Los Angeles herald., 1891-05-20
THIRD PARTY MEN.
The Cincinnati Convention
Called to Order.
Senator PETER Nominated for
Permanent Chairman.
Many Knights of Labor and Trades
Delegates Present.
The Third Party Infant Already Born
and Dressed in New Suit
of Clothes.
Associated Press Dispatches.


of the national union conference was
blessed with mild temperature. The
morning hours were occupied by state
delegations perfecting their organiza-
tion. A feature that attracted some at
tention this morning was the apparent
apathy of the south, the delegates from
that section being few in number. Wide
interest attached to the presence among
the delegates of an unusually large num-
ber of prominent labor men, particu.
larly knights of Labor leaders. 1t is
rumored that the knights are in active
alliance with the southern delegates and
others, to prevent the convention from
organizing third party at this time.
MIR. PowDERLY's VIEWS.
General Master Workman Powderly.
in an interview with an Associated
Press representative, today, at just IL
m, before the convention was called to
order. said: "It is not true that either
myself or other general officers or mem
bers OF the order, here, are working
in any such way"
GAS matter of fact continued Pow
derly, 81 am not here as delegate to
the convention, but to attend meeting
of the general executive board of the
Knights of Labor, which was called to
meet here, simply that the members of
the board wished to keep heartily in
touch with the people who would be
present."
"a very large number of delegates are
knights" continued Powderly, "per-
haps as many as two-thirds, but they
are not here as representing the order,
but as coming from the political clubs
or other bodies of which they are mem
bers. A number have signified wish
to know how would advise them to act
upon the question of an immediate third
party movement, but have declined to
indicate any course of action. My life
work is to arouse the people to think for
themselves. The workingmen, / have
always believed, should tie themselves
to no one man or party they will then
be in a better position to dictate
terms"
PRELIMINARY CAUCUsES.
The various state delegates held
meeting at Music hall this morning.
The attendance was large, and the busi-
ness was chiefly of routine character.
The Ohio delegation decided in favor of
the immediate organization of third
party, and of government loans direct to
the people, on reasonable security, at
interest not to exceed two per cent per
annum. Almust to a man they declared
themselves, regardless of what action
was taken by the national conference, as
bound to have at once an independent
state ticket in the field in Ohio.
The delegations from Massachusetts,
Pennsylvania, Tennessee, California and
Louisiana also favor third party. The
South Dakotans are opposed to the
formation of new party. OF those
from Kansas, the majority are favorable
to a new organization, but there is some
opposition to any radical action at this
time.
About seventy-fve delegates were
present from Illinois, but as there was
some trouble about credentials, no deci-
sion was taken. The Iowa delegates, of
which there are seventy-ive present,
favor a new party, but are in doubt as
to its advisability at this time.
THE CONVENTION CALLED TO ORDER.
To the inspiring strains of the Star
Spangled Banner, from the great organ,
the delegates took the places assigned
to them, Kansas and Nebraska getting
the most prominent positions, close to
the stage. Besides the national colors,
the only decorations were the banners
of the Knights of Labor assemblies and
kindred trade organizations. At exactly
ppm. delegate advanced to the
front of the stage, and accom-
panied by the great organ, led the
audience in singing My Country, 'Tis
of Thee. At the conclusion of the song
Rev. 7. Foster, of Cincinnati, invoked
the divine blessing. The delegates re-
peated with him the Lords prayer.
Captain Power, of Indiana, then read
the official call for the conference, re-
auested the various organizations there
in named, to rise as their names were
called. which was done. The appear
ance of each delegation was greeted
with applause.
TEMPORARY ORGANIZATION.
Charles E. Cunningham, of Arkansas,
was introduced as temporary chairman,
the formality of an election being dis
pensed with. He made fervid appeal
for harmony. An alliance song, to the
tune of John Browns Body, was the
next feature of the proceeding, w. H.
Robb, of Iowa, and G. f. Washburn, of
Massachusetts, were made secretary
and assistant secretary, respectively. s.
w. Chap, OF Kansas, was selected
for sergeant-at-arms. A lively wrangle
here ensued, as to whether the states be
called for members of the committees,
: or that the various national organiza-
tions named in the call make nomina-
tions of committeeman. Mr.. Oakland,
Of Kentucky, led the fight against the
first plan, but was finally beaten. After
3:20 p. m. the convention had only COM
pleted one of its committees, that on
credentials.
HORNETS NEST STIRRED Up.
Ignatius Donnelly of Minnesota stirred
up hornets nest during the call of the
roll for the appointment of committees,
by moving that the appointment of
committeeman by each state be COM
pleted in lump, including the member
of the national committee. This was
taken to mean an attempt to
have the convention implicitly commit
itself to the organization of third
party. Its opponents we're up in arms
at once. General Weaver, of Iowa, de-
nounced what he termed "an attempt to
pledge the convention to third party
scheme, without word of discussion
Donnelly hotly disclaimed intention to
take undue advantage. Again there was
4 L y l.