ORGANIZING TO FIGHT CORPORATE RULE
Manly, Basil M.
Organizing to Fight Corporate Rule Conference of Progressives Meeting at Washington December 1-2, Resolve to Drive Privilege From Control of Government By BASIL M. MANLY (Director People's...
...Origin of the Conferences THE People's Legislative Service, which was established in December, 1920, as a means of rendering assistance to the progressive Senators and Representatives then in Congress, took the initiative in bringing about these conferences in conjunction with the regular biennial meeting of its National Council...
...It seemed wise also that the conference should be held before the opening of the regular session of Congress...
...In order to restore and perpetuate the control of the People over their government, we propose the institution of a nation-wide campaign in the various states for direct, open primaries for all elective offices, including the Presidency, and for effective Federal and State corrupt practices acts...
...The Genera] Conference THE general conference, which was held on the following day, Saturday, December second, in the Assembly Room of the City Club, included not only the progressive Senators and Representatives who had met upon the previous day, but also about 200 influential men and women from all parts of the country...
...Sentiment For Conference DURING the summer and autumn of this year, after the probable results of the elections had been forecast by the primaries, it was ascertained by conferences and correspondence that influential progressives in Congress and throughout the country were ready to participate in such an undertaking...
...W. S. Stone, Grand Chief, Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers...
...F. H. Flojzdal, President, Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees...
...The first day's conference was limited to those progressives now in Congress or recently elected, while that of the second day included also a large number of influential men and Women invited from all parts of the country for counsel and cooperation...
...Mrs...
...Moved by Mr...
...Abbey Scott Baker, New York City...
...The Chair appointed the following Committees: Committee on Primaries Edward Keating (Chairman) Manager of LABOR...
...To Restore Government IT will be noted that this resolution provides not only for a definite method by which a program of constructive legislation is to be worked out, but also for a great nation-wide campaign to restore the government to the control of the people...
...At the morning session of the conference, the following Senators were present: Borah, Brookhart, Capper, France, Frazier, Ladd, La-Follette, McNary, Norris., Owen, Sheppard, Shipstead, Wheeler...
...Congressman J, H. Sinclair of North Dakota was called upon and continued discussion on "credits...
...The latter got the best of it, and the squaws arrived with stone hammers to finish off the wounded...
...Many of these came as the official representatives of great organizations numbering hundreds of thousands of members...
...Senator George W. Norris of Nebraska, was called upon to speak on Bringing Government Back to the People...
...Pending the adoption of such a national law, we Tecommend that the states adopt state Presidential primary laws...
...Samuel B. Montgomery of West Virginia, Mr Keating accepted as an amendment that portion of the resolution dealing with the registration laws...
...We recommend that a special committee be constituted which shall prepare a uniform primary law which can be used by the progressive organizations in every State of the Union for legislative measures where no primary law now exists, and as a guide in considering amendments of existing laws, to the end that the progressives of the different states may avoid the jokers which the enemies of the direct primary use to nullify the law...
...F. Marsh, Director, Farmers' National Council...
...A number of them were communicated with, but, although all of them expressed keen interest in such a conference and deep sympathy with its purposes, it was found their time was so fully occupied with plans for taking office and meeting with their legislatures early in December that it would be impossible for them to come to Washington...
...But it was then determined that, if the American people at the next election did what Was expected and replaced the reactionaries who had been swept in by the landslide of 1920, it would then be proper to consider mo-bilizing the progressive forces for legislative action...
...The Chair called to the platform the Hon...
...this committee to submit plans for a national campaign on these issues...
...Gompers, the word "non-political" was changed to "non-partisan" by unanimous vote...
...They were, in fact, substantially provided for two years ago when the People's Legislative Service was established...
...We recommend the enactment of absent-voters laws by all the legislatures which will meet this winter...
...Morris Sheppard, U. S. Senator...
...This plan for a conference of the progressive governors was therefore postponed, but it has by no means been abandoned...
...The following Representatives were also in attendance: Beck, Burke, Casey, Collins, Cooper, Frear, Huddleston, Huck, Keller, King, Lampert, Logan, Mansfield, McSwain, Mead, Nelson, Reid, Schneider, Sinclair, Voigt, Ward, Woodruff...
...This call provided for two conferences, which, while closely inter-related, were not identical either in purpose or personnel...
...Carried...
...The call was issued under date of November 18, 1922, signed by Robert M. La Follette, Chairman and George Huddleston, Vice-Chairman, of the People's Legislative Service...
...Senator La Follette called the meeting to order, making plain at the outset the purposes of the conference...
