Evening journal., 1920-04-09
GoMpERs vs.. CUMMINGS.

~ HE efforts OF Mr. Gompers and few OF his asso-
4 ciates to control the next elecon--apparenty in
the interest OF the Democratic partys Impressed upon
the public mind by the organized defeat Senator
cummins Of Iowa for reelection.
L. E. sheppard acting president of the Order OF Rail-
road Conductors recently declared the purpose
defeat Mr.. Cummns In November. There are many who
doubt the ability of these labor leaders to control the
votes OF the members OF their unions against man who
has been good friend OF labor as has been the senior
Senator from Iowa.
The particular Of the antagonism toward Sem
aor Cummns is the fact that he the author OF those
provisions In the Railroad Bill which established trbu
nal for the adjudication labor and wage disputes and
then proposed to make it unlawful for or
to conspire TO interfere with interstate commerce.
This was known the "Anti-strke Clause" OF the
bill There expressly reserved TO all railroad en-
poyes the right to quit any time for any reason, the
only limitation being that there must not be con-
spracy to interfere with interstate commerce. The Anti
Strike Clause was eliminated. but provisions for in
vestieaton and labor retained
The unreasonabeness OF the attitude of Mr. Com
pers and Mr.. Sheppard towards Senator Cummlns was
clearly set forth by Democratic member Of the Senate
Mr. Thomas OF Colorado After discussing various phases
OF Mr. Gomper's activities. Senator Thomas said:
u do not exssgerate when say that the senior Sena-
tor from Iowa, Mr. cummlns. is of the most eminent
one Of the most useful OF the patriotic members
OF this body He served his State two three terms
as governor with eminent ability and signal success lie
is sincere and conscientious statesman deyotng all his
time and energies to the duties the great Office with
which he has been honored than by his ap-
precatve constituency He has brought to tho DISCHARGE
Of his responsibilities mind enriched by years Of study,
reflection and experience ne is qualified both y nature
and by education to niegenily discharge te duties OF
his position here and IS thoroughly equipped with all the
qualifications OF American LEGISLATOR. He has been
the friend The extreme and unsAakable friend. Of
ganlzed labor ever since | have had the honor OF his
acquaintance lie has gone so far in supporting their
demands to subject himself 10 The quiet criticism Of
hIsassocaies Of whom. however. had doubt
Of bis integrity his honor his purity Of purpose.
''rhe Senator from virtually had charge Of The
antitrust bill 10 i9i when was under consideration
here was nonlnaiy charge OF the former senator
from Nevada tNir Newlaudsl. Who depended upon his
colleague for the analysis OF It's provisions the defense
both legal and practical OF It's contested recitas The
evolution Of its many and dicull provisions largely
the work Of the Senator from Iowa on this floor he
prepared and introduced an amendment which adop
ted specifically rectng that labor not commodity.
That was the FIRST appearance Of that statement in any
legislation Of which cognlzant He the author
as well Of the exemption OF labor and agricultural asso
cotons from the operation Of the antitrust law do not
think It Is too much say that but for The Senator's
vigorous. earnest and persistent advocacy Of those
amendments, they might not have passed. The sena-
tor from Iowa upon the committee Of conference,
stood by his amendments succeeded In retaining them
in the original form But he has offended Mr. Gompers,
so he must walk the political plank In November