The labor advocate. [volume], November 25, 1916, Page 6, Image 6

About The labor advocate. [volume] (Cincinnati, Ohio) 1912-1937

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THE LABOR ADVOCATE
Ws
gi
M
$
Reds Show
Socialists In Federation of Labor For Drastic Action On
Living Cost. Want Jail Terms Imposed. Con
fiscation and Government Ownership Urged.
Delegates Go To See President.
Baltimore, Mil., Nov. IS. The
"Reds," as the Socialists in the Ameri
can Federation, of Labor are called,
showed their heads for the first time
yesterday on the convention floor in the
Garden Theatre, to espouse confisca
tion, jail sentence and Government
ownership as remedies for the high cost
of livhiR.
Max jfnyes, of Cleveland, chief thorn
in the side of the conservatives, known
as "leader of the Reds," and, strangely
enough, a delegate from that most con
servatives of all departments of organ
ized labor, the International Typo
graphical Union, led the fight against
tlic adoption of a resolution urging the
appointment of a commission to in
vestigate the high cost of living. Ilfs
opinion and the opinion of Max Scidcl,
of Decatur, III., and other trades union
ists with socialistic instincts was that
Federal investigations were a drug
upon the market; that history showed
that they had never done any good, and
that they were a waste of time.
I'cdenil Commission Favored.
The resolution providing for the in
vestigation was introduced by State
Senator William Green, of Ohio, head
of the United Mine Workers of Amer
ica. It was adopted and the Federation
of Labor went on record as favoring
the Federal commission, but not until
Tifter Hayes, Scidel and others had ad
vocated the arrest and imprisonment of
those responsible for the high cost of
white paper, the confiscation by the
Government of all foodstuffs and im
mediate Government ownership of all
mines, railroads, meat-packing indus
tries and the like.
The adoption of the resolution was
taken by political wise men in the con
vention to be an index to the strength
of the "Reds," who will undoubtedly
seek to influence the Federation and to
mold its policies in other matters.
One of these matters, it is expected,
will lie the re-election of Secretary
Frank Morrison. The nucleus around
which Morrison's opponents hope to
build up an organization strong enough
to beat him is composed of four thou
sand "Red" votes in the convention.
1 f ayes' and Seidel's speeches were
loudly cheered, hut their principles were
Mtfl'Ali MIXIOHS CIIAXCIC XA.MIO.
Denver. I!y a referendum vote the
Western Federation of Miners favor
rbangiiig the name of their organization
to "International Union of Mine, Mill
and Smelter Workers." It is stated that
the new name corresponds to the juris
diction, industrially anil geographically,
of the metal miners. Application will
be made to the American Federation of
Labor to sanction the change.
At a meeting of the miners' executive
board in this city it was decided to in
augurate an extensive organizing cam
paign nl a statement to affiliates, the
board said :
"Your board fully believes that the
year it) Hi will mark the beginning of a
new ipoi'h in the history of the metal
n nrs' organization."
Mich's Jewelry Store
Diamonds, Watches
930-32 W. Liberty St.
Whynot
Cigars
ALWAYS GOOD"
WM, t)
HUSS VINE AND CALHOUN
Agent
STREETS
ALHAMBR
CINCINNATI'S
"HOUSE OF QUALITY"
Showinq the Cream of American
Feature Productions
Trj Tlera od be Convincrd Phone Canal 1188-X
SPECHT BROS.
UNIONSHOES
Rxiluaivcly Men', Women'
and C hil'licn'fi l'inc Shoe at
reasonable prices llrcuvrt'
Union Itoou a fteci.ilt .
1700 VINE ST., opp. Cum Si , Cincimali
J'lione Canal 3S32 Res. I'lione Avon 302-Y
LOUIS E. ROTH
FLORIST
Cut Flowers and Floral Designs
S. W. Cor. 15th and Vine Streets
-S-
r&ti J "Ofy
Their Hand
rebuked in the vote upon the resolu
tion. Called Itt-volutioniiry Proposition.
The convention, however, opposed in
vestigation when the resolution taking
a stand against President Wilson's plan
to make illegal any railroad strike or
lockout prior to a Federal inquiry came
up. The plan was embodied in the
President's message to Congress, in
which, at the same time, he urged the
enactment of the Eight-Hour Law.
The Federation of Labor's opposition
to it was embodied in the Executive
Council's report. A resolution, based
upon that report was adopted yesterday.
That resolution declares the Presi
dent's plan to forestall strikes "a revo
lutionary proposition totally out of har
mony wtih our prevailing institutions
and out of harmony with our phil
osophy of government," and declares
that it "subjects wage-earners to in
voluntary servitude," and that its pur
pose is "to compel railroad men to
work even against their will. " It would
"make criminals of men who cease
work during the period of compulsory
investigation," says the resolution, and
"would not prevent strikes."
