Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1891-09-03

Certain events which have transpireC
in political and labor circles of this STATE
since the adjournment of the Legislature
are being viewed with anything bu
pleasure by many people here. The
proceedings of that body were closely
watched by workingmen in this portion
of the State, and from the information
obtained through newspapers and othel
sources they did not place very higf
estimate upon the work accomplished
The treatment accorded certain bills in
troduced there is yet fresh in the MIND
of the public, and as both branches were
overwhelmingly Republican that party
was held responsible by all fair-minded
critics for the measures passed or defeat
ed.
The first surprise came in the shape of
the report issued by the Knights of
Labor Legislative Committee, which was
signed by Messrs. Wright and Butler,
two members of that committee. This
report, besides being unsatisfactory in
the matter of details, gave full credit to
the party in power for all favorable legis-
lation passed, and yet exonerated the
same people from any responsibility tor
the defeat of equally desirable bills
The TRIBUNE was favored with copies of
the report by the committee, and for
some time after receiving them we tried
to analyze and dissect their paradoxical
statements. We found the committees
manifesto to be beyond our comprehen-
sion and refrained from mentioning it in
any way, feeling positive that future
developments would bring to light the
unexplained portions of the report.
1t was broadly hinted from different
quarters that the work of the committee
was one of the results of deal with the
Republican party, and that certain al
legged labor leaders would profit by with
holding the censure deserved. This was
given additional credence by P. f. Nc
Caffrey, another member of the COM
mittee, who refused to sign the authoriz-
ed report, and who recently issued a
statement casting severe reflections upon
it's authors. Following that came the
Republican State Convention, which
nominated General Master Workman
Powderly as one of its delegates-at-large
to the Constitutional Convention. AS
Powderly for some years past has not
claimed connection with any party and
wishes to pose above partisanship his
acceptance need not be commented upon.
1t is probable that the Democrats to-day
may follow the example set by their
opponents and place him upon their
ticket.
The real design of Quay's hirelings at
Harrisburg in recognizing labor by honor
ing (O one of its representatives in this
manner is becoming apparent. The boss
is anxious to recover from the setback
received last fall, and expects to create
hn w
ticket by nominating Powderly as a can
prominent politician states, will not be
held. The part that Quay and his
ieutenants are playing in the game
occasions no surprise. A man with his
record would resort to any trick or crime
however revolving, to accomplish his
design. But to Powderly and his com
panions in leadership the people have
reason to expect better things. That he
would stoop and become the abettor O
Quay betrays a lack of honest dealing
with those who placed him and hole
him in his present position.
Yet among a large number of Knight
Tor rather ex-Knights) in this regiol
there has existed for year past
lurking suspicion that things are nc
what they seem at headquarters. The
were at first inclined and willing to ovel
look many little discrepancies and tur
deaf ear to frequent rumors, but it
becoming too evident to remain passiv
any longer. Those who watch the drif
of affairs find that these leaders hav
the sails of their ambitious boats set t
catch every passing breeze. The cliqu
controlling the order has, by their cantel
workingmen everywhere, and in thi
region at least we know that the lethargi
condition of the members is due to thi
one cause. Knights of Labor are tire
of being jerked by the nose from hobb
to hobby, none of which will be of an
benefit to them. Let Powderly, Hayes
Wright & Co. step down and out. The,
are better fitted for political henchmel
| than leaders of great labor orpaniZa