Minneapolis spokesman. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1934-2000, 1955-09-09

o1fa Nhc SAo PicuBcu b1dl the COM
bined organizations would dedi-
cate a portion OF their efforts to
strengthen democracy by a con-
tinuing battle for federal civil
rights legislation.
Answers Merger Critics
Meany said that fears that the
AFL-CIO merger would create q
powerful political bloc to domin-
ate the country were groundless.
He said he was unalterably OPP
posed to any economic. racial or
labor group dominating America.
He said that Of course, he was for
political action by labor but that
it was not the purpose of such ac-
ton to establish a political dicta-
torship Of one group over another.
Urges Election Of Liberals
On the other hand the AFL
leader said that IL progress in ed
ucation. housing and civil rights
was to continue, the nation would
have to elect liberals to congress
He cited the record that the
over 100 civil rights bills were in
troduced In the recent session Of
Congress by liberal Legislators.
He criticized the failure of
Congress to hold hearing on any
OF the bills or allow them to reach
the floor.
The merged unions. Meany said,
viii continue to press for federal
legislation on civil rights by Con-
gress.
Supreme Court Decision
The May II, 1854 decision of the
u. 8. Supreme Court outlawing
race segregation in public schools
was the greatest advance In hu-
man relations which has been
made In our times. Meany said.
The decision also presents
many problems the speaker aver
red. which the entire nation must
help solve.
Favors Federal School Aid
Meany declared he favored Fed
eral Aid TO states which must re-
vamp their school programs TO
comply with school desegregation.
However, he was opposed to
Federal aid to states which seek
to evade the Supreme Court de-
cision.
The only way to protect the
gains offered by the court deci-
sion In for the people to elect lib
eral Congressman and Senators,
the labor leader said.
Meany charged both parties had
exhibited bad faith for failing to
keep their platform promises on
civil rights legislation.
The AFL leader praised the Ma
uonal Urban League and It's 90
affiliates on the contribution the
organization has made 10 the pro-
gress Of the Negro and the ma
ton
However. Meany said that
while much progress has been
made, much remains 10 be done.
Not only do the trade unions
and the Negro have a common
course; they also have common
enemies which together they
will be able TO defeat, Meany
said. working together with re-
sponsible management and in
dustry and other segments Of the
American population which be-
Heves In social justice.
Meany declared that the labor
unions which stilI practice race
discrimination have almost dis
appeared In the ALL
He said that the constitution
OF the merged AFL-CTO organi-
nations would declare against any
form Of race or religious discrim-
nation.
The merger proposals include
the establishment Of a civil rights
commission. Mr.. Meany stated,
which will implement the oonstitu-
tionsi provisions against discrim-
nation.
Meanys address was widely
praised by delegates here.
Coufab Notes
There are 200 official delegates
TO the conference being held here
at the citys largest hotel the
Schroeder.
Minnesota. with a group Of II
persons. IL playing its usual &C
tive part In the sessions.
Lillian BaIenger, ST Paul wo-
man, Is presiding over the sessions
Of the National Council Of Guilds
Of which she u president
Ashsy Gaskins. Of Minneapolis
a. president Of the Industrial sec
rrtaries council has directed the
meetings Of that group.
GaSbins gave the report on The
Urban League Commission on
Employment and Industrial Rsla-
tons Tuesday aftsrnoon.
Shelton Granger q the Mime
Apnlis UroAn League substituted