The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1909-10-09
Returns From Abroad Opt
miStic Over Outlook
for Labor.
STRIKING GAINS
SHOWN IN EUROPE
international Federation Before the
Next Congress, Is Lead
er's Hope.

NEW YORK. Oct e.-samuel Com
pers. president of the American Fedora
tion Of Labor, who, accompanied by his
wife and daughter. arrived here today
/ from an extended tour of Europe. is
confident that the time is near at hand
when an international federation Of
I labor. which will include the leading
( labor organizations of the world, will De
/ formed.
While I cannot go into detail as 10
what has been accomplished along this
line" he said. II hope that between
row and the meeting of the Interna-
tional Labor Congress, in Budapest next
year, the European understanding of
labor conditions in America will be such
that the American Federation of Labor
can join the movement, and thus form
an international federation OF labor
was not an accredited delegate to the
recent meeting in Paris, but / made
suggestions to the body which will be
considered by the executive committee.
and VIII probably be the basis for an
important discussion next year."
Labor Conditions.
Regarding labor conditions and the
trades union movement the world over.
GOmpers said: Il am more optimistic
than ever. I am more convinced of the
as developed by the American Fedora
ton Of Labor.
Europe IS catching the idea, and con-
ditions there. particularly in Germany.
are on the upgrade. I can't tell you
how surprised I was at the improvement
IN German labor conditions Germany
is by al odds the most advanced coun-
try In Europe in this respect.
France seems to be undergoing a
r.rN Ill.
ligtened demand Of her Ia boring masses
for the right to organize. II is true
that France has ben disturbed By a
number OF strikes. and that others are
n reatened. but / don't think they will
be- serious. French capital and the
F,ench government will have 10 recog-
nize the right of employees to organize
into unions.
Budget Fight.
THE budget fight IN England Is one
of the greatest movements for democ-
racy that Europe has ever seen. 4 =
movement TO place a part of the burden
Of government expense where IL can
best be borne. and the movement is
bound TO succeed. do not believe the
house Of lords will dare reject it.
Not only is the trades union move
ment gaining numerically in Europe,
but in Independence and freedom"
In comparing the condition OF the
American labOrer with his European
brother, what was the most striking
thing you nOuced2' Mr.. Gompers was
asked.
i can hardly answer that question"
he replied. THE general conditions in
America are so vastly better than In
Europe that it Is dlfhcult to say in
what particular feature the improve
meut Is most noticeable The whole
bearing OF the American laborfHg man
Despeeks his intelligence and independ-
ence. no American has greater cause
to be proud Of his country than the
American labOrer.'
Central Bank Plan.
Gompers was asked what he thought
OF the idea Of central bank OF issue,
but he declined TO make a statement.
Until I have studied the present status
OF the proposed bank. I do not care 10
talk about it"
''N hat DO you think OF President
Taft's Endorsement OF ship subsidy?''
I had not heard that Taft was in
favor of ship subsidy so do not know
what plan he has IN mind. But the
American Federation OF Labor is on
posed 10 ship subsidy and. 1 think, al
ways Will be.
I am glad TO know that the President
is in favor Of the postal savings bank
We have been in favor Of such a bank
for twenty years"