The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-10-06

ommend that all matters likely to create breach
of the peace between our order and any other,
be at once submitted to the executives OF both
organizations If a trade-union complains of
any action on the part of our order, let the ag-
grieved party submit the matter to the president
of his union-he to investigate; and, failing to
effect a remedy, to place the matter before the
general master workman and executive board
If the aggrieved party IS mem Der of assem-
bly, of the Knights of Labor, let the same mode
of procedure be gone through with, and, above
all things, let a speedy and impartial investiga-
tlon and Immediate settlement be made
This plan has worked we'll in every new case
called to my attention since the Cleveland ses
sion, 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 by members of trades unions. / respect
the man who. being member of trade union,
does every thing honorable in his power to defend
and perpetuate his organization; but for the
knight of Labor who would even attempt to
subordinate our order to any other, have moth
ing but contempt In my estimation. there is
but one place for such man, and that is on the
outside of our order.
IF the representatives of the trades unions
and of order come together, and both are
sincere in their devotion to their respective or
ganiZations. an honest and satisfactory solution
OF every difficulty can be arrived at No sacri-
hce OF principle regard for either organization
need attend such a meeting But the man who,
through fear. policy Indifference, or a desire to
order he represents. is not honest and should
not be allowed to act in any capacity for any
society of workingmen.
with the session of the General Assembly
only three days away, it will not be possible
for me to say all that would like to upon the
questions that will come before US. Ny time
has been entirely taken up with the detail work
Of the order, and | forced to neglect
this duty in order to give any time or attention
10 a preparation for the coming of the General
wi n hot
even at this moment, when every member knows
full we'll that we assembled in general con-
yentoD, secretaries and members are addressing
me at my Office, in the expectation of receiving
an immediate reply. Letters and kilograms by
the hundred will flow in upon me even while the
General Assembly is in session.
The duties which called me away from home
for the greater part OF the year that has closed
made 1t i'm possible to give proper attention to
my correspondence. TO read each letter
addressed to would occupy every mo-
ment of the twenty four hours leaving no
time to answer or dictate answer to any of
them. l attended to all that could, and the
others Will never be reached. IT this is neglect
of duty, then / am guilty; but have no apology
to offer did all that could do-more could
not be expected of me.
II have never, during the seven years that I
have served as general master workman made
member of this order a subject of personal or
public criticism or abuse. Such treatment has
not been accorded to me. Whether the inton-
tion was to have me reply through the public
press | do not know, but have made it a rule
never to speak in criticism, harsh or otherwise
of a man, except when standing face to face with
him. And l. have as studiously refrained from
replying TO or denying attacks accusations
against me, except i'll the presence of those who
made them. When called upon to defend the or
der or its principles, L have attempted to do so.
Il have been accused of displaying lack of
nerve of want of backbone and of being too
weak man TO lead strong movement have
never replied TO these charges, nor will | do SO
now. simply point back to a record of seven
years of service and ask this questions Ii, while
holding position such living or dead
ever held before, with the full blaze of public
scrutiny shining upon my every action, with
public opinion ready to condemn to APP
plaud have displayed lack Of nerve or back
bone, why is it that million men and women Of
nerve backbone and common sense have gath
cred around the standard which was
placed in my hands seven years
ago by the founder of the order him
self! If / have been proven a weak man. why
do so many strong men support me! | dislike to
speak of these matters, but ] believe that in
justice to yourselves AMI me, you should know
of them. BY men who are not knights of La
Dor have been called weak because discoun-
tenanced violence and hasty, ill-advised action
have excuse to offer. for If this is an oifense
let the General Assembly itself offer the apology.
Ny views upon such questions were known to
each General Assembly before my election as gen
era master workman. and IN electing me they
indorsed and made themselves responsible for
these sentiments.
II will now speak rs | have never spoken to a
session of the General Assembly before Repre-
sentatives have been instructed to vote for me
for general master workman. feel compliment
ed, but release every member from his obliga-
tion TO vote for 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 III your hands
stand ready to serve this order in any capacity
either as general master workman or private in
the ranks. n voting for general master work |
man do not be guided by sentiment or sympathy |
but vote for the best interests of Gods suffering
poor and the cause of united labor 1t is because
J believe it to be my duty that talk thus plain
Iy, and here face to face with labors represen ta
tive men and women is the place TO say it,
'It has been charged that between members |
of the general executive board and myself Sc |
rous disturbances have taken place; that rup
lures have occurred of q serious character.
Others have charged that the board constituted
itself q ling to manage affairs. These state
mcnts inventions of tho enemy, have dam
aging effect when told to the m wary. The first
assertion is utterly false for between the board
and myself there has been no rupture or even a |
difference. If at first we did not agree upon
question discussed il until tne fullest possible
light shone upon it, and when we went to the !
world with it we went MS one man. Every at
tempt to divide US has been failure. That we
have constituted ourselves q ring to manage af |
fairs is true; that is what You elected us for
We are ring, solid and unbroken, and | hope
the next board will be the same For standing
together in unity we have apologies to offer.
For myself say, may it never be otherwise"
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TIE SECOND DAYS SESSION.