St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1886-01-25
PROPOUNDED aY woRKINGnEN
Connections LabOring Men Question
Connecticut tCongre.smeu.

/
NEW HAVEN, Conn, Jan. 24.-The
amalgamated trades and labor unions of
this state recently forwarded the senators
and representatives from Connecticut at
| Washington the following measures, re-
! queSting their influence in support of the
same:
First-That the public lands be reserved
for actual settlers, not for railroads and
| speculators-
second-The abolition of the government
contract system and non-competition of con-
| Wet with free American labor
Third-Graduated tax on land and incomes
Fourth The establishment of postal saw
ings banks and safe deposits for small
amounts.
Fifth-That importation of foreign labor
under contract be prohibited.
Sixth-IncorpOration OF trades unions.
Seventh-Direct government issuance of
money without Intervention of banks.
Eighth-That the government shall control
all telegraphs, telephones and railroads and
that hereafter no charter on license be
granted To any corporation for the construc-
| tion or operation of any means of transport
ing intelligence, passengers or freight.
4 request for an expression of opinion of
the above was made. Of the replies re-
ceived, Senator Platt favoss government
regulation but not control of railroads.
THE postal savings scheme presents so
says, that am not very enthusiastic over
it, but don't know that would oppose it."
He favOrs direct employment by the
! government where advantageous. but
doubts the wisdom of complete abandon
ment of the contract system. Convicts
should not compete with honest and free
labor. He is opposed TO the abolition of the
issue of money by banks; favors govern
ment issue of paper money only when
based on deposits of gold or silver or bull
ion, and thinks the Incorporation of trades
unions requires state action. He favOrs a
law neutrality-suspicious. and organizations
to arbitrate their differences. Congressman
Mitchell favOrs the first six measures, op-
/ poses the seventh and is doubtful of the
| eighth. To the seventh he says:
would have the treasury call in from time
to time, as the condition of the country would
| permit, all bills of less denomination than
$40, and issue gold and silver to take their
/ places.
On the Sth he SAYS:
Our best men differ. Vested capital has
rights which all are bound TO respect. flavor
the cheapest and best service.
Congressman Seymour-I cordially sympa-
thize with the end in view, but disagree with
some of your propositions because, in my
judgment, they are inimical TO the interests
| you advocate. 1 think you make a mistake
in trying to tie men up TO your special
methods of attaining the desired end.
Congressman Wait-I agree in the general
views expressed as TO protecting labor.
| These questions are pressing to the front and
action must soon be taken. They are of
weighty consequence to society and must re-
ceive the earnest, intelligent consideration of
both state and national governments.
Congressman Buck answered the first,
second and fifth questions afirmatively.
lie prefers the present bank system to the
government issue of money directly to the
people until some better method can be
found. He favors government control of
the telegraph. Beyond this he would hes
itate to place the business of the country i'm
the hands Of government officials. No re-
ply has been received from Sen ator Hawley,