St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1890-03-24
Labor Is Bobbing UP in An
ticipation of the City
Campaign.
st. Paul Labor-Political Cos
sip From the Standpoint
of Labor.
Industrial Information as
Cleaned From Twin City
Sources.
Comment and Gossip Of Inter-
est to the Toiler and the
Politician.

The Workingmen's Municipal Reform
association is now fairly under way.
Its policy will be identical with that
outlined in last weeks issue. The plat
form is a conservative and yet prac-
teal one. No workingman could find
any fault with the demands, whether
he belongs to labor organization or
not. Nor could any oficeseeker who
has eveu faint desire to see justice
done the industrial portion of the COM
munity. While the demands are those
that have been discussed for years in
labor organizations, yet this is the first
attempt made to put them in practical
shape. Even so apparently simple
a list of requirements was not
agreed upon without much dis
cussion, and the amusing feature OF the
discussion was that nobody wanted a
more radical platform-and organized
Workmen are always accused of leaning
toward rabid socialism or anarchism-
but some timid and trustful members
of the association were afraid of asking
too much from the candidates and will
ing to trust to their good intentions
after election. Indeed, some members
seemed so conservative that they are
casting longing glances toward various
official positions and do not wish to
offend the political Poo Bahs whose
assistance they need. OF course, no
reasonable person will credit their con-
servatism to so unworthy motive,
but rather to lneXperience, or perhaps,
momentary forgetfulness OF the fact
that any concessions ever gained by
labor have only been obtained by max
ing aggressive and clear cut demands,
then backing them by a force that
political aspirants for favor fear to
offend.
The meeting on Friday evening was
a representative one, members from
nearly every organization in the city
being present. Many of them had never
before taken part in movement of this
sort, and it is a proof of the educational
work done by labor organizations that
all party affiliations were laid aside and
the discussion held wholly in regard to
what would be best for the interests of
the working people, without regard to
parties or personnel of candidates. A
number of men not members of labor
organizations presented themselves for
admission, and went away Wrathful be-
cause admission was denied to them.
This was done only as necessary pre-
caution to protect the interests OF the
association until permanent OrganlZa-
ton could be formed. The platform
has already been published. and it is
probable that a number of open meet
ingS will be held later, SO that the posi-
ton taken may be thoroughly under
stood.
The Australian ballot system will re-
ceive special attention from the reform
association. Its provisions are not as
generally understood as they should be,
and every effort will be made to have it
strictly carried out. 1t will probably
form the principal topic of discussion at
the next meeting of the association.
The retail clerks union gives social
next Wednesday evening. A literary
and musical programme will be rem
dered. Among the attractions will be
an original poem composed and recited
by Louis Nash. 1t is unnecessary to
remark that the hall will be crowded.
It is rumored that
f. c. Ives-Would like q nomination as
alderman at large.
John Lamb-Can't find a single objection
to the eighthour movement.
S. p. RasmuSSOn-WO u!d like to seek fresh
fields and pastures new.
NJ. j. Daly-Like Mary of Bible fame, has
faith.
Thomas Ward-Thinks the stonecutters
can stay as log as the bosses.
John Smith, of the Clerks-Has been prom
inent in politics and is now training for al
Louis Nash-Has returned. heart whole.
but oh SO weary.
The Bricklayers-Think moral suasion
isn't just the thing for 'scabs."