Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1886-10-15

gate, and failing 10 effect n remedy, 10
place the matter before the general master
workman and executive board. III the
aggrlcVed party IL "A member ot an Assem-
bly, of the X. ot H.. let the same mode OF
procedure he gone through with. and
above all things. lot a speedy and impair
tial investigation aud an immediate settle.
ucnt hc made. 1his plan has worked wei
in every new case called TO my attention
since the Cleveland session and IT IS
worthy OF adoption.
More trouble has been caused us by men
who profess to be members of the knights
of labor than 10y members of trades unions
| respect the man. who, being "A member
of n trades union does everything possible
in his power to defend and perpctuate his
organization, but for the knight of labor
who would even attempt to subordinate
our order TO any other, | have nothing but
contempt. In my estimation there l. but
one place for such a man, and that Is on
the outside of our order. II the repre-
sentatives OF the trades unions and OF our
order come together, and both are sincere
in their devotion To their respective orga-
nizations an honest and satisfactory
solution of every difficulty can be arrived
at.
With the session OF the general assembly
only three days away, IL viii not be pos
sihle for me To say all that would like To
upon the questions that viii come before
Us. NV time has been entirely taken up
with the detail work of the order. and | was
forced TO neglect this duty in order TO give
any time or attention 10 the preparation
of the coming of the general assembly.
IL will surprise YOU 10 learn that even ut
this moment. when every member knows
full well that we are assembled in general
convention. secretaries and members are
addressing me at my office IN the eXpec-
tation Of receiving immediate reply. Let
tiers and kilograms by the hundred will
follow me here.
The duties which called me away from
home for the greater part OF the year that
has closed made II impossible 60 give
proper attention to my CORRESPONDENCE.
To read each letter addressed - me would
occupy every moment of the p hours,
leaving no time to answer. to even direct
an answer 10 any OF them. ! attended TO
all could and the others will never be
reached. If this * neglect of duty then
am guilty; but have no apology to offer.
| did all that could do-more could not
he expected OF me
have never during the seven years
that ! have served as general master
workman made member OF this order II
subject of personal or public criticism or
abuse Such treatment has not been nc
corded 20 me. Whether the intention was
To have me reply through the public press
| do not know, but have made il n rule
never 10 speak in criticism harsh, or other
wise, Of man. except when standing face
to face with him. and have as studiously
refrained from replying TO or denying at
tacks or accusations against me, except IN
! the presence of those who made them.
! When called upon to defend the order or
! its principles have attempted TO do SO.
| have been accused of displaying "A
lack of nerve OF want OF backbone,
! and OF being too weak n man TO lead n
strong movement | have never replied
! TO these charges. nor viii do so now. !
! simply point back 10 a record of seven
| years OF service and ask the question, II,
while holding a position, such aS no man
! living. of dead. ever held before. with the
! full blaze of public scrutiny shining upon
my every action. with public opinion aS
ready 10 condemn as 10 applaud ! have
! displayed lack of nerve or backbone, why
/ l. II that "A million men and women OF
| nerve, backbone and common sense have
gathered around the standard which was
/ placed in my hands seven years ago 10y
! the founder Of the order himself! If have
| been proven weak man. why do 50 many
| strong men support me- dislike 10 speak
of these matters. but believe that in
! Justice TO yourselves and me you should
! know OF them. BY men who are not
! knights Of labor have been called weak
| because | discountenanCed violence and
! hasty. ill-advised action. | have no excuse
10 offer. for II this * an ofiense. let the
! general assembly itself offer the apology.
! My views upon such questions were known
| TO each general assembly before my clec
! ton as general master workman. and in
| electing me they endorsed and made them
| selves responsible for these statements
| will now speak as have never spoken
/ TO n session OF the general assembly before.
! Representatives have been instructed 10
vote for me for general master workman.
| | feel Complimented but release every
member from his obligation 10 vote for
me. You are free TO vote for any other
man you choose, and if YOU act in ac-
cordance with my wishes YOU will select
another To fill my place. This ] leave in
your hands. ] stand ready To serve this
order IN any capacity, either rs general
master workman or private in the ranks.
| In voting for general master workman do
not be guided bN sentiment or sympathy,
! but vote for the best interests of God <
| suffering poor and the cause OF united
labor. 1t i because ! believe il TO be my
duty that talk thus plainly, and here face
| 10 face with labors representative men
and women is the place 20 say it,
IL has been charged that between mem
| bers OF the general executive board and
myself serious disturbances have taken
] place. that ruptures have occurred OF a
! serious character. Others have charged
that the board constituted itself ring To
manage affairs. These statements. inven-
| tiOns OF the enemy, have a damaging effect
| when told 10 the unwary. The first asser-
! ton is utterly false, for between the board
! and myself there has been no rupture. or
even difference. II at first we did not
! agree upon a question we discussed it un-
til the fullest possible light shone upon it,
and when we went TO the world we went
] rs one man. Every attempt TO divide Us
I has been IA failure That wa have con
] stituted ourselves a ring TO manage affairs
/ i true: that Is what YOU elected US for.
! We are a ring, solid and unbroken; and
| hope the next board will be the same, for
standing together in unity we may have
no apologies 10 offer; for myself, ! say
may IL never he otherwise.
Signed r. V POwDERLY.
General Master Workman.
He WAS So KIND-"Didn't the doc