Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1886-01-25
CONN ECriCUr CONGRESSMAN
Labor Union to Use Their Influence
on Several Measures Proposed.
New HAVEN, Conn, Jan. "a.

! The Amalagsted Trade and Labor Union
| OF this city recently forwarded TO the senators
and representatives of Connecticut at Wash
ington the following measures, requesting
their inhuence in support of the same:
First-That the public lands be reserved
for actual settlers, not tor railroads and
spectators.
| Second-The abolition of the government
contract system and the non-comPetition of
convict with tree American labor.
Third-A graduated tax on lands and in
comes
Fourth-Tha, the competition of foreign
labor under contract be prohibited.
Fifth-rhe establishment of postal saw iu g
banks and safe deposits for small amounts.
Sixth-rhe Incorporation of trade unions.
Seventh-Direct governmental issuance Of
money without the Intervention of banks
Eighth-That the government shall obtain
control of all telegraphs, telephones and rail-
roads and that hereafter no charter or license
be granted to any corporation for the con-
strucrion or operation of any means of trans
portstlon, intelligence, passengers or freight.
On request for an expression of opinion on
the above, the following is a condensation of
replies:
Senator Platt-''I am anxious to be any,
thing which may justly be done TO advance
the interests Of the laboring classes" Tie
enclosed copies of his speech against the i'm
portation of contract labor. favoring govern
ment telegrsps and the rights of labor He
called attention to his votes in favor of dis
posing of lands only by the homestead act
and added. II vote as | speak" He favors
government regulation, but not control of
the railroads. THE postal savings scheme
presents so few advantages over the present
system that am not very enthusiastic over
it and don't know as l should oppose it," He
favOrs direct employment by the govern
ment where advantageous. bus doubts the
wisdom of the complete abandonment Of the
contract system. Convict should not com
pete against honest and free labor; am op-
posed 10 the abolition of banks favor gov
ernment issue of paper money only when
based on deposits of gold and silver bullion;
fear irredeemable paper currency; think the
incorporation of unions requires State action;
favor this in connection with the laws COM
pelling employers and organizations to arbi.
trate their differences; strikes are ruinous to
all concerned. In concluding he saws: 'Do
not too hastily conclude that all public men
are your enemies; you make it hard to serve
you when you place us all under suspicion"
Congressman Mitchell favors the first six
measures, opposes the seventh and is doubt
full as to the eighth. To the seventh he says:
| would have the treasury call in from time
to time. AS the condition of the country
would admit all bills of less denomination
that $40, and issue gold and silver to take
their places. On the eighth he says our best
men differ. Vested capital has rights which
all are bound to respect. Capital and labor
must go band in hand Tho workman is en-
titled to fair share of the profits.
Congressman Seymo I cordially sym
pathlze with the end in view, but disagree
with some of pour propositions, because, in
my judgment they are mimical to the inter
ests you advocate. | think YOU make mis-
take in trying to tie men up to YOUR special
methods of obtaining the desired end.
Congressman Wait-I agree in general
with the views expressed as to protecting Ia
bor. These questions are pressing to the
front and action will soon be taken They
are Of weighty consequence TO society and
must receive earnest, Intelligent considers-
ton of both State and National govern
ments
Congressman Buck--I am IN full accord
with the propositions to protect the rights
and truly improve the condition and better
the opportunities of the laboring man. The
first, second and fifth questions are answered
atirmatively. He prefers the present sys-
TEN of banking rather than that the govern
ment issue money directly to the people, I'M
I'll some better method can be found. He
favors the government controlling the tele-
graph. Beyond this he would hesitate to
place the business ofthe country in the hands
Of government officials.
No reply has been received from Senator
Hawley.