New-York tribune., 1921-06-22
Reelection of
Connpers Rests
OnRail Unions
labor Federation Demands
Total Exclusion of All
OrientaIs; Accuses Japan
of Violating Agreement
Irish Question Up Again
New Attempt Made TO Have
Boycott Declared ON All
Britis h Manufactures


nrNvER, June -Electioneering of
n. most relentless character marked
,o.day's campaign Of supporters of
s.th President Samuel Gompers and
lain l.. Lewis, president of the United
Nine Workers, to put their respective
candidates into the presidency of the
America Federation of Labor.
Both sides reported definite progress
and the indications were that the race
would be hotly contested. Each candi-
date, however, appeared confident os
victory.
DThe situation looks fie," was the
oaly commen. OF Mr.. Lewis, who had
nesrly score of representatives can
wssing the situation.
President Gompers had no statement
70 make, but his supporters were work
r at TOP speed and declared that they
had sufficient votes to reelect him with
good, safe margin"
Although they claimed to have suf-
fcient votes pledged to elect the
miners chief, supporters of Mr.. Lewis
admitted that the vote of the United
Nine Workers would be split, as at
least two delegates would cast their
ballots for MIR. Gompers.
The railroad organizations, it was
definitely learned, have not deciced as
10 which candidate they will support.
Labor leaders declare that the vote
Of these organizations will probably
settle the contest, unless the de.ega-
lions split their vote.
Reports that Fred Hewitt, chairman
oi the machinists' union, was a candi-
date for the presidency, were denied
tonight by Mr.. Hewitt.
The machinists' delegates cannot sup
port Mr.. Gompers as they are in
structed by their membership not to
vote for any one who is a member of
the National Civic Association. Their
vote is claimed by the Lewis sup
porters.
No definite figures as to the possible
lineup on both sides were expected
before tomorrow night or Thursday
morning.
A Glitter oratorical fight over the
Irish question was precipitated on the
floor Of the convention late to-day and
vas at its height when President
Compers adjourned the convention
Until tomorrow.
The debate started when the resolu-
tons committee reported substitute
ior the four resolutions introduced by
Irish sympathizers. The substitute
ignored the effort to initiate boycott
against British manufacturers and i'm
ports.
The committees report disposed OF
tds Irish question by asking the con-
enton to reatfirm it's sympathy for
the lrish cause by urging recognition
Of the Irish republic and by urging
trial and punishment for British army
men guilty of atrocities in Ireland.
No sooner had the committees re-
port been read when Cornelius Foley,
delegate from the BARRIERS Union, took
the floor and read q telegram from
Harry Boiand, secretary to Eamon de
Valera, provisional president of the
Irish republic" which said:
"The organization american Fedora
ton of Labor is looked on to do
something for Ireland We want the
boycott or nothing"
Christian NJ Madsen, of the Chicago
Federation of Labor, then moved to
amend the committees report by ad
ding clause calling for boycott by
American labor against British goods
and British companies as long as the
British government maintains "its bar
Darous and destructive policy in
Ireland"
A point of order was raised that this
could not be introduced because it
was part of resolutions already re-
jected by the committee. President
Gompers sustained the point of roder
and adjourned the convention, while
several delegates were struggling for
recognition of the chair.
The convention went on record as
iayorlng total exclusion of Japanese
end other Orientals from the United
States
The executive council was instructed
70 take steps to prevent any modifca-
uoh OF the Chinese exclusion act, and
aso urged to work for the repeal of
me "gentiemen's agreement" with
!apan. 1t was charged this agreement
Is being violated.
ne work of the Federal Trade Com
mission was commended and Congress
vas urged to provide funds for in
rvestgation of all industries and pub
neetion Of statistics showing the cost
u production and marketing of all
staple commodities.
Postmaster General Will Hays was
commended for establishing "an en-
Hghtened and humane policy" in regard
employees Of the postal service.
;. = proposal that the Federation estab-
ss .sh chain of daily newspapers was
referred back to the executive council
LOT further investigation,