Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1900-08-20
THE BELMONT ASSEMBLY.
MEETING OF REPRESENTATIVE
OF LABOR ACROSS THE RIVER
WAS HELD IN BRIDGEPO.R 7
A Rather Warm Discussion over the
Resignation of Secretary smith
Some Changes in the Roster of Of
Hcers of the BOdy-The Printers
-Routine Business Transacted.

The Trades and Labor Union across
the river held their regular meeting
yesterday at Bridgeport, which was
fairly well attended, and while it was
not so large in numbers it made up this
shortage in warm discussions, which at
times looked rather serious and became
quite personal All this confusion and
trouble was over Secretary Smith, who
attempted to defend his action. During
this time the chair had an unenviable
position, but President James, with his
usual skill brought order out of chaos
and settled the body down to business,
and at last a kind of a compromise
was made.
The picnic committees made various
reports and all were encouraging. The
programme has not yet been completed.
but so far ii will surely eclipse any
Labor Day ever given in the valley.
They will have splendid music and all
kinds OF races and contests. The com
ulNbCc 10 ~" Ni5AAb " AAoHS' % 49,
between the Toronto hose team and
the Martins Ferry Independents. IL
this race fails most likely the indie
pendents will give an exhibition race.
Every local and union lodge Is invited
to attend and take part, and al this
time a large number have written A.
]. Grouse, secretary Of the committee.
that they would attend. All of the
locals will receive invitations this
week. The committee is made up Of
hustlers and are working for success.
The organization committee reported
that the Martins Ferry printers had
failed to secure the label. 1t was stated
why they did not receive it, and that
was that the lowest wages they could
pay would be SO per week, and the
Martins Ferry people only wanted to
pay Sc per week, and that they only
paid some of their girls 81 per week.
The union seemed rather amazed at
the outcome, and the matter was laid
over until the next meeting, but il
these printers refuse to pay the scale
only one action can be taken by the
union.
After this some regular routine bust
ness was transacted and then came
the warm part of the meeting. At the
previous meeting the resignation OF
Secretary G. H. Smith had been asked
for because he refused to do the work
the assembly ordered Smith was pres
ent and the matter was brought up.
number of the leading members spoke
against Smith, who, after he had ar
rived, wrote out his resignation. This
discussion brought forth many hot
words and Smith tried to defend him.
self by saying the constitution did not
require this work ordered and that the
chair was unjust, but he was ruled out
of order and took his seat apologizing
for some rash words. After more dis
cussion motion was at last carried
to appoint committee of three to in
vestigate Smiths actions. The COM
mittee is as follows: Vice President
Curtiss, William Dick and Edward
Parsons. This brought to a close the
unpleasant part of the meeting and w.
S. Morris was elected secretary to fill
the unexpired term. Nathan Holloway
was ais onominated for the Office and
withdrew, but he received four votes.
Mr.. Morris is an excellent man and
will make a good secretary, as he we'll
understands the business.
At this time it was growing late and
the body did little other business. The
union is getting more life, and now,
with it's excellent officers and we'll in
formed committees, it will do large
amount of good for union labor.