River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1896-11-19
THE KNIGHTS OF LABOR.
Report of the Executive Bosrd-Political
Advantages Gained.


Rochester, n. Y. Nov. I3.-The report
of the executive committee has been
made public. 1t details the part taken
by the knights of Labor in the popu!ist
and democratic national convention, in
an attempt to unite the two parties for
the principles urged by the Knights.
and reioices at the prominence given
the issues there announced.
Continuing. the report says:
This general assembly should tive the
most thorough consideration 10 the ques-
ton Of how best 10 preserve the political
advantages already CARED for the masses
THE lack OF ore anizatiOu among the toll
ers is a grave menace to the republic Not
five per cent of the working people Of
the United States are organized It is I'M
rerative that something must be done 20
organize them more rapidly than they have
teen in the past What shall il be?
I'VE would suggest, first, that We must
make clear to the iaboring people that
II is 10 their interest In every senseof the
word to become good members OF the
knights of Labor. Hasty and ill-adviscd
strikes should be avoided as much as pos
sible; every strike and lockout is tncipient
civil war. The plutocracy is seeking an
excuse to readily increase the standing
army. The petty violence connected with
strikes and lock-outs is their most plausible
excuse now. Let US not play into their
hands"
A resolution declaring for the enact
ment of graduated income tax law was
adopted. Failing to procure this at the
hands of the next congress, il is the de-
clared intention of the knights 10 use
all their Influence to have a demand for
such a tax incorporated into the plat
form of one of the great political par
ties. and, if they fail in that. there will
in all proba be an effort made TO
set up new political party.
At the afternoon session the last of
the annual reports, that of General
Worthy Foreman NJ. J. Bishop, was pre-
scented. He is the originator of the or
ganization called the Minute Men of
90" political auxiliary of the regular
order, for which he seeks the indorse-
ment of the general assembly. Follow
ing Is a synopsis of his report:
Mr. Bishop enters at length into the dis
cussion OF unrestricted immigration He
charges that Armenian refugees are al
lowed to land in violation Of law, TO be-
come competitors with Americans IN the
labor market He favors an educational
test for all immigrants. and presents
tables showing the large percentage OF
illiteracy received from foreign countries.
lie also touches upon the hangers u
oriental competition. asserting that Amer
lean capitalists are making large invest
ments in japanese industrial enterprises.
and that the skiliful japanese are turn
ing out manufactured products which Will
underselI American articles. Mr.. Bishop
saws: No tariff lower than an actual
prohibitive one will serve to protect us
from labor which can sustain productive
energy upon an average compensation OF
ten cents per Day.
Government ownership OF railways and
teiegraphs IS favored by the report. Sym
pathetic strikes are condemned. proved
Of no avail by bitter experience
The nominal membership OF the knights
of Labor is stated to be 800. 900. but owing to
failure TO keep up the dues and other
causes there are now but 10000 n good
standing, an increase Of about 5000 over
last wear