break it. If the will comes first, according to the laws, why should it be subordinated in a matter which plays so important a part in human happiness?) Seventh: The reformation of judicial proceedings in order to render the administration of justice prompt and effective. The revision of the civil, criminal, and commercial codes. (Who has not had to suffer through the criminality of the courts of justice on one hand, and also from the neverending proceedings on the other hand? What man is there who has ever had to deal with the courts that has been free from the consciousness that he is at the mercy of all those who form part of the court, even to the stenographer who can delay the copy of a document, or the clerk who retards a notification? Up to now the administration of justice may be compared to the stage-coach, in that it moves painfully slowly, and only for money.) Eighth The revision of the laws relative to the exploitation of lumber, waters, petroleum, and other resources of the country, with the view of abolishing monopolies. (Who is ignorant of the fact that the insatiable and corrupting spirit of the dictatorship absorbed everythingsometimes for the benefit of the head of the system, Porfirio Diaz; at other times to satisfy the voracious appetites of those who surround him? Who does not know that it was this policy of concessions which created the unbearable insolence of the foreigners residing among us? Therefore, everything which may tend to destroy this monopoly and humiliate this uncalled-for arrogance will be a patriotic work, and this is what the Revolution promises to achieve.) To these reforms must be added a general reorganization of the school system in Mexico, paying especial attention to the weak spot, which is the rural school system. As a natural consequence, the conservative elements-priests, professional soldiers, men having oil and railroad concessions, rich land owners-knowing that with such reforms their odious privileges were in danger, have tried, by all means possible, to stop the progress of the Revolution, promoting discord and jealousies among its chiefs, starting reactionary movements abroad, and working hard and persistently to provoke an international war. Before the raid on Columbus, which was planned by the filibuster of our foes, the reaction could not attain its wish to destroy the Revolution; but now, unfortunately, it looks as if the reactionaries might succeed in putting us American and Mexican workingmen face to face on the battlefield. And this is just what Mexican organized labor is anxious to avoid by making a final effort, appealing to you, our brothers in labor and misery; not taking into consideration what petty "patriots" may say about our conduct and proceedings. We want to say, very frankly, to the American toilers, that the Mexican people do not hate the real American .people, the people who still bear in their heart the principles of Washington and Franklin; we do not have any hostile sentiment of any kind against you American laborers. In the United States we hate only the monopolists, the great oil and railroad kings, all those who have utilized the riches of our land for their personal benefit; impudently stealing from us the fruits of our labor, the same as they do with you in your country; those very same compatriots of yours, whose only interests are their bank ac counts, and who have no love of country, honor, or high ideals of life. Be on your guard, Workers of the United States. The Columbus raid, all the anti-Mexican agitation, all the meetings, lectures, and publications of our foes in the great American cities, are only for the purpose of drowning in blood the desires of a brother people who have had the courage and the strength to rebel against their oppressors, of giving the workers of the world an example of the only Social Revolution that honestly deserves such a name. Be on watch, North American Comrades. Do not allow any one to fool you with the lies of those who, as long as they can make money, do not care very much about the killing of thousands of laborers. Help us to secure that, once and forever, the United States troops be recalled, avoiding the great danger that there is and must be while a khaki uniform remains in Mexican territory. And if, even by this means, it is impossible to avoid a bloody struggle, then, Workers of the United States, do as we would fain do with our reactionaries—put at the head of your army all those who are responsible for the tragedy, the magnates of the Standard Oil Company and of the International Harvester Company, William R. Hearst, Harrison Gray Otis of the Los Angeles Times, professional soldiers and others who in any form and by any means are looking for intervention in Mexico. Workers of the United States, solidarity! J. M. DURAN, General Secretary Syndicate of Electricians; CRESCENCIO FLORES DIAZ, Carpenters' Syndicate; NABOR FERNANDEZ, President Seamen's Union, Port of Progreso; PRUDENCIO GONZALEZ, President Dockers' Union; CRESCENCIO SANCHEZ, General Secretary Bakers' Syndicate; MANUEL RUIZ, General Secretary Masons' Syndicate; Union of Clerks, Cooks, etc., and of Hotel, ANTONIO RAMIREZ, President