The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1886-10-07
SESSION OF KNIGHTS.
THE SECOND DAY OF THE GREAT
CONVENTION AT RICHMOND.

Yhe Committee on Credentials Not Ready
to Report, and the Forenoon Session
Transacts No Business-A Great Enort
Being Made to Close Next Week.
RICHMOND, Va, Oct. cit was after 10
o'clock when the delegates to the knights Of
Lsbor convention assembled in the armory,
although the hour for meeting was fixed for
3 o'clock. Grand Master Workman Pow
derly did not enter the hall until 1890. He
was followed by members of the executive
board. Each carried a bundle Of documents
bearing upon future work of the convention
The delay in assembling was due to report
that the committee on credentials, which was
IN session until after 2 o'clock in the morn
ing, had not completed its laborB and there
would not be a report until in the afternoon.
When the convention was called to order
10 secret session it was officially announced
that the committee on credentials was yet in
session with prospect fair for a report at
afternoon session. The large number Of del
egates left the hall while members of the e1-
Gcutive board went into consultation for the
purpose of classifying the work and making
all possible arrangements for expediting bus
iness. There is determination on the part
Of officers and majority of the delegates to
adopt some plan which will curtail what
promises to be very long and tedious and
possibly heated session. The aim Of the cool
heads is to get through by the end Of next
week, if possible, and to avert all contentious
which are likely to arouse feeling. The lack
Of wisdom in the exceedingly large represen-
tation is more apparent now than ever before.
The officers have begun to realize the diff
Guilty ahead Of them in handling SO large a
meeting and avoiding ruction.
1t is already apparent that capitalists and
manufacturers intend to evince deep in
terest in the proceedings Of this convention.
Many of them have agents here who will
keep them advised Of the progress and try to
influence the work. Mr.. Powderly, Secretary
Turner, and others prominent in the man
agement Of tho organization, have received
many communications from employers, max
ing suggestions. but the exact nature of the
documents cannot be ascertained, as they
have not been laid before the delegates
Communications of whatever character
will be referred to committees when an or
ganization is perfected 1t is understood that
many Of the leading manufacturers Of the
country have shown disposition to make
terms with the knights by which strikes and
boycotts may be avoided. These are among
the most important topics for consideration.
The source of suggestions upon all subjects
Is considered an executive secret and only
hints can be had Of what may be expected or
what Is received in that line at this time.
The work Of the committee on credentials is
found to be complicated In many respects,
and an examination Of a great many wit
nesses will be required The corridors of the
Exchange hotel, where the committee is in
session. is thronged with delegates who will
testify In the Missouri and Brooklyn CON.
tests.
Messrs Powderly, Turner and other officers
refuse to be interviewed at this time upon
present or future work, and desire it stated
that all interviews upon these subjects cred
ited bo them are unfounded.
There is but one general topic of discussion
emong the knights, and that is in relation to
the controversies had by two or three of the
delegations in regard to the entertainment of
colored delegates at hotels here. Representa-
tives of District No 40, who was refused ac-
commodations because one of their number,
Ferrell, is colored man, are boarding at a
hotel run by colored man, and occupying
quarters over livery stable, while the Bal
timore district representatives are congratu-
lating themselves that they had their way at
the s.. Charles in inducing the proprietor by
threats of withdrawal to entertain Joseph
Ward, one of their coored delegates.
The object in insisting upon impartial re-
ceptions to the colored knights in the south,
is to impress the colored laborers with the
sincerity of the leaders of the organization.
and to work its way SOUTH where the greatest
number of accessions to membership is re-
ported during the last year The position
taken by the delegates here on this subject,
some say, may lead to choosing another
southern city for the next annual conven-
ton.
The gentlemanly but firm manner in which
the knights have asserted themselves has
made a very favorable impression and has
received not only the enthusiastic commenda-
tion of the colored people, but also OF the
laboring white men. The meeting of the
convention now in progress is quite uni
formed 1t is not fully attended and is taken
up by consultations of various matters hav-
ing but slight bearing upon the important
proceedings of the future. So little Is known
Of VIII is really TO take place that interest
will lag until the annual address of Mr. Pow
derly is delivered, which will probably be