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Show PRESIDENT TALKS TO COUNCIL Of American Federation of LaborConcerningProblems of Working Man Washington, April 16. President Taft discussed the problem of tho working man for two hours today with the members of the executive council of the American Federation of Labor. The labor leaders, headed by Samuel Gompers. called at the White House and according to Mr.- Gompers, found the president deeply interested. Not only did Mr. Taft give the spokesmen of the party all the time they desired to lay their matters before him, but he joined in tho discussion. In the delegation were representatives representa-tives of most of the trades affiliated with the American Federation, and among them a number of leaders who stubbornly opposed Mr. Taft in the ,lato presidential campaign. But tho greeting was cordial to all. Mr. Taft told his callers that he would investigate investi-gate such of the matters as seemed to require it and would Jbe glad to help in arriving at a proper solution of the difficulties In which the working people peo-ple foHind themselves. The labor leaders took up with the president many problems including tho matter of injunction and the eight hour law; convict labor, the recent indictment indict-ment of labor leaders In the south for alleged violations of the Sherman antitrust anti-trust law, the danger of a dissolution of all labor organizations under a strict Interpretation of recent supremo court decisions, the maintenance of international in-ternational peace, labor problems on the Panama canal, the right of asylum in this country for political refugees and child labor. President Taft told his visitors ho regarded an antl-lnjunctlon law as one of the most Important policies of his. administration. He added that he felt he had made his position clear on the subject in his spepch of acceptance last July, and had confirmed that position posi-tion in his inaugural address. Tho president 6ald he would be glad to consult con-sult further with representatives of organized labor. - - ', Dr. Charles P. Nelll. commissioner, of labor, was present. The members of the executive council, who called were Samuel Gompers, Fiank Morrison, Morri-son, James Duncan, John Mitchell, James O'Connel, Max Morris, William Hober, John B. Lennon, John R. Alpine Al-pine and Joseph Valentine Mr. Gompers told the president that organized labor desired that convict labor be regulated, not prohibited. Tho idea is to prevent convict labor from coming Into competition with free labor. ' The federal leaders urged that tho president ask congress for an addl- tlonal appropriation for the enforcement enforce-ment of the child labor law in the District Dis-trict of Columbia. Commissioner Neill seconded this request. re-quest. The federation council urged the president to use his efforts fr an extension ex-tension of the eight hour law so that it will apply to contractors and sub-contractors furnishing materials and fittings fit-tings for government works. Mr, Gompers said that both President Presi-dent McKInley and President Roosevelt Roose-velt had favored such an extension. Mr. Taft promised to give this matter mat-ter special consideration. Coming to tho present status of labor organizations, tinder recent decisions of the courts, the discussion widened. It centered about the supreme court decision in tho famous hatters case, under which certain labor union methods meth-ods were declaied in contravention of the Sherman anti-trust law., Mr. Gompers Gom-pers told the president that since that decision 73 men have been indicted In New Orleans, It being alleged that they quit work in support of other striking workmen. "Under a further interpretation of that decision," said Mr. Gompers.. "labor "la-bor unions can be dissolved by any move on tho part of the federal government. gov-ernment. Men can be sentenced to a year in prison and a fine of $5,000. Officers and members of the union also can be proceeded against civilly and three-fold damages be assessed against them in any amount that may be complained com-plained of by any person claiming to have suffered by reason of men quitting quit-ting work or withholding their patronage." |