The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-08-06
THE KNIGHTS OF LABOR.
Grand Master Workman PowderIy
Talks About the Order.
Its Organizations, Membership, Prospects,
and What 1t Expects to Accomplish
"A Proposed New Secret Society.
Philadelphia Special to New York Times.

| representative of the press he talked freely
and frankly upon many matters intimately
connected with the Knights of Labor. As is
we'll known, Uriah Stephens was animated
by two desires-to keep the name, member
ship and doings of the Knights profoundly
secret, and that each trade, instead OF having
a separate organization, should amalgamate
| closely with other trades in one grand socie-
ty. The conversation with Mr.. Powderly
was as follows:
Are you satisfied with all the changes in
the methods of organization and conduct of
the order which have come to pass since
Stephenss death?"
81 am not, 1 am heartily for a return to
his doctrine of secrecy. l think it was
| mistake to depart from it. The name, men,
bership and doings of our order should be
kept entirely from the public"
Are you in favor OF each trade having
separate organization?'
mo. 1t is my earnest belief that all of the
| trades should come into one grand common
meeting. By this means only can the mem
bers of each craft acquire the necessary ia
miliarity with the wrongs of other crafts.
For instance, the shoenakers may want to
strike for higher wages, and yet their move
ment may be opposed by the glass-blowers,
because the latter, not having been in close
union with their brethren, are unable to APP
precate their expressions"
Are all the trades OF the country now
represented in the order?''
Not one is left out"
Are any more strikes among any of the
different branches contemplatedY'
80 far as l know, no. Anyway, we will
first get through with this telegraph strike"
Has any assessment been raised for the
telegraphersp'
No. At the opening of the strike there
was in the treasury of the Brotherhood near
ly $50, 900. do not know whether this has
been exhausted, but few days ago they de-
clined to take an assessment on the score
that they did not need it,"
The knights are in hearty sympathy with
the striker"
Yes. The rule of our order is first to arbi-
trate, then strike. But in the case of the tel
egraphers the company refused to arbitrate.
Hence the strike was proper, and We will
stand by them to the last moment"
Are there any special matters OF legisla-
ton which the order intends to attempt to
have abolshed?"
I'VE want the railroad land grants repeal
ed, and the absurd and uni ust franchises to
the telegraph companies, In Pennsylvania
there is on the statute book an eight-hour
law which cannot be enforced, there being
no penalty. We hope to organize this winter
and compel, by legislation, il necessary its
observance"
"How is the order faring in point of men,
bershp?"
well, we have 272 local organizations
with membership running from 20 up to
1000 and $500 persons. We have now five
organizers in the field establishing local as
semblies This winter we will put more or
ganizers on the road. At present we are
centralizing our efforts in the Chicago re-
gions."
DO you think the order is increasing in
public favor?''
Decidedly. The employers have come to
understand that we compel our mem bers to.
render conscientious work to them. When
We find man is not doing his work properly
we do not fine him, but we so hold him up
to ridicule chat he is compelled to mend his
ways, and that speedily. Then we are meet
ing with much sympathy from public repre-
sentative bodies. Among the most noticeable
changes of sentiment is that upon the part of
the employers of the members of the Anal
gamated Iron and Steel Workers"
''Will Jarrett be re-elected?'
''lf he wants the place he can have it,
From what understand he will not refuse
to accept it if it is thrust upon him unani-
mously He is the best man for the chair
His labor is only half done, and he capaot
justly step down. If 1t had been any one
else in the late trouble there would have
been pretty muss."
DO you desire any special legisation?"
"No; there is too much legislation already.
We want special legislation repealed and not
more enacted We can hoe out our own row
ii we are not held down by these special laws
for monopolists and monopolies."
How does the order stand on Denis Kear-
ney and Herr Most?'
1--WE have nothing to do with either of
them"
Are the principles of the order in any
way akin to those OF modern Socialism,
Only this far: We believe in organizing
first for proper wages. then for proper edu-
cation. Our next move will be TO establish
our own schools. We already have co-opera-
tive stores and factories i'll successful opera
ton"
"Does the vote of the order, as an order,
incline specially to either party?"
1T is evenly divided We hope to control
both parties before long"
us the organization of the different trades
what might be desred?'
THE organization of the iron-workers is
by no means what might be desired but we
hope to keep on perfecting our system"
What will be the primary object of the
secret convention in Cincinnati in Septem-
ber?'
1.-THE Stephens question will be discussed.
| shall in my report deal with the order now
and as it was when first organized l shall
suggest some of the reforms OF which l have
SPOKEN. But the rumor that any radical
change OF organization will be effected is I'M
true."
1T is reported that the Federation of La
Dor. at its secret session in New York next
week. intend to make an effort to absorb
into their body your organization"
THE rumor is unfounded. Neither the
independent Knights of Labor nor the Fed
Grafton has any such object in view. We
are on harmonious terms. | hear some talk
Of struggle between the different trade or
CARNATIONS for the great head place There
will be no such struggle
Are the affairs OF the order in a satisfac-
tory condition."
"Indeed they are. We are growing rapid
ly, and we are in splendid healthy condi-
ton. AT present there exists a harmonious
understanding between the employees and
amnlnvers of all the branches of the K ninhts