The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1907-02-16
Says That Gompers is an Arch
Enemy Of the People-Is an
Arch Demagogue and Liar
Biting Under Defeat He
Pours His Venom Against
the Great Labor Champion.
Gompers is Undismayed Says
Wharton Has Not the Cour-
age to Utter This in His
Presence-Proves BY Con-
Rressional Record that
Wharton is Really a Liar. ..

WASHINGTON, D. c., Feb. IA
Samuel Gompers Of the American Fed
Grafton Of Labor was in Cuba for the
benefit of his health when Congressman
Wharton made cowardly attack upon
him In the course of a debate in the
House Of Representatives.. The press
Of the country gave much prominence
to his remarks, and as Mr. Gompers
could not be reached his reply was
awaited with eagerness by his host Of
friends in and out Of the labor move
ment.
Congressman Littlef1eld has previ-
ously delivered himself. Of TRADE
against Mr.. Gompers behind closed
doors at a meeting Of the organized
opponents Of union labor. Prior to
speaking he asked that the reporters
be removed from the room. This
speech was not made known until
stenographic reports Of It were secured
from friendly sources. and it was found
that the humiliated Congressman had
not only abused Gompers but he con-
demned his fellow congressman in g.
most cowardly manner.
Mr.. Gompers Replies.
Upon Mr.. Gomper's return he lost
no time in giving publicity to the fol-
lowing in answer to the accusations Of
labor's opponents:
'Since the close Of the last political
campaign in which organized labor
took conspicuous part, and by which
several congressman were sent into
deserved political oblivion and others
had their wings sseveseiy singed q. few
.heHe RhoWnsAsma Ekel1 1splSansands bit
who stand out conspiciousiy and III
bold relief. They are Hon: Charles S.
Wharton Of the Fourth District of Illi-
noise. and Hon. Charles E. Littleheld.
of the Second District Of Maine, Mr.
Wharton was defeated by a conscien-
tious, intelligent man, Mr.. McDermott.
a member in good standing Of the Or
der of Commercial Telegraphers. an
organization In full affiliation with the
American Federation OF Labor.
"harton's cowardIy Attack i.
"A few weeks ago. when a bill (Mr.
Littlef1eld's) was pending in the House
1or the abolition Of compulsory pilot
age, Mr.. Wharton made a speech OF
two minutes duration, In the course of
which he took occasion to say that
Samuel Gompers was AN arch enemy
OF the people that arch demaeosue
and liar" We do not know what elsa
1.-The honorable gentleman had In mind
to say, but we doubt very much that
he would have had the temerity to ut
ter the above, or anything else dero-
Eatory to- us in our presence, or where
opportunity presented itself for reply
0omPers Defense Unnecessary.
I'VE feel sure that it will not be nec-
essary for US to make a defense to anv
such charge, as that which Mr.. Wharf,
ton makes against US of being an
enemy OF the people, or playing the
role Of demagogue. The work Of a
lifetime to endeavor to help the great
mass Of the America wornkmen- and
that implies with it the Improvement
In the condition of all our peonla
must stand as our best answer to thu
foul aspersion. Then, too, It has been
one OF our great purposes in life to be
absolutely truthful, it being recorn1xed
that upon the veracity OF q man must
depend largely his capacity for useful
service.
Wharton's Attack Not Jue<;f;ed
But, let us for moment see whetbs,