In the words of the resolution, the
Federation's adoption of it puis the or
ganization on record as taking "an tin
equivocal position against compulsory
institutions and in favor of the main
tenance of institutions and opportuni
ties for freedom."
licpoil Supports Itrsoliilions.
Favorable reports were received upon
resolutions contained in the Executive
Council's report to improve the work
ing condition of Government employes.
At ia::t() the convention adjourned
until !i :'!( this morning, when more
resolutions considered yesterday after
noon by the resolution committee will
be reported.
Last night the delegates attended the
vaudeville performance at the Mary
land Theatre.
At 2::r, today, the delegates, nearly
four hundred strong, will leave on a
special train over the Pennsylvania Rail
road, for Washington, where President
Wilson will receive them at .". o'clock.
Between their arrival there and their
march to the White House, they will
be entertained at the headquarters of
the Washington Federation of Labor.
WORKERS' PROGRESS
BASED ON UNIONISM
Baltimore, Mil. The philosophy of
trade unionism, its effectiveness and its
necessity are presented in the follow
ing concise manner by the A. F. of L.
Executive Council in its report to the
annual convention, now in session in
this city :
"There is nothing more conspicuous
in the developments of the past year
than the importance and power of the
economic organization of the workers.
Since its inception the American Fed
eration of Labor has stood for the
principle that the fundamental 'power
of the workers is their economic power
and that whatever inllucnce they exert
in industrial or political matters is be
cause they have been able to organize
and to use their economic power to
promote their own welfare and their
ideals of better standards of life and
work fur all who toil. The wisdom of
this policy has been demonstrated over
and over again, but never more con
spicuously than during the past year.
I The wage-earners have secured a more
lilting recognition for the part they
i take in national life and development.
"The economic organization of the
worKvrs is uuitiauieuta : it has its or-
,,., j ,1... ,.;,.,,.,. ,..u .! .,,. f
1.7 , ' V J. "V ,.';'".' "'
' Hie workers, and is close to life Use f.
Whenever this power is organized and
wisely wielded it affects directly the
fundamental affairs of national life.
Economic, power is the primary power
and all other kinds of power are de
rived from economic power and are in
proportion to its development.
"The tremendous success that the A.
F of L. has had in past years in secur
ing remedial and protective legislation
ha been the result of organization ami
use of economic power. For political
purposes, during the past year, the
scope of Labor's activity has been ex
tended into the realm of international
relations, but the fundamental princi
ple has been unchanged. Even in in
ternational relations wage-earners have
found that they can have an influence
and an effect in molding and directing
national relations through the use i of
their economic organization. They
have in all things stood for recognition
of human values, and have humanized
all national issues, demanding for hu
man agents consideration with all other
elements."
RAILROADS ATTACK
ADAMSON 8-HOUR LAW
Ncw York. Railroad managers and
the executives of the four railroad
brotherhoods held a meeting in this city
last Monday to reach a common under
standing on the workings of the Adam
son Eight-Hour Law.
The meeting was unsuccessful. The
railroad employes notified the manag
ers that the strike order, given them by
their members before the law was pass
ed, was still in effect, and tliat if the
managers persist in attacking the law
through the courts that the strike order
will be enforced January 1 next.
Washington, D. C. Numerous suits
against the Adamsou Eight-Hour Law
for railroad train service employes have
been started by railroad companies
throughout the country.
Since the act was passed some of the
highest priced lawyers in the nation
have been retained by the companies to
study the law to discover an unconsti
tutional flaw. It is now stated that the
fifth amendment to the Federal consti
tution, which declares that no one shall
be deprived, of life, liberty or property
without the process of law, will be the
principal refuge of these attorneys.
This amendment is the regulation de
fense of every reactionary influence in
its opposition to social legislation.
Observing trade unionists, however,
believe that these suits are only a part
of the general strategy of railroads to
secure legislation from Congress that
will tie to their jobs all workers cm
ployed in interstate transportation serv
ice. The railroads would especially wel
come the passage of a law similar to the
Canadian Industrial Disputes Act,
which prohibits a strike of workers em
ployed in a public utility until after a
government investigation. T.ln's law
was denounced by the last convention
of the Trades and Labor Congress of
Canada, after a nine years' trial, and
the Dominion Government was called
upon to repeal the same. The same
theory, applicable to all industries, was
made a law by the last Colorado legis
lature, and after a 'year's trial the or
ganized workers of Colorado have de
manded its repeal.
Other legislation desired by the rail
roads would empower the Interstate
Commerce Commission to fix wages of
railroad employes.
These two proposals would result in
fastening a worker to Jiis job and take
from him the right to sell his labor
power.
