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Savannah morning News
ESTABLISHED 1880. )
Jj, H. ESTILL, Editor and Proprietor.(
POWDERIY’S PRINCIPLES
HE APPEARS BEFORE THE IN
VESTIGATING COMMITTEE.
The Object of the Knight* One of
Peace—Some of the Grievances on the
Western Lines Which Have Hereto
fore not Been Made Public.
Washington, April 20.—General Mas
ter Workman Powderly and Messrs.
Hayes and Turner, of the Knights of
Labor, arrived in Washington this morn
ing and were at the capiiol at an early
hour.
The special committee of the House of
Representatives to inquire into the labor
troubles in the Southwest held its first
public session to-day. Owing to the dif
ficulty of obtaining the use of a conve
nient room in the capitol the committee
bad to hire one In an adjacent building,
ihe Congressional hotel, at which the ac
commodations wore very deficient.
The hour of meeting was fixed at 12
s’clock noon, but it was halt' past 1
D’clock before the committee got to work. >
It consists of Gov. Curtin, of Pennsylva
nia, chairman, and Messrs. Humes, of
Missouri; Crain, of Texas; Outb waite, of
Ohio; Stewart, of Vermont; Parker, of
New York, and Buchanan, of New Jersey.
All the members were present except Mr.
Stewart, who is absent by leave of the
Bouse. •
PROMINENT PEOPLE PRESENT.
Among the prominent persons in at
tendance were: As representatives of the
Knights <>f Labor, T. V. Powderly, Grand
Master Workman; J. W. Hayes and V m.
0. McDowell, members of toe Executive
Board; and Frederick Turner, Grand
Secretary; as representative of railroad I
interests, Wager Swayne, counsel; and as I
representatives of the Women’s League
oi America, Mrs. Charlotte Smith and
three other ladies.
A corps of four stenographers was on
band to make a full report ot the proceed
ings lor the railroad companies. Mr.
Powderly was the first witness and as
such was sworn by the chairman.
Mr. Powderly is very far frum filling,
at least in outward appearance, the typ
ical idea of a horny handed son of toil.
On the contrary he appears to be a quiet,
reserved, delicate looking gentleman
who has spent some fifty years of exist
ence in aii easy contented way. lie
dresses plainly, is closely shaved except
ns to a long drooping moustache, wears
spectacles and has a high intellectual
forehead.
OBJECT OF THE INQUIRY.
The chairman, addressing him, said:
'•You understand that this committee is
created by the House of Representatives
lor the purpose, if possible, ot getting
down to the reasons for the unrest and
disturbance which now exist in the
country, and especially as to conflicts
between labor and capital, and hi tween
employer and employed. This committee
isfully sensible of the course you have
taken in your previous life, and of your
disposition to reconcile the unrrek-ftLAiic
people. Therefore, we call ybu as the
first witness. Be pleased now to give the
committee, in your own language, your
ijnpressions as to this matter.”
•„ The Chairman to Mr. Powderly—l know
you well, and I know that you have intel
ligence enough to go on and give this
■ommittee the information it seeks.
V POWDERLY UNPREPARED.
Mr. Powderly—When your moasage
camo to me I did not understand it, and l
came here without papers and without any
knowledge of what would be required of
me. The field which you hi.ve opened up
in your question is so broad that I have
not given it the consideration which it
deserves in order to answer it properly,
because it takes in general the question
that is now being discussed by the work
ing people and by the business people of
the country, so that I would rather an
swer your questions as they are put, and
then, if necessary, 1 will meet the com
mittee again after I have procured my
papers.
CAUSE OE THE GOULD STRIKE.
The Chairman —What, in your judg
ment and opinion, is tbo cause of the dis
turbances now existing in the localities
referred to In the resolution?
Mr. Powderly—The men who arc now
engaged in the difficulties in the West
have drawn up a hill of grievances and
have presented it to the manager of the
Missouri Pacific road at St. Louis. That
bill of grievances presents the views of
the laboring men. It has been stated
doit the cause ot the present strike on the
lines ol the Missouri Pacific Railroad
Company was the discharge of a man
Jiamoj ilall from i.he employment of the
Ttx as Pacific Railroad Company, audit
has been slated that immediately follow
ing his discharge and the refusal to rein
■ stale him the employes of nil the other
■ railroads struck. This statement the
■ “mplnyes or the railroad system known
■s the Gould system claim to be untrue.
■ They sa.v that the discharge of Mr. Hall
■ was one and only one of manv causes ot
H'he anion taken by them. Here is the
■official statement drawn up by the c>m*
■ mntee of District Assemblies No. 101 and
■No. TSof tne Knights of Libor, and with
■four permission 1 will read it. Mr. Pow
■“•rl.v thereupon read the statement of
■grievances referred to, and which has
■keen already published in the nevvspa
■
■ TRUTH <>E THE STATEMENT.
■ Hie Chairman—What knowledge hove
■mi as to the truth of the facts stated in
paper other Ilian the statement itself?
■Mr. Powderly—l have ii 'Vcr given the
■Js'Ot my personal attention. When it
■as first brought to my notice I whs en
■jßO'il w it I) the General Ev entire Board
■I l’miailelphia. where we were* holding
B session. 1 saw through the
■*!"oh that there was a strike
the Texas Pacific railroad and
■“ ul the strike on the Missouri Pacific
■mm had followed it, hilt I heard nothing
■(ti'o " Ul n,on there, and heard nothing
■ 'l' Oil on the subject until 1 received a
■Match from the Vice President of the
■ "‘“""ri Pacific, Mr. Ilopklns, of New
■i'j, ' asking some questions. Inline
■"'L* following that wo telegraphed to
Mr. 'Vest tor particulars of the strike,
■n received an answer somewhat
M„ '!* r to toe statement which 1 have
■•“ just now.
