davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1918-01-19
WHY NOT IN DULUTH?

Last week the citizens of Oshkosh,
Wis.,, by a large majority, decided to
establish municipal fuel plant and
an ice plant, and the city officials are
already formulating plans for the
new venture. The vote clearly
showed that the people want the city
to engage in the handling of these
necessities so essential to the welfare
of all.
The most significant feature of
the election is that the movement
was started and the campaign man.
aged by the Oshkosh Trades and
Labor assembly. Although the mu-
nicipal undertaking may prove a
failure, it is confidently antici-
pated that everything will work out
successfully, and that it will be only
a short time before the residents of
Vie Wisconsin city will be the bene-
The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1918-01-19
TAKE THE COAL MINES.

How the water soaked industries
of the country are falling down in
this great crisis! 1t was most notice.
able with the railroads. Next comes
the coal mines. The operators have
been in the habit of putting profit
above service for so long that they
are absolutely incapable now of
properly and adequately responding
to the call of patriotism.
Public sentiment demands that the
government commander the coal
mines and run them without fur
Their delay. 1t is folly to close
down the bread and butter-giving in
dustries of the country at this time
of the year on account of the low
supply of coal. Workingmen need
every dollar they can earn working
full time, to feed, clothe and shell
ter themselves and families. and
complete payment on their liberty
bonds. Every wage Garner and sal
al lSu uldu Ill Tie lduu Has most
serious problem confronting him.
None can afford to lose time or have
his income reduced.
1t strikes US that the sensible
thing to do is for the government to
take over the coal mines, and work
them with full crews, twenty-fOur
hours day, until the present criti-
cal situation is relieved. There are
some things more precious and more
sacred than property rights, and one
of them is the public welfare. When
property fails to discharge it's obi
cation to the society which gives it
protection and security it loses it's
right for further claim upon the
peoples government. A warrsntee
deed becomes but a "scrap of paper"
without the guarantee of govern
ment None of the present owners
Of the nations natural resources
holds a property title from the AL
mighty. 1t was given by the people
through their government. The
government can take away; blessed
be the name of the government.
The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1918-01-19
COULD HE SEE THE DIFFER
ENCEo

The Bloomington Searchlight: It
would be interesting to know what
Senator Sherman, who wants to put
all members Of the 7. W. w. at work
on the rock pile. would do with the
profiteers. Would he consign them
to the same punishment. or would he
let their work go on unimpeded?
And while the senator seems to in
innate that all strikers also should be
nut to work on rock piles. or at least
"onscripted, what would he do with
those who are piling up millions Of
excess profits on account Of the war I?
The proflteers, by their enormous
charges, arc making the cost of living
higher, thus rendering it necessary,
In many instances, for the workers to
strike in order to secure the means t.
live. II they are impeding the gov
ernment by striking, what are the
profiteers, who make the strike nec-
essary, doing?
And what would Senator Sherman
do with them?
The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1918-01-19
ficiaries Of, much lower prices for
fuel and ice.

ficiaries Of, much lower prices for
fuel and ice.
Municipal ownership is in general
favor with the voters of most cities,
and it is only reasonable to assume
that if this same proposition or a
similar one were submitted to the
electorate of Duluth, the result
would be an overwhelming victory
like that in Oshkosh.
The obstacle to such an election
here is that it Is difficult to find an
organization to sponsor the move
ment, because it is obvious that it
would involve some hard work.
Last summer the local Federated
Trades assembly appointed COM
mittee to investigate the feasibility
of establishing a municipal coal yard.
Although this committee was en-
couraged by some friendly local at
torneys to push the project, for some
inexplicable reason nothing devel-
oped, and the committee finally
ceased to function.
Although Federal control of coal
mines may be permanent, there will
always be the profiteering middle
man to exact his profits for handling
the commodity and at the same time
rob the consumers by short weight.
Public sentiment is such that it will
readily respond to any movement
tending to lower prices, and all that
is necessary is the initiative of some
organizations; preponderant support
of the people will quickly follow.
1t is unlikely that the daily papers
would inaugurate any such PROPOSE
ton, or business men, for they ap
parently seek the perpetuation of the
a present costly system Of distribution.
Therefore it devolves on some civic
organization or the Trades assembly
to "start the ball rolling" The press
would quickly support the PROPOSE
ton when the voice of the people is
heard.
There is splendid opportunity
to aid the working people of this city
in securing lower coal prices. Who
will take the responsib;lity-and
later the creditor inaugurating
the movement? Surely there are
some public-spirited citizens or or
CARNATIONS willing to "do their bit"
in this regard.
The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1918-01-19
Oshkosh Goes Into Business,
(From Superior Telegram ,

