Evening star., 1936-01-31
Miners
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In Constitution Hall late yesterday
which saw high officers, led by Jolr
L. Lewis. international president, Bit
terly assail the leadership Of the fed.
Grafton, which is opposing industrial
unionism and espousing instead craft
unions, the 1,700 delegates to the
thirty-fourth convention stood and
cheered their approval Of a COMMITTEES
report to vest in their leaders the
request to turn from the A. r. Of L
whenever they may see fit.
In his speech. Lewis charged certain
members Of the executive council OF
the federation, whom he did not call
by name, with q "dastardly, diabolical
betrayal" of the Mine Workers by
seeking amendments to the Guffey
coal act that would have tended to
disrupt the miners union.
Workers Back Leader.
Pleading for adoption of the report,
he declared If his guidance was fol-
lowed, when the time comes, I'll say
to the American Federation Of Labor
and its af1liated craft organizations,
pursuing their reactionary and Bour-
bon policy, what I think you would
want me to say!"
The workers rose to their feet
shouting the Endorsement, and as the
convention adjourned, sursed forward
to shake Lewis hand.
The threat Of secession Immediately
stirred speculation as to the effect
such . course might have on the
fortunes of William Green, president
Of the Federation, and q member Of
the Mine Workers, Of which he for
nerly was Secretary-treasurer.
In one quarter, the opinion was eX-
pressed that he could not hold the
presidency if the union with which he
Is amliated was not part Of the Fed
Grafton, but there were said to be
varying views on this point.
Green has been out Of the city and,
consequently. has not been able to
attend the convention which he has
IN invitation to address.
While the attack on the A. r. Of l..
was at its height yesterday afternoon.
1t was suspended for . brief period
by the arrival of Secretary Of Labor
Perkins, who addressed the conven-
ton and brought q message from
President Roosevelt.
Expresses Felicitations.
Expressing his "felicitations and
well wishes for q successful session."
the President voiced great disap-
pointment" At being unable to attend.
In turn, the convention sent birthday
greetings to the Executive.
The Labor Secretary told the Mine
Workers that while American wage
earners have made great gains under
the Roosevelt administration, produce
ton, farm income, profits and divi-
oends have shown . rising curve, and
banks, insurance companies and rail-
roads are in . much stronger eco
nomic position.
She pointed to the 1885 report Of
the United States Steel Corp,
allowing q net income Of $1,0S4,917,
compared with . net loss Of $21, ,667,-
$50 In 1884, as evidence that the ad-
ministrations recovery program is
proving successful.
Reports showing the Thousands Of
men who have been put to work at
living wages on peace projects which
will add greatly to the national
wealth." Miss Perkins said, do not
show behind the lines Of employment
which is created through the purchase
OF materials and which extends back
through mines. factories and railroads,
with merchants. workers, farmers and
investors all prol1ting."
She said approximately 500,0 men
and women who were idle In March.
1888. have been returned to private
employment, and more than 1000 900
others have found work on public
works projects. G. c. G. camps and
State road construction.
The weekly pay roll last month for
industries surveyed monthly by the
Bureau Of Labor Statistics was 3l22,-
100000 larger than the weekly pay
roll In March, 1885," she continued,
adding that this was more than so per
cent above the low point Of the de-
preston.
Clamor Breaks Early.
The clamor over the industrial |
union issue broke without warning on
the convention early In the afternoon. |
The report Of the committee ct that |
time did only the expected and backed |
the officers Of the union IN their stand |
which called for continuation Of the
campaign and criticized the
Of the A. F. Of L. as failing |
to recognize the need for . change
of tactics in such industries ~ auto
mobiles. steel, rubber, cement and
aluminium.
There had been more or less per.
tunctory discussion when Interna.
tionAl Vice President Philip Murray
took the door. warning the delegates
The issue was the most serious to come
oefore them. he began his assault on
he A. F. Of l. leadership, and for the
arst time hurled into the AssemblAse
:he threat o6 eecession. ]