The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1897-02-14

ranks of organized labor. While the
membership of some Of the local unions
Is smaller perhaps than it was in good
times, yet 1t is matter for congratula-
ton that the assembly has withstood
so we'll the severe Industrial depression
of the past four years, and the member
ship will never be less than it is now.
The movement in ST. Paul is not marred
by any dissensions, and the outlook for
the future is promising. Being the
only factor in the city in a position to
accomplish anything practical for the
improvement and elevation of the
masses, the assembly, as at present or
ganized, is ready to take advantage of
any change Of industrial conditions
that the future may have in store. The
test to which it was put has demon
strated its permanency and it's posi-
bilities for directing the intelligent or
ganized efforts of the working people
for the Improvement of their industrial
and economic environment. The five
trades referred to are:
Total Number Organized
Blndery girls ................ $50 SO
carpenters ...-...--... $50 81
Shoemakers .................. SEQ 1875
Real clerks .................1,SO 25S
To:als .......... ........43GO 555
For the present these five trades need
perhaps the most serious and favorable
consideration at the hands of the trades
assembly, and it is safe to say that the
membership of each one can be mater
tally increased within the next year
If the proper interest is awakened
among the delegates The bindery
girls union is one of. the most recent
acquisitions to the ranks of organized
labor. Already the girls have estab-
lshed a very creditable organization,
and with but a little more interest on
the part Of the allied crafts this union
will be as large in proportion to it's
possible membership as any in the city.
The carpenters union has not been
able to rally the craft since the I'M
fortunate strike Of ten years ago. How
ever, in the past year it has expert
enced considerable revival, and with
strong union now established In Min
neapOlis, there is reason to believe
that a mutual cooperation may arise
that will be helpful to both unions
The shoemakers' union for some I'M
known reason has never been able to
attract a large membership for any
L
be so. ST. Paul is a shoe manufacture
Ing centre of considerable Importance
and there should be an active union
here with several hundred members. If
the national officers of the craft were
to send a good organizer to ST. Paul
and Minneapolis the situation would
doubtless be materially improved. al
though no suggestion to this effect has
bgeen made by the shoemakers' union.
All credit should be given the self
sacrificing members who have kept this
union, even on it's present basis OF
membership. In all likelihood, If a good
demand were created for union-made
shoes, the work Of organization would
go on much more rapidly than at
present.
The garment workers union too, has
labored against enormous odds, and an
earnest demand for union label gar
ment would result in a material in
crease in the membership Of this
union.
The retail clerks have had great
difficulties to overcome, and the pres,
ent industrial depression does not add
to the possibilities for Organization
Several useful lessons can be drawn