Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-11-11
INOORSE CRITICISMOF GOMPeRS
OF LABOR" APPROVE
BURNS UTTERANCES.
Committee Refuses to Regard Social
ism as Opposed to Work
ingman's Interests.

The General Assembly Of the knights ~
Labor In convention here today Endorsed
the criticism aimed at President Gompers.
John Mitchell and Frank Morrison OF the
American Federation of Labor by Master
Workman Simon Burns i'm his annual re-
port.
Mr. Burns condemnation OF socialism
as opposed to the best interests of work.
ingmen in this country" was not sls-
tanned by the committee to which II was
referred.
The committee. by a majority Of one.
reported against IL. The matter was re-
ferred to a special committee. To he re-
ported at tho next annual convention.
In order that the scope OF the bureau
Of information of the Department or
Labor may be broadened, the Legislative
committee was instructed TO prepare and
introduce in Congress at its coming Sos
sion bill making provisions to that ef-
feet. 1t is proposed that the informal
ton obtained shall be furnished free and
broadcast. without having to wade
through red tape to get it,.
Treasury in Good Condition.
The treasurer reported the finances OF
the order to be i'm healthy condition.
1t was stated that six OF the old dis
trict assemblies that had dropped out OF
the order because OF internal dssensions
have returned to the fold. The secre-
tary reported an increase in the member
ship of the organization.
1t was announced that the convention
will adjourn late this afternoon or to-
night.
Compulsory arbitration in all labor dis
putes was heartily indorsed In the dis
cussiOns which led up to this action dele
gates took the ground that the public
good was paramount to all other inter-
ests and demanded compulsory arbItra-
ton to serve the interest of the public in
all cases in which the stoppage of work
would affect the general welfare.
Status in Dispute.
There is dispute regarding the status
Of the body now i'm session, known as the
General Assembly OF the knights OF
Labor.
John w. Hayes. general master work.
man OF the knights Of Labor, Incorporat-
ed. today issued a statement denying any
connection between those who are now in
session In this city and the organization
Of which he is the head. Mr.. Hayes
says:
Once a year a few men. about six in
number, visit Washington. get themselves
interviewed and pose as representing the
General Assembly of the knights OF
Labor. These men have not even the
shadow of a right to directly or indirect
ly represent the order. or any of its
branches
Mr. Hayes in his statement goes over
the ground of the litigation between
himself and his associates of the
Knights of Labor organization, and Mr..
Burns and others, contendng for pos
session of the national Offices. He states
that in 1903 Burns and others sued out
an injunction against the general Off
GERS Of the knights of Labor. Incor-
porated. claiming to be the regularly
elected officers.
Proceedings in Court.
The Court of Appeals Of the District
decided that Burns and his associates
should proceed in a court of law, from
which decision an appeal was taken to
the United States Supreme Court, the
appeal never being perfected They filed
individual suits at law for the posses
sion of the specific offices, and this case
went to trial with the result of a dis
charged jury without verdict, owing TO
the illness Of one of the jurors.
Following, says MI. Hayes. came nego-
tiations for a compromise. which resulted
in the withdrawal of six cases at law and
one at equity, representing the litigation
of the contestants for the Knights of La
Dor offices.
Mr.. Hayes says i'm conclusion of those
who are now in session.
They represent no membership in the
knights of Labor, Incorporated, and, ac-
cording to the settlement. have no stand
ing whatever as members Of the order"