St. Paul daily globe., 1891-04-19
After Passing the House the
Eight-Hour Bill Died in
the Senate.
The Trades Assembly Takes
a Hand in the Cornice
Workers Strike.
Labor Information and Gossip
Gathered in the Twin
City Shops.

ernor awaiting his signature before it
becomes a law. InaSmuch as this bill
has been generally discussed and in
measure quite severely criticized, there
is a probability that strong effort Will
be made TO secure its defeat, even at
this time. This, however, would not
in any material way affect the
welfare of the working classes. nor
would its passage tend TO change the
existing police laws. Thus far Ill the
history of Minnesota, the few labor dis
turbanceS that have occurred were
wholly committed by men who were not
members of labor organizations. Even
the principle contained in the measure
is not clearly defined, and
since the labor organizations lind
means far more effective than
force to adjust their grievances there is
but little advantage either gained or lost
in the disposition of this anti-PinkertOn
bill. Other states have. however. found
such measure a necessary means OF
protection, and its passage by the Min
nesota legislature may be regarded as a
prudent measure to prevent trouble IN
the future. The fact that several pow
erful corporations lobbied against its
passage is all indication that they would
like to be able 10 rely on the PinkertOns
in case of any serious trouble.
The builders association seems to be
developing considerable strength; but
one OF its members expresses the utmost
surprise at the independence OF the
journeymen. why" he says, those
fellows actually send delegations from
their organizations and expect the EN-
ployerS' association to recognize them.
/ never before heard of such imperti-
nence." The gentleman seemed oblivi-
Gus to the fact that it is somewhat
''impertinent" for a few employers to
assume the right to control all things re-
lating to the building business of a city
like st. Paul. 1t is quietly limited that
Notwithstanding its objections the
builders association has already found
it advisable to confer with representa-
tiveS of several organizations of en-
ployes. ana has even conceded several
demands made. In fact, the builders
association is awakening to the fact that
there are several sides to every question,
and that the public and the employees
have some rights that must be conSid-
cred by those contracting to do building
for the city.
Recently a new feature in the indus
Paul, which. though yet working very
quietly, may III the near future have
far-reaching effect. There meets at
Labor hall each week an organization
of retail groceTS, who are making all
efforts to so perfect their society as to
secure to its members all the advantages
which naturally accrue from good disci-
pline and united action in a common
cause. Their first effort in this com
mendable course will be to eXterminate
that persistent competitor, the itin-
Grant street pedder, who at this
time of the year takes consider
able of the profits, which otherwise
would go to the small grocer. An at
tempt will be made to induce the COM
mon council to pass ordinances prohiD-
iting street peddling. Several other
schemes are also being considered for
the advancement of these enterprising
merchants. AS to what steps will be
taken to meet the other danger, the
mammoth retail houses, which are APP
parently driving the smaller merchants
ont Of their legitimate field. is not yet
clear. But labor people are in hopes
that another important factor has been
added TO the forces which are now en-
deayoring to solve the industrial prob
lem.
The eight-hour bill, after passing the
house, was defeated in the senate last
week. The bill provided for making
eight hours the legal days work on city,
county and state employment. The az
gumentS used were the same old reasons
that are always advanced on such occa-
sions. One senator objected because he
thought that having men working only
eight hours for the city would be a hard
tn
work their employees longer hours.
A prominent labor representative
said, III discussing this phase of the
question: st does not seem to occur
TO the senator that the ten-hour day is
by no means universal. Nearly all
skilled tradeSmen work less than ten
hours day. and several Eastern states
have passed an eight-hour law without
doing those states any harm"
SIT seems to me-" remarked another,
''that work done for the city, state or
county is never governed by the ordi-
nary law of supply and demand, at
least not the higher branches. Look at
the Legislature, for instance. The peo-
pie pay taxes to support the eXpendi-
lures Of Legislators and an army of en-
ployes. No one is paid less than 50 a
day, and many as high as $40. Now
If the law of supply and demand were
applied TO the legislature we would find
legislators, clerks and doorkeeperS paid
from 81. to 81. 80 a day. But we all know
that the higher departments of state paw
salaries out of all proportion to
services rendred. 1t is only when the
question Of the lowest paid and most de-
pendent labor is brought up that the
cry of injustice is raised. If state, city
and county work is to be done strictly
on business principles, why not apply
the law TO the highest departments
first? The greatest saving will be eff
fected there. Even when that is done
and thorough investigator made, you
tind that the eight-hour day is only a
reasonable demand. Shorter hours have
never Increased the cost of production.
On the contrary, shortening the hours
of labor put idle men at work, and thus
makes larger proportion of the popu.
latlon self-SuStainiug."
The general opinion in labor circles is
that the senate did not give the eight
hour bill fair consideration. The Fed
Grafton of Labor is keeping the follow.
ing record of the vote Oh the bill:
Yeas-Allen. Barr, Bell, Borchert, Craven
Davis, Donnelly. Hompe, Mcmillan, Mayo
Morse, Peterson. Phillips, Sanborn. Seyatson
Smith, Tawney and Wood-19.
Nays-Brown, Burkhardt Canestorp, Craig
Crandall, Dean, Dedon. Eaton, Erickson
GeisseL Glader Grinnell, Crate, Guderian
Hammer Kelly, Leavitt, Mott Nelson. Peter
son, Probstfeld, Smith and Streissguth-24.
1t will be noticed that several Alliance
senators forgot their pledges to the Fed
Grafton, and their names will be favored
with an extra black mark in the FEEDER
alton blue book