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

congress knew nothing about the
matter until it was sent to the
house by the president with an i'm
perative demand for its immediate
consideration. The treaty would re-.
suit in reducing the price of farm
products, taking $4,000, 900 out of
the pockets of the farmers and Civ
ing it to the brewers, and $75,00O,-
600 out of their pockets and giving
it to the millers. The farmers would
rather have direct tax levied
upon them. Land values will so
down, as it will mean an influx to
Canada of American farmers The
farmers do not and have not been
receiving exorbitant prices for their
products. They get only So per cent
OF the ultimate price. the middle men
and railroads getting the rest.
No class works as long or gets
as little as the farmers or spends
as little. They have succeeded
through the rise in land values. The
farmers will stand the ratification
of the treaty, but will be heard
from again.
The farmers asked the laboring
men to send in protests. When the
farmers do not prosper other bust
ness becomes stagnant and the fac
tories are idle, and the laboring
men get less.
Labor Commissioner William f.
Houk of Minneapolis, a delegate in
the convention, spoke OF the labor
bureau and the work which it is
accomplishing 1t was helping to
solve questions that modern indus
tries are forcing on the public. The
Minnesota bureau was started In
1887, and has grown until thirty-four
people are employed, nineteen Of
whom are inspectors in the held.
The work of the bureau is grow
ing. 1t has taken on new efficacy
and become vital factor to be
received with 1t has recently car
ried out three important inyestl-
cations, made legislative recommen-
dations, and enforced the laws and
brought about better conditions.
Safety bulletins have been sent out,
and a museum of safety devices
started. The bureau is not col
lection agency for wages or damage
suits, or created to right individual
wrongs. Complaints and suggestions
for better conditions are solicited,
but anonymous communications are
not wanted In making reports, ac-
ucracy is very essential.
Former Representative II. w. Lib
hey of Winona offered resolution
that the convention go on record
as against reciprocity with Canada
and calling upon Minnesota senators
and representatives to appoint it.
1t was referred to the committee
on political action.
Resolution BY Brainerd Man.
A resolution was introduced by
William Allen of st. Paul and John
NJ. Taylor of Brainerd that it was
the sense Of the declaration that all
work done for the state in manufac-
turing lines should be done within
the state as far as possible; and
that the state board of central and
all other officials who have super
vision of work of this character,
should in all cases have the same
done by union labor, and the Fed
Grafton urgently requests that the
same be done.
j. E. Hoffman, of st. Paul offer
ed resolution that the federation
of Labor provide for the initiative,
referendum and recall in its meth
DDS of transacting business by adopt
ing an amendment to the constitu-
ton.
Mr. Hoffman, also introduced a.
resolution urging central bodies and
local unions, wherever possible, to-
affiliate themselves with the Min
nesota branch of the American asso-
citation for Labor Legislation, by at
least paving the dues for one OF
their officers or members; and that
the federation affiliate Herewith and
pay the annual dues of the presi
dent and secretary, who are hereby
elected to represent the federation
at the meetings OF the association.
Report of Credentials Committee.
The credentials committee pre-
scented a supplementary report and
the part seating a delegate was
adopted. The committee referred
back to the convention the mother
of the delegates from Women's La
bel league No. 242, Minneapolis,
saying that the delegates applying
were Emma Ives and Adde Chap