(From Superior Telegram.)
On Jan. 8, the city of Oshkosh in
this state held special election to
vote on two propositions. One was
this. Shall a municipal fuel plant be
established?" The other was similar
as to ice. ,"Shall municipal ice plant
be established?" On the fuel question
2,468 votes were cast of which l,846
were yes, and 622> were no-nearly
three to one yes. On the ice question
were yes, and 726 were no-a good
margin over two to one. Therefore
the municipality is to engage in both
lines of business. The vote was only
about half Of the total registration of
the city. but it is not claimed that a
larger vote would have materially
changed the percentage of strength as
shown. The Oshkosh Northwestern
says:
'"The decision reached leaves no
room for a bubble over the actual
wish and will of the public and even
had the vote been of normal proper
tons the result probable would have
been the same. Not a few citizens
are ready to predict failure for this
experiment, but if their misgivings
prove to be unfounded it will be cause
for congratulations all around. The
success of this plan, moreover, will
give considerable advertisement to the
city Of Oshkosh. While other places
will watch the outcome of this under
taking with a good deal of interest.
Should the Oshkosh plan prove to be
a success. in fact, it is likely that
other cities will he ready to adopt it
for the benefit Of their own resi-
dents"
The Northwestern says the city will
lose no time in carrying out the
wishes of the voters, and it quotes
Mayor Mulva and members of the city
council to that effect. Councilman
Lampert was the most specific in his
expression, although in full harmony
with the others. He is quoted as say
ing:
THE city will now go into the ice
and fuel business and I believe the
enterprise can be made successful and
self supporting as has been the case
with municnpal ownership of the
waterworks. The people have ex-
pressed themselves in favor of the
municipal ice and fuel plants and
there is nothing for the city officials
to do but carry out their wishes to the
fullest extent possible. 1 guess they
have been so pleased with tn way
the city has conducted sales of fish,
beans and potatoes that they believe
the city can handle the fuel and ice
business all right, too. My opinion is
that the city should go ahead at once
to engage in the ice business. 1t will
have to get its stock Of ice without
delay. I imagine the city cannot do
much in the way Of handling fuel until
next fall"
The movement was started and the
campaign was handled by the Oshkosh
Trades and Labor assembly. The re-
suits will be watched with much in
tereSt.
The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1918-01-19
WHO WILL WIN THE WAR?
(From Detroit Labor News,)


When all is said and done, upon
whose shoulders will fall the greatest
responsibility for the winning of the
present world war 'for labor and
democracy?" The brave men who
are IN the trenches, on the front in
the cavalry charges, the fearless pilots
OF the air. the courageous souls who
serve in the deep, all are and will
play heroic parts in the struggle for
human liberty. The mother hearted
nurses, who in the garments of the
Red Cross-the angels of the battle
! tleld-go fearlessly about their task
OF ministering to the wounded and
dying are performing a. work which
is amazing in it's self sacrifice. The
true hearts that are serving in the
Y. M. c. A. encampments abroad who
OTTER material and spiritual solace to
those in the service. All of these are
dOlng their part nobly.
To- these must be added the volun-
tary workers in the efforts at the
conservation of food and coal; those
women who are contributing their
mites by their knitting; the loyal pur-
chasers of Liberty Loan bonds and the
purchasers of Thrift Stamps; the jour
nails and individuals who are doinc
their utmost to back up the govern
ment in its war program, all are es-
sentlal to the success of the war.
But back of all these, the first ef-
tort necessary to the conduct of the
War-even of civilization-is that of
the loyal workers in the nation
whether these work in the coal or
metal mines, at the bench, forge, in
the shipyards in construction work,
in any of the avocations of a normal
existence. Upon the loyalty of these
depends the final success OF. the war.
Before food can be shipped it must
De garnered. and prepared. After
1t is prepared it must be conveyed by
the railroads to the water front where
again workers transport it in the ships.
Before the enemy can be met with
shot and shell, by gas bomb or hand
grenade, all Of these munitions must
be made by the hand of skilled labor.
Before the fearless aviator can fly
aloft over our own heroic troops to
guard them from surprise or over
the territory Of enemies, thee to exact
| tribute for the heinous offenses COM
mitted against civilization, skilled
labor must mako the flying machine
and its supplies. ..sls .
So when President Wilson visited
the annual convention Of the Ameri-
can Federation Of Labor he went to-
what he knew was the head Of the
most vitality necessary element tor
success. When organized labor,
through its delegates endorsed the
The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1918-01-19
LABELLED GOODS
By Rev. Charles StelZlc.

