The Washington herald., 1907-11-15
UNION MEN WARNED
A. +. Of L. Tells Them to
Keep Out Of the Army.
RADICAL RESOLUTIONS READ
GOmDerS HurIs Defiance At Enemies.
DeSiEnhteS Critics az "HIreIinss.D
Porto Rieans at Norfolk Gathering
Seek Reforms for Island-POwder-
ly Addresses the Convention.

Norfolk. Va, Nov. H-Numerous reso-
lutons. dealing with big and important
questions. were introduced before the
convention OF the American Federation
Of Labor here to-day. one Of them re-
lates to enlistment in the army.
II calls for all union men TO hold aloOf
from military organizations until the
militia system in vogue in Switzerland.
or some other orderly and weI-organ-
ized method OF arming every sober and
reputable citizen, IS adopted in the
United States
1t is improbable that the resolution
will pass, at least. without some modi-
fcation
Another resolution would have Con-
gress. in times of Industrial crisis, au-
thorize the issuing OF money by the ma
tional government TO States. counties,
and cities. for the purpose of building
highways, bridges, and public utilities.
provided. however, that such work be
done at union wages and under the eight
hour day. Such improvements. it is stat
ed, would be an everlasting improvement
10 civilization and culture.
The government is also asked to lend
helping hand 10 labor in another reso-
luton offered in view OF its having
FASTENED to lend a helping hand TO the
members and spectators OF Wall street.
by pouring millions into their Golfers. so
that money should be available to them
at low interest" the money so loaned
TO labor 10 be repaid at low interest.
Victor l. Berger, Socialist. Of Mnwau-
kee, is the patron Of this resolution.
Urge Porto Rican Citizenship.
A resolution was introduced by the
Porto Rican delegates providing for
committee headed by Gompers. and Of
which they shall be members. to visit
President Roosevelt within twelve days
after the adjournment OF the convention.
and ask certain reforms in Porto Rico.
chief among which are the full American
citizenship be granted the Porto Rlcaus:
that the eisht-hour day and American
liability act be enforced there: that con-
vict labor be abolished: that the salaries
Of school teachers equal those paid in the
United States; that the annual school
fund be doubled. and that the destruction
of $4,000 worth of school books by the
Department of Education be investigated
United States immigration Inspector
Powderly urged the Federation to CO.
operate with the government in caring
for immigrants who should. he said, be
advised Of conditions in this country be-
fore they leave their native lands. SINH
lar means, he added. should be adopted
in advising the new arrivals how best to
market their labor.
GOmpers Replies TO Charges.
Mr.. Gompers was asked 10 make reply
TO the statement that was given out by
Mr.. Atherton Brownell. the editor OF the
American Industries. the official organ OF
the Manufacturers Association, charging
that Il viii require more than a verbal
denial for President Gompers to dis
prove the truth of the allegations that
he personally benefits financially and 10
a large amount from the use he can
and does make Of the organization of
laboring men Of which he is the head"
Mr.. Gompers declared that the whole
thing was simply a rehash Of charges
that have already been answered.
Who is this hireling." said Mrs. Com
pers. who seeks through these infamous
charges TO discredit the officials Of organ
lied labor and thus injure its cause? Let
this man Van Cleave. Of the manufac-
turers. do his own talking, and then I
viii talk. I see no reason why I should
be called upon 10 further deny and refute
the continued charges Of his hirelings"