■ „ WHO REPLIED.
■ ihe i liairman—From whom did you
lVf tkut answer?
■iii . * >iuv iterly—VVe telegraphed to a
■ "''t lose name 1 saw In the papers,
■ r,| n Lons, but the dispatch in re
■ cani" from another mao named Page,
■v" ",', mp Mortgage bondholders of the
■i. I’aclttc railroad came to see us and
■f'i, *1 could not do something to end
E i '*• We then telegraphed to the
K ' lv,, r of that road.
I, " ‘ hairman—Can yon give the names
■ ci>i* bondholder* who came to see
MA.•’'twderly— l know only tho name
K v"'il" w y®r, Mr. Dickson. Wo asked
■v'u „'own, one of the receiver’s of the
■ *** • settle railroad, whether he would
consont to meet with a committee ap
pointed by our Executive Board for the
purpose of arbitrating or settling the dif
ferences on the Texas Pacific road. His
reply was that the road had no trouble
with its employes, but that it had had
some disturbance with former employes,
or something to that effect.
WHY IT WAS SENT.
The telegram that was sent to Gov.
Brown was sent at the urgent request of
the people whose money was invested In
bonds of the Texas Pacflc railroad and
who were anxious to have the matter
settled. Failiug in that attempt to settle
1 went West, and there 1 met with a
committee of workingmen, including
men employed ou the Union Pacific rail
road and on the several lines constitut
ing the Gould system, and I heard them
make similar statements to that contain
ed in the bill of grievances which I have
just read. Then I telegraphed to Mr.
Hoxie askiug for an interview for the
purpose of endeavoring to arrange some
terms of settlement. He refused to meet
me in my official capactiy but said he
would meet me as a citizen.
FAILED TO MEET HIM.
1 had no authority to act as a citizen in
the matter and, of course, L did not meet
with him. 1 came back East and. a few
days after that, I went to New York. The
history of what took place there has been
published so extensively in the press that
it is not necessary for me now to go over
it. While 1 was in the West I heard from
men of little abuses which 1 do not think
the manager of the Missouri Pacific rail
road knows anything about. Along the
Iron Mountain railroad they have a sys
tem of taking 25c. a month from the
wages of the men who receive $1 a day,
and 50c. from the wages of a man whp re
ceives $2 a day, and so on in proportion,
for what they call the “Hospital fund.”
Then the men claim tnat as soon as tbey
are taken sick they are discharged, and
are denied the right of entering the
hospital.
ALLEGED ROBBERY.
Then there are instances, which can he
proved, where men have made contracts
to buy land from the company on regular
yearly installments, and when, having
paid all but the last installment, they
were discharged from the employment of
the company. In that section of the
country it is different, irom the East. A
man cannot go into the next town and
get a situation, and the consequence has
been that in at least one particular case
the man was obliged to remain idle so
long that he lost nis property. The men
(Maim that there are several instances of
that kind. Mr. Powderly stated that in
his inquiries be had found that the
causes of discontent actually existed as
described, and that he could have wit
nesses called to testify to them if his in
formant had been correct.
OBJECTS OF THE KNIGHTB.
The Chairman—Will you state the pur
poses of tte organization of the Knights
of Labor —whether its purposes are pro
teciion of the interests ot labor, and
whether it is peaceful in all its actions?
Mr. Powderly—The aim of the organi
zation of the Knights of Labor is to bene
fit the laborer and to a-jcma better feel
ing between him ailu fiis employer. All
our methods are peaceful. We never
counsel anything of a violent nature.
Members of the organization mat once in
awhile commit acts of violence. We
cannot help that. It Is a matter beyond
our control, because when men feel that
they have endured wrong there is no law
which can properly restrain them.
PROTECTING LABOR.
The Chairman—Do I understand that
the Knights of Labor, as an organization,
do protect labor, not only on railroads
but also in mines and factories?
Mr. Powderly—We attempt to do that.
Our association is Intended to be an edu
cational one. We aim at having our mem
bers study the conditions by which tne.v
are surrounded, not only their own con
ditions, but those of tne men for whom
they work.
Mr. Buchanan—Hi order to pave the
way to intelligent action?
Mr. Powderly—Yes, sir. I have claimed
that it is no more than right for both to
meet on equal terms and to have a thor
ough understanding of the wauls of each
other, and it seems to me that until they
do that they cannot properly fix up their
differences.
RAILROAD RECEIVERSHIPS.
The Chairman —In your letter to me you
sooke of difficulties in respect to receiver
ships of railroad companies.
Mr. Powderly—Yes. When a railroad
company does not pay, and when it gets
into the bands ol a receiver, we find it to
he true that, if we ask Tor a redress of
grievances or wrongs we are referred to
the court, Ihe receiver saying that he has
no power to remedy them; but that when
there is another matter desired to be rec
tified the receiver can do so without ap
plying to the court.
The Chairman—Do you know the par
tic Bars of anv wrongs of that kind ?
Mr. Powderly—l cannot give particu
lars now, but 1 will do so.
WRECKING ROADS.
