The Waterbury Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1917-1946, 1939-10-25

l.. Lewis came within an {
Sunday, the day before the con-
vention opened, Lewis called a
special meeting of the executive
committee. After. all the mem
bers were seated, Lewis entered
the room, took his place at the
head of the table, and said quietly:
Gentlemen, I've called you
together to inform you that l
have decided to retire as presi-
dent of the CO."
The room became as still as a
tomb. With all eyes fixed in
tently on him, Lewis continued in
the same quiet, conversational
tone:
Before L left Washington, 1
saw President Roosevelt and he
asked me, in the interest of
labor peace, to step down from
the leadership of the CLIO. The
President told me that / was
the one man in the country who
could bring the ALL and CLIO
together, and asked me to sub
ordinate my personal interests
to. bring that about.
"After thinking over the Presi.
dents suggestion and discuss
ing 1t with my family, have
decided 10 follow his request.
Also, my health has been i'm
paired by the great strain
have gone through in the last
few eventful years and I need
a rest.
"There is no use talking fur
ther about this, gentlemen. My
mind is made up. My decision
is irrevocable. suggest this
meeting adjourn without further
discussion"
Lewis concluded by reading a
brief announcement he had pre-
pared to be given to the press
after the meeting.
WON'T LET YOU QUIT"
When he finished, the CLIO lead
ers looked at him and at one an
other In dumfounded amazement.
The first one to recover was
Sidney Hilman, brainy head Of
the Amalgamated Clothing Work.
ers and co-founder of the CLIO. In
recent months, he and Lewis have
not agreed on number Of mat
tiers. A. warm Roosevelt admirer,
Hillman disapproved Of Lewis La
Dor day speech blasting the New
Deal. Also, Hillman disagreed
with Lewis stiff-necked attitude
toward the AFL during peace ne
gotiatoins early this year.
But jail these differences were
forgotten now. His voice choking
with emotion, Hillman cried:
"You can't do tits, John. We
won't let you. The CLIO can't
get along without you. You are
the greatest labor leader this
country has produced and the
CLIO is labor's greatest hope.
We won't let you quit, regard
less Of what you and the Presi-
dent say"
This inpassioned plea broke the
ice and others leaped to their feet
with equally fervent protests. First
was Phil Murray, veteran miner
pal Of Lewis, who disclosed that
he had known of Lewis decision
for 48 hours and had been argu-
ing with him not to step down.
After practically everyone pres
ent had spoken, all in the same
vein, Lewis was. asked to leave
while the committee considered
his proposal. A half hour later
he was recalled and told that the
committee had voted unanimously
to table his resignation.
I'VE just won't accept II,
john" said Murray determined
Iy. That's all there is TO 1t.
We won't let you resign"
Lewis sat silent for q moment,
then said, "S0me Of you may
have thought this was an act.
IL there are any who had that
thought, you are wrong. 1 was
not putting ON an act. meant
every word I said. But i am
firm believer In democratic
procedure, In the rule of the ma
jority. As such I must bow to
the unanimous will Of this coun-
Gill;"
With that he tore up the press
release. and the executive menu
bers rushed to him, threw their
arms around him and patted him
rejoicingly on the back.
BORAH SKELETON
There Is q secret skeleton in
the Borah household.
Mrs. Borah, vivacious and popu-
lar wife Of the veteran Idaho
isolationist. does not agree with
him in his opposition to lifting
the arms embargo She Is very