148 HISTORY OF THE WHEEL AND ALLIANCE. 



of Labor, were there to arrange for co-operation on such 

 legislative measures as could be agreed upon. This was 

 without doubt the largest representation of labor ever 

 convened. 



At 10 o'clock A. M. the delegates assembled at Enter- 

 tainment Hall in the Exposition building, where they were 

 entertained by addresses of welcome by Governor" Francis 

 of Missouri, and Mayor Noonan of St. lyouis. Appro- 

 priate responses were made by J. H. McDowell of 

 Tennessee, and A. J. Streeter of Illinois. The Conven- 

 tion then adjourned until 1:30 P. M. 



Promptly at that time President Jones called the 

 convention to order, and prayer was offered by J. D. Satter- 

 white, of Missouri. The proper officers were appointed as 

 provided for by the Constitution and the convention then 

 proceeded to the transaction of business. 



FIRST DAYS' PROCEEDINGS. 



Communications were received from the Farmers' 

 Mutual Benefit Association and from the Farmers' Alliance 

 of the Northwest, looking towards co-operation and con- 

 solidation. Committees of conference were appointed by 

 President Jones to meet like committees from those organi- 

 zations to arrange a basis for consolidation and co-operation. 



President Jones then delivered his annual address. 

 He said: 



1 'This is certainly an auspicious occasion, it being 

 the first meeting of our organization; an organization 

 that to-day stands without a peer in its influence for good 

 not to the farmers and laborers only, that you represent, 

 but to every legitimate and necessary interest of a free 

 and independent government; and upon the perpetuation 

 of its principles and therr influence upon our people depend 