The Chairman—That is to say, that
parties wreck the road, and have it put
in the hands of a receiver for certain pur
poses ?
Mr. Powderly— l do not know whether
they wreck it or not.
Mr. Buchanan—They run it ashore at
all events, whether they wreck It or
not?
Mr. Powderly—Yes, sir. There are a
great many persons who express the opin
ion that if the United States government
can run a railroad after its being wrecked
it should certainly be able to run a good
railroad.
The Chairman—That is a logical con
elusion.
Mr. Powderly stated that in the general
office in Philadelphia wi re papers which
would he valuable to the committee, and
tne chairman replied that the committee
would require all papers thut throw light
upon the subject under Investigation.
“So far,” said tie, “we have a very good
start on what you say to-day. 1 do not
ask vou to divulge any of the seorots of
the knights of Labor, but you have stated
that the objects of the society are to pro
tect the labor of tho country, so far a*
possible, against the exactions of ineor
iioi ated capital.
NO QUARREL WITH LEGITIMATE ENTER
PRISE.
Mr. Powderly—To protect not only the
labor of the country, but to protect the
manufacturers as well. We desire that
manufacturers shall he in such condition
that they will he aole to pav good wages.
We have no quarrel with legitimate en
terprise.
The Chairman—The aims of your so
clety are entirely peucelul?
Mr. Pnwd rlv— They are entirely peace
ful. but they are liable, of course, to be
misunderstood.eveu by members of the as
sociation once in awhile. If you discover
that the members of the Knights ol Labor
along tho railroad* have violated the law
of the land or It* own laws (and the com
mittee will diecover that faot) we will be
a* ready to asl*t In punishing them as
we are in upholding tbelr rights.
Mr. Buchanan—Your publio utterances
have shown that.
SAVANNAH. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 21. 188*.
NOTHING TO CONCEAL.
Mr. Powderlv—l have been somewhat
misunderstood. When I said l was will,
ing to expose everything in connection
with the organization, if those who man
age the railroads, or if one man in par
ticular, would do the same thing, 1 spoke
lairly and truthfully. I have no ob
jection to showing up everything con
nected with the organization, its secret
signs, pass-words and everything e!s<*. I
am willing to lav everything heiore the
committee and before the world. 1 want
it understood that so far as our Executive
Board is concerned l have, from over 4,-
000 assemblies, letters of Indorsement of
a secret circular of mine which (siuce it
was issued) has been made public.
These (indorsements bear me out in what
I have said. So that you can understand
from the tenor of the circular the charac
ter of our organization.
THE LAW RESPECTED.
When I staled that our organization
was willing to meet our contestants be
fore the courts l had no idea that I was
making a wrong statement. 1 believe
that the law ol'the laud is higher than
any corporation or any organization, and
that when a man violates the law of the
land, either as a Knight of Labor or as a
private citizen or as a member of the cor
poration, he should be punished
tor it, and that his connection
with an organization should be no
shield for him, and I have thought, on the
other hand, that a man who violates tho
law and who is worth millions of dollars
should suffer the same as a poor man. I
have made that statement, and the people
have seen fit to see in it an invitation to
anarchy. If that is anarchy, in the name
of God what is law?
ALL FREE AND EQUAL.
Mr. Buchanan—ln other words you be
lieve in the old time declaration that all
men are created free and equal?
Mr. Powderly—Yes; and that all should
stand so before the law. I possess the
same rights before the law as a man who
has millions. 1 was born here and have
my interests here, but. even if I were not
born here and though I only hold a hand
ful ot this earth's possessions, it is my
al'. It is as much to ins as the other
men’s millions, and the law is as much
bound to protect me.
Mr. Burnes—The country generally, and
1 doubt not properly, seems to place a
good deal of confidence in your integrity,
your intelligence, and your patriotism.
Being diaposi and to consider the question
practically I ask if you have given
thought to the question of legislative rem
edy for the evils to which you have
alluded?
NEVER WORKED IT OUT.
Mr. Powderly—l have never worked it
out properly. I have thought it over, but
have not followed it to its conclusion.
Mr. Burnes— Will you be able, during
the sittings of this committee, to give us
your views on the question of tho remedy
for the wrong?
Mr. Powderly—How long Is the com
mittee likely to sit?
The Chairman —About two month*.
Mr. Powderly—l think I will he able,
because in tnat time you will have an
official declaration from the chief men of
our organization on that point.
Mr. Burnes—l would suggest further,
that it may be well to consider what, in
your judgment, can be constitutionally
done, and what might be done and what
ought to be done by amendments to the
constitution.
Mr.. Powderly—l shall do so, and 1
thank you for the suggestion.
BEGINNING OF THE STRIKE.
In reply to further questions, Mr. Pow
derly said the strike began on Feb. 27 on
the Texas Pacific road; that he did not
possess knowledge of ail of the steps that
led up to the strike, but thought the docu
ments in the bands of the Knights of La
bor would show them; that he could not
tell by whom the strike was ordered, but
that the order was given by the District
Assembly; that the authorities above the
rank of the District Assemblies were not
consulted; that he could not sav whether
any propositions for arbitration had come
from either employer or employe before
the strike occurred, but that the men bad
made known their grievances to Mr.
Hoxie on two orthree occasions and that
opportunity had been given the company
to offer arbitration.
Mr. Crain—l find It stated In the hill
of grievances produced by you that the
men asked for redress time and time
again, but In vain, that the Executive
committee of the Knights of Labor sought
to settle the matter, and that the reply of
the General Superintendent of the Mis
souri Pacific railway refusing to agree to
a conference as proposed cau ha pro
duced.
