The wageworker. (Lincoln, Neb.) 1904-????, 1907-06-28

The open meeting of the Central
Labor Union last Tuesday night, held
for the purpose of boosting the Labor
Temple project was a success. First,
1t was the largest meeting of union
men held in Lincoln for many months.
Second, it demonstrated that the union
. men have been considering the temple
project and casting about for the best
plans whereby one may be secured.
Third, 1t demonstrated that there is no
lack of enthusiasm among the faithful,
although the faithful seem to bear but
a small proportion to the whole num-
ber. While the meeting was largely
attended, it should have been ten
times as large. The hall should have
been crowded to the doors. AS 1t was,
fully 200 men were present.
Governor Sheldon favored the meet
ing with his presence, and he made
i two rousing good talks. His attitude
towards trades unionism was made
very plain, for he declared with great
emphasis that 1t was not only the right
but the duty of workingmen to organ
ize, and to organize thoroughly. Then
he showed his deep interest in the tenn
pie project by speaking words that
evidenced the fact that he had given
the matter more than passing thought.
He outlined some good plans and in
addition he declared his willingness
to lend financial as we'll as moral sup
port to the enterprise.
Rev. Mr.. Batten also spoke encour-
aging words, and he too offered finan-
cial aid to the extent of his ability.
Other speakers were enthusiastic and
optimistic.
After the preliminary work of the
central body had been completed the
meeting was declared open, and Gov
ernor Sheldon was called upon. He had
a clear understanding of the object OF
the meeting and went at the subject
without any preliminaries. After the
governor had spoken w. M. Maupin
outlined the building plan he had in
mind, and which has been explained
In detail in The Wageworker. He in
sisted, however. that he was willing
to adopt any plan, his only object be-
ing to promote the project. Opposi-
tion to the stock company plan was at
once made manifest, VIM. Emberson
voicing the objection. After opposing
the stock company plan he declared
Ahe question before the meeting to be,
How" However, he failed to give
plan, contenting himself with objec-
tions,to the stock company idea.
Rev. Mr.. Batten moved that it be the
sense of the meeting that the union
men proceed at once to conceive and
carry out some plan of securing a tenn
pie. The motion was carried and
once more the discussion was on.
Every speaker declared himself Will
ing to go to the limit in an effort to
secure a temple, and all were optimis-
tic, but none seemed ready to sub
init any definite plan other than the
stock company proposition. Finally,
on motion, it was decided to ask every
labor organization in the city to Sc
lect a delegate on an advisory board,
the duty of the board being to select
some plan of procedure, the same to
be referred back to the various locals
for adoption or rejection.
The Wageworker has no pet plan,
but II still clings to the belief that
most feasible. 1t is the plan that has
been followed in the erection of every
labor temple of which it has knowl-
edge. Properly safeguarded 1t is the
most enduring, and under 1t the money
could be most quickly raised. But The
Wageworker wants Labor Temple
in Lincoln much more than it wants
any particular plan adopted. It will
lend its heartiest support to any plan
agreed upon by majority The little
mite its editor purposes giving will be
given just as freely under one plan as
another
You may put down for $100." said
Governor Sheldon to the editor of The
Wageworker. 1T is without any
strings"
That's boost for fair And there
are scores of men in Lincoln who will
do as much or more when the union
men demonstrate that they are taking
an active interest in the matter.
Already there is approximately
$4,000 in sight. That is mighty good
starter. 1t is about $4,000 nearer the
goal than We have ever come before.
Governor Sheldon urged the erection
of such building as would not only
provide halls for union purposes and
an assembly room for general pur
poses but building that would afford