Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1908-07-08
LABOR LEADERS PRESENT
CASE BEFORE COMMITTEE

CASE BEEultE COMMITTEES
Denver, July 7.-Immedlately after
being called to order at $3.50 o'clock
the platform committee of the demo-
cratic national party prepared to carry
out the wishes of Mr. Bryan by elect
ing Governor Charles N. Haskell, of
Oklahoma, as permanent chairman.
The committee then decided to en-
trust the details OF the preparation OF
the platform to subcommittee of
seven members TO be appointed by
the chair but before these appoint
ments were announced, the full com
mittee listened to arguments in sup
port of various planks which will be
offered for adoption.
Governor Broward, of Florida arr
gued that a liberal pronouncement In
favor of the Improvement of water
courses OF the country would prove
the means of obtaining many votes In
such states as New York. Illinois and
Missouri, and therefore urged the
plank as matter of particularly inn
portance,
Richard Pearson Hobson. commit
teeman from Alabama, presented
plank for the enlargement of the
navy. Mr., Hobson declared that this
country is IN imminent danger of war
with Japan. He predicted that this
war would take place during the next
presidential administration and believ-
ing that the democratic party will be
in power. he said that II 1t did not
make proper preparations by addi-
tlons to the navy the party will be
ground to powder. He declared that
the safety not Of the Philippines alone.
but of Hawaii and our own Pacific
coast country demanded an increased
naval strength. Regarding japan as
great fighting machine he said that
II was absolutely necessary that prop
er prevention should be. made to guard
our interests against that power Mr.
Hobson said that he based his state
ments upon inside information.
At the conclusion of Hobson's hear
ing, at 1920 p. m. the committee took
a recess for dinner until $3.50 o'clock.
After recess Of two hours for din
ner the committee resumed It's hear
ings, taking up the labor question.
Samuel Gompers, president of the
American Federation OF Labor; John
Mitchell. and other labor leaders. were
present They presented for the con
slderation of the committee sugges-
tions which were rendered to the reso-
lutions committee OF the Chicago con-
vention and asked that they be inc0r-
porated In the platform.
Addressing the committee IN sup
port of the resolutions. Mr.. Gompers
spoke of their failure to secure rec
ognition from the republicans.
1--WE asked them for bread and we
received a stone" The republican In
junction declaration. he declared to
be an endorsement Of "the existing
abuse Of law" He asked the demo-
Gratis to "ether leave the subject en-
tirely out of the platform or adopt a
real remedy for the wrongs complain-
cd Of" He reviewed the decision Of
the supreme court IN the hatters ease
holding labor unions TO b. '~'i nr ~
legal combinations In restraint OF
trade under the antl-trust low and
made an earnest plea for an amend
ment OF that law He declared that
II had never been contemplated that
the sherman law should apply to
those who toll. but that on the com
trary Il was Intended to control COM
blnatlons dealing with the products
OF labor On the subject OF iniunc-
tlons Mr. Gompers said the hEbor-
ing man merely asked 70 be received
as equals.
we do not ask Tor special pFlvl-
lenges." he said. "but merely for JUS
tlce and equality We insist that the
writ of injunction be not made an ln-
strument OF oppression"
He contended that the law in is
ordinary operation was sufficient TO
protect the public against the crimes
Of laboring people.
Mr.. Gompers said that II the demo-
cratic party would asslss IN rlshlinR
these two wrongs II would make Il
possible for labor to stand with Il.
Labor could Afford to wait for tho
other reforms suggested. "If yoa viii
do what we ask. you will electfIfx our
hearts," he said In conclusion. eand
we viii be with you.r
When Mr.. 0ompcra had concluded.
George Fred williams. Of Maaaehu-