St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1889-12-22
THE WORLD OF WORK.
Labor Circles Busy With the
Steady Work of Or
ganization.
Comments on Rev. Smiths
Ideas on the Clerks and
Their Movement.
What Is the Political Position
of Certain Leading Knights
of Labor?
Industrial Topics Of Inter-
est in the Twin City
Fields.

s spicy communication has been re-
ceived for this department from we'll
known K. of l.. man who WAS present
at DR.. 5. q. Smiths lecture on the early
closing movement last Sunday evening.
He quotes the doctors argument for
shorter hours, giving time for recrea-
ton and change of occupation. He also
quotes the remarks to the effect that
long hours of work at the same Occupa-
ton have q tendency 10 dwarf and stunt
the intellectual faculties, making nor
NAL development of them almost an i'm
possibility. Our correspondent rejOices
that DR.. Smith proved the rea-
son for a lack of high intelli
gence and determined action on
the part of the clerks is due TO their en-
VirOnmentS. and not TO lack of natural
ability. His chief reason for doubling
The intelligence of the clerks is that
they prefer to form little organization
Of their own without affiliating with the
X. of L. or any international union, but
hopes if the trade and labor assembly
secures the early closing movement,
that the clerks will then he in position
10 prove themselves worthy of the aid
given by joining some recognized
branch of organized labor. 1t is TO be
hoped that the clerks will not neglect
this pertinent suggestion.
This IS the season of the year when
the states are made up and officers
elected in X. of l.. assemblies for the
ensuing six months. The member who
pays up his dues at this time and an
nOunees his intention of attending
meetings regularly for the future, in
stead of being welcomed and Toasted as
the prOdigal son. is straightway accused
of wanting an office. If there be one
that nobody else wants, he is likely to
get it, with an intimatiOn that here is a
golden opportunity to prove his renewed
devotion to the cause.
The holiday season, along with its
meTriment, must bring some sad reflec-
lions to those who notice the little chill
dren employed by the score in our
stores. 70 these little ones, who have
no childhood. the holiday season means
thirteen hours of WeariSOme work per
day for the pitiful sum of IS per week.
1t means work among the beautiful and
costly trifles by which people show
their GOOD will TO each other: but which
might as well belong to another planet
lOF AL llS enjoyment GDCy DTlHS UO Gu6
children. On Christmas day, even, in.
stead of hearing the story of peace on
earth to men of good will, they must, in
many eases. work half the day, and re-
turn to homes where poverty and mis-
cry shut out those joys which used to
be the heritage of all children on this
day. Yet the majority. even of intelli-
gent and kindly disposed people, will
receive their parcels and change from
the little leash girls and go on
their wav rejoicing without
th ught Of the lives OF people outside
their OVID narrow circle. Or at best
will square themselves with all issues
by sending a basket of food or cast-off
clothes to the various institutions who
vainly attempt to substitute charity to
these little ones for the justice, which,
if given by society, would make charity
needless.
As an indication that political cam
paign is approaching. it might be re-
marked that Frank HOskins is about TO
take up his residence in the city for the
winter and spring. 1t will be remem-
bered that the gentleman was prom
inent member OF the Independent So
IaliStic party during the last campaign.