The Washington times., 1908-09-24
TAFT IS CENSURED
FOR LABOR CHARGE
Gompers Lays Contempt
Case TO Candidates In
junction Stand.
NOMINEE BACKED
BY CORPORATIONS
American Federation Head Reads
Manufacturers Letters at
Referees Hearing Today.

cit IS due 10 Secretary Taft's position
on the injunction that we are here In
these contempt proceedings today"
This was the most striking statement
madc by President Gomrers today at
the contempt proceedings before Ref
cree Harper in Typographical Temple
Jackson II. Balston. attorney for NJ.
Gompers, Oh examination OF his client,
introduced "a vOluminous lot Of exhibits,
Including copies Of circular letters and
pamphlets sent out by the Manufac-
turers' Association. He read many
paragraphs from these documents, All
tending 10 show that the Manufactur-
ers' Association and other similar Or
ganizations have been and are now
making a vigorous fiBht against organ
tied labor.
can Industries" for August 1. 1905. Mr.
Ralston quoted that portion Of Secre-
tary TaftS speech OF acceptance per
tanning 10 injuuctious
''This Is the basis Of this suit; of
these contempt proceedings. is it not?''
asked Mr.. RaIstou.
1T is" replied Mr.. Gompers
Gould Quoted Taft.
Judge Gould" continued Mr.. Comp
ers, "in issuing the injunction. quoted
from Judge Tafts decision IN injunction
cases"
Then YOU take It that Taft has the
support Of the Manufacturers Associa-
ton. do you not?" inquired Mr.. Raj
ston.
IT understand it so.' answered Mr..
Gompers-
Mr.. Gompers testified further on
cross-examination by 8Ir. Ralston the
American Federation OF Labor had been
made the object OF a systematic attack
by such men as President Van Cleave,
/ of the Manufacturers Association. and
that great sums OF money have been eS-
4 pended in lighting the Federation
Several circulars introduced as evi-
dence by AIr. Ralstou We're given in by
Prpslden. Gompers. who SAID that be
rad obtained them from far-mindcd
business men by whom they had been
received. and who, in turn. had for
warded them 90 him
He testified that the employers who
sent him rE--a documents feared 20
have their appear on ~. mem. ,L,-,.-,.- De
r,,- rIa ASS. 3d.. that sent out the
circulars, and aousequently their names
had been clipped from the circular be-
fore they were sent 10 Nj Gompers.
Attorney Davenport. for the Buck
Stove and Range Company. objected
10 this as hearsay evidence, saying that
Mr. Gompers should support ms state
ment by letters accompanying these
circulars
Returned the Letter.
Mr.. RaIston also introduced q copy Of
a circular letter sent out by the Lincoln
Farm Association. which had been re
turned by Leonard Klmble. member
of the Manufacturers Association, TO
Mr.. AIaCkay. the secretary Of the hrst
ORGANIZATION. because IL bore the union
Mr. KimbIe had placed under the
union label on the letter head a red
I '-stiCker-- containing "a statement 10 the
effect that the circular was returned be
cause IL bore the union label, tie en-
bIem Of the biggest trust in the world.
NTr. GouDers testified that Mr.. Mackay
mad many other letters similarly re
turned. and. In answer 10 question
nrCr0unded by NIT- EalStuu. said that
ne believed this TO be direct boycott
OF the Lincoln Farm Association, be
cause il contained hls name as one OF
the offers Of the association
Raised SI,5oo,ooo Fund.
Mr.. Gompers said that 10 the best Of
his knowledge the Manufacturers Asso-
ciatlon had raised a fund of S1.500.,00 to
be used against organized labor. and
that this money was expended 20 defeat
the aims OF labor In getting relief
through legislation and in bribes and IN
the employment OF spies.
He said in answer TO direct question
by Mr.. Ralstcn:
= have been shadowed by detectives"
When the hearing was opened this
morning. Mr. Gompers took the stand
as witness for the Buck Stove and
Range Company. After few questions
relative 10 his responsibility for an in
-eryievv In a morning paper, Mr.. Daven-
mort concluded, and Mr. Ralston began
the denomination