The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1889-11-24
FROM THE FIELD OF LABOR
The Action in Regard to Politics, He Thinks,
Will Not Rebound TO the Good OF
the ~Order-Labor Notes.

The local Knights of Labor regard the
actions of the Atlanta General Assembly as
promising in some degree renewed activity
of the order. but several things were done
that are not accepted as being beneficial to
its interests. During the rapid growth of
the order in the winter of 1ss5-s6," said a
Knight yesterday. Ignorance and selfish
ness overbalanced all other considerations.
The proposed eight-hour strike following
in May. 1856. was an inducement to some
10 JOIN. who generally wait until
the ship is about to sail before
they get aboard. But Mr.. Powderly in
cidentally told his followers that the X. of
l.. had not officially sanctioned a general
eight-hour strike, and that he would rot
depart from the instructions given him at
the Toronto session of the General Assem-
bly,. To this moro than any other one
cause may be attributed the falling OFF in
membership. The next general eight-hour
strike. if there is one. will be practically
under the jurisdiction of President Comp
ers. of the American Federation of Labor.
Mr.. Powdrrly aud the General Assembly
have pledged their support in
every way possible for its suc-
cess in such branches of industry
as may. be suitably Organized.
The skilled mechanics are principally or
ganiZed outside of the K. of L. jurisdiction,
and 1t would be foolish for the latter To at
tempt with scattering members employed
In industries, where a few only arc work
ing tor the same institution, to undertake
a general strike.
The General Assembly at Atlanta en-
acted some wholesome legislation, but did
some things that will not rebound to the
orders welfare. For several months a
faction of TIL k. of l.. has been advocating
the establishment of a new political party
with the pledged support of the order.
whose principles should be engrafted into
the platform of the political organization.
An attempt was made at the recent session
TO pass such a measure, which would have
been Suicidal. As asubstitute the commit
tees report which was adopted recommends
that the general executive board be au-
thOrized TO examine the report Of the legis-
lative committee, furnish the same in de-
tail to members of the order. and make any
suggestions they deem wise that would I've
of benefit to members in casting their votes.
Blu the substitute adopted will not benefit
the order, because the motive will be mis-
construed. The general executive board
viii be wise enough to see this. and the
suggestions will never be made. Yet
many members will have pretexts for max
ing accusations that will prove i'll the fut-
ure the less done by the General Assembly
In a political way the better.
The recommendation by Nh. POwderly
to abolish the lecture bureau and furnish
INSTEAD the Journal of United Labor free
to all members. would resultin fruitful serv-
ice If Incorporated into the law of the order.
The amendment adopted giving locals the
right to withdraw from district or State
assemblies and attach to the G.. A, or vice
versa, will be the means of reviving many
lapsed assemblies. The only reason as
signed for their decay was an objection to
D.A. jurisdiction, and being assessed TO sus-
tain strikes in large trade centers without
receiving a fair exchange. Locals not at
tached 20 the State or district assembly
will be charged ten cents per capita to the
G.. A., instead of six; those belonging to the
q. A. and also to a district assembly will be
assessed SIX cents per capita by the former.
the same as now"
N.E