St. Paul daily globe., 1889-06-09
IN LABOR'S DOMAIN.
The Trend of Discussion in
the Twin City Frater-
nifty.
A Quiet Strike Of the Stone
cutters in st.
Paul.
minneapolis Hustling for the
Great July Fourth
Parade.
Topics Of Interest to Those
Who Toll and Who
Spin.

st Paul has had another strike tovary
the monotony in labor circles. The
stoneeutters concluded several months
ago to raise the scale of wages
TO so cents per hour; eight hours to con-
stitute days work. Employers were
notified and requested to accede to TINS
proposition. Some were willing to do
so, while others thought the present
rates of 45 cents per hour sufficient.
The stoneeutters have one of the strong
est and best disciplined organizations
in the city, A strike was ordered with
the intention of forcing their demand.
A leading member of the union said
Yesterday: "The rate we ask is not
higher than paid in other cities OF the
same size. 1t must be remembered that
the skilled mechanic requires long
period of apprenticeship to perfect him
self in this trade, and the nature OF the
work is such that several months OF the
wear are passed in enforced ldleneSS.
SO that our average monthly wages are
much less than would appear at first
sight. Our present demand we think
lust and will stand by it. The strikers
will take no active measures, except to
warn our brethren to stay away from
the city and aid those who wish to
leave. We feel certain that our propo-
sition will be granted, and work will go
on as usual after a few days"
On Friday James Johnson and j. F.
Cronin left for the Pacific coast, intend
ing to make their future residence in
that section of the country. Mr.. Cronln
has been for several years district secre-
tary, and is we'll known throughout the
state. Nh johnson has also been ac-
lively connected with industrial affairs
fin st. Paul cooperation being his par
ticuar forte. A large delegation OF
friends accompanied them to the sta
ton, wishing them every success in
their new field of work.
Several people who frequent labor
HEADQUARTERS are advising the girls
who work in manufacturing establish
ments to try to lay the basis for CO.
operative factory by making few
dozen samples of overalls, jackets, ETC.,
and putting them on sale in the CO.
operative store. 1t is thought that
trade could be worked up among the
organized men. which would give en-
poyment to several expert workers. If
some of the experienced girls would
take the time TO make line of samples,
the outlay would be trifing. and many
successful cooperative enterprise has
started in Just as humble fashion.
"A member of the horseshoers' union
SAYS: ''Our craft is becoming thor
Oughly organized in both cities. The
holding of our annual convention here
awakened new interest in our OrganiZa-
ton. 1t was decided to utilize space in
one of the st. Paul papers for all official
communications. We have organized
and educated our men so well that the
employers prefer to hire organized men
rather than 'Scabs.'"
"How about your wageS?" was asked.
''In this city men on the floor are paid
s1.75 day, men at the fire, s., which
is about 25 cents in advance of the prices
paid in Minneapolis. We have advanced
without arOusing any opposition from
our employers. In fact, the employers
have a union. and it is reported that
they are about to advance prices to Gus
toners, and charge uniform scaie."
The cooperative store at labor head
quarters has moved into its new space,
and now looks quite bright and at
tractive. The general repairing and
renovation has greatly improved the ap-
pearance and utility of the headquarters
The district executive board held
special session last Sunday afternoon
in order to elect new officers to fill the
places recently vacated and to arrange
plans for future work. 1t is likely that
special meeting of the district will be
held shortly. T. Fl. Lucas was chosen
secretary instead of j. T. Cronin, re-
signed.
Among the pleasant social events of
the week was the marriage of j. j. Nc
Donald and Mary Fitzgerald on
Wednesday morning at st. Mary's
church. A reception was held in the
evening at the home of the newly
welded couple. Mr.. Mcdonald is a re-
Spected member of l.. A. 1922, and
many of his brother knights gathered to
tender their congratulations and good
wishes for the future.
The ladies' beneficiary department
Holds its regular open meeting next
pleasant programme is in process of
preparation, and all are cordially in
vited to attend and hear several inter
esting talks on the labor question.
The trades and labor assembly holds
regular meeting next Friday evening.
All delegates are requested to be pres
ent, as there will be an election of off
GERS for the ensuing SIX months.
The Scandia Cooperative Mercantile
company, which was recently organized,
reports fair trade and good prospects
for the future.
Edward BelIamy's book. Looking
Backward" is being widely read in
labor circles. Several members have
purchased a number of copies of the
book. These are loaned and kept in
constant circulation. A club will be
organized in a few days for the further
propagation of the ideas advanced in
this interesting story.
The steam and gas filters met last
week to form union of those en-
ployed in their craft. The meeting was
well attended, and, after listening to
speeches on the necessity of Organiza-
tion from members of other unions,
temporary organization was formed.
row evening to make the organization
permanent.
The Brotherhood Of Railway Brake
men hold their seventh annual conven-
tion in this city during the month of
October About 2C0 delegates are ex-
pected to attend. This brotherhood
has grown with remarkable rapidity for
several years past and is now one of the
most fourishing of railway organiza-
tiOnS.
Mr.. and Mrs. Phil King have spent