To secure this legislation the finest
strategy is necessary, in view of the de
clared hostility of the American Fed
eration of Labor and the four railroad
brotherhoods.
Because of this' fact it is essential that
an atmosphere of uncertainty be cre
ated in the minds of the public, through
numerous court suits and agitation by
big business for a commission. The
railroads are hopeful that a public opin
ion will be developed that will justify
their friends in Conirress demanding
that the matter be "straightened out"
by turning the whole question over to a
commission and deny workers the right
to strike pending an investigation.
SI'JAMKX'S LAW MtOTKOTS.
Seattle, Wash. Judge Netercr has
notified ship owners that the" Seamen's
law, which is so bitterlv onnoscd bv
ihem, has "teeth," and they must
abandon old practices, in their treatment
of seamen.
This decision was made in the case of
a seaman who shipped from Australia
for Puget Sound. On arriving in this,
city lie made complaint that he was bru
tally treated by the second mate and
that the captain of the vessel permitted
his subordinate to cseane arrest.
The owner and captain of the vessel
attempted to avoid responsibility by
claiming that the Seamen's Law did not
apply in this ease as the complainant
was not a citizen of the United States.
To this claim the court replied:
"The fact that the libelant is not a
citizen of the United States docs not
change his relation to the act, as engag
ing in the service as one of the crew of
the American ship 'lilakely' brought
him within the protection and benefits
of all of the laws passed by Congress on
behalf of American seamen, and subject
to all of their obligations and liabili
ties." I'lilT.MI.KISS MA KM CAIN'S.
Leominster, Mass. After a four
weeks strike the Plumbers' Union se
cured a .lO-cent wage increase, and six
months later, 10 cents, together with a
H-hour week six months in the year.
Santa liarhara, Cal. Plunibcrs and
steamfittcrs in this citv have raised
! wages without a strike. Thorough or
ganization made the success of these
workers possible.
CAKMICXT WOUKKltti ADVAXCH.
Eric, Pa. Members of the United
Garment Workers' union employed by
the Standard Manufacturing company
have raised wages ." per cent as a result
of conferences. The increase affects
cutters, operators and finishers.
TRADE UNION METHODS
SUCCEED IN PORTO RICO
Washington. l'orto Rico workers
have been benefited by affiliation to the
American Federation of Labor, writes
Organizer Santiago Iglcsias, of San
Juan, Porto Rico, to A. F. of L. head
quarters. "There has been a true and real awak
ening of the laborers in all the trades
and different industries of San Juan,"
he says. "The spirit of the labor move
ment and organization is more intense
than ever before in past history. It
seems that the seed of unionism, sown
for so many years, is now sprouting
strongly and vigorously in this capital
of the island and other important towns.
"The strikes that have broken forth in
the middle of last August, up to this
date, have been more frequent and nu
merous than at any other time in the
history of the labor movement of the
American Federation of Labor in Porto
Rico. The coal workers, the longshore
men and the men employed at the
wharves and railroad warehouses have
risen to a man and gone on strike, and
all their demands have met. with success.
Their victoryhas been encouraging, and
has cast considerable credit on the var
ious labor organizations that have been
helping, encouraging and leading these
important movements."
Organizer Iglcsias also states that rail
road shop employes of San Juan won a
strike that secured higher wages, better
working conditions and more liberty of
action. Female employes of the Porto
Rican-American Tobacco company, to
the number of !.',00(), secured improved
conditions as the result of a strike. The
same is true of meat cutters and butch
ers. litiilding craftsmen and employes in
the metal trades arc still on strike.
"All these strikes," continues Organ
izer Iglcsias, "have been managed and
helped along by the representatives of
the American Federation of Labor, in
whom the non-organized workcrs, who
were the majority among the strikers,
had their confidence and trust.
"As a result of the propaganda, free
meetings in the open air and all activi
ties, literature, etc., throughout the
island, the workingmen of Porto Rico
will achieve great moral uplift and con
siderable benefits in the different trades.
"These people are now gathering the
fruits of their endeavors. As a result
of the strikes, sonic 20 new charters will
be needed and each "new union will con
tain a full contingent of members with
more experience than ever.
OPTICAL WOltltKltS STKIKK.
Southbridge, Mass. A strike of ."00
workers employed by the American Op
tical company should dispel the illusion
that this industry employs nothing but
the highest skilled workers. Most of
the strikers are Greeks, Rumanians, Al
banians, Italians and Poles, and many of
them cannot understand the English lan
guage. In the lens shop piece-work is
the rule and $l.!ir. and $1.00 is the aver
age for a 10 and lu-hour day.
