Evening star., 1926-10-05
AT. OF |. DEFENDS
PRIMARY SYSTEM
Fight for Child Labor Ban to
Be Pressed-Aid for Farm
Legislation.
By the Associated Press.


DETROIT. Mich, October 5.-The
national legislative program Of the
American Federation of Labor in the
forthcoming session Of Congress will
center upon child labor. immigration
control, judicial procedure in labor
disputes and an offensive against
forces favoring abolition of the direct
primary. In so far as may be prac
ticable. the federation will seek Ito
aid the farmers in securing legisla
tion that will advance their economic
interest,"
This program was before the forty
sixth annual convention of the fedora
tion today, in the accepted report OF
the legislative council.
Although the council reaffirms the
non-partisan political policy Of the or
ganiZation, it urges more vigorous
execution Of labor's program in the
Fall congressional campaigns and al
lance with representatives of agri
culture in legislative activity wher
ever possible.
Support for ClOaknakers.
Vhe convention suspended the regu.
lar order of business at the morning
session to unanimously adopt a resolu
ton pledging support of the fedora
tion to striking cloakmakers of New
York City.
A resolution to align the federation
behind the striking textile workers OF
passaic, n. j.. will be considered prob
ably next week.
A proposal to curb Mexican immi
grafton by agreement between labor
organizations of the United States
and Mexico was submitted in a reso
luton from Don M. Witt, represent
Ing the California Federation of La
Dor.
california is confronted by a seri
GUS Mexican immigration problem .
the resolution said
A joint commission to effect gen
tlemenS agreement" between the
American and Mexican federations
was recommended. The resolution
went to the committee on the execu
tive councils report.
State Child Labor Ban
Pending fruition of activity looking
to a constitutional amendment EN-
powering Congress to prohibit child
labor, the federation will continue its
national campaign for restrictive
measures in the various States. It is
proposed to press the federation's
views on the whole problem in the
1925 elections.
Commenting upon child labor condi
tions, after more than a quarter OF
century of ceaseless activity by or
ganized workers. the report points
out that the ratio of wage earners
among children ranging from 10 to IL
years of age was the smallest in his
tory In the census Of 1920.
The direct primary, the report as
serts, represents, despite certain in
herent weaknesses, a notable advance
Under no circumstances should we
return to the old system is the con
clusion.
Views on Corruption.
II Is charged that because in Ger.
tain States millions of dollars were
expended to corrupt the electorate a
return should be made to the old
"boss-controlled" convention system.
This Is the most monstrouS fiction
that can be imagined. If the people
are competent to elect delegates to a
nominating convention. they. are
equally competent to elect their can.
didates direct.
The American labor movement
Will be untrue to itself unless ii
makes it one OF its most important
duties to keep alive the political spirit
OF the people.
If there are not sufficient laws to