The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1906-08-18
w. f. McEwen Chosen Secretary
of State Initiative and Ref
erendum Movement.

eIeuQum movement,
The state league for the initiative
and referendum has been finally
launched. it was an earnest and en-
thus1asE:c let of men and women who
gathered In A. O. U. w. hall In Min
neapolis Monday afternoon. The meet
ing was called to order by J. A. Nc
Elroy of the Minnesota State Federa-
ton of Labor. Senator Stockwell of
Minneapolis was unanimously elected
chairman, and Mrs. Eugenia Farmer of
the Woman's Suffrage association was
chosen temporary secretary.
Immediately after the temporary or
ganlZation was effected w. E. Nc
Even of Duluth was called upon FOR
speech He responded as follows:
pursuant to resolutions adopted by
a convention Of the Minnesota State
Federation Of Labor, a call was issued
for this conference CT those interested
In true political reform in this state.
Our federation took the initiative in
the matter, bt cause We have been ac-
lively engaged in the movement for
direct legislation for a number Of
years. We have long realized that we
could not accomplish much alcne,
therefore a conference was needed to
form an organization that shall repre-
sent all the believers in the re-estab-
lishment of a direct-vote system for
public questions and direct nomina-
ttons for state officers, the terminal
tion Of the convention system and ma
chine rule, and such an organiza ton
can question the candidates of all the
parties on this issue, and thus prevent
the Republican and Democratic parties
from evading the issue.
1T long ago became apparent to
the leading advocates of the initiative
and referendum that a conference Of
all the forces interested should be
called to agree upon plan CT action.
In this manner the issues can be
framed which will give the principle
of direct legislation greater promi-
nence than it has heretofore received.
1T is clearly evident that we cannot
lay too much stress on the need for
arranging for an organization that
the establishment of self-govern-
| lnent-the termination Of the rule Of
the few. An oligarchy exists in this
country, tust as truly as in Russia.
But ms f,Il le rule in this country is
only Sc, Guy five years old. 1t began
With. the establishment Of the seonXen.-
tion system and quickly degenerated
to where the contributors Of campaign
funds controlled the organizations. We
must re-establish the direct vote sys-
tenn for public questions. The path
is in sight If we adopt a practical
program at this conference.
ITO install the peoples rule as
the result Of the campaign we are
capable Of making, all that is required
is the systematic questioning Of can
didates for legislative positions, for
this will raise the issue and then the
voters will elect pledged candidates.
1.-The questions concerning the state
issues ought to be confined to the i'm
| mediate establishment of direct vote
in the people, for when this system is
esta blished the avenue for reform will
be straight and broad
1T may be we'll to include a de-
mand for the advisory initiative and
advisory referendum, to be followed by
constitutional amendment for the
optional Initiative and referendum.
Mr.. John A. Keyes of Duluth has pre-
pared a bill for a constitutional
amendment providing for direct legis-
lation, which is submitted to this con-
ference.
I'm Texas the advisory initiative has
| been adopted within the political par
ties, and the members OF the political
parties vote not only for candidates,
but direct vote Is had on planks in
| the platform. This system applies to
national as fell as state nominations
and platforms.
For this conference the following
state program is suggested:
Proposed State Program.
'"ro the People Of Minnesota:
The reform forces Of the state in
| conference assembled, Aug. 13, 1906, at
! Minneapolis announce to the citizens
| of the state the following program for
this years campaign:
"A state federation for the peoples
rule has been organized, with three
main purposes:
Il. All the candidates for the legis-
lature and for congress are to be ques-
toned concerning the issues herein
! after set forth, and their replies will
be published, 50 that the issues shall
| become factors in the campaign.
| "2. An active non- partisan cam
| paign will be carried on for the elec-
ton Of candidates pledged to our plat
form, and the defeat Of such as shall
refuse to pledge themselves.
| "3. Peoples rule candidates for the
| legislature and for congress will be
nominated by petition wherever need
| ed for the success Of the cause.
Issues Declared For.
1.-The issues we declare for. and
which we earnestly invite you to Join
| us in securing, are:
| Il. The immediate termination OF
machine rule in nation, state and city
| through the establishment OF the ad l.