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“Social Equality” chapter from Terence Vincent Powderly’s Thirty Years of Labor, 1859-1889. The chapter is wide ranging and deals with labor, race, and the Knights of Labor’s activities.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1890
Terence Vincent Powderly knows the secret of Edward F. McSweeney’s power over Samuel Gompers. The statement on Chinese ports of entry on the Canadian border will be ready soon.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-12-10
Commissioner General Powderly requests a meeting with President Roosevelt.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-04-05
Special Immigrant Inspector Robert Watchorn has investigated “the matter at Buffalo” and the report will be complete soon. The report will show that John R. De Barry has “stirred up all this commotion himself” and Commissioner General Powderly recommends De Barry’s removal from office. The investigation at Ellis Island has shown poor management by Assistant Commissioner Edward F. McSweeney with immigrants being “ill-fed, ill-treated, and robbed.” McSweeney has been protected by the civil service and influential friends. Powderly hopes that President Roosevelt will reserve judgment about McSweeney until the report has been completed.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-12-10
Commissioner General Powderly is unsure how trade with China would be affected by closing the ports of entry along the Canadian border to “Chinese persons.” Many Chinese laborers travel to Vancouver, Canada, and then seek entry, including smuggling, into the United States. He doubts that trade would be affected any more then the Chinese exclusion laws affect trade.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-12-11
Commissioner General Powderly encloses documents related to the transfer of John R. De Barry.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-11-29
Commissioner General Powderly defends the transfer of John R. De Barry from Buffalo, New York, to a position on the border. He believes an experienced inspector such as De Barry will be much more useful at a border station then in Buffalo. Special Immigrant Inspector Watchorn has been sent to Buffalo to interview those that protested De Barry’s transfer and report fully on the facts of the case.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-11-29
Terence Vincent Powderly encloses documents explaining why he requested time on Monday.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-12-06
Terence Vincent Powderly has lodged a protest but there may be an effort to follow through on the plan. He does not believe a “babel of religions as well as tongues” should be located at a government station for immigrants.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-11-27
Commissioner General Powderly disapproves of Commissioner Fitchie’s recommendation to build a chapel for immigrants on Ellis Island. He believes there is not enough space to construct a chapel large enough to accommodate all of the religions practiced by the immigrants. The Bureau of Immigration also lacks the funds for construction.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-11-27
Commissioner General Powderly defends the transfer of John R. DeBarry to Malone, New York.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-12
Terrence Vincent Powderly sends an enclosure for President Roosevelt.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-30
The labor press has generally commended President Roosevelt’s courteous treatment of Booker T. Washington. Some in the South will condemn Roosevelt, but those who stand for the working man will not.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-30
Terence Vincent Powderly encloses a letter written by George E. Matthews. Powderly states Mr. DeBarry’s transfer order was suspended while he was out of the office, but DeBarry needs to be removed from his position in Buffalo, New York. Powderly encourages George B. Cortelyou to ignore any letters written on DeBarry’s behalf.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-26
Commissioner General Powderly instructs John R. DeBarry that his new station is in Malone, New York. He will follow instructions from Special Inspector Robert Watchorn.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-09