Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-11-13
Opening of Auspicious Occa-
son at Pittsburg Today.
GOMPERS IN THE CHAIR
DELEGATES FROM EVERY STATE
AND MANY COUNTRIES PRESENT.
Some Of the Interesting Matters to
Come Before the Conventon-1m-
portant Results Expected.

PITTSBUR, Pa, November 13.-Old city
hall was crowded today when President
Samuel Gompers called the American Fed
81 alton of Labor to order for the opening OF
the silver anniversary of the organization.
All the delegates, representing every state
in the Union, Canada. England and other
foreign countries, were In their seats and
all the available space outside was utilized
by visitors.
The hall was tastefuliy and deliberately
decorated and there was no confusion in
the seating arrangements. which were per-
feet.
Shortly before 70 O'Clock the delegates
assembled at the headquarters in the CO.
lonial Hotel and headed by monster band
OF 12J pieces, made up of federated must
clans in Pittsburg. marched through the
principal streets TO the place OF meeting.
As President Gompers and Second Vice
President John Mitchell entered the hall
there was prolonged applause
\ few minutes later President Gompers
raped for order and introduced C. C. Doug
lass, chairman of the entertainment com
mittee, who welcomed the delegates on be-
half of the labor organizations OF the city.
Delegates Welcomed.
Attorney John Drew. speaking for Mayor
William Hays. welcomed the delegates to
Pittsburg and Mayor James G.. Wyman ex-
tended the Inequalities OF the sister city,
Allegheny
Mostly routine matters will be considered
at the session today. The presenta ton of
the credentials was the first matter the
program and occupied considerable time.
One of the interesting fights to be inaugu-
rated at this convention is the trouble be-
tween the plumbers and the steamfitters'
unions Ii Is said the officials of the steam
htters union will make an effort to unseat
William ]. Spencer. the plumbers repre-
sentative In the executive council.
Mr.. Gompers said that the convention
promised TO be important well as lively.
He would not talk on any important ques-
lions that likely to come up, saying
they should not be discussed by him until
the meeting 10 held.
President Gompers is out for reelection
and II Is generally believed that he will be
successful. The majority of the other Of
ncers are also candidates for reelection.
ana II Is likely that no changes will result
with the exception of Fifth Viye Presi-
dent Thomas !. Kidd is not a candidate
for another term. w d. Mahon, president
or the Amalgamated Association OF Street
and Electric Railway Employees of Detroit
Mich. will probably succeed him
During the report of the committee on
credentials IL developed that a number OF
labor unions in different parts of the coun-
try had failed TO pay the assessment levied
by the American Federation Of Labor for
the benefit of the striking New England
textile workers.
warm discussion arose as TO whether
the delegates of unions owing to the assess
ment should be seated Several motions
were made, and II was finally ordered that
the unions owing the assessment be given
representation In the convention today, but
that they would be compelled to make the
payments and arrange matters with the
committee on credentials at the adjourn
ment, which was taken at noon until
O'Clock this afternoon.