Great Falls tribune. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1921-current, 1921-06-24

freedom, an enemy OF laDOr al
This statement, together with many
other denunciatory remarks regarding
Hearst, made by President Gompers in
reply to q question from the floor as
to his stand on the Irish question, was
cheered and applauded by the delegates.
Refers to Mexico.
The veteran leader declared that
Hearst had attacked him because he
had declined to be . chained to his mad
chariot for the presidency of the Unit
ed States and because he had tried to
see to it that Mexico shall go undis-
turbed and not overrun by the Ameri-
can forces"
Defining his stand on the Irish ques-
ton, President Gompers declared he
had carried out every declaration OF the
federation extending sympathy and AID
to the Irish Republic.
''The only real charge against me is.
and plead guilty to it. that l nave
not freed Ireland" he said.
Faithfulness Unqestioned.
II challenge any man to show l have
been faithless to any declaration made
by the American Federation OF Labor
or that l have been false. faithless or
when the American Federation Of
Labor declared that policies be pur-
sued. even il they drove men to jail.
I did not falter in the fight or in the
faith"
He expressed regret that he had to
discuss this matter before the election
of officers.
Mr.. Gompers asked the delegates
NOT to misunderstood his remarks as |
"play for votes" adding:
II wouldn't stoop to ask men to vote
or support me in any position. In this
position as representative and spokes
man, or at least spokesman for part of
the American Federation Of Labor, ]
must be able to hold up my head and
say to any man yes or No
Special Favors Denied.
''No organization has received any
special favors or support. not even my |
own. in preference over any other or
ganization. ! have tried to do my fill
duty without regard to the consequence
to myself and with impartiality."
He declared Hearst had conducted
campaign against him through his
publications and had " combed Chicago
to get some respectable trade unionists !
to say something against me, without |
success
In declaring he had declined to sup
port Hearst for the presidency. Mr..
Gompers said:
HE tried to chain me to his mad
chariot for the presidency band. 10
speak the language Of the street, ]
could not see him. and | Nankly told |
him So.
The labor leader declared he would
do all in his power to prevent Hearst
from having the United States send its
military forces into Mexico and plant
our flag there and never take it down."
Given Great Ovation.
Referring to his former reply TO al
legged attacks made by Hearst upon him
and his associates. who were of foreign
birth. Mr.. Gompers said:
when he questioned our loyalty on
the right to speak for American labor
because he said we were not born here.
] answered him by saying something
like this: \ am willing that the govern
ment of the United States or the peo-
pie of the United States shall decide
between you and me as to who was
more loyal to the United States in its
greatest hour of danger
Many times during his address. Presi
dent Gompers was compelled TO pause
until the wild demonstrations of the
delegates had subsded.
The convention earlier went on re-
cord against universal compulsory mil
itary training and instructed it's Off
GERS to use every power in their com
mand' to defeat any such proposal.
War on Injunctions.
The federation today declared war
against the judicial tyranny of in
functions
The annual convention adopted
resolution calling upon all affiliated
organizations to inaugurate "energetic
campaigns against the ever growing
abuse of injunctions in labor disputes
and to conduct such campaigns un-
ceasingly until the intolerable practice
is abandoned"
The declaration. submitted by the
International Ladies' Garment Work
ers, condemned the courts for their
alarming attitude of antagonism to-
ward organized workers.
Supporters of both John l.. Lewis
and President Gompers were active
the day in behalf of their
candidates. Both candidates continued
to claim sufficient votes to win the
presidency.
CHINESE IN CLASH.
Canton, China, June 23.-(By The
Associated Press. )-Hostilitie have