The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1906-06-16

and for the peaceful evolution and ra-
t1onal development of the labor move
ment OF our country toward a higher
and better life for themselves, for
their families. and for ALL
Each item recounted in the Bill Of
Grievances Is story of Injustice and
wrong done to labor. There is not one
count which has its basis other than
IN the best interest of the wealth pro-
ducers of our country, and finally the
general public. There is not one cause
OF complaint submitted but which has
oehlnd 1t the hopes and warnings of
myr1ads of the noblest and best men
and women of our time. There is non e
but for the achievement Of which labor
mas for years justly, persistently and
1ntelligently pressed it's CLAIMS.
Closely following this remarkable
document came a declaration from the
Executive Council of the A. F. of L.,
that the time had arrived for labor to
adhere to the political policy enunciat-
ed In the platform of the American
Federation of Labor to wit: WE
WILL STAND BY OUR FRIENDS AND
ADMINISTER A SINGING REBUKE
TO MEN OR PARTIES WHO ARE
EITHER INDIFFERENT. NEGLIGENT,
OR HOSTILE. AND. WHENEVER OPP
PORTUNITY AFFORDS. TO SECURE
THE ELECTION OF INTELLIGENT.
HONEST. EARNEST TRADE UNION
lists. WITH CLEAR. UNBLEMISHED,
PAID-UP UNION CARDS IN THEIR
POSSESSION
1t strikes me that this declaration
makes our duty plain. We in Minne-
sofa have had our experience before
non acting legislature. We have Pc
t1tioned them for legislation for the
protection of the lives and limbs of
workingmen, and for compelling en-
ployers to assume some of the liability
and our petitions have been spurned.
We have asked for legislative relief
for the protection of women workers.,
and our request fell upon deaf and I'M
sympathetic ears.
We have asked for the regulation
and division of convict labor 50 that
prison made goods wuold not material
ly affect honest, competitive boot and
shoe industries. who were obliged to
pay low wages in order that they
might compete with the favored firm
enjoying the prison contract, and we
busin that no such narrow union
labor proposition could get through a
Minnesota legislature.
IN answer to the above I propose
that we begin to attend to our own
business forthwith. That we imme-
dlately appoint a state central polit-
1ca1 union labor committee whose duty
1t shall be to canvass the Legislative
situation throughout the entire state,
and wherever district offers any en-
couragement for the election of a un-
ion labor candidate. that steps be taken
to place one in the field. That this
state central committee shall see to it
That strong legislative committee is
appointed in each district where a
candidate may be placed; that an ap-
peal be sent out for funds to promote
the work thus inaugurated; and that
the union labor men and their friends
be urged to work and vote for labor's
candidates thus chosen.
The whole question can be worked
out in detail by a carefully selected
committee. The main thing is to avoid
error in starting out. Even if we lose
at the polls. we are going to win
something. We shall have made it so
| interesting for the other fellow that
IT he Is elected he will devote all of
his time trying to make a record to
win the support of union labor in the
| future. Don't you see the point? The
very fact that we are in politics will
! command for us the recognition we
desire.
1 would select practical everyday
platform pledging ourselves to secure
laws Tor the protection Of labor: the
passage of substantial fellow SER
wants act: an improved factory inspec-
| ton law: child and female labor law:
the division of prison labor so that
| competition against free labor will be
! lessened: the immediate establishment
OF the initiative and referendum; home
IL on
les; removal of all legislative barriers
which prevent the people of any city
from purchasing, building and oper-
at1ng their public utilities; have the
legislature petition congress for the
| election Of United States Senators b
the people; work for the reduction If
| railroad fares; propose a constitution
al amendment providing for a. state
| homestead law. to encourage settle
ment IN northern Minnesota where
! the pine has been sold or stolen. and
| more often stolen. from state lands:
| the appropriation of money for the
proper drainage of all swamp lands
| in the state to further encourage the
agricultural development Of the state:
more perfect inspection of mines and
the establishment of free labor bur
eaus In all portions OF the state, and
the right of suffrage for women.
! with platform embOdying such
planks as these we can 20 before the
people and command the respect and
support of a majority Of the best ctti-
zens. This is the opportune moment
to carry into effect our oft-repeated
, declaration. Remember:
There is tide in the affairs of men .
Which. taken at the flood, leads ia
fortune:
Omitted, all the voyage Of their life
| Is bound in shadows and in miseries
On such full sea are we now afloat
And we must take the current when
| 1T serves. IT,. WI &
Or lose our ventures" gs~, 3.s%$
Whether engaged in the economic
i or political arena let us always bear
in mind, men Of labor. our first duty
lis loyalty to our trade union d When
i entering the field Of politics in the