The Washington times., 1909-10-13
LABOR IS AWAITING
DECISION OF COURT
Union Men of Capital Today
Discussing Gompers
Challenge.
WELCOME TOLEADER
COMPLETE SUCCESS
Parade Pleasing to All Opinion in
Contempt Case Not EX-
pested Today.

The knights OF labor or the Capital
today. after participating in one Of the
most remarkable demonstrations ever
accorded a returning leader. are today
awaiting a decision OF the Court Of Ap-
pesls in the noted Gompers- Mitchell
Morrison contempt case. and in discus
sing the virtual challenge 10 the courts
uttered by samuel Gompers on the plat
form at Convention Han last night.
1t is announced that there viii be no
decision rendered by the court today.
Afr. Gompers. surrounded by his fam
sly, men prominent in Washington labor
circles, delegates from other cities, and
n vast concourse of the rank and file,
declared unhesitatingsly on the eve of
the expscLed decision that he held 70
his convictions that not only did Judge
Wright err in. sentencing the three men
Tor contempt but that he was prejudiced
as well
Fearless Speech.
His speech, carried in full in another
column. was direct. unequivOcal au5
fearless. IT came after John Colpoys.
president of the Central Labor Union.
sam De Nedrey. its secretary, Frank
II. Morrison, secretary Of the American
Federation Of Labor, Of which GOnpers
IS president. all had paid tribute to the
labor leader who has Just returned from
Europe and after the assembled labor
hosts, fresh from "A monster parade in
his honor, had assured GOmpers by their
cheers Of their cooperation in his fight
The modification Of the sentence stand
ing over him and his colleagues, BIr,
Gompers said, would not change the
case one lot.
1t Is a fight for freedom of press and
speech and must so on"
{. d Seals. chairman of the han COM
rnittee, handled the large throngs in ex-
cellent shape, and there was perfect
order with just one little interruption
when loyal admirer of Mr.. Gompers
attempted II mount the platform
steps during the speecFmaking and
shake hands with Gompers. Mr. Seals
gently led him away and he gave a
hearty cheer for the occasion as he
made his exit.
Thousands Applaud.
Six thousand persons wildly applauded
Mr. Gompers at intervals during his
remarks The cheering was led BY the
more prominent leaders on the platform
among whom were.
Frank T. Hawley and p. II. Morrissey,
OF the National Switchmens Union
Timothy Healey. of the hremens
Robert GlocEling, OF the booi1binders.
A. B. Lowe, OF the maintenance of
way employees.
J. F.. Mccarthy. OF the bartenders.
John II Brinkman, OF the carriage
and wagon workers.
Joseph Reilly, OF the carpenters.
Sir. Prender. Of the steel plate trans
1erreUs.
" S. Wadby, Of the labor bureau.
Mahlon Garland. Of Pittsburg
Makes Fearless Utterance.
Interest was intense as Mr.. Gompers
in slow and weIl-mOduIated voice be-
gan speaking. 1t gave way 10 Wild en-
fhusiasm when he, raising his voice and
advancing 10 the front of the stage.
Ieaflessly took zap the question OF the
approaching contempt decision
In part, after expressing the low OF
his homecoming and the appreciation
% the welcome accorded him, he said
II have seen abroad much that wa
vitality interesting had been charged
with a mission and. incidentally. in
struoted 10 make ont of it a vacation
since ] left Washington, however. ] be
Aeve those who know me best viii
agree that 1 have had little fuu.
II believe that ] was inrusted with
q very serious commission. II is diff
cult 10 understand the Woeful miscon-
ception Of the American labor move
lneHt abroad. due TO wiuuI suppression
o. the news and facts concerning our
labor movement or to deliberate mis-
presentation OF our movement am
CAD 10 be able 90 say one thing
tonisat-tlat the men of labor Of Eu-
rope today have q better understanding
or the living. vital, militant labor move
ment or America than ever before.
II have found that my motives have
been mlsIepTesElfed not only abroad
but 70 the American people. I saw 70
YOU tonight that / stand here not afraid
o. any man, be he President. king. Sen
stor. lord or lOrc mayor. J do not quake
or quail In their presence. / respect
every man who Is honest. worthy OF re-
spect, and self-respectiHE. There Is no
man 20 whom / viii bow the knee of
submission, and I am glad to say that
there is no man whom I look down
Much Abused Unions.
''Reyerting TO INV trip abroad. I have /
n say tonight that after the most care
ful Investigation have found no mate /
nal advance of the workers Of ANY,
country unless DO was produced by the .
much-abuscd trades union movement /
The time is near 40 hand when the F,
hopes and aspirations of humanity from /
time fmmenoI iai for a common bond Of /
brotherhood the world over shall be re-
allied. An International federation Of 1
laDor, not 10 Cypress or do injustice. /
flt to establish Justice for the producers /
OF wealth. is near al hand. AT a meet /
Jig I attended iu Paris a solemn protest /
~ ~ entered against the ornaments Of /
nations and against war among the ma /
uons- a British statesman is authority
for the statement that if war IS 90 be
aoOiished h. viii devolve upon the work
1l.gneu Of tie world 10 accomplish it,
AR Gompers hesitated a moment here.
assumed more positive attitude end
advanced slightly toward the front Of
the stage Anticipating that he was
about 20 make some reference 10 the
contempt proceedings brought against
ltiiu because Of the publication. tn al /
teEed violation Of Justice virgins or {
der. Of matter bDycottiug the Bfl.<- /
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