Mortus Est

When Samuel Gompers set out for Mexico City (TIME, Dec. 1), he went to his death. But his way thither was a path of triumph. He, with honor, love, obedience, troops of friends, entrained for the 50-hour journey from El Paso, Tex., under military escort. At Mexico City, he and his fellows from the A. F. L. attended the Convention of the Pan-American Federation of Labor. In his capacity as President, he presided. He also attended the inauguration of President Calles, who piled honors upon him. Yet his honors came at a price.

It was hardship at his age of almost 75 years to sit in the sun at an inauguration, hardship to sit in the heated convention hall. The altitude made him short of breath; and the honors that were heaped upon him were arduous. He had to attend receptions, luncheons, banquets without end. One evening, having retired early, he was aroused from his bed at 10 p.m. by two generals sent by the President to invite him to a banquet; and he rose and went. On another evening, though not feeling well, he refused to cancel an engagement to attend the opera. And afterwards he fell ill.

The Pan-American Federation was obliged to close its convention without his presence, but, nevertheless, reflected him President. Senor Calles sent to inquire after his health at frequent intervals. Meanwhile, his illness grew. At last, he said: "Take me home." A train was procured and he was hastened to San Antonio, Tex. When he arrived, his condition was critical, although he was helped by coming down to the coast from the high altitudes of the interior. Telegrams were dispatched summoning doctors from Manhattan; his heart was very weak.

Yet, as he rested in a San Antonio Hotel, there was still good hope for him. Then, in the early hours of a morning, his heart refused any longer to respond to drugs. The doctor in attendance told him that the end was near. He slipped into coma and an hour later he died.

For the first time since the founding in 1886 (save only one year, 1895), the American Federation of Labor was without Samuel Gompers as its President. He had been a worker and leader of workers from youth. Born in 1850, the eldest son of Dutch Jews, he came to the U. S. when only 15, already a cigarmaker by trade. A year later, he helped to organize the Cigarmakers' International Union and became its first Secretary. He took part in the formation of both the New York State Federation and the American Federation of Labor.

At first, the latter was the rival of the Knights of Labor; but Gompers' policy of "one step at a time," of "federation, not unification" of trades unions, carried the field. Only once was he defeated for President of the A. F. L. --in 1895, by John McBride, then President of the United Mine Workers; but the next year the organization returned to his guidance.

Once he was sentenced to jail for conducting a labor boycott; but, after a series of appeals, the Supreme Court held that his was not a jail offense.

In 1914, during the War, he stopped a strike of munitions workers that had been financed by Germany. He brought labor solidly to the support of the Government--which was no light task because of pro-German and anti-English sentiment. At the Peace Conference, he headed the Labor mission.

In private life, his manner of living was simple, almost Spartan. He married when only 17, had three sons and a daughter. His daughter died in France as a nurse during the War. His wife died in 1920. Two years later, at 71, he married a second time; and this wife survives him.