The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1911-06-23

Walworth, Minneapolis; Thomas
Nicholson, St. Paul; David Logersted,
saltwater; Albert Piglow, st. Paul;
Thomas McCarron, Minneapolis; A.
Hoover, Winona.
President Howley submitted his
recommendations to the convention
this afternoon.
Report Of Secretary McEwen.
Secretary-Treasurer William E.
McEwen submitted his annual re-
port this afternoon. This report
is lengthy, and covers the field of
labor in Minneapolis. He referred
pleasantly to the meeting held by
the State Federation in Mankato,
ten years ago. During the past year
a campaign of organization was con-
Quoted with satisfactory results.
Our work at the state legislature
drew upon our resources to such
an extent that we were obliged to
abandon organization work during
the winter However, as soon as
the legislature adjourned our activity
was renewed, and nothing should
now interfere with its progress for
the rest of the season.
Existed Twenty-One Years.
The Minnesota State Federation of
labor has been in existence for
twenty1one years. Until ten years
ago it's influence was exerted solely
in seeking legislation for the bet
terment of the condition of the
working classes of this state. Since
then chance was made; it's work
was broadened, and its functions
have been extended in every direc-
ton, and whenever the greatest
good could be done for the move
ment.
Its propaganda work has produc-
ed educational advantages; it's re-
lief to unions in times of trouble
cannot be Over-estimated; its ac-
tivity at sessions of the legislature,
at most times under a discourag-
ing handicap has brought some re-
turns, and it's endeavors in the field
of industry organizing the workers,
has made it possible for thousands
of wage earners to improve their
economic conditions. It's conduct
and service have been of such "a
character that it's future existence
is indispensable to the labor move
ment of this state"
Workmen's Compensation Bill.
Considerable space is given up to
the workmen's compensation bill,
and the labors of the commission.
Among other things Mr.. McEwen
says: mot satisfied legislature
that refused to give labor any re-
lief, but which by accident passed
the Lundeen bill, raising the amount
to be recovered for death by wrong
full act from $500 to $500, the
president of the Minnesota Employ
ers association sent out scOrch-
ing letter to all employers of labor
in the state, asking them to deal
with the members of the legisla'
ture who voted for the Lundeen bill
in such manner as will make
Political Policy Failure.
Secretary McEwen pronounces the
political policy of the federation a
failure "The treatment of our i'm.
portant measures by the last leg
islature should be a matter of grave
concern to every workingman in
Minnesota. I consider that every
dollar we expended in paying the
salary of a legislative agent was
just that much money wasted. If
the same amount could be used to
elect a few men with overalls to
represent the working class on the
inside the returns would be an hun.
dred fold greater.
1--WE can lobby until doom's day
on the outside, but it is the man
on the floor who delivers the goods
The opponents of labor legislation
are there, and their influence, under
cover, as it always is, is wide and
far-reaching."
Reference is made to the McNam-
ara arrest and other matters in
which organized labor is interested.
Executive Council Report.
The report of the executive coun-
Gil was made to the convention This
consisted of summary of the work
accomplished by the council dur
ing the past twelve months. The
financial portion of the report is as
follows:
RECEIPTS.
General fund ........ 1913 SO
Organization fund comm. 1899 6S
Total .......... 81 1853 81
DISBURSEMENTS.
General fund ,............ 1892. "a
Organization fund .. 429. 46
Total 1851 80
Balance 81 ,091 81
Election on Wednesday.
The election of officers will be
held on Wednesday. William E. Nc
Even is candidate for reelection.
His opponent will be Axel Peterson
of ST. Paul. President Howley will