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Vol. VI.—No. 50
Vova AhvcRTwraihv in TM|
CIARLOTTE, N. C„ THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 1937
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$2.00 Per Year
A. F. OF L COUNCIL SAYS THE C. L 0. IS
FOUNDED UPON IRRESPONSIBILITY
AND ILLEGALITY - A. F. L COUNCIL
TO MEET IN CINCINNATI ON MAY 18
WASHINGTON, D. C.—In a trenchant statement charging
thatdhe Committee for Industrial Organization is “steeped in the
cesspool of illegality and irresonsibility,” the Executive Council
of the American Federation of Labor, at the conclusion of its
special session here, called a special conference of representatives of
th A. F. of I,. national and international unions to meet with the
Council in Cincinnati, May 18.
The purpose of the conference, the statement said, is to mar
shall the forces of labor in America in support of the Executive
Council’s new policy and procedure designed not only to “advance
and safeguard the interests of all affiliated unions,” but also to
“leave open the way to all trade unionists who wish to retain their
affiliation with the A. F. of L.” and “likewise make it possible for
all workers heretofore not affiliated to come within the democratic
and constructive fold of the American Federation of Labor.”
This action, the Executive Council
said, was taken because representa
tives of the Committee for Industrial
Organization had persistenly refused
to meet with representatives of the
American Federation of Labor in the
endeavor to reach an adjustment of
the controversy which led the A. r.
of L Executive Council and the ISMo
A F. of L. convention to declare that
the C I O. was a dual organization
within the American Federation of
Labor and to suspend from A. r. of
L membership ten unions then com
posing the C. 1. O., the suspension to
remain in effect until the C. 1. U.
was dissolved and the unions com
posing it reasserted their loyalty to
the principles and laws of the Ameri
can Federation of Labor.
In connection with this inability to
adjust the controversy, for which the
A. F. of L. was in no way responsible,
the Executive Council said the C. I. O.
has “raided” organizations within the
American Federation of Labor and
encouraged “dual organizations to a
number of A. F. of L. unions. This
C. I. O. policy, the Council declared,
has been carried so far that "today no
national or international union is im
mune or secure against the foices of
destn^tion that have been let loose
by the leaders of this movement.
' The text of the statement issued by
the Executive Council of the Ameri
can Federation of Labor follows.
“At the annual convention of the
American Federation of Labor, held
in Tampa, Fla., last November, and
after extended deliberations and ma
ture consideration of questions and
issues having arisen out of the for
mation and functioning of the Com
mittee for Industrial Organization,
this convention by overwhelming ma
jority vote, in addition to sustaining
the suspension of organizations affili
ated to the C. I. O., directed the con
tinuance of efforts on the part of the
special committee to bring about an
adjustment of differences prevailing
and, if possible, reunite the forces of
organized labor under the banner of
the American Federation of Labor.
"This convention further decided
that, if the existing relationship of
conflict created a situation demanding
more drastic action, the Executive
Council be authorized and empowered
to call a special convention of the
American Federation of Labor to take
such further steps and action as the
emergency may require.
“The Executive Council, meeting m
special session to consider and act
upon the situation as it now presents
itself, regrets exceedingly that every
effort made, not only by the special
committee, but by the officers of the
American Federation of Labor to ef
fect an adjustment and to reunite the
forces of organized labor has failed.
“Failure is to be attributed not to
the American Federation of Labor but
to those responsible for having set in
motion a group activity clothed in
garments of good faith but inspired
by a mind and heart bent upon de
struction of the organized labor move
ment of America.
Policy of Confusion and Division
“Wo are faced today with a situa
tion quite different to that presented
to the Tampa convention of the
America Federation of Labor. We are
no longer required to deal with a
group of international unions for
merly associated with the American
Federation of Labor and who have
banded themselves into a group solely
for educational or mutually protective
purposes.
“Today, instead of a conference, we
find these disloyal international un
ions in a compact dominated not by a
democratic spirit, form or procedure,
but inspired and directed by the ar
bitrary dictation of one or more in
dividuals bent upon the destruction of
the American Federation of Labor
and of any individual and organization
that fails to submit to their will.
