The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1913-06-18
CAPITAL FAILS
TO gain Prize
Peoria VIII Continue to Have
Fremen and Enginemen
Headquarters.
ACTION CAUSES SURPRISE
Present Officers May Be Reelected.
Convention Plans to Ad-
journ Early.
Defeated on the first ballot.


: This in a nutshell is the story Of the
fight waged by Washington boosters in
the convention of the Brotherhood OF
Locomotive Firemen and Enginemen to
bring to the National Capital the perma-
nent headquarters of the organization
Following a bitter debate, lasting the
entire day, a resolution was introduced
providing that the headquarters be con-
tinued In Peoria, Ill, the present home
of the brotherhood This resolution was
carried by an overwhelming majority
and prevented any resolution in favor
of the other candidate cities being Of
fered.
An officer of the brotherhood, in ex-
planning the action of the convention in
continuing the headquarters at Peoria,
stated that under the rules OF the con-
vention, had the resolution favoring
Peoria been lost. then resolutions nomi-
mating other cities would have been in
order.
Delegates Are Surprised.
The outcome OF the struggle was a
surprise. Every delegate to the conven-
ton was in his place yesterday morning
when it was called to order. A bitter
fight was expected, and every one came
loaded for his favorite city. The first
real test of strength came when 1t was
decided that the question was one for
the convention to settle for itself, and
refused to allow any committee or rep
resentatives of the contesting cities not
members of the brotherhood to address
the convention.
and it was impossible to learn who
lead the Washington forces or who sup
ported her cause. 1t was learned, how
ever, that a number of speeches were
made in favor of the National Capital
prior to the call for the question
The result of yesterdays battle is only
q partial victory for Peoria The action
of yesterday simply means that the head
quarters will be continued at Peoria until
the next convention, which will be held
in 1915. The building committee of the
brotherhood, after it had been decided
to continue the headquarters at Peoria
made an adverse report on the erection
of a suitable building. This action is
taken as an indication that the head
quarters question will come up again
at the next convention.
4. H. Hawley, general secretary, and
H. L. Dickson, general counsel made
lengthy speeches explaining the situation
to the delegates. 1t is understood that
they both were in favor of removing the
headquarters to Washington. if it was
decided to remove them from Peoria. The
selection of a convention city, the cleo
ton of officers, and completion of the
- = 7- 80 constitution are the only
o Ft--l matters before the con-
GHrrrE Nay BE Continued.
Ta Espsrs' tspression among the del
s-n-s -: II of the present officers
'-... aa &C. elected. II the proposed
ltrsrar - Increase the number OF
81 E-TiGe,lt IS adopted there will be
n-TAr
from the various sections of the country
are anxious to be represented on the
board of directors. and will fight for a
man from their section. Owing to the
uncertainty of the adoption of the
amendment no candidates have appeared,
but II is understood that some quiet poll
tics in anticipation of the passage of the
resolution are being played.
Interest in the convention now centers /
on the selection of a convention city.
Denver st. Louis, and Oakland are
making a fight to gain the honor Den
yer appears to have the edge on the
other contestants. Oakland, however, is
a close second. and the California dele
gates declare that there will be nothing
to it when the question comes to a
showdown.
The convention will return TO the regu-
lar order of business and continue the |
work of revising the constitution and |
bylaws. It is expected that this will |
take up the rest of this week. The |
speedy disposal of the headquarters |
question will hurry the adjournment of |
the convention. Owing to the slow prog |
ress being made on the revision of the |
constitution. ii was feared that the ses- |
sions of the convention would be pro- |
longed until after July /. 1t is expected |
that the final adjournment will be made |
on June IS.