The Daily Worker Newspaper, November 19, 1924, Page 4

pt Page Four THE DAILY WORKER Wednesday, November 19, 1924 Jingo Spirit Shows Itself at El Paso Convention, METAL TRADES OF A.F.OFL.FOR MORE WARSHIPS “Build All Possible” is Jingo Plea to U. S. (Special to The Daily Worker) EL PASO, Texas, Nov. 18.— In a burst of militarist patriot- ism unshaken by remembrance of the millions of dead in the last war, the metal trades de- partment of the American Fed-| eration of Labor has adopted a| resolution in its convention here calling upon the American gov- ernment to build all the war- ships possible. Defend Our Boarding Houses! After reciting about the “defense- less condition” of the United States and the sad lack of “capital ships and destroyers” the document goes on to say: “Therefore, be it resolved that the metal trades department of the American Federation of Labor in con- vention assembled at El Paso, Texas, do hereby petition the president, sec- retary of the navy, cabinet officers, committee on naval affairs and mem- bers of congress to make adequate provision for building up and main- taining a well-balanced navy.” Nothing is said in the convention about a plan to organize the millions of workers in the metal trades. This jingo resolution of building battleships is supposed to furnish work for metal workers, but it could well have been written by Judge Gary to furnish profits on steel. But if it did furnish work for more metal workers, the union could not organize them and does not even try. No Unity, National or International. This militarist resolution was pro- perly accompanied by a jurisdictional quarrél between the machinists and the organization going under the name of the “Amalgamated Association of Street and lHlectrical Railway Em- ployes of America.” The row was left to the A. F. of L. for settlement. International affiliation of the metal trades workers with the International Metal Workers’ Federation failed ‘when the resolutions’ committee, head- ed by J. W. Klint, reported the re- eommendation that “This department refrain from affiliation at the present time, for the reason that the cost of such action would be quite an item.” The matter of benefit returned from such cost was not mentioned. For instance, an international workers’ or- ganization may make it unnecessary for the United States to build so many battleships. Labor Minister Censors Labor Attack. OTTAWA, Can., Nov. 18,—James Murdock, Canadian minister of labor, does not intend the official Labor Gazette to record attacks made upon him by the Trades and Labor Con- gress of Canada. Two hostile resolu- tions were adopted at the recent yearly gathering in London, but the report of the proceedings in the Labor Gazette gives no inkling of the fact. The resolutions in question are, how- ever, set out in the Congress Journal, official organ of the congress. One of them declares that the congress must “regard the attitude of the minister of labor as one of hostility, notwith- standing his hypocritical declaration of friendship.” Electric Trust in Schools. NEW YORK.— Western Electric Company’s apprentice class in tool and instrument making brings the com- pany into the New York school depart- ment. The board of education accepts the big telephone and radio-making company’s course in lieu of continua- tion school work regularly required of young workers. Next Sunday Night and Every Sun- day Night, the Open Forum. | | | CEREMONIES OF ANNUAL CONVENTION OF A. F. OF L. GET UNDER WAY WITH USUAL BUNCH OF SILLY SPEECHES By J. W. JOHNSTONE. {special to The Daily Worker) 18.—At the opening of the 44th annual conven- tion of the American Federation of Labor here, Father O’Laughlin of the BL PASO, Texas, Nov. catholic church gave the invocation in which he referred to Samuel Gompers as the “king of the labor movement” and welcome in the name of the catholic church. Saber-Rattler Roils German. The spiritual powers appeased, the temporal powers in the form of General Howze spoke, urging “preparedness” as the only way to avoid war. “Make the army strong and efficient + and no one will dare attack us,” he said. He failed to mention that “us” might attack others. The doughty general invited the delegates to go out and see what a nice fort he had at Fort Bliss, and spoke feelingly of the part of labor in the “past war,” not the “last war,” and thanked the delegates on behalf of the United States army for their war service. This remark seemed to make Grassman, the fraternal dele- gate here from the German Federation of Trade Unions, a little uncomfort- able. Mexicans Handed Package. The secretary of the Texas State Federation of Labor urged stricter im- migration laws against the admission of Mexicans into