United labor bulletin., 1912-02-29
AN IMPOSITION ON DIRECT LEGISLATION.

I'VE read in the columns of the daily press that GER
tain labor officials opposing the initiating of nu
merous laws to be voted on at the fall election The
remarks directed at the Direct Legislation League
of Colorado The Bulletin concurs in the opinion of
fered
Then see in the columns of another daily paper
that a law governing loan sharks has been drafted
and IS now in the hands of the parties that ex-
press themselves regarding the Direct Legislation
League. Then we ask questions
We believe that law should be initiated and passed
governing loan sharks but for the already ex-
pressed labor must refrain from being party max
ing the initiative and referendum unpopular the first
year of its inception. Too many laws have already
been initiated for the state election. They all
good: but some of them could wait. There is yet
come before the people by initiation two aws-one
amendment to the state constitution giving the
land board the right to mine coal state lands and
deliver same to the consumers the other statute legis
lafing for public utilities commission. These
ures should be given right of way all measures
that being considered at this time other than those
already being circulated The bill to provide for
public utilities commission is of great Importance be
cause the commission will have charge OF all public
utilities and if adopted will the commission the
power provide for the safety of all employees work
ing for public utility corporations well for the
working conditions The great benefits to be derived
from having the state mine coal and deliver the
To the Is tremendous Coal be delivered
the people of the state at than 50 10 ton
and, of union miners will be employed eNeus
ively. These bills of monumental Importance on
of the great scope they and of the great
benefits to every citizen of the state.
4 great opportunity was overlooked by the State
Federation of Labor officials when they did not initiate
an efficient eght-hour law for miners smeltermen and
working about steel mills and cement factories
A miners eighthour law passed at the last session
of the legislature but ii referred to the people by
the mine operators hence became imperative until 1t
voted upon the fall election. 1t is good law as
far as it goes, but it does not cover the field.
When the mine operators referred that law to the
people. the State Federation should have come back
with the Bellesed bill that introduced at the last
session of the legislature The initiation of this bill
in conjunction with the woman's eighthour bill, and
their adoption by the people, would have been great
achievement for the federation The Beleshed bill
follows:
it Encated by Assembly of the State of Colo
section Employment in underground mines. under
workings. openpit workings quar-
ries smeters reduction works stamp mills concentrating
works. rolling mills mills. and coke and blast
hereby declared to be injurious TO health and
dangerous life limb.
Sec > That the period of employment of workingmen
in ali underground mines underground workings opencu
orsirr Iii n5snnit WORKINGS smelters reduction works
stamp concentrating mills chlornaon processes cy
anide processes rolling mills rod mills and
at coke ovens shall exceed eight tS
within twenfour (2l hours except in cases OF
emergency property is in imminent danger
Sec s. Any person, persons body corporate. general
employer who shall violate or cause to be vo
the provisions of this Act shall be deemed
guilty of misdemeano upon conviction shall be
ished by less than hundred and fifty ss5o
dollars than five hundred ts50O dollars or by i'm
county Jail not less than ninety (90 days
(6 months, by both such fine and i'm
psonmen Every days violation OF the provisions OF TINS
Act shall constitute separate onense
Sec 4 All acts and parts of acts in conflict with the
provisions of this Act hereby repealed.
The laboring people of the state want vital legisla
ton at this time The other kind wait two years
for its adoption If labor itself is to introduce egs
lation let il put before the people the Beeseld eight
hour bill and work for its adoption