New-York tribune., 1908-11-18
PRESIDENT GIVES
LABOR DINNER
TRYING TO FIND OUT
WHAT Is W4NTED.
Guests .4sk BIZ Of Rights and Pub
I;city Board Results Nan 4p-
pear IN Message.

who we're representatives. of many Of the leading
labor organizations of this country. 10 a rapid
crossfre Of questions President Roosevelt to-
right at dinner given by him at the White
House. endeavored TO find out what labor wants
froua Congress and in what way he can be Of
assistance TO the toilers OF the country
Although the dinner began at o'clock il was
almost midnight before tho gathering broke up.
No newspaper men were present and the first
irti-nation OF what took place was eagerly
sought from the guests as they left the White
House.
While the President did not commit himself
- any Of the propositions submitted by the
labor leaders present, it was learned that he
sought full expression Of sentiment from all
q them Labor's attitude on various questions
vas reststed- II said. and the President
listened interestedly 70 each argument presented
The dinner was complete success so far as
cozlld be learned q spirit Of harmony and
operation seeming TO prevail throughout the
evening.
No ST speeches were made the President
merely rising and explaining 70 his guests, after
me LAST course had been served that he had
brought them together for an interchange Of
views on public questions.
Seated at the centre Of the long table in the
state dining room. which was beautifully deco
-sted With roses the President talked informally
with Cabinet officers. members Of the United
States Supreme Court and labor leaders Good
fellowship prevailed. and occasional flashes Of
huraor OF 3 story enlivened the dinner.
Nor was the President alone in his question
ing He vas ably seconded bE. his lieutenants
Justice MOODY. Secretary Straus and Secretary
Garfield frequently asking questions Of some Of
The captains OF labor.
The general impression prevailed among the
labor leaaers after the dinner that the Presi-
SF7fg Of
ihe results of the conference
The first guest 10 leave the White House after
ire dinner and conference was Associate Justice
Moody. who came out Of the front door a few
minutes after Mrs Roosevelt and Mrs Long
worth had entered on their return from the
theatre
LABOR LEADERS PLEASED
asked about the dinner after they came out,
several Of the labor leaders declared they had
enjoyed themselves immensely at the Presidents
table ard that they rad partaken Of "a bully
dnaer~ one confessed that he had enjoyed
thz- candy which was passed around much
thaf he had stuck four pieces IN his pocket TO
tzke one 10 his little girl He seid that it was
fne to eat of plates having on them the White
House seal"
While none OF those who had partaken Of the
Presidents hospitality Would tell exactly what
had been said at the table. they declared that
1he President had not committed himself on any
q the subjects discussed.
Occasionally the labor leaders would become
-rvolved IN 2 debate. which would terminate in
some tangible suggestion being offered Presi-
dent Roosevelt il his machine gun questioning.
covered. II Is said. every possible phase OF the
labor question.
The labor leaders talked without reservation,
sad we're free 70 reiterate their pronounced atti-
tude Oh some issues 10 which Congress has in
the past turned sn unwilling ear But what
seemed most significant Of all, both to the Presi-
dent and other government officials present was
ne suggestion that Congress should pass bill
q rights. into which all labor legislation should
BE- Incorporated. and should create a publicity
board whose purpose would be 10 investigate
ard make public the details Of controversies be
tween capital and labor.
BILL OF RIGHTS AND PUBLICITY.
The plea for bill OF rights was made by P.
Il MorrisEey grand master OF the Railway
Trainrnen. while the publicity board idea was
advanced by T J. Dolan, general secretary
treasurer Of the International Brotherhood Of
Steam Shovel and Dredge Men
The Presidents interest in these two PROPOSE
1jors was keeny and obviously awakaned. but
ss 10 his attitude on them he was non-committaL
Although many Of the speakers expressed their
opposition 70 the boycott and sympathetic strike
propaganda. they urSeo tlst Congress stouio
better define the power OF the courts in issuing
iuiructions and they asked for modification
n. both this law and the Sherman antitrust
1au-s They also wanted Congress TO define the
exsc. status Of labor organizations in strikes
and whether they should be permitted 10 solicit
peacefully.
Every feature Of labor's demands was COW
.r.d. but there was no concrete plan thrashed
cut on which the President may proceed win
me conviction that his recommendations on
zore things VIII be acceptable 10 ali Of the
labor interests represented at the dinner
There was 3 divergence Of opinion some OF
The propositions advanced. but one Of the lead
ere said that the President told his guests that
their differences would ultimately result in more
counp-ebersiv. ideas and that be urged them
20 get together or everything II possible and pre-
sent united front.
THE PRESIDENTS GUESTS.
From the Supreme Court there were Justice
Eoirr.x and Justice Moody both from Massa-
chuzetts The Cabinet represented by Sec
retary James r Garfield. Of the Interior De-
partasens. and Secretary oscar s straus, Of the
Department % Commerce and Labor.
The government was likewise represented by
Commissioner Charles p Nell Of the Federal
Bureau Of L.sbcr; Commissioner f. z. Clark Of
the Interstate Commerce Commission formerly
grand chief conductor of the Order Of Railway
Conductors Of America. and still later the rep
ressntafive Of labor on the anthracite strike
commission IN 1902 T V. PoEderly, ex-presi-
oent Of the Knights Of Labor and now chief OF
the bureau OF Information in the Immigration
service: Assistant Secretary or state hooer1
Bacon Major General Leonard Wood L : So,