St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1891-01-04
LABOR AND POLITICS.

On Friday evening the executive coun-
ell of the State Federation of Labor and
the executive committee of the Farmers
Alliance met in Joint session at Labor
hall. There were present: Frank Valesh,
lgnatius Donnelly, Thomas Ward. Ham
lin Poore, Frank Casserly, j. Lister L.
II. Lucas, Eric Olson, M. Meighan, j..
Bolan, E. C. Ives, S. Magee, A. Schai-
bic, Eva Mcdonald, J. Gutenberg, John
Lamb, J. j. Ryder and Matt Kelly. The
Citizens Alliance annex to the Alliance
constitution was an interesting topic or
discussion. The arguments advanced in
the convention had caused quite a
stir in labor circles, and the Fed
Grafton council was anxious to near
what the farmers had to say. lgnatius
Donnelly explained that the Citizens
Alliance was intended purely as po-
litical third party organization; that the
farmers did not intend to Interfere in
any way with the legitimate work OF
trades unions and K. of l.. assemblies.
Tom Lucas stated that men of all par
ties come into the labor unions In order
to study political principles rather than
parties, and that 1t was doubtful If such
unions would care to go Into third
party movement.
Thomas Ward thought the city wage
workers were constantly growing In in
dependence. They want considerable
labor legislation and will probably want
to elect their own governor at the next
election. He thought, however, that
considerable caution should be used in
starting the independent movement.
j. j. Ryder offered the following reso-
luton:
Resolved, That # be the sense of the meet
ing that the committees and officers OF both
organizations meet as soon as convenient 10
consider plan of organization for the pro-
posed Citizens Alliance, If such a step is
deemed wise, for the benefit Of laborers. and
producers Of the city and farmers OF the
state,
The resolution was carried. The
members of both committees discussed
the matter freely and seemed to agree
fairly well as to the objects of the Citi-
zens' Alliance; but the Federation
people were only willing to consider
the plan as individuals and not as Off
GERS Of their organizations. J.J. Ryder,
T. II. Lucas and John Lamb were ap-
pointed a committee to arrange for the
citizens club. The farmers, during
their convention. have met with the
leading labor people. The committee
then got down to the actual business
and discussed labor legislation.
Hamlin Poore favored the eight-hour
idea, and discussed it in a very intelligent
manner. Mr.. Magee had some definite
idea about the employment of convicts
and laying aside their wages for their
families or themselves. His remarks
caused considerable good-natured dis
cussion. The Farmers Alliance eX-
eeutive committee and the Federation
council will each appoint committee
of five to stay about the capitol and
look after legislation.
A resolution was also passed, inviting
the Alliance members of the legislature
to attend the special meeting of the
trades and labor assembly, to be held
next Friday evening. At that time all
labor bills will be presented for their
consideration.
The consideration of the eight-hour
day law was referred to the joint COM
mittee on legislation. At the close of
the meeting the informal discussion
showed that some of the city members
questioned the feasibility of diyerting
the handling of butter, eggs, etc., from
the present channels, and placing it in
the hands of city Alliances, as proposed
by MI Donnelly. They felt. however.
that much could be done to relieve the
farmers from the eXactions Of the mid
dlemen. Consideration of convict labor,
the eight-hour day, the lien law, the
factory inspection law and the usury
law was referred to the committee on
legislation. A bill drafted on the eight
hour question came up too late, and was
postponed. Frank VaIesh acted as chair
man, and Thomas Ward secretary. The
executive committee of the State FEEDER
alton will meet next Wednesday even
ing.