Evening star., 1926-10-13
LABOR YET CLlNGS
TO PARTY AMBITION
Strong Spirit at Convention for
Formation of Political Group
| Like England's.
BY JAMES Nj. LYNCH.


DETROIT, Mich, October 13.-
While the current convention of the
American Federation of Labor mere
has seen only mild outbreaks of the
t'third party" spirit, under the sur
face the fervor and hopes of the So
called intellectual group for the for
nation Of political labor movement
similar to that of Great Britain. has
been at all times discernible.
The federation will continue to pur-
sue its policy Of non-partisan partici-
patton in politics, but it will do so
throughout the next two years at the
cost of vigilance. There is widespread
apprehension among Trade Union
lists that democracy throughout the
world is seriously threatened by the
growing power and militant attitude
of capitalistic interests, and this lends
some plausibility to the proposal for
O. labor party"
The admiration for the Mussolini
regime in Italy, expressed by many
capitalists and industrialists in this
country, and the trend toward city
manager forms Of government among
organized business groups has aroused
anticipation that the democratic ideal
of government will soon come under
fire m the form of widespread attacks
on the direct primary system, already
being assaulted in a number of States
and in favor Of more centralized pow
er In politics.
Holds Capital Impatient.
"These changes in the philosophy
tf government are really International
phenomena" warned Andrew Furu-
seth, veteran president of the Sea-
mans Union. THE third estate, in
France called the bourgeoise and
here called big business, is growing
impatient of the restrain exercised by
democracy. This class Of citizens in
England, France Germany, Italy and
the Scandinavian countries was per-
fectly willing to court the favor of
workers as long as they were en-
battled with the older estates-nobil-
tty and clergy-for control Of the gov
ernment. But now that they are
upon the ramparts. they have no
mind to leave the ladder standing so
that others may mount and joir
them.
The war completed the destruc-
tion of the old governing classes in
Europe and left the third estate vic
tor over its old antagonists with
whom it had warred for $50 years.
We now see q trend away from
democracy in favor of the new in
dustrial autocracy, because the cap
ttalfst no longer needs democracy
against his older antagonists"
Furuseth was speaking in favor. of
the direct primary, which he asserted
is endangered by a league of polfti.
clans with business interests who have
causes to serve. Max Hayes OF Cleve-
land. long a leader of radical move
ments, assuming to perceive the same
in
world politics, counSelled more direct
action on the part of labor, urging
q fresh attempt at formation of a
third party. The question was not
before the convention at any time. so
no test of sentiment was obtained.
but evidence was available to show
that labor party" advocates have
not lost heart.
Third Party Not Dead.
The success attained by the A. F. of
L. in obtaining governmental action
to remedy injustice to the working
class by non-partisan action is a
strong argument against a fresh at
tempt to pattern a political labor
movement after parties of England
and other European countries. Only
q political development that might
work great injury to the present pro.
party" movement to formidable pro-
portions, but the movement is not
dead.
On one other point the present lead
ers of the A. F. of l.. have demon
strated the strength of their hold
upon the general labor movement.
Pacificism as an issue was kept out
Of the convention. Reporting on the
executive councils Endorsement of the
citizens military training camp at
Plattsburg, n. Y, the resolutions
committee softened the declaration by
the qualification that Endorsement
was given only with the understand
ing that "at no time any effort shall
be made to direct such camps into in
stitutions for the development of the
spirit of militarism or the gloritication
OF war
We DESIRE" said the report, Ito
have the youth Of America well
trained physically. mentally and spirit