New-York tribune., 1909-11-16
A BLOW TO LABOR
DELAY IN GOMPERS
CASE DENIED.
Delegates IN Toronto Amazed
-Conrentiou Nay Moce
TO " ashiHgton.

Washington. Nov. 15.-The Court Of Ap-
peals Of the District OF Columbia denied
an application to-day made by counsel for
Samuel Gompers. John Mitchell and Frank
Morrison. of the American Federation of
labor, sentenced 10 tan for contempt. for
stay IN the issuance % the mandate %
the Supreme Court OF the District Of Co
lumbis until January . 1910. Unless notice
OF an appeal - given before next Friday
night the mandate will De hanicd down
next Saturday
Toronto. Nov. Is Just as the convention
OF the American Federation of Labor was
about 10 adjourn for the day a telegram
was received from Washfng gton announcing
that the stay asked for by the attorneys
for President Gompers. vice-President
Mitchell and Secretary Morrison in the pro-
ceedings against them for contempt of
court had been denied by the Court Of Ap-
reals Of the District OF Columbia. Presi-
dent GOmpers was plainly surprised. and
as he read the message 10 the convention
the delegates sat in silence as II dazed by
the courts action.
That means that the resources OF the
lawyers have been exhausted doesn't it2''
asked one OF the delegates
The chair is not in position 10 state"
replied Mr.. GOmpeTs
Mr. Gompers had announced 20 the con-
ventiou last week that his attorneys ex-
pected no difficulty in obtaining a stay
and as he read the message stating the
mandate goes down Saturday morning"
his face. and those OF his fellow officers
betrayed the anxiety under which they
were lsboring
COUNSEL'S ADVICE ASKED
A telegram signed by the three defend
ants was at once dispatched 10 their
counsel in Washington. asking when il
would be necessary for them 20 appear in
order 10 avoid forfeit.ng their bail bonds
which amount 20 $1,000 and saying that
they would like 10 remain in Toronto until
the close Of the convention on Saturday
evening
i an, not certain whether under the
laws OF the District OF Columbia we can
appeal or not" said M Gompers after
adjournment. But If We do GO the con
ventiou must stay here and carry on It's
proceedings in a dignifed and orderly man
ner"
Well charter a train and al go down
With yOu.' volunteered one OF the dele
gates. And even the seceders will join
YOU. added J J. Reid president Of the
seeding faction OF the electrical workers
The suggestion that the convention be
adjourned 10 Washington in case Of the
departure OF GOmpers. Mitchell and Morri-
sen. was taken seriously BY many OF the
delegates. who discussed the matter at
headquarters tonight. and il was said a
resolution 70 that effect might be prepared
Pending the receipt OF a reply from
Washington. the executive council held a
long session tonight. at which plans for
meeting the situation which confronts the
three labor leaders were discussed
GENERAL STRIKE NOT APPROVED.
Many Of the delegates have expressed dis
approval OF the plan suggested bv the Cen
tral Labor Union OS Philadelphia that a
two weeks general strike be ordered as
protest against the contempt imprison-
ments- Mr.. GOmpers refused 70 discuss the
proposed movement and M Mitchell ex-
pressed the opinion that the action proposed
would not have the effect intended and
that the attitude Of organized labor with
reference 10 the sentences imposed upon
the federatiou's officers was already well
known. Il do not think that the officers OF
International unions or the delegates 10 this
convention would favor such a strike a. i
proposed by our good friends in Philadei-
ph-a." said Mr.. Mitchell. Secretary Nor
rison said the resolution had not yet been
received.
With unanimous chorus OF ayes the
American Federation OF Labor adopted to-
DAY a resolution introduced by President
2 J. McArdle Of the Amalgamated Asso-
citation of Iron. Steel and Tn Workers of
North America, saving that the United
States Steel Corporation was the most
formidable and aggressive enemey'' with
which organized labor had % contend. and
-ecoumendinG that d meeting b held al
. The present convention or the executive Of
fCers Of al organizations represented and
+ the president and secretarv of the American
Federation Of Labor 20 outline a campaign
OF Organization among the employees OF the
steel corporation. and devise ways and
means OF making tne hgnt against that cor
poratioU more effective.