COMPANY STORKS.
Mr. Powderly—Yes; 1 am told also that
along the Iron Mountain railway and
along other roads in parts ot Texas, su
perintendents and foremen are interested
in the company stores, ami that the no n
are compelled to deal in these stores. The
employes are not told in ao many words
that they must deal tbore. but they arc
reminded that it is to their interest to do
so. If a murmur ol complaint is to reach
the ear ol the president of the cotmmny,
it must go through the superintendent,
and a man will he discharged as soon
as he utters a word of complaint. Men
whose money is invested in railroads
know nothing aoout this. In many places
double prices are charged in these stores.
Mr. Buchanan—Will you be able to fur
nish a precise instance of this kind?
Jlr. Powderly—The committee will find
proof of all these thing*.
Mr. Buotsanan— Do you know whether
the grievances set forth in tin* paper
which vou read, originated exclusively on
the Texas Pacific road, or in connection
with oilier roads, including the Missouri
Pacific?
CONVICT LABOR.
Mr. Powderly—Yes. The men also
complain that convicts are brought from
tho penitentiaries to work on the rail
roods, and that striped suit* may lie seen
side by side witti honest labor in truck re
pairing. That statement has been made
to me by members of the committee.
Mr. Buchanan—Frequent reference has
been made In the newspaper* to the con
tract or agreement made in 1885. Gan
yon produce that paper?
Mr. Powderly produced what he stated
to he tho original contract agreement of
March 15. MMft, proposed by the Governors
of Missouri ami Karma* and accepted by
the representatives of the railroad com
panies and of tho working men.
THE PRESENT GRIEVANCES.
Mr. Buchanan—And the present griev
ances ate that In violation ol that agree
ment and without notice the wages of the
men were reduced, etc.?
Mr. Powderly—Yea.
Mr. Buchanan—You spok<c about the
railroad being operated undor receiver*.
Has it been your observation that some
times receiver* may be applied for sim
ply as a stock jobbing operation?
"Mr. Povnterly—l have entertained that
opinion. 1 may be wrong. Of course I
have no knowledge ol tbs Inside work of
railroad companies, but there Is so much
said to that effect that 1 thought such a
thing might be possible.
A TEMPORARY DEVICE.
Mr. Buchanan—Has it ever occurred to
you that possibly the power which is
lodged in the court to appoint a receiver
was mean originally to be a temporary
device by which the property might he
preserved until alter the loreelosure be
ing entered and the sale of the property
had?
Mr. Powderly. That has been my idea.
Mr. Buchanan—l do not hesitate to say
that the modern practice of the court tak
ing hold of a railroad and working it for
years is entirely foreign to the purpose
for which the power was originally given.
Mr. Powderly—That has been my idea.
INVOKED TO WRECK ROADS.
Tho Chairman—That is then the au
thority of the court is sometimes invoked
to wreck a railroad?
Mr. Powderly—Yes.
Mr. Buchanan—ls not a railroad which
Is in the bauds of a receiver the most dan
gerous competitor that an honestly con
ducted railroad can have?
Mr. Powderly—Undoubtedly.
Mr. Buchanan—You promised to fur
nish the committee with some views as to
the legislative remedy for troubles ot the
kind now existing. Will you also in con
sidering that question take into view the
complex nature ot this government and
the divided responsibility between Federal
and State legislation so as to make your
suggestion such as national legislation
can duly act upon?
Mr. Powderly—l will do so.
PRINCIPLE OF THE KNIGHTS.
Sir. Crain—What is the principle of the
organization known as the Knights of
Labor?
Mr. Powderlv—Our organ z it inn Rims
to settle all differences by arbitration and
reconcHiat.inn. and that is ono reason woy
we have difficulty in managing tt. It was
never thought of until recently that our
organization should have anything to do
with strikes. 80. too, boycotting is some
thing whieb wo have never legislated on
Out once, and that was to restrain it, and
our restraining influence will go still
farther.
Mr. Crain—Then the principle on
which your organization is based is that
ol bringing capital and labor in closer re
lation ?
Mr. Powderly—Yes.
Mr. Crain—And this strike went into
effect on the authority of the District As
semblies, not on that of the general organ
ization?
Mr. Powderly—Our general organiza
tion has never given Its general officers
any power over the question ot strikes.
Mr. McDowell will he beard to-morrow.
Further meetings of the committee will
be held in the room assigned to the Com
mittee on the Electoral Count, which is in
the basement of the capitol, and adjoins
tne room where the Pan Electric investi
gation is held.
lUVEILS AND HARBORS.
The First Day’s Consideration Not
Marked by Change*.
Washington. April 20.—1n the House
to-day the morning hour was consumed
in an ineffectual effort on the part of Mr.
Forney, of Alabama, to secure considera
tion of the bill for the relief of the Ala
bama flood sufferers, and then the House
went into committee of the whole on the
river and harbor appropriation bill.
Smooth progress was made on the bill
until an obstacle was reached in the pro
viso authorizing the Secretary of War to
accept for the United States from the Ma
rine hospital ot Erie, Pa-, title to the pen
insula of Presque isle at Erie. Against
this proviso Mr. Hamtuond, of Ocoigia,
raised the point of order that it bad no
place in the river and harbor bill. Argu
ments in support of the point were pre
sented bv Messrs. Hewitt of New York,
and Springer of Illinois, while Messrs.
