The labor journal. [volume] (Everett, Wash.) 1909-1976, 1913-10-31
(By e. P. Marsh, President Washing
ton State Federation of Labor)
ARTICLE ~
ARTICLE ~


ARTICLE ~
The campaign of 1912 and the legis-
lative session of 1913 proved conclu-
sively the value of cooperation be-
tween the farmers and trade union
lists for legislative purposes. The
| legislative records of members of
the 1911 session defeated for re-elec-
tion some of the most notorious of
the standpat members. The pledges
public attention upon the legislative
program of labor. The fight on the
house rules brought public attention
to certain evils in our legislative sys-
tenn by which it was possible for a
small minority to dominate legisla-
ton. In the consideration of H B.
between Privilege and the People.
Though defeated the issue was ac-
centuated and the power of consti-
tutional amendment by popular will
cannot be long delayed.
The session of 1913 gave us the
machinery for operation of the in
itiative, referendum and recall. How
effective it will prove to be must be
determined by the future. The ne
cessity for another conference of
forces to analyZe the machinery given
us, the advisability of testing its
efficacy at the earliest possible mo-
ment, what issues should be para
mount in an initiative campaign, led
up to the calling of another joint
meeting in North Yakima, September
29 and 80.
At this meeting not a jarring note
developed. The experiences of the
intervening months since the joint
organization was formed proved the
wisdom of the course adopted. The
joint legislative committee had
worked out to the satisfaction of the
contracting parties. Farmers and
trade unionists had indeed gotten ac-
quainted, had taken on added conf
dence in their ability to work in har-
ness. There was no suggestion of a
return to single harness, but every
discussion was how to develop more
and better team work. 1t was de-
cided without dissenting voice to con-
tinue the present joint legislative
committee and that decision cleared
the way for a whole-hearted consid-
Grafton of methods for greater eff
cheney of organization.
1t was realized that the enemies of
direct legislation would try in several
ways to discredit the initiative and
referendum, both in theory and in
practice. If the courts would not
! knock out the machinery through
/ legal technicalities, there remained
other points of attack. An old cam
paign trick to defeat candidate for
office is to trot out other candidates
who are not expected to win, decoy
ducks, as it were, dividing the op-
position and making it possible for
the machine candidate to win. The
progressive forces might hang them
selves by initiating so many and
varied measures that the voters
would become confused, discouraged
and disgusted in the multiplicity OF
issues presented Failing to fall for
that it would be possible for the IN
terests to themselves spring numer-
GUS initiative bills to accomplish the
same end, confusion of the voters and
consequent lessening of public faith
in the workability of direct legisla-
tion. 1t was apparent to the confer
ence that the wisest plan would be
to initiate a very few measures, en-
bodying questions of the greatest
import to thepeople of the state With
out regard to political alignment OF
the voters. What were the subjects
which would most quickly and surely
arouse the voters and focus public
attention upon the issues involved?
"Six in number" declared the con-
ference. First Aid, Employment OF
flee Evil, Consolidation of State
Boards and Commissions, Blue Sky
Law, Fish Code Revision, Pork Bar
rel system of Road Appropriations.
Let me take them up in the order
named and write briefly of each
measure. First Aid" 1t was the
original intent of the trainers OF the
+, compensation act that first ald
should be incorporated in the law. 1t
was plainly apparent that the amounts
received for minor injuries would
scarcely more than pay doctor and
Continued on Page Two)