St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1891-03-30

session at Labor hail yesterday after
moo with 4 fair attendance to listen TO
Il discussion of the reasons why q state
constitutional convention should be
held. The discussion was started by
Otto HaeSe, who was followed by a
number of labor men who generally
favored the idea of securing Il new con-
stItut!on. AuIOng those present was
PRESIDENT G%OmperS, of the American
Federation of Labor, who also briefly
addressed the meeting. Mr.. Haese said
i'll substance:
In discussing the question of holding
a constitutional convention, it is neces-
sary to ascertain if the present constitu-
ton does not fill the wants of the
people. In all organized society it is
advisable to have some suitable rules
laid down for the future government
of the people. When we study the
existing constitution Of Minnesota, it is
peculiar when reading the proceedings
of the last constitutional convention to
note so little substance and intelli-
gence. Only the Prohibition party
+ would at this time favor holding Il
constitutional convention. Neither of
the existing political parties would
favor a convention to be called,
Elnless some benefit would inure, not to
Vie people, but to the party in power.
One OF the reasons for holding a con-
ventlOn would be that there now exist
rights and obligations of which mankind
had no conception a century ago. An
other is that whether the system of ac-
CURED rights is compatible with exist
ing con ditioDs. When discussing this
proposition notice should be taken of
means to improve the future conditions
of the people. There are many wrongs
of which complaints are made because
lawmakers, by cunning or otherwise,
have framed laws which conflict with
common justice. Boasts have been
made, justly, perhaps. of Il political
liberties: but it must be admitted that
many of these rights are considerably
abridged. The industrial classes, if
properly aroused, have the power to Sc
cure the desired changes in funda-
mental laws. Existing constitutions al
low the bartering away of every right,
not only of individuals, but of munich
palitieS. Too many special laws are in
troduced of which the people have no
knowledge. Unless people have the
right conception of the changes that are
necessary it would be useless to hold a
constitutional convention, because the
corporate powers would undoubtedly
ccCuIc SILL 1uIluer advantages IOF
themselves.
Mr. Gompers thought that sew
eral changes might be intro
duced in all constitutions: but he
questioned whether q constitutional
convention held within the next decade
would bring about the changes desired
by working people. Agitation, hoWev-
er, in this direction would prove a BEN
eft. Working people should at all
times array themselves on the side of
law: they should also endeavor to shape
the policy of lawmakers. The constitu-
lions are flexible documents and rest
upon the expressed wishes of the peO-
pie. Working people should constantly
agitate the questions which now occupy
the public mind.
A general discussion followed, in
which the various phases of the labor
problem were considered. Mr.. Comp
e1s was asked several questions which
were answered to the apparent satisfac-
ton of the audience. and the meeting
adjourned after giving him a vote Of
thanks.
The trade and labor assembly COM
mlttee held a brief session yesterday
afternoon and completed the details for
the meeting to be held at Harris theater
this evening. 1t was decided that the
parade shall start from Labor hall
promptly at T:15 p. m, and will be
headed by a platoon of police preced-
ing Kleist'S band, next the trade
and labor assembly, the cigarmakerS'
union and other labor organizations to
FOLLOW. The lecture, by Samuel Comp
erS, will begin at s p. m.