Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1888-04-13
MASTER WORKMAN POWDERLY
Complains Of the Treatment the Knights
Receive from Certain Papers,
And Gives Some Sound Advice to the
Members OF the Order


PHILApELPHIA, April l2.-
This weeks Journal of United Labor will
publish three letters from Master Workman
| Pewderly. In one he complains bitterly of
the treatment the Knights receive at the
hands of certain papers, and says;
One takes me to task for entering into a
compact with the Brotherhood of Locomo-
tive Engineers to conduct the present strike.
/ have entered into no deal and have not al
tered my course particle. | simply reiter-
| ate the statement made at the beginning of
the strike. Believing that man who will
lake the place of another while that other is
ON strike, is scab, cannot enter into any
arrangement which will countenauce the
handling of Chicago, Burlington & Quincy
/ freight by the knights. While do not APP
prove of strikes. will never lend my sane
/ ton or aid to assist a corporation TO break up
any labor organization. | am willing TO en-
ter into compact with the brotherhood to
look after and guard the Interests of labor
for the future. In this believe the general
master workman will be supported by the
entire order, regardless of past differences.
| The future welfare of the toillng masses of
America today, is ceutered in the Knights of
Labor more than in any other order on the
continent, and the man or woman who would
now destroy the hope of millions, deserves
the hatred and scorn of future ages Now
that suspended and defuuct assemblies are
reviying, old members returning and new
ones coming in, it becomes the duty of each
assembly to make the meetings so interesting
that the interest will not die out in the good
work. Each assembly should be able to an
swer the following questions on call from
headquarters; How many children are en-
gagged in the mills, shops and factories in
your place: How many are working under
the age, below which children should not
work, in your State? Are rents reasonable,
too high or extortionate in your city or town?
In what proportion is property assessed in
your locality; does the poor man pay as high
a rate of taxation for an improved lot as
wealthy man? Does the man who holds
town lots waiting for your labor to increase
their value before selling, pay as high rate
of taxation for property which your labor is
making valuable As you pay on your prop
erty? If not, why not? Why should man
hold piece of land and refuse TO sell it un-
less the population increases SO that he can
demand a fabulous price for it: Is it his
labor or the labor of the community that in
creases the value of his lots! If the latter
why should he not pay some taxes to the
community which enriches him? Should
workiugmen own stock in corporatlons3 If
not why not!
Referring to the especial call" of March
81, he says There appears to be doubt as
to the exact meaning of the proposition re-
lating to the levying of an assessment for
educational purposes. The intention is to
make but one levy of fifteen cents. If that
is paid it will place funds enough in the
hands of the order to put several lecturers in
the field at once If the experim ent is salts
factory the general assembly can take action
as to its continuation. The educational fund
in no asse mbly will De pressed for payment
as the intention is to build up not to tear
down. Already several hundred dollars have
been received.