The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1906-08-04
UNION. LABOR ACT|VE
ON PACIFIC COAST
Former President Duluth Trades
Assembly is Strong in spok-
ane Movement.
I. W. w. Organizers are Trying
to Break into Peaceful La
Dor Movement in West.

Spokane, Wash, Aug. 2.-Onicers OF
labor organizations in Spokane and
through out the state are highly
pleased over the ruling OF the supremS
court in sustaining the eight hour
public contract law OF 1899 and declar-
ing also that the law OF 1903 on the
same subject is not 1nharmoious with
the former statute. The majority
opinion says there was no repeating
clause In the act of 1903, and it finds
moreover. that the laws are not incon-
sistent, notwithstanding that act OF
1899 is penal statute, while that Of
1903. is not. unless the forfeiture OF
contract on conviction can be regarded
as penal. =
The case on which the foregoing
ruling was made came from Thurston
county, and is known as the state OF
Washington, APPELLANT, VS.. w. H. Davis,
respondent. Davis had a contract from
Thufston county to construct a bridge
at Little Rock and was charged with
working his men more than eight hours
day. The trial Judge found him
a :
appeal to the superior court demurrer
to the complaint was sustained ana
the action dismissed on the ground
that the law of 1899 was repealed by
the act of 1903 Now comes the supreme
court with instructions to overrule the
demurrer and proceed with trial.
Judges Rudkin and Fullerton dis
sented.
After City Council.
The American League OF Independent
Workmen. through a committee CON-
posed of F. o. Polleys, L. Holcomb and
A. M Davis. sent out an open letter
under date Of July IA, in which Mayor
Floyd l. Daggett. the board Of alder
men and the city commissioners OF
Spokane are accused Of violating their
oaths OF office in ignoring the provi-
sions of the city charter by awarding
contracts for hauling iron and wooden
water mains without public bids. The
letter has been read in open council
and referred to a committee.
Direct LeEislation There.
Labor unions in Spokane have just
organised 9 Referendum league for the
purpose of securing the direct primary
law at thsS sScoming session rs sths leG-3
esSlkk6f f1.-r1. III
+. H. Wheatun;:s yice spf esident Thomas
Cavanaugh; secretary. Henry Oerter;
executive committee. "A. w. Jones',
formerly of Duluth, Thomas
Joyce and =. H. Walker. There
Is also an advisory committee OF 40
members. Mr.. Walker says that tho
republican and democratic parties in.
various counties have endorsed the
leagues plan and it is not expected
there will be any difficulty In passing
the act at the next session.
I. w. w. Making Threats.
Officials OF the Independent Workers
Of the World are in Spokane for the
purpose of organizing branch with
100 members by the middle of August.
Meetings are being held nightly on tho
street corners, the speakers saying the
organization Is affiliated with the Fed;
Grafton of Miners. ~
Labor Day Plans Elaborate.
Spokane labor unions are making
elaborate plans for the Labor Day
demonstration, at which 1t is expected
there will be 10000 men, represent
atives Of various trades, In the line Of
march. The program will include
picnics and games, and there will be
banners and trophies for the best ap-
pearing and largest bodies of men in
line. =. zss.255