The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1906-10-21

The general committee Of arrange:
ments for the coming convention Of
the American Federation Of Labor will
meet tomorrow evening at Alexander, 3
hall and discuss pre-conventlon mat
ters. The work Of the committee IS
about completed and all is in read1'
ross for the greatest f fa5or
It has been decided to cal! off the
plans for an exhibit of union-made i
goods. Similar enterprises in other
cities have been successful, but the i
move did not seem to meet with pop, |
ular favor here. It is understood thaT
several firms which manufacture label
lines will make displays, but there Will
be not united action.
AS the time for the convention
draws near, it develops that the busl-
ness to be considered is voluminouss
and Of vast Importance to. organized
workmen. The Minneapolis conven-
ton will mark an epoch in the trades
union movement for the reason that
for the first time in its history politics
will be discussed For years the pres
ident of the federation fought strenu-
ously against the introduction of any
thing savoring Of political action. In
each succeeding convention the social
lists made a fight to have the delegates
90 on record as favoring entry into
politics, and this faction has waged
bitter and relentless war on Mr..
Gompers because of his opposition to
their plans. The socialist element will
welcome the political step the orrganiza-
ton has taken. Locally the step mas
met with favor, but the future de-
ponds upon the success OF labor's plans
In the approaching election.
Gompers Gives His Views.
Mr.. Gompers is out in a statement
setting forth his views on politics,
LEGISLATION and labor, in order that he
may not be misunderstood, and the
current issue Of the Federationist con-
tains the statement in full.
1t is now apparent that the fedora,
ton will come out squarely n support
Transfers as against the seeding fac
ton, the United Teamsters Of Amer
lea. President Gompers and other
officials have done their utmost to
bring about harmony in the ranks Of
the teamsters. Recently MI. Gompers
visited Chicago in an endeavor tt
bring about an understanding between
the factions. He handled the matter
in his usual vigorous style, and went
80 far as to warn both sides that II
the war continued thers would soon be
no Transfers organization.
Mr.. Gompers noted conditions OF
years ago, when the man who drove
wagon was up before sunrise and neve,
in bed till midnight. When the old
time teamster was not eating or sleep
Ing, he was working; Wh sS the un do'
higher wages, shorter hours and bet
ter conditions prevailed. Then cam
division, and it required a grea
deal Of tact to bring about reunion
This was accomplished, however, an
the International Brotherhood O
Transfers was the result. Locally tn
trouble is not felt, but if matters ar
not adjusted at the convention, it i
felt that nothing can save the two OF
CARNATIONS from going under.
A large attendance is desired at tn
meeting of the committee tomorrow
night, and a photographer will b
present to take a fashlight Of thos
present. The meetings Of the commit
tee will be held every Monday even
ing from now until the conventio
meets.