The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1878-04-08
.r,i.Convict Labor Meeting.

knti-COnViet Labor Meeting.
The movement which is the outgrowth
OF call made by some of the represent
alive workingmen of Wheeling and vi
cinily, is increasing in strength rs rapid
lv as its most ardent friends could Wish.
An adjourned meeting of tina Committee
representing the various Trades Unions
OF Wheeling and vicinity was held st the
Nail City Boat House on Saturday alter
noon. Besides the members, number
of delegates, who had been chosen to
represent various branches Of business,
were present. Capt. William II. Travis
occupied the chair and Mr.. Albert l..
Wells was Secretary. After the reading
of the minutes of the previous meeting
reports were made by the following
committees: The committee who were
appointed to secure hall for the present
meeting reported through their chair
man, Mr. Peters, that the Nail City
Boat Club had consented to the use Of
their hall free of charge.
On motion of Mr.. James Caro- a vote
of thanks to the club for their kindness
was passed unanimously.
Mr. O'Neal, OF the IN vitstion committee
reported they had seen number OF per-
sons, all OF whom expressed their approval
OF the object OF the movement and said
they would be willing to attend q
meeting if held at any other hour than
two o'clock, this being their busiest
time.
In reply te inquiries the Presiden.
SAID: Though the movement was started
amongst the AmslgsmsLed Societies, II Is
intended TO make it general with all
persons, whether they be worklngmen,
merchants, manufacturers, or in what
ever profession Of life they may be
found. lie further said, though the COM
mittee OF which he was a member had
not been able to mako a thorough can
vass among the merchants, those he
had talked with were heartily IN
accord with the movement, and would,
he believed, contribute money towards
bearing the expenses necessary to bring
the matter before the people OF the
State. Already the petitions have been
signed by not less than 1000 voters. AT
the conclusion OF Mr.. Travis remarks,
an able speech was made by Mr.. Albert
Wells, in which he suggested the APP
pointment OF committees 10 present the
subject o. convict labor in all its hurttul
bearings to the people Of the State, and
that the matter be prosecuted with all
diligence.
On motion, Mr.. Wells suggestion was
adopted.
Mr.. Carroll reported there was good
feeling among all the men he had con.
versed with on the subject, and sug
gested that the next meeting be held at
night, when many more would have an
opportunity of attending.
On motion of Mr.. Daniel Smith, it was
resolved that when this meeting adjourn
it be to meet at the same place on next
Saturday night at halt-past o'clock.
In reply toa question whether the hall
could be procured again tor the purpose,
Mr.. Peters, the chairman OF the commit
tee who had the matter of getting hsI!
to-day in charge, said he believed there
would be no trouble about getting the
same place for next Saturday night.
On motion of Mr.. o \ cal the President
was authorized TO select finance COM
mittee consisting OF twenty-four men,
bcrs, and he WAS requested TO announce
the names OF MS apPolntees next 5atur-
day night.
The keynote of the movement was ar
nouaced IN a ringing speech by Mr.. w.
B. Lewis. who drew a vivid picture of
the consequences OF competition OF con-
Wet with honest labor. aud said he felt
convinced that the time had arrived for
prompt action. Mr.. Lewis remarks were
heartily approved.
On motion
Resolrcd, That the secretary be direct
ed to send number of copies Of the
petition to c. A. Brockmyer, Esq, Of
Kauawha Valley, with the request that
he use his influence to procure signers.
On motion the papers throughout the
State were requested to publish the pro-
ceeding of this meeting. On motion
Me,srs. Thomas Lewis, Clyker and
Wells were appointed q committee to
prepare al address to the people OF the
State. On motion adjourned.
Immediately following the adjourn.
meut OF the meeting the committee on
address met, and, after q thorough dis
c1ssion, adopted the following:
To the Honorable Governor and Board Of
PsjLic Works Of State Of ". "a:
In view of the fact that it has grown
into custom amongst the different ststes
to hire out the labor OF convicis confined
in penal institutions TO contractors, who
are enabled thereby to manufacture and
dispose of wares below the prices estsb- .
lished by legitimate makers, resulting IN /
lncslculable harm to the peaceful and |
law abiding citizens who are by this Gus
tom thrown out Of employment, or are |
forced 10 sell their labor for wages total /
ly insdquate for the proper msintsinence
Of their families; and understanding that .
certain parties are now or are sbou: TO .
contract for the labor of the convicts con- /
fined in the West Virginia penitentlary
we, the undersigned workingmen snd citi-
zens of the stste OF West Virginia do
petition your honorable body to use sll
means in your power to prevent this evil