Most of us wear a label It may not
be "union" label, but it more ac-
curately indicates the conditions under
which we were developed than is
sometimes possible by other kinds Of
labels. The United States government
has declared that every form of pre-
pared food and patent drug must be
so plainly marked that anyone may
know it's principal constituent parts.
But more minute1y still is every man
and woman labelled and classified. At
any rate, there are some folks who
know about us, try to deceive the
world as we may. 1t is still true that
you can fool some of the people all
Of the time, and all of the people
some of the time, but you cannot fool
all of theIpeople all Of the time.
Many a workingman who is ex-
tremely careful about having the
union label in his hat, forgets it is
far more important to have the right
kind of label in his heart. For "as
man thinketh in his heart, 50 is
he" That's scripture, and you know
it's true. And what a man is, is pretty
sure to be revealed in his talk, his
walk, his hands, his face, his eyes, his
life. All this in man will make a
pretty good-siZed label, and you don't
have to dig down into his clothes, or
lift the band of his hat, to tell what
manner of man he is,
The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1918-01-19
SUFFRAGE AMENDMENT UP TO
THE SENATE.

The action of the lower house of
congress last Thursday when it
adopted the resolution submitting the
Federal woman suffrage amendment
to the state legislatures, is gratifying
to all those who wish to see the es-
Establishment Of social justice in so far
as it is possible through equality at
the ballot box.
1t is now up to the senate to say
whether the United States shall
maintain its position among the pro-
gressive nations OF the world.
1t is unnecessary to state reasons
why women should be permitted to
have a voice in the making of laws
under which they must live. 1t is just
plain justice, which should have been
meted out long ago.
Women Of about a dozen states are
now given the ballot, and it is only
In the matter of fairness and con-
sistency that it be made universal,
for women are as intelligent in one
section of the country as in another.
Although at the present time there
Is some uncertainty as to the out
come of the vote in the senate,
there is but one thing which this
dignified body can do-and retain it's
self-respect-and that is to vote to
submit this amendment, and do it as
soon as possible
The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1918-01-19
WHAT OTHER PAPERS j: SAY
INCONSISTENCY.

Dayton Labor Review: BY some
peculiar system of reasoning there are
number of people who severely CEN
sure the workingman for insisting
upon an increase in wages, while these
same persons loudly proclaim the ne
cessity for advancing the cost Of COM
modities. If wages were automatic
ally raised or lowered with the cost
of living, there might be some justih-
cation. for these complaints, but as it
is, wages have advanced 81, while the
price of necessities have advanced 81.
thus making the purchasing power of
the workingman's dollar just one
fourth as great at is was year or
more ago. If the laborer's wage was
increased in proportion to his living
expense he would be paid three times
the amount OF salary he now receives.
For proof of this statement we refer
the doubling ones to the statistics
compiled by the United States Depart
ment OF Labor.
The corporation whose expenses
are greater than it's receipts must in
crease the price of it's product or go
out of business. The same rule ap-
plies to the workingman The cost
of his raw material-living expenses
is greater than he receives for the
finished Observation-Disclosures he is
faced with the same alternative as
the business man-increase wages or
so out of business Iff this is the
proper procedure for the corporation
or man in business. why is it such a
heinous offense for the worker to ex-
ercise the same good Judgment?
Some one has said that consistency
is a jewel, but everyone knows that
Jewels are rare
The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1918-01-19

