The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1906-06-16
]ates for the legislatures asking them

dates for the legislatures asking them
to state whether or not they were in
favor Of the principle Of direct legis-
lation. At the session of the legisla-
ture following I had drafted a bill
providing for the advisory initiative
and the advisory referendum. This
bill never left the committee. I don't
suppose that it was even discussed.
The principle of direct legislation is
so we'll understood by the members of
trade unions that there Is little need
to elaborate upon 1t in this report.
In the government of most of the in
ternatiOnal trade unions the idea has
been carried out with marked success,
and there Is no reason why 1t should
not be successfully applied to the ad-
ministration Of our state and national
governments. I trust that the proper
committee will present a plan to this
convention for the incoming officers to
renew efforts for the Inauguration of
the campaign for direct legislation.
We do not stand alone on this prin-
ciple. We are being supported by ref
erendum leagues, organized farmers,
grange societies. Woman's Suffrage
associations. Turnverien societies and
hosts Of individuals who desire the
immediate re-establishment Of the
peoples sovereignty in place of Ma
chine Rule. A request Is so soon to be
issued in this state to the reform
forces to unite in a call for an Anti
Monopoly State Conference. to agree
upon a state program for the imme-
date re-establishment of the peoples
sovereignty and for immediate legis-
lative relief. also to elect a state cam
paign committee to take up the work.
One Of the central ideas is the organ
1zation in each county Of a Referen-
dunn League, that shall declare for the
following ideas:
l. TO help re-establish the peoples
! sovereignty through the immediate es-
tablishment of the Initiative and Ref
erendum principle in Nation. State and
City, to be followed by Constitutional
Amendment; (b3 direct nominations,
Co the Recall; (d) Direct Election of
United States Senators: (el Home Rule
for cities and counties: and
2. To help apply the Direct Vote
system as rapidly as established.
We who have been struggling for
legislative relief for the workingmen
of this state can we'll appreciate the
value of a movement like this. Let
us encourage it with all our strength
and might. Through the efforts of the
Missouri State Federation Of Labor
the principle has been adopted IN that
state. What is true of Missouri, can
be true Of Minnesota. Down there
they have to be shown things. We
have the reputation of being more
venturesome. Let US get busy.
Labor In Politics.
Early in March President Gompers
and his associates on the executive
board of the A. F. of L. and the officers
of the international unions affiliated
with the American Federation Of La
| Dor, were prompted to formulate bill
Of grievances which they presented to
President Roosevelt, Speaker Cannon
! of the House Of Representatives, and
| President pro tenn Frye Of the United
States Sen ate.
President Gompers holds that the
presentation of the document has Gre
| ated more wide spread interest and
| discussion among all our people than
has the publication Of any other docu-
ment within a decade. And yet after
ALL what was Its import? A mere re-
cital of the list Of grievances which
the working people so justly feel
| against those entrusted with the ad-
ministrative and legislative powers OF
our government. It was simple
statement Of persistent policy Of in
difference and neglect, of downright
hostility to labors' demand for justice
and fairness. and the relief which Is
| essential to the welfare of labor due
to the changed conditions of industry