The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1908-06-06
Temporary Measures Heretofore
Adopted Must be Superseded
Bv More Practical Rules.
APPRENTICE QUESTION
DEMANDS LEGISLATION
System of Apprenticeship Should
Be Enacted That is Adapted
to Every Interest Involved.

Our present system OF apprentice
ship was never intended to be perna-
nent. but was adopted as mere tenn
porary cxpedient to obviate certain
perplexing conditions, which then con-
fronted the unions.
That the time is fully ripe for new
enactments on the subject, tna1 VIII
be more, effective. and equitable than
those which now obtain, is fully real
lied, by all who have the welfare OF
our organization at heart.
The following observations on the
subject by w. E. McEwen, secretary
treasurer Of the State Federation are
along the same lines which ne WILL
recommend to the state convention on
Monday next, and it is sincerely hoped
that the convention will see the neces-
sity of taking some decisive action IN
the matter.
The Question Stated.
In referring to the apprentice Ques'
ton I desire to reiterate the sensa-
ments expressed in a former report I'd
this federation. I have had no occa-
sion to change my mind. On the con-
trary the leverage which extreme pro-
bitive apprentice measures at1orded 10
the lockout aggregation in Duluth,
convinced me more and more OF tho
correctness Of my position, ana the
urgent necessity of some remedial ac-
tion ;by the several trade unions, look
ing to an adjustment of this perplex-
ing question. The attitude attributed
to US on this subject has been produc-
tive of more annoyance, and subjected
1ri NJ
other that concerns our movement.
The fact that this criticism was
hypocritical in most instances does
not relieve us Of responsibility where
the structures upon our rules are well
founded. &,
Fairness Of Unionisn.
It is true that we were in a. large
measure excusable from the fact that
employers refused to negotiate with
us In affecting "a satisfactory ADJUST
ment OF the questionsr'2sW hatever4 else
may be the failings of trade unionism
a refusal to amicably confer with en-
ployers is not one Of them.
When the difficulties and intricate
problems with which the unions have
to contend are borne in mind, it would
be an astonishing thing indeed if cer"'
tain phases Of the various problems to
be considered did not sometimes elude
them But when shortcomings are
brought so prominently to our notice,
as they have been in this case, it Is
clearly our bounden duty to rectify
any errors that may have obtained in
our practice and methods.
It is true that the motives which
actuate our cities are wholly prompted
by commercial considerations, and not
by benevolence, because it goes with
out saying that as the majority OF
available candidates for apprentice
ship are the children Of loyal trade
unionists, it must be presumed that
the father has greater interest in the
boy than can have mercenary
stranger.
The legislation which was enacted
on this subject by unions in days gone
by was intended to, and adapted for
the relief of the congestion which pre-
vailed in the ranks of over crowded
trades. But I am persuaded that W.
have been dilatory In revising ou1
regulations, and adjusting them to tn,
conditions that from time to time con