The labor journal. [volume] (Everett, Wash.) 1909-1976, 1913-10-03

49, -'AFN= D'@GS lNL-Ni EfN0s
The joint conference between repre-
sentatives of the State Federation of
Labor, Farmers Union, State Grange
and Direct Legislation League, held in
North Yakima the fore part of this
week, will prove to be epoch-making
in the history of progressive legisla-
tion of this state. Two years ago in
the same city an alliance was formed
between the organizations named
above and a joint legislative league
appointed. Under the auspices of that
committee all candidates for the legis-
lature were pledged last fall on sew
eral legislative measures of mutual in
terest. A majority of the elected men,
bers of the legislature signed the
pledges, but under the whip of the
legislative ring led by Speaker Howard
Taylor, enough violated their pledges
to prevent enactment into law of the
measures desired However, an in
itiative law was passed. Under it's
provisions a comprehensive program
of legislation will be submitted to the
people at the next election and there
is little doubt what the people of the
state will do when the opportunity is
given to them to do their own legis-
lating direct
Measures decided upon by the joint
conference at Yakima to submit to the
voters of the state via the initiative
route are six in number and are as
great effort next year will be to place
ton of boards and commissions, first
aid amendment to the compensation
law, anti-pork barrel, good roads law,
or utility roads VS.. scenic highways"
abolition of fee employment offices, a
fish code making possible the reten-
ton by the state of the fishing in
dustry as revenue producer for the
state.
Against Alien Land Bill.
In addition to these initiative meas
ures the conference went on record
as being unalterably opposed to the
alien land bill submitted by the last
legislature to the people for a refer
endum vote. Another resolution adopt
ed declared for more stringent legis-
lation by the federal government on
the subject of immigration. The state
tax levy of S.S1 mills was the subject
of severe condemnation, and a speedy
reduction in taxes was demanded.
One valuation for both rate making
and taxation purposes was favored as
an effective means of reducing the
tax levy.
The conference was unanimously of
the opinion that the foremost demand
made of the next legislature should
be the submission of a constitutional
amendment giving to the people the
right to amend the state constitution
by the initiative.
The voting strength represented by
these organizations is at least 100, 900.
Added to that the votes of progressive
citizens who are in sympathy with
the legislative program outlined above
and it will readily be seen that the
campaign of next year spells danger
for the interests of this state who
have been for so long in control of
legislation
This amalgamation of forces is on a
strictly non-partisan basis Men and
measures, not parties, is its chief con-
cern, and the non-partisan character
of the alliance was reaffirmed by the
conference. These organizations care
not whether candidates for the legis-
lature be republicans, democrats bull
moosers or socialists. They ask how
they stand on progressive measures.
Neither does the conference issue en-
dorsements of political candidates 1t
prepares a record of each member OF
the legislature upon measures chosen
and makes public the attitude of can
didates for the legislature. While not
neglecting the past performances or
future promises of candidates who
may offer themselves next year. the
create effort next year will be to place
the stamp of public approval and the
seal of public adoption by the voters
via the initiative upon the above
measures.
A more complete account of the
conference will appear in next weeks
Labor Journal.