Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1886-10-14
POWDERLY ELECTED.
GRIFFITHS AGAIN CHOSEN FOR FOREMAN
TURNER ELECTED
For General Treasursr-CharleS B. Litchman Secre-
ary-ExscufHs Board Not Yet Eectsd-The
Tenure Of Office ExIsndsd-ImpOrtant
Constitutional Amendments.

RICHMOND, VA, October 13.-The del
egates to the General Assembly, Knights
of Labor, were early afoOt this morning,
and unusually prOmptin their attendance
at ArmOry Hall, where the sessions are
held. The most important work of the
Convention was begun yesterday, when
General Master Workman POwderly de-
clared amendments to the constitution in
order, and was sustained in his decision,
despite the objections of few. This
work of amending the constitution was re-
sumed this morning and prosecuted
throughout the session.
As the delegates were assembling good
deal was said which indicated that there
is a general desire to hurry the day of final
adjournment. 1t is plain there is not per
feet harmony, and that those who have the
best interests of the organization at heart
believe that il is wisdom to complete the
work before them and get away ere deep
seated feeling is engendered which must
work harm. An effort will be made to
extend the tenure of office clause in the
constitution 50 that conventions need not
necessarily be held more often than
bi-annually. If this is accom-
plished, the Executive Board will likely be
increased and given greater powers, so rs
to meet in cases of emergency any require
ment in the way of executive orders, set
ting aside or suspending provisions Of the
Constitution; such as can only be effected
now by the General Assembly.
Mr. Powderly says there will be much
work upon the Constitution which will not
go to the public. A great deal of difficulty
is experienced in curtailing debate, but
the chances are that the revision of the
Constitution can be completed by Satur-
day.
POWDERLY REELECTED
Mr.. Powderly to-day made his appear
ance at the room whereh he has been giving
out information for the press, so much
more prompt after this mornings session,
and there was such an atmosphere ofpleas
antry about his manner that he was asked
what had happened. l have been re
elected " was his reply. His announce
ment was hailed with delight by the cor
respondents and other writers present it
being taken rs indicative of more attcn-
ton from the General Master Workman,
and possibly q more liberal flow of news. |
Mr.. Powderly very briefly related the pro-
CeedingS of the morning
The early part Of the session was con-
Sumed in the adoption of amendments to |
the constitution and great deal of work |
was accomplished. Finally a motion
prevailed that the rules be suspended |
with view to proceeding with the elec-
ton of officers 1t requires y two-thirds |
vote to do this, and the roll had to be
called. As there were 6l2 delegates pres
ent, the procedure was slow. When
finally the call was completed, and the |
rules suspended, Grand Master Workman |
Powderly and General Worthy Foreman
Grifiiths were reelected without OppOSi |
ton, Ond the convention adjourned until
two o'clock.
This afternoon work upon
THE CONSTITUTION
will be proceeded with, and it is the gen.
eral belief that all of the officers will be
elected this week.
Among the amendments to the cOnStitn- !
tiOn adopted this morning was one which |
extends from one to two years the tenure |
of all officers excepting those of the Coop !
erative Board, which will remain as they |
are. So Mr. POwderly will be the guiding |
star of the Knights of Labor for at least
another two years He and General |
Worthy Foreman Griffiths have already
been in their positions eight years. As
anticipated in the press dispatches, during
the past twenty-four hours, it is being
more and more apparent daily that
it will be wisdom to finish the work of
the convention and adjourn at the earliest
day possible, so rs to preserve
the best feeling. The debates are growing
heated, and more than Il judiciOus amount
Of personalities is INDUCED in. 1t is known
that active canvasses by candidates for Of
fees have been in progress for several days
and that the rivalry has engendered feel
ins which will not be beneficial to the or
der.
At the afternoon session it was decided
TO divide the office of General Secretary
Treasurer. Charles II. Litchman, of
Marblehcad, Mass, was placed in nomina-
tion for the office of Secretary by James
Campbell, of Pittsburgh, Pa. The nOmi-
of New York. The only candidate placed
in nomination in opposition was Joseph
Buchanan, of Denver, Col. Litchman was
elected by more than 130 majority. Fred
erick Turner, the present General Secre-
tary-Treasurer was nominated for General
Treasurer by r. F. Trevillick, Of
Detroit, and seconded by James f.
Quinn, of New York. The only candidate
nomination in opposition was II. Beckmey-
er, of New jersey. Mr.. Turner was elect
ed by 200 majority.
BALLoTING
for members Ofthe Executive Board then
began. The following names were placed
in nomination: John w. Hayes, New Jer-
sew; Thomas II Barry, Mich, w. II. Bal
lev. Ohio; |. B. McGuire, New York; Tom
O'Reilly, New York; Joseph Buchanan,
Colorado; Wm. II. Mullen, Richmond;
Ira Il. Aylesworth, Baltimore; John Howe,
Massachusetts,.
An informal ballot was taken, in which
Mr. Hayes lead in the number of votes
polled, with Mr.. Barry second.
Some delegates wanted to continue
voting but a motion to adjourn till to-
morrow was put and carried.
Quite number of delegates will leave
the city tomorrow evening, and it is not
altogether improbable that final adjourn
ment will be reached by Saturday evening.
The election OF officers is being forced,
and that, together with some amendments
to the constitution practically agreed upon,
has held the delegates together.