Los Angeles herald., 1908-11-20
GOMPERS'' IDEAS
ON INJUNCTIONS
ARE SUSTAINED
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS A
MORE DRASTIC STAND
CONVENTION AMENDS REPORT BY
MODIFICATION
Entire Day Given Up to Consideration
of Presidents Report-Labor
Leaders Prefer Jail
to Fines
rRy Associated Pre...l

~ ENVER,NoV. Nov. 19.-The entire
session of the American Fedora
- ton of Labor convention today
was given over to the consideration of
the committees report on the presi-
dents report.
1t has been announced that the
Journeymen BARRIERS union has decid-
ed to begin fight for shorter hours.
Two sections caused a prolonged de-
bate and vote was reached on only
one, that referring to litigation with
regard to labor.
The report of the committee recon-
mending that injunctions be disregard
ed was defeated on roll call 11,272 to
1916, and a modification of the report
along the line of Gompers' report was
adopted.
The committee recommended a more
drastic stand than Mr.. Gompers ap-
proved of and an amendment was
adopted restoring the final meaning of
the presidents report, which on this
subject said:
IF the situation is to become so
acute let us personally, as best we can,
defend our rights in the courts, TAX
ing whatever consequences may ensue.
Frank T. Hawley of the Switch
mems union opposed the report of the
committee, which he termed ''revolu-
tionary and anarchistic."
MAX Hayes OIL Ille IypoSi Ct PiiiSs'A
union supported the committees re-
port. He introduced Socialistic teach
ings in his speech, saying:
Introduces Socialism
"It is the time for strong, sturdy
men to re-enact the stirring scenes of
every revolutionary epoch. If 1t is
necessary for more men to become
martyrs, I see no reason why our lead
ers should not assume that role at this
time and prove to the people we are a
militant organization"
T. w. Mccullough of the Typo
graphical union supported the amend
ment of Delegate Duncan. He de-
clared he was opposed to the doctrine
of non-resistance.
"Our forefathers fought for their
| liberty,' he said. "and did not take
the position that if liberty were not
granted they would go to jail"
James M. Lynch of the Typographlcai
union and T. l.. Lewis of the miners
supported the amendment in somewhat
extended arguments.
p. j. McCardel of the Iron and steer
workers, chairman of the committee
defended its report. He said that men
can not be cited for contempt ana
thereafter defend themselves unless the
order of the court is disregarded.
John M. Walker of the miners sup
norted the amendment. Mr.. Walker
ran for congress two years ago on
the Socialist ticket in an Illinois dis
trict and the stand taken by him showed
that the Socialist vote in the conven-
ton on the question is divided:
President Gompers then took hand
in the debate.
eff the men and women who have
been cited in injunction suits had
shown craven spirit l should encour-
age all to resist this invasion OF ms
rights, but I know of no such case
said Mr.. Gompers.
Situation Already Acute
at take 1t the intention of the COM
nittee was to make the situation acute
IT is not necessary for us to make the
situation acute. Our enemies nave done
this and will continue to do this for
us. They will want their pound of flesh
and their greed and avarice Will be
their own undoing.
'eWhen an Injunction is issued against
me which invades my rights as man
and citizen I am going to resist that
injunction"
Mr.. Gompers suggested that the en-
tire matter be referred back to the
committee and a motion to that erect
was made from the floor.
The proposition to refer back to the
committee was defeated by an over
whelming vote and the convention took
its noon day recess.
John Mitchell, at the afternoon ses-
sion, offered a second amendment to
the committees report, saying in part:
within a few days the courts will
decide whether our president, our sec
retary and myself shall go to jail. |
do not want to go to Jail. But shall
accept that judgment and 1 shall pay
no fine"
This declaration brought cheers from
the delegates.
MitchelPs amendment was to insert
CONTINUED on Page TwO)