The Minneapolis journal., 1902-11-17
The Old Steel Strike Dispute Breaks
Out in the American Fedora
ton of Labor.
A Committee Appointed to 1nvesti-
gate Charges Made by . 80
= Mr.. Shaffer.7 ..,~- :
The Longshoremen's Troubles Also
Go to Committee for
Solution.

pute between President Shaffer of the
Amalgamated Association of Steel Work
ers and President Gompers Of the Amerl-
can Federation of Labor broke out afresh
in the labor convention this morning and
there is every prospect that on this occa-
sion the fight will be to a finish. The
charges were originally made by President
Shaffer after the termination of the great
steel strike Of 1901. They were to the
effect that President Gompers of the
American Federation Of Labor and Presi-
don't John Mitchell Of the United Mine
Workers had been guilty of un-union-
like conduct In refusing to support his or
gan1zation in its fight. They, on the other
hand asserted that the association over
which Shaffer presided was trying to vio-
late It's agreements and that his stand was
untenable.
Delegate Sheridan Of the Amalgamated
association, a colleague Of President Shaf-
fer in the convention, caused a sensation
by asking unanimous consent to intro
duce resolution calling for an investiga-
ton and 1t will be referred to special
committee Of five. two to be selected by
President Gornpers. two by President
Shaffer and the four to choose the. fifth.
After the adjournment President Shaffer
asserted with great emphasis:
"The entire thing Is scheme to in
aure me and to discredit me so that I
cannot be reelected. had no part in the
presentation Of the resolution offered by
Sheridan and believe that he and Comp
era are in oollusion regarding it,"
When this statement was made to Mr..
Sheridan he denied that there was any
cooperation between himself and Presf-
dent Gompers. The latter said:
Mr. Shaffer may be entirely correct
when he says he did not desire the intro
duction. of the resolution but it Is utterly
false to say that I am in league with Sher-
idan or anybody else in this matter
The Regular Proceedings.
Delegate Sheridan Of the Arnalgamated
Association Of Steel Workers, asked unan-
fmous consent to introduce the resolution
demanding the Investigation. A delegate
offered an objection which President
Gompers requested him to withdraw. Del
egate Shaffer demanded that the matter
be investigated in the fullest measure.
Upon motion Of Delegate Mahon
amended by Vice President Duncan the
matter was referred to committee Of
FIVE, two to be chosen by President Comp
ers, two by Delegate Shaffer and the fifth
to be selected by the four.
After the investigation of charges
against the president had been temporar-
lily disposed of President Gompers said
to the Associated Press:
There is nothing in my connection
with the labor movement that I wish to
NoiiSSaI. nave always acted with Il
single eye to the best interests OF the
laboring men of the country. I welcome
the investigation in order that the matter
may be finally disposed Of"
president Gompers announced that the
two members Of the special committee
representing his interests to be John A.
NMofatt of the United Hatters and Edward
A. Agard Of the Glass Bottle Blowers
union. Mr.. Shaffer said that he was not
prepared to announce his members of the
committee.
resolution that before any union shall
make demand for change Of wages or
conditions it be referred to the central
body FOR action, was referred to the COM
mittee on boycotts The committee re-
ported adversely and Its action was sus-
tanned by the convention.
The Longshoremen.
Delegate Mahon Of the special commit
tee ting the application Of the
'longshoremen for a change of name ex-
tending their jurisdiction announced that
ireslaent keefe OF the 'longshoremen de,
cllned 10 serve as g. member Of the COM
mlttee believing that 1t should be com
posed OF disinterested parties. Delegate
Mahon therefore moved that the whole
matter be referred back to the executive
council for instruction. Secretary Morri-
son opposed the reference to the execu-
tive council. declaring that in his opinion
the special committee was irving to evade
the responsibility OF a decision DELEGATE
Mahon Vehemently repudiated the asser-
t1on.
motion was made by Treasurer Len
non that all interested parties be removed
from the committee. -,
q After q succession of motions and
amendments 1t was decided to remove
from the committee all those members
representing organizations directly inter-
ested IN the claims of. the 'longshoremen
for jurisdiction.
President Mcconnell OF the nachinists
declared that insufficient time had been
given committees to complete their work
and asked for an Adjournment ,,n+i1 q
o'clock Tuesday, morning in order that
the convention could proceed more rapidly
with. It's labors. His motion prevailed and
the adjournment was taken