AMERICAN LABOUR

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18990, 11 October 1923, Page 7

AMERICAN LABOUR

OPPOSITION TO COMMUNISM A DRAMATIC DEBATE. Preu A»»ociation—By Telegraph—Copyrlgai NEW YORK, October 9. A telegram from Portland (Oregon) says:—"After a dramatic debate the American Federation of Labour Convention decided by 27,838 votes to 130 to expel William Dunne, a Communist, from the ranks of the union. The importance of the expulsion lies in the fact that the federation is increasing its bitter tight against imported Communists, whose ostensible purpose is ultimately to overthrow the federation in the interests of the “ one big union” movement and Communism. Mr William Greene, secretary of the United Mine Workers’ Association, impeached Dunne during the course of a four-hours’ discussion of Communist problems. Mr Greene said: “When Lucifer rebelled against authority the angels m Heaven throw him out, and if Heaven would not tolerate those not in accord we have a precedent for action to-day.’ Dunne concluded a spirited reply by picking up his papers, and upon a request by the president (Mr Gompers) that he should retire, he said; “ Good-bye, Mr Chairman and delegates. I will meet you at the barricades.” —A. and N.Z- Cable. The State of Michigan in April last attempted to secure the conviction of William Foster for the violation of the State law making criminal anarchy a felony punishable by 10 years’ imprisonment. Foster was one of 32 alleged members ot the Communist Party in America. He was arested more than a year previously, during a secret conclave at which, so the prosecuting counsel averred, plans were formulated under the direction of the Russian Soviet for a proletariat revolution in America. Foster’s trial lasted two months. There was much evidence purporting to show the machinations of the Communists by insidious propaganda. The defence, which did not deny the Communist principles, declared that no violence had been advocated, and declared that the law was a violation of the constitutional rights of free speech. The jury disagreed, six being for a conviction and six against. A GREAT HOUSE-CLEANING NOTHING IN COMMON WITH REDS. NEW YORK, October 9. The Federation of Labour’s Convention at Portland has had the greatest housecleaning in its history. Hardly any shreds "of the Reds are left. The committee’s report dealt severely with the federated Press founded by Mr Victor Berger, It puts the Reds in a field by themselves, and sets the federation apart by denying any possibility of compromise with Comrminist propaganda organisations or spokesmen. The resolution expelling William Dunne, who is affiliated with the Third Internationale, was intended as a notification to Moscow that it cannot get seats for delegates in the Federation of Labour’s conventions.—Sydney Sun Cable. In May last the American Federation of Labour issued a statement that it was serving a notice upon its affiliated unions that they could not have dealings with the Russian Soviet and remain in the federation. Furthermore, even if approval of the Bolshevists’ policy would he cause tor the cancellation of a union’s charter. This poliev was emphasised when the federation later demanded that the Central Labour Union of Seattle should rescind its endorsement of the Soviet Government. PARTY POLITICS ESCHEWED WASHINGTON, October 9. (Received Oct. 10, at 7.30 p.ra.) The federation decided against the formation of a political party. The convention upheld a resolution of the committee which reported against a number of resolutions proposing that Labour should form a separate party. —A. and N.Z. Cable.