The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1886-04-29
Origin of the Knights of Labor.

Origin of the Knights of Labor.
In his testimony before the House COM
mlttee on Wednesday last, General Master
Workman Powderly gave an account of
the origin and growth of the Knights of
Labor, which proved very interesting to
every one who heard it, and strengthened
the good impression Mr.. Powderly has
already made upon the country.
In reply to questions by the chairman of
the Committee, the General Master stated
that he was a machinist by trade, and was
81 years OF age, and that the knights of
Labor had first been instituted In 1869,
The Chairman think it very impor-
tant from the direction which the exami-
nation has taken that the committee
should understand the origin of the
Knights of Labor.
Mr.. Powderly- eight months
after the close OF the war the garment
cutters of Philadelphia organized as the
Garment Cutters Society Of Philadelphia.
The intention was to pay the sick members
a weekly allowance and to bury the dead.
In fact it was benevolent organization.
They continued to hold meetings for four
years. At the end of that time, one night
in October, 1869, they were discussing
some measure, when member said eve
have been coming here now four or five
years we have our constitution, our laws,
our officers, and, SO far as that is con-
| cerned, that is all right. If | am taken
SICK l Will receive weekly allowance, and
II l die l will be cared for by our brothers.
But the conditions surrounding me in the
workshop have not grown better. but
worse 1t seems to me that an organiza-
tlon that will go into the workshop and en-
deayor to effect reform there is what is
needed, in addition to the association WE,
now have.''
Ihat line OF argument was taken up and
continued some weeks. Finally motion
was made that that society be disbanded
and it was disbanded. The founder of the
Knights OF Labor was a member of it. He
was Uriah S. Stephens. AS the men were
leaving the room that night, he asked those
present 70 remain and hear what he had to
say. He said that if they would form such
an association as had been suggested, one
tnaG would endeavOr to effect reform in
the management of workshops, mines and
foundrles: they would endeavor to perfect
IL. SIX OF the men remained, talked the
matter over with him and agreed to meet
again. The seven men and two others
met to perfect the organization on Thanks
giving evening in 1869, and the nine men
drafted the first crude form of constitu-
ton and manuel for the government of
the association of the Knights of Labor.
NO man was to know anything about it, 1t
was to be secret in all its workings The
man who Joined it was not permitted to
mention the name of the ASSOCIATION out
slde OF the meeting room, nor was it spoken
inside. When written about it was to be
referred to by stars. The idea was to
bring into the association every depart
ment OF productive industry, The inten-
tlon was that no statutes of the organiza-
tl0n towards the bettering or change of
the conditions surrounding employer and
employee would be made until everything
connected with the condition of things had
been discussed and thoroughly understood.
Inc reason for that was that a strike OF
miners affected not only the miners them
selves, but effected the machinists. the
engineers, the merchants, the clerks and
everybody connected with industry in that
region.
l was asked one evening if l would not
come with a man and become member of
a club OF association, the name of which
he did not mention. | went with him and
was initiated into the order of the knights
OF Labor. Up to that time [ knew moth
ing OF it, but when saw in that meeting
room locomotive engineer, a stationary
engineer, a miner, a laborer, truckman.
members of my own craft and others, /
made up my mind that that was an asso-
CATION which, OF all others, was calculated
to do good to the labOring man.
Ihe Chalrman-ln other words it is
benevolent seeiety for the pro; ect iul aDlsay ur
kinds OF people who toll, and is ensIfeffSSss
within the law?
Mr.. Powderly-Ye s 1t is entirely within
the law.
Mr.. Parker What is the number of its
present membership?
MI. PoWderly-Our present membership
does not exceed 100000, although we have
been credited with 100000
The Chairman-Are women members of
the organization
Mr. Powderly-Y es, on equal footing
with men.
The Chairman-When were omen first
admitted ?
Mr.. Powderly-In 1881. We claim that
II women perform equal work, they should
receive equal pay. We have one assembly
of women with membership of 1900. and
from the day of the organization to the
present day single expulsion or suspen-
sion has never taken place.
MI. Craln-Do you make any difference
as to the admission of colored men into
the organization
MIR. Powderly-We make no distinction
n regard to color, creed, sex, or condition
We have one assembly in New York
where the President is Roman Catholic.
man who occupies the next position a
Hlndoo. Colored men seldom enter into
the assemblies of white members They
have assemblies of their own and are man.
aging them very nicely.
Mr.. Buchanan-Up to how lately have
you worked at your trade
Mr.. Powderly-Not since March, 1877.
Mr. Buchanan-Since that time you have
been engaged as you are now
Mr.. Powderly-Y es, principally work
more than ever did, sometimes eighteen
hours day.
Mr.. Mcdowell upon being recalled and
asked as to his connection with the Knights
OF Labor said that he had been connected
with the organization about eight wears:
that ne was machinist by trade, and that
to- day he was at the head of one of the
largest machine works in the country.
The Chairman-Thtr re is nothing that
you know of in the organization which is
inconsistent with obedience to law and
with the administration of government
Mr.: Notwithstanding whatever. On
the other hand, it is perfect supporter of
the law in every particular.