New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-11-25
Samuel Gompers
Reelected Head
Of the A. F. of L
IStnf Correspondenccl

BUFFALO. Nov. 24.--Samuel Com
pers's grip on the machinery OF the
American Federation of Labor was
somewhat weakened to-day by the cleo
ton of Daniel J. Tobin, Of Boston,
treasurer. over John y. Lennon, Tor
nearly thirty years a member of the
Executive council If the federation.
There was no opposition 20 Gompers's
election or to any of his other associ-
ates in the Executive Council.
The vote for treasurer was: Tooin.
1916; Lennon, 9,1O2. Contrary to the
custom fthc Federation. the election
was not made unanimous.
The defeat 'of Lennon was the only
crunb Of comfort to fall to the Com
pers opposition from the opening Of
the convention 10 the close tonight,
the convention in its last hours put
ting through a resolution pledging to
President Wilson the continued loyalty
of labor during the continuance OF the
war. II also adopted without opposi-
ton a resolution indorsing the refusal
Of Mr.. GOmpers and his associates 20
send delegates 70 the Stockholm con-
ference and killed a resolution calling
for the appointment Of delegates 70
such A convention whenever called.
II also approved without debate or
opposition the declaration OF the eX-
ccutive committee on labor's position
ard aims in the war published on the
opening day Of the convention and
asked that when the time comes to
make a peace treaty shat organized
labor be represented among the Ameri-
cen ENJOYS.
The committee on labor shortage,
which reported the resolution. also re-
ported that there is no real lack OF la
Dor. Instead Chairman John +. Tobn
declared that the cry Of labor shortage
il artificial and made by employers
who seek cheap labor.
In support Of this the committee re-
ported that canvass of unions with a
membership of 100000 showed nc
trade without large numbers of idle
members. II also reported that some
mining districts are WORKING on haD
tine. that many shoe factories are
closed and that tens Of thousands o.
garment workers are idle.
The real difficulty in the situation
the committee finds. is inadequate
housing facilities at many places where
war work is being done.
JurisdictiOnal disputes and the dis
cussion Of a resolution pledging aid tC
Mooney and others accused Of partici-
patton in the preparedness day parade
murders in San Francisco took up the
balance Of the session. In the Mooney
case the convention expressed the be
lief that the defendants should have
new trials.
Just what effect Mr.. Gompers's fail
ure 20 obtain the retention Of Lennon
in the executive council will have i!
matter Of grave discussion by the
departing delegates tonight. Support
ers Of Tobin admit that there IS much
feeling left by the incident, this being
evidenced By the failure 10 make the
vote unanimous. At the same time tho
elements which by uniting elected hin
are predicting that at the next con.
vention. 20 be held in 81. Paul next
June. they will make further inroads
Analysis Of the vote shows that Tobir
had the foil support Of the anti-Gom
pers element, which, joined with IN,
Tesmsters' Union, Of which he is presi
dent, and trades in which there ar,
large Irish and German membership
and the more advanced radicals, wal
more thsn sufficient 20 outweigh thos,
standing by Mr.. GOmpers at all times.