The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1899-11-17
KNIGHTS OF LABOR CONVENTION
Master WOrkmen Urges Off1ci al Ac-
ton on Political Issues

Boston, Nov. 15.-The sessions Of the
general assembly Of the knights of La
Dor were continued today, with General
Master Workman Parsons of New York
in the chair. After the appointment Of
committees, the committee on credentials
reported that 70 delegates were present,
out of a possible 1O5, and that several
others from Canada and the west were
expected today and tomorrow. The af-
ternoon session was devoted to the read
ing of reports, and to an address by
Charles H Lichtman, ex-secretary-treas
urer of the order.
General Master Workman John D. Par
sons of New York, in his report, said in
part: "Since the convention at Chicago I
have had occasion to visit a number Of
locals, including those of Chicago and
Cleveland and I feel fully convinced that
we are sorely in need of a competent
corps of organizers. During the coming
year the country will be again excited
over the issues that will arise in the con-
test that will be waged for the control
Of the affairs of this country for the
succeeding four years. I think, there
fore, that it behooves us at this meeting
of the assembly to take up some of these
issues, in order that our representative
mon might be given the benefit of the
judgment of all in the stand they may
take in the name of the order for the
benefit of the working people. Perhaps
the most important of these issues will
be the trusts, for who has not observed
the progress they are making, and who
will contend that they carry any charm
for the wage worker? The concentration
of wealth employed in the industries
of our country has made many strikes
during the past few years which have
resulted TO the workingmen's detriment
wherever such combinations have been
effected. 1t remains for us to uphold the
stand taken by the founders of our order
who, through their foresight have seen
the approach of the condition that is
fast coming on. How to meet it is a
question that should be given your care
full consideration, as the knights of La
Dor, above all other organizations, will
be expected to speak on this important
question.
brought US new possessions and practi-
cally a new people. How to deal with
them justly and wisely and with future
regard for our economic conditions is a
question also upon which the Knights Of
Labor should be heard"
The report of Secretary Treasurer
Hayes was then submitted.
The report Of the general executive
board was read by ]. G. Cchonfaeber of
Maryland. In part it says: I'VE beg to
suggest for discussion and adoption at
this session of the order the re-establish-
ment of a defense fund. Some steps
should be taken at this session to put
three or four lecturers and organizers
in the field. Immediately after the adj
journment of the general assembly in
Chicago the majority of the general ex-
ecutive board met in Washington and
took up the settlement of the Powderley
case. Mr.. Powderley agreed to accept
our settlement and withdraw all suits
against the order. The secretary's report
shows that Mr. Powderley accepted $500
as a settlement of back salary due him,
the amount which we had at all times
been ready to pay him in settlement in
full. However. our claims against Pow
derley for the use Of the orders name
and his services in the publication of the
Labor Day Annual remains unsettled.
While the majority of the board are not
yet satisfied as TO the best course 70 pur-
sue in reference to this latter matter, we
are of the opinion that something ought
to be done by authority Of the general
assembly"
The delegates were given a banquet at
the American house tonight