The Washington herald., 1914-01-28
OFFICIALS HONOR
SAMUEL GOMPERS
Head Of A. F. L. Given Din
ner on Occasion Of Sixty
fourth Birthday.
CABINET MEMBERS SPEAK
President Wilson Adds Tribute to
Labor Chief Voiced by Promi-
nent Executives.
CABINET MEMBERS SPEAK

President Wilson, members of his Cabi
net, representatives of both Houses oil
Congress and labor leaders rendered theii
congratulations to Samuel Gompers. presi'
dent of the American Federation of Labor
at testimonial dinner which was given
on the occasion of his sixty-fourth birth
day by the Washington Central Labor
Union at the Ebbitt last night. In re-
viewing the great benefits which the labor
movement in this country profited under
his wise guidance. they paid tribute to
his fidelity to the cause and to his wis
dom and perseverance in its defense and
advancement.
Introducing the speakers, John B. Col
poys, chairman of the arrangements
committee, proposed a toast to Mr..
Gompers, which was drunk in water.
President Wilson's letter Of congratula-
ton was read, and he said the only
thing that prevented him from being
present was a former engagement in the
form of a reception at the White House.
The President conveyed his congratula-
tons and best wishes to Mr.. Gompers.
Secretary Wilson Speaks.
Secretary Wilson of the Department of
Labor paid his respects to Mr.. Gompers
as one of the great men of our country
to whom was due the Improvement in
conditions surrounding the laborer- The
speaker denied that the labor movement
had failed to make progress under Mr.
Gompers' guidance as had been claimed.
and pointed out that under his benevolent
direction the rights of labor have been
recognized on the statute books of this
country
In paying his respects to MIR. Gompers.
Secretary Daniels of the Navy referred
10 him as an earnest and sincere leader
who has always served in a good cause
and doing right in the light that God
gave him. II hope to see the day" said
Secretary Daniels. when the American
people will recognize those men and
leaders in responsible places. who. in
unselfshness, devote their whole efforts
for the benefit of humanity"
Senator Morris Sheppard, of Texas. re-
ferred to Mr.. Gompers as one of the
notable figures of the time. who has led
the laboring masses to a success which
cannot be overestimated.
Representative John ]. Fitzgerald, of
New York. said he was a firm believer
in partisan politics, and il he was la
boring man would be a union man. He
paid high compliments to Mr.. Gompers
for the great benefits he has achieved
for the laboring people.
Representative Edward Heating, of
Colorado, said the action OF the House
in appointing a committee to Investigate
the labor troubles in Colorado may be
regarded as a birthday present for Mr..
Gompers, as it was adopted in the in
terest of labor. Thine has passed when
wealth can claim the sole right to or
ganize" said Mr.. Heating IF wealth
can organize, labor can. To place or
ganized labor in the same category with
trusts is an insult to American manhood.
For many years the Constitution has
been stretched to cover the dollar and
now it will be stretched to cover the
man."
Among others to speak were: Sena-
tor MARITIME of New Jersey; Represent
atives Rainey, of Illinois: Stanley. Of
Kentucky: f. A Batrick, of Ohio:
Enowland, of California: Foster. of
Illinois: Frank Buchanan. Of Illinois:
]. Washington Logue. of Pennsylvania;
Robert p. Hill. of Illinois; George E.
German. of Illinois; Albert Johnson. of
Washington and Frank Morrison, sec
rotary of the American Federation of
Labor Letters were read from Senator
Hughes. of New Jersey.
Mr. GomDers was the last speaker and
he expressed his deep felt gratitude for
the sentiments of good will offered him
on this occasion.
The committee in charge included: John
r. CoIpoys. Charles T. Smith, Edward L.
Tucker, Luke +. Ludlow. John III. Torch.
Daniel A. Gillen, John Weber, William ID.
Clark, Newton A. James. and Henry
Nolda-