Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1899-02-06

The Ohio Valley Trades and Labor
Assembly met in special session last
evening and discussed some of the mo-
mentous questions that have recently
been before that body. A motive for
the called session was furnished by the
status of the labor bills which have re-
Gently been introduced at Charleston,
and which are meeting with more oppo-
sition than was anticipated. While all
the measures are considered import
ant to labor, especial stress is laid
upon the eight-hour bill and the bill
for the prevention of child labor. Up
on these topics some burning words
were said last night which is an earn
est of their vital character. The fee
system, free bridges and the House bill
l4oviding for the election of U. S. sem
ators by popular vote were given much
attention and urgent resolutions were
passed.
The Assembly demonstrated by word
and action that it is in dead earnest,
and proposes to see something done at
the present session or know the reason
why. The motion instructing the sec
rotary to record the name of every leg
islator voting for or against the labor
bills, for further reference, was no idle
suggestion, but has the enthusiastic
support of every delegate. 1t is sus-
pected that the bills, while half-heart-
eddy supported by some in open ses-
sion, may be given a position upon the
calendar that will effectually quash
them without any one in particular be-
ing responsible, but this will not suf-
fee. Success shall be the only criter-
ion.
President Tighe and Secretary Sails
bury were present at the meeting, and
notwithstanding the short notice, there
was a good attendance of delegates.
This resolution with reference to free
tolls was introduced by President
Tighe:
Whereas, We, the representatives of
the different lodges of organized labor
of the Ohio valley, believe that it is
only fair and just that the burden Of
taxation being equal the rights and
privileges should be the same; there
be it
Resolved, That we favor any mea-
sure that will equalize conditions, and
earnestly advocate any measure that
will give to our citizens and tax payers
free access to all parts of the city ir-
respective Of where they may live. Be
it further
Resolved, That we respectively pc
tition our representatives at Charles
ton to secure these privileges, if pos
sible to do so.
The resolution was passed unani-
mously and a copy ordered sent to
each representative in the Legislature.
Another resolution presented by Mr..
Tighe relates to the fee system:
Whereas, 1t having been recognized
by both the great political parties of
the State of West Virginia, that the
system in vogue known as the "fee sys-
tenn" is Ubiquitous in it's character,
and detrimental to the best interests
Of the State in general and
Whereas, Both parties have pledged
themselves to it's adjustment, there
fore be it
Resolved, That we, as the represen-
tatives of a great number of taxpayers
and citizens, demand the fulfillment Of
these pledges by our representatives at
Charleston. Be it further resolved
that the thanks of this assembly be ex-
tended to our honorable senator, n. E.
Whitaker, for his action on the Ques-
ton of fees.
The resolution passed and copy Or
dered forwarded to Mr.. Whitaker.
Moved that Secretary Salisbury Sc