The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1906-11-16
A. F. OF |. IS NEAR
POLITICAL CLASH
James Duncan, First Vice Presi-
dent, Declares Politics Must
Be Side Issue.
Brown Of Brockton Defends the
Policy of President Sam
uel Gompers.

Hard detail work in committee is the
order OF things today in the convention
or the American Federation Of Labor.
After short session which resulted in
a q1sPlay OF oratory over technical
questions Of procedure, the convention
adjourned at 1915 am. today and re-
solved itself into committees to hear
subjects to be presented later to the
convention. =. :. ~ -,
The chief cause Of the oratorical dis
play was motion by E. Garry Brown
of Brockton, Mass, that the convention
practically resolve itself into com
mlttee Of the whole to discuss such sub
}ects as might properly be introduced.
It was evident that the majority Of the
delegates who took part in the discus
sion following the motion planned to
say something about the political future
and the future political activity Of the
federatio -. 1872. -, : :,
James Duncan, first vice president.
announced that he is prepared to take
me stand that the original purpose Of
the federation, the advancement of
trades unionism, is the first policy of
that politics shall be side issue. He
announced that he was prepared to take
issue with those who hope to see the fu-
ture political activity Of the federation
its main feature. = --.~
Defended Gompers.
In the drifting from the point that
Followed, others expressed different op-
anlons. Delegate Brown asserted that
the results Of recent activity had been
that labor had succeeded in electing its
enemies and defeating it's friends, He
declared that this defeat of the pur,
pose OF the recent political move was
t que to failure properly to organize and
tnat because of the failure attacks
had peen made on President @Gompers.
sible. -
MT. Brown has resolution before the
convention calling for. the creation Of
on al Political worF to tho 1 to
mat the efforts of labor in politics NAV
result In the election Of friends of a.
oor and the defeat Of its enemies. The
assignment Of this resolution to its
proper committee was discussed and
INCIDENTALLY several sarcastic remarks
were oHered to the effect that one or
or even start any business. -
a The general discussion SECRETARY
! morrison offered an explanation Of The
manner in which some OF the business
Of the convention is carried on. Others
spoke and finally the convention was
ad1ourned to allow all committees time
. 1og business and hearing for all who
wish to be heard. ~, 49, -
Invited to Toronto. ::
I. Another invitation for the next meet
ing Of the Federation was received. From
Toronto. The invitation is extended
by Mayor p: Coatsworth and is con-
CURED In and heartily Endorsed bv the
canadian Trades and Labor congress-.
which says:"We extend cordial invi.
tat1on for the Federation to meet next
IN time this side the imaginary boundary
The Anti-Compulsory Vaccination
league of ST. Paul asked an opportunity
FOR a hearing, but the request was
placed on the table. > = =. =
By special permission of the conyen-
ton two delegates who have lust ar
rived In the city were allowed to intro.
duce resolutions today. According to
the rules Of the convention Yesterday
was the last day for their introduction.
and a flood of late. resolutions was re-
ceived.t =. "'
The switchmen Appear.
The representatives Of the switch.
men have resolution asking trade
autonomy to allow them to handle more
completely their own affairs. In max
ing his announcement tho do1or,%. g..