The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1912-06-22
ENCOURAGE MENT
IN HALLS REPORT
f.. G. Hall Gives Annual Address
Before / !egates to Minnesota
State Feds; ation Convention.

''lr sp:rs Of the many obstacles with
which we have had to contend, much
has been done which will result in per-
msnent advancement: said Mr.. Hall in
beginning his annuel address. 1T is
my belief that this advancement will
continue through coming years regard
less Of temporary setbacks or discour-
agement. Nothing can permanently re-
tard the growth Of the unions, and the
seeds Of poison that are scattered
broadcast by opponents of labor unions
In their efforts to create discontent and
discord in our ranks, or kill US alto
gether. have failed.
The American labor movement has
nothing to be ashamed of. Its history
and accomplishments speak for it.
Since the formation of the first labor
organizat tion on the American contin-
ent down to the present day, the ef-
forts of the organized toilers have been
for the uplifting of the entire human
race. 1t is a matter of regret that
more do not appreciate the real benefits
to be. derived as result Of member
ship in labor union. These are bet
ter days for every workman: better
homes are the rule; conditions in work.
shop, mill and mine vastly better
than ever before. and the credit for this
credited to the accomplishments of the
labor unions. While the organizations
In Minnesota have grown and pros
pered in the last year, there are still
who are eligible to membership in
their respective unions. To this group
OF workers our attention should be d1-
rected for in their organization we
may gain more strength.
Speaks for Child Labor.
Organized labor is to pe COM
mended for its unceasing interest IN
the children of the nation. We are In
debted to the pioneers Of our move
children of today to enjoy the free
school, and who saw the wisdom of
compulsory education as safeguard
for the children, countless thousands
of whom in times past have been forced
to toll in factory, mill and mine when
they should have been in school. The
organized workingmen and women of
every movement for the benefit of the
children. Free schools, free textbooks,
Fairgrounds and other things which
have a tendency to broaden the mind
American, are advocated and supported
The i"e woman v in Industry is becoming
a serious problem in the industrial
given her except by those for whom
she is being exploited, and by those
who sympathize with her-the organ
lied workers. Industrial life is lower
the working girl in Minnesota. It
needs the attention of the Minnesota
State Federation of Labor this year
.r more than ever before: The future mo
organization or legislation, and I trust
some plan to this end may be devised
Lands George b. Howley.
On February s of this year news of
the sudden death of George B. Howley
proved a shock to the union members
over the Twenty-ffth, Twenty-s sixth,
Twenty seventh and Twenty eighth
conventions. He was an aggressive,
fearless leader a man of sterling quail
Federation of Labor and held high Of
fees in his own union His services to
the general labor movement was of
great value, and as an organizer he
the unions.
Organization Work
Organization work the last year has
accomplished more than was expected.
The Federation done much in the way
Of reviving weak unions and organizing
new ones. Union membership in Min
nesota has greatly increased over last
year, and locals have been placed in
cities where this branch of union en-
deavor has never succeeded before.
In addition to numerous committee
meetings. I attended 355 regular and
special meetings Of unions in various
parts of the state, including all meet
ings of the Executive Council.
North Dakota.
At the last convention. Vice Prest-
dent Charles Fraser reported that steps
were being taken to form a State Fed
Grafton Of Labor for North Dakota. In
September ! received an invitation from,
Secretary Oliver of the Fargo Trades
Assembly to attend the convention and
assist in organizing the state body. On
October L. 1911, in the city of Grand
Forks, a federation was formed which
promises to become a factor in ad-
vancing the interests of unions in all
directions.
Cities Visited.
During the year work has been done
Brainerd, Mankato. St. Peter, waseca'
Red Wing. Winona, Crookston, ST.
Paul, Minneapolis. St illwater and Du-
luth. 1t is regretted that funds would
not allow the extension of organiza ton
work to some of the other towns where
there is a chance for to organize
unions.
FarmerS' Unions.
Resolutions were adopted at our last
convention instructing your officers to
communicate with all farmers unions
CONTINUED on Page 81