...Your committee recognizes the services rendered by the People's Legislative Service in stimulating this democratic movement which has resulted in the retirement of many enemies of democracy in the Senate and in the House of Representatives, and in the election of nine progressive-minded Senators and approximately one hundred Congressmen whose pledges or whose previous records promise that they will cooperate with the forward-looking movement in Congress...
...Your committee, realizing the impossibility of reporting in a single day a legislative and economic program, suggests that the Chair appoint a nonpartisan committee for the purpose of bringing about the cooperation of progressives throughout the country to aid in the advancement of liberal laws and general reconstruction based upon a program which your Committee on Resolutions shall draft and report at a future meeting at Washington to be called by the Chair...
...Woodruff, Michigan, Republican...
...It recognizes the services rendered by the People's Legislative Service in cooperating with members of Congress and in providing material which has made possible successful Congressional opposition to some of the most vicious assaults upon the United States Treasury...
...Congressman J. A. Frear, of Wisconsin, was called upon to discuss "Stock Dividends...
...Representative Roy O. Woodruff of Michigan was selected as secretary...
...London Morning Post...
...Meeting called to order at 10:30 a. m. by the Hon...
...Accordingly when the Executive Committee of the people's Legislative Service met on November 17, 1922, after the splendid results of the elections had become known, it was merely to ratfy and officially authorize what had already been generally understood...
...Mrs...
...Congressman Roy O. Woodruff of Michigan was appointed...
...The Primary System MR...
...He also gave a comprehensive explanation of the purposes and needs of the People's Legislative Service...
...Representative La Guardia of New York was not able to be present until the afternoon session...
...P. H. Callahan, Louisville, Ky...
...Robert M. La Follette...
...These conferences were unique in that they did not attempt within the limited time at their disposal to formulate any kind of a platform or definite legislative pro-gram, but, instead, provided for the creation of special committees to consider the questions which are of greatest national importance and, after proper investigation and mature deliberation, to prepare and report practical and constructive plans...
...Stone, the meeting recessed until 1:45 p. m. The meeting was called to order by Chairman La Follette...
...This committee selected an advisory committee, composed of members of the Senate and the House of both parties as follows: Senators —Borah, Idaho, Republican...
...Senator La Follette addressed the meeting, giving a brief statement of the action taken by the progressive members of the House and Senate at their meeting held in Room 224 Senate Office Building, December 1, 1922...
...While the conduct, direction and control of Presidential elections does not come within the scope of our authority, this committee feels that its work would not be complete unless it went on record as favoring an amendment to the Federal Constitution by which the electoral college will be abolished and the people be empowered to vote directly for President and Vice-President...
...We believe the time has come, not only to extend and perfect the primary laws in the various states, but to apply the direct primary principle to the choice of party candidates for President and Vice-President, and we therefore declare for the adoption of national measures providing that the candidates, of all political parties for President and Vice-President shall be nominated by the direct vote of the voters of the country, without the intervention of any convention, and that the delegates to the national conventions should be elected by the direct vote of the people at the time they select the party condidates for President and Vice-President...
...Sheppard, Texas, Democrat Representatives-Beck, Wisconsin, Republican...
...All voters voting at any general election thereby register for primary elections until the next general election— additional opportunity to be afforded for registration of voters who did not vote at previous general election, (b) Every registered voter shall, without disclosing his party affiliations, receive the ballots of all parties and be entitled to mark in secret his choice of party candidates on one party ballot, the others being destroyed...
...George L. Record, Jersey City, N. J. Edwin F. Ladd, U. S. Senator...
...Drive Out Privilege AFTER a discussion by a number of Sena-tors and Representatives of the funda-mental purposes of the conference and the means by which they could best be achieved, Senator La Follette offered a resolution, which met with the approval of all those present, and was adopted by unanimous vote...
...Report Is Adopted AFTER considerable discussion the report was adopted...
...So business-like were the proceedings of the conference, and so complete was the harmony among those present that this conference, which it had been predicted by the reactionary press, would break up in a row, concluded its business by three o'clock in the afternoon, and adjourned to go to work immediately to carry out the fundamental objects laid down in the resolution...
...Howe that the chair appoint a committee on resolutions...
...The day's proceedings were concluded by a great banquet, given by the People's Legislative Service in honor of the newly-elected progressive Senators and Representatives, at which about 400 guests were present...
...Edward P. Costigan, Consumers' League, Washington, D. C. Miss Elizabeth Hauser, National League of Women Voters...
...Benj...
...Samuel Gompers was originally appointed on the Committee on Resolutions but was, at his request, replaced by Mr...
...Committee on Resolutions Frederic C. Howe (Chairman), New York City...
...George Huddleston, Member of Congress...
