The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1912-05-11
TUESDAYS ELECTION-WE WIN.

The people have decided By vote that was
decisive and beyond question Of doubt the voters
of Duluth have declared for the Initiative the Refer
endum and the Recall. It was great victory. Right
over machine rule. The government Of the city OF
Duluth has been restored to the people, and now II
conditions become bad remain bad the people Will
have none to blame but themselves.
A study of the returns indicates that in every
precinct of the city where the people were per-
mitted to register their votes uninfuenced by the
representatives Of the special interests opposed to
direct legislation the opposition to the charter
amendment slight it was scarcely noticeable.
In voting district the electors voted unanimously
in favor of the amendment, and this district is To-
Gated l3 miles from the center of our population.
Out at Woodland only four votes cast against
the amendment:
On the other hand the only precincts in the city
that declared against the Initiative, the Referendum
and the Recall located in the very heart OF
population, in portion OF the city where abJect
misery, suffering and discomfort evident
than elsewhere. 1t would that the very people
direct legislation would help the most cast their
/ votes against the amendment.
Out in the East End where the men of wealth
reside, the men who have profited most from the
favors and privileges granted by the old system OF
machine rule, cast their votes almost unanimously
in favor of change and for the sovereignty Of the
people.
An analysis of the returns indicates the trend
of popular thought 1t shows that the people know
what they want. The result indicates which way the
political wind is blowing. The people are coming
into their own. The old school Of politicians who
have been in the habit of bossing the political job
awakened Wednesday morning to find themselves
completely shorn of power. From henceforth it is
the people who will rule.
! The election marks but mile post on the road
to complete popular sovereignty in city, state and
nation. Tuesdays fight was but skirmish The
real battle will be waged between and next
November when candidates for the state legislature
to be elected The friends Of direct legislation
intend to keep up their work and they will not
rest until the Initiative, the Referendum and the
Recall written into the constitution of Mime
iSOta
Let man be elected to the legislature from
st. Louis County who does not pledge himself to
vote honestly and squarely for bill that will per-
NIT the people OF the state to vote this question
In the recent contest The Labor World played
its part We have fought for direct legislation for
more than Is years. We drafted the first bill on
the subject that introduced in the legislature of
Minnesota. We took part in the campaign for this
principle in the 1905, 1907, 1909 and 1911 sessions
of the legislature Heretofore the Initiative the
Referendum and the Recall has been our dream
Today it is a realization at home We hope to be
able to continue in the fight until the principle be-
comes part of the basic law of our state and ma
tiOn.
There is glory enough for US all in the victory
Line weekly Record, the Herald and News Tribune,
all rendered valiant service to the cause The dailv
papers in particular never more devoted to a
principle. TO their work may be credited our i'm
mediate success
The Initiative, Referendum and Recall commit
tee, the churches, the welfare societies and the hosts
of civic righteousness throughout the city did yeo-
men s work. DR.. D. H. Day carries off the honors
for individual achievement. Men like E. NJ Nor
gan, Alex Mcknight, G. W. c. Ross, T. T. Hudson.
L. X. Lewis, Elmer Blu, Richard Jones, S. s. Me-
'Donald and hundred others did personal work
that counted for more than words can TELL
10 all Of these the people of Duluth are under
many obligations. The Labor World recognizes
their splendid services and trusts that their USE
fulness in promoting popular ideals will be widely
pextended.
The Labor Union does not want To talzo ,,zo,.lz