Indiana daily times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1914-1922, 1921-06-17
LEWIS T0UTED
TO GUST OLD
A. T. L. CHIEF
Supporters Say Sufficient
Votes Pledged for His
Election.
STRENGTH IS CONCEDED

DENVER, Colo, June 17.-John L.
Lewis. head Of the United Mine Work
erS Of America, has enough votes
pledged and enough in sight to assure
his electio- as president Of the Ameri-
can Federation Of Labor in place Of
Samuel Gompers, according to claims Of
his supporters today. The campaign be-
ing conducted for him is the biggest talk
OF the labor convention, next to the Irish
question. 1t is the first serious attempt
to Dust the veteran head Of the Fed
Grafton.
1t is generally believed Lewis has the
support Of the United Brotherhood Of Car
penters and Joiners, which has the larg-
est voting delegation, next to the min
ers, while the railroad unions are known
to be in a receptive mood to talk bust
ness"
1t is conceded the opposition to Com
pers is large enough TO GUST him and
that Lewis, Of all the possible candidates
for his job, is alone strong enough to
muster the votes to be elected
There is a question, however, whether
Lewis will finally be the candidate. He
refuses to comment on his plans. Ac-
cording to reports he insists upon assur-
ance of 10000 votes TO convince him there
ia enough sentiment to demand his run
ming.
GOMPERS WOULD
RESIGN AT STRENGTH?
The consensus Of opinion is that If this
number Of votes is pledged to Lewis
Gompers will announce his retirement
and leave the field free to the miners
head.
A clean sweep Of the executive council
is demanded II Lewis runs Representa-
ton of the basic Industries on the coun-
ell is the first demand. The miners and
metal trades are already represented
while their unions are not The build
Ing trades and other large crafts would
be given representation instead Of small
organizations like the BARRIERS, declared
little cogs'' in the Gompers machine
If the program now talked is carried
out. The needle trades demand adequate
representation.
Efforts to have the Irish resolution
providing fer the boycott Of British
goods adopted have failed. At q stormy
conference OF Irish delegates a number
who signed the resolution withdrew their
names, announcing that the Canadian az
fliations OF their international unions
would not permit them to support it Be
fore entering the conference, c. P. FO-
lev. one of the leaders Of the group be
hind the resolution. issued a statement
declaring IL would be the test Of "rea'
friendship for Ireland when the roll Of
the convention is called.
"If the convention fails to pass the
resolution the men and women Of the
American labor movement viii know
their delegates have withheld from Ire
land the only real aid in their power
TO give the Irish people N their hour Of
dire need" said the statement.
SOVIET RUSSIA
WITHOUT DEFENDERS.
For the first time since its existence
soviet Russia may be without defenders
in the Federation.
Indications are the executive councils
denunciation OF the Lenin regime and
Reputation Of its policies will be ap-
proved by the Federation without oppo-
sition.
The International Association Of Ma
chinists, expected 10 lead to fight to de-
mand recognition Of the soviet govern
ment, vii show little interest now, it is
believed. because Of the refusal Of the
soviet authorities TO permit the entrance
into Moscow Of W Il. Johnston Of their
union
Benjamin Schlessinger, head OF the In
ternational Garment Workers, who led
the fight for recognition Of Russia at the
last convention, s also said TO have lost
enthusiasm in the soviet government since
his visit TO Moscow.