New Britain herald. [microfilm reel] (New Britain, Conn.) 1890-1976, 1928-10-09
LABOR VOTE EACH
PAR1Y'S DESIRE
Political Managers Cast Longing
Eyes # Organized Workman

Eyes II Organized Hortnsn
Washington. Oct. . R1As the
presidential campaign approaches Its
decisive stage, political managers
are concentrating on special groups
Of voters in their efforts to turn the
flow of these important ballots to-
wards their national ticket.
One Of the most important Of
these groups is that of organized
labor. Such great national organiza-
tions az the American Federation Of
La Dor and the Railroad Brother
hoods have adopted a neutral atti-
tude, leaving their membership to
decide between Herbert Hoover and
Albert f. Smith. But, these organi-
cations frankly say that they are
laying the records OF the candidates
before their membership SO that
they may vote intelligently. insofar
as their ballots may affect labor.
Favor Hoover
A few Individual unions have en-
dorsed the democratic presidential
candidate, while several outstanding
leaders In the labor movement. such
as John l.. Lewis, president Of the
United Mine Workers Of America.
and w. N. Doak, vice president Of
the Brotherhood of Railroad Train.
men, are actively at work for the
republican candidate. state bodies
which have endorsed Gov. Smith in
clude the New York Federation Of
Labor, which acted after William
Green. president Of the American
i Federation Of Labor. had. without
committing himself. said some kind
things about the democratic nom'-
nee's labor record.
Prior to that time, however.
Green had been one OF those in the
national federation's executive coun-
eli who opposed the endorsement OF
any mans candidacy by that body.
The council declined to take any
side after two days discussion.
: during which Daniel J. Tobin. presi-
dent of the International Brother
hood of Transfers. was credited
with leading Il fight for Smith.
Endorse La Toilette
Four wears ago the National Fed
Grafton departed from its traditlonai
non. pa artisan attitude by endorsing
the independent candidacy OF the
late Senator Robert NJ. LaFollette'
~ WISCONSIN,. who received sub
stantial popular vote IN many TABOR
centers. This year. however. SO iar
as official word from the uh'ol.
headquarters go. the majority u
un,on men must act on their own
Judgment. helped. OF course b.. ln-
formal advice from headquarters as
to the attitude OF candidates w.
ward things closest to their hearts.
Both candidates. as wen a. tne''
managers and well-wishers, nave
been laying their plans to inhoehce
the great body OF organized workers
In the country towards their cause
Mr.. Hoover made labor the topic OF
one Of the few set speeches OF ms
campaign. speaking OF Newark III
the center Of the vast industrial dis
trict Of New Jersey. He also has
emphasized his belief that the re-
publican protective tariff system IL
essential tor the protection of the
American working man and the hap
piness Of his family. Governor
Smith and his campaign managers
have been Just as solicttous Of the
welfare OF the worker and the DEM
ocratic candidate has been pointed
to as one whose official record as
governor OF New York has shown
that he has the interest Of labor at
heart. From these records. as they
have been and will continue to be
made until election day. the in
dividual unit of organized labor may
form a judgment.
Active In states
While maintaining hands of
policy In the national campaign. the
American Federation OF Labor is &c
tive In senatorial and congressional
campaigns and has endorsed and
opposed a number OF candidates III
direct communications sent to local
organizations throughout the nation
The attitude Of organized labor III
these contests ~ cpitomized in the
statement OF John +. Mcnamara
president of the brotherhood OF
Firemen and Oilers. who states that
his policy with reference to politics
has always been and still il to de.
feat our enemies and elect our
friends"
McNamara's letter was one Of a
dozen or more received by the Az.
ISOLATED Press In response to in.
quiries sent to national la Dor Official,
as to the attitude OF their organixa.
tons in the campaign.
No Action Taken
A. Johnston, grand chief enginee,
OF the brotherhood of Locomotive
Engineers. wrote that his organixa.
ton had taken no definite actor
with reference to.either presidential
candidate ''other than to common,
on the speeches and the statement,
made by both candidates AZ they at.
feet organized labor In general"
Fred H. Fljozdal. grand president
OF the brotherhood of Maintenance
Of Way employees. said that In &C