Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1909-11-13
UNION MEN AND
LIQUOR QUESTION
Possibility that Relations of Labor to
Saloons May Be Discussed in
Convention.
TEMPERANCE MEETING SUNDAY
Rev. Mr.. stelzle, John Mitchell and
John B. Lennon to Talk.
GOMPERs WOULD AVOID DEBATE
Preacher Delegate and Head of Bar
tenders Union Confer.
LATTER OUTLINES HIS PLANS
Says He VIII Attempt TO Get Unions
to Stop Holding Meetings in
the Back Rooms of
Saloons.
Rev. Mr.. stelzle, John Mitchell and
John B. Lennon to Talk.
GoMPERs WOULD AVOID DEBATE
Preacher Delegate and Head of Bar
tenders Union Confer.
LATTER OUTLINES HIS PLANS

TORONTO Nov. 12-During the five days
the American Federation of Labor has been
in session there has been much suppressed
speculation as to the attitude the conven-
ton might take on the question of labor
and the saloon.
When it was announced early in the
week that a temperance mass meeting
would be held Sunday, under the auspices
OF the labor department Of the Presby-
terian church, the delegates representing
the International Union Of the United
Brewery Workmen, the Hotel and Restaur-
ant Employees International alliance and
Ne Bartenders' International League of
America began 20 canvass the situation
quietly as to whether the liquor question
was likely to reach the floor of the con-
vention.
az Rev. Charles Stezle, fraternal delegate
From the federal council Of the Church Of
Christ in America and a warm advocate
Of the principles Of trades unionism, has
been advocating the establishment of
temperance brotherhood among the trades
unions and will preside at Sundays meet
ing.
In the event Of an attack by resolution
or otherwise in the convention, the repre-
sentatives Of the liquor interests count on
the support Of the Cikarmakers Interna-
tlonaI Union of America, in whose delega-
ton is Samuel Gompers, president of the
federation.
Edward Hirsch, president of the Baltl-
more Federation of Labor also is credited
with being opponent u the stelzle pro-
gram.
Sickle and sullivan.
It is understood, however, that President
Gompers Is anxious to avoid debate on
IN ha of the
convention, and he was instrumental to-
day in bringing about a meeting between
Jerry Sullivan, representing the Bartend-
ers' union, and Mr.. Stelzle They had a
talk during which Mr.. Sickle gave Mr..
sullivan TO understand that his plans at
pdesent contemplate All Htter1pt to get
trades unions to stop holding meetings in
back rooms of saloons.
President Gompers, It is said. has agreed
to lend his support to resolution en-
> dorsing the erection of labor temples and
other places for holding labor union meet
ings.
Sundays meeting will be addressed by
Rev Mr. Stelzle, John Mitchell and John
b. Lennon. treasurer of the federation
Mr. Lennon is understood to take the atti.
tude that the use of liquor by working
men affects the rate Of wages because Il
lowers the degree Of efficiency of the
men, and Mr.. Mitchell will discuss the
contention that increased wages anc
shorter hours mean added profits to th'
saloons.
Gompers on Contempt Case.
Committee meetings occupied the ma
jority of the delegates during the create
part of the day following brief session
of the convention this morning at whicl
president Gompers was called upon b!
sJCne of the delegates to discuss the status
or the present contempt proceedings as
result of which Mr. Gompers, John Mitch
ell and Frank Morrison may have TO serv
terms in Jail.
- Mr.. Gompers said the question OF an ap
eal and the lire of defense Will be dis
i aussed at a conference between the de
n PENDANTS and their counsel to be held 500
after the convention adjourns. This con
ference in all probability will take plac
in New York on November 49,
Mr. Gompers declared that Justic
Wright was guilty OF Outrageous conduc
in so cruelty excoriating the honest con
lluct of the three citizens who undertoo
yfo' test the law and in imposing unusua
sentences"
Mr.. Gompers said there were three way
In which the case could reach the su
preme court OF the United States, b.
writ of error. by writ OF certiorari or b
writ OF habeas corpus after the defend
ants had been placed in jail.
'Elther we have the right Of free speec
and free press or we have not" said MI
Gompers, "and we want the court to sa
So Whether we will go to Jail do nc
know ] have an abiding faith in the jus
tce OF our cause, and I can only expres
the hope that the higher courts Of ou
land viii immortalize themselves by III
relncarnatlon of the magma charter an
the constitution OF the United States"
An appeal for moral and financial al
slstance from the striking garment worl
ers in ST. Louis was read and deferre
several resolutions were presented, and I
lO:4O o'clock the convention adjourned unit
tomorrow.