The potters herald. [volume] (East Liverpool, Ohio) 1899-1982, 1939-09-07
President Of AFL Ernphasiz-
es Priceless Vdlue Of
Liberty
RIGHTS ARE UPHELD
Holds Labor Be Consulted
In Determining Policies
OF Country

The imperative necessity of main
tanning the democratic form of gov
ernment of the United States as es-
sential for the protection of funda-
mental liberties and as firm bar
rier against the development of die
tatorships that have enslaved millions
OF European workers was stressed by
William Green, president of the Amer
lean Federation Of Labor, in his La
Dor Day Message for 1889, prepared
for the Labor Day issues of the Of
fetal and Weekly Labor Press and
issued from the headquarters of the
A. F. of L. in Washington, D. C.
In addition, Mr.. Green asserted
that the right to strike against in
justice is fundamental element in
democracies which is entirely destroy
ed in totalitarian countries.
He insisted that labor should be
consulted in the development of Amer
lean, foreign and domestic policies,
militantly opposed war, which affects
labor more than any other group, as
a method Of settling international dis
putes, and declared that the American
Federation of Labor will continue un-
abated its flight against the forces of
Communism, Nazism, Fascism or any
other ISM that threatens the well
being Of America"
The text of Mr. Green's Labor Day
Message follows:
With the advance of civilization we
are discovering new and advancing
already known facilities and requisites
necessary to the enjoyment of full
er, more enriched ar.,1ioye ahrndSasi..
life. = :
Labor Day is set aside as tribute
to those who toll. In turn it affords
an occasion for the workers to give
earnest consideration to matters which
concern their welfare as workers, and
as citizens.
Though we have progressed even
now to the point where we can enjoy
comforts and luxuries of life far be-
yond the most extravagant dreams Of
our fathers, it is but human to reach
still further and to strive for even
fuller and better lives. That is as it
should be, for progress is not based
on SNUG satisfaction with past ac-
complishments in any field.
Desire for wider enjoyment of
educational advantages is accompanied
by continuing struggle for more
material comforts and a more equit-
able share in the products of industry
both in wages and shorter hours of
work, with a resulting increase in
time available for recreation and cul-
tural improvement and financial
means to take advantage of oppor-
tunities presented.
Trade Unions Are Workers Protection
I Against Industrial Power
The very strength of our Nation is
attributable in large degree to the
appreciation which the workers feel
for their unlimited opportunity to ad-
vance their own interests, to follow
their own desires, politically, economi-
cally, and religiously.
1t is characteristic of human nature
to be willing to fight and sacrifice to
achieve those objectives which seem
to be most desirable in life. Advan-
tages which have been won by the
workers will not be readily relinquish-
ed or given into the control of any
individual or group seeking to set up
Observation-Disclosures such dictator
ships be economic or political
The workers realize that the trade
union is their sole hope for the preser-
vation of their industrial welfare and
the advancement Of their conditions
of life and work. 1t is through his
union that the worker seems to make
real and effectual his hopes and aspir-
ations for more abundant life. No
other means are available for this
purpose AS an individual the worker
cannot effectively meet the forces of
economic power and privilege which
control the industries of our time
At their inception unions were
primarily agencies for the advance
ment Of work interests-higher wages,
shorter hours, protective legislation
for women and children, and better
working conditions generally. Their
scope Of activity has broadened with
the need for better life and these
agencies now serve to advance the in
terests of those represented in the
unions in civic, social, educational,
and governmental affairs.
American Democracy Must Be
Safeguarded
The American Federation of Labor,
as renrasented nv its cOmnonent unitS