New-York tribune., 1907-06-02
GLOOM AT BAN ON BEER.
Thirsty Union Men Near ReUOlt Be
cause of GOmperS's Act.

Loyal labor unonists slipped the cup OF bitterness
and chewed the cud Of perplexity all day yester-
day. until late into the night, because great blow
had been struck at "The Cause" Just as sum
rner's thirsty days appear IN prospect the news is
flashed from Chicago that the Brewery WORKERS
Union has been thrown. neck, crop and keg, out
OF the American Federation of Labor By this
thunderbolt from President Samuel GompeTs' all
beer manufactured the United States after mid
night last night is declared perforce unfair, non
union. that other word.
The parched outlook lost for time in the
discussion Of the present fight between the brewers
and the American Federation Of Labor. with
bated breath labor leaders. would-be labor leaders
and plain workingmen, leaning over the dlngy'
near-mahogany bars Of the saloons near cooper
Square and in the brewery belt of the upper East
Side agreed that Gompers had been a strict
ruler, and some denounced him tyrant. But
they did not think he would be so cruel Was
ne their adherence to the federation by say
ing that until the fight was won no good union man
might drink beer? And what is the Big Stick COM
pared with the Big Thirst?
But there was ray of hope. had they known It.
over at Louis Gleichmans Schuetzen Hall, at No y
st. Marks Place. the note OF organized rebellion
sounded by members of 1.-THE Amalgamated
Walters Union, Local 20 !. Of the Hotel and
Restaurant Employees International Alliance, and
the Bertenders' International League Of America"
There in an upper room so big and bare that there
seemed space enough for the name Of the organiza-
ton a dozen walters grouped about Harry
KleinHan. the secretary. He set forth in no mis-
taxable language the fact that IL union man
wanted TO drink non-union beer. he had the moral
support Of union walters who were willing to
handle the stuff. and TO drink II, and If that
be treason, make the most of It.
why said Secretary Kleinman. eve walters
have fight on our hands. We Of No. 1'-here he
spun the official title. Recovering. he went on:
We have been suspended by international
body. It was because we voted for the recon-
mendation of Local 456 OF Chicago. that It would
be better TO have the walters in separate union
from the bartenders. We can appreciate the feel
ing OF the brewers who have been thrown out by
the American Federation of Labor. They ere good
union men. and. If they have quarrelled with
the powers above, they just good now. And
so for time we viii serve the beer they make
Our local viii have meeting next Friday when
the case will be taken up and the official action
decided. Meanwhile, viii handle the beer. For
what a drink? Water"
With the knowledge that fate was thus 10 be
elbowed off until Friday. the Tribune reporter be
OF ~ocat OF one bTS"erE " ait for freedom
the teausters ana engineers and others eTnpIoyGo
ganization The American Federation Of Labor
thinks differently. Most unions have clashed Win
and know what # means. You can bet they won't
stop drinking the beer and that Vel win IN m
out doesn't hurt any, for we go Tlght on
working and the breweries aren't going to close;
the fight is between our International body and the
American Federation of Labor" .ou
Herman Robinson, general organizer OF the Amer
lean Federation Of Labor. could not be found yes
terday afternoon at his office No. 25 Third avenue;
but two of his friends in nearby saloon dismissed
the subject "a fight or union politicians that will
be straightened out all right"
The brewing coInpalies are not affected by the
Third avenue, turned prophet long enough 10 say:
Just go into the saloons tomorrow and see
Of Tits uiIase from Mr.. Gompers."
Washington June In the absence of President
Gompers Secretary Morrison of the American Fed
GRAFTON Of Labor made public to-day Mr.. Gomperss
announcement u the revocation of the charter OF
he international Union Of Brewery Workmen be-
cause Of s refusal 70 accept the terms prescribed
hy the federation. The action will affect all the
brewery worknlen's unions throughout the country,
with a membership OF about forty thousand Asked
for statement concerning the effect Of the action
OF the federation Mr.. Morrison said:
The decision rendered by President Gompers is
authorized blythe executive council II only
sewers the connection of the International Union OF
GRAFTON of Labor but under the constitution OF the
American Federation Of Labor It will prevent the
fOu- hundred or more local unions of the brewery
workers 81 the various parts of the country from
being represented by delegates In the six hundred
CITY central bodies and the thrty-sx branches
~ ~ E ne oE III any
holding charters from the federation,
1t is the general opinion that the workmen will
contest the order, and long fight for reinstate-
ment IS expected. The brewery workmen have
about $4,000 In their treasury.
Circi2uati. June The secretary of the United
Brewer Workers, when he heard to-day OF the
revocation OF their charter, said:
Wa protest against being ousted. The custer is
Illegal unconstitutional and violates all Of the
rights guaranteed 10 members Of the federation.