Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1891-05-20
THE OPENING HOURS.
The Character of the Delegations Pres
ent-Southern Representation Slim.

| The Character OF the Delegations Pres-
ent-Southern Representation Slim.
CINCINNATI, O., May 19.-The open
ing day of the great National Union
conference was blessed with sunshine.
The weather-st stained farmers, who make
up the greater part Of the delegation,
were conspicuous in the lobbies. Some
quiet work has been going on, and it is
certain the leaders of the two great
parties wish the work of this conven-
tion to rebound to the glory of the old
parties. The apparent apathy of the
South has created attention, there being
| but few of their delegates here. Con-
gressman Livingston, of Georgia, is here,
not as a delegate, but simply to study
the situation, and his attitude is regard
ed as Indicative of a general lack of
sympathy with the third party move
ment In the South. Mr.. Powderly, the
labor leader, also is not here as a del
egate.
This morning was occupied with per-
| fecting State organizations and at p.
IN. the conference held its first session
in Music Hall.
The widest interest has attached to
| the fact that there are so many promi-
melt labor men present, and it is re-
ported they are allied with the South to
prevent third party organization.
Just before the convention was called
TO order, General Master Workman Pow
derly denied he was working against a
third party. He is not opposed to a
third party, and neither he nor other
labor delegates care how the reforms
they demand come about, only so they
are consummated.
Mr.. Powderly said he was not here as
a delegate, but simply TO attend meet
ing of the General Executive Board Of
ne Knights of Labor, which it was be-
lieved best to hold here at this time.
Mr.. PJwderly also said the large num-
Der of Knights Of Labor present (acout
two-thirdS) are here not as representing
that organization, but representing
political clubs. Mr.. Powderly had re-
| fused to advise them in regard to any
action whatever.
The scene in Music Hail. where the
convention met this afternon was re-
markabe, and looked like collision
! between a State fair and political
gathering Confusing announcements
were being made from the stage from a
| half dozen speakers at the same time,
while the delegates with wives, aunts
and other female relatives circled
around the building, presumably in
search of the prize pumpkin. While
the main hall was filling an enthusiastic
meeting was in progress on an upper
floor, from which rounds of applause
were constantly breaking.
1t was State meeting Of the Ohio
delegation 800 strong. They decided
they were in favor of an immediate or
ganization of third party; ask govern
ment 'oanS to the people at interest not
to exceed per cent, and reached the
climax. by deciding whatever action
was taken by the conference, to have at
once an Independent State ticket in the
! field in Ohio. Chairman B. +. Barnes
was instructed to appoint committee
of five to draw up an address to the
people of Ohio, calling an independent
State convention, and fixing date for
| it to assemble. Last night similar
action was taken by the Kansas delega-
| ton, so that the convention opened
with the two strongest delegations in
| favor of a fight to a finish.
The committee on resolutions, after
the adjournment of the convention this
evening, organized by making lgnatlus
Donnelly, of Minnesota, Chairman.
| Gen. Weaver said that the st. Louis
platform would be taken as basis upon
which to proceed. The committee on
permanent organization tonight elect
ed Senator PETER for permanent Chair
nan. and there was much rejoicing over
result which came from it. The vice
chairmen are all prominent men-Hugh
Kavanaugh, of Cincinnati, a leading
member. of the X. of L.; j. A. Brooks,
President of the National Farmers,
| Alliance, and Gideon Delamater, OF
| Colorado, an old-time Greenbacker.
The committee on rules and business
decided tonight that in all disputed
questions the States shall be called ana
the majority of delegates shall rule
This gives Kansas the voting power,
especially when it comes to the third
party question.
! asaamblv