Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-11-09
CONVENTION OF The A.F.L.
MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE
COUNCIL ASSEMBLE HERE.
Will Depart for Norfolk This Even
ing-Members of British Parlia-
ment Visit Headquarters.

Many of the representative men in the
ranks OF organized labor are in this city
today. and the headquarters of the Amer
lean Federation OF Labor in Typogra phil
cal Temple have been their mecca since
early hour this morning. They are
en- route to Norfolk. Va, where next
Monday the A. F. l., representing nearly
3~D.oS Of workfngmen Throughout the
United States and Canada. will convene
In twenty sixth annual convention.
Convention plans were discussed this
morning at a meeting of the executive
council of the federation. held In the
office of President Samuel Gomper5. Only
one familiar fac was missed from the
group of councilmen-John Mitchell
president of the United Mine Workers.
All the other members OF the council
We're present In addition to being the
official head of the organization of
miners Mr.. Mitchell is also second vice
president of the American Federation Of
Labor. and much regret was expressed
because of his physical condition and
his enforced absence from the delibera-
tons of the council.
Names of the Courcilmen.
The names of the CounCimen present
were James Duncan of the granite cut
ters. Quincy. Mass: James OConnell of
the machinIsts. Washington. d. c.; Max
Norris Of the retail clerks. Denver. Col;
y. a. Hayes of the glass blowers. Phla-
delphia. Pa Daniel J. Keefe of the long
shOremen. Detroit. Mich; William d.
Huber of the carpenters. Indianapolis,
Ind: Joseph F. Valentine of the iron
IuIdars. Cincinnati. Ohio. and President
GOmpers Secretary Frank Morrison and
Treasurer John B. Lennon.
The members. after making prelim-
mary examination Of the reports of the of
liCers to be submitted to the convention
at Norfolk. adjourned and proceeded to
he White House to visit President Roose-
welt 1t was said that stiff fight with be
made in convention against what is
termed THE abuse of the iniunct ion"
Among the other callers at federation
headquarters today were John Hodge and
y. j. Shackleford members of the Brit
~ parliament. who are fraternal dele
gates to the convention from the Trades
.,aSress VI England. They expressed
themselves as much pleased with "the
bUsinesslike manner in which American
trades union matters are transacted
Thy accompanied the Councilmen to the
White House.
The American Federation of Labor
proper Is composed of about 400 dele
gates. but there will be many accompany
ing visitors, and 1t is expected that the
federation will carry TO Norfolk more
than 1000 people from all parts of the
number of delegates.
The American Federation of Labor con-
ducts its business behind closed doors,
and its proceedings are given out through
a press committee under the direction of
President GomperS It's business is con-
Quoted In systematic way and upon the
assembling of the federation each morn
ing every member has before him copy
of the proceedings of the session of the
day preceding.
of ;,,
terest to the laboring classes Of the ma
ton to come before the Norfolk con-
vention for consideration.
The action of President Gompers and
the executive council in suspendirg the
charter of the National Brewery Work
ers' Association for refusal to relin-
quish It's jurisdiction over the brewery
engineers and other affiliated trades
men is expected to bring forth a attic
royal between the advocates and oppO-
nents of President Gompers and his
administration. 1t has even been hint
ed that the opposition is working to
bring about the defeat of President
GomperS for reelection to the office
which he has filled SO long.
Proposed Change in Constitution.
Announcement is made from New York
that an effort will be made at the Norfolk
convention to bring about a change In the
constitution of the American Federation
of Labor so that bodies such as the Cen
trail Federated Union of New York may
be able to discipline unions for not join
ing in sympathetic strikes. Whether this
action can be brought about Is a question.
The idea Is to give such bodies as the
Central Federated Union of New York
the power to insist that unions which are
affiliated when called upon must take
sympathetic action when other affiliated
unions are on strike.
Following the arrival at Norfolk OF
the national officers tomorrow morning
they. with other invited guests. will pro-
ceed to Ocean View. where Norfolk Typo
graphical Union, No. 30, will tender an
oyster roast.
During the Norfolk session the delegates
to the federation will go to the peninsula
section as the guests of the Carpenters
ard Joiners Union OF Hampton. At
Hampton a reception will be held in the
town armory with a banquet to follow at
which Isaac Wheeler, former president OF
the carpenters union. will be the master
of ceremonies.