The Baltimore County union. [volume] (Towsontown, Md.) 1865-1909, 1886-10-09
Correspondence Baltimore County Union.
LETTER FROM BALTIMORE.
The Knights of Labor Convention-Their
Connection with Politics-The W.. NJ.
Railroad, &C., sc.

BALTIMORE, October 9th, 1856.
Messrs. Editors The Knights of Labor met in
Richmond yesterday in annual convention and
were welcomed by an able and interesting address
by Gov. Lee which was replied to by Mr.. Powder
ly in an equally interesting and instructive man
ner. This was an important assemblage and is
sure to have its effect if judiciously managed
Much, however, depends on this. The knights Of
Labor are supposed to be the representatives of
the industrial party or power of our country
They are therefore, understood not to be connected
with either one or the other of the old political
parties as such in politics. They are, or ought to
be, combination of their own, entirely Free look
ing only to the best interests of labor. We may,
therefore, say to them in the outset if they permit
themselves to be used by either of the old political
combinations for sinister purposes, to aid either in
politics or advocate or elevate one to the detriment
of the other, they must fail of accomplishing their
end and finally go down. The time is approach
ing when our nation will be in the heat of polit
ical contest. 1t is already brewing and before it
is over will reach what is called "white heat" 1t
will probably be the hottest political campaign
ever fought for the reason that the Democrats,
after contest of a. quarter of q century. have, as
it were just come into power so far at least as the
President and administration are concerned. 1t
is reasonable, therefore, that they would not lose
what they have gained without desperate strug-
gle, while the other side would do all in their
power to get back again. In other words, it is or
will be death struggle with them. In this case
they will do what they can to get the aid OF the
Knights of Labor on their side by throwing out
bats that would be bit at and secure their infu-
ence This is sure to be attempted and there
fore give them timely caution. Let the industrial
party consequently be party of its own, looking
neither to the right left for aid excepting such
as tends to elevate labor Let them go slowly and
alone for the dignity of labor and show to our
country what mighty power it is. Let them
have their arms open for all who chose to unite
with them in their cause, but no union with any
political party. The great difficulty will be that
efforts of the strongest kind will be made to get
them in with either of the existing political parties
and advocate labor on one side and politics on the
other. If this should be the case it will tend to
weaken their order and in time most surely cause
its DEATH Let it therefore be strictly the party OF
labor looking neither to the right nor left. Let 1t
be ahead in principle of both Democracy and Re-
publicansm, standing out alone as the advocate OF
labor 1t need not be known even what per-
sons previous politics may have been; They want
TO know him only as Knight of Labor or an ad-
voeate of the principles of industry. Set upon
this basis it has solid foundation and will stand.
There is no trickery at the bottom nor deception
in it anywhere. Such being the case honest men
will 60 to il from every quarter and ere long IL IS
sure to become the great power OF the nation,
others standing in the background. Let US nope
that the convention Of laboring men at Richmond
will advocate such principles. Just now and for
some elections to come there will be great confu-
sion in all political parties. People will be wait
inp TO see which way the labor party will go or
whether they will form solid combination OF their
own. standing aloof from all others. This 1t IS
their duty to do if DESTROYS of triumph in the end.
The Western Maryland Railroad still runs some
excursions to Pen Mar with good many passen-
gers. It is charming time to go there l learn
-, ADaa ~
this year in excursions, having made ever S2O,Ooo
more than in any previous year. There are very
few if any railways in the country that have
superior advantages, all things considered, than
this. It's excursion season continues the longest,
which supplies many customers to the Blue Noun
tain House and to other hotels in the neighbor-
hood The road has been superbly managed by
President Hood, who has no superior in these
things. 1t continues to stretch out its iron arms
in connection with other roads and promises q
constant increase of business.
The Baltimore Board of Trade, in its recent re-
port, make quite good show of business. The
prospects are that trade, which is an indication OF
business in Baltimore will continue to increase.
The baseball season is partially over and am
rather glad of it, there is more room for regular
passengers on the York road and other railways
leading to Orole Park. The games now are OF a
promiscuous kind and not very fully attended.
Cardinal Gibbons has returned home from Wash
ington He is very great favorite with every
one and people of all denominations go to hear
him preach. lie is a fine orator and very con-
sentative. He seems not in the least elevated by
his promotion and high honors.
Our City Council has passed an ordinance to pay
the registers of voters $500 for their services. 1t
is liberal but not extravagapt. They have hard
work and good deal of it.
The announcement that Gov. Lloyd is to be
married on the 18th inst. is heard with pleasure.
The Governor is setting good example which it
is hoped many of his friends may initiate.
A number Of petty thieves have been prevailing
in the northwestern and northern part of the city
recently committing depredations. 1t seems diff
cult to detect them. Though few of them are
caught they too frequently get off on mere pre-
texts. They should be deelt harshly with.