South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1921-06-26
VETERAN CHIEF
DEFEATS LEWIS
BY BIG MARGIN
Forces Make Clean Sweep at
Convention, Doubling
Opposition Vote.
RIVAL GETS OVATION
Mine Leader Accepts Verdict
Without Enmity'' and
Pledges Support.


BY Associated Press:
DENVER. Col. June 25.-Presf
Sampel Gompers and his entire ad-
ministration was returned 20 once
for another year by the annul con-
vention OF the American Federation
OF Labor after Overwhelmingly de-
feating opposition for the presi-
dency. and one OF the vice pres
idencies.
His sweeping victory. the labor
chief said today at the close OF the
federation's forty-frst annual con-
vention, demonstrated that the
American trade union movement
will not submit 10 dictation from
the forces of corruption or greed
neither the Hearsts nor the Garys
can chart our course or select our
leaders. Our movement Is prepar-
ed TO be aggressive In defense OF
the rights OF toilers. II Will not
swerve from its course II will be
a sad day for the aspirations OF
the working people OF our land
when corrupt and intriguing inter
ests can either divide our move
ment, change our course or destroy
it's leadership. The vote today has
demonstrated 20 the world that We
have not yet come upon that day.
United Movement
1.-THE whole work OF this conven-
ton. the sessions and declarations
adopted. the policies indicated,
mean for the future a united pro-
gressive militant movement, follow
ing upon a progressive, fruitful and
militant past.
"For myself may say that thu
work OF the convention and the re-
suit Of the election I'll me with set
isfaction. gratitude and pride, not
for myself but for our movement.
We are in serious times but we
face them undaunted and with con-
/ fdence and courage"
The labor chiefs forces made a
clean sweep from the beginning.
when Pres't Gompers was returned
10 the presidency for the fordeth
time by overwhelming John L
Lewis, president OF the United Mine
Workers. by vote OF 25.022 20
1924.
The vote was taken amid scenes
Of wild enthusiasm. rivaling those
OF national roliticaI conventions
The galleries were packed with
spectators. The convention floor
was overlooking with delegates and
their friends. Cheers and applaus-
es rose through the auditorium az
every vote.
tampede Fails
Several attempts by the GompsrS
supporters TO stampede the dele
/ gates for the veteran leader during
demonstration failed. as scores u
delegates withheld their enthusiasm
( and remained silent in their seats,
unmoved by the urgings OF fellow
delegates.
This was the hret time that Com
pers has been seriously opposed
since 1894, when he was defeated
/ by John Mcbride. a mine worker. az
/ a convention IN this city. but he
was returned 20 Office the following
year.
When his victory was announced
/ the labor leader. who u now Il
/ years old. could scarcely control his
/ emotions and was on the verge OF
/ tears when he took his place at the
/ rostrum % thank the delegates Tor
/ their support and confidence.
I Lewis, Of the mine workers. arose
from his place a. the rear OF the
+ hall and declared n a stirring ad-
dress that he accepted the verdict
OF the American Federation OF La
Dor without the slightest tinge OF en-
nifty IN my mind" adding. I have
used no dIshon0rable methods IN my
efforts 10 realize my aspiration for
the presidency.
IT have not been the candidate %
/ william Randolph Hearst. I DO not
know the man
Given Ovation.
7 stand more than ever before
with the great trade union move
ment of America and my voice and
ability shall always be given % max
ing the American labor movements
greater than ever before"
He was given a tremendous ova-
lion as he concluded his speech.
The official roll call showed that
only FIVE organizations voted solidly
for the mine workers leader. They
were the United Brotherhood OF
Carpenters and Joiners, Internauon-
al Association OF Machinlsts Mine.
AIlu and Smelter Workers. tauors
and the craftsmen union.
The mine workers delegation split
their vote-Frank Harrington, presi-
dent OF the Illinois district. Robert
Harlan. president OF the Warrington
district. and Alexander Howat presi-
dent OF the Kansas district United
Mine Workers OF America, castin 8
their total votes OF 1896 for Comp
ers.
Lewis. who as a delegate held SIS
votes. did not cast his ballot
The election Of Gompers brought
r. 70 a close one OF the hottest political
+ campaigns ever waged IN the history
/ OF orgaanizcd labor The campaign
ling had gone on relentlessly ssnos
cha convention 0nnDef and A. tine