Commercial Clerks' Club; ALVARO VARGAS, General Secretary Smelters' Syndicate; NAZARIO PECH, General Secretary Hackmen's Syndicate; CLAUDIO SACRAMENTO, President Yucatan Railroad Men's Union; MIGUEL A. PRADO, Syndicate of Machinists, Blacksmiths and Mérida, Mexico, May 29, 1916. IN ALL PAN-AMERICA "To the Workers of All American Countries: "A purpose has long been in the minds of many which has gradually been taking form and seeking an opportunity for concrete expression. Such an opportunity has been born out of the strained relations that have recently existed between the United States and Mexico and the great anxiety aroused thereby in the hearts and minds of the workers of both countries. There has come at least one result that is potential for the maintenance of human welfare in international relations. "Just as the situation between the United States and Mexico was most critical, there came to our country two representatives of the Government of Yucatan, Mr. Carlos Loveira, Chief of the Department of Labor, and Mr. Baltazar Pages, editor of the Voice of the Revolution, bringing an appeal to the workingmen of our country to use their influence in the interest of peace and justice between our countries. At the same time, in response to an invitation from the American Federation of Labor, the organized labor movement of Mexico sent as representatives to Washington for the purpose of holding a conference, Mr. Luis N. Morones, Mr. S. Gonzalo Garcia, and Mr. Edmundo E. Martinez. "During the recent past, through personal representatives of the Mexican Government and information gained from others in close contact with conditions in Mexico, it became plain to us that the revolution in Mexico represented the cause of humanity and democracy, and that the Constitutionalist government represented a genuine effort on the part of the Mexicans to establish institutions of freedom and justice. The American Federation of Labor made an appeal to the President of the United States to recognize the Constitutionalist government of Mexico. "It has since on several occasions, when important decisions of national policies affecting the United States and Mexico were in the balance, been the instrumentality through which the desires of the masses of the people have been expressed, and further time and opportunity afforded to Mexico for understanding our national attitude and demonstrating good will and good faith on her part. "Because of this historic relation, it was felt that a conference between representatives of the labor movement of Mexico and representatives of the American Federation of Labor would be a direct means by which the masses of the people of both countries could wield an influence that would counteract that of financial powers and of those who were willing to precipitate international conflicts for their own aggrandizement. "At this conference, held in Washington, between the representatives of the Mexican labor movement and the Executive Council of the American Federation of Labor, a declaration was signed by all parties to the conference. This declaration, in addition to provisions which concerned immediate relations between our two countries, provided for future conferences between representatives of both countries and declared in favor of efforts to establish a Pan-American Federation of Labor. "This was not a new thought for the American Federation of Labor. Upon several occasions the same idea had been advanced, and in the proceedings of the 1915 convention of the American Federation of Labor endorsement was given to a proposal for an organization that would represent human rights and interests in all Pan-American countries. The necessity for such a labor federation has been made increasingly great through efforts to establish closer commercial and political relations between the countries included in the Pan-American Union. "In the High Commission which recently made a trip to Pan-American countries for the purpose of promoting better commercial and industrial relations, although there was no phase in any of the relations between these different countries that did not in some way affect human interests and human welfare, there was no one on that commission who distinctively represented human interests and the rights and welfare of the masses of the people. "I have urged upon the United States Government that this serious omission ought to be rectified, and I urge the labor movements of all Pan-American countries to bring the same matter to the attention of their respective governments. But such representation, valuable as it would be, is not sufficient to protect and promote the rights and welfare of the workers of all countries. A Pan-American Federation of Labor is not only possible, but is necessary. It will constitute a ready and fit agency for injecting into international deliberations at opportune and critical times consideration for human rights, interests, and welfare. "In view of the importance of this purpose, it is most gratifying to find that the representatives from the State of Yucatan are to travel through the countries of Cenral and South America for the purpose of promoting a Pan-American Federation of Labor. The purpose of their mission has our most sympathetic and hearty co-operation. The realization of an international alliance between the labor movements of all Pan-American countries will constitute a genuine parliament of men, one of the highest purposes to which mankind has aspired. "It is earnestly hoped that the representatives of all organized workers in Pan-America will come into it and continue correspondence with the undersigned. "With sincere greetings, I am, fraternally yours, (Signed) "SAMUEL GOMPERS, "President American Federation of Labor. "Washington, D. C., July 6, 1916." 