The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1897-02-21
LABOR

/ "a'r'--'1'7sss
Recent developments in the bureau
OF labor Investigation furnished a
meaty subject for gossip in labor cir
cles during the past week. Great in
tefest has been manifested in the pro-
| ceedings by the unionists, and the re-
port thatetheAinvestigati committee
was to hgad all open session last Tues
day evening mad the effect of drawing
a crowd thatasompletely filled the sem
ate chamber. The committee, however.
had gone into executive session at 1880
p. M. amp there was a general express
sion or disappointment when it be-
| came evident that there was a hitch In
the proceedings. The action Of the
committees when it became known, oc-
casioned great surprise, and the ma
Jorlty responsible for it was freely
criticized for. their efforts to thus pre-
cfpitatelyS terminate the investigation.
The executive council Of the state fed
GRAFTON of labor was called together
Wednesday evening and, after a lively
discussion was had on the turn the
matter had taken, the following resolu-
ton was unanimously adopted and
was presented to the senate the fol-
lowing day, the entire matter then be-
ing made a special order by that body
Tor next Tuesday afternoon:
whereas, Your honorable body has ap-
pointed an. investigating committee, directing
II 10 call witnesses and investigate the af-
IaIrS OF the labor bureau, and,
whereas, We, the representatives Of the
state Federation Of labor, make two specific
charges; first, and most important of which
Is, neglect to comply with the law and man
agement of the states funds in carrying on
the bureau; and. second. certain charges of
a personal character; and
Whereas, Your committee, having only par
italy examined one witness and having given
no opportunity to present evidence substan-
tlatlng the charges of malfeasance in office
now reports back to the senate asking furth-
er instructions ard alleging that 1t fears to
spend the time and money necessary for a
thorough and partial investigation; therefore,
Resolved, That we earnestly ask your hon
orable body to authorize the committee to
spend the time and money necessary for
pointed, practical and business-ike investiga-
ton OF the most important charges to which
we have referred. believing as we do that
the expense vii, be a mere trihe, as praetl-
cally all the witnesses and material are at
hand, and the attorneys and the committee
nave agreed that the investigation will not
consume the amount OF time often spent on
matters Of much less Importance; therefore,
RESOLVED, That we ask this investigation
In justice to Mr. Powers, that he may have
an opportunity to clear himself, If possible
ana because these charges have been made
able body will not deny a reasonable oppor-
tunity to hear evidence.
Further resolved, That we believe the time
spent and the expenditure Of money required
for this Investigation is warranted by the
amount Of outlay in the past and the man
agement Of the labor bureau and the benefit
to the state thAts will accrue from it's proper
conduct, on the future.
a session of the council was also held
Monday, when legislative matters gen.
orally Were discussed, and the follow
ing resolution, disappearing Of the con-
ltemplatsd action of the Legislature in
/ letting the printing of the supreme
court reports to supposedly outside
parties, was adopted: 'e7st.ss4.
Whereas, Proposals have been submitted
/ to your honorable body from f. P. Dufresne
to print the supreme court reports for the
ensu1ngas SIX years. and,
whereas, 1t has come to the knowledge of
| the executive council Of the state federation
Of Labor Through the Trades and Labor AS
sembly of st. Paul that said Dufresne is
simply acting as agent for the Callahan COM
pany, of Chicago and, if awarded the con-
tract for Publishing said reports the com
position and presswork will be done outside
the state, to, the detriment of employers and
employees residing in Minnesota; therefore,
| Resolved, That the council heartily Endorse
the resolution adopted by the Trades and La
Dor assembly Of this city and respectfully
urge your honorables body to insist that IL
such contract is given to said F. P. Dufresne,
he be compelled to furnish bonds that this
mechanical work will be done in this state.
The protests of the Duluth people agains
the mine inspection bill, introduced in the