...Your committee congratulates the country upon the presence in Congress and in State and in Executive positions of these men who have been selected by the progressive-minded people of this country who for two years have been deprived of political representation...
...Warren S. Stone, the Chair was directed to appoint a Secretary...
...Basil M. Manly offered the following resolution: "Whereas, many persons in public office and otherwise situated, have accepted invitations to attend the present conference only upon the express understanding that it was non-political in purpose, "Resolved, that the conference limit its proceedings to consideration of devising means and methods of cooperation and support to the general legislative program announced upon yesterday, December 1, 1922, by the conference of progressive-minded Senators and Representatives...
...Herbert F. Baker, President, Farmers' Na-tional_Council...
...T. C. Cashen, President, Switchmen's Union of North America...
...The best story of the Westerner's deference to women, writes a correspondent, is concerned with the conclusion of a little fight with Indians...
...Keating, Chairman of the Committee on Direct Primaries, submitted the following report: "We congratulate the progressive members of the United States Senate and House of Representatives upon their great service to the country in their conference yesterday in calling the attention of our people to the very great importance of state and national primary laws...
...and Gollins, Mississippi, Democrat...
...Frank Morrison, Secretary, American Federation of Labor...
...Miss Ethel Smith, of the Women's Trade Union League...
...Ashurst, Democrat, Arizona...
...and that such committee cooperate with the Pepole's Legislative Service in the carrying out of this plan...
...Andrew Furuseth (upon nomination of Samuel Gompers) Grenville S. MacFarland, Boston, Mass...
...Although the actual preparations for the conferences were made within a little less than two weeks, the general plans were the result of the most mature deliberation...
...Report adopted...
...On motion of Mr...
...The conferences were thus purposeful and business-like from beginning to end and the attention of those present was concentrated upon the main problem and not dissipated in discussion of details...
...At that time, when the forces of reaction were at their strongest, it was decided that it would be futile, if not foolish, to attempt any definite organization of the little handful of progressives then in the House and Senate...
...III...
...Rose Yates Forrester of the Women's Trade Union League...
...Telegrams and letters of approval and sympathy were also received from the following Representatives: Browne, Crosser, Evans, Howard, Jacobstein, James, Johnson, Knight, Kvale, Peavey, Schall, Sherwood, Thomas, We-fald...
...Governor John J. Blaine of Wisconsin was called to the chair to discuss the tax returns' question and full publicity in connection therewith...
...In accordance with this resolution, Senator Norris, as chairman, was authorized to appoint the following Committee on Committees: George Huddleston, Democrat, Alabama, chairman...
...Mrs...
...Senator La Follette, after explaining briefly the conditions which had led to the calling of the conference, nominated Senator Norris of Nebraska as chairman...
...William H. Johnston, President, International Association of Machinists...
...The chief and sole object of the conference," La Follette said, "is to map out thoroughly constructive legislative action which will produce the quickest and best results, irrespective of party ties...
...It was decided that it would be opportune to take advantage of the regular biennial meeting of the National Council of the Service, which included a large number of those who would naturally be included in any such conference, and to invite those who were not already affiliated with the Service to meet with them...
...Andrew Furuseth...
...Senator Smith W. Brookhart was called to the platform to speak on "Credits...
...The call was therefore issued providing for meetings in Washington upon December 1 and 2, 1922_ It had been hoped that simultaneously a conference of the progressive governors who had recently been elected might be held to consider the many matters of common interest and vital concern to all the states...
...Governor Blaine of Wisconsin was present as a guest...
...The purpose of this conference was to discuss ways and means of carrying forward the work which had been outlined in the conference of the previous day...
...On the contrary, the success of the general conference in Washington has added impetus to it, and plans for such a meeting of the governors to be held at some central point within the near future are now under way...
...Amos R. E. Pinchot, of New York City...
...We recommend than such minimum primary law contain the following features: State Primaries: (a...
...Samuel Gompers addressed the meeting upon the same subject...
...Burton K. Wheeler, Senator-elect from Montana, who addressed the meeting...
...Moved by Mr...
...Keating that a special committee be appointed to consider that section of yesterday's report of the progressive Senators and Representatives which had to do with the direct primary, both National and State, the corrupt practices act, and registration Jaws...
...Mrs...
...D. B. Robertson, President, Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen and Enginemen...
...As a squaw thus armed was approaching a half-conscious victim, his friend called out to him: "Look out, Bill, there's a lady coming...
...The Chair announced the first subject for discussion "The Agricultural Emergency" and called to the platform Senator-elect Frazier, of North Dakota, who addressed the meeting for thirty minutes...