Bayne and Scott, of Pennsylvania, took a
different view of the case. " The point was
finally overruled by the Chair, who was
satisfied that possession of toe peninsula
to the United States was an element in a
work of improving the harbor of Erie, and
the motion to strike out the proviso was
rejected by the committee.
A number of motions to strike out items
already in the bill, to insert new ones,
and to increase others already in were
ioßt. No change whatever was made in
the bill as far as progress was made. Mr.
r-kinner, of North Carolina, made several
efforts to increase the appropriation for
harbors in North Carolina, but without
success. The committee rose and the
House at 5:15o’c!ook adjourned.
CONFIRMED BY TIIE SENATE.
A Number of Postmaster* and Several
Other Appointees Made Happy.
Washington, April 20.—The following
confirmations by the Senate of Presiden
tial nominations have been announced:
Postmasters—K. Boyce, at Augusta, Ua.;
R. N. Hall, at Grenada, Miss.; W. A.
Schifilev, at Orangeburg Court House, 8.
C.; J. M. Fowlkes, at. Memphis; VV . R.
Andrews, at Union City, and G. W. Mar
tin, at Chattanooga, Tenn.; and the fol
lowing in North Carolina: A. 11. Hoyden,
at Salisbury; M. Manley, at NeivO rue;
J. A. Young, at Charlotte; .). 11. Allen,
at Durham; W. J. Barrett, at Kingston;
A. Bennett, ot Reidsville;
W. M. Gay, at Wilson; <5. H.
Gregory, at Gresr.sborough; .1. H. Hill,
at Goldsboro; O. G. Parsley, at Wilming
ton; Mrs. M. F. Pender, at Tarboro; J. B.
Smith, at Fayetteville; S. li. Smith, at
Winston; J. 11. Taylor, at Oxford; W. J.
Weaver, at Asheville. Collector of Cus
toms: J. E. Gradv, at Apalachicola. Fla.
Pension Agent: R. L. Taylor, at Knox
villa, Tenn. Collector of Internal Reve
nue: J.T. Hillman, lor the Fifth Tennes
see district, and a large number of other
officials, among which are twelve Internal
Revenue Collectors. Among those con
firmed Is Each Montgomery, to be As-
Distant Attorney General ior the Interior
Department.
Weil mid I,a A lira Claims.
Washington. April 20.—-The Senate in
executive session to-dav rejected the
proposed treaty to reopen the Weil and
La Ahra claims a/ainsi Mexico. Tbs
object of the pending treaty Is to reopen
the case in order to give Moxiuo a chance
to prove that the claims were fraudulent
and that the original treaty was procured
bv fraud. The money claimed On* been
paid hy Mexico, and n portion paid to the
claimants, hut the largest part is held by
the Slate Department to awaittbe result
of tho effort to reopen the case. The vote
upon the treatv was Jt2 yeas to 2tt nays,
being less than the two-thirds necessary
lor its raiiticatlon.
Retirement of Army <>dicers.
Washington, April 20.—1n the Senate
to-day, In imrodiiclng me I*lll providing
lor the retirement of disabled officers ol
the army. Mr. Butler impressed on the
Military Committee, to which the bill was
referred, ibe urgent need of soma legisla
tlon to relieve the active list of the annv
by retiring officers who are disabled, anil
eligible lor retirement, but who cannot
lie retired under the present laws because
the retired list is full.
AUGUSTA KNIGHTS ASTIR.
SEVERAL, CONCESSIONS ASKED
OF THE MILL PRESIDENTS.
The President* Decline to Treat with
Their l uiployri Through the Execu
tive Hoard of Their Organization—The
Latter Stick to Thetr Colors—The Tie
up Loosed on All the New Line* Ex
cept That, ou Third Avenue.
Augusta, April 20.— Two weeks ago
the Executive Board of the Knights ol
Labor petitioned the presidents of the
cotton factories to abolish the "line or
pass system;” that no Kulght be forced to
take tho place of a discharged Knight
until an investigation by the Executive
Board of tho Knights; that all machinists
receive $3 for twelve hours’ work; that 50
yards shall constitute one cut; that
where one mill pays $1 30 daily
(or card grinding and another pays $1 75
the average price be $1 52)and the av
erage price thus obtained be raised 15
per cent., this advance to beglu May 1.
The Executive Board asserts that the op
eratives have quietly submitted to from
30 to 55 per cent, reduction during 'the
last two vears. Titev ask an advance
now because the mills can afford it. They
desire a conference with the superintend
ents and overseers on any vacancies ortlis
charges, that they may iii! the vacancies.
They ask for a holiday O r the employes
May 1, when thev will discuss the labor
question and kindred topics, and invite
the presidents ot the mills to attend and
appoint two speakers to address them.
There are eight cotton mills at Augusta,
employing about 3,000 hands. It is
thought most of them hate joined the
Knights of Labor.
MEETING OF THE PRESIDENTS.
The presidents of the mills fields meet
ing to-day anil issued the following circu
lar letter to their employes In the mills,
not noticing the Executive Board of the
Knights of Labor: “Your attention is
requested to calm and careful considera
tion of this paper. We nave received *
communication purporting to come Irom
an order known as the Knights of Lahor,
and signed by the Master Workman
and Executive Committee of that order.