the country. He did not, of course, mention the word “Mexican,” but said that 12,000 “im- migrants” came in yearly. He boast- ed of fifty labor laws on the state statutes. Another Texan, named Robert Ware presented Gompers with a gum tree gavel and gave a regular high school speech lauding General Samuel Hous- ton as a great “liberator” for taking Texas away from Mexico. The frater- nal delegates from the Mexican labor movement had their turn at being un- comfortable. Gompers’ Speech Read by Green, Gompers was evidently in no con- dition to make a speech. Wm. Green of the U. M. W. of A. read Gompers’ speech, thanking the general and the others for their worthy advice. This speech of. Gompers was a re- tracing of the history—from his view- point—of the federation from the meeting in Pittsburgh forty-four years ago. Strangely, it did not mention any organization except the federation, and it was a plea to continue the pres- ent structure and policy of the federa- tion. “Looking Backward” by Samuel. “We have tried and proved these principles in economic, political, so- cial and international relations,” said Gompers. “They have been tried and not found wanting. Where we have tried other ways we have failed.” Collaboration and Imperialism. The report of the executive commit- tee reeks of class collaboration, with boosts for “labor banks” and an urge for the federation to form a great joint stock insurance company. The report quite openly favors con- scription providing materials are also “conscripted.” It infers labor should fight for the suppression of some COOKS? AND WAITERS? UNION FIGHTS GOMPERS’ EL PASO HEADQUARTERS By J. W. JOHNSTONE, EL PASO, Texas, Nov. 18.—As usual, Sam Gompers has selected a scab hotel in which to make the headquarters of the American Fed- eration of Labor convention. A dele- gate from the local Cooks’ and Wait- ers’ Union managed to get the floor of the convention long enough to inform -the convention that the Hotel Paso del Norte dining room CHARGE ATTACK ON MORONES 1S PLOT OF ENEMY Mexican Labor Official at A. F. of L. Meet (Special to the Daily Worker) JAUREZ, Mexico, Nov. 18.— Eduardo Moneda, member of the executive council of the Mexican Federation of Labor, upon arrival at this city for the convention of the. federation, announced that the attack upon Luis N. Morones, head of the federation, in the chamber. of deputies’ at Mexico City last week, was the work of men who are “enemies of the labor GOMPERS FOLLOWS DELUSION IN FIGHT AGAINST CHILD LABOR, SAYS YOUNG COMMUNIST EDITOR “Despite the enthusiastic report on the subject, the fact remains that the officialdom of the American Federation of Labor: has done nothing to advance the cause of the abolition of child labor,” declared Max Shachtman, editor of the “Young Worker,” in commenting on the report:of the executive ning of the salvation of the child la- borers, but which is in actuality one of the greatest frauds yet perpetrated on the American workers. Not For Abolition. “The amendment does not call for the abolition of child labor. Far from it. It provides that, if it becomes a part of the constitution, it shall give congress the right to limit, regulate or prohibit the labor of children up to the age of 18. “Many workers are inclined to think that the passage of the amend- ment in the houses of congress has brought about the realizatoin of their party.” He defined the labor party’s enemies as the group known as the “confed- erated bloc” which includes members of the extinct co-operatista party. was unfair and begged them not to patronize it. COMMISSION ON FARMERS’ ILLSIS DEAF AND DUMB They Hear Nothing and Tell Even Less : WASHINGTON, Nov. 18.—President Coolidge’s agricultural commission, charged with determining the causes of farmers’ depression and discontent, and with finding remedies therefor, held its first meetings in Washington today. Headed by ex-Governor Robert D. Carey of Wyoming, chairman, ‘half a dozen. members of the commission called at the White House and were closeted with the president for half an’ hour. An unusual and wholly inexplicable atmosphere of secrecy, was thrown about the inauguration of the commis- sion’s work. Coolidge received the commissioners in the cabinet room, but the White House declinéd to make public the presidential utterances, and members of the commission were simi- larly uncommunicative. Newspaper reporters were barred. The agricultural commission ap- Pointed by President Coolidge to find out “what is wrong with agriculture,” settled down to its work today behind closed doors, The investigation will be pursued along the lines of legisla- tion administration of present laws and education. The commission has received a free nation or revolutionary group within a nation if the world court calls. Little Joke on Canal Workers. The recommendation on the canal zone was one of the most amazing things. Gompers submitted the recom- mendation that in any work on the canal zone, citizens of the United States should occupy a favored posi- tion at the expense of other workers. Gompers did not ask for more money for the Americans, but demanded that Mexicans and workers of Central America should get from 25 to 35 per cent less than any white man from the United States. Many Join Clerks’ Union. NEW YORK, Nov, 18.