Jasper County Democrat, Volume 6, Number 51, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 26 March 1904 — GOMPERS ON PORTO RICO [ARTICLE]

GOMPERS ON PORTO RICO

He Tell* What He Did While on the laland —Blame tor the United State*.

Washington, March 25. Samuel Gompers, president of the American Federation of Labor, at a reception given in his honor by the Central Labor union, told of hie unsuccessful efforts to bring about a consolidation of the warring labor factions to Porto Rico during his recent visit there. He refused to dismiss Santiago Igieslas, as demanded by the Regional faction, and in this connection said): “The Federation suffered at the hands of politicians working in the interest of a few persons, and supported -by the public funds of San Juan. I determined to stand by Mr. Iglesjas, witao planted the seeds of unionism In Porto Rico.” Gompers said economic and social conditions to Porto Rico were deplorable end wages in many instances were lower than they were under Spanish rule. Thousands of

men nTe idle because they have no work to do, and misery and hunger are common. Gompers laid the blame on the United States far the existing economic conditions in the island. ,