New-York tribune., 1919-10-08

soon be presented containing labors
trial condition.
What this plan will be is not known
even in the smallest detail outside the
labor group, but in other circles it is
suggested that one of the strong prob
abilities is that the conference will
arrive at agreement on some modifca-
tion of the recent National War La
Dor Board, modelled to meet peace
time requirements. Labor is, however.
distinctly non-committa on it's proba-
Bile attitude toward any suggestion
that may come before the conference
Alternates Are Ruled Out
Feeling of the delegates was indi-
| Gated IN another way when the ques-
ton of alternates was raised. 1t was
suggested that since some of the con-
ferrees might find it necessary to
leave, it would be desirable to provide
broke. Chairman Lane had ruled in
1avor OF allowing altcrnates to be
named, but changed his ruling later.
Mr.. Gompers said that those finding
IT necessary to leave should at least
give the conference their reasons
Thomas L. Chadbourne said: II don't
tnlnk this is the kind of a conference
where substitution of one man for an
other is favorable" Gavin McNab
body of proxies" w. D. Mahon went
further and made the blunt declaration
mat II proxies were permitted ne would
refuse to sit in the conference. 1t was
on motion of Mr.. Gompers that refer
ence finally was made of the matter to
the general committee.
Durlng the morning session when the
committee on nominations made its
report Mr.. Gompers arose to explain
to the conference that he had been
asked why Secretary of Labor Wilson
had not been the selection for chair
man. II have answered." he said,
that in the judgment of the commit
tee 1T may be more appropriate if the
presiding officer be one not so closely
associated or identified with labor. I
take. 1t to myself, in seconding the
nomination of Secretary Lane to say
that no man is justified in constituting
implied, on William B. Wilson, the
Secretary Of Labor"
Following this, Secretary Wilson was
unanimously elected by the conference
to membership.
Many regarded the labor support for
Secretary Lane as a concession from
labor for the sake of harmony though
it is known that labor is thoroughly
satisfied with the Lane craftsmanship.
Secretary Lanes address was one of
hope and of promise. Afte~ being es-
corted to the platform by Miss Tar
bell, Mr.. Gompers, Mr.. Wheeler and
Mr.. Fish, he said:
II accept this honor that you have
done me because I feel that it is a
call of duty, and possibly l can help
in ~
great problem that you will have to
handle; but must ask, and very sim
cerely, for your help.
'"1 cannot say anything that would
add to or supplement the noble word
that was delivered to you yesterday by
Secretary Wilson. A fairer, more digni-
tied and more eloquent expression of
the attitude of mankind toward man.
kind has not been made within my
hearing.
~ wish that 1t were possible that
the stimulating influence not only Of
his presence but of that true word
which he always speaks. That is de-
MED us now, but possibly it may
not long be denied. The word
comes to us fresh and cheering from
the White. House that. before your de
i:berations are through, it may be pos
hible that you may yet hear directl.
from him. Whether that is so Or not
you are to go on with your work in
the spirit that believe is in you
Calls Council of Progress"
"This world !. torn-up world. It
has suffered great deal in the last
five years. We do not want it to suf
fer any more. The voices of destruc-
t;ol have been let loose, like some
scourge, and they have had their way
toe long.
"This conference is one of con-
struction. 1t is the first forward step
taken in the United States toward the
establishment of a council of national
progress instead of a council of ma
tional defence.
"Men say that ;his problem of labor
and capital Is unso,vable. You can