Jasper County Democrat, Volume 11, Number 46, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 11 November 1908 — NO FIGHT ON GOMPERS [ARTICLE]

NO FIGHT ON GOMPERS

SUPPORT OF BRYAN INDORSED John Mitchell Says Will B*> the Result in the Federation Convention—His Report Read. Denver, Col.. Nov. 10.—Hearty applause was given President Samuel Gompers, of the Federation of Labor, toy the delegates to the twenty-eighth annual convention of the organization at its opening session, and also at the close of his report, which he r**ad, hud the applause was interpreted to indicate that there will be no effective opposition to his re-election. John Mitchell, ey-presideut of the U„ M. W., says there will be no "big fight” against Gompers for his political action, which was the result of instructions given film by the Federation at previous conventions, and would have practically unanimous support here. Mitchell said there might be a fight on the political question generally, however, as to Federation participation in politics. On the Burka Stove and Range company injunction, Gompers said; "It Is impossible to see how we can comply fully with the court’s injunction. Shall we be denied the right of free speech and free press simply because we are ■workiifgmen? * * * It is because the present injunction and the contempt proceedings thereunder free speech and free (press tbat I feel it my duty to enter an enf]>hatic protest.” Then referring to the president’s letter to Senator Knox, he said: "The president made an unwarranted attack upon me and ujron the labor organizations of the country." “The decision of the supreme court in the Hatters’ ease," Gompers continued, "involves every wage worker of out country. No more unjust decision has ever been issued by a court. * • • Speaker Cannon has packed,cornmtttecs no! only against labor, but against any other real reform leg slatlon. • ♦ * The report of our legislative committee reveals a tale of k|>e commonweal, and in tell ing the truth perforce besmirches the name and history of a political party that found its embodiment and idealism in the martyred Lincoln.” Referring to his political action Gompers said it was not partisan except as to a principle—that of "’human rights and freedom." His report was greeted with frequent cheers.