The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1903-05-22
In Labor's Field.
DEBATE WILL BE HOT
The State Federation Due to Have
Lively Times Over Politician
Amendments.
Injunctions Growing Out Of Elec-
trical Complications Will Be
Argued Tomorrow.

1t is believed by many in labor union
circles that the proposed amendments
to the constitution OF the State Fedora,
ton of Labor, coming from the local
Carpenters union and now before all
affiliated unions for consideration will
stir up "a hornets nest In the federation
when it sconvenes in Little Falls next
month. These proposed amendments
CAME before the Trades Council for in
dorsation Wednesday evening, and, if
the tone of the debate in that body is
any indications of what may come later
at Little Falls, a lively time may be
looked for The politicians" won the
first round, and the amendments were
not Endorsed. Neither were the dele
gates elected the same evening to rep
resent the council at the federation in
structed as to how they should vote
when the amendments come up in the
convention. y
However, those Interested in seeing
the amendments become law are ac-.
lively engaged in securing favorable ac-:
ton on the same by individual unions
and the claim is made that a very large
number of unions have already signihed
their willingness to support the measure
and have instructed their delegates ac-
cordingly.
Members of the Carpenters union
claim that the amendments originated
in that union with the aim in view of
clearing the labor atmosphere of the
of offices in the federation is con-
cerned, and that those interested were
actuated only by desire to see the
chief labor body Of the state stand upon
plane above party, politics or poll
ticians. The claim that the amendments
were actuated by personal spite, the
carpenters say, is simply silly. They
point to the fact that for many years
labor has been trying to rid itself of
the political parasite who, while pre-
I>1x nrffy oil hi &c off rtc In 1oa
upbuilding Of the cause, is in the move
ment solely for what there is in it for
himself, and while the above can in no
way be applied to the present officers of
the, State Federation, it is intended to
provide for the future. No one for a
moment insinuates that those in charge
Of federation affairs are not honest and
upright men and conscientious workers
in labors cause, but it is urged that 1T
would be better for all concerned If
those holding political jobs should be
debarred from holding office in any
state, central. or other general body
composed of representatives of labor
unions. ,@
AS an illustration Of how they do bust
ness in their own union, the carpenters
point to the fact that as soon as the
president Of the Carpenters union Sc
cured appointment in city depart
ment his office was declared vacant and
a successor elected. 1t is the intent of
the proposed measure to eliminate poll
tics, as far as anything applying to the
old-line parties is concerned from labor
work in the interest of the masses. 1t is
alleged that the movement is far more
widespread in it's scope than the oppon-
ents of these amendments think.
The Opposition Claims.
On the other hand, the other side of the
question is receiving able support. It Is
thought by many that the statements
made by Mr.. Neary before the Trades
Council, Wednesday evening, had a great
deal to do with the manner in which the
amendments were disposed of by that
body. The argument was brought forth
by those speaking in support Of the pres
ent order of things that the so-called
politician is the man who has carried
labor's burden to the extent that to-day
the State Federation shows a gain in
membership Is per cent greater. than that
of any state organization In the union;
that besides there being more unions, the
members enjoy better conditions general
1y; that the work of forming new unions
Is being pushed regardless of politics;
that men holding public office have done
the most effective work in the interest. Of
labor; that these men are at all times
ready and willing to do any work which
might enhance and upbuild the move
ment; that generally speaking, they were
to be found aiding the cause and fighting
labor's battles when those who should
do SO were Indifferent. The main reason
for the introduction Of these amendments,
say the opponents, is that a few dis
gruntled unionists are sore because some
of the federation officers are members Of
union which seeded from the Building
Trades Council on account Of differences
which have never been adjusted, and also
because strict rules are not enforced by
the unions interested as regards each
other
There are some who go as far as to say
that the present agitation will rebuilt in
the disruption of the state organization,
and that the Trades Council will split upon
the same rock when the matter comes up
in the report of the constitution commit
tee soon. Others say that all things in
this movement will work together for
good, and that the labor movement in
general will be greatly benefited thereby.