Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1896-05-25
Mbeelin9 Re9istfr
TRADES ASSEMBLY.
Interesting Matters Considered at Yes
terday's Meeting.
Hold Carriers Controversy - The
Probasco Pardon and the Horse
Shoers Troubles Up Again-Mr.
Grogan's Views on the Proposed
New City Charter Endorsed-The
Routine Business Transacted.

1COuJlll6
The regular meeting of the Ohio Val
lev Trades Assembly took place yester-
dav aftrnoon. The first matter taken
I'D after the reading Of the minutes was
the consideration of credentials from
different locals. The Secretary read
the names OF delegates from No. 5617,
A. f. of L., hodcarriers, and there was
an objection from Delegate Jackson, OF
1925. another hodcarriers' union. En-
delegate Osborne Gray was permitted
TO take the floor to make a statement,
and was followed by Delegate McHugh.
The point of order was made that the
controversy was improper, and was
ruled well taken. The matter was re-
ferred to the Organization Committed
for report. The black hodcarriers al
lege that the organization of white nod
carriers does not exist legally, but an
investigation by the Secretary showed.
that both stand equally in the Fedora
ton of Labor.
Several reports were made under the
head of boycotts.
The committee on city charter re-
ported progress. President Tighe and
ex-Fresident Robertson, OF the Assem-
bly,. spoke briefly on the subject, out
lining what has so far been done, and
tbs points which are being urged by the
Assembly representatives. Delegate
NJ. Grogan, by permission, read paper
on the new charter, which was in sub
stance as follows:
He called attention to the fact that
it is the reported intention of the char
ter committed TO place the departments
now in charge of the three separate
boards, under one controlling board, 20
be elected by the people, and to give
the Mayor the power to appoint heads
CT police and fire departments. He saw
in this departure, increased taxes, and
he also called attention to the fact that
the committee has already cost the city
$500, and is asking for more. No ex-
penss will stand in the way of reform"
which has personal objects in view
The increase in the duties of the Board
of Control will necessarily carry with it
an increase in salaries The members
will receive no less than 81 Goo per an
mum, the present. clerks will be retained,
and the services of the present heads
of departments cannot be dispensed
with Where will the roerenchment
and reduction of taxation come in?
1t is not the intention of the advo-
Gates of this so-called reform to save
money for the city. The motive is
more deep seated than appears on the
surface. 1t will retain practically all
the old officers, and create new places.
1t is proposed TO give the Mayor met
ropolitan airs and dictatorial powers.
The arguments against election OF Chief
of Police every two years, Mr.. Grogan
characterized as flimsy and absurd. II
this Mayors Office is elective. will he
not be influenced by the vicious ele-
ments also? Other cities furnish ex-
amples to prove that there is a great
amount of corruption under the pro-
posed Board system. Workingmen
should contend for the right to vote for
all heads of departments, sham reform
ers to the contrary notwithstanding.
Capitalization is dangerous to liberty
and good government. The civil SER
vice system which enabled President
Cleveland a few weeks ago TO retain 3d.
600 government employees during good
behavior. was copied from the blue
books Of monarchial Europe. Mr..
Grogan denounced the civil service laws,
and said that the same thing was ap-
plicable to local politics.
The Trades Assemblys attitude
should be dignified and careful and
steadfastly opposed to increased taxa
ton and Capitalization CT power The
city is now in desperate financial
straits. and Councilmen are az their wits
ends in trying 10 provide means to meet
che increased demands. 1t is likely tina.
there will be an increase in the levy.
when the other measures have failed.
If the mania for reform cannot be APP
peased very desirable and
humanitarian change can be made in our
city laws. by amending the ordinance
in relation to ordinaries and coffee
houses" The bucket system is far
more dangerous to the morality, peace
and health of our city than any con-
taeious disease that could visit it; and
a system so debasing and demoralizing
should not be tolerated 10 do its evil
work one month amongst us, where we
claim such moral standard Of conduct
and intelligence No workingman can
enter race for Office, on account OF
the open and free distribution of candi-
date beer. The adoption of the Aus
tralian system in primary elections
would accomplish a needed change.
The adoption OF a new charter is not
a necessity. nor is il just or consistent
while a portion of the citizens have to
nav toll TO go from one ward to another.
The purchase of a bridge to the Island
is a question of paramount importance
to a new charter This body should
withdraw its two representatives from
the DISTINGUISHING committee, and then
adopt a strong resolution requesting
Council to repeal its former action in
the appointment of that committee"
A general discussion followed the
reading of this paper. Delegate Riley
moved that the line of action as outlined
in the paper be accepted as the basis
of action by the Assembly, and its dele
cofoe ha instructed apcnrdiDpiv Adm,