Mr. Johnston. Purely as a matter of opinion, I do not approve of any group, whether it be to control the trade-union movement—I feel it should be a free union. Whether it is Communist, Fascist, National Manufacturers Association or what-have-you. That is purely my opinion on it.
Mr. Moulder. Do you object to a Communist holding an official position in any labor union?
Mr. Johnston. On that one I will have to, as in the past, invoke the fifth amendment.
Mr. Moulder. Would you vote for or against a candidate seeking office in a local laborers’ union if he were a Communist?
Mr. Johnston. Mr. Chairman, I feel that, under our rights—and I know the majority of unions, as I understand them—we vote by secret ballot, the same as in our elections for the honorable representatives elected by your people in your district, by secret ballot. And that is a right that we are able to keep to ourselves.
Mr. Moulder. Any questions?
Mr. Tavenner. No, sir; I have no questions.
Mr. Moulder. The witness is excused.
Mr. Sykes. Can I make a short statement here? I think it might be helpful to the committee. It will take about a half minute.
Mr. Johnston. Is that in regard to me?