The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-05-22
SWITCHMEN'S BUSY DAY
REVISION OF CONSTITUTION OCCUPY
ING CONVENTIONS TIME.
Present Officers VIII Probably BE Re-
Elected Observation-Disclosures
Favored for Next Meeting.

The delegates to the Switchmen's Union
convention passed a busy day yesterday in
two sessions in Masonic Hall and were
unable to rest themselves by a trolley ex-
cursion last night because of the rain which
interfered with the plans of the local COM
mittee. During all day of yesterday the
delegates were busy at work on the con-
stitution Of the order. The switchmen go
about the revision of their constitution me-
thodically and generally three or four days
are occupied by the work of the constitu-
ton committee. which lasts throughout the
entire convention. Each section of the con-
stitution is read and discussed by the dele
gates and recommendations for alteration
and revision as well as amendments and adj
ditions are made by the delegates. These
suggestions are turned over to the con-
stitution committee. which is composed of
r. j. Martin, of Minneapolis; Thomas ID.
Hagerty of Halstead, Pa; Ed Allen, of
Kansas City; 5. E. Heberling of Denver,
and w H Thomas. of East st. Louis, and
reported on by IL for the action OF the con-
vention.
The revision of the constitution is a
tedious duty, but one OF vital importance
cal changes to be made by this convention
in the governing laws will be that of the
reduction of the number of vice grand mas
masters will probably be succeeded by dis
trict presidents or masters, who WILL II
the recommendation OF Grand Master Haw
ley is concurred in, have direct charge of or
ganization in various sections of the coun-
try.
Bert ireland, one of the delegates to the
convention was called to South Chicago
YESTERDAY to attend the burial of a promi-
nent member OF the lodge of which he is
master The convention adopted a resolu-
tion of sympathy for the family of the dead
n a
mittee to conduct the funeral. The grand
master also heard from Secretary Nj. r..
Welsh. who was called home TO Buffalo. n.
Y. to attend his wife. who is very. i'll. Mr..
Welsh telegraphed that his wife has i'm
proved and that he will return TO Indian
apolis before the adjournment of the con-
Vention week from tomorrow.
New officers VIII be elected Monday AS
vet no candidates to oppose the present
incumbents have announced their aspira-
tions and none is expected. The work or
the present officers has been so commend
able that il is the prevailing opinion they
should be reelected by reclamation. No
invitations from cities in which they may
hold the next biennial convention. with the
exception of Indianapolis and Fort Worth,
have been received. and indianapolis dele
gates feel they have the inside track.
Yesterday morning several resolutions
were unanimously adopted which thank
the citizens of Indianapolis and Hugh j.
MCGOWAN for the courtesies extended the
delegates and their wives while in the city.
TWO questions that were thought to be
roon1entous ores will likely pass unnoticed
bv the convention. The proposition for af
fiiiation with the American Federation of
Labor is as distant as ever. Although the
organizer of the A T. of L. has been
granted the privilege of the floor when he
wants it TO explain the value of fedora
ton with the great labor body, he has not
annsareI. and little if anything, of the af-
fiistion is heard among the delegates. The
other proposition. that of the Endorsement
of the Woraan's auxiliary, has also dis
appeared. and as the wives Of the delegates
are not worrying them about ii. and little
Interest is manifested by them in the sue
cess OF the undertaking. 1t is probable the
delegates will forget all about il.