The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-11-19
Effort to Make Trades Union Tnil-End
of Political Organization Con-
demned by John Mitchell.
SPEECH BY SAMUEL G0MPERS
IN WHICH HE EXCORIATED THE
SOCIALISTEC DELEGATES.
Position of Vice President Duncan De-
Tended Against the Attack of Mr..
Carey-Other Labor News.

BOSTON, Mass, Nov. 1S.-After a long
debate. chiefly noteworthy because of the
bitter language of President Samuel Com
pers In dealing with socialism. the Ameri-
can Federation of Labor to-day defeated
resolutions pledging it to socialism. Nine
resolutions presented by Socialists and
calling for the adoption of their principles
had been reported upon unfavorably by the
committee on resolutions, and delegates rep
resenting a voting strength of 11.2S2 regis
tered themselves in support of the commit
tees recommendation, while delegates with
2,1S5 votes were registered in favor of the
resolutions. The issue was discussed all
day as well as part of yesterday. All the
leaders of both sides engaged in the de-
bate. Just before the vote was taken this
afternoon considerable excitement was
caused by Delegate Carey's condemnation
of Vice President Duncan's attack upon the
Socialists.
The climax of the day came when Presi-
dent Gompers, in bitter and unqualified Ian
guage, Scourged socialism and what he
claimed was an attempt to induce the con-
vention TO adopt its principles.
After several other socialistic delegates
had spoken, John Mitchell president of the
United Mine Workers, said: Il do not de-
sire TO detract from the credit due to our
sOcialistic friends for the assistance rem
contrary, L wish to make grateful ac-
acknowledgement to them for the assistance
they gave to us. But l wish to deny the
statement made by Delegate kreft that
the relief committee in Philadelphia was or
ganized by or was under the supervision of
the Socialist body. The Socialists of Phlla-
delphla, as In all other parts of the country.
contributed as literally as other trades
unions did. They did much; they did no
more l have no desire to discuss the rela-
tive merits of the trades unions and So
cialism. L recognize the right of every man
to believe as he pleases. / wish to say that
L regard ii as very great mistake on the
part of our Socialist friends to attempt to
commit this movement to the principles in
which they believe. 1t would be sad day,
indeed. If trades unions were made the tail
end OF political organization"
In his speech President Gompers defended
the position of Vice President Duncan, who
had been attacked by Mr.. Carey. Mr.. Com
pers declared that the philosophy of the So
cialists was wrong, although their ideas of
economic conditions were true. He pointed
out that vote for the resolutions would be
construed by the world as an Endorsement
of socialism, yet the Socialists did not want
trade unionists elected to office. Wherever
there have been Socialists they have always
opposed the trade unionists who were run
ming for Office outside the Federation OF
Labor Mr.. Gompers became very earnest,
and even bitter, in his statements against
from the floor. In closing he said II am at
variance with your philosophy. Econom-
ically you are unsound, socially you are
wrong and industrially you are an impossi-
bility. l have an abiding faith in the trades
union movement because 1t is the protector
of labor to-day, and If emancipation comes
some time it must be the trades union
movement that will achieve it."
great volume of applause followed the
conclusion of Mr.. Gomperss speech and
when the vote was taken the announcement,
was hailed with cheers
Resolutions were adopted denouncing the
act Of the commander of the French war.
ship Tage at New Orleans. In 1909 in send
ing the band of the Tage TO take the place
of union musicians who were locked out
from playing at the carnival. The resolu-
tions declare for congressional investigation
Of the case.
Another resolution adopted condemned
the manufacture of United States mail
bags by convict labor in Trenton prison.
resolution appropriating 81 900 to the
Alabama State branch Of the federation to
test the constftutionality of the anti-boy.
colt law in that State was referred to the
executive council with the recommendation
that it be given early consideration.
The convention then adjourned until to-
morrow.