Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1920-06-18
.GOMPERS SUFFERS
FIRST BIG DEFEAT
Veteran Leader Overwhelming
ly Beaten in Fight Against
Government Ownership.
HIS REELECTION DOUBTFUL
Convention Action Will Compel
Leaders to Reverse Their
Former Policies.
HIS REELECTION DOUBTFUL
GBy Associated Press

MONTREAL, June l7.-Thc Amcri
can Federation Of Labors indorse-
mcnt OF government ownership of
the railroads at It's annual convention
here. was declared by labor leaders
tonight 70 nave been The first genu-
Inc defeat Samuel Gompers, it's vet
cran president. has suffered in years
The final vote was 23.059 for gov
crnment ownership, and S.3i9 against.
The decisive vote, 1t Is reported,
prompted the labor chief to state
before the convention late today that
he was not quite sure" he would
be candidate for recollection.
Mr.. Gompcrs fought hard against
the conventions action. declaring It
was II step toward the 'cnslavement
OF tho workers government en-
ployecs.' who. he said. had been de-
MED many political and economic
rights under the past administrations.
He received only mild ovation.
The United Mine Workers and the
powerful railroad workers organiza- :
t!Ons combined 10 bring about Presi-
dent Gompers' defeat. They also had
the support Of the Machinists Union
and the metal trades organization.
all powerful voting factors.
Carpenters Remnincd Faithful.
The Carpenters Union and the
building trades organizations stood
Loyalty by Gompers. but were over
whclmed.
After the fedcration's action. the
/ executive council, whose members
supported Mr.. Gompers. are said to
be placed in an embarrassing posi-
ton. They must now take steps 10
bring about government ownership,
which they have opposed. or resign,
1t was stated.
Supporters of Mr.. Gompers declared
tonight that they would urge him 10
retain leadership OF the federation
and seek recollection for the thirty
ninth time.
Salaries Largely Incrcased.
Despite the protest and desires OF
Mr.. Gompers. the convention increas-
ed his salary as president from Sl0.-
900 to $4,000 year.
In making an appeal TO the dele
| gates not to give him raise. Mr.
Gompers declared that $4,000 Is all
sufficient for man living in the
| ordinary modes of life TO satisfy him
| and his needs
The salary OF Secretary Frank
! Morrison also was increased from
| $500 TO $4,000 n year. Organizers
wages were Increased from siS to
500 per week and their travelling al
| iowance from Sc TO IS per day. This
was declared necessary owing TO the
| high cost of living.
The convention called upon Con-
| Gress TO enact necessary Legislation
TO establish the United States en-
ployment service as a permanent bu-
rcau in the Department OF Labor
with ample appropriations
The executive council was instruct
ed to render all possible assistance
10 abolish present unreasonable
speed tests. time measuring devices
and the unreasonable standards OF
personal efficiency in the postal SER
vice"
The council will also aid civil
! service employees to obtain the
right TO hearing and to appeal
| from the judgment OF officials in
! cases involving demotion or dis
missal"
want More Freedom of Speech.
The federation adopted decision
that the rights of free speech and
| free press an dassembly are inalien-
| able ones; and are beyond the power
of any judge, court. legislative body
ICOntinued on Srcond parnN