The Montgomery advertiser., 1907-11-12

trade unions and the Federation of our time are in their very essence the con- tinuity of the historically developed progress, of labor through the ages.
 We who are engaged in the battle of labor to secure its rights and to achieve justice for all our people are in the very nature of things too much ongrossed in the performance of con- stantly pressing duty to be enabled to
 Principles of Justice.
 We meet here on this historic ground where 300 years ago the first perma- nent settlement of the English-speak- ing people was made, It was an event portentous in It's world wide influence upon progress and civilization. It has magnificent lesson for the men of la boi The trials and tribulations of the early co'snists and the dificulties with which they had to contend put their endurance and forbearcace, to the se- verest tests. From these colonists have come the men who with immortal inspiration gave to the world the doc- and independent nation. but of the in- herent and inalienabie rights or man.
 We meet on this historic ground rep- resent.ng the best general federated labor movement in the world; move- ples of justice. right and humanity: a movement which has Tor its mission not only the uplifting of the submerged but the attainment of higher and bet ter life for all; 2 movement which aims Rule and of the Declaration of Inde- pendence the rule of conduct of our everyday lives.
 It is a privilege to be permitted on this ground. made sacred by such his- toric events. and at this time. com memorative of them all. to meet in the highest councils of labor; to devise ways and means whereby we may still further be of service to our fellows now and for future.
 To this convention. representatives of Americas toiiers, permit me to ex- tend to you sincere and hearty well come. The eyes of our feiiow-workers and friends are directed toward our de- movement of our country represents not only those who have by member ship declared their comradeship with us. but also the millions who by force of circumstance rnomentarily yield their advantage of organizat.-n and frater- nity, and yet who yearn, hope and pray that our legislation may be. wise and fruitful; that its influence and power may reach and protect them so that they may become brothers and sisters In the great fraternity of labor.
 It may not be arniss to bear in mind that of all those who will have their attention directed to this convention. none will be more keen and alert than those who are either our open or cov- ert antagonists. The so-cailed Nation al Association of Manufacturers and industrial alliances. and Industrial workers" with their Pinkerton agen- are always on the qui vive and crouch in gto take advantage of and leap upon labor for any mistake which 1t may make. They will distort, misrepresent and exaggerate 1t, not only to the gen. eraI public but to our own fellow workers. to prejudice both against us, our movement and our cause. That our course. our conduct and our work bring enlightenment and encourage rnent to our fellows and our friends, is my most earnest wish.
 To Oppose G0mpers.
 Victor |. Berger. editor of The So. cialist- Democratic Herald, and Social list leader from Milwaukee, representinr the Wisconsin Federation of Labor, an- nounced that he was continuing his fight against President Gompera and would file protest against his re-efec- tsau but that the displacement Of pres- ldent Csurnpers cond not he looked for tomorrow introduce a resolution call ing upon Congress for the enactment of Federal legislation, preventing the transportation of interstate commerce of all ''chiid labor' manufactured pro ducts.
 Among the delegates to the fedora tion are representatives from Canada. Mexico and Cuba.
 Victor L. Berger, of Milwaukee, says that in his opposition to President Gompers, he in no way means to re- fleet on the personality of the present head of the federation; his fight, he declared, being simply one of good feel ing for new policies and a new head in keeping with the principles he repre- sents.
 President Gompers had nothing to say concerning the Berger opposition.