This communication pretends to set forth
certain grievances under which you are
suffering and demands their redress. This
order claims to be acting at your instance
and in your bebali. It this be true, wo
decline most positively to recognize any
outsid*' interference between our employes
and ourselves. We are always prepared
to confer with you as employes, but in
no other, capacity, upon ail subjects to
the common interests.
THE WAGE QUESTION.
“We recognize that the rate of wages is
a fair subject of agreement between em
ployer and employes, and that tne right
to work or quit working fur another be
longs absolutely to every person wbo is
notaconv.ct or slave, and the right to
employ or not to employ another is abso
lute and incontAstlbfe. These rights can
only he limited by the parties themselves.
We shall, therefore, be glad to receive
and fairly consider any communication
irom our employes as such, but we will
not allow any outside parties to manage
our uffairs.
“In conclusion, we would call your at
tention to the tact that at present the
mills are earning very little more than
their expenses, and that up to a recent
period they have lor several years been
run at a heavy loss, their stockholders re
ceiving no dividends while during the
same period the employes have at least
received a living.”
MEETING OF THE KNIGHTS.
The Knights held a meeting to-nigbt
whieh was largely attended, and tho fol
lowing preamble and resolutions were
adopted:
Whkbkas, Our Executive Board haa boon
positively ignored by Hit: mill Presidents and
as it is positively contrary to our constitution
(urn* to sdiusl any grievances other than
through our Executive Hoard; there lore, be It
Ret'ilctd. First, wo. the operative* amt em
ployes of the mills, do absolutely and posi
tively decline to confer with the preside*.* or
any other persons event through our Ex
ecutive Board. Second, that we indorse fully
the action of our board. Third, that we for
ward io each of the presidents whose names
appear on the circular distributed through
the mills to-day a copy of these resolutions.
LOOSING THE TIE-UP.
Cars Running a* Usual on All Bnt the
Third A veil ii o Line.
New York, April 20.—Tbo tie-up on
the street car lines waa partially unlock
ed this morning and cars on all the roads
were running, all but the Third Avenue
road, sending out their regular number
of cars. The order to relieve the tie-up
on all lines hut the Third Avenue was
issued early this morning by the
officers ot the Empire l’rotective Asso
ciation on assurance being given them
that tue officials ot the other companies
were not assi-tir.g, aud would not assist,
the Third Avenue road. The latter road
run a number ol cars with new drivers
and conductors, but the inside and plat
forms of these cars were filled with
police officers. All along the route the
new drivers and conductors, and even the
police, were saluted hy jeers and yells of
crowds which collected at different
iioiius. At the Dark Row end of the
Journey the sidewalk was lined with a
crowd, hut no one interfered to oppose
the pro/ress of the cars.
Twen y-eigbt cars were running on the
Third Avenue line to-day. Koine cars
were started on tbo One Hundred and
Twenty-fifth stroet line this afternoon.
Tbo strikers will ask the Aldermen to
umei.d tbe driver license law. and have
unlicensed drivers subject to Police Court
offenses. During the mormn no trouble
was experienced in running eurs.
The counsel for tbe Tuird Avenue rail
road strikers has entered into a sort of an
nrraiigauo-ni for a settlement ot tho pres
ent troubles. It is practically a victory
ior the company.
GUY. OGLKMBY’K ADVICE.
Strikers Silent at First bat Finally
Break Into Chmra.
Chicago, April 20. Only one attempt
was made by the Lake Shore road to-day
to run a iriegbt traiu aud that resulted
exactly #* yesterday. Ono of the train
hands was knocked down by the strikers
and badly hurt. Gov. Odesby has been
here sll day in consultation with railroad
men, prominent capitalist* and civil
ofiiclul*. Ha says be will not
order out the militia uutil
other remedies are exhausted, lie visited
the scene of the strike in the afternoon,
aud from near platform made a speech to
a crowd of 400 or 500 strikers and their
sympathizers, lie advised tbe men to
preserve the peace and endeavor to have
their wages adjusted in a more quiet way.
tig: said that strikes ware futile to effect
a permanent change In the condition of
affairs. He reminded tbe workingmen
that the government was organized to uro
tect property, and it would use force if
necessary to effect thai purpose. He fur
ther said that he was the
instrument of the Stale to use
that power, and that, while he deplored
the neeessily that would compel him to
call out tbe militia, yet it, might be his
duty, and if it was his duty he certainly
would do it. He then went on to picture
the scene of bloodshed widen would fol
low stieb action, and called on the men to
avoid the loss of a single life by using a
little forbearanoe and returning to work.
Gov. Oglesby’s speech was not received
favorably at first, tho crowe interrupting
bv such cries as “You’re wrong there.
Uncle Dick.” “That nin’t what we are
driving at,” etc. But when the Governor
had finished the crowd broke into long
and hearty cheers, which were kept up
until the train pulled away.
CHINEBK LEGISLATION.
T’l© Morrow Hill and Belmont, Resolu
tton Ordered Favorably Reported.
Washington, April 20.—The House
Committee on Foreign Affairs to-day
agreed to report favorably the Belmont
Chinese indemnity resolution aud the
Morrow Chinese bill.
All the Democrats except Chairtnah
Belmont are in lavor of the Morrow bill
aud all the Republicans and Mr. Belmont
against it. Toe amendments made In the
original bill are as follows: First, tbe
section prohibiting the re-entry of Chinese
laborers woo mav leave the United States
after the passage ol the act and remain
absent for two years is stricken out; the
period during which the incoming of
Chinese laborers shall be suspended is re
duced from twenty years to ten years, the
practical effect of which amendment will
be to add four years to the re
strictive period fixed by the ex
isting law, ami the following
words are added to the clause declaring
that the penalty foY bringing to this coun
try more than one Chinese for every 50-
tons burden of vessel shall not apply to
any muster of a vessel seeking a harbor
in stress of weather, "nor to any persons
who are entitled to enter the United
Siaies under existing t reaties.”
