The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1908-11-08

President Gompers. OF the American
Federation of Labor. viii have strong
, opposition for reelection at the annual
convection of the American Federation
of Labor, which opens Ia Denver Mon
day.
In preceding years there has always
been opposition 10 President GOmpers,
but it has never developed a formidable
front But now, following closely upon
the crushing defeat Of Bryan and the
Democratic ticket, with which President
GOmpers allied the labor forces, it is
expected that most of the Republicans.
many of whom temporarily submerged
their private beliefs, will rise against
him. This element, with the socialists.
who have steadily opposed the present
leader. viii make formidable opposi-
ton. and there are many other disgrun-
tied ones. soured by the defeat Of their
political aims.
President Gompers, accompanied by
Secretary Morrison. and half a dozen
or more delegates from the District OF
Columbia. left washington Thursday for
Denver.
Although Mr.. CompeTs would make
no statement relative 10 the coming
election OF the American Federation
Of Labor before his departure from
Washington. his friends and heartiest
supporters in the local labor movement,
openly state that he viii meet the
strongest opposition Of mis- adminisJra-
ton.
Has Determined Look.
Mr.. Gompers had a determined look
-.
make the fight of his life. Just what
the outcome OF the fight Will be there
is no telling. but the hosts OF Washing
ton are confident that the 'Cigarmaker'
viii return to his old office in Typo
graphical Temple
Several names have been mentioned
In connection with the presidency, in
Guiding that of Daniel J. Keefe, OF the
Longshoremen, who was open in his
fight for Taft, thus throwing down the
gauntlet 10 President GOmpers' po-
utical policy. President Lewis, OF the
United Mine Workers. President Nit
CheUs successor also has been men
toned, but he has a fight on in his own
organization for the office of presi-
dent. and it is doubtful if ne viii under
take 10 run Tor the presidency OF the
American Federation Of Labor. Several
other names of lesser prominence have
also been advanced.
The socialists, of whom there are
quite a few in the labor movement, are
persistent in their opposition TO Com
pers, but whether or not they can agree
on a candidate with the new opposition
remains 10 be seen.
It Was stated by a prominent local
leader yesterday that probably half the
executive council Of the Federation and
half its membership is by inclination
Republican, and this fact is bound to
tell. He pointed out thar the leaders Of
the strongest AFFILIATED organizations
were with few exceptions Republicans
In fact. President Gompsrs has always
in the past, so far as is known. voted
The Republican ticket.
With two or three exceptions the en-
the local labor movement IS behind
President GompeTs and MS policies
There are nine votes from Washington
these VIII be given TO President GOmpcrs
without q question.
Feeling Is Strong
so strong is the feeling in the local
Central Labor Union that Charles T.
Smith, delegate TO the convention from
that body. has been given ironbOund
instructions to vote against Daniel
Kcefe, not only for the presidency, but
for any other office for which he might
stand. which Will. Of course, take in
that Of vice president, which he now
holds
In addition. Mr.. Smith also was in
struCted to vote against any man stand
ing Tor any Office who did not support
President Gompers IN his political stanC.
L The other delegates going 10 the con-
ventiOn from Washington are John H
Briukman, Of the Carriage and Wagon
Workers International Unto. James
O'Conncll, president Of the MacninisJs'
international Association Secretary
Frank Morrison, OF the a. +. OF l.; u.
j.. Manning, Of the Retail Clerks
Union; James +. McHuGh. Of the Stone
cutters international Union, George
Foster, OF the Plate Printers Interus-
tionaI Union; John weber, Of the Bak-