" Its campaign at once became
nation wide. Enthusiastic meetings were held in the great
manufacturing centers, stimulated to enthusiasm by the incisive
eloquence of Gompers. At the annual convention of the Federation
held in Buffalo in November, 1917, full endorsement was given to
the Alliance by a vote of 21,602 to 401. In its formal statement
the Alliance declared: "It is our purpose to try, by educational
methods, to bring about a more American spirit in the labor
movement, so that what is now the clear expression of the vast
majority may become the conviction of all. Where we find
ignorance, we shall educate. Where we find something worse, we
shall have to deal as the situation demands. But we are going to
leave no stone unturned to put a stop to anti-American activities
among workers." And in this patriotic effort the Alliance was
successful.
This was the first great step taken by Gompers and the
Federation. The second was equally important. With characteristic
energy the organization put forward a programme for the
readjustment of labor to war conditions. "This is labor's war"
declared the manifesto issued by the Federation. "It must be won
by labor, and every stage in the fighting and the final victory
must be made to count for humanity." These aims were embodied in
constructive suggestions adopted by the Council of National
Defense appointed by President Wilson. This programme was in a
large measure the work of Gompers, who was a member of the
Council.
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