The committee, by unanimous vote, in
structed Representative Belmont to re
port favorably tbe resolution introduced
by him t,o appropriate $147,748 to in
demnify tbe Chinese for losses sustained
by the Chinese by the mob violence at.
Rock Springs, Wyoming Territory.
SCHOOL BOYS STRIKE.
A Single Session DenityiMlod AVltb a Vio
lent Demonstration at Boston,
Boston, April 20.—Sixty pupils of the
South Boston Public School struck yes
terday for a single session. Tbey marched
in procession to tho city proper, where
they tried to persuade the scholars of the
Ouinoyand Brimmer schools to join them.
Failing in this they returned to South
Boston where they hail- several banners
painted. This morning they again as
sembled, and standing in line across
Beach und Kneolun streets prevented
other boys from entering the school
house. >They were dispersed by the police,
but met an hour later, and with flags and
banners marched to Seminary aud Brim
mer schools singing and yelling. Before
dispersing they opened the doors and
windows of the Brimmer school and stoned
the assistant master, failing, however, to
hit him.
Ranks His Furnaces.
Easton, Pa., April 20. —All the opera
tive force of the Coleraine iron works, in
cluding the furnace men and lal*oring
men, have struck for an increase of wages
of various amounts. The superintendent
refused to grant the demand, ordered the
furnaces “hanked,” and countermanded
an order for coal. He told the strikers
that he would rather blow out the furna
ces than grant the increase asked for. All
tbe unmarried men employed at tbe furna
ces were paid off this morning and dis
charged. The married employes were
told that they would be served in the
same way as soon as tbey removed Irom
the company’s bouses.
Handling all Business.
St. Louis, April 20.—1 tis generally
conceded here that the Knights of Labor
strike, so far as the business ot the vari
ous roads centering in this city and East
St. Louis is concerned, is gradually losing
its effect. The Missouri Pacific and Iron
Mountain railroads have fully resumed
traffic. According to the statements of
tbe officials these roads and the roads
whieh enter East St. Louis are doing all
the business required of them, and are
handling promptly ail freight offered.
Boy cotters Arrested.
New York, April 20.—A number of
boyeoiters who were annoying workers
in the Chelsea jute mills, wbo were ar
rested last ni :ht, were fined in various
sums to-day in tho Police Court.
Seven of Mrs. Gr*v’s hoyeotters were
Indicted to-dav by lhe grand jury for a
misdemeanor and conspiracy by coercion.
Tl e were arrested and furnished bail to
awaittrial. Six ether parties have been
indicted, hut thus far tbey have eluded
arrest. •
Overrun with Business.
CHICAGO, April 20.—A rattier unex
pected development in freight affairs came
in a notification by tbe Atchison, Topeka
and Santa Fe railroad to tfie Burlington.
Alton, Rock Island and other roads, that
P was out of the market for California
business except at, tut) tariff rates. This
is said by Atchison officials not to boa
step toward restoration, but is the out
come of the tact that the road is overrun
with tuure business than it can handle.
Sentinel* Fired Upon.
Sr. Louts. April 20.—Two sentinels
pa'rolling the railroad yards in East St.
Louis wore llrod upon before daylight
this morning by some persons as yet un
known. Neither ot them were hit. They
returnsd tho firs, but proved had marks
tucii as their assailants escaped.
Negro AtrttembUea Organized.
Texarkana, April 20.—1 t has been dis
covered ihuf within the past three weeks
the Knights of Labor have organized sev
eral colored assemblies in the vicinity of
Texarkana, both in Arkansas and Texas.
The movement is regarded with appre
hension. __
Rewarded by Gould.
Little Rock, Auk., April 20—Deputy
Sheriff Williams, who was assaulted and
badly 0 at' n hy strikers while he was
guarding the Iron Mountain railroad
properly, has received a check for SSOO
Irom Jay Gould.
Mrikiug lor an Advance.
Chester, Pa., April 20.—The employes
of James Irvings Jk Son’s extensive cot
ton mills at Irvington have struck lor an
advance in wage*. Tbe firm refuses to
accede tne demand and the mills have
been closed.
Tailors Strike.
Lynchburg, Va., Aoril 20— The jour
neymen tailors of this city struok to-day
for higher waves.
I PRICEEIOA YEAR,) '
|5 CENT* A COPY. |j
BURSTING OF A MILL DAM
II LIVES LOST AMONG THIS
BERKSHIRE HILLS.
Property Damaged to th© Extent of
*200,000 -The Disaster th© K©*ult of
(’ritnlnal C*r©le*t>©—A Distressing
Sonne r Devastation Along the Lin*
of tlie Kush.
Pittsfield, Mass., April 20—About •
o’clock this morning tbe village of East
Lee was inundated and devastated by th*
breaking away of tbe dam at the mud
pond reservoir. Mountain lake, about two
and one-half miles irom the village. Tha
pond covered many acres of swamp, and
was increased from its original limited
size by extensive dams built by a club of
manufacturers as a storage place toff
water.
rushing into the village.
