The Dillon tribune. [volume] (Dillon, Mont.) 1881-1941, 1886-04-03
,POWDERLY'S POINTS.
The Grand Master of the knights Of La
Dor Heard From Again.

Dor Heard from Again..
Grand Master Powderly of the knights
of Labor has issued an address to the
striking and boycort:ng me,r ers as fol-
lows: The address opens with an order to
the Assemblies to cease initiating new
members until the relations Of capital and
labor shall become less strained than at
the present time, and setting forth that
to continue to attempt to win concessions
or gains with our present raw, undiscip-
lined membership, would be like hurling
An o:.organizsd mob against well-drilled,
regular army. 1t is not fair to the Order
for Assemblies to bring in raw members,
pick up their 4uarrels as soon as organized,
and have them expect pccuniary aid from
them who helped build the Order up for
noble purposes. After dwelling at some
length upon the inadvisability Of taking in
new members at present, the address con-
tinues: We must not fritter away our
strength by rushing into useless strike.
Powderly then cautions the Assemblies
against receiving into their ranks employ
ers, and warns the Knights that politicians
are planning night and day how to catch
the knights for the advantages Of them
selves and party, and adds that to use the
name Of :he Order in political contest is
criminal, and must not occur again. Refer
ring to the eight hour movement the circu-
lar says: "Assemblies Of the knights must
not strike for the eight-hour system on
May 1st, under the impression that they
arc obeying orders from headquarters, for
such an order was not and will not be
given. Out of 6o,uoo,o<D Of people in the
United States and Canada our order has
possibly 100000. Can we mould the
sentiments of the millions in favor Of \
sl,ort.hour plan before May 1st? It is non
sense TO think Of it," In conclusion the
Master Workman says: Il write this cir
cular to lay before the Order the exact order
fittings. arm neither physically nor men,
tally capable of performing the ~'ork re-
quired Of me- am willing to do my part
but not to be asked to maintain a false po-
sition before the world any longer. One
of two things must take place. Either the
local and district assemblies of the Order
must obey the law or l must obey the law
or must be permitted to resign from a
vocation which obliges ME TO play one part
before the public and another to our mem
bers. say to the world that the Knights
OF Labor do not approve of or encourage
strikes and in one day such dispatches came
from Troy, Manchester, Chicago, Gin
cinna,ti, Lynchborg, Springfield and Mon
treal. 1t IS impossible for human nature
to stand the strain any longer. must
have the assistance of the Order or my
most earnest efforts viii! fail. VIII have
it.: II SO strikes must be avoided, boycotts
must be avoided and those who boast must
be checked by their assemblies. No move
must be made until the court of last resort
be appealed to. Threats Of violence must
not be made, politicians must be hushed up
or driven out. Obedience to the laws of
the knighthood must have preference over
those of any other order. II these things
are done, the next five years will witness a
complete emancipation of mankind from
the curse Of monopoly. In our members
we require secrecy, obedience, assistance,
patience and courage. If with these aids
you strengthen my hands, will continue
in the work. Ifyou do not desire to assist
me in this way, then select a man better
qualified to obey YOUR will, ana will retire
in his favor