The Salt Lake tribune. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1890-current, 1909-04-17
LEADERS Of LABOR
CONFER WITH TAFT
Problem of the Workers Legis-
lative Needs Taken Up by
President.
G0MPERS AND OTHERS
PRESENT THEIR VIEWS
Executive Promises to Give
Careful Attention and Ac-
cord Square Deal.

WASHINGTON. April l6.-President
Taft discussed the problem of the
workingman for two hours today with
the members of the executive council of
the American Federation of Labor
The labor leaders, headed by Samuel
Gompers, called at The White House and
according to Mr. Gompers, found the
president deeply interested. Not only
did Mr.. Taft give the spokesmen of
lay their matters before him, but he
joined IN the discussion
In the delegation were representa-
tives of most of tho trades affiliated
with the American Federation, and
among them a number of leaders who
stubbornly opposed Mr.. Taft in the late
presidential campaign. But the greet
ing was cordial 10 all. Mr.. Taft told
his callers that he would investigate
such of the matters AS seemed TO re-
quire 1t and would be glad to help in
arriving at a proper solution of the
difficulties in which the working pco.
pie found themselves.
Diversity of Problems.
The labor leaders took up with the
president many problems. including the
matter of Injunction and the eight hour
law, convict labor, the recent Indictment
Of labor leaders in the south for alleged
violations of the Sherman antitrust
law, the danger of n dissolution of all
labor organizations under a strict in
depreciation of recent supreme court de-
clsIons, the maintenance of international
peace. labor problems on the Panama
canal, the right of ASYLUM in this coun-
H.,
labor.
President Taft told his visitors he
regarded an anti-inlunction law as one
OF the most important policies of his
Administration. He added that he felt
he had made his position clear on the
subject in his speech of acceptance last
July, aud had confirmed that position
sald he would be glad to consult further
with representatives Of organized la
Dor.
Commissioner Ncill Present.
DR. Charles y, Niell, commissioner Of
labor, was present. The members Of
the executive council who called were
Samuel Gompers, Frank Morrison, James
Duncan, John Mitchell, James O O'Con-
nell, Max Morris, William Huber, John
3. Lennon, John R. Alpine and Joseph
Valentine
Mr. Gompers told the president that
organized labor solely desired that con
wet labor be regulated, not prohibited
Tho idea Is to prevent convict labor
from coming into competition with free
labor
The federation leaders urged that the
president ask congress for an additional
appropriation for the enforcement of
the child labor law in the District Of
Columbia
Commissioner Ncill seconded this re-
quest.
Tho federation council urged the
president to use his efforts for an ex-
tension of the eight hour law so that
1t will apply to contractors and sub.
contractors furnishing materials and fit.
tlngs tor government works.
Refers to Mckinley.
Mr.. Gompers said that both President
Mckinley and President Roosevelt had
fayored such an extension.
Mr.. Taft promised to give this mat.
ter special consideration,
Coming to the present status Of labor
organizations, under recent decisions
OF the courts, the discussion widened.
1t centered about the supreme court de.
cision in the famous hatters' case. un-
der which certain labor union methods
were declared in contravention of the
Sherman antitrust law. Nj Gompers
told the president that since that de-
clslon seyenty-five men have been in
dicted in New Orleans, it being alleged
that they quit work i'll support Of other
striking workmen.
Under further Interpretation of
that declslon,n said Mr.. Gompcrs, ola.
Dor unions can be dissolved by anv move
on the part Of the federal government.
Men can be sentenced to a year in pris-
on and a fine Of $4,000. Officers and
members Of the union also can be pro.
ceeded against civilly and three.fold
damages be assessed against them in
any amount that may be complained Of
fered by reason Of men quitting work
or withholding their patronage .
President Taft was asked If there was
any truth in the report that American
workingmen, principally laborers be,
longing to American unions, are being
laid off in Panama to make room for