New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1920-09-14
Efforts at Compromise
Unsuccessful, He Says,
After Meeting Compers
and Talking With Mayer
,Judge am Autocrat,
Says Labor Leader:
Issues Statement After
Court Again Refuses to
Recognize Amalgamated

Governor Smith last night admit
ted he had failed to bring about a
compromise in the Brooklyn Rapid
Transit strike.
After conference at the Biltmore
Hotel with Samuel Gompers, presi-
dent of the American Federation of
Labor, and James H. Vahey, general
counsel for the Amalgamated Asso-
citation of Street and Electrical Rail-
way Employees, the Governor called
On Federal Judge Julius M. Mayer
in the latter's chambers late yester-
day afternoon.
At the conclusion of the meeting
Judge Mayer gave out statement de-
! Ginning, under the circumstances, to see
,Mr. Gompers, and making it plain that
he had not receded from his decision
I to eliminate from the lines the organi-
sation which he had previously charac-
ferissd as contract breaker"
In replying to Judge Mayors state
5 Eaens after 1t had been discussed at q
night conference with leaders of the
Amalgamated, Mr.. Gompers assaulted
tie judges position as "autocratic."
Unsuccessful, Says Smith
Governor Smith, on leaving the con
ference, said:
Fl can say nothing further than that
E have been unsuccessful in nv efforts
!. % bring about discussion of the sit
aation between Judge Mayer and ME-.
Gompess. / have just been in COM
raunieation with Mr.. Gempers bver the
telephone, and he will leave for Wash
ingtoa tonight. There is nothing fur
Their that I can do"
follows:
The Governor, Judge Mayer and Re-
ee.vef Garrison had conference this
afternoon. The Governor stated that
ae mad been visited by Mr.. Vahey, the
general counsel for the Amalgamated
Association, accompanied by MI. Com
eers, and that they desired to have the
Governor see If he could arrange a meet
ing With Judge Mayer.
I, Judge Mayer stated to the Governor
nat his position had been deliberately
.asea and was we'll known. He had
aenniteiy determined and publicly stated
spoa more than one occasion that he
"osia not deal in any way with the
asmslgamated Association directly or in
directly, and that so far as he was con.
sesnsd. the matter was closed.
-, ne further stated that while under
o1ner circumstances. he could, of course,
met Mr. Gompers, such meeting at
ans sine' under the existing circum-
sAaess, would not only be useless, but
.;s oa'a serve solely to prolong a situa-
4 ICE uea which should be brought to an end;
49, was obvious from the circuma-
sssnees that Mr.. Vahey and Mr.. Conn
psfs sought meeting for the purpose
" again going over the situation in re-
speG OF the Amalgamated Association.
ssaa mat Judge Mayors position had
~ sl Iuiiy, clearly and finally set forth
- ms letter to the Mayor, dated Sep.
us"ses 2, on which he stood"
20 Samuel Gompers's Reply
~ = his reply, Mr.. Gompers says:
A.s aas statement made by Judge
"a 8. tnis afternoon, in connection
s,aa. sne suggestion which the Gov
eemiiiating.
~. a:ked that might have an ops
samsy as citizen Of the State Of
Ne nsx York and unofficially to 20 into
str IT, tpsessnt situation in the B. R. r.
- as 1t was my purpose to present
s.. nl@ Important considerations quite
sssa sIee Of those that have had his
sxsa and a solution Of conditions
~. ~ moro Important than the element
~ shsered into the existing strike.
81. 10 this Judge Mayer turned q deaf
s.. s;snrsly he cannot imagine that the
sssHion that he has taken will a,lay
= apprehension of the men or that
s,.s WIN bring the strike to sn early
~ The men undoubtedly will feel
s sass directly or indirectly their cause
~ anot receive any consideration at
H. sss hands aa. Of the only official who has
T. authority or seeming authority to
ss:.srmine their cause; that they are
ssas ss thrown upon their united
-. " was my purpose 70 suggest way
~. ahe present situation. This
lssN Aayer has resented. instead of
i what might have oeen pre-