Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1921-06-26
.A. F. |. ELECTS
SAM GOMPERS
PRESIDENT BY
BIC MAJORITY
Veteran Labor Leader Polls
25,022 Votes, 10 ~
234 Cast for His Oppo-
nent, John |, Lewis,
HEARSTS AND GARYS
REPUDIATED, CLAIMS
Vote Is Taken Amid Scenes
of Wild Enthusiasm
RivaIing Those Of PoIIt
icaI Conventions,

(T,y The Associated Press)
Denver, June 25.-Presiden'
Samuel Gompers, Americas vete'
ran labor Observation-Disclosures
defeated his first serious opposi'
ton since 1S94-today was re-
turned to office with his entire ad.
ministration for another year BY
the American Federation of Labor
This sweeping victory, the labor
chief said tonight at the close oi
the federation's forty-first annua
convention, demonstrated that the
American trade union movement
will not submit to dictation from
the forces of corruption or greed
neither the Hearsts nor the Garys
can chart our course or select oul
leaders"
Movement Is United.
"Our movement is united. It
Is prepared to be aggressive in
defense of the rights of the
1 toilers. 1t will not be swerved
from its course. 1t will be a
sad day for the aspirations of
the working people of our
land when corrupt and in
triguing interests can either
divide our movement, change
our course or destroy its lead
ership. The vote today has
demonstrated to the world
that we have not yet come
upon that day.
"The whole work of the conven-
tion, the resolutions and declara-
tions indicated, mean for the fu-
ture united progressive, militant
movement, following upon a pro-
gressiye, fruitful and militant
past.
Gompers Is Satisfied.
For myself, may say that
the work of the convention
and the result of the election
fill me with satisfaction, graft
itude and pride, not for my
self but for our movement.
and proud of our movement
and my life shall be given to
1t in the future as it has been
!. for these many years. We are
! in serious times, but we face
them updaunted and with con-
f.denoe and courage"
The labor chiefs forces made a
clean sweep from the beginning,
when President Gompers was re-
turned to the presidency for the
fortieth time by overwhelming
John L. Lewis, president of the
United Mine Workers by vote of
25,022 to 1924.
Galleries Are Packed.
The vote was taken amid scenes
of wild enthusiasm, rivaling those
Of national political conventions.
The galleries were packed with
spectators. The convention floor
was overflowing with delegates and
their friends. Cheers and applause
swept the auditorium at every
vote.
Several attempts by the Gompers
supporters to stampede the dele
gates for the veteran labor leader
failed, as scores of delegates re-
mained silently in their seats, un-
moved by the urgings Of fellow
delegates.
This was the first time that
Gompers has been seriously OPP
D .sed since 1894. when he was de-
feated by John Mcbride, mine
worker, at a convention in this
city, but he was returned to office
the following year.
On the Verge of Tears.
When his victory was announced
the labor leader, who Is now II
years old. could scarcely control
his emotions and was on the verge
Of tears when he took his place at
the rostrum to thank the delegates
for their support and confidence,
and declaring that .'my election
will bring no comfort to Gary or
Hearst"
Lewis. of the mine workers,
arose from his place at the rear of
the hall and declared in a stirring
address that he accepted the ver-
dict of the American Federation of
Labor without the slightest tinge of
enmity in my mind" adding:
81 have used no dishonorable
methods in my efforts to realize
my aspiration for the presidency.
Not q Hearst Candidate.
II have not been the candidate
Of William Randolph Hearst. do
not know the man. l stand more
than ever before with the great
trade rnion movement of America
and my Voice and ability shall al
ways be given to making the
American labor movement greater
than ever before"
He was given tremendous
ovation al he concluded his speech.
The official roll call showed that
only five organizations voted solid
ly for the mine workers leader.
1They were the United Brotherhood
Of Carpenters and Joiners. Interna-
tional Association of Machinists,
Mine Mill and Smelter Workers
CONTINUED on Page Two.)