The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-05-18
JOHN ". Hayes REMOVED
Action of the General Executive
Board Of the X. of l..
The General Secretnry-Treasur De-
cInred entity of Neglect of Duty
DecnpitntIOn Accomplished In Less
Than Ten Minutes-Mnstcr Work.
mnn Parsons Gives Out the News.

John n. Parsons. General Master Work
man OF the Knights of Labor, stated last
night that at a meeting of the general ex-
ecutive board of the order, held yesterday
at the st. James Hotel, John w. Hayes,
General Secretary Treasurer of the or
ganization, was removed from office be-
cause Of neglect of duty. The crcum-
stances connected with the removal OF MIR.
Hayes from Office are substantially as fol-
lows: On Wednesday afternoon Mr.. Par
sons and the other members of the ex-
ecutive board filed a petition for injunc-
ton in the Supreme Court of the District,
asking that Hayes be restrained from in
terfering with or molesting them in the
use OF the books, seals. and private papers
of the order at Knights of Labor head
quarters. 43 Street northwest 1t was
also asked that Hayes be enjoined from
drawing upon the funds of the order. in the
Columbia National Bank, and that the
bank be restrained from paying out money
on his order. Hayes was also enjoned from
opening any of the mail which arrived at
headquarters addressed personally or as
secretary treasurer of the order. The pc
tition was granted by Justice Barnard and
the restraining orders issued Immediately.
AT the time Of filing the proceedings in
court General Master Workman Parsons
notified Hayes that charges of neglect Of
duty had been filed against him and that
the matter would be investigated at
meeting of the executive board to be held
yesterday at the st. James Hotel at D. m.
In the forenoon Hayes. through his at
torney, l.. Cabell Williamson, filed
not ffpo boz t1o
charges for which he was to be placed on
trial had already been disposed of by the
general executive board He also charged
that Andrew J. O'keefe is not a legal
member Of the board because at the time
he was chosen he was not a member of
the order of the Knights Of Labor, and is
not now member of the order. He also
alleges that General Master Workman
Parsons and John A. Conner have not
qualified for the positions they hold. He
also complained that If he was refused
the use Of the books and papers of the
order he could not make proper defence.
After hearing the petition, Justice Bar
Rard granted the restraining order prayed
for
While all this was taking place it was
fast approaching /, O'clock. the hour set
for the trial of Hayes before the execu-
tive board, at the st. James Hotel. Hayes
was very busy abou. that time, and sent
a messenger to the hotel to inform Mr..
Parsons. so 1t is stated, that he had busi-
ness at the bank and would appear before
the board in few minutes. 1t was then,
Mr.. Parsons stated last, night, Los p. m,
and believing that Hayes was seeking de-
lay. he Immediately convened the board
and commenced the consideration of the
charges against him. Hayes was absent
OF his own accord, and after hearing the
charges against him, and no defence being
made, the board found him guilty of neg
lect CT duty and passed a resolution remov-
ing him from Office III
When the board adjourned and returned
to the hotel lobby Hayes and deputy
United States Marshal walked in. 1t was
then, Mr.. Parsons stated, LA D. m. Par
sons says that Hayes remarked: you fell
lows seem to be in hurry" To this
Parsons replied. Yes We have to be in
hurry sometimes
1t was after this canversatiop. IL. Par
sons stated. that the deputy ma -shal
served him with copy of tia order of
court restraining the executive board from
the charges against Hayes
until the injunction was rescindsd.