Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1897-09-02

~. 1&oulS, mug. u. hS SOAiAS1
ence of labor leaders which began
yesterday morning had busy day and
now the end is in sight. What the
conference has accomplished, if any
thing, is in doubt 1t is not believed
the leaders have attained any definite
result and, in fact, the president of
one of the national organizations, said
that the failure of the conference was
a foregone conclusion. Il should feel
very much chagrined," said this gen.
tleman, ''if had any part IN converting
this conference The committee on
resolutions and plan of action was at
work all afternoon and evening and
President Sovereign announced that
they had formulated a plan but de-
clined to give any details. The plat
form, it is expected, will be submitted
to the convention tomorrow. Four
teen different organizations represent
ed in the cony ention make it an I'M
wieldly body and it is evident all of
them cannot be satisfied with the
platform formulated by five men rep
resenting as many branches of organ
lied labor.
Ratchford's plan of petitioning pres
ident Mckinley to convene congress
in extra session to enact measures pro-
Yiding for a settlement Of the present
labor difficulties, or, as he put it, Ito
define the rights of citizens, if any,"
did not meet with the approval he had
hoped for, and it is not believed that
the idea will be incorporated in the
platform. Although present in the
convention all day, Debs did not speal
nor did he put in an appearance at last
nights mass meeting where he was
widely advertised to make an address.
He was represented on the resolutions
committee, however, by Victor E.
Berger and as he has remained pretty
close to the gentlemen composing that
committee it is said his social democ-
racy" idea is to be represented. 1t is
thought adjournment Will be reached
some time today.
The committee on credentials made
it's report Immediately upon assem-
bling in conference yesterday after
noon. 1t was shown that SO delegates
representing the following organiza-
tons were represented: United Mine
Workers of America, Social Democra-
cy, American Federation Of Labor,
Stone Makers brotherhood, Bottle
Blowers, Building and Trades Council
of ST. Louis, Patriots of America, In
ternational Brotherhood of Track
Foremen, Single Tax League of
America, Central Labor Council of
Cincinnati, International Topographic
cal union, peoples party of Kansas,
and the Industrial Order of Freedmen.
The report, after some discussion, was
adopted. 1t was decided, however,
that delegates be recognized as COM
ing from states they represent instead
of from the general body. The re-
port showed also the presence of one
woman delegate, Mrs. Mary Jones Of
Chicago, who represents the social
democracy. The temporary Organiza-
ton was then made permanent and the
chairman read the call for the con-
ventiOn. The chairman then named
as a committee on resolutions and
plan of action w. G.. Pearce of the
miners, w. D. Mahon of the street
1ailwaymen, Victor E. Berger of Mil
waukee, who represents social democ-
racy and in whose favor Debs de-
clined; G. c. Clemens, Topeka, repre-
senting the polulists; and James r.
Sovereign. RatchfoTd then took the
floor. lie went over the miners
strike from it's inception to the pres
ent day and dwelt particularly on
government by injunction. " He
pleaded for prompt action, and coming
to the point of his argument, advocat-
ed a special session of congress as the
best and in fact tne only relief. II
believe said Ratchford, "a special
session of congress necessary to de-
fine the rights of the people of this
country, if they have any. 1 believe
if sufficient time is given, the president
of the United States will call a special
session Of congress to act on the mat
ter of injunctions and find a means Of
relief from the existing troubles in the
labor world" I'm case of refusal" said
RatchfOrd, impressiVely, I'VE may con-
slider more extreme measures. [ am in
favor, if the president refuses to call
congress together, Of a complete paral-
ysis of business.