The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-03-19
DISCUSSED THE CHARTER
LABOR UNIONS AND REFORM
BODIES SIT IN JUDGMENT
UPON IT.
WHILE IMPERFECT THEY THINK IT
Is A MOVE IN THE RIGHT
DIRECTION.

Representatives of local trades unions
and reform bodies met in convention last
night at 1853 Mission street to discuss the
new charter. The different organizations
represented by delegates were the Cigar
makers Union, Brewery Workmen, San
Francisco Labor Council, Typographical
Union No. 81, Union for Practical Prog
ress, Socialist Labor Party, American Rail
road Union, Sailors, Bakers, Carpenters
Bookbinders', Tailors', Ironmolders' and
Furniture-workers' unions; the People s
Party, German Socialists, Stage Employees
and the scandinavian Socialist Labor.
F. n. Lynch of the League for Practical
Progress spoke IN favor of the charter be-
cause it lie; sened the number of people to
be voted for, and centralized the power
and responsibility; also because it declared
for civil service.
R. t. McIvor of the Socialist Labor party
talked against the new charter. at is got
up in an evasive way" said he, "and is toe
long to be of use. 1t can be misconstrued
and is opposed to all citizenship and the
workingman, and should be opposed by
every labor union in San Francisco
A. d. Messages of the Union for Practi-
cal Progress said he believed the charter
gave altogether too, much power to the
Mayor. He asked whether it was possible
that fathers or mothers would allow any
one man to say what should be taught in
the public schools, and that is what the
charter would give in empowering the
Mayor to appoint the Board of Education.
II could not discover in the committee
OF freeholders single man who earned his
living as workingman," said e. l. Kings
ley of the Socialist Labor party, land that
was enough for me. There were no crum BIS
of comfort in the charter for me when ]
knew that it was framed by men represent
ing the property interests"
G. G. Terrell of the Union for Practical
Progress and president of the Builders
Exchange, said he agreed with some
speakers that the charter gave the Mayor
too much power. II admit it is a one-man
power" he continued. "But are we not
suffering from one-man power to-day?''
While admitting the charter had defects
still he believed if it was adopted it could
be amended and improved in two or three
years. He believed it is right regarding
himself IN favor of the proposition to
change street department methods. He
regarded favorably the appointment Of
the Park Commission, the eternal Free
Library trustees, the Police Commission
and Election Commission, but the County
Clerk. Auditor, Board of Education, etc.
cannot be appointed by the Mayor until
the State constitution is changed.
A. Cridge from the single-tax society
protested against the charter because il
did not provide for proportional repre-
sentation, the initiative and the referen-
dunn.
j.. K. Phillips of Typographical Union
No. q thought it pity that there were
not more progressive men on the Free
holders committee. Indeed, he said, there
was altogether too much of the silurian
element about that committee. And the
same. fault is seen in its work-the pro.
posed charter.
The convention adjourned to meet next
Thursday night in the same hall.