The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1907-11-22
acknowledgements,
WH0TELLS OF BRIDES
Says That Initials Of Manufac-
trrers' Association Was
Signed to Paper.
DECLARES HIS RECORD CLEAN
Asks Why Brandenburg Was Sc
cretivc and Why He Wanted
# Private Talks.

y y r 4. e y = i
cretivc and Why He Wanted
Private Talks.
NORFOLK, November 21.-At the
opening OF to-day's session OF the
American Federation OF Labor, Presi-
dent Gompers. with vice-Presldent
,O.Connell In the chair, arose to a ques-
tton OF personal privilege TO reply 70
the denial sent out from New York
last night by Broushton Brandenburs,
who, declaring that he was the man re-
ferred to by President Gompers In the
,latter's charges OF an attempt to bribe
Gompers, denied that he made any such
attempt to bride and also that he had
any connection with the National AS
ISOLATION OF Manufacturers. President
Gompers said In part:
fact that II Brandenburg desired only
to consult me about publication,
why was 1t necessary for him then to
so persistertly urge me to see him In
private? Why was 1t necessary for
him 10 assume q false name7 Why SO
much secrecy? Why was 1t necessary
for him, in his letter to me, urging
that come at once to New York, to
use tho language he did, saying 1t was
necessary for me to come at once as
matters are coming to a critical
crisis?
"why could there have been such a
critical crisis between two men who
had only passing ACQUAINTANCE II
only a publication was involved? II
there was no attempt to bride me, upon
what other basis did he hope that I
was going to abandon my LIES work?
"All the circumstances. link by link
show Brandenburg came to me as
representative OF the National Manu-
facturers' Association. even disregard
ing the statement that he himself told
me directly that he represented this
association, whose purpose. he said.
was to attack, destroy and bride the
men OF labor In order to strike at the
organizations themselves.
says Marks Appeared.
"Why was 1t necessary to reassure
me that he represented the Manufac-
turers' Association, coming to me with
warrants issued and signed by the Cen
fury syndicate. an auxiliary of the ma
ttonal manufacturers. the marks Of the
latter appearing In no less than two
the initials In one instance and the full
name OF the Manufacturers Associa-
ton spelled out in the other?
These warrants were eight inches
long and. four or five inches wide. such
as are used In ordinary business
houses to safeguard their money trans
actions.
Immediately after my speech yes
terday was informed by Delegate
2 - q, 7
told OF having received letters from
Brandenburg urging that i go to Edge
1 field, s. c., for q conference, Delegate
Jones saw Mr.. Van Cleave. the presi-
fdent OF the Manufacturers Association
and another man In Atlanta. Ca. O
city in close proximity to Edgefield
81 am willing to stand before you
delegates. the rank and file of labor,
and the general public, for them to
Judge the meaning OF this mans great
secrettveness. the mystery which he
documents produced by me. The key
to it all is that i declined to act as
| he wanted me to act"
Another great ovation to Mr.. Com
pers followed.
Jurisdictional Question:.
| After long debate to-day. involving
Important jurisdictional questions, be-
tween the steamhtterS ana plumbers
on one hand and the carpenters and
lAmaIxamated Woodworkers on the
other hand. the federation In tho first
dispute provided for committee OF
three from each side, with President
Gompers as chairman, to define the
dispute. the executive council in case
| Of failure at anlicable agreement, to
determine the matter. The steamtitters
desire absolute jurisdiction over steam
lfttjng work done by plumbers in all
small cities and elsewhere.
The federation reaffirmed Its iMinne-
apolis action, calling for the fun ANAL
Ramation OF the carpenters and wood
workers, and provided for a commit
ltee, to be composed of the president
and secretary OF each OF these inter-
national unions. with President Com
pers as chairman. to bring about an
other vote on amalgamation along the
identical lines as laid down at Mime
|apolis.
The convention this afternoon took
up consideration Of the brewery work
ers' controversy. involving the revoca-
ton OF their charter, because Of re-
fusal TO relinquish jurisdiction over
| the brewery engineers, flremen and
lteamsters. A desperate fight Is being
made for the return Of the charter.
REV. mr.. GAMBLER LEAVES