Butte semi-weekly miner., 1886-04-24
THE CHINESE TREATY.
THE LABOR QUESTION.
story of the Knights of Labor as Told BY
Its Leading Men.


senta i've which is published on the third
page OF to-day's MINER, the following was
received:
Mr.. Mcdowell reviewed the features OF the
several interviews between POwderly and
Gould. including the discussion on arbitra-
ton at considerable length, but nothing
was revealed which has not already been
made public. Thereafter the examination
was as to whether the men on the strike
would have rbeyed the order to resume
work if Mr.. Hoxie had complied with that
sent him by MIR. Gould, to which the wit
ness answered in the affirmative. Witness
at the request of Mr.. Craine entered into
q long statement relating to the position
of the labor side of the question which views
have also been fully published. The
witness, in answer to a question, said it
" as the theory that the exactions made
upon the men was caused by the attempts
of the railroad companies to pay dividends
on watered stock. Further on in the ex-
amina tion witness declared it was his belief
that Mr.. Hoxie was responsible for the
continuance OF the strike. Witness stated
that he did not believe that there was
railroad in America which has been pressed
to halt it's carrying capacity. He favored
the abandonment of competing lines and
the concentration of al business on Others.
This would reduce the number OF employees
perhaps, but they would Immediately find
employment in other walks OF life where
they would not be living by tax on the
country.
Mr.. Powderly was then recalled and gave
a history of the origin OF the Knights OF
Labor. The orga nization was intended,
he said, to take in not only the man who
worked at the nch or mine, but every
man who toiled by hand or brain in any
honest occupation. We left out one or two
honest occupations and bankers
because we felt they were fully capable OF
taking care OF themselves.
Chairman-How about preachers?
Powderly-Once in while we get one OF
them. We will not take in saloon-keepers,
and if ever members wife begins to sell
liquor We make him take a divorce, not
from his wife, but from the organization.
Chairman-In other words, it is a benev-
olent socie' v for the protection OF all kinds
OF people who toll, and is entirely within
the law.
Powderly-Yes, it is entirely within the
law.
Parker-What is the present number OF
membership?
Powderly-Our present membership does
not exceed SOC, 900, although we have been
credited with 100000.
Chairman-Are women members OF the
organization?
Powderly-Yes; on an equal footing with
men.
Chairman-When were women first ad-
mitted?
Powderly-In 1881. We claim that if
women perform equal work they should
receive equal pay. We have one assembly
of women with membership OF 1900
%L4 fl,n
present day single expulsion or suspen-
sion has never taken place. They manage
their affairs in such a way as to reflect
credit upon them and to be a pattern for
mn.
Craine-DO You make any difference as to
the admission of colored men into the Or
ganization?
Powderly-We make no distinction in
regard to color, creed, sex or condition.
We have one assembly in New York where
the president is a Roman Ca thulic, the vice
president Presbyterian, and the man who
occupies the ne1t position a Hindoo.
Colored men seldom enter the assemblies OF
white members.
Buchanan-Up to how lately have you
worked at your trade?
Powderly-Not since March, 1877.
Buchanan-Sipce that time have you been
engaged as you are now?
Powderly-Yes,p principally. Ihave worked
harder now than l ever did-sometimes
eighteen hours day.
Mr.. Mcdowell upon being recalled and
asked as to his connection with the Knights
Of Labor said he bad been connected with
the organization about eight years; that he
was a machinst by trade, andithat to-day
he was at the head of one uf the largest
machine " orks in the country.
Chairman-I here is nothing you know
OF in the organization which is inconsistent
with obedience to law and with the admin
istration of the Government.
McDowell-Nothing whatever. On the
other hand it is u perfect supporter OF the
law in every particular.
Buchanan-Your observation is that the
fairer treated, and better paid, and the
more contented the American workingman
is, the better citizen he makes?
McDowell-That's exactly true.
Powderly-O1e OF the things which a
member of the organization promises to do
is this. 1--WE shall and with all our strength
support the laws made to harmonic the
interests Of labor and capital"
The committee adjourned until to-mor
row, when it is understood the examination
OF Jay Gould will be CONNIE iced.