Morris tribune., 1892-02-24
BURN THE BRIDGES"
THAT TO BE THE MOTTO OF THE
INDUSTRIAL ORGANIZATIONS.

The Big Convention at st. Louis ii
Rapidly Getting Ready for Work
Speeches by Polk, Powderly and Don
ely Are Listened to by the Delegates.
ST. LOUIS, Mo-, FEB. 22.-There were
two noticeable features of the first days
session of the national conference of the
Industrial Organizations. One was the
vigor, determination and earnestness
that characterized the delegates. The
other was the enthusiasm that was
evoked by every declaration to the fact
that the industrial granger elements
could no longer trust to the tender
mercies Of the two old parties, but that
hereafter the watch-word must be
Burn the bridges"
In its personnel the gathering was a
decided improvement upon those held
at Ocala, CINCINNATI and Indianapolis
within the past eighteen months. It
was a sober, sensible and dignifed as
semblage. There were in the neighbor-
hood of $500 men and women in the
hall when the chairman's gavel fell, and
the gathering was called to order. Just
how many Of these are accredited dele
gates, cannot, however, be satisfactorily
determined until the report of the
committee on credentials is presented
1t was after o'clock when Ben Ter
rell, of Texas, the national lecturer of
the National Farmers and Industrial
Alliance called the conference to order.
In doing SO he said that justice to all
and special privileges to none should be
their motto.
Following the opening speech, the
delegates were welcomed to the city at
the end of the big bridge in a neatly
turned address from C. P. Walbridge,
president of the city council. Polk was
called upon to make the first response
and although pleading bad health he
delivered himself of a vigorous address.
A sensational incident marked the
appearance of Master Workman Pow
derby, who was next introduced. He
had proceeded well into his speech and
was in the midst of a stirring sentence,
full OF fire and spirit, when he suddenly
turned pale, half reeled against the
deskssand at the same time clapped his
hand over his breast in the region Of
his heart. There was painful stiffness
for moment, which was only broken
by his remarking: IT can't go on.
shall have to STOP" but the audience,
few OF whom were acquainted with the
fact that the labor leader is a great suf-
ferer from heart affection, would not
have it so, and there was a great shout
of 'Don't give up; so on, try again"
eyes, | will try again." calculated
Powderly, and nerving himself by a
great effort, he resumed his address.
Ignatius Donnelly, who was the last
speaker, mace characteristic address.
By this time the convention had had
enough of speeches and it manifested a
desire to get down to more important
business. Marion Cannon, of California,
was chosen temporary chairman, and J.
w. Hayes, of Pennsylvania, a one
armed laborite, and John B. Stell, of
Illinois, a one-legged granger, were
elected secretaries. After some debate
regarding proceedings, it was decided
that the various organizations should
appoint their own members of the com
mittee on credentials and recess was
taken for consultation.
Upon reassembling the committee
was announced and at o'clock the con-
vention adjourned until morning.