The Labor News of Worcester makes
this comment on the strike:
"The good old bunk adage that the
American manufacturer desires 'protec
tion' and .'. higher tariff as a 'protection'
for his employes 'from the pauper labor
of Europe' is being shown up in an
other instance where the employer hires
that verv sort of labor and screws the
poor foreigner down to a wage level
lower than anv American would work
for. And after driving the noor for
eigner as far as possible into the mire of
inadequate wages and proper condjtions,
is it surprising that the poor immigrant
should revolt and should talk of organ
izing unions? It is shown more con
clusively every day even to t,he poor,
striking foreigner, that the trade union
is his only salvation against greed and
tyranny.
KK.IKCT ItOCKKFKIiliKlt "UXIOX"
Trinidad, Coin. The Monthly Bulletin
of the Colorado Fuel and Iron company
nays a ulowinn trilmtc to the Rockefel
ler "union," whose record, it is staled,
"has hecn thoroughly gratifying to all
Who have the interests of this company
and its employes at heart."
Editor O'Xeil of the Trinidad Free
Press, is cynical, however, and makes
this comment :
"Xo one would expect that a publica
tion financed by the Colorado Fuel and
Iron company would condemn the 'in
dustrial plan' formulated hv the salaried
cabinet of John D. Rockefeller, Jr.
"The 'industrial plan' established by
Rockefeller is a failure, and the fact
that the miners and other employes em
ployed in the plants of the Colorado
I'uel ami Iron company, are deserting
the 'industrial plan' and becoming mem
bers of the United Mine Workers of
America, proves that laboring men have
discerned the swindle that has been
palmed off as an institution that will
preserve the interests of the economic
master, while protecting the interests of
the victim of wage slavery.
"The Monthly Iiullctinis endeavoring
to bolster up a farce, but its effort to im
pose upon the credulity of the working
class will be met with the building up
of a real union on the ruins of an 'in
dustrial plan,' that died from the ail
ments of its own infamy."
Defective Eyesight
If your eyes arc in any
way defective, let me
restore them to the
normal. Examination
without the use of drugs.
J. HORB
OPTOMETRIST
I K Ufoci Qlvth Qi Next Door to Dills Engine House
10 YKBbl OlAlll Oh Established 1858
BUY YOUR UNION GOODS OF
MAX H. G0LDH0FF
Hatter and Gents' Furnisher
1425-27 Vine Street
Union Made Shirts Union Made Hats, $1.45 and $1.90
Wear Siebler Clothes
MADE TO MEASURE
$15.00
SIEBLER TAILORING CO.
Fifth and Elm Streets
Save Your Combings
Vc make fhem up into switches, transformations,
putts, etc. All work guaranteed.
BENZINGER'S HAIR STORE
formerly HAMBROCK'S
Phone C. 1304-X 1527 VINE, Below Liberty
Mail orders given prompt and careful attention.
Write for information.
Good Things
To Eat
28 Opera Place
A Full Line of Gents' Furnishing Goods
with the Union Label
Henry Guthardt
1531 Vine St. Cincinnati, O.
GEO. C. SJEFKE
TAILOR
506 MAIN STREET
Phone Canal 285 CINCINNATI
All Kinds of Cakes and Confections forPartica,
Weddings, Balls, Etc., a Specialty
The Union Bakery
A . WOLF, Proprietor
Baker of Bread, Rolls and Cake
1SS3 CENTRAL AVE.
Phone West 3670-L CINCINNATI, O.
M. ANDREAS, Prop. Phone Canal 342
Peoples Market House
STRICTLY UNION
1218 Linn St. 120 West Elder St.
703 McMillan St.
8th St. and Matson Place, Price Hill.
Fit-Rite Merchant
Tailoring Co.
407 E. Filth St., one door east of Broadway
Suits to Order from $15.00 up
Why not he good to yotir feet and trea them
to a pair of our chocs
Robert Brinkman
DEALER IN
FINE FOOTWEAR
24 Fifteenth St., near Race Phone C. 1362-X
Cel "Neit" to Real Values and WEAR BRINKMAN'S SHOES
Walnut Hills Dairy Co.
Producers of Absolutely Pure Milk and Cream
Alio
BUTTER, BUTTERMILK
and COTTAGE CHEESE
2363 ST. JAMES AVENUE
Phone Woodburn 5003 and our Salesman will Ca
Telephone Canal 3993 -Y
NIEHAUS The Tailor
UNION MADE
Dry Cleaning, Dyeing, Repairing and
Pressing done at short notice.
N W. for. 13th and Spring Sts. Cincinnati, Ohio
W.J. NIEHAUS
W. J. GROTHAUS
Niehaus Floral Shop
Flowers for the Occasion
Phone Canal S6SO
Res. Phone Avon 261I-R
12 E. Twelfth St. Cincinnati, O.