The Springfield herald., 1907-07-05
TALK SOCIALISM
IN GREAT LABOR CONVENTION
Denounce Mitchell and
Gompers. - Soeialistic Resolutions
Voted Down and Gompers and
Mitchell Sustained.

Voted Down ana 1orHpeTS 81"
Mitchell Sustained.
San Francisco, Nov. 22.-From the
standpoint OF the unexpected and SEN
sational. yesterdays session OF the
American Federation Of Labor was the
most exciting one yet had.
During the heated debate which 1ol-
lowed the unexpected interjection OF
the question of Socialism before the
delegates, Samuel Gompers and John
Mitchell were charged with being trail
tors to the cause OF labor.
These charges, and the bitter Social
lstic debate which followed were
caused by the introduction OF the fol
lowing resolution by Delegate Victor
Berger of Milwaukee,:
Whereas, the unprecedented con-
centration of wealth in the United
States and the rapid development OF
the trusts In almost every branch OF
industry make it obvious that capital
ism will soon reach its elimination
point and will have to make room for
another phase of civilization; and
whereas, 1t is evident that this ma
ton is destined to take the lead in this
grand struggle for better conditions
and higher culture; therefore, be 1t
Resolved, that we hereby recon-
mend to all organizations affiliated
with the American Federation OF La
Dor to have their members study the
economic conditions. to have lectures
upon these subjects In their lodges,
homes and at meetings set apart for
this purpose, and to do everything In
their power for the enlightenment and
Intellectual advancement OF the prole-
tariat."
The resolutions committee reported
to the convention that 1t recommended
the adoption OF the clause following
the first whereas" A Socialist dele
gate arose and asked why the parucu-
lar section be expurgated.
This opened the foodgates OF ora
tory and vituperation and the battle
was not over until an hour and fifteen
minutes after the regular time for ad-
1ournment. BY an overwhelming vote
the delegates then passed the resolu-
ton as recommended by the committee
and expressed their confidence In JohA
Mitchell and Samuel Gompers.
Max Hayes. who championed the So
cialist doctrine in q speech. 30 aroused
the galleries that they cheered him
for several min,ites.
This caused President Gompers to
threaten to clear the hall OF all visit
ors II demonstrations of the kind were
repeated. The debate became warmer
and some Of the best speeches Of the
session were made during its course.
Criminations and recriminauone nav
thick and fast.
Feeling ran so high that John Mitch
ell rose in the convention and stated
that unless Delegate Victor Berger OF
Milwaukee was able to prove his state
ment that he (MitchelD had been
traitor to the workingman. he must
stand before the eyes Of all present q
convicted liar.
Then a motion was made to suspend
the rules and allow President Gompers
and John Mitchell an opportunity to
defend themselves.
The trouble arose over . printed slip
distributed to some delegates. which
charged Mr.. Gompers and Mr.. Mitchell
with dining with President Eliot q
Harvard. The article In question said
the place at which the meal was eohoa
was an unfair house and that President
Eliot was the man who calle0 Tn
"scab" a hero. 1t bore the heading.
Are They Traitors?"
The reply of President GompcrB was
most bitter and impassioned and the
feeling among the delegates was tense.
He admitted the attendance upon the
dinner, but denied every inference
drawn therefrom and declared that as
long as he was connected with the la,
Dor movement he would fight against
politics being mixed with unionism.
Mr.. Mitchell made a quiet address,
but was accorded the closest attention.
He was loudly applauded when he said
that he defied any man to point to any
act of his which might be interpreted
as against the interests Of the work.
1ngman.