...The report of the Committee on Resolutions was submitted by the Chairman thereof, as follows: "The Committee on Resolutions of the second conference of the People's Legislative Service offers the following report: I. Your committee wishes to express appreciation of the devoted public services of those members of Congress who for the past six years, in the face of ruthless opposition, have' battled for the preservation of justice, liberty, and democracy...
...Logan, South Carolina, Democrat...
...This declaration was unanimously adopted by the conference of progressive Senators and Congressmen on Friday, December 1, as a statement of its principal aim and the balance of the proceedings were devoted to the perfection of plans for its accomplishment...
...Speeches were made by Senators Borah, Norris and the progressive leaders of both parties in the House, expressing their desire to coop-erate in the formation of an effective understanding for the promotion of progressiva legislation...
...John M. Nelson, Member of Congress...
...Samuel B. Montgomery, West Virginia...
...We recommend the immediate enactment of a Federal corrupt practices act with a sufficient supply of 'teeth' to permanently dispose of 'Newberryism' in this country...
...Ladd, North Dakota, Republican...
...We believe in the adoption of a primary system which will enable the people of the nation, and of the states, and of the subdivisions thereof, to name directly, without the intervention of conventions, the candidates of all political parties, instead of permitting the naming of such candidates by some political boss, or partisan machine, representing the privileged interests of the country...
...In addition to those who were present at the day's proceedings, Senators Ashurst, Dill and Howell expressed their warm approval of the purposes of the conference and their desire to work in harmony with the progressive group...
...Senators McNary of Oregon, and Brookhart of Iowa, Republicans, and Owen of Oklahoma and Sheppard of Texas, Democrats, and Representatives Burke of (Pennsylvania and Frear of Wisconsin, Republicans, and Collins of Mississippi, Democrat...
...At the suggestion of Mr...
...George L. Berry, Vice-Chairman of Pressmen's Union...
...BI-ANNUAL MEETING OF THE PEOPLE'S LEGISLATIVE SERVICE, HELD AT THE CITY CLUB, WASHINGTON, D. C, DECEMBER 2, 1922...
...The conference met in the room of the Committee on Agriculture in the Senate Office Building...
...The limited space available for this article does not permit of a complete list of those present, but their representative character is well indicated by the personnel of the two important committees, which are named below...
...Governor Blaine of Wisconsin, who was reelected and had his plans for his new term of office already in hand, attended the conferences and contributed greatly to the deliberations...
...Resolved that the progressive minded Senators and Representatives of all parties agree to meet from time to time and cooperate whole-heartedly in order to accomplish the fundamental purpose upon which we are all united, namely— TO DRIVE SPECIAL PRIVILEGE OUT OF CONTROL OF GOVERNMENT AND RESTORE IT TO THE PEOPLE...
...At 12:45 p. m., on motion of Mr...
...M. F. Cunningham, Executive Secretary, National League of Women Voters, Washington, D. C. Dante Pierce, Publisher, The Iowa Home-stead, Des Moines, Iowa...
...Organizing to Fight Corporate Rule Conference of Progressives Meeting at Washington December 1-2, Resolve to Drive Privilege From Control of Government By BASIL M. MANLY (Director People's Legislative Service) THE Conferences of, Progressives called to meet in Washington on December 1 and 2, 1922, under the auspices of the People's Legislative Service, resulted in effecting definite organization to accomplish one great fundamental purpose: "TO DRIVE SPECIAL PRIVILEGE OUT OF CONTROL OF GOVERNMENT AND RESTORE IT TO THE PEOPLE...
...The Congressional Conference THE purpose of the conference of December first was to lay a proper foundation for the cooperation of all the progressive members of Congress, in order that they may translate the results of the recent elections into constructive legislation...
...This resolution read as follows: RESOLUTION ADOPTED BY CONFERENCE OF PROGRESSIVE SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVES ON FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1922, HELD IN ROOM 224, SENATE OFFICE BUILDING...
...At the suggestion of Mr...
...To this end we will oppose unceasingly special interest legislation, and in order to prepare scientifically to meet the critical situation that confronts the nation, we propose to create special committees, composed of members of the Senate and House, cooperating with men of affairs and experts, to prepare and submit to this group for consideration from time to time during this and the next Congress practical and constructive plans for dealing with the following great subjects: Agriculture, Labor, Railroads, Shipping, Natural Resources, Credits, Taxation, Amendments to the Constitution looking to the abolishment of the electicral college, and the earlier meeting of newly elected Congresses...
...This nomination met with unanimous approval, and Senator Norris presided during the remainder of the day...
...The story of its proceedings is told in the official minutes of the conference, as recorded by Congressman Roy 0. Woodruff of Michigan, who acted as secretary...
Vol. 14 • December 1922 • No. 12
