Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1900-02-17
TIIE NEWS OF NORFOLK on PAGES q 8. S SIG!
JR. o. U. a. M.
STATE COUNCILLOR HUDGINs
CLAIMS HIS SIDE HAS VIC
4 TORY ASSITRED


CLAIMS HIS SIDE HAS VIC
TORY ASSURED.
In regard to the trouble in the ranks
of the Junior Order United American
Mechanics, and the bill just passed in
the State Legislature, yesterdays Daily
lows: " % W.
About o'clock yesterday afternoon
Mt Floyd A. Hudgins, who is State
United American Mechanics In the Old
dominion. received telegram from
richmond, which caused him to smile
an the rest of the afternoon and until
iate IN the evening. The telegram was
Drief. but graphic. 1t read:
pie. Passed at 1:l5.'
10 those who have not kept,up with
the hght that has been waged by the
state Council in the Legislature for a
charter that would enable it to exist
ana DO business independent Of the ma
tional body, the above telegram will not
convey much meaning. On the other
hand, to the members and friends Of
the order 1t Is eloquent
Inc national body, 1t will be remem-
pered. levied per capita tax on the
various councils and the State Coun-
Gil denied Its right to do this arbitra-
riIy and without local CONSENT. It WITH
heid the payment of the per capita tax
pending settlement of the question.
The national body threatened to sus-
pend the State Council. 1t was even
lntinated that individual charters
would be revoked.
Estate Councillor Hudgins perceived
that 1t was incumbent upon him to do
something at once to preserve the
rights of the Safe Council. He inaug-
urated and pushed through the plan
which has resulted in the passage of
this measure by the LEGISLATURE. The
Dill. which now only requires the Sig
nature of the Governor is a broad one.
fully covering the eXigencies of the sit
uauon. 1t makes the State Council the
supreme head of the order In the State:
makes 1T corporation, with all the
powers, privileges and liabilities of
corporation--the right to make con-
tracts. acquire property and real estate
to the value OF So, 900; the liability to
suit.
The most important provision of the
bill gives the State Council full and ex-
elusive authority and Jurisdiction to
grant charters to subordinate councils,
-Ir O. u. a. NJ. in the State of Virginia,
with power to revoke the same for
cause; to make such constitutions by
laws and rules of order as said corpora
ton may deem just and proper for the
government of said subordinate coun-
cils.'"
1t is extremely likely that something
rs going to drop very hard in the
course OF the next few weeks. Indeed.
1t is probable that q special session
of the State Council will be called in n
short time to meet most probably In
Richmond, for the purpose Of taking
such action as may be deemed most
fitting in the case of those individuals
and councils opposed to the bill
The leader of the opposition was 7
S. Groves, of Norfolk who, according
to the State Councillor, actually has
no legal standing in the order and is
not legal member of his own council,
Ideal No. a, Norfolk 1t is quite likely
that the State Councillor, who is now
supreme in Virginia, will pay his re-
spects to this gentleman first
Speaking of the situation yesterday,
Mr.. Hudgins said:
Il am, of course, delighted with the
passage of the bill. There is no doubt
about its finally becoming n law. 1t
covers the situation thoroughly and
suits our purposes.
81 am now the supreme head of the
order in the State. The State Council.
You see by the provisions of the bill, is
the supreme body. We are In q posi-
ton to conduct our own affairs. We
are still suspended. of course, but do
not believe that the national body will
foolish. They would lose by 1t and we
would be in n position to go ahead and
run the order in Virginia in the inter
ests of the Virginia councils Per-
sonally, I am very sorry that this es-
arrangement from the national body has
occurred and hope and believe It will
not continue. At the same time. we
want Justice and nothing but Justice.
That is all we ask for II we cannot
get 1t, then we shall be prepared for
any emergency"
There was great enthusiasm In the
local council. which met Thursday
night when the news was announced.
The council at this meeting completed
thalf- . FRA q garments fer The washington
birthday celebration.
a VirEinian-Pilot representative
made a diigcnt effort last night to
find Mr.. Groves to see what he has to 4
say ms to the allegation that he has
no legal standing in the order, but was
unable to find him. Inquiry of sew
eral members of Ideal Council elected
the opinion that Mr.. Hudgins is correct
in his opinion.