The Mena weekly star., 1908-11-26
\ DINNER ID LABOR
PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT ENTER TANNED A VARIED COMPANY
 AT THE WHITE HOUSE.
IND Asks HIS GUESTS MANY QUESTIONS
Executive Sought to Learn From Lead CTS What Labor Wants From Con aress and How He Could Be of Ser vice. and Urged the Visitors to Pres ent a United Front.


 Washington, Nov. Subjecting his guests wno were representatives of many of the leading labor organi- zations of this country. to-a rapid fire of questions, President Roosevelt Tuesday night al a dinner given by him at the White House, endeavored to find out what labor wants from con- gress and In what way he could be of assistance to the foilers Of the country. Although the dinner began at eight o'clock 1t was almost mid right before the gathering broke up.
 While the president did not oonl'ait himself to any of the propositions sub mitted by the various labor leaders present. It was learned that .e sought full expression of sentiment from all of them. Labors attitude on various questions was reiterated. 1t is said. and the president listened inter. estedly 10 each argument presented
 No set speeches were made, the president merely rising and explain. ing to his guests, after the last course had been served. that he had brought them together for an interchange of views of public questions.
 Seated at the center of the long table in the state dining room. which was beautifully decorated with roses. the president talked informally with cabinet officers, members of the United States supreme court ard r bor leaders.
 Nor was the president alone in his questioning. He was ably seconded by his lieutenants, Justice Moody, Sec retary Straus and Secretary Garfield frequently asking questions of some of the captains of labor.
 The general impression prevailed among the labor leaders after the din congress will show some Of the flavor of the conference.
 While none of those who had par taken of the presidents hospitality would tell exactly what had been said at table. they declared that the ftes ident had not committed himself on any of the subjects discussed
 Occasionally the labor leaders would become involved in debate which would terminate in some tangible sug- Eestion being offered. President Roosevelt, in his machine gun ques- tioning covered. 1t is said, every pos sible phase of the labor question.
 The labor leaders talked without reservation and were free to reiterate their pronounced attitude on some is- sues to which congress has in the past turned an unwilling ear But what seemed most significant of all both to the president and other government officials present was the suggestion that congress should pass bill of rights into which all labor legislation should he incorporated. should create a publicity board whose purpose would be to investigate and make public the details of controversies between capi tai and labor
 The plea for bill of rights was made by r. II. Morrissey, grandmas ter of the railway trainmen. while the publicity board idea was advanced by T. l. Dolan. general secretary treas urer of the International Brotherhood of Steamshoyel and Dredgemen.
 The presidents interest in these two propositions was keenly and ob- viously awakened. but as to his at titude upon them. he was non.com- initial
 There was d divergence of opinion on some of the propositions advanced. bur one of the leaders stated that the president told his guests that their differences would ultimately result in more comprehensive ideas and that he urged them to get together on every thing if possible and present a united front.