Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-07-23
Strongly Supported in His In
d0rSement of Bryan.
VIEWS OF LABOR LEADERS
Believe That He Is Within the
Limits of Propriety.
HIS CRITICS ARE CRITICISED
De Nedrey, Brinkman and Feeney
Uphold Action of President
of the Federation.

That Samuel Gompers has strong sup
porters In his action in advising the
labor voters of the country to support
the democratic ticket is evident from the
expressions from several men prominent
In labor circles in this city.
The movement to discredit Mr.. Gompers
In his attempt to advise the labor vote
was severely criticised today by many in
terested both In labor and politics. IL
is the general impression of Mr.. Gompers
supporters that he has not oyerstepped the
bounds of propriety In advising labor to
support the democratic ticket, because as
the representative of labor he visited
both conventions and carried out pro-
gram and a policy outlined at the con-
ference held by the international bodies
several months ago
According to a prominent labor man.
the editorial advice from Gompers was
expected long ago. This gentleman as
serted this morning that for years labor
has been trying to get it's plan inserted
in the platform of some party. Tis year
the labor leaders had offered 1t to both
and it was accepted by the democrats.
"Now that the baby has the soap for
which he has been crying" he said, why,
let him battle with it,"
De Nedrey Defends Gompers.
Sam De Nedrey. editor of the Trades
Unionist and secretary of the Central La
Dor Union said today that Gompers in
his editorial had shown nothing but
facts. and had merely advised labor that
William Jennings Bryan was pledged to
support the principles for which labor has
been fighting for many years. 1t is Mr..
De Nedrey's opinion that no one will be
able to honestly criticise Gompers for his
editorial after it is published In the Fed
erationist. He continues:
Mr.. Gompers' editorial is just about
what / expected to come from him. There
are very few persons in the labor move
ment but understand that neither Mr..
Gompers nor any other la Dor official could
deliver the union labor vote to any party
or candidate. None would have the
hardihood to attempt 1t even. MI.
GomperS has not even sought to do So
but rather points out the friendly atti-
tude of one and the hostility of the other
party. Mr.. Gompers leaves the choice
open to the unionist to vote for the one
whom he sees fit, but knowing that some
relief must be given to labor regarding
the Injunction process, naturally he uses
his position and influence for the benefit
of those who have shown disposition to
give labor the relief it seeks"
Brinkman Praises Gompers.
James H. Brinkman, international sec
rotary and treasurer of the Carriage and
Wagon Workers. is also a strong sup
porter Of Mr.. Gompers and. in the matter
of the editorial. claims that Mr.. Gompers
has done exactly the right thing in pub
fishing his advice and Impressions.
Sam Gompers Is the ablest man / know
in matters of this kind he says land nc
matter what his critics may say he will
labor vote. The laboring men know that
he has been travelling over the country
for months, and that he has been fighting
for them and trying to get Congress to
do something for their relief. Congress
has refused to help us, and now that We
have been able to get the democratic
party to adopt a strong anti-injunction
plank ! certainly think that Mr.. Gompers
is doing exactly right to say Here. one
party has done this and the other party
has done that. Look at the records and
vote for your friends?' Gompers has not
attempted to dictate to or drive the labor
vote, but the men of the unions know him
so well and respect his advice and know
him to be so honest that they want to get
his advice. because they know he is
working for them
Doing His Duty" Says Feeney.
James L. Feeney. president of the local
Bookbinders' Union. said today:
II do not believe Samuel Gompers cares
for any political party. but do believe he
has the right, and consider it his duty
to advise the membership of that organi-
zation of the status of the political situa-
ton as he sees it. No man can truthfully
impugn Samuel Gompers' motives for
there never was more honest man In
the labor cause. He does not expect the
entire union vote to be thrown for any
candidate, but places his views before the
membership for their consideration.
Mr.. Gompers is wrapped up in the
labor movement, and when the rights OF
the organization he represents are attack.
ed and the courts are successfully ap-
pealed to in an endeavor to nullify the
enectS or organization, 1t is but reason
able that he should turn to those whom
he believes to be the best friends of labor
Then, too. the president of the Federation
has the welfare of the union men of the
entire country in mind and Is not inf1u
enced by personal prejudice or local con
ditions.
Il do not forget the part the late Sec.
rotary of War (Mr. Taft played i'm the
err said Mr.. Feeney, for Mr.. Leech /.
the first man holding that important posi-
ton who could be considered union man
Although do not want to be understood
as an advocate OF the republican party
that action was substantial, and will UNI
doubleday have an important bearing or
his official career if elected President.
Democratic Labor Plank.
AS to the plank adopted by the demo
cratic party. l do not believe it amount
to great deal, as we know from expert
ence that planks and platforms are usu
ally forgotten. l believe that the onl,
way to get legislation beneficial to labo
organizations is for labor people to sup
port their friends independent of part,
affiliations and we will have to admi
that labor has friends in both politica
parties.
The policy of the American Federatio,
of Labor. as | understand IT. is not t.
support any particular party but to al
ways stand by its friends and oppose II
enemies. and if that policy Is carried GU
labor will always have friends in al
political parties
Building Permits Issued.
The following building permits wera ;s