The potters herald. [volume] (East Liverpool, Ohio) 1899-1982, 1939-11-16
CINCINNATI CONVENTION


'Nt1E 59th convention of the American Federation
of Labor was one of the largest in the history
Of the organization. The membership reported,
4,006, 1854, is exceeded only by that of 1920 This
constructive organizing work and intelligent
necessary services to affiliated unions to help
hem hold membership. Though troubled by the
secession of former affliates, the A. F. of l.. has
maintained the same policies and balance OF Judg-
nent. 1t has not tried to substitute the spectac-
liar and the appearance of progress for substan-
ial dues-paying membership and the actual gains
If higher standards of wages and hours through
collective bargaining by chosen representatives,
responsible to those for whom they speak
AS the Federation has built upon an enduring
foundation it has continued to observe the princ-
pies and practices of democratic procedure. While
the labor movement is mass organization 1t has
not subordinated the individual to the group On
the contrary the group has given individuals op-
Iportunity for self-eXpreSSion and liberty that
could not otherwise exist and mass movement is
the result of determination Of policies by ma
ority vote and voluntary acquiescence with such
decisions. But freedom of discussion and ma
iority rule do not mean that the union should pro-
vide sanctuary for those who get into our unions
to use them for some foreign purpose. 1t has long
been the habit of certain liberal theorists to in
sist upon freedom of speech in the union es-
sental to fair play. But practical trade union
ists have long known they could not give equal
privileges to communists others seeking to
overthrow our structure OF political and economic
organization. There can be no compromise with
those wanting to turn unions into revolution
airy agencies to destroy our democratic institu-
ltons. The Cincinnati Convention expressed in
|unmistakable terms it's disapproval of communism,
lfascism, naZSm, rooted in principles of deSpO-
ltsm. The free trade union movement cannot eX-
list where these doctrines are tolerated. European
|events have demonstrated that the free labor
movements of the North American continent must
act together for mutual protection against the
menace of totalitaranism. Only continental pro-
lection will afford security for democracy within
our nations. The tOtalitarian state is not bound
1by the ethical standards of democracy and it is
committed to policy of imposing it's philosophy
upon ever widening groups OF persons. Those who
want to work out the ways of peace cannot safely
or wisely live with those committed to revolution
ary ideals and practices The American Fedora
|ton of Labor offers cooperation to the free labor
movements of Canada and Mexico in union
|againSt communism and all totaitarian philOso-
'phies.
The American Federation of Labor is opposed
Ito any ENHANCEMENT in European disputes or
wars. Only the nations Of Europe can settle the
geographic and political problems of Europe. The
Federation will do everything in it's power to have
our Government maintain neutrality in spirit and
in act. The maj or responsibility Of American la
Dor is for the maintenance and defense Of demOc-
Tracy within the jurisdiction of the United States.
We have done what we could to restore unity
within the American labor movement. AS was
reported to the Cincinnati Convention basis for
peace was agreed to by representatives Of the
American Federation of Labor and the dual move
ment, only to be arbitrarily rejected by the head
of the dual movement. The committees appointed
| in response to the Presidents peace appeals met
for negotiation but were interrupted by the head
Of the dual movement who unwilling to con-
tinue efforts toward peace The Federations S
Committee is still ready to participate in proposals
! to find an adjustment.
There are problems ahead-serious problems
of unemployment, problems Of national policy and
dangers of international complications. The Fed
Grafton faces them with the firm determination to
hew to tried, fundamental principles and to in
Labor must keep its destiny in its own hands in
order to make its most constructive contribution
to national policy. The straight thinking, mellow
| ed by Tolerance and frendlineSs that character
zed the convention is our best guarantee of con-
structive results during the coming year.