Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1888-11-16
POWPERLY'S POSITION.
1t Il Believed That He VIII Accept II
Elected.

INDIANAPOLIS, November 15.-Ths Ie-
ports OF General Master Workman Pow
dsrly and ex-Secrstary Litchman were de-
layed until this afternoon. Both reports
were quite lengthy.
Mr.. Powderlys report reviews the his
tory of the order ard its gradual growth.
The last year, he says, has been crucial
one The circulation of false statements
concerning tho strength of the order drove
away thousands who regarded quantity as
superior to quality in the make up Of the
membe rship of labor organization. The
story 80 oflen circulated and SO wonder
fully msgnified, Of the extrayagsnce of
general officers frightened others, and they,
TOO, stood still until this session would
assemble. In the ranks were men whose
love of self predominated, whose self
ish desires could not be suppressed for the
common veal, and on no occasion would
they consent to sink self for the
good Of all. With an Executive Board,
whose members were not IN harmony with
each ether, who Travelled from place TO
rlaoe, denCuncinZ their fellow Officers ard
condemriug actions that they were rot re.
srousible for, it could not be wondered at
that we have lost in numbers.
He states that these trials have resulted
in good for the order, and denies anything
like official dishonesty in voting thOr.
ough examination of all the books and
accounts.
Many changes are desired in the cons.i-
tution, so as 20 avoid the frequent changes
which are recommended at each session.
He recomm ends tbs total abolition of sec
tions which provide for the appointment
and government of examining orgsnizsra
The law as at present framed Is dead
letter.
The Treasury Department should be
held responsible for all money passing
through its channels, ard the general
treasurer should be vested with the veto
uowers so far as delaying payment Of bills
on which he is in doabt is conc armed. At
present he thinks the financial affairs are
intrusted in TOO many hands.
OF some OF his fellow officers Mc. Pow
derly says:
Men have baen placed in offi:e with me
with whom would not for moment ss-
sociate in a private business enterprise
with apy hope of success, yet for the sake
of the good that might follow silence,
forbearance under such circumstances hss
been observed by me;
No hesitancy or maWkish sentiment, be
saws. should sway Us at this session. Let
us once and forever put it beyond the
power of any man to fight this order or its
principles and remain member. II they
will tear down let them tear from the out
side and let every true, horeIt man in the
order take sides and either go with these
misguided creatures or stand firm and de-
fand tie order from their attacks. Mr..
P,wderly then said that the order to which
he ,eterred was the International Working
meas which attempted to get control OF
the K. of L. but failed.
LITCHMAN's REPoRT.
Tn his report ex-Secretary Litchman
Owes a detailed statement Of his connection
with tie order from his admission to the
n-eseut time, quoting from the official rec
ords of the past sessions OF tie General
As emily 70 psove the falsity OF charges OF
dishonesty which had been employed
against him.
The afternoon session was cut short
owing to the regular meeting on the
Women's Relief Corps.
A re- o.ution INST calling OF General
Harrison vas adopted.