The San Francisco call., 1904-11-23
Copley Comes to Extend a
Glad Hand and GOmpers
Gives Him Kind Speech
SOCIALISTS TWICE
TURNED DOWN HARD
Militia Figures in a Hot
Debate on Floor of the
Lyric Hall Gathering
DISAPPROVE PENSIONS

The American Federation Of Labor
and the Western Federation Of Miners
yesterday made advances. in public,
toward cooperation. On the side of
the Western Federation Of Miners was
Z. c. Copley OF the miners executive
board. On the other hand was Samuel
Gompers, president Of the American
Federation Of Labor. backed by the
applause Of something like 400 dele
gates assembled in convention in
Lyric Hall.
A special order was made for the
forenoon to welcome Copley. The
proceedings IN that regard were brief
but weighty with significance of what
might be implied. The convention
had been going some little time when
Copley was greeted. In the interim
the delegates had listened to remarks,
largely by socialistic delegates, re-
garding the attitude Of federated labor
10 the militia Of the several States.
An exchange Of doubtful courtesies
between those who oppose socialism
and those who favor socialism had
taken place. Then Copley was es-
corted 10 the platform by one of the
vice presidents Of the convention and
was introduced by President Gompers.
He at once began his address.
WHAT COPLEY SAID.
II there had been any idea that
Copley would speak violently or with
any degree Of aerceness about the re-
cent happenings in Colorado such was
speedily dissipated. The text of his
speech is as follows:
Brother President and Delegates OF the
American Federation OF Labor: II gives me
the deepest pleasure at this time 10 appear
before this body I see among the delegates
IN this convention those with whom have been
In conventions in previous years, when ami
ssreS win the American Federation OF Labor.
II gives me pleasure at this time 10 renew
those associations. Briefly ! wish TO say that
] an eratifed 70 be extended the courtesy OF
the floor OF this convention FOR Just moment,
10 thank the officers and members OF the Amer
ican Federation OF Labor and the animated
that has been extended 10 the Western Fedora
tion OF Miners so nobly during their struggle
do not believe It wise or necessary TO take
mp your time with extended statement or
detail of the conditions IN Colorado. as they
have been in the last year and q half. as l
know that this convention has much business
10 attend 10 and does not care 20 be bothered
with that sort OF thing, ano most OF you are
somewhat. Il not well posted, upon the condi-
tions that have prevailed
I will say only that at this time in Colorado
the complexion o. things has changed some
what. As a result Of organization and effort
our esteemed Governor Peabody has been rel
egated 10 the rear We hope that the incoming
incumbent, who has twice been Governor OF
Colorado. viii give fair and just admin
fstratfon. That is all that organized labor
asks for. IN Colorado as elsewhere. I am In
your city TO explain thoroughly and IN detail
the conditions that have applied IN Colorado
and that led up 10 the struggle in Colorado.
But unfortunately shall be unable TO do
that while the delegates 10 this convention are
IN the city, not being able 70 procure a suit
able building at earlier date, I have had
70 make the date Of that lecture the 4th OF
As IS well known by most OF the delegates
70 the American Federation OF Labor my or
saaization the Western Federation of Miners
is not affiliated with the American Federation
Of Labor. I want 10 say TO you that as e.
member OF the executive board Of the Western
Federation for the last two years Il has been
one Of my pleasures 10 further far as pos
sible afhliation with this body. This fact
is known By delegates in this convention. I
believe that there is room in this great coun-
try for only great federation OF labor Be
lieving that, II then follows that 1t is my
duty and the duty, believe. OF every other
member Of whatsoever organization he may be-
long TO. 10 use his efforts in that direction.
believe that under the present systematized
procedure OF organized capital II is necessary
that the time has arrived in this country when
Il is absolutely necessary for all organizations
20 stand solidly together and to proceed as one
body. Therefore. as 1 say, have used my in
the Western Federation Of Miners In that dI
rection. I hope that the time is not far dis
tant when the union OF this great country
viii all be under the same tent, so TO speak
Now, brothers. ] do not wish to take up any
more Of your time; I do not think II wise
You have your business to attend to I am
thankful, as ! said for the opportunity TO ad-
dress you, for the courtesy OF the floor and
] hope that the deliberations Of this conventton
VIII be such that viii bring about changes
the necessary beneficial changes 70 eli orTan.
lied labor. God speed your convention, and may