war aims of the federation. and re-
affirmed its loyalty to the govern
ment Of the United States, it pledged
it's best efforts in behalf of the gov
eminent that no unnecessary stoppage
of industry would be tolerated during
the continuance Of the war.
Organized labor has taken a stand
that demands of it the organization
of all workers SO that it can make
good on its promise to President Will
son. We are only doing our part when
we insist that all labor join hands with
us under the banner Of the American
Federation where they will come
under the discipline Of our move
ment. In extending the benefits Of
Organization we are substantially aid
Ing the government by bringing under
one head all productive forces.
The war for the right Of all peo-
pies tosrule themselves must be won
In order to win that war there must
be loyal, united working class back
'of the government and its program.
The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1918-01-19
OWNERSHIP OF
RAILROADS.

Illinois Labor Press: The remark
able thing about the decision of the
President taking over the railroads is
the satisfaction it has given the gen.
eral public
Citizens seem to have faith that
the government will bring order out
Of the chaos now reisning in the rail-
road industry.
Labor will welcome government
ownership Of the railroads. The gov
eminent is a good employer and can
be depended upon to look after the
welfare of public employees much
more to their satisfaction than the
private employer is generally disposed
to do.
The willingness of the railroad
owners to be absorbed by the govern
ment is the first admission by Amer
lean capitalists that the job has be-
come too big for private management
and the task of financing beyond the
power of private capitalists.
We do not fear that the railroad
owners will get undue profits or that
the government will loan money to
bolster up the profits on the vast
amount of watered stock.
Within six months the government
Will take over the coal mines in the
same manner. Probably the steel in
dustry will follow. 1t begins to dawn
upon the minds of people that any
great industry that is necessary to
the lives of the people should be
under the ownership Of the nation.
Private ownership of the great in
struments of production and exchange
is admitted to be failure due to
the immensely Of the task of promot-
ing the general welfare. Government
ownership is the remedy.
The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1918-01-19
THROUGH THE PERISCoPE

The expected resignation Of John
Lind from the Minnesota Public Safe
ty commissions to assist Secretary of
Labor Wilson In the mobilization of
labor forces, will provide Governor
Burnquist with an opportunity to
square himself with the people by the
appointment of real labor represent
tative or one who will look out for the
interests of the farmers, to fill the va
cancy.
Federal operation OF Americas coal
fields was advocated as a cure for the
coal shortage by Clifford Thorne, rate
expert. before the senate coal probers
recently.
Although the unprecedented con-
sumption of beef is increasing the
supply of shoe leather, prices of foot
wear are maintaining their dizzy
heights.
Arlzona's copper mines are gain the
scene of trouble, as the recent settle
ment negotiated by Secretary Wilson
and his commission has been violated
by the operators. An attempt at ad-
justment is being made by the exec
utive board of the metal miners
union.
IN a recent election in Madrid,
Spain, four revolutionists serving life
terms in the penitentiary were elected
to office. Although prevented from
legally accepting office under the
present regime, the election shows the
disregard of the populace for the gov
eminent.
During the last seven years 81 Of
the AZ states in the Union have
adopted ,Workmen's compensation
laws. Porto Rico, Alaska and Hawaii
also have such laws. North Dakota is
the only northern state which has
none.
IT the Democratic party in this state
refuses to put up a candidate against
Senator Nelson next fall, then Demo-
Gratis who desire to advance their own
interests should vote for the Prohibi-
ton candidate, says Editor Metcalfe of
the Steel Plant News
The United States supreme court has
rendered an opinion declaring the
draft law constitutional
The sugar trust is importing thou
sands Of Chinese coolies to Cuba,
where they are being employed on the
plantations to freak the strike of the
native workers.
When it comes to printing editorial
comments that reek with the faint of
capltalistic influence The Biwabik
Times is in class by ITSELF
The Milwaukee Federated Trades
council has invited Senator La Fol-
lette to deliver an address in the
Cream City, under its auspices
John 3. Lennon, formerly treasurer
of the A. f. of L., has accepted a posi-
ton in the department of labor as
federal mediator in labor controyer-
sizes.
Governor Philip has issued call
for special session of the Wisconsin
legislature to convene Feb. 10.
organized labor may again enjoy a
natural growth in Arizona, where the
supreme court has declared that
George w. p. Hunt was elected gov
ernor of that state instead Of Thomas
p. Campbell, the corporation puppet
who has illegally occupied the exec
utive's chair for the last year.
Federal labor statistics show that
food costs in October, 1917, were So
per cent higher than in the same
month of 1913.
The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1918-01-19

