The Western news. [volume] (Libby, Mont.) 1933-current, 1940-08-01
Meet
Held Here
Big Success
District Convention Brings
To Libby Prominent
Union Officials.
WILLIAM GREEN, A. F. L,
HEAD, WIRES MESSAGE

F1EAD, V1hEO N1ESSAOE
The first convention of the In
land Empire District Council of the
Lumber and Sawmill Workers I'm
ion, A. F. of L., ever to be held
in Libby was conducted in this city
Saturday and Sunday. It brought
together large number of delegates
and visitors, extending from Mis-
soula on the east to Seattle on the
west. Thirty-two delegates were
present to take part in the business
session, while a number of visitors
and representatives from other or
CARNATIONS helped to swell the at
tendance.
The meeting opened Saturday
morning and was called to order by
Otto Griep of Libby, chairman of
the convention committee. The Rev.
A. M. Hart pronounced an invoca-
ton and Mayor Parker extended a
welcome to the delegates and visi-
tors Business matters were then
taken up.
Wage, Hour Man Present
One of the outstanding features
of the convention was an address by
William Maloney of ST. Paul, Min
nesota, inspector for the u. S. Wage
and Hour Division. Mr.. Maloney
spoke on wage and hour matters,
beginning his address Saturday af-
ternoon and talking until 4 o'clock,
when adjournment was taken to
prepare for the banquet. So much
interest was shown in his subject
that Mr.. Maloney resumed the dis
cussion Sunday morning and contin-
ued it for some time. His address
was followed by an informal dis
cussion, at which time large num-
Der Of questions was asked him.
Not much official business was
transacted by the convention for
the reason that it was decided to
split up the Inland Empire Council
into three separate councils. This
was done because the Inland En-
pire Council covered too much ter
ritory and also because there were
differences of interest between this
section and the white pine districts
of Idaho and with other industries
in Spokane.
All of western Montana will be
organized into the Western Mon
tana Council. AS soon as the char
ter is received, the council will be
organized at meeting to be held
in Missoula.
Union conventions are always
characterized by enjoyable social
features. This was true of the
Libby gathering. The banquet
served Saturday evening in the
Moose hall was an enjoyable af-
fair, 214 being served by the staff
of the Model Cafe. Mr.. Griep again
presided. He introduced the Rev.
Mr.. Hart, who pronounced the in
vocation, and Mayor Parker who
again spoke briefly to the large
gathering Of men and women. Mr..
Griep then introduced Jean Math-
eny, business agent of the Inland
Empire District Council, who was
to act as POSTMASTER. Mr. Matheny
took charge Of the meeting and pre-
sided in a very able manner. He
introduced a large number of del
egates and visitors, each of whom
iCPACA Will LEW WoiAo. LSo
Flynn, of Seattle, representative Of
the A. F. of L., urged the men to
remain steadfast in union loyalty
and spoke with vigor and inter
estingly.
No Time for Communism
Mark Bailey, representative of the
Brotherhood of Carpenters, Spo-
kane, also represented the interna-
tional organization. He read mes
sage from William Green, president
of the American Federation Of La
Dor, in which President Green ex.
tended his best wishes to the gath
ering.
In his remarks Mr.. Bailey voice.
a sentiment that is always found II
A. F. of l.. councils. He urged hi
hearers to stand steadfast in defense
of American liberties, remarkinl
that the nation is facing critica
times and needs the unswervini
support of every citizen.
1.-THE nation has no need to fea
communism in the ranks OF tn
A. F. OF L." said Mr.. Bailey. "Thi
great union has always took an un
questioned stand in opposition t
any and all forms of communism
and one thing always follows when
ever member is found to be tinge,
with communism. He is immedi
ately kicked out of the union.
would urge you to keep your union
strong" continued the speaker, 80
when the unions disappear histor
teaches that liberty also goes. Proc
of that is found in the dictatorship
of Europe. One of the first acts {
the dictators was to suppress a
labor organizations. ] would ais
call to your attention that the dot
uments establishing the Unite
States government were signed
our union hall in Philadelphia"
Another speaker of note was Pr
fessor Mike Mansfield of Montar
State University, representa-,
of the Teachers Union, Missoul
Professor Mansfield also called a
tention to the dangers facing Il