“The underlying procedure of those
in control of the C. I. O. is to confuse
and divide the forces of labor as rep
resented by the American Federation
of Labor and by such division assume
arbitrary direction and control of all
forces of alber.
“The C. I. O. in substance and in
fact is no longer a conference—it is
a body dual to and destructive of the
American Federation of Labor. As
evidence of that fact we point to a
resolution adopted by the C. I. O. on
March 9, 1937, and which reads as
follows:
Dual Organizations Formed
“ ‘The executive officers of the
Committee for Industrial Organiza
tion are authorized to issue certifi
cates of affiliation to national, inter
national, State, regional, city central
bodies and local groups whenever it
is deemed siuch action is advisable.’
“As a result of the adoption of this
resolution, organizations within the
American Federation of Labor and
not embraced in the original compact
or purpose of the C. I. O. nave been
raided and dual organizations to a
number of our affiliated unions have
been encouraged in places without
number.
“Today no national or international
union is immune or secure against the
forces of destruction that have been
let loose by the leaders of this move
ment.
“Under such circumstances it is
not esential that a special convention
be held. Inded, by the very utterances,
acts and deeds of the organizations
making up the C. I. O., they have
demonstrated clearly and definitely
that they no longer regard or con
sider themselves associated in any
way whatsoever with the American
"Federation of Labor.
Honor and Decency Disregarded
“By their bold and continuous de
fiance of every law of the American
Federation of Labor; by their con
stant violation of every obligation en
tered into with affiliated national and
international unions; by their interfer
ence with collective agreements enter
ed into with employers by affiliated
unions, and by their complete disre
gard for every rule of honor and de
cency, they have made evident and
clear and beyond peradventure of
doubt their utter contempt for the
American Federation of Labor.
“Under such circumstances, it would
ill become the Executive Council to
add dignity to a group and to a pro
cedure that from its inception has
been steeped in the cesspool of ille
gality and of irresponsibility.
“The Executive Council, heretofore
hopeful and patient that a more mod
erate and conciliatory spirit might
result in effecting a readjustment,
now finds it impossible to continue in
that spirit if it is to be true to the
best interests of all our affiliated
unions.
New A. F. of L. Policy
“The Executive Council hereafter
proposes to pursue a policy and pro
cedure that will not only advance and
safeguard the interests' of all affili
ated unions, but as well leave open
the way to all trade unionists who
wish to retain their affiliation with
the A. F. of L. and as will likewise
make it possible for all workers here
tofore' not affiliated to come within
the democratic and constructive fold
of the American Federation of Labor.
“It is to give effect to this new pol
icy and procedure and to marshal the
forces of labor and America in sup
port of this policy and procedure that
the Executive Council decided upon
calling into special conference the
officers and representatives of all
affiliated national international un
ions to meet with the Executive
Council in Cincinnati, Ohio, on May
18 and for the purpose hereinbefore
indicated.
“The Executive Council regrets ex
ceedingly the necessity for this urgent
step, but there is no other course left
open to it.
“While regretful that all its efforts
to effect harmony and unity in the
ranks of labor have failed, the Ex
ecutive Council rejoices in the fact
that the American Federation of La
bor is stronger today than ever and
has greatly endeared itself in the
heart of the American wage-earners
because of its steadfastness to the
I beneficial and constructive purposes
that called it into being.
Membership Has Increased
“Discounting the loss of member
ship due to the withdrawal of organi
zations making up the C. I. O., the
American Federation of Labor in more
ways than one has more than made
the loss of membership of those who
have proven disloyal to their affili
ations and unfaithful to their obli
gations.
It is equally true that the social,
economic, civic and national value of
the American Federation of Labor is
more keenly and fully realized than
ever heretofore by the American pub
lie.
“We glory in this recognition. We
believe this changed attitude portends
much good for all wage-earners.