—The Grocery and Dairy Clerks’ Union of Greater New York doubled its membership in the strike which is nearly concluded. Over 1,500 workers responded to the strike call and within two days two- thirds of the workers had returned to work under union conditions, accord- ing to Samuel Heller, secretary of the union. The organization drive inau- gurated by the strike continues. America’s “Cza Worker and accept anythit socks or silk shirts. workers. DAILY WORKER . work involved, DONATIONS AS WEAPONS Articles donated to the Chicago Bazaar are weapons aimed at because the proceeds of the Bazaar go to the Daily jor Defense Council. musical alarm clocks or unmusical radio sets, cotton Even @# bath-tub can be forged into the needed | dollar-weapons—if you TALK BAZAAR to all your friends and to BAZAAR AND DANCE At Folkets Hus, 2733 Hirsch Blvd. NOVEMBER 26-30 Ausplices, Workers Party, Local Chicago. Bring, send or report all articles you collect or donate to Room 307, 166 West Washington Street-—AT ONCE Notice to ga Branches and All Bazaar Boo: t jal final meeting Saturday, November 22, land Avenue. All Party and League Branc represented and make a complete report. You must oe bac ung of Try your neighborhoéd ‘stores, LABOR DEFENSE 15 p. m, at 722 see that you are vi. hand from President Coolidge. No time limit has been set and no limit- ations imposed on its scope. Party Activities Of Local Chicago Wednesday, Nov. 19. City Central Committee, 722 Blue Ave., 8 m. All delegates must attend. Visitors invited. Cicero Italian, Circolo gowsis Hall, lth St. between 5ist and 50th Ct Italian ate Cotta, 2475 Gwcurn Ave., 3rd floor Englewood English, 6414 S. Halsted St. Cz.-Slovak No. 3, 2648 8, Homan Ave. Cz.-Slovak, Women's No. 1, 1825 8. eo Jewish, Lit uglas Park Jewish, Liber House, 3420 W. Roosevelt Road. ee He, Thursday, Nov. 20. Membership meeting, Workers Party, Local Chicago. Review of election cam- pales and discussion of shop nuclei, At mperial Hall 2409 N. Halsted St. Meet- ings of all branches are off. Friday, Nov, 21, Polish North Side, 1902 W. Division street. Lithuanian No. 5, 3142 S. Halsted St. Greek Branch, 722 Blue Island Ave, YOUNG WORKERS LEAGUE, LOCAL CHICAG Hart Browders. Clase te 1a ‘owder’s in Beonomlos, 2613 ‘Hirsch Blvd. 8 raed saiunior Speakers’ Class, Litt sr alle St., How to Be Healthy For many years ved le have ime y sicknesses, Many have gone to doctors 'f you are suffer ng from any all- come 7 ice and to help you without the use of medicine or an operation, DR. TAFT 1555 West Roosevelt Road Agrarian Sanchez Against Morones. “They took the controversy between Gen. Jose Maria Sanchez, prominent agrarian leader, and Mr. Mordnes as a pretext to bring about the ¢lash in which the latter was shot,” said Mo- neda. The agrarian leader mentioned, Jose Maria Sanchez, has long been a cour- ageous figure in the working class movement of Mexico. When the chamber of commerce in Pueblo wish- ed to avoid payment of taxes, Sanchez opposed them militantly to such an extent that he was forced by them to leave the city. Mexican Unions Grow. Moneda claims that the federation is growing. “It has doubled its mem- bership during the year,” he asserted, “and now has 1,200,000 on its rolls. Reports from Mexico City indicate that Morones, tho at first thought out of danger, has developed some fever and shows indication of pneumonia. BRAZIL REACTION CRUSHES TOILERS AFTER REVOLT Thousands Massacred by Federals By J. STONE. (Special to The Daily Worker) SANTOS, Brazil, Oct. 16. (by mail). —As a result of the fighting in Brazil the Communist local in Rio was smashed. The meeting places still bear the marks of destruction. Many comrades have been compelled to flee the city for their lives. Even when martial law is. not en-| forced every incoming passenger is watched very carefully. Gatherings of organized labor are prohibited. Ten thousand people were killed in Sao Paulo during the rebellion. Of that number a few thousand were im- migrants who were wantonly murder- ed by the federal troops of the Brazil- jan Republic. The trick played on these immigrants deflies description. German and Hungarian workers who had