The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1891-05-20
Opening Sessions OF he National
Union Conference Augu.-
Stormy Times Ahead.
The Third Party Question Is the
One on Which They May
Split
Extent to Which tho knights OF Labor
Will Pnrtlcipate--Opened With
Song and Prayer.

CINCINNATI, May lJ.--Ihe opening DAY OF
the national union conference Is blessed
with mild temEerature. The morning
hours were occupied by state delegations
perfectinR 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 Knights Of Labor lead
ers. 1t is rumored that the knights are in
active alliance with the southern delegates
and others to prevent the convention osgan-
izing third party at this time. very
large number of the delegates are knights,
perhaps as many as two-thrds, but they
are not here as representing the order, but
a. coming from political clubs or other
bodies of which they are members.
General Master Workman Powderly, in
an interview with an Associated press rep
resentative to-day, just before the conven-
tion Was called to order, said: II il not
true that either myself or other general
officers or members of the order are here as
q body working in any guch way. As a
matter of fact, am not hero as delegate
to the convention, but to attend q meeting
of the general executive board Of the
Knights of Labor. which is called to meet
here, simply because 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, per-
haps as many rs two-thirds, but they are
not here as representing the order. but as
coming from political clubs or other bodies
which they are members of. A number have
signifed wish to know how l would
advise them to act on such
questions as an immediate third party
movement, but have declined to indicat e
any course of action. NV life work is to
arouse people to think for themselves
Workingmen. l have always believed,
should tie themselves to no one man OF
party. They will then be in better position
to dictate terms.'
The various states held meetings at Music
hall this morning. The attendance was
large, ana business was chiefly of routine
character. The Ohio delegation decided in
favor of the immediate organization of the
third party and Of government loans direct
to the people on reasonable security at in
terest, not to exceed two per cent. per an
mum. Almost to a man they declared
themselves, regardless of what action may
be taken by the national conference. af
bound at once to put an independent state
ticket in the field in Ohio. The delega-
tions from Massachusetts. Pennsylvania
Tennessee, California and Louisiana also
favor a third party. South Dakota oppose
the formation of third party. OF those
from Kansas, the majority are favorable to
a new organization, but there is some oppo
sition to any radical action at this time.
| About seventy-fve delegates are presen
from Illinois, but as there Is some trouble
about credentials no decision was taken.
The Iowa delegates. of whom there ar,
| seventy-ive present, favor new party. bu
are IN doubt as to its advisability at thii
time.
To the inspiring strains of the Stal
| SpanRled Banner from the great organ the
delegates took the places assigned them
Kansas and Nebraska getting the mos
prominent positions close to the stage
Besides national colors the only decora-
tions were the banners Of the Knights of
Labor assemblies and kindred trade or
ganiZations.
At exactly two p. M. the delegates ad-
vanced to the front of the stand and &C :
companieu by the great organ led thu
audience in singing My Country, 'Tis OF
Thee" At the conclusion of the song
Rev. ID. I. Foster. of Cincinnati, invoked
divine blessing. The delegates repeated
with him the lords prayer. Capt. Power
Of Indiana, then read the official call fol
the conference and requested various or
ganizationS therein named to rise as theil
names we're called, which was done. Tht
appearance of each delegation was greeteC
with applause.
Charles E. Cunningham, of Arkansas, was
introduced as temporary chairman. the for
mality of an election being dispensed with
He made fervid appeal for harmony. Al
alliance song to the tune of John Browns
Body" was the next feature OF the proceed
| ings. w. p. Robb, of Iowa, and Geo. +
Wnshburne, of Massachusetts, We're made
assistant secretarys. w. Chase. of Kansas
was elected for sergeant lively
wrangle here ensued rs to whether the
states should be called for members OF
committees or the various national organi
cations named in the call should make
nominations of committeeman. The 1irs
plan was adopted. committee on resolu
tions was appointed, with instructions tc
90 into session at once and prepare plat
form. Among the members are: Califor
mia, H. Il. Dillon; Iowa. j. b. Weaver; Min
nesota, Ignatius Donnel|y; Wyoming. IL. f.
Shears. The courtesies of the chamber of
commerce and merchants exchange were
extended to the delegates and an enterpris
ing photographer worked in further an
nouncement that he would gratultously
take pictures of the Kansas delegation
Amid great laughter the convention ad
| iourneG till tomorrow.
PETER AND PoWDERLY.