The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-01-25
LABOR MATTERS.
What Is Asked by the Amalgamated Trades
Unions Of Connecticut.

What Is Asked by the Amalgamated Trades
Unions of Connecticut
NEW HAVEN, Conn, Jan 4-The amalgam-
ated trades and labor unions of this State re-
Gently forwarded to the senators and represent
atives from Connecticut tho following measures,
requesting their influence in support of the same:
First-Tbat the public lands be reserved for
actual settlers not for railroads and SPECTATORS
Second-The abolition of the government con-
tract system, and non-competition of convict
with free American labor.
Third-Graduated taxation on lands and in
comes.
banks and safe repositories 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.
Elghth-That the government shall control
ali telegraphs. telephones and railroads, ana that
hereafter no charter or license be granted to any
corporation for the construction or operation of
any means of transportation, disseminating intel
igence. or Transporting passengers or freight.
"A request for an expression of opinion on the
above was made
Among the replies received, Senator Plat
says 1.-THE postal savings system presents so
few advantages over the present system, that
am not very enthusiastic over 1T; but / don't
know that l would oppose it." He favors direct
employment by the government where advan-
tageous, but doubts the wisdom of complete
abandonment OF the contract system. Convicts
should not compete with honest and free labor.
He is opposed to abolition Of banks; favors gov
eminent issue of paper money only when based
on deposits or gold or silver, or bullion; thinks
incorporation of trades unions requires State ac
ton. He favors law compelling employers
and organizations to arbitrate their differences
CONGRESSMAN Mitchell fa7ors the first six
measures, opposes the seventh, and is doubtful
OF the eighth. To the seventh he says: II would
have the Treasury call in, from time TO time, as
the condition of the country would permit all
bills OF less denomination than ten dollars, 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.
He favors the cheapest ap3 best service.
Congressman Seymour says: Il cordially sym
pathize with the end in view, but disagree with
some OF your propositions, because, in my judg-
ment, they are inimical to the interests you ad
vocate. | think you make a mistake in trying
to tie men up to your special methods Of attaining
the desired end"
Congressman Wait says: 81 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 mighty
consequence to society, and must receive the
earnest. intelligent consideration of both State
and national government"
Congressman Buck answers the first, second,
and fifth questions afirmatively. He prefers the
present bank system to the government issue of
money until some better method can be found.
He favors government control of the telegraph.
Beyond these he would hesitate to place the
business of the country in the hands of the
government officials.
No reply has been received from Senator
Hawley.