The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1891-05-20
THE THIRD PARTY CONVENTION.
Powderly, Ignatius Donnelly, Weaver
and Other Political Wrecks on Hand.

CINCINNATI, May 19.-The opening day OF the
National Union conference was blessed with a
mild temperature. The morning hours were oc-
cupied by the state delegations in perfeeting
their organization. A feature that has attracted
some attention this morning is the apparent
apathy of the South, the delegates from that
section being few in number. Wide interest is
attached to the presence among the delegates OF
an unusually large number OF prominent labor
men, particularly Knighs of Labor leaders 1t
is rumored that the Knights are in active alli-
ance with Southern delegates and others to pre-
vent the convention from organizing third
party at this time. General Master Workman
Powderly, in an interview with an Associated
Press representative today just before the con-
yention was called TO order, said:
1t is not true that either myself or other gen
eral officers or members OF the Knights of
Labor order are here as body WORKING
in such way. In fact, / am not here as
a delegate to the convention, but 70 attend
meeting OF the general executive board OF the
Knights OF Labor, which 10 called TO meet here
simply that the members OF the board wished 70
keen heartily in touch with the people who
would be present. A very large number oil dele
gates are Knights of Labor, perhaps as many as
two-thirds, but they are not here as representing
the order, but as coming from political clubs or
other bodies of which they are members
number have signified the wish 10 know how
would advise them to act on such questions as
the immediate third party movement L have
declined to indicate any course OF action. Ny
life work is 10 arouse the people TO think for
themselves. Workfngmen i nave always be-
ueyeti should tie themselves to no one man or
nsrty They will then be in q better position TO
dictate terms.
The various states held meeting at Music
haIl this morning. The attendance was large
and the business chiefly OF routine character.
The Ohio delegates decided In favor of t3e i'm
mediate organization of a third party, and of
government loans direct TO the people on
reasonable interest, not TO exceed per cent.
per anuum Almost 10 q man they declared
themselves, regardless Of what action is taken
by the national conference, as bound at once to
put an independent state ticket in the field in
Ohio. The delegations from Massachusetts,
Pennsylvania, Tennessee, California and
louisiana also favored a third party South
Dakota opposed the formation OF third party.
of those from Kansas. a majority were favorable
10 the new organization, but there was some op-
nosition TO any radical action at this time.
About seventy five delegates were present from
Illinois, but as there is some trouble about the
credentials no decision was TAKEN iowa dele
gates OF which there are seyenty-hye present,
favor the new party, but are in doubt as to It's
advisabiIity at this time.
To the i,,spiring strains OF the Star spangied
Banner from the great organ the delegates took
the places assigned TO them, Kansas and Ne
braska getting the most prominent positions
close 10 the stage. Besides the national eolors
the only decorations were banners OF tne hhights
OF Labor assemblies and kindred trades organi-
cations. At exactly = p IA the delegates ad'
vaaced to the front OF the stand, and accom-
nauied by the great organ lead the audience IN
singing "My Country Tis OF Thee.
Al the conclusion Of the song Rev. d. Foster,
OF Cincinnati, invoked divine blessing The
delegates repeated with him the Lords prayer
Captain Power, of Indiana, read the official cal
for the conference, and requested the various
organizations therein named to rise As tneii
names were called, which was done. The sp