The Connecticut labor news., 1924-04-26

Official declarations on matters Ot national policy are made at annual conventions of the American Fedora ton of Labor and interim pronounce ments by its executive council. Labor generally is at decided variance with the ideas of those who support the Mellon plan and is generally aligned with the opposition. Some trade un- ionists may support the republican ad- ministrations' program The large majority. however, are numbered among its severe critics, joining the progressive farmer organizations in re- iecting a plan that will lift to such large extent the surtax on teh mil lonaire class,
 The tax burden left by the war and the war debts were considered at the 1921 (CincinnatD convention and the federations official position is re- corded in the following resolution
 Resolved, The the American Fed eration of Labor i'll convention as sembled declares against the lmpos1- ton of a retail or general sales tax or turnover tax or any other tax of1 consumption and opposes the repeal of the excess profits tax, and demands that the highest rate of taxation levied during the war be retained until the full money cost of the war has been paid, and further demands that the government promptly levy a rapidly progressive tax upon the value of land and other natural resources specula lively held in order that hte national debt may be promptly retired"
 Labor Long On Record For Taxing
 Big Incomes.
 ! As far back as 1898 the federation law providing for gradual increase of taxes on swollen incomes, the reve- nues derived to be used for social purposes such as widows pensions, old age insurance, for public works and national development. The fed eration has repeatedly endorsed the principle of the estate or inheritance tax. It wants the colossal war debt to be retired promptly so that future generations will not be burdened. Neither the proponents or the op- ponents of the much advertised Mel lon plan have brought out the fact years before the war debt is paid un- less ample provision is made for a substantial sinking fund, now when we can afford it.
 Labor,s plan of taxation when it becomes definitely formulated will be as constructive as it's economic policy which IS based upon the gradual rais- | ing of the standard of living of the | American wage earners. Trade union- lists observe with great satisfaction our | present sound economic condition, sour wholesome retail trade and the abun- dance of savings available for rein vestment in industry and commerce as | the best vindication of their tradition al belief that fair wages and a high living standard are the foundation of our national well being
 Workers Better Off Than Ever Before
 Labor is better off than ever before i'll spite of the tax rate and war debt % times greater than the national debt previous to 1914. Wages meas urcd by the commodities that can be bought are at the peak both for skill ed and unskilled labor, with the ex- ception of certain unorganized indus tries employing women and children and the 'white collar group" of teach CTS, clergymen, office and technical workers.
 Wage earnings are nearly 10 per cent. higher than a year ago. and the cost of living has advanced but slight ly, Average weekly earnings in New York state are 100 per cent higher than in 1914.
 The year just ended has been one of the biggest years for corporate