The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1892-03-02

ly for Polk, even the colored alliance
wheeling into line unanimously for him.
The colored men got hearty cheer from
the Polk men for the compliment. Mr..
Terrell, after the balloting had proceeded
somewhat further, appeared on the stage
and stated that the use of his name had
been without his knowledge and he de-
sired to withdraw.
Polk Elected Permanent Chairman.
Folks election was now made unani-
nous without any more friction. In TAX
ing the gavel Mr.. Polk said the conven-
ton had come here for action. A voice in
the audience yelled a stentorian amen.
Macune attempted to edge in motion
and a few more remarks but was promptly
headed of by Chairman Polk who said
the next order OF business was the cleo
ton OF vice-president and other officers.
Wild cheering was elected by Wardell oil
South Dakota nominating Miss Frances
Willard as one of the vice-presidents.
Kentucky nominated Terrell once more
as the favOrite OF that state Both were
chosen unanimously. Miss Willard was
called upon to address the convention.
She was enthusiastically received and
made a ringing address OF congratulation.
John w. Hayes OF the X. OF l.. was made
secretary OF the convention by common
consent and this was followed by the read
ing OF telegram of greeting by Powderly
from district assembly 50 OF New York.
ST.. LOUIS. Feb. 24.-The most exciting
and important sessions of the great ma
tional industrial conference were expected
to take place today A Tough-and-tumble
time OF it from start to finish seemed the
only possible program. \ blue and the
gray" mass meeting, into which the con-
vention resolved itself before graphing
with the platform, temporarily poured oil
upOn the troubled waters. Commodore
NandervOrt OF Nebraska, for the union
veterans present in the convention,
pledged President Polk, for the old con-
federate soldiers in attendance, that they
would join hands to bury sectional hate,
and the treaty, il such 1t might be termed,
was ratified in speeches by ex Senator
Vanwyck of Nebraska and Ben Terrell OF
Texas.
The Platform
Amid almost breathless silence the con-
vention listened while Ignatius Donnelly,
full voiced, began impressively to read
the platform as follows:
This, the first great labor conference of the
United States and OF the world representing
all divisions of urban and rural organized in
dustTy, assembled in national congress, invok.
ing upon its action the blessing and protection
OF Almighty God, puts forth, to and for the
producers of the nation, this declaration OF
union and independence
The conditions which surround US best justi-
fly our cooperation. We meet in the midst of
a nation brought to the verge of moral, politi-
cal and uaatPrfal ruIn (forruntiOr1 GOnin fea
the ballot box. the legislatures, congress, and
touches even the ermine OF the bench. The
people are demoralized. Many of the states
have been compelled to isolate the voters ct
the polling places in order to prevent universal
intimidation or bribery. The newspapers are
subsidized ormuzzled public opinion silenced.
business Frustrated, our homes covered with
mortgages, labor impoverished, and the land
concentrating In the hands of capitalists. The
urban wOrkmen are denied the right OF organ
izgtiOn for self-prOtectlon; imported psuper-
lied labor beats down their wages; a hirellng
standing army unrecoEnized by our laws, is
established to shoot them down. and they are
rapidly degenerating to European conditions.
The fruits OF the toll of millions are boldly
stolen to build up colossal fortunes,
world, while their pOssessOrs despise the re.
public and endanger liberty. From the same
prolific womb OF governmental injustice we
breed the great c!asses-peupers and million
aires.
The national power to create money is ap.
propriGted to enrich bondholders. Silver,
which has been accepted as coin since the dawn
OF history, has been demOnetiZed 20 add to the
purchasing power of gold by decreasing the
value OF oil forms OF property as well as human
labor. and the supply OF currency is purposely
abridged TO fatteu usuFers, bankrupt enterprise
and ensaye industry. A vast conspiracy
against mankind has been organized on two
continents and IS taking possession OF the
world. Ii not met and overthrow at once il
fOrebOdes terrible social commissions, the de-
struction of civilization or the establishment of
an absolute despotism.
In this crisis of human affairs the intelligent
working people and producers of the United
States have come together in the name of
peace, order and society, to defend liberty,
property and justice.
The Old Parties Arraigned.
We declare our union and Independence.
We assert our purpose to vote with that po-
htical organization which represents our prin-
ciples. We charge that the controlling in
fuences dominating the old political parties
has allowed the existing dreadful conditions to
develop without serious effort to restrain or
prevent them. Neither do they now intend to
accomplish reform. They have agreed to.
getner to ignore in the coming campaign every
Issue but one. They propose to drown the out
cries OF plundered people with the uproar
of q sham battle over the tariff, so that corpora
tions, national banks, rings, trusts, "watered
stocks" the demonstration of silver and the
expressions of Insurers may all be lost sight of.
They propose to sacrifice our homes and chill
dren upon the altar of mammon; to destroy
the hopes OF the multitude in order to secure
corruption funds from the great lords of plum
der.
We assert that a political organization rep
resenting the political principles herein stated
Is necessary to redress the grievances OF which
we complain. Assembled on the anniversary
of the birth of the illustrious man who led the
frat great revolt on this continent against OPP
preston; filed with sentiments which actuated
that grand generation, We seek 10 restore tae
government of the republic TO the hands OF the
plain people," with whom il originated. Our
doors stand open to all points OF the compass.
We ask all honest men to join Win and help
us. In order to restrain the extortIons of sg-
gregated capital, to drive the money-chEngers
out OF the temple, to form a more perfect
union, establish justice, insure domestic tran
guilty, provide Tor the common defense, pro-
mote the general welfare and secure the bless
ings of liberty for ourselves and our posterity,
we do ordain and establish the following plat
form Of principles;
This Demands.
l. We. declare the union Of the labor forces
OF the United States, this day accomplished
permanent and perpetual. May its spirit en-
ter into all hearts Tor the salvation OF the re-
public aud the uplifting of mankind.
2. Wealth belongs to him who creates il.
Every dollar taken from industry. without an
equivalent is robbery.
II any will not work neither shall he eat