New-York tribune., 1920-05-29
Carnegie Hall Thronged
as Speakers Clash in
Fiery Oratory; Senti-
ment Evenly Divided
Labor Head Hits
Industrial Court
Governor Cites Injustice
of Closing Mines When
People Must Have Coal

OeDdIiIS tne TlSHt O1 idUOr 10
strike and the merits of the Kansas
industrial relations act, which de-
MES this function to labor under
certain provisions, Samuel Gompers.
president of the American Fedora
tion of Labor, and Governor Henry
j. Allen of Kansas met at Carnegie
Hall last night in what Alton B.
Parker, presiding officer, character
lied as a verbal contest command
ing wider consideration than did the
famous Lincoln and Douglas de-
bates"
The debate was staged before sup
porters Of both principles. who crowded
the stage and interior of the great
hall until hardly a space remained
Spirited cheering marked salient
thrusts as the opponents scored on
one another, but the early stages
of the contest were remarkable for
the order which prevailed.
Gompers Loudly Cheered
1t was not until the debate warmed
up, near 10 o'clock, that the gallery
Joined in its demand to Gompers to
meet certain questions asked by Gov
ernor Allen.
Mr. Gompers, first introduced BY
Chairman Parker, was vigorously
five minutes. Specifically protesting
against the Kansas industrial rela-
tions act, which he declared deprived
labor of its inalienable right of liberty
the right to strike, Mr.. Gompers de-
clared:
"There is but one ground upon
which any justification may be as
sumed to tie men to their jobs and
make strikes unlawful-that is the
confession that our republican institu-
tions and our democracy have ceased
Admit that and I have no word of
debate except that l combat it every
moment of my life"
Loud cheers from the labor advo-
Gates met this phrase and 1t was the
"bcos" of the same adherents which
later greeted the assertion of Governor
Allen, in opposition to it, that no at
tempt had been made in Kansas to
deprive the laborer of his liberty, but
I'VE have merely taken away the di-
vine right of Mr.. Gompers to order
men to quit work"
Governor Aliens retort followed a
recounting Of the coal strike of last
year, during which he alleged that
union miners struck at time when
the people of Kansas were freezing fer
want of coal, though it existed abun-
dantly in Kansas mines, and even hos
pitfalls and state institutions were
paralyzed. Governor Allen declared
the miners were promised retroactive
mediation, but yet they refused to man
the mines.
"a great many miners wanted to go
back TO work but somehow they had
lost the liberty that the president If
American Federation has told you
about" said Allen, amid cheers which
drowned his voice.
Gompers in Rebuttal
The first approach to uproar smote
the great hall when President Gompers
arose in rebuttal at 9:55 p. m, after
each speaker had held the stage for
forty-five minutes.
Gompers referred to certain ques-
tions asked by Governor Allen. One
Of these was Governor Aliens dramatic
challenge to Gompers to explain what
ne meant in recent speech in New
Jersy in which he said: "If you take
away labor's right to strike we will find
some other wav." Allen also had asked:
When dispute arises between capi-
tai and labor affecting the production
or distribution of necessities of lifs
has the public any right, or is it pri-
vate war between employers and work.
ers ~ Again the Governor demanded:
who controls the divine right to
strike ?"
Immediately the audience was In q.
uproar. Shouts came from the gallery:
You can't answer." This was greeted
with cheers and "boos"
-.
can answer many questions" continued
Mr.. Gompers. Answer the questionsl"
demanded the gallery. Mr.. Gompers
raised his hand for order, remarking:
Il know the friends of Governor Allen
are ladies and gentlemen" This re-
stored order and the debate proceeded.
Heckler Challenged
Mr.. Gompers again hesitated for a
few moments toward the end of his
second appearance to do verbal com
bat with an Allenite in the audience.
He had just referred to Lincoln, saving
that he did not know what Lincoln
would have done or said if he had
lived IN the present day of strikes. He
ventured that Lincoln might have been
ION the side of the poor, who are
OF the applause Voice yelled:
How poor are you?"
81 will bet you two cents that I am
poorer than you," responded Gompers
What is your name ?" he demanded of
the heckler. "Who asked that ques-
tion?"
He dassent tell it," chimed in
Gompersite.
"He hasn't any," sounded another
voice.
"You Tell EN-, Sammy"
at is filthy, rwardly, ungenrle-
manly insinuation." retorted Gompers.
A cry of approval, you tell 'am,
Sammy" brought back the labor presi-
dents good humor, and he smiled.
SO boisterous became the Interrupt
tions toward the end of the debate that
Chairman Parker several times ap-
pealed to the audience for order. "Just
demonstrate that you at least are gen
tlemen." he said on one occasion.
Speaking to a representative Of The
Tribune late last night, Mr.. Gomre.s
! said that twenty-five per cent of his
share Of the debates profits woulstgo to