Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1907-11-12
President Of Federation Of Labor
Makes Notable Address in Re-
pose 10 Welcoming Speeches.
500 DELEGATES Ar THE CONVENTION
First Days Session Marked by Able
ADDRESSED by Governor Swanson,
Presidn, Tucker and Mr.. oompers,
Al Of Whom Were Given ovations
-credential Committee at Work
lRy Associnted prossl

tBy Associated prv~5i
JAMESTOWN EXPOSITION. Va,
Nov. II The first session OF the
American Federation OF Labor which
begun its 27th annual convention at
the jamestown Exposition today was
devoted entirely TO speech making
and the reading of reports. When adj
journment came tonight President
Gompers. Secretary Morrison and
Treasurer Lennon had submitted their
reports and partial report Of the
credentials committee had been heard.
In responding to the address Of wei
come by Governor Swanson and Ey-
position President Tucker. MIR. Com
ncrs paid tribute TO Virginia and to
the Exposition, holding out the fact
that this is the first Exposition OF it's
kind built entirely by organized labor
He confined his remarks chiefly TO
snneral matters but toward the end
came down TO labor principles and
said: II know of no organization that
makcs so little pretense of patriot
ism but in which true patriotism pre-
walls to such large extent as in or
ganizcd labor We want peace: we
love peace and are working for peace
and in proportion our working ppo-
pie are better organized to secure
reace. We are not supinc: we are not
driving syncopeS: VIC know our
rights-or we think we do, and that
Is just as eood-and We are going TO
stand for them.
81 don't want 10 discuss any mil.
i'ary OF naval affairs or the policies
of our government-not just now any.
way-but we all know that the Fed
oral government authorities have de-
cided that the navy of the United
states is going to be transferred from
tho Atlantic 10 the Pacific. That nc
ton has created consideral comment.
most OF It's favorable. some adverse
Even that ! do not want to discuss.
but there Is n man chosen TO boss
the job of taking tho entire fleet
from one ocean TO the other of whom
! wish to speak. That les Fighting
Bob Evans and he Said in connection
with transferring the fleet: i don't
know what may be the result of this
cruise. | have only one mission and
mat Is 70 see that the fleet goes 10
the Pacific coast. and whether it is
10 be for trip for fun or feast, or
frolic, or fight we will be there
Labor Wants Peace.
IT is to that I want to refer and
make the application to tho labor
movement. If it is to be peace If il
is to be fun or if it is to be n fight.
we will be there.
l don't think there is any man who
loves peace more than do. I believe
that Industrial peace Is essential to o,,r
progress. almost rs essential as is oir
TO lung breathing animals: but the
tinlo Is passed when the possessor of
wealth. the employers OF labor who
consider themselves masters can look
down upon the laboring man who
STOOLS with bent shoulders and nc.
ceDts the order OF the master
Labor today stands erect looking
the whole world in the face insisting
upon equal treatment, equal oppor
tunity. and resenling any attempt al
mlnHtlcc or wrong"
slye Hundred Delegates Present.
Fuiiy 400 members ana delegates
20 me 10Th annual convention attend.
cd INC exercises. Many of the most
prominent men in organized labor cir.
CieH hHd seats on the stage as did
Gpy"rnHr Swanson of Virginia. Hon.
~ ~. Il. Iucker and Director General
Martin of the Exposition. T
ihe exercises were of a very inter-
'F '"N'ci' AHt OlitOFN Dplng i'll.
tersperscd with appropriate musical
selections by Phnney's United states
band '''''e'
Tho annlause was great the sneak.
ing showing conclusiyely that the an.
dicnce was thoroughly sympathetic
r.. >. Scott chairman of the Cen.
tr'i Labor union OF Norfo and
James O'Connell president of The
vireinin Federation of Labor. made
tc"'ng speeches.
Governor Swanson was the recipient
OF an ovation and during his speech
was frequently interrupted by hearty
applause. The GRAFTON OF the day was
delivered by Hon. Samuel Gompers
ers. o
Mr. Gompers was rendered a tremen.
dous ovation. A feature of the sea.
SION wis the presentation TO Mr.,
Comners by President II. S. Scott of
the Central Labor union Of Norfolk
with an oak gavel. which will be used
during the convention.
At the afternoon session President