Evening star., 1932-02-09
LABOR DELEGATES
To VOTE ON PLEA
FOR DIRECT RELIEF
Representatives Of 100000
Union Members Meet With
Executive Council.
APPEAL TO CONGRESS
is PREDICTED BY GREEN
Local Agencies Breaking Down,
Federal Action Needed, Presi-
dent Says.

Labor union delegates from all sec
tions, representing 100000 working
men and women were preparing today
to vote on proposal OF the executive
council of the American Federation OF
Labor to demand from Congress direct
Federal relief for the unemployed.
The delegates came here upon invita-
ton of Federation President William
Green and 10 other members of the
executive council, which has been in
session at the Federation Building for
more than a week There were more
than 100 present when the council con-
vened todayS session. which was open
to the public.
President Green, in outlining the
purpose of the meeting, said, 1T is a
foregone conclusion that the confer
ence will appeal to Congress to appro-
pirate an adequate sum of money 20
provide the minimum amount of relief
required by millions of working men
and women and their dependents who
are hungry"
Sees Local Failure.
"This appeal" he added, will be
based upon the fact that local relief
agencies are breaking down, that the
funds provided by local communities
and States are becoming exhausted For
that reason, the Federal Government
must respond promptly and expeditions
ly if increased intense suffering both in
the larger cities and the smaller COM
munities are to be relieved.
Mr. Green said he and his fellow
members of the executive council re-
garded todayS session "as one of the
most important conferences ever held
under the auspices of the American
Federation. of Labor
The conference got under way short
time after a bill was INTRODUCED in the
House by Representative Lovette. Re-
publican, Tennessee, to set up S375,-
100000 relief fund. Like other meas
ureS which have been introduced as
substitutes for the La Toilette Costi-
gan relief bill, the Lovette proposal
m. with prompt rejection by the fed
e.-tIOl's council on the ground it was
'-,cre subterfuge." The La Toilette
Cc-..,ca bill has the full support of the
f. at.on Mr. Green said.
ALLEGATION Proposed.
Io-ette's measure would have the
n y administered by the Secretaries
G 2c Treasury Agriculture and Labor.
t. fund would be allocated to States
in proportion to population, but only
wi2ca the Governor or Legislature shall
designate a special agency for its ad-
rinistration and formally apply for the
money.
Commenting on this bill, spokesmen
for the labor delegation declared it was
not a question now. in MidWlnter, OF
loans to States which have no authority
to borrow or to try to develop public
works program. The real question
is supplying aid Immediately at the
earliest possible moment, in order to
save the lives of those who are the
victims of unemployment and economic
distress, it was asserted.
Matthew Woll, Frank Morrison and
other members of the executive council
believed that Congress should help
quickly.
1T should respond as fully and
promptly to the needs of hungry men,
women and children. as it responded
to the call for help from financial or
ganizations when it passed the $4,000
900, 900 financial reconstruction bill,
Mr.. Woll and others declared.
The conference is expected to adjourn
late today.