New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1886-06-02
country.
THE ACTION or me KNIGHTS.

The KNIGHTS of Labor merit high praise for
much that has been done at their convention.
They deserve praise particularly for their
action in regard to strikes and bDycOtts. The
decision to require that in every case such
proposal shall be submitted 10 the Executive
Committee, and that no strike or boycott shall
be ordered or defended by the organization I'M
less it has first been approved by that commit
tee, will go far to prevent abuses which have
brought the cause Of labor into dscredit. But
it is question of practical moment whether
enough has been done 10 accomplish the result
desired. 1t Is true that the power of this con-
ventiOn is limited. The annual gathering of
the order is expected to make more formal and
complete changes, 10 carry into effect the resO-
lutiOns which have been adopted. But, as the
matter stands there Is question as to the power
OF tie Executive Committee to enforce IFS rules.
Blyc0t is now in vain disappraved by Grand
Master Powderly, and all attempts 10 restrain 1t
have been unavailable though, according to
him. il has been contrary TO the principles OF
the order from the first. The Grand Master and
the Executive Committee have never possessed
the power to prevent strikes and boycotts, un-
less we are to suppose that having the power
they have not chosen to Use il. IL may be ques-
toned whether greater power has yet been
given Ia the grand master or the Executive
Committee over tie action of local assemblies.
1t is true their ad, ice will have greater moral
force, now that it has been approved by the
convention. Bat in that respect the circum-
stance that the new members of The order,
which greatly outnumbcr the old, it is said,
were not represented at the convention III
Cleveland, must not be overlooked.
One of the best things done at the convention
was the adoption of the resolution in regard to
public affairs, condemning bribe-takers and
bribe-gi1 ers melting Kn ghts to political fidel-
ity. and commanding abstinence from in.oxi-
eating drinks on election days. The tone Of
the res tuition is thoroughly good, aud will
meet the commendatiOn of good citizens Of all
classes II is also entirely free from partisan
bias, although. the convention was NJ Cleve-
land, and the State of Ohio is peculiarly excited
IN regard to the bribery by which Senator
Payne was elected, and the corruption and
iraud which have been exposed in Cincinnati.
IN Ohio the resolution could hardly be more
effective if drawn with especial reference to
Democratic crimes. and with intent to secure
their punishment.
The land policy set forth in the resolution on
that subject WAS not meant To be vague, but in
some points it lacks defnlteness Certain
members of Congress, who profess to be all
animated by an earnest desire 10 res ore to the
Government every acre OF land not lawfully
earned under land grants to railroads, are to-
day differing widely about measures pending.
In every case there is 4 question whether, in
accordance with the spirit and intent of the
l., 4 l.. 4
not earned, and therefore subject to forfeiture.
1t would not be charitable to assume that the
difference between members on this subject is
not honest. Bat when the only question at is
sue is whether Just application of the princi
pie admitted requires forfeiture of land
new affirmation of that principle does not 90 so
far or mean quite so definite thing as the
Knights probably suppose.
The spirit of the declaration against alien
ownership of American land will be- by amo st
all citizens unreservedly approved. 1t is recoe-
nized great and growing evil that foreign
corporations and capitalists have acquired vast
tracts of land in some of the States and Terri
tories The influence of such non resident
ownership is fOund 10 be most huriful to the
industrial and political development of the
regions concerned. Without inlulging in any
extravagant anticipations respecting the speedy
absorption of land available for cultivation, it
is clear enough that the monopoly Of land by
NONRESIDENT owners calls for strong remedies
Nor can any sound objection be- made to the
proposal that land held by alien owners shall be
taken by Government under the right Of emf
nent domain, urOn payment of fair price.
Put the measure would require exceedingly
careful adjustment to prevent abuses in its
practical working.