The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1912-07-15
LABOR NOTES OF
VIDE INTEREST

To-day the toilng masses, painfully
conscious of the inequalities that exist
in the distribution of the desirable
things OF life, with increasing intelli-
gence are applying to better advantage
the power they unitedly possess, in both
the political and industrial fields. The
philosophy of their endeavor is based
upon actually existing conditions, and
the movements that engage their atten
tion primarily are the establishment Of
q wage scale more compatible with the
environments OF the twentieth century
civilization and an eight-hour day; JUS
tifiable compensation in case of indus
trial accidents and the abolition of child
labor; equal pay Tor equal work. no mat
ter by whom performed and voice in
the establishment of the wage rate; safe
and sanitary conditions under which to
work, and the adjustment of grievances
upon a basis of equity; settlement of
wage disputes by honorable arbitration
rather than through strike or lockout;
no discrimination against those active
in the affairs of the union and elmina-
ton of injunction abuses in labor dis
putes; the modification OF police powers
NOW exercised to destroy the right OF
\ free speech free press and free assem-
bage election of chief factory inspect
or by direct vote OF the people and inn
prisonment for vote buyers and vote sell
ers; adjustment of the practice Of as
sisting voters at the polls, except in
cases of actual disability, and equal and
just taxation for all, special privileges
/ for none the initiative, referendum and
recall-the referendum to apply to all
legislation except emergency measures,
and the recall to apply to all public
officials, including the judges of the SUI
preme court of the United States; cleo
ton of United States senators by pop
uar vote and direct presidential pri-
mary election; ultimate public owner
ship and operation of public utilities
and square deal all around These are
some of the things we workers want
and rest assured we will never stop until
we get them.
Well, some OF us would like to know
how hogs are selling at Sl2 cents whole
sale and retailing at an average of 1917
cents. This figures out at 100 per cent.
profit, and furthermore is not blame
able to Chicago markets, but right in
Barre and vicinity. Where does the
square deal come in herey
A good deal of dissatisfaction is felt
by our local storekeepers--partly just- !
fiable-that considerable trading is being
done by the good wives of Barre with
the travelling butcher, grocer and green
goods men from the outlying districts.
II is claimed on reliable authority that
the local merchants sell cheaper than
the non-taxpaying invader, employ un-
ion help, work union hours and are left
with the sweet satisfaction that the pat |
ronsge which should be theirs has gone
to strangers. Let us patronize home in
dustries and probably in the near future
some of our store girls, who are under
paid at the expense of their parents,
will receive at least living wage. Now,
then, all with will. Boost Barre and
let all have chance to live.
In the American Wooden mills of Wi
nooski VT, women and children work
81 hours per week, under unsanitary
conditions, and the lowest wage rate
in New England. We have heard so