Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1886-10-13
A DELICATE SUBJECT
HANDLED BY Mr.. P0wDERLY IN A FEAR
LESS MANNER.
Favorable Comments on the General Master Work
mans Lsttsr-A Movement to Elect Officers
Thursdsy-Furnsr's Opponents Trying TO
- Force the Election.

~ Force the kiecu0n
RICHMOND, VA, October 12.-The
Knights of Labor delegates assembled in
convention promptly at 9 O'Clock this
morning, determined to make the most of
their single sessions to-day. Some work
Of the committees is expected by the con-
vention, but it is not likely that there will
be anything actually accomplished until
tomorrow Much is said in comment
about the letter of Mr.. Powderly, sent to
the country through the press late last
night. The delegates are very generally
pleased with it, and pronounce its tone
temperate, and its spirit based upon the
fundamental principles of the order. The
eSlored people are greatly pleased with it,
and say it will rally their race into the or
Anization in every part of the country.
The friends Of Mr.. PoYderly were 10th
to see him make statement upon this
delicate subject in this city, fearing that
he might iniure himself and the Order if
he did so, as it seemed almost impossible
for any man to do justice to the sentiment
of both North and South in one connected
statement but they declare he has sue
ceeded admirably. A good deal of COM
plaint is heard because Mr.. Powderly is
practicing an eXclusivcness ut this time,
which makes it almost impossible to con-
suit or see him outside the Convention
Hall. He refuses to receive cards and visi-
tors at his hotel, whether on business or
social missions.
There is movement here
To ELECT OFFICERS ON THURSDAY
and lay the adoption of the new constitu
over perhaps until next year. Many of
the delegates who are opposed to Turner's
reelection are compelled to return home
this week, and they, rs well as those with
whom they will vote, are determined, to
suspend the rules and elect Others before
their ranks are depleted by the depart
ures If the election is held on Thursday
the opposition will present the name of
Joseph K. Buchanan for General Secretary
Treasurer, and it is almost certain that
Mcneil, of Boston, will be nominated for
General Master Workman against Pow
derby. There is no prospect Of defeating
Powderly, however, and Mcneil would
probably not allow his name to go before
the convention could he preventit.
There was
A MEETING OF EDITORS
of labor papers and other newspaper men
this afternoon who are delegates to the
convention. Frank X. Foster, of Avcrill,
Mass, was elected chairman and Albert
Pine. of Hartford, Conn.,, secretary. The
object of the organization is the formation
of n labor news bureau, through which au-
thentic information regarding labor matters
can be transmitted to the country. Every
member of the organization will furnish
every other member with all the news
that he obtains. This bureau will inter
fere in no way with the establishment of
the labor journal proposed by A. M. Dew
cy, which it is understood a majority of
| the convention favors. The special COM
mittce appointed TO consider the expcdi.
ency of establishing such paper, has met
and expressed it's views. 1t asserts the
necessity of such medium of communica-
ton.
OTHER TRADES.
Representatives of the machinists and
| blacksmiths in the convention also had %
meeting for the purpose Of establishing
bureau through which information re-
garding their trades may be distributed.
The miners also held meeting and will
submit plan to the convention for the
better organization of miners throughout
the United Safes.
The textile workers werecalled together
to devise method by which the exact
condition of their business may be COM
municated.
The shOemakers met to form National
Trade Council, which will not however
interfere with the District Association
which will preserve their identity. Repre-
sentatives of the Farmersin the Convention
met to present plan to the Convention
| by which the Knights of Labor may form
an alliance with the Grange
and with other associations of farmers.
TO INDISr EMPLOYERS.
A committee of three was appointed to
make collection of conspiracy laws of the
several States by means of which firms
and companies encrOach on the rights of
workingmen. The committee is also to
collect evidence going to show
that employers have entered into
conspiracy against workmen and to in
stitutc suits against such employers under
the conspiracy law, in all cases where
proofs are obtainable. The members Of
the Committee are L. B. Noyes, Marinette,
Wis. A. A. Carleton, Somerville, Mass,
and ThOs. Armstrong, Pttsburg, Pa.
The General Executive Board held q
meeting to-day to hear the cases that have
been presented to it, but took no action
on any of them. 1t has more than
1900 CASES AWAITING
its decision, and these do not include all
that to be brought before it. The
Board will meet again during the first
recess taken by the General Assembly.
Mr.. POwderly to-day received the follow
ing telegram from Thos. B. Barry, a mem
ber of the Executive Committee, sent to
| Chicago to endeavor to settle the strike of
the employees of the packers in that city.
"The packers say they have no organi-
zation. so must treat with them as indi
vidual companies. We called on several
firms yesterday, and all expressed desire
for settlement, but insist on working ten
hours while the men are firm for eight.
We look for settlement this week"
Mr.. Powderly has received almost hour
! ly to-day kilograms commencing the po-
sition he has taken in his letter on the
race question.
Drouth in Pennsylvania.
SHENANDOAH, Pa, October 12.-This
town, and the entire Mahoning Valley is