just arrived as immigrants were forced to join the ranks of the mili- tary rebels who at that time were in control of Sao Paulo. Daily 9 to 12 maz to B-6 te Holiday: PHON | CANAL eT Rebels Outnumbered. The federal troops outnumbered the rebels by ten to one. The immigrants were lured into enlistment by offers of thirty millreis a day when the pay of the ordinary worker was only eight millreis a day. Not knowing the lan- guage and not being aware of the pol- itical situation, as well as facing star- vation, the German and Hungarian workers gladly joined the ranks of the rebels in order to secure bread for their families. Some of these immi- grants were stationed as policemen in the city. Others were placed on the firing line. Murder Thousanda. | When the rebels were overcome by the federal troops and were forced to abandon the city, they left the recruit- ed immigrants behind. The latter made no attempt to escape because they did not know that they were rebelling inst the state, When the federals entered Sao Paulo they found the immigrants in. the is of soldier rebels guarding the city. A terrible massacre followed, Thou- sands of immigrants were led into the open fields to be mowed a by ma- chine gun fire, No attempt at investi. gation was ever made by the Brazilian government, . ‘The Brazilian government is guilty , of murdering thousands of these inno: cent immigrant workers. Monoxide Gets the NEW YORK, Nov. 1 oxide fumes from the exhaust of auto- mobiles is getting the poor traffic cop. Police records show an arorage of 100 on, sick Hist every month 1,200 4raffie cops. Bene aim on this problem. But the truth of the matter is that the work. i hardly begun, and if it is continued on the same lines, will never be accom- plished. “The amendment now goes to all of the 48 states for ratification by leislature, constitutional convention or referendum. If 13 states fail to ratify the amendment it can never become part of the country’s laws. And if you consider:the two facts that four states have already ditched the amendment and that the southern states will be practically unanimous in rejecting the proposition for the simple reason that child labor in that part of the United States forms one of the major props of exploitation, it becomes obvious that the hopes for passage of the amendment are about nil. May Mean Half Century. “The women’s suffrage amendment, which didn’t come near to the child labor measure in attacking the holy property rights and profits of the capitalists of America, took forty-two years to become a part of the consti- tution: from January 10, 1878, when Senator A. A. Sargent introduced it, to January 7, 1920, when it was final- ly ratified by Kentucky. “And supposing that the amendment is finally passed,” Shachtman went on, “at about the time when the grand- children of the present child laborers are taking their place in industry and agriculture, is there anyone who be- lieves that congress will do anything really to better the conditions of these children? And as for abolishing child exploitation, anyone who thinks con- gress would even consider such a proposition, is exceedingly optimistic. “It should also be brone in mind by those blithe liberals who are mak- ing such a to-do about their successes to date, and by the workers who are being deluded into thinking likewise, that out of over 2,000 amendments proposed to the constitution since this American government is in existence only 19 have thus far been adopted.” Gives Communist Program. “What is the program of the Com- munists, of the Young Workers League on the question of child labor?” the DAILY WORKER asked Shachtman. “Well, we have always pointed out the great menace that the existence of child labor presents not only to the physical and mental condition of the workers in the future, but in the im- mediate. present. Children and young workers are being used more and more to.displace the adult workers— THE NAME STREET. is | Struggle. council of the A. F. of L. to the El Paso convention now being held. “On the contrary,” he continued, “they have drawn the official trad union movement into support of the so-called constitutional amendment which is being touted as the begin-¢—— at a lower wage, fo course. Child la- bor is a danger to the trade union movement and a fight against this con- dition should always be on the order of the day of the organized workers. And it cannot be fought thru such utopian ideas as constitutional amend- ments. So long as.a fat profit can be made out of the work of children, the owners of this country will see. to it that no legislation is passed that in- terferes with their:money bags. The fight against child labor must be a militant one. “We realize