Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1899-07-31

ON THAI PUNT AL A SPECIAL
MEETING YESTERDAY AFTER
MOUNTAINEERING OF THE GEN
ERAL LABOR DAY COMMIT ZEE.
CHIEF MARSHAL SELECTED.
A special meeting of the O. Y. T. &
L. A. was held yesterday afternoon at
Trades Assembly hall at 2 O'Clock to
take action on the question raised by
the general committee for Labor Day
as to a street demonstration on that
occasion. There were only about one
fourth of the members of the assembly
local unions seventeen were represent
ed. The question was thoroughly dis
cussed, both for and against a street
parade, by several of the delegates be-
fore it was finally decided. In the abb
sence of President Tighe, Delegate
Simms was chosen to occupy the chair.
After the minutes had been read by
Secretary pro TEN. Howard and APP
proved the delegates voiced their senti-
ments in regard to a street demonstra-
ton in connection with Labor Day.
Only about half the locals represented
at the meeting were in favor of the
project; the other unions were either
opposed or had not come to any def
mite decision in regard to the mat
ter.
After all the locals had been heard
from motion was made and seconded
that the local unions turn out on the
morning of August rs, Labor Day. The
chair then called for remarks, and a
lengthy and thorough discussion on
the merits of the project followed.
Delegate Gillies said that he was in
favor of a street demonstration if it
could be made a success. But II 1t
could not be made a success it would
be better to do away with the project
altogether. 1t should be thoroughly
agitated among the different locals,
so as to secure as large showing as
possible, and any ways and means
by which its success could be accom-
plished should be resorted to.
Delegate Hecker was of the opinion
that a street parade could be made a
success with an effort. He was always
in favor of a street parade on Labor
Day, as it was measure by which
the strength of labor could be shown.
Should the delegates talk the project
I'D among their several unions the
speaker felt assured a grand demon
stration, such as had never before
been seen in Wheeling, would be the
result.
At this point delegate arose to call
attention to the fact that there were
only about one-fourth the delegates
present, and the assembly should be
careful what decision it made.
Delegate Salisbury was opposed to
any street demonstration. He said in
former years interest in the parade
on Labor Day had Jagged until finally
- had become almost a farce. Also
it was an additional heavy expense,
and he thought the money could be
utilized to a better end.
Delegate Boes, a member of the gen.
eral committee, thought it was the
wisest move the assembly could make.
The main object of the parade was the
trades display, and he had been prom
ised that fifty wagon displays at least
would be made. The business houses
had stood by the assembly during the
long period of the street car strike,
and it was due them.
Delegate Jackson did not see that
the assembly should turn out for the
mere purpose of advertising the bust
ness houses. There was a gOod-sized
crowd in attendance at the last Labor
Day picnic, with no parade, and there
was no reason why there should not
be this year.
President Simms then spoke for the
Typographical Union. He said that
unless the demonstration could be
made a large one it had better be
dropped, as it would put both the
assembly and the local unions to great
expense.
Quite a debate followed, a number
of delegates speaking for and against
the project. Some little personality
in the remarks received a rebuke from
the chair.
Delegate Thomas spoke in favor OF
the parade, promising a turnout OF
from 300 to $50 stogie makers.
The motion was then put to the
assembly, and the result of the ballot
stood 16 in favor and 6 against the
prot:ct.
A motion that the assembly recon-
mend to the general committee to APP
point special committee to arrange
for and agitate the parade among the
different locals was made and car
ried.
L rEsr