The Connecticut labor press., 1920-06-19
Government Ownership

Government Ownership Endorsement of government owner ship of the railroads on Thursday was declared by labor leaders to have been the first genuine defeat of Samuel Gompers, its veteran president, has suf- fered in years The final vote was 2o,059 for government ownership and 8,349 against.
 MT. Gompers fought hard against the conventions action, declaring 1t was a step toward the "ensIavement of the workers as government employees" who, he said, had been denied many political and economic rights under the past ad- rninistrations.
 The United Mine Workers and the powerful railroad workers organiza- tions combined to bring about the en- dorsement. They also had the support of the machinists' union and the metal trades organization, all powerful voting factors. The Carpenters Union and the building trades organization stood by Gompers, but were overwhelmed
 After the federation's action the ex- ecutive council whose members sup ported Mr. Gompers, are said to be placed in an embarrassing position. They must now take steps to bring about government ownership which they have opposed. Supporters of MT. Gompers declared that they would urge him to retain leadership of the fedora ton and stand up for reelection for the 39th time.
 Despite the protest and desires of Mir. Gompers the convention increased his salary as president from $10,000 to S12,000 a year In making an appeal to the delegates not to give him the raise, Mr. Gompers declared that $10,- 900 is all sufficient for man living i'll the ordinary modes of life to satisfy him and his needs. The salary of Sec retary Frank Morrison also was in creased from 7,500 to $10,000 year. Organizers wages was increased from $48 to 800 per week, and their travel ing allowance from $6 to $8 per day. This was declared necessary owing to the high cost of living.
 Call On Congress
 The convention called upon congress to enact necessary legislation to estab- fish the United States employment ser vice as permanent bureau in the de- partment of labor, with ample appro- priations."
 The executive council was instructed to render all possible assistance to dDOl1SH uIlICdSOlldDIC SpCGu tests, time-measuring devices and the unreasonable standards of personal efficiency in the postal service
 The council will also aid civil service employees to obtain the right to a hear- ing and to appeal from the judgment of officials in cases involving demotion or dismissal"
 The federation adopted decision that the rights of free speech and free press and assembly are inalienab1e ones and are beyond the power of any judge, court, legislative body or administra- ton official to qualify, modify, abrogate or suspend"
 The proposal of James Duncan of Seattle, for an initiative and referen- dunn" clause in the federation's consti- tuition was defeated after lively de- bate.
 Military training in the schools was condemned. Compulsory military train ing also was declared unnecessary, un- desirable and .unAmerican.
 The membership of the executive council was ordered increased from II to Is members, by the addition of four new svice-presidents.
 A resolution to elect the officers sof the federation by the popular vote of the membership" was defeated.