The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1894-01-19
Mr.. PowDERLY's LETTER.
PHILApELPHrA. Pm. Nov. 25. 1Sl

III IL ab IOllOWS:
Mr.. PowDERLY's $ LETTER.
PHILADELPHIA. Pa, Nov. 25, 1898.
To the General Assembly:
When we assembled here on the l4th
charges were preferred against me by the
general secretary treasurer. You listened
to the charges and the evidence submitted
in support of them. After hearing the
statement submitted on both sides you de-
nouuced the charges unsustaned and un-
founded In my evidence | produced
proof to show that no possible guilt could
attach to me and the documentary eVi-
dence to prove bAt I advised and decided
against the action taken by the general
secretary treasurer of disposing of the
so.called trust funds. | also produced
the evidence to show that had
my advice been taken the order
would have bse6 frankly notified Of
| the condition OF its finances, and itS opin-
ion solicited as to the course your general
officers should pursue. In order that har.
mony might prevail, and your general of
ticers should cooperate with each other
more cordially than in the past, you voted
to vacate all offices and proceed to an elec.
| ton | was e.elected under course OF
procedure never before witnessed in a
| The nomination of a candidate not prosen t
in the general assembly, and from whom
no guarantee could bs had as to his ac-
cept ance, and who could not have COM
| Piled with the constitution in nominating
the members Of the general executive
board, was unprecedented.
ANOTHER LIST PRESENTED.
On presenting list of eight names, as
| required by Section II of the constitution,
objections were raised, the general Assem- =
! bly, took a recess and on >reassembing l.,
in Difference to the wishes Of the house,
presented another list Of names, including
| the one which 10 appeared to me the gem
eral assembly desired, and which was as
sured would be satisfactory, but in doing
so recognized no faction. The installation
of officers was then performed and immedi-
ately after a motion to vacate the office OF
general master workman was made. After
deliberation the motion was laid upon the
table and the election proceeded with.
Names not constltutionally before the
house were voted for along with those
nominated by me. This was clearly H.
legal Pending the motion to vacate the
Office OF general master workman yester-
day recess was taken, and on reassemb-
| ling, | was informed that a caucus had
been held during the recess and it had
| been decided to lay the motion to vacate
ON the table. If judge accurately, the
intention was to ascertain whether
would again revise the list and present
new names This will not DO. | stand
squarely upon the constitution under
which you are convened: am determined
to stand as firm in behalf OF the preroga-
tives Of the general master workman here
as have heretofore stood in defense of
the principles Of the order away from here,
and if the general assembly can consist
emily vote to set aside its constitution, l
can. while deeply regretting it, batter af-
ford to have the Office Of general master
workman vacated than recede one iota
from the position have taken under the
law and in defense of right.
ASKS THEM TO ACCEPT.
Under the method of voting which
characterized yesterdays and today's pro-
ceedings We will have to remain in session
indefinitely. Our constituents expect bet
ter things at our hands and in order to
bring the matter at issue to speedy ter
mination l ask Of you to either vacate the
Office hold or accept my resignation. 1t
is my wish that you do either one as
speedily as possible and proceed to elect as
my successor one who will be likely to be
more in harmony with the wishes Of the
majority of this body