The Washington times., 1906-06-20
THROW OFF HAND
At OUR THROATS.
URGES GONPERS
Stirring Address Before
Convention of Plate
Printers Union.

In one OF the strongest pleas he has
ever made 10 organized labor 20 assert
itself IN national and State politics.
Samuel Gompers. president OF the
American Federation OF Labor. in the
opening address before the fourteenth
annual convcC Cutfon OF the international
Steel and Copper Plate Princes In
Ion, which convened at the Ebbitt
House this morning. urged tho laboring
men OF the country 20 free themselves
from the hard OF the oppressors Of or
ganized labor"
With the gaveI that wls made by T
V. Powderly, former Commissioner Of
immigration. in 1872. and which has
been used at some o. the most notable
gatherings OF labor men IN this and
other countries. President Thomas G.
Keegan. called the meeting to order.
and introduced William Leissle-, presi-
dent of Local No. 2. who made the ad-
dress Of welcome. About sixty delegates
from different parts OF the UEited States
and Canada are attending the conven>
ton
Americas Percentage of Labor Men.
Mr. Gompers reiterated the welcome
extended by Mr.. Leissler, saying that
not only IS the Capital City the home
of the executive offices Of the United
States, but also the home of the execu-
tive Offices OF the American Federation
OF Labor. He then spoke OF the general
misrepresentation as to the percentage of
workingmen in this country.
There is,'' said Mr. GOmpers. "an
IDEA among many classes that we
want TO run everything. They say.
What right have 100000 or 100000 Of
men. comprising the American Fedora
ton OF Labor. to influence the affairs
of a country with a population Of S0.-I
900. .O00?' want 10 say that these 5000
coo labOring men represent at least 15.-
600 coo souls. The great majority Of the
unions represent fully ffve-sixths of the
members of their craft. while organi-
cations like yours comprise 9S per cent.
Why then have they not the right to
be?' '-'-' '--' o''-O' '''i' % i''s S'''n
Close Affiliation Urged.
Reference was then made to the loyalty
of the plate printers in all labor move
ments, and Mr. Gompers laid special
stress upon the respect and love he en-
tertained for the members Of the union.
He urged that they make an effort to
bring about a better understand ding and
affiliation OF the plate engravers with
the Federation of Labor. In many of
the larger cities there are local unions
among the engravers, explained Mr..
Gompers, but in many cases their POSI-
ZION has been in opposition and antago-
nistic to the American Federation Of
Labor.
Referring to the refusaI OF politicians
to recognize the claims Of organized
labor Mr. Gompers said:
We are tired Of being the plaything
80 football OF politicians We have
asked our fellow labOring men and fell
low citizens all over the country to ex-
ercise their sovereign rights. and the
time has come for US TO take a decided
stand.
Oppressors Hand at LSbor's Throat.
''I don't look for the millennium
through the ballot box. 1t comes
through q mans own heart. What we
want TO accomplish in politics is to take
the hand Of the oppressor OF organized
labor from our throats."
T. V. Powderly also spoke of the
political situation, saying he was gla4
the executive council of the American
Federation Of Labor had taken a stand
in this matter. The real protection
that the laboring man has" said Mr.
Powderly. comes through organized
labor" He concluded by telling the del
egates to go 70 their respective homes
and organize your ministers.
May Continue Session Next Week.
The meeting this afternoon was given
over to the receiving Of credentials. It
had been expected the convention would
conclude with a banquet at Washington
Light Infantry Armory Saturday night,
Continued on Second Page.)