Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1886-10-12
Mr.. Powdcrly,s Shortcomings.


The knights of Labor Convention has
been in session week and has done
practically nothing towards the object
for which il assembled. This would seem
to indicate a want Of harmony among the
delegates.
1t is asserted that there are two FAC
tons in the convention, each of which
seeks to control the organization.
Nearly the whole OF last week was oc-
cupied by the Committee on Credentials.
There appeared to be determination on
the part Of one facti on to admit certain
delegates, and on the other to keep them
out. AS the sessions are secret il is only
matter of conjecture, of course,
whether or not the struggle over the Gre
dentials was for the control Of the conVen-
ton, with the ultimate object OF control
ling the organization.
1t seems to be admitted that there is
no organized opposition to Mr.. Powderly,
but 1t is freely stated that is questioned
whether he is equal to his position. Con-
sentative Knights, who have only the
good of the organization in view, say that
he attends 100 much to details and neg
lects the very things he is eX-
pected TO do. They are not certain
that this neglect is not due to incapacity.
1t is remarked, and apparently very
truthfully, that his address contains lit
tie or nothing that 10 worthy of the atten-
ton OF the convention. The few things
to which he draws attention are treated
in such an indifferent way that the con-
vention is in doubt what he proposes with
regard to them. With reference to the
great objects, for the consideration OF
which the convention was called, he has
practically nothing to say. 1t was expect
ed that he would map out the work Of the
convention and suggest some practical
plans relative to the more Important
matters.
Mr.. Powderly has a strong following,
but his popularity is due to his ability to
make friends rather than TO his power TO
meet successfully the difficulties which
the organization must overcome in order
to make any Roadway.
The position which he occupies is one
that calls for much more than ordinary
ability and strength of character. If he
shows weakness in any direction there
are plenty of men who will quickly
take advantage of it. Assuming
that all the members OF the
organization aim to elevate the working
classes, they do not agree as to the meth
DDS by which this elevation is to be &C
complished. There are men who lean to-
wards Socialism, while others desire to
give greater Importance to trades unions.
Not few want the organization to go in
to politics as an organization, and many
believe that 1t ought to shun politics.
Thus far Mr.. Powderly has failed to in
dictate any practical plan with regard to
anything, and the great organization is
virtually In the dark as to what it's course
will be with regard to any one of the great
questions with which 1t is necessary for it
to deal. 1t is drifting, and no one can say
where it will land. Just at present it
occupies a rather hostile attitude towards
capital. The effort should bs to get on
friendly terms with capital by means of
arbitration, cooperation, etc. The Or
ganization may make this effort or it may
drift towards Socialism and even
anarchism.
Mr.. Powderly will doubtless be re-
elected, but unless he shows a much
greater appreciation of the Importance Of
mis- position and the character OF his
duties than he yet has his career as
Grand Master OF the order will soon come
to an end.