New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1906-03-23
MAY ENTER POLITICS.
So Labor Leaders Say-Deep I'M
preston Made by Presidents Words.

Washington, March 22-The executive coun-
Gil of the American Federation of Labor spent
some time to-day discussing the replies of Presi-
dent Roosevelt and Speaker Cannon to the bill
Of grievances presented to them and to Mr..
Frye, President pro. tempore Of the Senate, yes
terday, regarding legislation affecting labor in
terests. Mr.. GOmpers said tonight that the
closing paragraph of the memorial meant ex-
acty what it said. That is, If Congress fails to
remedy the grievances, the organization viii
appeal direct to the people.
In other words, he said the Federation of
Labor will enter the field of politics and urge
organized labor to elect men Of it's own choos-
ing and thus have personal voice in the gov
eminent There will be further discussion of the
situation by the members of the council, on whom
the remarks of the President and Mr.. Cannon
made deep impression. MI Gompers insists
that the council is in tho right regarding the
statements set forth in the bill of grievances
that it has abundant proof Of the representa-
tions made, and that the condition of affairs in
the labor world everywhere is the best proof
of its contentious.
The council made this announcement tonight:
A representative of large land and moneyed
interests appeared before the council with a
view Of having the federation cooperate with it
in the management of the enterprise it being
both mechanical, dtStTibutiVe and CONSTITUTIONAL.
the entire matter to be conducted under union
labor conditions. The council decided that il did
undertake to deal in any commercial or in
dustrial enterprise, and could not act i'm any
matter affecting the interests Of labor other than
as wage earners President Gonners was an
thorlzed so TO notify the representative Of the
concern.
Frank Feeney, Of the Elevator Constructors
International Union protested against a char
ter being issued to the Steam Filters Associa-
ton because there is a conflict between the
members Of the two organizations. He and Mr.
Cummings, Of the steam filters. were asked 10
confer and endeavor to arrive at an agreement
and submit a report
Frank McArdle, president Of the international
brotherhood Of Foundry Employees. requested
the appointment Of a special organizer of the
trade and closer alliance with the Iron ArouId
ers' Union Of North America The question of
organizing was referred to Mr. Gompers and
Vice-President Valentine, who is president Of
the Iron Mouders' Union, promised to give all
possible assistance so far as his organization ts
concerned.
A communication was received from the presi-
dent Of the International Typographical Union
and from one Of the union printers Of Canada
saying that number Of printers had been con-
tracted for in England to come here by way of
Canada and act as strikebreal Jers If was do
cided to cooperate with the InteruatfouaI Tyno-
graphical Union with a view TO having those
coming here arrested 1t was said that there are
hour day and about 600 still out
President Ryan Of the Bridge and Structural
Iron Workers International Association COM
planned that the transfers were performing
work in buildings. and insisted that the team
sters' work should cease on the delivery of ar
ucles at the curb. President Shea Of the Broth
erhOOd Of Transfers said the question would he
taken up by the executive board of his organ
izatiOn soon.
Shelby Smith, of Philadelphia: T J. HeaIev. Of
New York president Of the International
Brotherhood OF stationary Firemen. and John
COnroy, Of the Firemens Union, of St Iouis
asked that the council enforce the decision
reached at the Pittsburg meeting Of the fedora
ton relative 10 the jurisdiction Of fremen and
engineers against the brewery workers Owing
to the large number of labor representativas i'm
Washington it was decided to give hearings ON
each particular case, but to defer decisions until
all could be announced at once.
James Q. Roberts, labor representative from
Tampa, requested the council to assign a spaciaI
organizer to Florida for the purpose of organ
ling labor there; also that Mr. GOmpers visir
the state to further that end. The council do
clded that Mr. Gompers should visit the state
Inc question Of matchmaking the Interna-
uonal Union OF Slate Workers and the Quarry
Workers International Union was ral.-r.d =,
Mr.. GOmpers to carry into effac+ ~