The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1905-03-06
A. F. OF |. ASKED
TO INVESTIGATE
NATIONAL ORGANIZATION TO
PROBE LOCAL TROUBLE.
Federation Council Requests an Official
Inquiry into Conduct of Mil Strike
and Boycott-Council Sits as Court
to Hear Evidence in Kellington-Ro-
gan Row.

The American Federation of Labor
has been asked to send a representative
to Minneapolis to investigate the ru-
mors regarding the conduct of the
financial end of the late strike and boy
colt against the Minneapolis flour mills.
The federation council has instructed
Secretary McEwen to furnish the Off
GERS of the national organization with
all information in the case and imme-
diate action Is expected.
The request of the federation coun-
ell was made yesterday at the meeting
at Alexander's hall. Anticipating an
exciting meeting, large number of
labor unionists were present. The mat
ter before the council was the hearing
of evidence upon the charge of A. Z.
kellington, secretary-treasurer of the
Mill Employees, that John Rogan, q
weI-known member of the Plumbers
union, had offered him bride of 81 500
to have the boycott upon the product
of local milling companies raised.
When the minutes Of the last meeting
were read, objection was made that
they did not contain an accurate state
ment of the action taken, an after some
discussion they We're altered to CORES
kellington, who claimed he and not Mr..
Rogan was on trial. After the settle
ment of this point, Mr.. Wellington
asked for representation by an attorney
and the privilege of having q stem
ographer to record the proceedings: 1t
was decided that each principal should
be ALLOWED O three advisors Of attorneys a
Durker, George B. Howley and S. J.
Spencer, as his selection. Mr.. Rogan
chose Messrs. John O'Donnell, Hugh
Jennings and NJ. E. Neary. The taking
of testimony then commenced.
Mr.. Rogan's Visit.
Thomas Van Lear was in the chair,
attendance. Mr.. Wellington stated that
on the night he left Minneapolis to at
tend the 4. F. of l.. convention in San
Francisco, Mr.. Rogan came to his resi-.
dence in North Minneapolis, and asked
for a private interview. Wellington
replied that his house was the proper
place for such an but fn
other place, and they went down town
to saloon where, he said, Mr.. RogaI
made the proposition embodied in the
charge. Mrs. Kellington, Miss Nc
Leod and two sisters-in-law corrobo
rated that part of the testimony in rela
tion to the visit of Rogan to Keeling
sste a0g rs the s ssppe Of aa s psr ai
the testimony. No evidence was sub
mitted to substantiate Mr.. Kellington ::
charge that Rogan took him to the dowI
town place designated and offered th'
bride.
Owing to the complicated nature Of
the case, involving, as it does, othel
matters in relation to the mill strike
funds, much diversity Of opinion ex
listed as to the testimony that shoult
ha
much time was wasted. Frequen
wrangling occurred and everybody tool
a hand. Mr.. Wellington was subjecte,
to much eross-questioning, as were ais
his witnesses, and some confusion re
suited owing to conflicting statements
Several members of the mill employees
union appeared for Mr.. Wellington an,
gave testimony.
Mr.. Rogan did not offer any evidence
and after spending the time from
: o clock until in hearing one side o
; the case, the council went into execu
. tive session. This session lasted unit
about $3.50, but no decision was an
. nounced. The council adjourned unit
Sunday, March 10, when Mr.. Kellingto
:: will have further opportunity t
strengthen his case.
To Probe Other Charges.
at the meeting of March 10, it
|. said, the charges of crookedness mad
: by Mr.. Kellington against certain men
. bers of the Federation Council will b
= probed. 1t is understood the forme
q denies having made any accusation
against anyone who is member of til
council outside of Rogan, but anothe
: man high in labor circles says this
d others were brought in and all desil
that tho rnpSfar ha fharolu Suracf no 70
: None of those present at yesterday
/. meeting would venture any predictio
t as to the outcome of the controvers
d but all are agreed that there seems
be something radically wrong som
where, and they are anxious to have I'll
S whole affair investigated and the fac
= presented to the public.
''Cltizens Alliance" Roelofs Hats, s