take advantage Of war expenditures
by the government for the purpose of
enhancing private incomes. All that
labor demands is enough to meet
the increased costs of living, so that
pre-war standards may be main
ta1ned. Let the business interests
do the same. and we will be enabled
to end the war much sooner, with the
resultant saving Of human lives.
The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1918-01-19
ONE REASON WHY SHIP CON-
STRUCTION is DELAYED.

Some interesting facts are being
disclosed at the national capital by
a senate committee which is investi-
eating the alleged delay in carrying
out the shipbuilding program Of the
government.
Many interests opposed to labor
unions-and we reluctantly place
Senator Nelson of Minnesota in this
category-have attempted to place
all the blame for construction delays
on the union workmen, and thereby
stigmatize them before those not ac-
quainted with the philosophy Of
trade unionism.
The shipping board has gigantic
proposition on it's hands, and it is
only reasonable to expect that much
friction will develop between the
employing and working factions
However, if the truth were known,
The Labor World believes that avari-
cious employers, and not the toilers,
would be exposed as the real cul-
prits who are retarding the work of
fitting out our merchant marine and
battleships.
Patriotism is lost sight of by many
who worship the almighty dollar,
and the following is a good illustra
ton of the Unsuitable greed of those
who are a menace to our nations
safety in these times of stress.
Just 267 employees at the Hog is
land shipyard project-the island in
the Delaware river below Philadel
phia where contracting corporation
is spending $21,000,000 or more of
government money in building a ship
yard to construct 12O ships-are get
ting more than 5000 a month. There
are SO many fancy salaries among
them, thanks to their long connec-
ton with the interests that are in
charge Of this spending Of public
money, that the average pay is 1862
per month. One press agent, en-
| ployed for some reason not yet clear
to the senate committee which has
dug up the facts, get $500 month.
These facts were presented to the
committee by Senator Hiram John
son of California, after Senator Nell
son had sought to show that the de-
lay of construction Of ships was due
in large part to difficulties between
labor unions or with organizer labor.
Senator Johnson brought out the
fact that the company which has
placed this army of salaried people
on the governments hands, at fig
ures dictated by the company, is it.
self getting 100000 for furnish
ing only the know how" Of the Job.
Uncle Sam puts up every cent Of
the money used.
Already there has been serious
complaint at Hog Island, by the
1000 men working there, at the in
sufficient food and housing and cases
Of brutal treatment of individual
workers. Mediators have taken the
matter in hand.
1t is such cases as this which must
be pointed out, so that the people
may know who are the real traitors
to our country.
! Verify, the present is no time to
The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1918-01-19
THE GREATEST Menace.

Ben Tillett, the radical British I'M
ionist who won a seat in parliament
at a special election a few weeks ago,
announces that he is going after the
war profiteers with a club. and those
who know the man feel that he will
keep his word. Tillett says war-weari-
ness is growing because the soldiers
don't receive adequate pay and their
families are being robbd by the profit
mongers. 1--WE must give support to
the movement which has for it's ulti-
mate object the eliminat ton of the food
profiteers, who are doing so much to
prolong the war, and to reduce human
misery" he declares. ''l am afraid the
food profteer is more of menace. un-
dermining our strength, as we'll as our
health and physique, than the war it.
self from the enemy standpoint. II
we are beaten, it will not be by the
Germans, but by the profiteers in our
midst"