United labor bulletin., 1911-11-02
LABOR HANDICAPPED
BY INVESTIGATION
Commission Government Before
People With Union
lists Idle.

Just now, when more than a dozen
Denver organizations are i working to-
qether in consideration of a workable
form of commission government that
will be acceptable to the majority. the
trades unionists Of the city are sitting
Idly by wondering what effect the change
will have on labor organizations. Not a
hand has been turned by the men and
women Of labor to secure such a form
of commission government as will pro-
tect their future interests.
In past years not a thing has been
done by union labor acting together to
advance its political interests. A few
laws Of more or less benefit to labor and
the public at large have been put on the
statute books Of the state: but in a mu-
nicipaI way-in a concerted way-iabor
has been unable to record but little.
A few weeks ago The Bulletin be-
Iieved IL possible to gain sufficient pres
tige for recognition in the coming
eamosiens-both state and city. Through
Labor's Economic League action was
taken to refer the light franchise grab.
But no sooner had a move been made
than the hounds OF all the political par
ties began yelping long and loud From
the Democrats. Republicans and Citizens
parties the noise reverberated: but from
those in the labor movement who are
supporting the old line political parties
came the strongest. the longest and the
Ioudest cry OF distress. The supporters
of the Democratic party in the labor
movement have been instrumental IN
causing the men in the labor movement
In Denver the greatest amount OF incon-
venience. while Denver men who DO
not owe allegiance to any political party
have been endeavoring TO take some in
dependent political action that viii give
to labor some benefits. the Democratic
hirelings in the labor movement and
those who cater to the labor movement
for political prestige have sent their
agents into the central bodies to demand
Investigation.
out OF fairness this action could not
be opposed-for the Innocent cannot be
convicted unless conspiracy is resorted
TO. And It now looks as though step
In this direction was being taken
While every member OF the Trades AS
genbiy named 90 the resolution intro
duced by Bert Howard is confident that
the charges will fall fat yet they must
devote sufficient time TO the investiga-
ton to protect themselves from pos
sible frame-up In the testimony TO be
given
None of the men named in the resolu-
ton are alarmed as TO the outcome OF
the investigation. We call attention TO
these conditions in this issue 10 snow tne
workings OF the interests" and the old
rarties TO ruin any Independent action
that might be taken In reference TO the
commission form OF government
II might be worth while to note in this
connection that those who are demand
ing this investigation have been instru'
mental in bringing to Denver the Indus
trial Review of Pueblo to support them
in their campaign. II will also be of in
terest to those who are watching this in
vestigaiion to know that the Review op-
posed the commission form of govern
ment in Pueblo--and It carried by vote
OF TO /.
II is to be regretted that an investiga-
tion should be INDUCED in at this time
when united action is necessary. A com
mission form OF government is about as
sure TO be adopted as the sun is to set
in the west each evening. yet organized
labor is idle. one faction is keeping
busy the only people that have the cour
age to make a move. They have thrust
upon them an investigation which can
not be opposed. and while this is taking
place the rank and nle are wasting their
time as far as preparing themselves for
some political action is concerned.
Now is the time to act What is or
ganized labor going to do