Labor not been conservative, in this
meaning, it could not have been pro-
gressive. It could not have gone
forward in it's fight for further ac-
acknowledgement of human rights as
against property rights if it had not
held fast to what had already been
gained.
It is for this reason, and with the
knowledge that it is inspired by no
selfish motive, that we welcome the
endorsement and support which you
have SO generously rendered for this
campaign.
PrOgressives to Win Victory
The battle is Joined. The issue is
clear. Our opponents have deliber-
ately chosen to entrench themselves
in defense of vested rights and spec
ial privileges. We have chosen to
fight aggressively and without COM
promise for human rights. No man
should be in doubt on which side he
mill arl;o%