New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-09-06
WHY MR.. LI7CHMAN RESIGNED.
THE GENERAL SECRETARY EXPLAINS HIS
ACTION AND ANSWERS MR., POWDERLY.
READY NOW FOR WORK IN THE REPUBLICAN
LD-POWDERIY,S LETTER

READY NOW FOR WORK IN THE REPUBLICAN
FIELD-POwDERLY'S LETTER
Philadelphia Sept (SpecIaD.-Gencral Secretary
Charles II. Ltchman of the knights Of Labor. in an
swer TO the reported severe structures by r " Powderly
upon his conduct in taking sides with the Republican
party, and Mr. Powdcrly's remark that there is grcat
dissatisfaction among the members because OF Ltch-
mans course letters of nature received by
every day from members who arc Republicans and
Democrats said to-day
Concerning the Scranton interview with Mr.. POW
derby about myself frankly that hold 1t to be FAR
honorable resign the position hold, ana 70
take stand openly for what believe and know to be
right so far as my own judgment goes, than 10 remain
In my official position, and while pretending to neu-
trality, to be secretly schemng aud engineering IN
political inrlgucs. AS the supposed case which Mr.
Powderly does apply to me, necessity exists
for me to answer it,
In reply the question whether he proposed to re-
tain his membership in the Knights Of Labor, he said
/" l most decidedly shall continue on member Of the
order; and | believe that l shall be doing twice as
much good for the workingman when on the stump,
advocating the overthrow of the principles OF free
trade, than If remain in my position as general secle
tary As regards the report that would again accept
the Office hold. after the residential election
believe there is nothing this earth which could in
duce me to return the Office. For nineteen months
/ have been devong my undivided energies TO the
systematizng Of the business of the order nave
brought II from chaos TO simplicity and arrangement
What has been my reward Nothing, save the slime
Of opprohrum, tic undcrhanded attacks OF malice
Not only have had TO battle the opposition Of wealthy
and brany monOpOlists but forced to contend with
the attacks OF workmen. who accuse me of dishonesty
and corruption. / defy any 10 prove that single
penny has stuck my hands in of the labor Or
ganizaiions with which have been connected wlthih
the last eleven years. | only wish some OF The papers
that attack me with much regard Tor thri OWN
safety would give chance Al rcprsal In the courts
year, Zen fighting the battles Of other people II is
now tine that Charles Lichman did something for him
AT fhe same time You can state that make my first
speech in favor Of protecliye tari on SepdeGer
Il. wherever the National Republican committee thinA
| will do the most good
In The Journal Of United Labor" printed to-day.
Master " orkman Povdery gives in fun General Sec
refary Litchmans letter of resignation, and his own
reply Nj N.chman's letter is dated August 20.
and. in substance is as follows:
have concluded TO take active part In the campaign
now open for the election Of President OF the United
Staics feel that the only logical position can take
present political contest IS to do all In my power
TO aid in the election candidates Of the Republican
party position is correct that labor organization
is necessary the interests and protect the
wages engaged in industrial pursuits In our own
land it logically follows equal truth. that the
American Idea OF Protection American labor. repre-
senied Republican party. should be maintained 10
order to retain beneht in wages organized labor
has abe gain In the action ON about to take
do not wish be hampered by any mputauon that
desire 10 use nv official position general secretary for
the Of any polt party. think It best on
the whole place your handS nv resignation
general secretary the General Assembly OF the Order
Of the knights Labor. take effect provided by
the Constitution
In reply, Mr.. Powderly, under date Of August IS,
writes in substance as follows
Your resignation general is accepted and
in accordance with law | shall proceed TO make an ap
pointment to I'll out the balance Of the term While
will not question your motives in taking this step. you
will ! trust pardon If say fail to see how organized
labor be benefited by having Its officers cast aside the
obligations and duties which their constituents imposed
upon them for the purpose Of taking sides in political
cempaiGn. Seeking for legislation not men, the knights
will do good by stamping their impress upon
makeup Of the next House of representatives. Al
ready forty nominated candidates regardless Of party
signed written pledges for measures Of re-
form az reaue.t of the Knights of Labor