The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1902-12-10
Committees Appointed.

Committees Appointed.
Sixteen OF the delegates who sent in
credentials were not present at the con-
vention. There was no rollcall prior to
the voting. President Devine appointed
the following committees:
Credentials - Nicholas Burke. Mine
Workers; George Gothier. Cigarmakers;
Matthew Malta, Mine Workers; n. A.
Dony, Machinists.
Platform-Joseph Oliver, Printers: Hugh
Frayne, Sheet Metal Workers; John In
dian, Mine Workers; Daniel Lafferty
Electrical Workers.
Permanent organization was effected
by making the temporary organization
permanent. Henry Vockroth, of the
Sheet Metal Workers, was appointed
assistant secretary.
When President Devine announced to
the "brothers" that nominations for re-
corder were in order, Steven O'Donnell,
of the Throop local Of the United Mine
Workers, stated that he understood
from the minutes Of the last meeting
Of the Central Labor union that the
convention was called for the purpose
Of determining whether or not a nomi-
nation should be made.
lie COilNeIlllOl Cdll dS again Ietiu
and Mr.. O'Donnell was enlightened t.
the effect that the convention call was
to nominate candidate for recorder.
Mr.. ODonnell insisted that. this was
not in conformity with the proceedings
of the Central Labor union meeting.
Some one questioned Mr.. O'Donnells
right to a seat, whereupon President
Devine explained that the Throop local
aI tri- f,f
its members live within the city limits.
The chair also announced that there
was nothing before the house except
nominations, and ruled out of order
several members who wanted to talk
on other subjects.
Resolutions.
National President Frayne, of the
American Federation OF Labor sug-
gested that the platform be read and
adopted before the nominations were
made, and the convention approving,
Chairman Devine called for the plat
form committees report. 1t was read
by Secretary Patterson, and was as fol-
lows:
Scranton. Pa, Dec. ., 1902.
To the Convention OF the Economic
League.
Your committee on platform submit the
following for you" consideration:
The Economic League, of the city of
Scranton, in convention assembled, adopts
the following proposition:
The conditions existing in city, state
and national governmental affairs de-
mand the close attention of workingmen,
with view of correcting existing evils
and preventing the future corruption of
the political interests; of the people,
The reckless extravaganza in conduct
ing our municipal affairs demand the re-
pudiation of existing conditions and the
establishing of a more economic ana
business-like method in connection there
with.
We believe that the administration OF
laws should be just and equitable, that
law and order should prevail, and that
officials whose duty it is to enforce law
and order should perform this duty with
. out fear or favor.
The granting OF franchises to monopo-
lies in public utilities is crime against
the public interests, and measures should
be enacted to prevent continuance OF
this evil, and to SO regulate the hand
ling of public franchises as to restore to
the people so far as possible the right of
control of corporations now owning such
franchises In this city.
In connection with such action we de-
clare ourselves emphatically in favor of
public ownership of such facilities as are
necessary and essential to the best inter
ests of the people
We believe that the manner of contract
ing municipal improvements and the sys-
tenn adopted in assessing the taxpayers
for such improvements in this city is en-
travagant and unjust to the wage-carn-
ers. We declare in favor of such reforms
in this matter as will grant immediate
relief to the people.
We declare in favor OF the adoption of
business methods in conducting the bust
ness OF the city, believing that municipal
improvements should be as economically
handled as is the work of individuals or
corporations.
The duties of American citizenship do |
mand II full and fair expression OF the |
neope through the franchise of the bal |
lot, This is utterly impossible through |
the medium of existing political parties |
hence we appeal to the people to rally |
TO the support of this movement for a |
pure political action and economic adj |
mnistration of municipal affairs.
Your committee recommends the adop- |
ton of the foregoing |
SigneD Joseph Oliver. Hugh F'raync, |
Daniel Laverty, r. l., Knapp John In |
dian.
President Mitcheil's Attitude.
Chairman Devine declared that the
report Of the committee ON platform !
would be adopted If there We're no OBJ |
jections. NJ. j. O'Toole said he had
objections and proceeded to state them
in an extended address. The machin- |
lists union, which he represented. he |
said, questioned the advisibility of la
Dor interests becoming involved In pol
itics at this time. He also called at
tention to the fact that President |
Mitchell In his Lake Lodore speech had
advised that union men should strive
TO control the old parties rather than
control politics with party of their
own.
District President Nichols, of the
Mine Workers, who was among the |
spectators, was called upon by Chair
man De1ne Ia state Mr.. Mitchelrs
views on the subpject. Mr.. Nichols said |
he was not authorized to speak for
President Mitchell, but he would say
that Mr.. Mitchell was very much put
out when il was reported to him that at |
the last meeting called TO discuss the |
advisability of nominating a county la
bor ticket, he had been quoted as de-
claring against the advisability of such |
action. 1T is better to leave MIR.
Mitchell entire1y out of this" said Mr..
Nichols