The daily sentinel., 1899-05-18
A NATIONAL FIGURE
Some Points on the Mans Per-
sonahty-Strong and Force
tul an Manner = Lubor's
Best Friend.

Samuel Gompers, president OF the
American Federation Of Labor and an
unique figure in labor circles throughout
the world, accompanied by Max Morris
young man who has demonstrated in
the last session of the legislature, as a
member Of the Arapahoe delegation
that he is made Of good parts and a
friend Of labor, were prominent figures
in the rotunda of the Hotel Brunswick
this morning.
The gentlemen we're en- route to Ouray
where they will meet the labor of that
great camp today and participate in a
reception which is rendered the distin-
guished guest.
Mr.. Gompers would be striking fig
ure anywhere seen. While he is small
of stature, he has personality notica BILE
anywhere. A fine head sets on good
strong shoulders, brilliant black eyes
look you squarely and fsirly in the face
and the gathering force Of his words in
discussing public questions, make him a
power not easily non-plussed and one
who impresses you as having the cour-
age of his convictions upon any question
which he may desire to discuss or aid.
1t must not be taken that Gompers,
who though spending twenty seven
years of his life in actual manual labor,
is not skilled diplomatist: He has a
fine vocabulary, excellent mental per
ception and by contact with men and
measures of national Importance has
that air OF ease which only comes
through contact ano participation.
When introduced to the Sentinel re-
porter in the Sampliner store, cloak of
reserve was Immediately assumed, as be
must be conscious that the words that
he speaks affect the interests OF millions
OF laborers and the responsibility to say
only the right things at the right tina
and place. is ever with him.
He is not austere or self CONSCIOUS
He is a commoner. He has pronounced
opinions which affect the laboring world.
On questions Of state policy he is frank
and cordial in his talk. He belittles nc
one and can discuss questions close to
his heart without bitterness or invec-
tive.
Upon labor subjects he said little.
On the question of the policy Of imper-
ialism, he had much TO say.
In part he said:
II believe we are making a mis-
take in our policy in the Philip
pines. am an anti-expansionist, in
80 far as Cuba and the Philippines
are concerned. 1t lily becomes
nation to subject to vassalism, a
country fighting for liberty. The
principle for which they fight is ex-
actly the same as we fought for in
held that we, at that time, we're in
capable Of self government. do not
compare the condition Of the Amer
ican people, our forefathers, at that
time, to the condition of the Fill
pinos, but the abstract principle was
the eame And think of tho shame
of it, that the first Asiatic country
which takes up arms for freedom is
now held back in that patriotic de-
sire.
II held this opinion long before it
was endorsed by the grand organi
ton Of the American Federation OF
labor and see no reason to enter
tain change OF opinion by recent
II
TO attempt to dictate to the Filipi-
nos. We are not a nation desirous
to aggrandize our power through
conquest. 1t is entirely foreign to
any policy over enunciated by our
country and We will yet find out
that we have made great mistake.
1--WE read every day that General