Agreements Must Be Maintained
“In recognition of this public good
will and increasing support we offer
the reassurance of the Executive
an<^ that of the organizations
affiliated to the American Federation
of Labor, while intent upon advanc
ing the rights and interest of all
wage-earners at aji times, whether
skilled, semi-skilled or unskilled,
whether employed in distinctive trade
or in mass production plants and while
insistent in the demand for collective
bargaining for all workers, that we
are equally imbued with the spirit
and the determination to continue in
the policy of maintaining inviolate
collective agreements entered into
with employers and to proceed in all
EDITORIAL
LAWRENCE JOINS C. I. 0. FORCES
The Journal cannot register surprise at the action taken by
President R. R. Lawrence, of the State Federation of Labor, in
accepting the position as head of the C. I. O. textile organizing
forces in North and South Carolina, as a good while back Mr. Law
rence was considering a similar position with the same organiza
tion which would have taken him to the west. He is a capable
organizer and has been with the A. F. of L. for many years in
that capacity being a member of the International Typographical
Union. And it does seem that the C. I. 0. forces are finding some
valuable material in the ranks of the I. T. U.
Mr. Lawrence says he will not resign as president of the
State A. F. of L. body, which leaves things in a state of status quo
until action is taken in some quarters. The Journal has never
doubted the unionism of any of the men who have become in
volved, nor does it impugn their motives, the only regret we have
is seeing a state of disruption brewing in our ranks. .Only a few
days previous to Mr. Lawrence’s statement The Journal editor had
a long conference with him, and could tell that he had some
weighty matter upon his mind, though he dropped no hint as to
his intentions of joining the C. I. 0. ranks.
Unless the unforeseen happens we are coming to the part
ing of the ways in Labor, with two powerful factions at each others
throat. It is a sad commentary of fact, just at the time when
Labor is coming into its own that such a state of affairs swiould
have arisen, and to those who have given the best portion of
their lives, or all of it, to organized labor, having drank deep of
the cup of suffering for a cause held dear to their hearts, next to
their God, that such should be the case. To the younger workers
in the fold it is different, they having not gone through the mill
and seeing only benefits of the day at hand, caring not for the
morrow, caring nothing for the past. But time tells all things.
The storm comes, does its deadly work, then passes on and the
rainbow is seen; it also passing in due order. And we talk of
stabilization. How long do we remain stabilized—long enough
for the novelty to wear off, and then find ourselves again trying
trying to get unstabilized, and if Big Business had listened to rea
son, and the A. F. of L. earlier there would not today be the em
broilment they find themselves in, but all would have been serene.
But no, autocracy must predominate, and they reckoned without
their host. Labor has always tried to be fair, but Big Business
would not listen to the council of men wise in their day, like
Samuel Gompers, who saw the handwriting on the wall.
The Journal deplores the state existing in the ranks of a
cause it espouses, seeing enemies being made of friends, and
while the editor has always been A. F. of L and will so remain,
unless forced into another body, he does rejoice to see the workers
awakening to the fact that only through organization and co
operation can they reach the goal they are aiming for. Conditions
have changed at a rapid rate in recent years, and the worker is
no longer looked upon as a chaUel or a pawn, but with educa
tion and agitation he is recognized as a composite part of so
ciety’s makeup, and a factor in the community’s civic, social and
religious life.
So let’s hope for the best stand for a principle, be what we
are, and let the world know under which flag we are fighting.
Those who have suffered will remain true, and those new in the
cause will learn to love it for the good it has done to society and
the human race.
miNCNT CO^MI
ON
TlMKLV TOPICS
CHATTING
i
V
)
\
BY
HARRY
BOATE
i’”
The sit-down strike has been much worked if not overworked in recent
months, and many places throughout the United States and other parts of
the world have felt its influence for good or for bad. The sit-down has caused
some serious situations, also some very amusing ones. In one case when
employes went on a sit-down in a small industry, the proprietor, who was
also salesman for the industry, also sat down. No sales, no need to work.
Many have been the demands made as a result of these disturbances in our
industrial fields, and to date it can hardly be said in fairness just what may
have been won or lost in the efforts put forth. ,
One thing is certain. There has not been one sit-down strike which
did not bring about some result. In each case there has been both loss and
gain, according to which side one may have been on.
