The San Francisco call., 1904-12-16
FAVORS PLANS
OF FEDERATION
President Expresses Views
on the Labor Problems in a
Letter to Samuel Gompers
PRAISES MARK HANNA
Executive Places Stamp of
Approval on Movement to
Develop New Conditions

NEW YORK, Dec. 15.-The creation
of an international body based on the
National Civic Federation as it exists
at present in this country was forecast
ed by Ralph NJ. Easley, chairman of
the executive committee, in a report to
the national executive committee of the
National Civic Federation at the annual
meeting in this city to-day. The meet
ing of the committee was executive.
and Samuel Gompers. president of the
American Federation of Labor, pre-
sided. Andrew Carnegie was present.
The following letter from President
Roosevelt to First Vice President Sam
uel Gompers was read to the members
of the federation:
WHITE HOUSE. WASHINGTON. Dec. IA,
1eo4--My Dear Sir: greatly regret that my
duties here do not admit my attending the
nual meeting OF the National Civic Fedora
tion, which will be held in New York City
the 18th inst But although l cannot take
part iE the conference or be present at dinner
herewith. 1 am sure you understand that l
purposes Of the National Civic Federation in
its efforts fer the establishment of more
rt=httul relations between employers and em-
ployes. II Is a movement SEQ praiseworthy and
so thoroughly American in conception that il
should as a matter of course receive the
earnest support OF all good citizens who are
awake TO the vital needs of nation
Views UPON economic and sociological prob
lens often differ. There be. however, no
division CT opinion that the highest aim of all
should be toward establishing. on an ever
closer basis of mutual respect and friendship,
the relations between employers and workmen.
The men associated in the National Civic
Federation have already done much in the di-
rection OF settling labor difficulties on basis
of conciliation and just dealings. Among
those most prominent in this work and largely
and intimately associated with all your work
was the late Marcus A Hanna. Senator from
Ohio, president of the National Civic Fedora
ton. large employer of labor, man OF ex-
traordinary force of character and great men
tai strength, who devoted much of his time
earners. not only without injury TO en-
ployers. but to their marked benefit as well
the benefits of the people generally.
You about to elect president to NIL
the vacancy caused by his DEATH and l
your wise judgment will enable you to
choose some able to carry on in his spirit
and with his power the great work of your
association
A-ain permit me TO assure you of my en-
tire sympathy with your organization. which
has done much. and which. II rightfully
much in the interests of the people Of
our common country.
August Belmont was tonight elect
ed president of the federation, to sue
ceed the late Senator Hanna. The
other officers chosen were: First vice
president, Samuel Gompers; second
vice president, oscar S. Strauss; chair
man of the ways and means commit
tee, Henry Phipps; treasurer. Charles
A. Moore; chairman welfare depart
ment, H. H. Vreeland; chairman
trade committee, Francis L. Robbins
and John MITCHELL; chairman execu-
tive council, Ralph NJ. Easley; sec
retary, Samuel B. Donnelly.