Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-09-24
CCMPERS SHADOWED;
BR|BE OFFERED HIM
Sensational Charge Made by
Union Labor Leader.
IN CONTEMPT CASE TODAY
Connects Offer With Van Cleaye Of
Manufacturers Association
SAYS DETECTIVE CONFESSED
Astonishing Allegations Made on the
Stand by President of Ameri-
can Federation of Labor.
IN CONTEMPT CASE TODAY
SAYS DETECTIVE CONFESSED

That he had not only been fol-
lowed by detectives, but had been
offered a large bribe to desert the
cause of labor, connecting with
that charge the name of President
James w. Van Cleave of the Ma
tional Association of Manufacture
ers, was the sensational declara-
ton made by President Samuel
Gonpers of the American Fedora
ton of Labor today in the con-
tempt proceedings against him
and other federation officials be-
for Examiner Harper. The charge
was made during the cross-ex-
animation of Mr.. Gompers by At
torney Ralston.
The cross-examination of President
Gompers of the American Federation of
La Dor in the contempt proceeding against
him and other officials of that organiza-
ton was begun today by Attorney Rails
ton. Mr.. Gompers said he had nothing to
do with the circulation of the Fedora
ZIONIST for January, 1908. as charged.
Go far ho OH
'has there been any distribution of the
We don't patronize list including the
Bucks Stove and Range Company, since
December %, 1907. when the injunction
decree was issued?"
Mr.. Gompers replied in the negative, and
added that not since the issuance of the
decree had ne made any effort to have 1t
disobeyed.
Have you consciously violated the in
junction." he was asked.
Il have not"
Van Cleave Brought In.
The fact that James W. Van Cleave was
connected with the suit against the fed
Grafton officials and with the Bucks Stove
and Range Company, with the Stove
Founders Association and with the Ma
tional Association of Manufacturers. of
the last of which he is president, was
then brought out The witness was then
asked:
rs this the same Mr. Van Cleave
who recently attained prominence by
reason OF an attack on one of the presi-
dental candidates?"
Mr. Gompers replied in the affirmative
but before his words could be noted Mr..
Davenport protested. Il object to the
questions as immaterial irrelevant and
impertinent. and Will ask the court to
strike il out" he said.
Mr. Raston led the witness to relate
the fact that there is a decided conflict
between the National Manufacturers AS
sociation and the Federation of Labor
Mr.. Gompers told of the fight made by
the manufacturers association. led by
Mr.. Van Cleave, to prevent labor legis-
lation and he read contributions by Mr.
Van Cleave to American Industries" the
organ of that association, in confirmat ton
OF this statement. Mr.. Gompers also told
Of the appearance of Mr.. Van Cleave be-
fore the republican national convention
AT Chicago. and said that his purpose
there was to prevent the incorporation of
labor plank in the republican platform
Mr.. GomperS said that 1t was in re-
spOnse 10 the appeal of the manufacture
ers, headed by Mr.. Van Cleave, that the
labor plank had been thrown out DO
you know the attitude of the National
Manufacturers Associations toward the
attitude of President Roosevelt In favor
OF a modification of the anti-inju junction
law? asked Mr. Ralston, and Mr. Com
pers promptly announced: 1t is one of
hostility" Mr. Davenport sought to bring
out the fact that the Federation also
opposes the Residents position, but Mr.
Gompers explained that the Federation s
antagonism was only 10 the method pro-
posed while the association of manufac-
tuers opposed any change.
Both Used Harsh Terms.
Mr.. Van Cleave was quoted as having
said in the organ OF his association that
there had been an effort in the interest
OF labor to obtain criminal legislation -
and Mr. Gompers characterized the state
ment as "a wilful per version of truth on
the part of Mr. Van Cheave."
What" asked Mr. Ralston. lis the at
titude OF the Manufacturers Association
toward the injunction pIanks of the two
political parties?'
Mr.. Gompers replied: The attitude of
that association, as represented by Mr..
Van Cleave. is hostile 10 the anti-iniunc-
ton declarations on the part of the demo
cratic party at Denver and one of entire
accord with the declarations made by the
republican at Chicago"
Talked With Sleuth.
Have you ever been followed by de-
teCtives?' Mr.. Ralston asked
Mr.. Gompers replied that he had Il
have BEEN he said. 'and so have my
colleagues of the executive council of the
federation on many occa sions"
In whose interest?''
AT the instance of Mr. Van Cleaye''