AMERICAN ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 14 June 1921, Page 2

AMERICAN ITEMS.

AUSTRALIAN AND N.z! CABLE ASSOCIATION

AMERICAN LABOUR FEDERATION

NEW YORK, June 13.

A presidential statement has been issued prior to the opening of the American Federation of Labour Convention. This opens at Denver in Colorado, to-day.

Mr Gompers (President) says therein that the Convention will deal with the great post-war issues, threatening organised Labour. The future is in the balance The die , must be cast one way or another. The major problem is unemployment. It is estimated that there are 5,000,000 out of work. Another subject for discussion will % be the movement to crush Labour and blast its spirit by the open shop. There will also be a discussion on disarmament. The Irish question is to be discussed by the Convention. The sympathisers of Ireland comprise two factions. They demand American recognition for the Irish Republic. They also demand the withdrawal of the British troops now in Ireland. Immediate payment of the British debt of nine billion dollars to America i is also demanded by Ireland’s sympathisers.

UNITED STATES MARINE STRIKE

NEW YORK, June 13

The American marine strikers have rejected a proposal for i six months’ agreement with a 15 per cent, reduction in wages.

STEAMERS DAMAGED

NEW YORK, June 13

Two big ocean liners, the Buckeye State and Western Comet are badly disabled. Marine strikers are blamed. The Buckeye State sailed for California with 135 passengers, but a fire broke out and the ship is lying crippled off Chesapeake Bay, whence she will put back to Baltimore.