Belt Valley times. [volume] (Armington, Mont.) 1894-1977, 1924-12-18
compsrs' Career

> Of Samuel Gompers. His name Will b.
written beside those OF men who giud
ed the nation through It's latter dal
trials and eventually, sacrificing them
selves on the altar Of patriotism
brought II safely past the breakers o.
!, war, industrial STRIFE and general un
+ rest which threatened time and agar
10 bring disaster upon II.
The recognized leader OF organized
: labor IN the United States. a diplomat
OF worldwide reputation and a wrttel
Of marked ability, Samuel Gompers
took a powerful part IN bringing the
war with Germany and Austrla-Hun-
gary to a successful conclusion. From
the minute he became leader Of organ
lied labor IN America G0mpers had to
fight. He was fighting day and night
for the Ideals he and his followers
thought worth dying for, and this early
training stood him IN good stead when
he was put TO the real test In 1917, the
year America declared war.
Born in England on January q. 1850,
son OF Samuel and Sarah Gompers.
he received his early education In the
British Isles, but came to Americs
when stu a boy. At the age Of Is,
when most boys OF today are just com
pleting their first schooling and play
ing marbles, Samuel Gompers embark
ed on his stormy career as q labor lead
er. He was then cigar maker. work
Ing for a weekly wage. that today
would scarcely keep a man alive 4s
hours
From the minute Gompers realized
the plight OF his fellow workers and
decided to try TO correct their mlsfor-
tunes he had to battle. against a foe
that was prepared and waiting for the
ordeal II knew must sooner or later
come. But the youthful organizer
worked 50 steadily for the success of
the movement to organize American
working men and incorporate them in
one great powerful association that he
soon became recognized as the real
leader of labor in this country. He
was one OF the charter organizers Of
the American Federation OF Labor. and
became its president In 1882, which
position he held until the day OF his
death, with the exception OF one year,
1894, when John MeBnde Of the nAn-
ers' union defeated him.
Gompers' battle on behalf Of the
worker did not end with his duties as
president Of the American Federation |
Of Labor, arduous though theye were.
He was editor Of the federation's Off |
cfal organ. the Federationist. and he
waged his fight so hard In the columns
Of this magazine that he eventually be-
came involved in trouble with the
United States supreme court, arising
from his criticism Of the Injunction |
granted In the famous Buck Stove and
Range case.
When Germany had been crushed |
md the peace congress was called to
meet in Paris, Samuel Gompers the
lormer cigarmaker, was sent over to
axe care OF American laborinK mems
interests. What he accomplished there
Ind at the international labor congress
held in Amsterdam some weeks later,
,annot be judged at thds time. Poster
ty must render the verdict after his
deals have been given a fair trial.
Gompers, however, virtually domina-
ed the labor conference and was re-
Iponslble for the rejection OF a plan
which would have given undmportant
little nations with total populations Of
ess than 100000 equal voting power
With such nations as Great Britain and
ne United States, which represent mil
lons OF workers Under the 0ompers
'lan the voting power OF the nations
vas regulated according to the popula-
ions OF the various governments con-
erned.
Gompers returned home covered with
lonors. He was passenger on the
transport George Washington, the
anne vessel that carried President VIII
on 70 and from the peace conference.
At the annual session Of the Ameri-
an Federation OF Labor at El Pas0.
Texas, in November. 1924, Mr. Com
'ers was elected president for the for
y-third time. That session was fol-
owed by Joint meeting OF the Ameri-
an Federation Of Labor and tho Next
an Federation OF Labor. sessions Of
he Pan-Amerfcan Federation Of Labor
nd the Inauguration OF President
Sailes of Mexico, which officials OF al
ederations attended at Mexico City.
In Mexico City Mr.. Gompers was the
-ictlm of recurrence OF an ailment
which has kept him more or less an
Invalid FOR some years. Complicated
y slight cold and aggravated by the
Ugh altitude, the aged labor leader
pas unable to attend the closing eere.
Monies at the inauguration. Fl
Gompers was the personal friend OF
tx American presidents cKiniey.
Roosevelt, Taft, Wilson, Harding and
coolidge.
Chambers Bury Eaaaehea
Allanla.--Asa g. Chandler, capital
It Of Atlanta aud founder Of tlSe Coca
1