St. Paul daily globe., 1889-05-12
MINNEAPOLIS NOTES.
The Cause of Labor in Its Various
Phases at the Flour City.

The socialists held an interesting
meeting at the Labor Temple last Sun
day evening. State Statistician John
Lamb read paper upon the value and
proper use of statistics, dealing largely
with the metaphysical aspect OF indus
trial problems. A general discussion
followed. The problems suggested by
statistical research are of special inter-
would be one of the most important
factors in the state of society which
they hope to see established.
The railroad men in the shops and on
the road are working earnestly to build
up their Organizations to something of
the old-time vigor. Inquiry at the shops
shows the 'employeS' association"
organized by the toremen and Superin-
tendents, is not so popular as it was.
The men are becoming convinced that
it is better for them to manage their
own affairs. Both X. of l.. ard Brother
hood organizations report large num-
ber of new members and an Improving
financial condition.
~
The several mercantile cooperative
associations report business looking up
and collections fair. No special effort
is being made to secure additional stock,
but all, having got through dull winter
safely, prefer to await the steady
cial basis and take stock as it is offered
by those who have confidence in CO.
operative associations.
A fashionable dressmaker recently
decamped and forgot to pay her hired
help. 1t is not recorded that she forgot
to collect pay from her customers. This
little incident serves to remind one of
several other eases where girls have
worked for several weeks and been
cheated out of their wages. 1t is
striking commentary on the system of
employing and paying help. OF course
the number of idle people set the wages
for those who get employment, but
public sentiment could make it obliga-
tory on employers to pay help whatever
wages have been agreed upon. and a
sentiment of this sort would be real
help to girls who have no money to in
vest in legal aid and need every dollar
that they earn.
A test will be made, during this week,
of the law compelling employers to fur
been in force for more than two years,
and penalty was attached to its viola
ton during the recent session of the
legislature. The state labor commits
siOner will make thorough inspection
of all factories and stores where girls
are employed and endeavor to have the
law enforced.
If this law is enforced it will add
greatly to the comfort of many girls en-
ployed in this city. Some of the leading
dry goods stores do not furnish seats,
and others who do make it an otfense to
use them. There are so many girls
looking for work that those who are
fortunate to have employment do not
dare to risk discharge by asking for
seats, but if the labor commissioner can
aid them in this way it will certainly
make work easier for the girls.
The Social Science institute meets
this evening at the Labor temple for
it's usual discussion of economic
problems.
The Stevens Library association
held special meeting last Monday
evening in order to arrange for the
formal opening of the library. A large
number of books have been collected
and the library Will open in short
time. The reading room is one Of the
most pleasant in the building, and will
be great addition to the usefulness Of
the temple when it is opened.
~
The plasterers held their second open
meeting at the Labor temple last Thurs
day evening. A number of visitors
were present from st. Paul. Matters
pertaining to the craft were thoroughly
discussed and several names added to
the list of those ready to form union.
The next meeting will be held on
Thursday evening, and all are invited
to attend.
The Ladies' Protective association
held an interesting meeting last We'd
nesday evening. Two of the Oldest and
most active members are about to re-
move to homes farther west. They take
with them the good wishes of those who
have been associated with them for
years in the good work.
The Social Science club will resume
its instruction on the symbolic work at
its regular meeting. All members en-
titled to admission are cordially invited
to attend and participate in the discus
sion.
The trade and labor assembly holds
its regular meeting next Friday evening
in hall, No. 6, Labor Temple. Several
matters of special interest are expected
to come up for discussion and full at
tendance of delegates, will contribute to
the effectiveness of the meeting.
The K. of T.. Building association re-
ports that the rent of offices and halls
in the Labor Temple covers nearly all
expenses of management. The stores
On the ground floor will be finished and
occupied within a short time; so that
the association has good prospects for
the future.
~
About one hundred delegates will 20
from this city to attend the state eight
hour convention, held at 70 East Sew
enth street, st. Paul, this afternoon.
Every local assembly and trade union of
the city will have one OF more repre-
sentatives there. Minneapolis has taken
the lead in initiating the eight-hour agi-
tatlon by the mass meeting held in Har-
monia hall last February, and several
subsequent meetings showed that real
interest has been aroused among all
classes of people. Arrangements will
be made to-day for celebration on July
4, which will surpass any industrial
demonstration ever held in this city.
Other matters of local and state in
terest will be definitely arranged, so
that the convention promises to be
lively one.
~
The herdic company held several
meetings during the week at different
points in the city, and reports favorable
progress. The collectors for stock al
ready subscribed sta rted Monday, and
report no trouble in making collections.
The city has only partially been can
yasSed for stock. but the directors are