Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1886-1890, 1888-11-18
HE KNIGHTS OE LABOR.

every industry OF Importance IN the United
States is represented at the Knights OF
Labor general assembly now being held in
this city. Miners. iron workers, shoe
men, glass workers, printers, street Cal
men, telegraph operators, clerks and
others are represented on the floor of the
convention by those actively engaged in
the various occupations. Aside from the
general officers, there are probably not
more than six or eight persons on the floor
Of the general assembly who draw regular
pay from the Knights of Labor. Says
Mrs A. 2. Stevens, of Toledo, they earn
every cent they get'' Until a late hour
last night Thos. B. Barry, and the COM
mittee on appeals and grievances were
meeting together. Barry was heard at
length. The committee announced that
che whole matter would be brought up on
the floor of the convention this morning.
This is one of the most important appeals
before the assembly. Its action on this is
considered an indication as to success or
failure of the order. Many delegates eX-
press great confidence in the outcome and
intimate full belief in the defeat of Barry.
That gentleman seems to expect similar
result; he suggests all manner of terrible
disclosures in case of such result.
floor ahead of the grievance committee
this morning and the time was devoted TO
hearing its reports. On recommendation
Of this committee the treasurer was order
I'd to pay delegates mileage on the last
day of the session at the rate of 4 cents per
mile each day. In view of a balance of
'40.39 reported as being in the treasury,
gone views have been expressed by out
sders there would be no money on hand
TO pay mileage. This morning 1t was an
nounced that so, 900 had been received by
the treasurer since November l, and of
the amount $3.50 was from new charters,
showing over twenty new assemblies
within about two weeks. Representatives
Of the glass men, ID. A. 300, announced
that in case of need they had 100000 from
which the general executive board could
draw as much as needed. ID. A. As, OF
Cincinnati, offered $1,000 as a gift,
and Others volunteered various sums,
making the aggregate sl5O,000
Nearly every delegate tried to make some
offer and by so doing prove the falsity of
eerta newspaper stories regarding the
bankrupt condition of the order Since
this showing the members are jubilant
and are not slow in showing their good
feeling. 1t was further decided that
unless for good reasons given no member
who left tor home before the end of the
convention, would be entitled to mileage
A resolution had been introduced TO the
effect that no action should be taken on
obe question of immigration restriction.
This was adversely reported after lively
debate in which the question of foreign
immigration was thoroughly discussed.
The committee report was adopted. This
settles this fact that the general assembly
wishes some action taken looking toward
the restriction of foreign immigration
but Just what means will be taken to
bring about such a result cannot be pre-
dicted.
The committee on state of order still
had the floor when recess for dinner was
taken.
The subscription of money at today's
session of the knights of Labor for the
payment of mileage and other necessary
expenses was an endorsement of the
Powderly administration and the scene
when 1t was done was an exhibition of the
general master workman's ability to take
prompt advantage of the first chance to
test the fidelity of delegates to him. When
II appeared that moe money than was in
she treasury was needed ID. a. 300, the
plttsburC glass workers, placed the con-
tents of its treasury amounting to $780,
0t0, at the disposal of the order and
handed in 5000 for immediate use. Mr..
Powderly took advantage of the opening
thus made and called on those who wanted
TO help to stand up. \ majority of dele
gates arose and quickly announced the
money they would give, the amount
reaching Sl50,00O AS has been already
stated this Is practical endorsement and
expression of confidence in this admins
tratIon, which indicates that the present
general master workman's advice will be
taken and he will be urged to remain in
office. 1t means that Mr.. Powderly has
the support of the majority although
The minority is still awake
aud actively opposing lin. They
have been acting q tiy psnd
ing action on appeal Gases bN the
proper committee and the general assem-
bly,. Last nights session of that commit
tee was brief, both Barry and Powderlv
being present But little debate was in
dulged in. The report has been expected
Mt any hour and the Barry case in partic-
alar, has been hanging over the general
assembly all week as menace. \ major
ity of the delegates We're evidently with
Powderly in the case but the minority
proposed TO make 1t warm for them and
they have been somewhat worried over
that fact.
After the financial boom that struck the
assembly today there WAS less fear as TO
the result of adverse action in the Barry
case Action in the case of ID. A. 40 of
New York is also counted risky. The
outsiders in that case have allied them
selves with Barry and ere announcing
with him, that action adverse TO their
appeal viii bring down all the terrors
OF their wrath upon the Knights OF Labor.
The uncertain strength of those outside
elements make it difficult TO appreciate the
Importance of their defeat, which Will
probably be effected. They claim a large
following, but the Powderly crowd assert
ed that il was neither large or desirable
class of people who would follow Barry
and his friends. The whole matter seems
/. ~ be fight for leadership. in which the