At 7:30 on a recent morning the employes of a drug company m the
city of Milwaukee, Wis., sat down. Telephone calls went unanswered while
the employes amused themselves playing bridge, smoking, or chatting. Sales
men on the road received telegrams telling them to sit down. They did. In
their parked automobiles. The employes claimed the company hired young men
and fired them when they were ripe for pay increases. These strikers wanted
no pay increase. What they did want was their manager fired. Late that
afternoon they were winners, for that is what took place.
Several years ago, before the present method of settling disputes became
such a vogue, the following story came over the radio:
A certain family had a maid servant who had been giving excellent
service for some time without cause for complaint. Suddenly one day at
noon the mistress told her she was dismissed. No reason was given, nor
was pay for past service offered. The maid left the living room immediately
and retired to her room on the second floor. Thinking she had gone to prepare
for her departure, no further attention was given the subject. Several hours
passed and the maid had not yet appeared. The mistress went to investigate
and found the maid lying in bed. Thinking her ill, a physician was summoned.
He arrived, went through all preliminaries and asked all sorts of questions.
Finally the physician said: “Girl, what is wrong? You are not sick.” The
girl replied that she was not sick. That after all her satisfactory service
with this family she had been suddenly dismissed. They owed her $30, and
she was going to remain there until she received the same.
The physician smiled, then said: “Move oyer, girl; they owe me $60.”
Cannot vouch for the truthfulness of this story, but this does seem a
good way to collect in certain cases. ^
This from the April Typographical Journal;
“Among the many stories of holiday bonus distributions, one uncovered
by the Philadelphia Record seems to stand out rather prominently. J. Harvey
Gravell, president and main owner of the American Paint Company at Ambler,
Pa., who started his plant in 1914 ‘with a bucket, a broomstick and a good
idea,’ gave his 76 employes about $100,000. If they had debts, he paid them,
one of $4,600; if they were ‘out of the red’ he gave them $100 or more, stating
he was just giving his men the money they actually produced.”
Aftes all, that is the only thing labor has ever asked for, and the only
thing for which these fights are staged.
When arrested in South Bend, Indiana, Morris Levin told the police he
could speak 48 languages and 300 dialects. He answered questions in a dozen
tongues, but when asked to sign his name in English on a fingerprint card he
said: “I can’t do it. But I can write it in 29 other languages.
It may be, as time goes by, that he will also learn what we call the
English language, then his education may be complete.
our collective activities and responsi
bilities in an orderly and constructive
manner and one befitting the dignity,
trust and confidence of and in labor.
Preservation of Democracy
“Firm in the conviction that our
cause is just, determined that democ
racy in trade unions and as repre
sented by the A. F. of L. shall reign
at all costs and insistent that the
germ of dictatorship and of autocratic
rule shall not find root in the labor
movement of our land we call upon all
workers organised and unorganized,
and upon al ltrade unions outside of
the fold to rally to the banner of the
A. F. of L., which has not only builded
the Atnerican labor movement but
which has nurtured the very organi
zations that would now destroy it.
GOOGE CHALLENGES LEWIS GROUP;
WILL TAKE FIELD IN “CLARION CALL
FOR A. F. L. BANNER & AMERICANISM”
ANNISTON, ALA., April 28.—The American Federation of
| Labor opened a drive yesterday to an opposition stronghold—cot
ton textiles—in its southern conflict with John L. Lewis’ Com
mittee for Industrial Organization.
George Googe, ranking southern officer of the A. F. of L., challenged
the Lewis labor group in an address here before the Alabama Federation of
Labor, which had been “purged” of Lewis supporters on Googe’s instruction.
Textile workers already are organized in many southern mills under the
Lewis banner as members of the United Textile Workers of America.
Googe, emissary in the South of A. F. of L. President William Green,
said organizers would take the field immediately in “a clarion call ot banner
of the A. F. of L., and true Americanism.”