5 APPEAL TO MEXICAN LABOR "Washington, D. C., May 23, 1916. "Secretary, Casa del Obrero Mundial, City of Mexico: "Dear Sir and Brother: Permit me on behalf of the American Federation of Labor to send fraternal greetings to the Casa del Obrero Mundial, to the entire labor movement of Mexico. "The labor movement of North America has seen with what splendid courage Organized Labor in Mexico has, from the time of the Presidency of the late Franciscio I. Madero, demanded and obtained recognition for the cause of labor and justice in our sister republic. "From time to time the American Federation of Labor has received confidential reports from delegates duly accredited by your organization and others who came to Washington in behalf of the Mexican cause. From these delegates the Executive Council of the American Federation of Labor has learned how deeply the spirit of international brotherhood has guided all your struggles in Mexico. We learned with intense interest of the historic agreement between the Casa del Obrero Mundial and the Constitutionalist Government, and signed on behalf of that Government by Rafael Zubaran Capmany. "We have learned with what bravery and determination the Mexican miners in the State of Arizona organized and struck work with their brother Americans of the North, and won advancement for themselves and the cause of international solidarity. "All these facts point to the necessity of a still closer understanding between the workers of all the Americas, particularly in this crisis in the world's history. To this end, and to propose a practical method of mutual co-opera 6 COPIES TO MEXICAN LEADERS Copies of the invitation to a conference were inclosed by Mr. Gompers in letters to General Venustiano Carranza, First Chief; Governor Ignacio C. Enriquez, of Chihuahua; Governor P. Elias Calles, of Sonora; Governor S. Alvarado, of Yucatan; General Alvaro Obregon, Minister of War; Juan Tudo, Secretary of the Escuela Moderna, Mexico City; Dr. Atl, editor of Accion Mundial, Mexico City, and Judge Charles A. Douglas, Washington, D. C., Carranza's attorney here. Explaining the occasion of the invitation, Mr. Gompers wrote as follows to General Carranza: "My Dear Sir: Because of certain conditions, information of which has authentically reached me, I deem it my duty to the working people of Mexico, as well as to the people of Mexico generally, to write to the secretary of the Casa del Obrero Mundial, making certain inquiries and a suggestion for a conference. It seemed to me that a copy of my letter should be in your possession for such information as it may convey. "The letter was prepared before I received a visit at my office today from Mr. Charles A. Douglas, your legal representative in Washington, but I read to him the letter, tion between organized labor in Mexico and the United States, I suggest that at a date to be agreed upon, representatives from the Casa del Obrero Mundial, and as many other of the labor organizations in Mexico as possible, meet for a conference in El Paso, Texas, with representatives of the American Federation of Labor. Matters for the mutual welfare of the sister republic could then be discussed and a future co-operative policy outlined. "With you I agree that the future peace of the world rests in the hands of the wage-earners, and this is most cogently expressed by the organized labor movement of each and all countries. "I hope to hear from you as soon as possible as to the actual conditions of the Mexican labor movement at the present time, and to receive a reply to the suggestion I have made herein. "Fraternally yours, "SAMUEL GOMPERS, "President American Federation of Labor." of which the inclosed is a copy, and he expressed his approval of its contents and desired that it should be forwarded, and also sustained the view that a copy of the letter should be sent to you. I may add that the entire Mexican situation as it now exists, as well as the immediate outlook, was thoroughly gone into, and it may be interesting for you to know that Mr. John Murray, who is also deeply interested in the affairs of Mexico, was present at the conference I had the pleasure of having with Mr. Douglas. "I think it is needless for me to say how thoroughly interested and concerned are my associates in the American Federation of Labor, as am I, in all that may make for the advancement and protection of the rights and interests of the masses of the workers of Mexico, and that we are hoping and will be glad to aid as far as our ability and opportunities go, in establishing higher and better standards of