Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1894-12-18
THE NEW LEADER.
Chosen to Succeed Gompers
....... by the Federation.
ACTION SOMETHING OF A SURPRISE.

Some Of she soggssted Causes Of the
Change - Heads-The Other Omcers
Elected-Indlasapolss To BE Headquar-
tern and the Next Cenvention to Meet at
New York-Ths New President Tele-
grsphs HIS Acceptance Al the Honor.
DENVER Dec 1S.-The convention Of
The American Federation Of Labor did
more business yesterday than in any pre-
ceiling day. The members had expended
their surplus energy in discussing the
merits Of the political programme, and
were ready to do business. There were
some surprises in tho days action, the
most important Of them being the defeat
Of President GOmpers for reelection. 1t
had been known that an effort was being
made to displace him, but when the con-
vcntion adjourned Saturday night it was
not believed it would succeed. Sunday
was, however. devoted to electioneering
by the Mcbride contingent, and when the
delegates came together again 1t was gen.
orally understood that Gompers would
be retired.
Other Omccrs Elected.
His election as fraternal delegate to the
British labor congress was intended as ev.
idcnce that the convention recognizes his
loyalty while questioning his ability to
best serve the federation as its president.
The vote on president was-McBride,
i,16a; Gompers, $50. Gompers moved to
make 1t unanimous and declared his en-
tire loyalty to the new president. The
other officers alected are: First vice pres
idcnt, Mcclure, of Philadelphia, defeat
ing the wife of Thomas j. Morgan, of
Chicago; second, James Duncan, of Bal
timore; third, Ready Kenehan, of Den
yer; fourth. I. j. Elderkin. A. McGraith,
Of Boston, was elected secretary and John
b. Lennon was reelected treasurer.
Causes Of the Change.
The defeat of Gompers seems to be due
to general desire for a change of admin
istration. The mine workers, with go
votes, were for Mcbride for personal rea-
sons; the radical ,socialistic members felt
that Gompers was very strongly opposed
to them. The feeling generally was friendly
to Gompers, but the election of Mcbride
is regarded as good choice. The action
Of Gompers in the American Railway
Union strike undoubtedly had its effect.
1t was said by friends of the strikers that
had Gompers supported Debs the strike
would have been won. Others claim that
In declining to order general strike
GOmpers simply recognized the principle
of perfect Independence of the affiliating
unions.
Mcbride Accepts the Favor.
The convention selected New York as
the next place Of meeting and motion to
make indianapolis the headquarters for
five years was sent to committed The
following telegram was received from Nc
Bride, dated Columbus, O.: please
thank the delegates in my name for the
high honor they have conferred upon me,
and assure them l shall aim to do my
duty faithfully and fearlessly and hope to
be able to reflect cred it upon my admins
tration and upon the American Fedora
ton of Labor JOHN MCBRIDE"
Tho selection of indianapolis as nation
al headquarters was also in line with the
idea Of a general revolution of the feder-
alton. 1t was declaration by the west.
| crn delegates that they propose hereafter
to control the organization.