East Lee village, whose half dozen pa
per mills are situated on tha stream, re
ceived its first news of the accident when
the flood came pouring down tbe
the water being from i to 6 feet deep, and
bringing with it trees, portions oi bouses,
barns, fences wagons and every form ol
movable property. Toe people fled to tha
slope of the valley along which tbo tor
rent was pouring, and saw houses moved
and toppled about line chips on a river.
The flood passed East Lee and went on
down tbe road, destroying lawns, town#
aud fences, and moving smaller buildings.
LARGE BUILDINGS U NMOVKD.
It hsd not the jower, however, ta
wreck utterly larger houses, though th*
damage dno will amount to many
thousands of dollars. As soon as possibi*
people went up the line ol tbe flood and
lound the ruin worse as they approached*
the starting point ot the torrent. Fortuy
nately the track of tbo flood was in af
sparsley inhabited country, but whatde.
structlon there was lor it to do in wrecks
ing three or four bouses along its way,
was thoroughly accomplished. Mucil
stock besides property was lost.
Explorers have already found th*
bodies of nine persons and are searching
for others.
The scene is one of terrible desoiatioi*
and the town of Lee is wild with excite*
meat.
THE RESULT OF CARELESSNESS.
Lkk, Mass., April 20, 11 r. m—As near
as can tie ascertained Mud Pond dam
gave way at 5:30 o’clock this morning. If
had shown sign* ol weakness for soma
time. Tbe parties responsible, or own.
ing the privilege of its water supply bad
been notified Out nothing was done. Tba
awful calamity is the result of careless
ness on the part of some persons. Eleven
bodies have been found and three peopla
are missing. The loss in property ia
fully $200,000, while the expense of re
pairing tbe roads and other costs that
must fall on tne town will reach $20,00d
mors.
STUDY OF ALCOHOLIC! DRINKS,
Mr. O’Donnell Report* the BUI fron*
the Committee on Education.
Washington, April 20—In the Hous*
to-day Mr. O’Donnell, of Michigan, from
the Committee on Education, reported
the Senate bill to provide for tbe study ot
the nature of alcoholic drinks and nar
cotics, and their effects on the human
system, in military and naval academic*
and in the Indian and public schools ol
tbe Territories and of the District of Co
lumbia. It was pat on the House calen
dar. Tbe report accompanying tbe bill
states that nearly 2,000,U00 men and
women have petitioned tbe Legislatures
of different States for similar laws, and
up to tbe present year the wishes of th*
people have been complied with In 14
States. As evidence that the people earn
estly desire a law like the one suggested,
tbe committee points to the faot that *
petitlou bearing the names of 71,274
persons has been presented to this Con
gress asking for its enaolment. The effect
of similar laws in different States where
tbey are in force has, in tbe opinion oi
the oommittee, proven most salutary.
Such laws lead to progress, and serve to
check a threatening evil to humanity and
the general welfare. The report argue*
that the bill invades no right
of self-government. The measure
had tho vital merit ot involving
no political significance, hut appealed ta
the very foundations upon which popular
self-government rested—intelligence of
the people. It was difficult to see bow
any objection could be raised to such a
statute except by those who feared t*
have the next generation educated upon
the subject universally recognized to 0*
of most vital importance to the individual
health and social security.
Civil Service Reform.
Washington, April 20—In the Hons*
to-day Mr. Storm, of Pennsylvania, from
the Committee on Civil Service Reform,
reported the hill amending tbe statutes so
as to give bonorablv discharged soldier*
and sailors preference In public appoint
ments. It was referred to tbe House cal.
endar. Tbe report says that the soldier*
and sailors of the country have for year*
demanded this change in the iaw, and tha
committee thinks that the demand is just
and reasonable.
l’ho minority report is submit ted by Mr.
Clements, of Georgia, and Mr. Blanchard,
of Louisiana. In winch toe argument ia
made that the amendment ot the law
would be a violation of the alleged funda
mental principle ol the civil service law,
ibut appointments should be made alone
upon merit, ascertained by competitive
examination.
A ChII for 3 Per Cents.
W ASHington, April 20—Tbe Secretary
of the Treasury this afternoon issued 4
oall lor $10,000,000 3 per cent, bonds. The
call will mature June 1. Following art
tbe uumbers of the bonds embraced in the
call. Ail are original numbers:
$50—271 to 274 t*o'h inclusive.
$100—2007 u* 2048 both inclusive, an*
0017 to 0021 both Inclusive.
S6Oo —908 to 021 both Inclusive, and 42U
to 4223 both inclusive.
$1,000—'73.14 to 7050 noth inclusive, an
23712 to 25710 both Inclusive.
$10,000—13025 to 14500 both inclusive.
The Hawaiian Treaty.
Washington, April 20—In the House
I to-dav Mr. .Mills, of Texas, from tbe Com
mittee on Wavs and Means, reported a
' joint resolution to giro notice to termi
nate the convention of June 3, 1875, with
| the King of the Hawaiian Islands, which
was referred to tbe committee of the
whole. Mr. Brec ken ridge, of Kentucky,
filed a minority report.
Logan's Army Bill Reintroduced,
Washington, April 20.—Mr. Logan re.
Introduced In the Senate to-day hia bill to
lncrea*e the efficiency of the sroiy, with
tbe eeotlons stricken out which provide
for an Increase of tbe number of men, re
lating to the pay of chaplains and au
thorizing commissioned officer* to make
dniioalu of money with trniv oavm^ider*,.,