The Washington times., 1914-11-09
GOMPERS' RULE OF
AT. Of |. ASSA|LED
Miners, Garment Workers, and
Other Radicals to Fight in
Convention.
By JOHN EDWIN NEvIN.

PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 9.-For the
first time in half a dozen years the
rule of Samuel Gompers in the Ameri-
can Federation of Labor was again
seriously threatened today. The veteran
head of the organization will be Sc
riously criticised at the thirty y-fourth
annual convention. which began a two
weeks session in this city today.
The delegates of the United Mine
Workers. the largest single unit in the
federation. with 100000 members repre-
sented: the garment workers and va
rious other organizations that are in
clined to radicalism, openly declared
that they believed the present control of
the organization is far too conservative.
While IL is expected that Gompers and
his associates in control will be able to
retain their power, il was evident right
from the outset that there would be
much stormy discussion in the coming
two weeks of meetings.
Gompers To Take Floor.
The opposition is led by Duncan Nc
Donald. secretary-treasurer of the Mine
Workers, and by the delegates from
that organization. Gompers has let it be
known that he intends to take the floor
before the session comes to an end and
have a few things to say about his
enemies.
Incidentally the old lineup between
the Socialists and anti-Socialists within
. the organization will be centers of seri-
Gus debate. But all of the delegates
who were present in Horticultural Hall
when the convention opened today were
very cheerful. The more fights in sight
the more evidence of healthfulness was
their motto.
Although the formation of a interna-
uonal society to prevent all wars was
recommended in the report of the execu-
tive council, the delegates are a unit
in declaring that strict neutrality would
be observed. No speeches criticising or
praising any of the .belligerents will be
permitted. And SO far as possible the
war itself is to be tabooed.
Garment Workers Fight.
The convention met at 10 o'clock to-
day with the usual welcoming ad-
dresses. This afternoon the presenta-
tion of credentials occupied a good part
Of the time. Contests were referred to
the committee on credentials, and it is
expected the big fight in the Garment
Workers Union will be fought out on
The floor.
ing 10 represent the United Garment
Workers of America, clamored for ad-
mission to the convention.
One faction of the garment workers
representatives is headed by the old
t'ereral officers of the National Union.
The other is headed by new officers
elected by a rump convention held in
Nashville, Tenn, October L. Sidney
LIIillman, insurgent garment workers
'leader. charges the old faction held |
Tself in office by disfranchising 81, 900 |
Of the 10000 garment workers by
trickery. -" = 49,. |
-s- Few Fraternal Delegates.
Only English fraternal delegates were
present this year, James S. Sedden and |
Albert Bellamy. Of the British Trades |
Council, being greeted. The French, |
Belgian, German, and Austrian dele
Sates are fighting at the front for their |
respective nations
The growth of the federation was en-
phasized In the annual statement of
Secretary Frank Morrison. Since the
meeting a year ago, he reported g.. .8s2 |
persons have Joined, making the mem
bership over 10000 In twenty-five
states and Porto Rico, 225 charters were
issued to new branches. There was a |
balance of Sl02, ,492.S1 in the treasury at