South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1920-06-18
G0MPERS MAY
QUIT AS u. S.
LABOR CHIEF
Organizations Action on Rail
road Question Given as
Main Reason.
By Associated Press:

By Associated Press:
MONTREAL, June II. - The
American Federation of Labor's en-
dorsement Thursday Of government
ownership of the railroads at its an
nual convention here was declared
by labor leaders Thursday night to
have been the first genuine defeat
Samuel Gompers, its veteran presi-
dent, has suffered in years The
final vote was 29.O97 for govern
ment ownership and S,349 against.
The decisive vote. IL is reported,
prompted the labor chief to state
before the convention late Thursday
;hat he was not quite sure" he
would be a candidate for reelec-
ton.
Fights Hard.
Mr.. Gompers fought hard against
the conventions action. declaring it
was a step toward the "enslavement
OF the workers as government en-
ployes." who. he said, had been de-
MED many political and economic
rights under past administrations.
He received only a mild ovation.
The United Mine Workers and the
powerful railroad workers Organi-
zations combined to bring about
Pres't GomL Lers defeat. They also
had the support of the machinists'
union and the metal trades organi-
zation, all powerful voting factors.
The carpenters union and the
building trades organization stood
loyalty by Gompers, but were over
whelmed
Supporters Of Mr.. Gompers de-
clared Thursday night that they
would urge him to retain leadership
OF the federation and stand up for
reelection for the 39th time.
Raise Salaries.
Despite the protest and desires OF
Mr.. Gompers. the convention IN
creased his salary as president from
$4,000 to $4,000 a year.
In making an appeal TO the dele
gates not TO give him an increase,
Mr.. GomIe Iers declared that $4,000
Is all sufficient for a man living in
the ordinary mode of life 10 satisfy
him and his needs"
The salary Of Sec'y Frank Morri-
son also was increased from $500
to $4,000 year. Organizers
wages were increased from S4S to
$50 per week and their travelling
allowance from Sc to IS per day.
This was declared necessary owing
TO the high cost of living.
The convention called upon con-
gress TO enact necessary legislation
to establish the United States en-
ployment service as a permanent
bureau in the department OF labor,
L, srf
The executive council was in
structed 10 render all possible as
sistance TO abolish present unrea
sonable speed tests. time-measuring
devices and the unreasonable stand
ards OF personal efficiency in the
postal service"
Adopt Decision.
The federation adopted a deci-
sion that the rights of free speech
and free press and assembly are in
alienable ones. and are beyond the
power of any Judge. court. legisla-
tive body or administration official
20 qualify. modify. abrogate or sus-
pend"
The proposal Of James Duncan. OF
Seattle, for an initiative and refer
endum" clause in the federation
constitution was defeated after a
lively debate.
Military training in the schools
was condemned as the first step I'm
the development Of mechanical and
unquestioninG obedience which re-
suits in the killing of initiative. "
Compulsory military training was
also declared unnecessary. undesir-
able and un-American."
The membership OF the executive
council was ordered increased from
Il to Is members by the addition of
four new vice presidents.