Evening star., 1935-10-08
A Labor Party?

independent political party backed by
organized labor threaten to bring differ
ences in the fifty-fifth annual convention
Of the American Federation Of Labor.
A large number of resolutions adopted
by international unions, State and city
central labor bodies, and local unions.
urging that such a course be followed
will be presented. The International
Ladies Garment Workers Union is taking
prominent part in this effort to drive
the American Federation Of Labor into
that line Of action. 1t proposes that the
Executive Council Of the Federation be
instructed to study the subject of inde-
pendent political action. 1t further pro-
poses that the Federation take the initia-
tive in the organization of a political
labor party at the conclusion of the study.
The American Federation OF Labor has
had such proposals before 1t in the past.
1t has been the opinion OF the Fedora
ton and it's leaders, however, that the
interests of labor in this country are
best served when the Federation remains
a non-political body. Nevertheless the
Federation has played its part in political
campaigns. 1t has Endorsed candidates
for election on the Republican as well
as the Democratic tickets. The measure
of the candidates has been the measure
of their friendlineSS to organized labor.
In this way organized labor has, indeed
exercised a potent influence.
President William Green. at the open
ing Of the present annual convention of
the Federation in Atlantic City. has indi-
Gated strong oppositionto the effort now
being made to force the Federation TO
support the organization Of an inde-
pendent political party. formed for di-
rect political action. Mr.. Green has
virtually charged that the demand for
independent political action on the part
Of labor comes from Communist sources.
Recently at Moscow the Communist In
ternational called upon its followers to
pledge labor to independent political
action. This movement Of the Com
muniSts, Mr.. Green suggested, has been
responsible for the demand made now
in this country that the American Fed
Grafton Of Labor play foremost part In
the formation CT u new political party.
President Green told the delegates to
the convention that the American Fed
Grafton of Labor would take no orders
from some gathering in foreign coun-
try. mo government in a foreign land,
no camoufiaged organization meeting on
foreign soil can tell the American Fed
Grafton of Labor what to do he said.
As long as this independent position of
organized labor holds true, so long will
the cause of liberty and of labor be
served. If and when American labor
adopts the plans and platform of the
Communists, takes orders from the Com
munist International, the American idea
of liberty will be submerged A Dictator
ship both cruel and unintellgent will
threaten America
The formation of an independent labor
party, of itself, does not mean COM
munism. Such a political party exists
today in England. But the formation of
a labor party at the behest Of the Com
munists is another thing. Their hope
and ideal is world revolution. Their
great goal Is clearly the overthrow of the
Government of the United States. which.
because it offers the people liberty and
safety and fair living conditions, is the
greatest threat to the radicals. American
labor has kept its feet on the ground.
1t has labored intelligently for improved
conditions, we'll understanding that there
must be partnership between labor and
capital to bring the best results for the
people.