Norwich bulletin., 1920-06-18
A. r. or L. ENDORSES GOVT
 OWNERSHIP OF RAILROADS

Montreal. June 1.-The American Federation of Iabors endorsement to !, day or government ownership of the rail . roads at It's annual convention here. was declared by labor leaders tonight to have been Inc first genuine defeat Samuel Gompers. it's veteran president, has suf- fsrsd in years. The final vote was 29,- o59 for government ownership and s. 3i9 against
 The decisive vote. it is reported prompted the labor chief to state before the convention late today that he was not quite sure" he would be a candi- date for reelection.
 Mir Gompers fought hard against the conventions action. declaring it was a step toward the "enslavement of the workers as government employees" who. be said. had been denied many political and economic rights under the past ad- minislration.
 The United Mine Workers and the powerful railroad workers organizations combined to bring about President Com pers' defeat. 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 loyalty by Eompers but were overwhelmed.
 After the federation's action, the execu- tive council whose members supported Mir Gompers. are said to be placed in on embarrassing position. They must now take steps 10 bring about government ownership. which they have opposed, or resign. lf was stated.
 Supporters Of MT. Gompers declared tonight that they would urge him to re- tain leadership of the federation and stand up for reelection for tie 39th Jinc.
 Despite the protest and desires of Mir Gompcrs. the convention increased his sslary as president from S10,000 to SIP. l0o a year.
 Tn making an appeal to the delegates Dot Co give him a raise, MT. Gompers declared that "s10, 900 is all sufficient for a man living in the ordinary modes Of life Co satisfy him and his needs.''
 The salary of Secretary Frank Nor rison also was increased from ST 300 tt Sl0.0o0 a year. Organizers wages wer, Increased from s4s 10 S60 per week ant their travelling allowance from S6 to 8 per day This was declared necessar. owing to the high cost of living.
 The convention called upon congress t tnact necessary legislation to establsl the United States employment service a permanent bureau in the department O labor. with ample appropriations"
 The executive council was instructe Co render an possible assistance { abolish present unreasonable speed test: measuring devices and the unreason shle standards Of personal efficiency i .he postal service"
 The council will also aid civil servic employees to obtain "the right to hearing and Co appeal from the judgmer or officials in cases involving demotio or dismissal"
 The federation adopted a decision tha the rights of free speech and free pres and assembly are inalienable ones, an arc beyond the power of any judge, cour legislative body or administration oftici; Co quaify, modify abrogate or suspend
 The proposal Of James Duncan of Sea tio. for an initiative and referendum clause in the federation's constitutio was defeated after a lively debate.
 Military training in the schools wa condemned. Compulsory military trair ing also was declared unnecessary, UT desirable and un-American."
 The membership of the executive couI ell was ordered inc sd from II to rnmbers. by the addition of four ne vice presidents.
 A resolution to elect the officers the federation by the popular vote the membership" was defeated.