that under the leader- ship of Gompers:and his satellites, the A. F. of L. will never be led into any It is‘ only under militant leadership that such a struggle will be effectively begun and carried on. The. Young Workers League has laid out a program which calls for an in- crease of wages of child laborers to 50 per cent of the adult workers; for the gradual. limitation.of the working day for children to three hours; and for the free accommodation and sup- port of undernourished and sick work- ing class children in recreation and vacation homes, to be accompanied by vocational training under trade union control, with the expenses to be paid out of a direct tax on the propertied interests. We maintain, however, that the only real solution to the problem. of chfld exploitation is the elimination of the system which brings it about, capitalism. Is Creating Hlusion. “No amount of shouting about pro- gress where there is no progress will make the intelligent workers believe that the A. F, of L.’s fake leaders, in collaboration. with a gang of bene- yolent. liberals who back down every time some representative of the cap- italists shows fight, have accomplished anything worth while with their will o’ the wisp amendment. It is a part of the illusions created for the. work- ers instead of. concrete plans or achievements.” Open Forum, Sunday Night, Lodge Room, Ashland Auditorium. U.S. WATCHING FASCIST FATE IN SOUTH EUROPE Hopes Mussolini May Last Another Year WASHINGTON, Nov. 18—Staff offi. cials of the state department are eag- erly studying every press dispatch and official report coming out of Italy and Spain. It was blandly assumed, as soon as the tories won the British election, that the hope of the liberals in the two Latin monarchies for an overturn of the Mussolini and Rivera dictatorships would collapse. . When reaction triumphed in the American election they felt sure that the case was settled. Instead they have found Italy and Spain heaving and straining as tho about to break their bonds. Shadow of Fascism. Chief interest is centered on Italy, because the Spanish dictatorship is, after all, merely the shadow of Fas- cism, and is bound to dissolve when the left or the liberals in Italy suc- ceed in breaking the grip of Musso- lini. When the news came that’ the Fascist chief had put a ban on the political meetings of the Garabaldi or. ganization of ex-soldiers and sailors, state department staff men realized that the turn of events was becoming grave, As Italy’s situation is viewed here by men familiar with Latin politi¢al’ events of the past century, the Gara? baldian movement is of the first’ im-* portance. It marks a definite break: ing-away of one of the most powerful sections of armed Italian citizénry from the blackshirt regime. Behind these secessionist warriors will form the solid ranks of the workers, whos unions and co-operative societies and Communist Party institutions have” been smashed by the Fascisti in the past three years. Increase in Opposition. r ‘While nobody in Washington official dom thinks that Mussolini is at-the end of his rope, many believe that he will be forced to make large conces- sions if he retains his job ‘thru the . next year. In the meanwhile they look for a steady increase in the op: position. And as this movement in Italy grows, the Spanish dictatorship and the throne of Alfonso’ will “bé’ rocked more and more violently. Subscribe for “Your Daily,” the DAILY WORKER. YOUNG WORKERS WHO GET COLD IN PEDAL EXTREMITIES AT FACTORY GATES CAN WARM THEM SATURDAY Red boots are being polished, many colored “sarafans” are dragged out As» 1113. W. Washington Bivd., of the attic boxes in preparation for the Young Workers League dance to be held next Saturday, Nov. 22, at 2733 Hirsch Bivd. The Englewood Orchestra is tuning its strings and its new baés drum to furnish the music for the whirlwind dancers, With the factory campaign keeping the members: of the league out at the gates of the Chi jo’s biggest mall order houses early and late; selling the papers and talking to the young workers, trying to organize them into their | igue and with the fine results they are achieving, the affair arranged by them for the coming Saturday promises to be a festivity to crown their efforts during the week and to fit them out again for the coming week’s work at the factories. Efforts will be made to bring as many young workers from the mail order houses to this dance as possible. is expected at this concert and ball. The Brick the Difference “Heave It Back” The Daily Worker Chicago, Ill. O montis f. NEW SUBSCRIPTION TO BUILD DAILY WORKER PRPATES —— BC00 2a year §3.50-6 months £2.00 OS montis -$foo ayear F450 Much fun, glamor and excitement 50, Fmonths