St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1888-03-14
AS It Looks Down on the So
Called Labor and Social
istic Parties,
Two Organizations Which
Will Cut a Figure in the
Coming Campaign.
Emil Constants Ideas, as a
Leader of the SOcialiStic
Labor Party.

face of the planet that sheds political
light for the several labor organizations
in this city. What with disagreements
between the leaders of the several fac
tons and the ambition of numerous
contingent of high privates to cut a
wide sWath in the coming municipal
campaign. it is not unlikely that the ex-
listing differences will develop open
warfare and indiscriminate smuggling in
the labor camp. There are two distinct
branches of the political-labor move
ment in st. Paul. One comprises
the so-called WOrkingmen's Political
clubs, which are first, last and all
the time for fusion with one or other
of the Old political parties; it does not
matter which, so long as there is an
equitable '.diyy" of the lOaves and
fishes. The other branch includes
those who are opposed to fusion under
any and all circumstances. For its in
spiration it depends upon Emil Con-
slant, who affects politics, as he claims,
not that he may reap personal reward,
but that the labor element may have
hand in municipal legislation.
Just at present Mr.. Constant is the
hands of the labor element in S, Paul.
AS the high priest of the anti-fusionists
he is regarded by those who would
like to share in the spOils of
local politics as disturbing
element. Among them he is usually re-
ferred to as the socialist, who, unless he
can be the king bee of the labor move
ment, will Sulk in his tent and refuse to
unite his strength in the demand for
substantial recognition. With all this
friction it is not to be wondered at that
Mr.. Constants frame of mind is the re-
verse of tranquil, and that he will go
upon the warpath unless his opponents
desist from poking at the hornets nest.
NOT IN FOR STUFF.
In conversation with GLOBE re-
porter yesterday Mr.. Constant said:
This independent labor movement
is yet in its infancy, but we think we
can make the fellows who are for flu
sion because of the money there is in
it come to terms, or else upset their
plans. We are not in this business for
stuff, but to fight for principle, and
we mean to get there. perhaps not in
the ensuing campaign, but in the end.
To me, more than any other man in st.
Paul, is due the credit of putting the
present political labor movement in
this city on its feet. 1t is here to stay
and will become SO popular with the
WageWOrkers that those who talk flu
sion will cut no figure in shaping it's
course"
'sThere is no truth in the statement
that the German Workingmen are ar
rayed against the labor organizations or
that this independent party is wholly
composed of socialists and radicals
spelling for fight either with bare
knuckles, ballots or bombs. 1t is true
that am socialist, and have been for
long time. | am also a member in
good standing Ofsthe local assembly, X.
of L., as are many others who are flock
ing to the independent standard. Nearly
all the socialists in this city are Germans
and the German wOrkingmen are anti
fusionists almost to a man: 1t isa mis-
taken idea, however, that the socialists
of ST. Paul are fierce, blOodthirSty set.
AS a matter of fact, they are quiet, I'M
assuming body of men who are socialists
from principle, and so conservative are
they that l, who am something OF radi-
CAL have Oftentimes been disguised
with them because of their slow meth
DDS. What the Anti-Fusionists pro-
pose to do at the coming election can be
stated in very few words. We shall
put full ticket in the field and vote it
straight. 1t is to be regretted that there
is any difference of opinion, or, to be
plain, that any laboring man can
consistently advocate and support fu-
sion. What the laboring men want
is voice in municipal legislation, and
not the gift of few offices which will
benefit none but the incumbents. The
section represent does not take any
stock in the
BARGAIN AND SALE FEATURES
of fusion, but wants Straight-Out indie
pendent labor ticket nominated. If
those who now favor fusion would but
unite with us we could accomplish a
great deal. have no doubt we could
elect half of the aldermen, and that is
saying a good deal. An independent
ticket and no other will receive my sup
port and that of my friends, and they
are numerous enough to make them
selves heard on election day. l would
also say, and emphatically, too, that
l do not want any office, elective OF
appointive, nor would l accept one.
Should these ''fusionistS" come to
their senses and do what they should,
go into the fight for a principle, and
not for Doodle, l am with them. Other
wise they can expect to be slaughtered
to the extent of our strength. That is
all the disturbance am endeayoring to
create, and [ voice the sentiment of
every German labor organization in the
city, although the majority of the K. of
l.. assembly to which [ belong is OPP
posed to me-"