The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1906-08-15
BAY State LABOR
ORGANIZES FOR
THE CAMPAIGN

convention In the interest or the political
policy recently adopted by organized la
bor was held I'm Boston yesterday, when
members OF the Wage Farmers club of
Massachusetts assembled for their first
general meeting. The clubs purpose is TO
arrange for action whereby the wage
earners I'm this state can defeat their enc
mics and assist their friends" at future
national and state elections.
The delegates were called TO order by
e. Gerry Brown of Brockton, who out
lined the objects OF the organization and
the manner In which labor unions should
actively participate In politics. Dennis ID.
Driscoll OF this city acted as secretary.
He followed Chairman Brown and made
a number of recommendations, among
them being state conference annually
I'm April TO demand OF the national politi-
cal conventions the placing OF union men
upon their tickets; that all work for the
government be done under the eight
hour law the right OF peaceful picketing
in time of strike; the eight-hour law 10
be enforced In the state, and the state TO
pay union wages
Before the close OF business a perma-
nent organization was perfected, def
mite platform adopted. a statement OF
purposes drafted and rules for ward
town. district and state organizations
meetings and conventions formulated and
plan for financing the movement ar
ranged.
IL was determined to send the platform
and declaration OF principles TO both state
political organizations democratic and
Republican, and their action thereon will
leave the wage earners free 10 act and
vote.
Regarding senators, representatives
town and city officials, these we're left
TO the local organiza tions IT was decided
that I'm wards. towns and districts, the
wage earners should be properly organ
lied before the primaries. so that the dele
gates favoring the wage earners may be
sent TO the conventions.
The greatest interest was manifested In
the platform, as IL Il the first enunciation
principles since the determination of
the Federation OF Labor To enter the po-
ltical field. Following is the platform
adopted:
Restoration to cities and towns OF their
rights, which legislative action has taken
from them by corrupt influence OF rail-
road and railway. gas and electric light
companies
Public ownership of those utilities
which in their nature are monopolies.
Reform laws which will prevent cor
ruption and insure punishment for bribe
taker and bribe giver either at the bal
lot box or in the legislative council.
The enactment of laws which will give
the people absolute control OF their pub
Tic servants while I'm office, and providing
for their recall I'm the event OF action by
mon to t,,,g
pie.
Direct nomination by the people. In
place of nomination by cliques and party
bosses.
Recognition OF all labor organiZa tions
In all Legitimate efforts TO properly regu-
late the pay, working hours and other
conditions affecting the working people.
THE protection of legitimate capital
and the destruction Of criminal and op-
pressiye trusts.
Election OF United States senator's and
state and county judges by the people.
Financial and other corporations to be
properly regulated by laws. and frauds
against the people to be exposed and pro-
secuted
"Intiative and referendum.
Adoption of laws clearly defining the
rights and jurisdiction or judges.
Limiting the use OF the injunction pro-
cess In labor disputes and providing for
more clearly safeguarding the rights of
members OF labor organizations as trial
by jury.
abolition of contract system in all mu.
ncpal work
mo inmate OF n charitable or penal in
stitution shall perform any labor that
will come into competition with free la
Dor, and as n step toward that end we
ask that all such goods produced in pris-
ons be labelled, designating the prison in
which they were manufactured
1--WE are in favor OF all public works
being operated on union principles
THE equalizing Of the wages OF both
sexes In municipal and state employment
when performing equal work"
The convention urged the cooperation
of all wage earners and union men to ac-
compllsh the defeat of all congressman
who voted nRninst labor measures