St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1890-07-20
Some Reflections Anent the
Farmers and Artisans
Convention.
Comment Of Current Events
Of Interest in Local Labor
Circles.
Happenings and Foreeastings
in the Ranks Of the Twin
City Toilers.
Events Past, Present and Fut-
ure Discussed from La
boris Standpoint.

A member of the clerks union says:
"We, as union, are making no special
effort to obtain the Saturday half holt
day, but there is an agitation going on
in that direction, and we find lately that
a number of the largest retail stores do
hardly any business after O'Clock Sat
of time when the dealers will all agree
to close Saturday afternoons
The committee in charge OF the Labor
day celebration are talking of inviting
the American Federation of Labor to
send some speaker of national reputa-
ton to st. Paul to deliver an address
that day. St. Paul is, induStriOuSly
speaking, one of the most progressive
cities in the country, and would gladly
welcome speaker from the federation.
The socialistic element made itself
conspicuous among the alleged labor
delegation of st. Paul, which attended
the farmers convention. By actual
count every socialist in the city was
there. The socialists assume to despiSe
all our present institutions, especially
those of a political complexion. They
were, however, inconsistent enough to
be anxious to take an active part in all
committee work. They came armed
with resolutions, which were merci-
lessly demolished by the committee.
The committee on resolutions at the
farmers convention met in the office of
the state statistician. Commissioner
Lamb jokingly remarked to bystand-
er "Why doesn't some one introduce
resolution to abolish the bureau of labor
statistics?" The resolution was pre-
pared and it was only by the exercise
of some dexterity that the commissioner
was able to rescue it before falling into
the hands of the committee. One OF
the farmers grinly remarked that he
wished it had been introduced, as the
farmers would be perfectly willing to
substitute ain agricultural bureau for
the present one of labor statistics.
The trade and labor assembly of st.
Paul is rapidly growing in numbers and
influence. To meet its present require
ments the old constitution is being re-
vised. The committee having charge of
the work is corresponding with other
trade and labor assemblies throughout
the country. Their constitutions will be
considered and such amendments adopt
ed as will place the st. Paul assembly
on par with any similar institution
in the country.
Speaking of the labor delegation
which attended the farmers convention,
prominent workingman says: 1.-The
delegation was not sent from the state
federation of labor, as many supposed,
nor did 1t in any way represent the
sentiment of organized labor in this
city. In fact. there is as yet no indie
pendent sentiment strong enough to
warrant the sending of delegates to
such body. A majority Of the delega-
ton were of the so-called socialiStic ele-
ment. which is scarcely recognized in
K. of L. assemblies or trades unions.
Out of the whole st. Paul delegation
there were perhaps half dozen mem
bers of bona fide labor organizations,
and even they were not Representative
men," How about the platform?'
was asked. ''Oh, that's all right he
replied, sit embodies the resolutions
passed by the state federation. Even
that was suggested by those not claim
ing to be delegates OF it never would
have been offered"