Before delegates from Alabama's craft unions, he condemned the “sit
down and slow-down strike” and pledged the federation to work against
“the subversive proponents of foreign ideals, imported from Moscow, Berlin
and the Orient.”
“The time has arrived," he said, “when the integrity or even the exist
ence of American trade unionism, and of our American system of govern
ment, are at stake.” .
Discussing the textile organization drive, Googe said it would be made
“by southerners for southerners.” He said the federation planned to urge
the 320,000 textile workers to come directly under the A. F. of L.
“We are opposed to any widening of differentials in wages in the South,”
he said, “and we join the committee of southern Governors in that fight.”
MAYOR DOUGLAS LED IN PRIMARY,
DURHAM, HUDSON, ALBEA FOLLOW
ING IN ORDER-ELECTION ON MAY 4TH
Mayor Ben E. Douglas slid into office again in Monday’s pri—
mary by a vote of 6,472, while his opponent ex-mayor Arthur H.
Wearn received only 3,599. The biggest vote for a member of the
council, not including Mayor Douglas, was that cast for W. Roy
Hudson, who received 5,527 votes.
BEN E. DOUGLAS
In the order of the votes they received the other tabulations were: W.
Roy Hudson, 5,528; John F. Durham, 5,482; Claude L. Albea, 5,383; John L.
Wilkinson, 4,986; J. S. Nance, 4,903; H. H. Baxter, 4,480; W. N. Hovis, 4,785;
L. R. Sides, 4,490; J. Hamp Huntley, 3,899; J. S. Tipton (eliminated), 3,869.
The other member of the present council, John F. Boyd, did not offer for
re-election.
SCHOOL BOARD NOMINEES
Tile six nominated for the school board, in the order of their standing,
were: Rev. Herbert Spaugh, 5,507; J. Spencer Bell, 4,642; Frank S. Worthing
ton, 3,408; Mrs. G. S. Horne. 3,387; Mrs. C. T. Wanzer, 2,854; and N. C.
Burns, 2,162. Those eliminated from the school board race were: S. C. Vaughn,
1,412; and Mrs. H. L. McCrorey, 1,313. Mrs. McCrorey is the wife of the presi
dent of Johnson C. Smith university.
THE COUNCIL RUNOFF
The seven men who will be pitted against the nine councilmen in the
election as the result of their second high position in their respective wards
are: Tony Blackwell, 2,021, ward 2; Thomas M. Webb, 1,734, ward 4; T. V.
Griswold, 2,017, ward 5; Dr. W. E. Wishart, 2,131, ward 7; Ben Favell,
2,473, ward 8; C. D. Brady, 1,189, ward 9; and A. Parks Little, 2„823, ward 11.
Four candidates were unopposed in their respective wards and automatically
go into the election. These are Mr. Griswold, Mr. Brady, Mr. Little and
Councilman Wilkinson.
Central Labor Union
Considering Labor
Day Celebration;
Comm. Appointed
A very small attendance of dele
gates, but more than the usual num
ber of visitors, marked last night’s
meeting of Central Labor Union.
With the exception of the appoint
ment of acommittee to look into the
ability of a big Labor Day celebration
in Charlotte, with the object in view
of observing the day as it should be,
with the closing of plants, etc., only
the regular routine was gone through
with. The Labor Day celebration
committee consisted of J. McElice,
Electricians; Deweese, Textile; Kiser,
Plumbers; Witter, Typographical;
Boone, Carpenters; Fullerton, Team
sters; Green, Musicians; Fowler,
Moving Picture Operators; Funder
burke, Brewers; Moore, Machinists.
R. L. Calloway, of the Hosiery
Workers; C. I. Danenburg, same,
and Seth Brewer, C. I. 0. organizer,
were among visitors.
Seth Brewer
On C. L 0. Staff
The Journal learns that Seth
Brewer, a Typographical Union man,
and a former president of the Char
lotte local, is on the staff of U. T. W.,
under Ray Nixon, state organizing
direector, and at the present time
i president of the Typographical Union.
He has offices in the Independence
building.'
Watermelons originally came fro]
tropical Africa.