justice, right, freedom, and the concepts of humanity. "With assurance of high regard, I have the honor to remain, very respectfully yours, "SAMUEL GOMPERS, "President American Federation of Labor." SIGNED BY MEXICAN AND AMERICAN LABOR RepresentativES, IN WASHINGTON, D. C. The undersigned, the Executive Council of the American Federation of Labor and the representatives of the organized labor movement of Mexico, express our deep gratification in the consunuation of this conference, which we hope and believe has laid the basis for better understanding and has welded ties that shall bind together the workers of our respective countries. We are confident that personal conferences of the workers of the United States and of Mexico will be a constructive force in bringing about that understanding necessary for better relations between our countries and for maintaining peace founded upon a proper regard for the rights of all. It is our opinion that this conference should be purpose of agreeing upon plans for maintaining permanent followed by another more generally representative, for the relations and for the federation of the labor movements of all the countries of the two Americas. In view of present relations between the United States and Mexico, we are of the opinion that such a general conference is for the present untimely, and we express the judgment that the holding of such a conference should be deferred until later in the year. However, in the event of an emergency which would make a general conference of advantage in averting an international crisis, such a conference could and should be called for the earliest time mutually agreeable. To carry this plan into effect a joint commission shall be chosen, to consist of two members from both labor movements, to remain in Washington until the present crisis is passed, the said commission to have the power of calling a general conference if necessary. our countries can be permanent that are not based upon the will of the masses of the people and in accord with their concepts of justice. We deem it an essential step toward democracy and justice that there shall be established for the masses, who have hitherto been without regular agencies for expressing their views and desires, opportunities that will enable them to have a voice in helping to determine international affairs. The labor movements of the various countries constitute the instrumentalities that can best accomplish this purpose and give expression to national ideas and convictions that have been too long inarticulate and impotent. We direct that the president of the American Federation of Labor and the official representatives of organized labor in Mexico should keep in touch through correspondence and that they be authorized to carry out the purposes specified in this declaration. In joint conference as the representatives of the workers, the masses of our respective countries, we urge upon our governments to adjust existing differences without war and to establish conditions conducive to permanent peace, with justice. We appeal to the workers and all of the people of the United States and Mexico to do everything within their power to promote correct understanding of purposes and actions, to prevent friction, to encourage good will, and to promote an intelligent national opinion that ultimately shall direct relations between our countries and shall be a potent humanitarian force in promoting world progress. It is an unavoidable conclusion that present differences between our countries are the result of misunderstanding growing out of inadequate or incorrect information; that the unfortunate consequences of past relations between the United States and Mexico have formulated a national attitude that questions the good faith of our governments; that existing agencies and methods of reaching an adjustment of these differences are unsuitable for dealing with these problems, which are fundamentally human problems, and that the relations between our countries ought not to but ought to be keenly sensitive and responsive to the human interests and moral forces. Therefore, we, the representatives of the organized workers, having the right to speak for all of the workers, and in the interests of all of the people, urge upon our governments the appointment of a commission to be composed of high-minded citizens, fully representative of our nations, to consider differences that have brought our nations to the verge of war, and to make such recommendations for adjustment as shall fittingly express the highest ideals of the great rank and file of the citizenship of our two countries. We direct that copies of this declaration shall be presented to the President of the United States, Hon. Woodrow Wilson, and to the First Chief of the Constitutionalist Governmen of Mexico, Gen. Venustiano Carranza, and that it be given widest publicity among the workers of our respective countries. For the organized workers of the United States: JAMES DUNCAN, First Vice-President; JOSEPH F. VALENTINE, Fourth Vice-President; H. B. PERHAM, Sixth Vice-President; For the organized workers of Mexico: L. M. MORONES, S. GONZALO GARCIA, EDMUND E. MARTINEZ. |