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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*,.,