Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-11-07
SAW LABOR LEADERS
THE ANTI-INJUNCTIoN BILL,
Representatives Of the Administration
Will Meet officials Of the
Federation.

President Roosevelt today had a long con-
ference with labor leaders as to labor mat
tiers he will discuss In his annual message
TO Congress. The labor representatives
were President Compers anu Secretary
Morrison of the American Federation of
Labor, President James OConnen of the
International Machinsts and T. c. SPELL
ing. attorney for the Federation of Labor
The conference covered considerable
ground. but there was no Immediate out
come. The President did not commit him
self as to the anti-injunction easure that
the Federation OF Labor is urging but
sentative of the administration should
meet officials of the federation and listen
to what the federation wants.
Request for Hearing.
The conference today was brought about
by the following letter, written by Presi-
dent Gompers to the President October %:
I'm the midst of the first session of the
present Congress a bill known as the
Pearre anti-injunction bill was introduced.
It Is, when fully understood, less radi-
cal measure than some of It's predecessors.
In drawing the bill. care was taken that the
domain of congressional power over inter-
state commerce. including whatever pow
ers 1t may have over industrial monopolles,
should not be invaded. Nevertheless, In
some instances. by reason of ignorance or
lack of time to study its provisions. and
in other instances because of a wicked in
clination to pervert the truth. for unworthy
ends. 1t has been persistently condemned
as radical and revolutionary.
''The bill was called to your attention at
q personal interview granted to officers
Of the American Federation of Labor at a
time when you were so engrossed with
other duties that you could not give 1t the
study SO important subject demanded
and certain controverted phases of the bill
were referred to the Attorney General The
result was conclusion on your part that
it was beyond your province to interfere In
pending legislation. otherwise than by the
usual method of a message to Congress.
LAS representatives of great interest.
we respectfully request that we be given
a further hearing at an early date upon
that bill. prior to the completion OF your
annual message to Congress. And in or
der that the time be utilized to the best
advantage. It Is suggested-if the sugges-
ton be agreeable-that the Attorney Gen
eral, or any legal representative you may
select. be present, and that our organize
ton be also represented by its attorney
as well as by few OF its chief officers at
said hearing.
'SInce the convention of the American
Federation of Labor begins November IL.
at Minneapolis, and 1t will, be necessary
to leave here on Friday. November 0, for
that city. may I also suggest that. II con-
venient to you. the hearing be had any
day from November to 8, inclusive.
Permit me to assure you that no other
purpose inspires this request than the de-
sire for absolute Justice. 1t Is made be-
cause of a bona fide desire to secure the
passage Of the Pearre bill or similar
BILL"
The Request Granted.
The Presidents answer was as follows:
II have received your request for a hear
ing on November 2. or 8 in reference to
the anti-injunction bill. do not know that
there ia much more could say In reference
to beyond what have already said, and
as am to start for Panama on the after
noon OF the 9Th, 1 may not be able to give
you a. much time as you may desii, and
unfortunately fear the Attorney General
Will not be in Washington. Nevertheless.
II you will come with your attorney and
hope only one or two Representatives to see
me at u o'clock ON Wednesday. November
q. Il VIII be 9 pleasure to 20 over the mat
tee With yea