The daily worker. [volume] (Chicago, Ill.) 1924-1958, 1924-09-12
UNCOVER CLOWN
NO ACTION AT
LABOR MEETING
Peoria Sees Convention
of the NeQr-Dead
BY KARL REEVE
(Staff Writer, Daily Worker)

PEORIA, ILL.,, Sept. 11.-Days
pass, one after the other, at the
convention Of the Illinois State
Federation of Labor, and still
not single action is taken to
consider the vital problems
viii ch are confronting the
workers at this time.
Most Of an afternoon session
was taken up by an address by
Frank harrington, reported in
another column.
Since the convention opened, the re.
porters have been sitting at the press
table gnawing their pencils, and talk.
ing about leaving if nothing happens.
1t is admitted that under the control
of the Chicago labor officials, the con
vention is about the deadest ever con.
vened.
An Ambitious "Red Batter"
The only light touch afforded the
delegates, weary with oratory, has
been the ridiculous cspers of William
Quesse, of the fiat janitors' union.
Quesse's spirit is willing but his
brain is weak, and in his efforts at
red batting he has been so over-zeaI-
GUS that his fellow Smallites are now
guarding him and whispering to him
when he speaks on the wrong" side
of a motion, as he has several times
done.
But Quesse at one point demonstrat-
ed his radicalism and militancy to the
convention. Delegate George Slater.
of the Garment Workers Union, of
Chicago, introduced a resolution that
committe of nine be appointed to
investigate the character and record
of Charles G. Dawes. Qussse, not
realizing that Slater was against
Dawes, arose and protested violently
against having anything to do with
Dawes.
Clown Of Convention.
81 move the motion be tabled"
Quesse shouted, and the delegates,
who recognize Quesse as the official
joke Of the convention, roared with
laughter.
An effort was made to side-track
Quesse on the ground that no one had
seconded his motion, but our old
friend, Anton Johannsen, finally Sec
onded it. Bob Fitchie, however, saved
the day for Quesse by whispering into
Quesse's ear what it was all about
whereat Quesse got up and said If
Slater would agree to conduct real
investigation he would withdraw his
motion to table. Slater's motion was
unanimously passed.
Walker Is Peaeennaker.
Delegate Corbishley moved that,
since Sept. IL, is Defense Day." the
resolution protesting against capital
ist militarism be made special order
of business and considered Thursday
morning. Delegate Quesse, his fangs
hungering for Communist blood,
moved that the resolution be consid-
cred at once Chairman Walker, how
ever, ruled both motions out of order
and adjourned the convention. 1.-THE
time for adjournment is past" he de-
clared.
The afternoon session was opened
by the singing Of my Country 'Tis of
Thee" with the delegates standing, az
ter Victor Olander had suggested that,
This will have good effect on every
body"
BY unanimous consent of the con.
vention, Guy Young, of the Herrin
Miners Local Union, was permitted to
introduce resolution asking the state
federation to work for a state law to
compel Illinois institutions to pur-
chase only state mined coal.
Back-slappIng Begins.
The committee on officers reports
read what appeared to be a prelimin-
airy statement on John Walkers re-
port. I'VE did not all agree on this
report" Secretary Edwin r. Wright,
of the committee, announced to the
convention.
but where we departed on one line
we made it up on another line. Our
motto has been the greatest good to
the greatest number"
AIter Inlb DrlBnt speech, the con-
vention passed Wright's statement on
behalf Of the committee.
This statement consisted mainly Of
flowery praise of Walker and olander,
with Endorsement of their stand In IA
vor of Len Small and LaFollette, and
a TRADE against Norman Jones, dem.
ocratic candidate for governor thrown
in.
The statement Of the committee on
officers reports urges the afhliation
OF local unions into district councils
and the strengthening of the craft un.
IONS" which is reported to be Walk
er's stand on amalgamation.
Tho Score 10 Even.
The speech Of Frank Farringtion