The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1921-06-25
Miners Failed to Give Their
Chief Expected Support.
Machinists and Carpenters Only
Solid Votes for Lewis.
OVATION FOR GRAND OLD MAN
Soon After BaIlOting Started
Result Was Indicated.
Official Count, GOmpers, 25,O22;
Lewis, 1924.

Denver, Colo, June 25.-Samuel L.
Gompers was reelected president of
the American Federation of Labor to-
day. The veteran American labor
leader defeated John L. Lewis, presi-
dent of the United Mine Workers. by
a heavy majority. The official vote
was, Gompers, 25,O22; Lewis. 1924.
The railroad organizations, which
had been claimed almost solid by
Lewis supporters, split their votes the
two largest unions-the electrical
workers and the railway carmen
casting their entire vote to Gompers
Only two of the largest organizations
cast a solid vote for Lewis--the Ma
chinists' union and the United Broth
srhood of Carpenters. The miners
delegation split their vote, giving
Gompers 1896 and Lewis 2,132, Pres
ldent Lewis declining to vote the 5S3
votes held.
James Duncan was elected vice
president by practically unanimous
vote. One vote was cast against him.
y The convention adjourned at 1890
after the election of a second vice
and to remain in continuous session
until its work is completed.
Sentiment Too Strong.
Lewis was unable to overcome the
handicap of the strong sentimental
hold which Gompers obtained on the
labor movement by nearly two score
years of administration.
The vote was taken amid dramatic
scenes in the auditorium. The GAL
both factions. The floor of the con-
vention hall was crowded with spec
tators. Delegates applauded every
vote as It was announced.
1t was the first time that Gompers
has been strenuously opposed since
1894, when he was defeated for the
presidency by another miner. Gompers
won the position back the next year,
however.
Gompers's triumph was an endorse
ment by representatives of organized
labor of America of his administra-
ton. and approval of his slow moving,
cautious methods, in preference to the
swift, spectacular driving methods of
Lewis.
Ovation for Gompers.
Gompers was given a tremendous
ovation as the vote was announced.
The 71year-old labor leader could
scarcely control his emotions. AS dele
SdIlOn dIleT Q6legaLlOn cast DalIOI
for the grand old man of labor,' it
was easily seen by delegates that he
would win and they cheered each vote
as cast for him.
When the vote was announced,
there was a tremendous cheer from
tho floor and delegates called for
Gompers. With tears in his eyes, he
stood up to start his speech. He said:
Whatever favor has come to me in
previous elections. 1 took it simply as
L call to duty. There was little if any
qualification in 1t. The source of my
defeated Delegate Lewis
The source of qualification to me
IN this case comes from the fact that
newspaper mud-slinging machine
cannot control the American labor
movement.
my election will bring no comfort
TO Gary or to Hearst. The voice of
labor will interpret and present as I
can, come what may. I speak in no
minor key, whether it be to a Gary,
president, or any or all of the news
papers"
When Gompers had completed his
speech. Lewis rose to his place in the
rear of the hall. Lewis said there
was no Ill feeling or rancor in his
mind.
Active in War Work.
The history of Samuel Gompers is
since 1881, with the exception of one
term, he has been president of the
American Federation of Labor, which
he was largely instrumental in organ
tzing
Friends of the labor leader say he
IS the most active man in the United
states despite his II years He trav-
eied an average of 100 miles a day
curing 1920. one trip being made by
alrplane to keep an engagement.
Hardly a meal is eaten without a
conference going on simultaneously
and at times he has dictated state
ments as he ate. During the past
year he has written four books and
fifty pamphlets. Another book is in
the hands of his publishers.
Thruout the war he was active in
preventing strikes and assuring labor
cooperation in war work. Twice he
visited Europe making speeches in be-
half of the war and participating in
the peace conference. The slogan. ''No
peace without victory" is credited to
Mr.. Gompers. He was chairman OF
the labor committee of the national
council of defense during the war
president of the American alliance for