The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1906-11-04

UellCpG Gildt IL Is HUI CUuIISOuS OIL Gue
part of prospective hosts to the feder-
alton to express their views, or wheth-
er they are just apathetic on the matter
is uncertain. .. 49,,
1t is possible, too. that the situa-
ton is much more interesting to feder-
alton men who are nearer the scene, of
political battle. A. 49,
Heard No Criticism. -
George B. Howley, head of the Build
ing Trades council, did not show an in
tense interest in the subject of Presi-
dent Gompers' relation to the fedora
ton last night, but he frightened up
when the federation convention was
mentioned. y
1T haven't heard anyone eriticise
titude," said Mr.. Howley. .. .s
When he was asked whether Gompers
Howley said sententiously: owe can
tell better after next Tuesday,
This was the only intimation from
Mr.. Howley that any attention was be-
ing paid locally to Mr.. Gompers evil
dent attempt to use the federation to
further political ends 49,"
"Well, but you fellows are sending
a dollar each down to Illinois for use
in the campaign remarked the inter
viewer.
"No, we are not,' he replied.
"You were asked to, anywaysO
r '"lll bet that not $40 note has
gone outside of the state Of Mime
sota,,' said Mr.. Howley. s.'..
All Eyes on Minneapolis.
Whatever may be the near view Of the
situation in Minneapolis, it is undoubt-
eddy true that organized labor thruout
the United States is looking forward
with the keenest interest to the annual
convention of the American Fedora
ton of Labor, which is to be held
week after next in Minneapolis.
From the time that the special and
official train arrives in Minneapolis
with it's 800 delegates, President Comp
ers and other officials, Minneapolis
the United States. :
There is no concealing the fact that
the rank and file Of the organization
looks upon the approaching gathering
as the most important in the history Of
the federation, which extends over a
quarter Of a century. There is feel
ing, which has scarcely yet been given
expression, that the organization is ap-
preaching crisis in its career.
To put the situation in plain words,
it is becoming recognized among many
labor men that the political program
Of President Gompers and his advisers
has proven a frost. - Some of the
prominent leaders do not hesitate even
Tuesday are disastrous to the plans of
the American Federation of Labor or,
in other words, if the congressional
candidates tina the, federation has
marked for defeat are reelected by
normal majorities, it is safe to say that
Mr.. Gompers' reputation as leader
will suffer severely. That the reaction
against his leadership will be suffi-
GENTLY strong to; result in his over
throw at the Minneapolis convention is
scarcely probable under any circum-
stances. He has successfully guided
the organization for years, and his per-
file is believed to be sufficient to keep
him in power. But it is also probable
that he will be forced to entirely aban-
don his political schemes or put them
upon a wholly new basis.
Against Gompers' Policy.
While the radical element Of organ
lied labor enthusiastically embraced
the scheme of going into politics, it is
at the same time true that the more
conservative of the organizations, such
as the railway brotherhoods, the paint
ers, and others, have been only luke
warm in support Of the political propa-
ganda. The sentiment of those op-
posed to President Gompers is well set
forth in an editorial appearing in the
official organ of one of the, strongest
and most influential labor organizations
in America. The writer says in part:
eve regret, but are not surprised
att the apathy Of the unorganized and
the absence Of enthusiasm on the part
of organized workers in the political
campaign. The executive council of
the American Federation Of Labor
must feel discouraged at the GOODNESS
with which their plans were received,
est shown by those active in the move
ment: It is not difficult to account for
this unfortunate situation. Those re-
sponsible, cannot plead ignorance of the
methods Of trade; unions or Of the SEN
timents Of their memberships. No one
knows better than President Gompers
that trade unionists the world over are
stanch believers in self government,
that they have confidence in their abil.
ity to decide for themselves what policy
is best. for them to adopt, how and by
WnOm III Snatl5 pc carried out, and how
the funds necessary for its carrying
out shall be provided. They refuse to
be committed to any program in the
adoption of which they were not con
suited, and resent the assumption Of ir-
responsible authority and even the
semblance of dictation by their leaders.
Yet-knowing the aggressive democ-
racy Of trade unionism- President
Gompers and the executive council
without consulting the 100000 mem
bers of the American Federation of La
Dor, decided to commit the trade union
lists Of the United States to platform
tn tn nh po egey w hid a haRd think III rama
vised and impractical, to a CAMPAIGN iu
for which no adequate plans have been
made or funds provided