The evening times., 1895-11-18

Among the important resolutions which
have been Introduced for consideration at
the proper time by the general assembly OF
the KING hts Of Labor is one demanding the
adoption OF an amendment to the Federal
Constitution, taking from the President
the power to appoint Justices on the United
States Supreme Bench. and providing for
their election by popular vote.
This resolution has been introduced In
conformity with the claim heretofore made
by the Knights Of Labor that the judicial
branch Of the Government is entirely dis
| tinct from the executive. and one should
not possess the power OF constituency over
the other.
The argument is advanced that Prest-
dent. engaged in making operative a eer-
tain policy, could so discriminate in ais
appointments to the Supreme bench as To
eventually form q pre1udiced court.
DETAILS OF THE PLAN.
The knights have realized the necessity
for this remedial legislation. by reason
OF the fact that SO many la ws enacted for
the bettcrment and relief of workingmen
have afterward been pronounced unconstt
tutional by the Supreme Court. 1t is held
that the interests OF all classes would be
advanced by ma king the office of associate
justice elective.
The details or the plan. as it is proposed
| to be made effective by thise who adyo-
cate its adoption, have not been fully CON-
pietcd, but will doubtless be explained at
length when the resolution comes up for
action.
The feasibility of the idea is admittedly
very simple and possesses sofne excellent
featrcus- For instance, that States cum.
posing each judicial district would alone
have the selection of their representative
on the supreme bench This would insure
to each district perpetual representation
! in tie court. All vacancies would be prompt
iy filled, thus avoiding any detriment to
the transaction of business
If this plan were now effective the States
OF Ohio, Michigan, Kentucky and TenDes-
see would huh an election to choose a sue
cessor to the late Justice Jackson, thus re-
taining their representation and being able
to elect a man cunversant with the juris-
prudence of that section.
At the morning session today the COM
mittec on appeals and grievances were
given the floor to determine question of
appeal from District Assembly 30 against
the action OF the executive board in rein
stating certain local assemblies attached to
Trades Council PAYERS OF New York and
Brooklyn. District Assembly 40 sus-
pended three locals for alleged irsubor-
dination. Mr.. Gallagher was here as the
representative OF the trades council. nd as
he is not delegate he was given hearing
in order that he might return home.
The general assembly sustained the ac-
ton OF the executive board for the reason
that the laws OF the order give to the Trades
Council absolute authority in all matters
affecting their own trade. and the general
assembly held that the action complained
Of Az
was matter directly connected with their
trade and over which they had iptiepeDd-
ent Jurisdiction.
QUESTION OF REPRESENTATION.
The committee on laws then resumed the
floor and the question OF proporttonate rep
resentation WIS TAKEN up, discussed at
length, and referred to the committee for
revision This proposition. as submitted.
only affected delegates to the General
Assembly, and it was found to be the sense
of the convention that the reform should
begin at the bottom. Here 1t viii be made
to affect the election OF delegates from
local to district assemblies. as well as
those to the General Assembly. Proper
tionate representation simply recognizes
the right of minority to be represented
and Will doubtless be adopted in an amend
ed form.
Later in the day the convention had
under ConslderatiOn, bur without action
the proposition to so revise sections T3
and Sc of the constitution as to make
walters eligible for membership. They
have heretofore been excluded under these
sections which prohibit members from
working even as walters where liquor Is
served.
This proposition Is merely TO hberalize
the Constitution, but does not admit bar.
tenders and saloonkeepers. Those already
members will rot, however, he compelled
to forfei; membership. The idea is to ad-
nit those who are serving temporarily
as walters in places where liquor is sold,
but who are now prohibited from ad-
mission by the constitution.
An error has prevailed to the effect that
the question of Initiative and referendum
is still pending. The proposition was adopt
ed by the General Assembly permitting
any local assembly to initiate legislat ation.
When one-fuurth OF the local assemblies
have adopted the proposed legislation 1t
becomes imperative for the general off.
GERS to send the question at fssue To all OF
the assemblies for referendum vote.