Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1894-07-21
WAKEENEY. KANSAS
National Federation of Labor.

( The conference called by Samuel Comp
srs, head of the National Federation of La
Dor, has been looked forward to as most
important, and as likely to determine in a
large measure the outcome of the present
strike.
To reporter of the Associated Press Mr..
Gompers said: 1--WE are all in sympathy
with the Debs strike, and we shall try to dc
something to bring order out of chaos What
that will be, do not know. We have ample
power to order general strike, but whether
it will be done or not l cannot say"
Another prominent labor leader said they
proposed to issue an appeal to the public to
cease patronizing the Pullman cars.
1t was stated by labor leaders in the conf
dence of Samuel Gompers, that the confer
ence in Chicago had not for it's purpose an
extension of the strike, but to devise ways
and means to settle the present troubles.
The leaders appeared to be confident that
matters would soon be adjusted peaceably.
They would not say that no more labor
unions would be called out, but did not OBJ
ject to that inference.
Neither Debs nor Sovereign were present
at the session, although it was announced
that Debs would be called to the conference
before its close. There seemed to be de-
sire by many of those present to give Mr..
Sovereign no invitation to attend the con-
ference, although it was stated by member
of the federation executive council that Sow
ereign might be called in sometime during
the meeting. 1t was apparent that the
knights Of Labor was not looked upon with
favor and the indications are that ruction
between the order and the federation may
develop in the conference. The delegates,
however. ab-olutely refuse to discuss the
probability of such a result.
The Presid mt viii Name Arbitrators.
John W. Hayes, the general secretary
treasurer of the Knights of Labor, with a
Cleveland, July II.
Mr.. Hayes claimed to have full authority
from Debs and from the men at Pullman to
represent their interests and act in their be-
half. 1t appears that there was law passed
by congress in 1888 which authorizes the
president on his own motion to appoint two
arbitrators. together with the United States
labor commissioner, to investigate and de-
eide what should be done by either party to
settle the controversy.
After discussing the various features of the
situation for more than an hour the presi-
dent promised that if the leaders would re-
turn to Chicago and use their influence to-
ward restoring peace and order, he would
appoint the committee as soon as the dis
turbances ceased to such an extent as to
render careful, thorough and thoughtful in
vestigation possible.
The president laid great emphasis on the
fact no steps could be taken in this direction
until lawlessness had ceased, and he made
his promise contingent on the pledge of the
labor leaders to see to it that SO far as or
ganized labor is concerned, the trouble at
Chicago and elsewhere will Immediately dis
appear.
Points Considered by Labor Leaders.
President Gotnpers and the labor leaders
he called to meet him in Chicago have been
considering several suggestions; anon 9
the most prominent being:
First-That the striking Pullman en-
ployes on high patriotic grounds, appeal
to President Debs to declare the strike of
by reason of the indefinite damage which ia
being done to the business of the country.
Second-The leaders unite in an appeal
to the public to quit patronizing the Pull
man sleeping, drawing room and dining
cars.
Thrd-That the president be asked to
name an arbitrating commission.
Fourth-That efforts to impeach Attor-
ney General Olney be continued
Fifth-That an effort be made to secure
the passage of a compulsory arbitration
law by congress.
Sixth-That complaints be lodged look
ing to the indictment of the railway mana
gers for conspiracy TO obstruct the move
ment of United States mails by refusing to
run mail cars except in connection with
Pullman cars.