The labor world., 1914-02-14

as we understand it.-ADranam LlnCOln.
.~>>.->>>~~>~--.-.-~~~>~~~
THAT ATTACK UPON SAMUEL GoMPERs.
The Labor World is in receipt of the full transcript
of the speech delivered by Samuel Gompers before the
convention of the United Workers of America IN
compliance with the invitation OF the delegates " an
sver certain grave charges made against the American
Federation of Labor by Charles H. Moyer president OF
the Western Federation of Miners, and Duncan NC
Donald vice president of the United Mine workers.
The news reports contained but a comparatively
brief summary of the speech using only its sensational
features The public has had little opportunity to know
what was actually said to the miners, but 1t was
classic 1t was able and learned treatise of the his
tory progress development of the trade union move
ment in which Mr. Gompers carefully reviewed the
struggles of the A. F. of L. through past third of
century.
He seems to have covered every point, discussing
the philosophy of the labor movement the method OF
organizations it's policy and how elasticay fuctuates
with the evolution OF industry to meet every new orer
of things but all changes radiatng from the animated
up the federation rather than from the feder
alton down. When Mr. Gompers finished there was
nothing to be said. Duncan Mcdonald was ar"
swered would not surrender His only recourse
calumny and SANDER and he resorted TO 1t with
vengeance
The labor press throughout the country is unit in
censurng Mr. Gompers assailan "He is either in the
service of enemies egotistcal fool holds the
Cincinnati Chronicle. No less emphatic Is the
Rochester Labor Herald, declaring 1.-THE attack was un-
justabe detrimental to the interests of the trade
union movement" The Herald seems yexed because
"Mr Gompers departed from the requirements and dig
nifty of his position defending himself and his col
Leagues the malicious and unfair advantage taken
Of them"
The Worcester (Mass.) Labor News there
"few other movements in which the leaders tenn
perate they in the organized labor movement"
1ono in ming
AIDS assault upon President Gompers which, it asserts,
"emanated from foul-mouthed, irresponsible, lying
scoundrel who, parading under the guise OF trade
unions takes pleasure in heaping lies and abuses upon
who for have devoted their lives to the best
interests Of the workers."
The Seattle Union Record applauds the words of
Senator Kern who addressed the convention later and
commends them the consideration Of the miners. 1t
maintains the Mcdonald charges made Ito the
supreme ecation Of the employers and to the shame
of organized workers.. In the strain the Denver
Union Labor Bulletin opnes that lit is the most unvers
ally expressed sentiment that the assault upon Samuel
Gompers has done great injury to the labor movement"
The Bay City (Mich.) Industrial Herald charges the
attack up to the Socialists and lit shrewdy
timed to take Mr. Gompers at disadvantage, and in
place where his (McDonalds) uterances however wild
and hysterica would be the greatest possible pub
licity" Continuing it says THE Socialists in the
movement have been trying to "get him" for years.
hbiting truculen animosity second only the efforts
Of the ophidian N A. M
The effect of such an attack" says the Chicago
Union Leader, must be merted contempt person
who made it. Right hearted men may differ with Com
pers but they respect his resoluteness fidelity integrity
and active intellect He is trade unionst core
and wrapped in that five foot five of stature is
galneness that his detractors may we'll envy
More optimistic is the Cedar Rapids Tribune 1t
believes the radicals for overplayed their hand
and that instead of destroying dsruptng the
slightest degree the trade union movement they have
added the tonic and inspiration needed more sodi-
fed body will be the immediate result"
The "Square Deal" of Jackson, Mich. regards ''the
charge silly and jocuarly the old query said to
have been put by Lincoln to the Grant and
Judging by the good work accomplished by honest
Sam would be mighty glad to know the brand he
takes"
1t is refreshing in conclusion to get this good word
from Mr.. Gompers home in Washington through "The
Trade Unionist" published in that city: I'VE of the
national capital who have been the neghbors Samuel
Gompers for many years past perhaps in the best
position to judge his official private life and the
esteem in which he is held within and without the labor
movement, is in marked contrast to the charges that
were made at the miners convention"
1t is the verdict of the labor press generally that
Mr. Gompers assaiants convicted themselves of unfair
without parallel in the trade union movement
Commissioner Hicken overlooks the porters in his
zeal to police every connected
with saloon How does he happen to overlook them?
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