Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-12-18
LABOR FEDERATION.
DoyCorr ON GOODS OF THE AMERI-
CAN TOBACCO COMPANY.
INVESTIGATION OF CHARGES.
sugacstions of Booble In Connection
with Officers of the Organiyntion-
Gompcrs Trfumphs Over McCrnith--
I.aftcr's Influence Gone.

CINCINNATI. O., December 1.-THE
American Federation or Labor convention
to-day endorsed n boycott on the goods
Of the American Tobacco Company.
The convention adopted n resolution
providing for an investigation OF rumors
and charges that were being freely cir
culated In hotel Hobbies, and on the
streets rejecting on the officers Of the
American Federation OF Labor. The
rumors and charges were not specified,
and after the convention adjourned not
delegate could be found who would
admit THAI he knew anything about what
they were. II was voted TO hold the
investigation in executive session. 1t Is
impossible to get any authentic informa-
ton as 10 the nature OF the charges
being investigated. but 1t is learned from
a reliable source that the charges
emanated from Secretary McCraith. 1t
IS said that for some time past ne has
realized that his official position was In
danger nj this convention, and that con-
sequcntly, as a sort OF protection 10 him
self. he has been keeping close tab on
the members OF the Executive Council,
and that the charges Will be 10 the ef-
feet that the very men who voted TO
revoke William G. Pomeroy's commits
sion as general organizer. on the
ground that he used bis office for poll
teal purposes themselves did the very
same thing during the recent campaign.
but in the interest Of a different party:
also, that while the officers Of the coun-
Gil were given their attention to partisan
politics strike matters and other af-
fairs of the council, which should have
been attended 20. were entirely neglect
ed II IS hintc3 by some that there
was doodle" in large chunks. and IL
IS alleged that the sensation which will
follow the investigation will be without
precedent IN the labor world. Delegates
and officers. however. up TO the time Of
closing the convention doors to the
press. generally protested entire Fno-
rance as 10 the nature of the charges TO
be investigated.
After the reporters and others not dele
gates had left the convention hall, Dele
gate Mahon submitted written state
ment of the rumors TO which he had
called the attention Of the convention
The import Of them was that PRESIDENT
Gompers had taken action or negotiated
with Chairman Jones and other prominent
men of the Democratic party in the late
campaign as president of the Federation
Of Labor. 1t was stated that Secretary
McCraith was aware of this correspond
ence, and feeling that Mr. Gompers had
exceeded his prerogatives as president IN
the matter. the Secretary had spoken TO
members Of the Executive Council about
it. Out of this sprang all the rumors al
legged. hut Delegate Mahon could give the
names of but three. persons whom he had
heard mention the matter All of the let
tiers forming the correspondence of al
legged political negotiations were read be-
fore the secret session.
The upshot of the matter was that
Gompers was fully endorsed. McGraith
can never again be prominent in the az
fairs Of the Federation.