New-York tribune., 1920-06-18
Head of A. +. L. Meets
First Serious Defeat
When Delegates Indorse
L. S. Rail Ownership
Roll Call Results
29,059 to 8.349
Presidents Pay Increased
Over His Own Protest
TO $4,000 a Year

MONIREAL, June 1.-THE indorsc-
ment by the American Federation of
Labor to-day Of government ownership
of the railroads at it's annual conven-
ton here was declared by labor lead
ers tonight to have been the first gen
uine defeat Samuel Gompers, its vet
eran president, has suffered in years.
The final vote of 29,O59 for governme Mt
ownership and S,349 against, was had
after one of the bittcrest fights in
years.
The decisive vote, it is reported
prompted the labor chief to tell the
CONVENTION late to-day that he "was not
quite sure he would be candidate
for reelection.
Mr.. Gompers fought hard against the
conventions action. declaring it was a
step toward the "cnslavement of the
workers, as government employees, y
who, he said, had been denied manv
political and economic rights under the
past administrations. He received
only a mild ovation.
The United Mine Workers and the
powerful railroad workers organiza-
tions combined to bring about Presi-
dent Gompers's defeat. They also had
the support of the Machinists' Union
and the Metal Trades organization, al
powerful voting factors.
Backed by Carpenters
The Carpenters Union and the Build
ing Trades organization stood loyalty
BY Compers, but were overwhelmed.
After the federation's action, the ex-
ecutlVe council members, who supported
Mr; Gompers, were placed in an
embarrassing position. They must
now take steps to bring about govern
ment ownership, which they have op-
posed, or resign, it was stated.
Supporters Of Mr.. Gompers declared
tonight that they would urge him to
retain leadership Of the federation and
stand for reelection for the thrtv-ninth
time.
Disorder interrupted the roll call
several times when delegations Of the
various crafts divided on their vote.
Charges of steam roller were
hurried at the chair by James Duncan.
OF Seattle, and other delegates, wher.
1T denied the right Of roll cali
to delegations that split on the oues-
ton. Applause and "boos' and Kisses
Alternately greeted delegation votes.
The first clash on the roll call oc-
CURED when W. L. Hutchinson, presi-
dent of the Carpenters Union, an
nounced that his delegation cast its
o,3lo votes against the proposal. j. A.
Ross, of the carpenters, denied Mr..
Hutchinson's statement and asked per
mission TO cast Ala votes for govern
ment ownership.
Gompers Makes Ruling
More than a dozen delegates protest
ed when Gompcrs barred the Ross vote.
counting the entire carpenters vote
against the proposal
Gompcrs's ruling resulted in tho
molders' delegation casting its vote for
the proposal, despite the fact tha.
John +. Frey, Of their membership, op-
posed the proposal.
The chair was overrulcd during the
voting when I. W Mccullough voted
the Typographical delegation as 236 for
the proposal and 400 against.
Secretary Morrison opposed the vote
and demanded a roll call on the ground
that Mccullough had no authority to
deliver It, The roll call showed the
Typographical vote as 23G for and 1852
against, cuttin. 1T votes from the to-
tai announced by Mccullough against
the proposal.
First Vice President James Duncan,
Of Quincy, Mass, was the only member
Of the granite cutters organization to
vote against government ownership.
Holds Proposal Indefinite
Prior to the voting Matthew Woll,
vice president Of the Federation. de
clared that neither "govcrnment CON
troll nor government ownership" had
been Sufficiently defined" in the propo-
sitions before tho convention for him
to decide which he favored, but SAID
he was against any proposal that
would indorse the Plumb plan.
The proposition for government own
ecship before the convention does mot
favor any particular plan,' declared
II. Johnston. international president
OF the Machinists' Union.
"Thc proposal" he added, "Yepre-
CONTINUED on paqe 1ye)