Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1911-11-14
LEADER COMPARES
HIS SENTENCE To
"TAR-BADY' STORY
"Justice Wright" He DecIar-
ed, "Intended to Crush Us or
Break Our Spirit, and Did
Neither"


Of Labor. Pres. sampel Gornpers made q
reply to addresse of welcome. in which
he spoke significantly of the labor un-
rest throughout the world and compar-
ed the sentence Of himself, Vice Prest-
dent Mitchell land Secretary Morrison to
Jail for contempt to Joel Chandler Har-
ris' story about the rabbit and the tar
baby. He said the federation was like
the tar baby and Justice Wright. who
imposed the sentence, was in the role OF
the rabbit. The baby had been biffed
and anged. ut he wasn't hurt. and the
rabbit was all stuck up.
Justice Wright" he added. either
meant to crush the federation or break
our spirit. He mas done neither"
Invincibiy. he declared. the federation.
viii continue to grow and aid in the up
lift of humanity.
Preceding Mr.. Gompers' reply. O. T.
Ladson, attorney for the Atlanta Fedora
ton Of Trades. jwelt at length on the
injustice of the sentence imposed ON the
three officers of the federation.
This decision" he asserted. -'is the re-
suit of judicial usurpation."
Both Mr.. Gompers and Mr.. Ladson de-
clared that no American citizen should
be imprisoned by the order Of judge.
instead of by the verdict of jury.
This discussion of the famous con-
tempt case made UP the most interesting
part of the opening session The re-
mainder of the morning was devoted to
addresses of welcome. At the afternoon
session, which began at o'clock, the re-
nsxt.v
ted.
The credentials COMMITTEES reported
Monday morning that S46 delegates were
present for the convention.
Addresses of welcome were made by
Governor Hoke Smith. Mayor CORTLAND
S. Winn, n. II. Kirkpatrick, president OF
the Atlanta Federation of Trades; Con-
gresham William Schley Howard, c. T.
Ladson attorney of the Atlanta Fedora
ton of Trades; Jerome Jones. president
of the Georgia Federation. and James L.
Mayson, city attorney.
With the opening of this convention
organized labor began two-week's con-
ference that will include consideration
and decision of national questions. The
lccnvention represents nearly 100000 or
ganized Iaborers.
The delegates marched in martial or
der into the auditorium at 10 o'clock,
gaily decorated in flags. The representa-
tives were seated at tables in the arena,
and provision was made in the dress
circle and gallery for visitors. Members
of the executive board and fraternal
delegates sat on the platform.
In calling the convention to order
L. P Marquardt, chairman of the local
convention committee, extended hearty
welcome to the delegates He presented
Samuel Gompers, president of the fed
- mad duties
chairman.
/ Mr.. Gompers first introduced Mayor
lCourtland s. VIM, who welcomed the
convention on behalf Of the city OF
Atlanta.
i sit isn't often" said Mayor. VIM.
that the city of Atlanta gets ahead
of the state of Georgia But on this
been detained for the time being, and
the mayor of Atlanta welcomes you be-
fore the governor of Georgia.
To-day. the eyes not only of the UNI
ted states but of Canada. England, and
all the rest of the industrial world are
/ conferred upon the convention or the
American Federation of Labor Atlanta
is particularly interested, not only De-
cause this city is host to your confer
i-ence but also for the reason that here
we take unusual interest and pride in
organized labor"
EIGHT-HOUR LAW.
He referred to the 8-hour principles
for which the federation stands ana
tadded:
1 .sThis is a reform that has come down
through the ages. and has the sanction
of all wise and humane men.
Il greet you as men,, he continued
.awho contend for right against wrongs
and who support the weak in the race
Of the oppressive. / greet you as men
Il who strive for the uplft Of mankind
VINO work for the betterment OF all nu-
mainly.
You are in a hospitalble and inviting
city. No alien spirit confronts you here.
As Won marched through our streets this
morning, you trod union-laid streets ana
Won marched behind "a union band
"Gentlemen." he added. II want 10
Iadmonish you that you are meeting IN q
lprohibition city Perhaps you have not
FOUND that out and are inclined to put
line in the Ananias class. But II Is true:
Nevertheless, 1T may be that you VIII
find something stronger here than APP
lnolIinaris water. II you do and you
find the streets too narrow for safe nav
legation, just send, wireless by jerome.
Jones or Louie Marquardt to the city
hall and we will have the streets Wild
I ened."
I In introducing Gov. Hoke Smith, whom
he next presented. Mr.. Gompers paid
to Mr.. Smith a high tribute. He added
that he was sure the just principles or
lorganized labor would receive the sup
port of Mr.. Smith as United States SEN
lator.
TT gives me pleasure" said Governor
smith, ito welcome you to Georgia You
are in state and city where organized
labor is honored and respecte~
/ II heartily commend organization
lamong- members of the crafts. and feder-
lation of their organizations,
Transportation and industrial enter
Eprfses depend upon the investment OF
money and the labor of men. Men ana
money cooperate TO accomplish results.
Both are essential for success and each
should receive a just proportion OF the
profits.
IF the men were Incorporated acting
under a single head. and the money dis
tributed among many investors entirely
disorganized, the power of control be-
ing entirely with the men. it would
scarcely be human for them to give
money its full part of the division
Organization among the men is es-
sential to just hours, reasonable regula-
tons and fair pay for their services.
IF / were a member of craft I