The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1894-12-15
TOBIN AROUSES HORNETS
InsinuateS That Leaders Are Con-
trOlled by Doodle.
GOMPERS TAKES THE FLOOR
The Federation of Labor Caucus at Den
yer Is the Scene of Much Excitement.
Kisses and Epithcts Are Exchanged
in an Emphatic Way.
By the United Press.

Denver, Col, Dec. 14-The socialist
delegates of the Federation of Labor
caucus, held last night, decided to
stand as a unit in all matters of poll
tics and platform. The total vote at
today's session was in the neighbor-
hood of 2,1S9 OF these there are less
than $50 without positive instructions
to vote on one side or the other
When the convention opened this
morning, a letter was read from Gov
ernor Waite, who was unable to be
present. 1t was an attack unpon capt.
tai and its power to overawe legisla-
ton, and attacked President Cleveland
for alleged unnecessary use of the fed
eral troops. "The United States is a
hospital for milhonaires," he declared,
and he appealed to the laboring men to
support the political party which has
declared for them.
The political platform was next
brought up, and the trouble began with
the reading of the preamble, which re-
cites that the trade unionist of Great
Britain have, by the light of experience,
and the logic Of progress adopted the
principle of Independent labor politics
as an auxiliary to their economic ac-
ton.
Delegate Strasser, Of New Jersey, de-
clared that the preamble was a mis-
representation, and he moved to strike
it out entirely. Delegate Morgan, of
Chicago, said that he wrote the pre-
amble and the charge Of misrepresenta-
ton of motive was a base inslnuation,
which he would throw back into the
teeth Of the delegate making it.
Delegate Tobin, of Rochester, de-
clared that labor leaders sold their po-
sitions for personal profit.
AT this, President Gompers arose and
in a heated manner denied Tobin's
statements.
"Name the leaders," cried several
delegates.
Delegate Morgan--Tobin, you seem to
have hurt 'em.
Delegate Tobn-This demonstration
is the best proof of the truth of my as
sertions.
you are liar" shouted several dele
gates, while others called to Tobin to
name the places where leaders have be-
trayed trade unionists.
Tobin named Denver, Chicago, st.
Louis, Cincinnati, Rochester, Albany
and New York.
Kissing MIR. Gompcrs.
Gompers took the floor and said:
'Those who cry stop thief, are trying to
divert people from their own crooked
| actions. CHisses from the floor.) Hav-
ing been fourteen years in the labor
movement, l defy Mr.. Tobin to show a
vulernable point in my career" This
charge upon any president, secretary
or any leaders is not true. The cry
comes only from those who seek to tear
down. You libel the trades unionists,
sir"
Delegate Penner declared Gompers
was brow beating Delegate Tobin. He
counselled fair dealing
After this exchange of courtesies the
convention returned to the much vexed
preamble. Delegate Mcclure, of Phila-
delphia, declared that the preamble
was untrue. go outside" he said, 'if
| you want Independent political move
ment. Such action here is dangerous
and suicidal"
The previous question being ordered
| by a showing of hands, the ayes and
nays were demanded on the motion to
strike out the preamble. The vote re-
suited 1,345 ayes, SCI nays.
The compulsory education plank was
next taken up and passed. Delegate
Sullivan offered a motion to consolidate
two of the planks so as to call for direct
referendum in all legislation. This was
legislation through the principle of ref
adopted by majority vote.
Delegate Strasser introduced new
plank relating to the penal law affect
ing seaman which was permitted by the
chair to take precednec over the other
planks. This ruling caused another
outburst of bad feeling and accusations
of improper motives were made against
the chair.
Delegate Barnes, of Philadelphia,
stated that for the last time in this con-
vention he would protest. The hammer
fell for adjournment, interrupting his
speech.
Delegate Tobin, of Rochester, stated
to the United Press correspondent after
the convention adjourned that his re-
marks upon the dishonesty of labor
leaders were a statement of patent
fact and had no personal reflection
upon Gompers, Evans and others OF
the convention unless their consciences
troub1ed them "If thp shoe fitc lpt
them wear it. l have no personal fight
on Gompers."