The voice of labor. (Cumberland, Md.) 1938-1942, 1940-11-21
CLIO COnveneS

This editorial is written too early to COM
ment on any actions OF the national { ..
Convention now in session At Atlantic Clty
But Il is still timely 10 offer some serious
thoughts to the officer, and ,auk and ME ot
the local labor movement ON the tremendous
import of this Convention.
Il has been very fashionable in rccen, weeks
to heap criticisms on the head of John /.
Lewis. Criticism is fine thing and all labor
leaders should be amenabe 10 II.
But the extent to which criticism may prop
erly go should be governed by strict attention
to the record and adherence to fact.
The Western Maryland Industrial Union
Council endorsed President Roosevelt, and the
VOICE OF LABOR, its official organ, faith
fully expounded the policies OF the Council
and its delegates. In so doing 1t rejected the
counsel and opinion OF President John /.
Lewis.
This incident provides no evidence that
the works, the fine and constructive
works of an outstanding leader,
pudated and ignored. For years John L.
Lewis has been reviled and slandered in
the nations press and by the nations la
Dor haters. Through it all he has main
tanned a solid front against labor's
mics and the reaclionary forces which
would destroy it. Through il all have
come no signs from him of the huge bur-
den he has carried.
We have seen the principles Of industrial
unionism make progress throughout the land.
Why, then this avalanche Of attack upon
Lewis union policies?
He has been charged with making labor
unity impossible. Bill Green tiutcheson.
Vol and Company have SAID SO Now. others
who should know better, taking up the
cry. Examine the record.
John L. Lewis offered to march the ClO
unions into open session Horse. guard and
dragoon." with the AFL- unions and achieve
unity. The offer was rejected by those who
pirate of democracy.
John l. Lewis offered to resign as president
of the Clio is Bill Green would resign head
Of the AFL. Green rejected the proposal and
said it was not made sincerely.
The last Convention Of the Clio received
the report of its Labor Unity Committee
and adopted it by unanimous rising vote OF
the delegates. The same convention named
Negotiating Committee Of John L. Lewis.
Philip Murray and Sidney Himan to exercise
its discretion in any future negotiations.
The Clio president is now being made the
subject of charges that he and he alone, blocks
labor unity. On what proof the charges
made?
1t is time for all the Go brithers to &c,
back to fundamental principles and again
soberly reflect that labor peace and unity can
H. ~ III
1t can and must only be contaminated upon
the principles Of maintaining all those efec-
tive organizations which the Go has built on
the swea, and blood Of its martyrs Ii is time
to ask ourselves if the sacrifices OF the VIC
tins of the Memorial Day Massacre are to be
in vain, if the epic struggles Of the auto work
TO 90 for naught, il the scamens hard
won independence is TO be handed over again
to a gang of corrupt AL officials. It Is time
to think squarely upon the unsavory name Of
the AFL racket unions. the unprincipled high
initiation fees and dues of craft unionism, the
Intellectual bargaining and power Of out
NODDED form of organization.
Yes, brothers and sisters, we want la
Dor peace - but we don't want it on
basis of surrenderng all that has been
won. That is not peace" it is defeat. 1t
will not produce peace" but rather
''pieces."
So let us offer the thought that sober re-
Election upon the real issues Of the Clio will
show that in John L. Lewis the movemen, had
a pillar of strength whose mature judgment
in the union field gives just cause for pride
to all who are enrolled under the banner That
his successor will be similarly endowed should
be our fervent hope.