The record-union., 1894-12-18
snecial 10 the REcoRp-UNIox.

Special TO the RECoRD-UNIoS.
DENVER, Dec. 1.-THE convention of
the American Federation of Labor did
more business to-day than in any pre-
ceding day. The members expended
their surplus energy in discussing the
merits of the present programme, and
were ready to do business to-day. There
were some surprises in the days action,
the most important of them being the de-
feat of President Gompers for re-elec-
ton. 1t had been known that an effort
was being made to displace him, but
when the convention adjourned on Sat-
urday night it was not believed that it
would succeed. Sunday was, however,
devoted to electioneering by the McBryde
contingent, and when the delegates came
together this morning it was generally
understood that Mr.. Gompers would be
retired. His election as Fraternal Dele
gate to the British Labor Congress was
intended as a sort of evidence that the
convention recognized his loyalty, while
questioning his ability to best serve the
federation as its President.
The delegates to the convention of the
American Federation of Labor were
nearly all In their seats when the roll was
called to-day. The first business was TO
determine the future location OF the head
quarters OF the federation. indianapolis
and Washington were the only contest
ants to-day. The vote resulted: In
dlanapolls |, ,29O, Washington 9Z5. mo-
ton to make indianapolis the location for
three years was amended to make it five
years, and referred to the Committee on
Laws.
The election of officers was then taken
up. GomperS and j Ohm McBryde, Presi-
dent OF the United Mine Workers, were
the only candidates for President. The
vote resulted: McBryde 1,Z62, Gompers
937.
There was no excitement attending the
election OF President, and several dele
gates announced they voted against Com
pers by instructions from their unions.
Gompers moved to make the vote unani-
nous for McBryde, but objection was
made. Gompers at once sent message
to McBryde, congratulating him and
pledging support. Mcclure of Phila-
delphia was elected First Vice President;
James Duncan of Baltimore Second
Vice. President; Roady Kenehan of Dem
yer, Third Vice President; Il. J. Elder
kin Of the Seamen's Union, Fourth Vice
President; A. NJ. McCraith of Boston,
Secretary; John Is. Lennon, Treasurer.
Gompers made speech announcing
his satisfaction at being released from the
responsibilities of the Presidency and de-
claring he would tight harder for Nc
Bryde than ever he had for himself.
Now York was chosen the place for the
next meeting by vote of L. $50 to 55S for
st. Louis.
Delegate Lennon moved that two fra
ternal delegates be sent to the British
Trades Congress TO be held at Cardiff,
Wales. 1t was carried, and Samuel Com
pers, p. j. McGuire and P. ii. Penna
were placed III nomination. The vote re-
suited as follows: Gompers l,747, Me-
Guire l.l39, Penna SO. On motion or
Mr.. Penna the choice was made unan-
imous.
Secretary Evans read a telegram sent
by the officers of the federation, notifying
John McBryde of his election as Presi-
dent OF that body.
Ihe special committee appointed to draft
resolutions on the Mcguire seamen's
rights bill. now before Congress, reported
resolutions providing that committee of
three, one OF whom should be a member
OF the Seamen's Union, go to Washington
as lobby; asking John Burns to give
the matter attention in his meetings in
America, and urging local unions to call
upon their congressman TO favor the bill,
The report was agreed to. The Commit
tee on Resolutions continued its reports,
y resolution was adopted against the
Baltimore currency plan, as was one op-
posed TO "sweat Shops" and recommends
ing laws to abolish them; providing for
engrossed resolutions Of esteem to be pre-
sented to John Burns and Richard
Holmes, the English fraternal delegates:
opposing an alleged movement to have an
extension OF the maritime employment
laws to cover railroad and other labor
contracts on land; favoring an eight-hour
day; favoring the liberation of Hugh
Dempsey, now In the Pennsylvania peni-
of hi
with the Homestead strike, and alleging
that some of the prosecuting witnesses
had since acknowledged that he was
brlbed; providing for committee to work
for direct legislation by means of the
referendum in each State; demanding a
national law providing that no bonds be
issued without special law to lie origin
ated in the lower house Of Congress.
A resolution criticising the report Of the
National Strike Commission, and favor
ing the Government ownership of rail-
roads, was reported unfavorably by the
committee, but 1t was re-referred to the
Executive Council.
The following telegram from President
elect McBryde was read before the con-
vention:
"CORUe1ltiOn Federation of Lnb03,.
Please thank the delegates in my name
for the high honor they have conferred
upon me, and assure them that | shall
try TO do my duty faithfully and fear
lessly, and hope to be able TO reflect credit
upon my administration and upon the
American Federation of Labor.
JOHN MCBRYDE."
In regard to the work of the conyeu-
ton, President Gompers said: al think
the general work of the convention is.
highly satisfactory, and regard the ont
look as equally so. The determination
of the federation in their efforts toward
securing an eight-hour day IN 1892 will
have good effect. Personally, feel re-
lieved at the selection of man to succeed
me in the arduous duties of the Presi-
dency. John McBryde is a good man.
aud while he will no doubt meet with the
usual obstacles of new official, the
hearty cooperation that he will receive
from myself and other retiring officers
will tend to make his work as easy as
possible. l ask ana shall ask every trade
unionist, every person who has been and
is still my personal or official friend. to
give Mr.. McBryde their undivided and
unqualified support"
GAME OF FOOTBALL,