The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-10-05
THE DELEGATES.

Personnel of the Observation-Disclosures To Be
Considered-The General Offcers.
Special to the indianapolis Journal.
RICHMOND Va. Oct 4.-General Master
Workman Powderly has taken charge Of
the discretionary powers of the execu-
tive committee so far as they relate to
making public the proceedings Of the
convention for the use of hepress and it is very
probable that the news field will be somewhat
curtailed. At the last meeting-at Cleveland
much of the proceedings not intended for the
public were given out while a great deal which
the higher officers desired should be published
did not make its appearance. There will for
few days at least be but two sessions in each
twentyfour hours-morning and afternoon
and Mr. Powderly will remain at the armory
after each session and make known SO much Of
the proceedings as, in his judgment, should be
published.
THE sessions tomorrow WILL think, be con-
sumed by organization" said Mr.. Powderly
tonight. ''The report of the COMMITTEES
on credentials" continued he, will
cause solae discussion, as it invariably
does, and then will follow the minor
details preliminary to the complete organlzs
tion. 1t is possible, but not probable, that win
after we organize. 1t is more than likely
that it will be delivered on Wednesday"
Other officers say that the annual address will
occupy much of one day in its delivery that
little, if anything, else can be done. This puts
positive work off till Thursday morning
The Knights will undoubtedly remain in Sos
sion more than two weeks. Most of the dele
gates have made up their minds to stay here
fortnight, and previous meetings have demon
strated that it is easier to prolong thanseurtail
their sessions. Most of the delegates, in pur-
chasing their railroad transportation, were care
ful to see that it was not limited to less than
thirty days. while some arranged to have their
tickets extended should they be detained here
longer than the end Of the present month.
There are very many questions of great magni.
tude to be disposed of at this convention. By
far this is the most important labor meeting
ever held in this country. To the surprise of
all the officers, about 800 delegates are present,
while not 600 were anticipated. AS the repre-
sentation is in proportion to membership it will
be seen that the growth of the order has been
beyond the conception of its chief promoters.
First of the important subjects on hand viii
be the revision of the constitution. The delega-
ton of authority to the general master workman
in times provocative of STRIKES and the Ques-
tions of strikes and boycotts are among the most
difficult matters to be considered. Nothing
definite seems to be in mind respecting either of
these questions, although there is an ocean of
crude ideas afloat and great deal OF discussion
will naturally follow when these matters are
reached in convention. The executive board, it
is reported, has scheme for decreasing the rep
resentation to the annual convention, but itc
members refuse to disclose the nature of the
proposition 1t is generally supposed TO be the
amalgamation of districts into State and Terri
torial districts. Instead OF eight hundred dele
gates, there is demand for not over one hun
dred, while many believe sixty or seventy will
better represent the interests of the order and
that the work will be facilitated and made more
satisfactory.
The seats of the district delegations were
drawn at an informal meeting late this after
noon. The highest number drawn indicating
the number of districts represented was 1885, Not
over one-fourth of the delegates were present Mt
the seat-drawing. ard much of it was done by
proxy.
The convention is composed of sturdy lot Of
men. Threefourths of them are under forty
years of age, and scarcely . score Of them are
fifty years DID, 1t is remarked by those who
have attended former conventions that never
has there beer such enthusiasm, such determin-
alton and such universal wish to do just what
is right as now. All feel that the organization
has grown to such proportions that wisdom must
be counseed and candor marshaled A mistake
to the progressing work. but possibly to the an
lation of principle, and the propagation Of CO.
operation.
There is as yet no canvassing for any Of the
offices. 1t is understood that the old officers ex
pect re reelection, aud, as a rule that is conceded
While the policy of AIr Powderly has been too
conservative to command the Endorsement Of
many of the Knights. il is plain that it would re-
quire a phenomenal change Of sentiment to de-
feat his reelection few names are vaguely
mentioned for places on the executive board ip
the event that it is enlarged, as has been prol
posed. but there Is nothing like formal an
nouncemeut of candidates.
The little sensation created By the proprietor
of the Murphy House refusing to accommodate
Edward j. Farrell, colored mar. and dele
gate of District 40 of New York, has snbsided.
When the delegation in body refused to accept
accommodation after Farrell was refused and
left for another hostelry, other delegates at the
Murphy departed thereby institnting kind Of
boycott on the Murphy mansion.