The potters herald. [volume] (East Liverpool, Ohio) 1899-1982, 1940-11-21
Facing The Facts
With PHILIP PEARL

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to resist dualism in the labor move
ment. 1t did not seek this civil war.
1t tried it's utmost to prevent it but
the bitter conflict was forced upon
the American Federation of Labor.
Now it looks as though the war may
be drawing to a close. The spirit
of peace is in the air. Many of those
who waged the battle against the
American Federation of Labor have
become disillusioned with their leader,
weary of strife, anxious to rejoin the
true house of labor.
The American Federation of Labor,
staunch to it's principles, has not only
| survived the civil war in labor's ranks
but has grown stronger in every way
than ever before in it's history. It's
principles and it's policies and its
leadership have stood the test. Today
the wisdom of these principles and
policies are universally recognized.
1t is, therefore, in the role of the
victor that the American Federation
of Labor awaits the inevitable peace
overtures.
But let it be known to labor and
let it be known to the world that the
American Federation of Labor, while
the victor, is not seeking plunder,
spoils or revenge.
A Victory For Principle
We, of the American Federation of
Labor, know that ours is not a vic
tory Of individuals over individuals,
of groups over groups, of unions over
unions, but victory Of trade union
principles over opportunism, of unity
over division, of majority rule over
secession, of democracy over dictator
ship.
In this triumph we see no oppor-
tunity for further warfare, but glor-
ious opportunity for healing the
wounds, for composing differences, for
cementing unity and for strengthening
the present power, the future welfare
and the everlasting loyalty of Ameri-
cas- workers.
That, we are confident, is the spirit
in which the Goth annual convention
of the American Federation of Labor
will receive and act upon any sincere
peace proposals that may be presented
to it.
During the past five years many
harsh words have been spoken. We
freely confess that this column did
not hesitate to speak out nor to con-
denim. We do not apologize for it nor
do we take any of it back. There is
no need for that, because it was the
truth. And today, the membership
of the dual movement is speaking
out and is condemning in the very
language which we have used the very
object of our attack. We are in COM
plete agreement with the membership
of the CIO on that point, and, in fact,
in the past few days many CIO repre-
sentatives have confessed to US that
we were right and they were wrong
all along.
On to New Orleans
This circumstance is, to US, the
most encouraging factor in the pres
ent situation with regard to labor
unity If the members of the ClO
now see the light, if they wish to re-
new their allegiance to trade union
principles, if they are willing to abide
by majority rule in a democratic or
ganization---in short, if they really
and sincerely want an honorable peace
they will get it.
Mo hn nvnrV
optimistic. While the leader of the
CIO has promised to resign, he has
not yet given any indication that he
will also relnquish control. The wool
has been pulled over the eyes of the
CIO membership SO often and so sue
cessfully in the past that another last,
desperate attempt may be made to do
it again. Furthermore, there are GER
tain individual CIO leaders of Com
munist persuasions who are ready to
aid and abet any move to prolong
division and to block peace. These
are the dangerous elements in the
situation.
But somehow we can't quite believe
that this group will get away with it
any more. The feeling in the CIO, as
we are able to Judge it, is too strong
to be diverted by Communistic trick
cry and h-jinks. Workers whose
eyes have been opened and who have
seen the light will not meekly permit
themselves to be blindfolded again and
led astray.
Not only the CIO membership, but
the public and the press is wise by
this time to the duplicity Of an in
dividual whose name we deem it no
longer necessary to mention and Of his
Communistic followers. They won't
be fooled by any new, phony peace
plan. They will expose any such at,
tempt promptly.
So we are heading for the Goth an.
nual convention of the American Fed.
Grafton of Labor at New Orleans
with great deal Of confidence in flu.
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