The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-09-03
THE WAGE. WORKERS TROUBLES.
Organization ofthe Knights of Labor I'm Texas
"A Coalition with the Farmers.

Organization ofthe Knights of Labor I'm Texas
"A Coalition with the Farmers.
GALVESTON, Tex, Sept "A special to the
News from Dallas, says: 1.-THE first annual con-
vention of the Knights of Labor of Texas met
here yesterday for the purpose of organizing a
State assembly. One hundred and four dele
gates, including eight colored men, were in at
tendance. The proceedings were secret All
the delegates are extremely noncommunicative,
being bound by oath not to divulge anything.
Much speculation is being INDUCED in by out
siders respecting tho probable coalition Of the
Knights of Labor with the Prohibitionists
Owing to the fact that the Knights of Labor
throughout the State generally are refraining
from the use Of strong drink, it is surmised that
they are preparing TO make overtures to the
Irohloieion party especially as
large majority of the delegates sympathize
with the Prohibition movement, which is assum-
ing widespread proportions in the State. An
other report current states that seeds are being
planted for farmers union, with the hope of
making common crusade against what is
described as the excess of capital" The agree
ment entered into between the executive COM
mittee of the assembly of the Knights of Labor
and the officers of the Texas & ST. Louis rail
way last Saturday will, it is thought, be pro-
hereafter settling strikes in Texas. 1t prescribes
first, that those who have quit work by a strike
shall not be discharged for any action taken by
the strikers in regard to wages due, but this is
NOT TO cover negligence, intemperance. or neglect
of duty; that thirty days notice shall be given
to men before being discharged, except for
cause, and IN case of raise or reduction in
wages similar notice shall be given; old employees
are to have preference of work, and all differ
ences between the companies and their employees
shall be settle by arbitration. The convention
will be continued to-day, when an organization
will be effected
The Knights of Labor to-day perfected the or
ganization of the grand assembly by electing
full set of officers, with Henry Golden of
Galveston as master workman. 1t became
known during the day that the assembly
was waited on by committee of five
from the Farmers Union, headed by Pres
with the latter, which was accepted.
comparison of notes showed that the knights
OF Labor only organized in Texas last
March, having since increased their mem
bershp to almost 10000, while the
Farmers Union had membership
of nearly $4,000 in Texas. with the prospect of
controlling 80 per cent of the farmers within two
years. The harmony existing between agricult
ure and labor is said to have been proved by
a proposition from the farmers to back the
Knights of Labor with as much as 1000
week if necessary to the successful conduct
OF the strike. The fusion rests ON the under
standing that parties and politicians are to be
ignored in united effort to save labor and pro-
ductlon by destruction of syndicates, rings,
corners and other methods of accumulating
great wealth. 1t is claimed by
the delegates that the aim Of
the assembly is not to promote strikes but to
prevent them by arbitration, to which end a
committee with controlling powers over
local assemblies will be created. Where
the work OF the arbitrators appointed from
the opposing interests is not satisfactory disin-
terested parties are to be called in, whose decis
sions must be accepted. But should
the corporations refuse their con
sent to arbitrate. then strikes may
be inaugurated as IA last resort. Leading mem
bers of the organization say there will be no
fusion with either the Prohibitionists or anti
Prohibitionists
The State Labor Assembly of New York.