walking the streets, some not having had a day's work for weeks. In fact, the situation has become such that measures have been taken by the union to assist the subs who are located here permanently and who have families to support.

No. 36 rallied around the flag of our present administration at the last meeting by endorsing the nomination of the present executive officers of the International for another term.

After all, one of the bulwarks of our union is this: That the majority of the boys believe in giving every member a square deal; no more, no less.

Oakland and San Francisco authorities are making determined effort to exterminate all rats. Let the good work extend to Los Angeles.

These spring days are causing the baseball enthusiasts to sniff the balmy air and long for the sight of the dusty diamond. The Tribune-Enquirer and Gazette had good ball teams last year who were always victorious-sometimes-and evidences point to reorganization this year.

Ralph Criswell, of Los Angeles, has suggested establishing a printers' home for old and decrepit printers and their wives, their widows and minor children. His plan, as I understand it, is somewhat on the co-operative community order, with small individual farms or lots for the respective families. He appeals to philanthropically inclined persons for a starter. Here's hoping.

G. H. BUCKner.

BUTTE, MONT.

No

On February 23 No. 126 had a smoker (accent on the a) at which were present a judge of the district court, a police magistrate and the high sheriff. We did not need these people in their official capacity, but in them we recognize our friends; and for them as well our members was the smoker given. In passing, it may be said Judge Lynch, of the district court, was for seven years a member of the Butte miners' union. There were many others of the legal fraternity present, as there always are at our social gatherings, including Humane Officer P. J. Gilligan. sccial, smoker, dance, mulligan, funeral, even, of Butte printers is complete without Pete's presence. Not the least among the good things which came from the lips of our guests were reminiscences by Frank Lez, an honorary member of No. 126, now a limb of the law in Butte. Our own Emil Zchau introduced Lez as a man who could speak and drink beer in two languages, which resulted in Emil, whom we always knew to be a past master in the accomplishments he attributed to his friend, singing "The Star Spangled Banner" in German. J. J. Dallas, really the daddy of the smoker, rendered, by request and very effectively, two excellent selections. Phil O'Rourke proved a most gentlemanly assistant chief of police, though his opportunities for a display of his talent were limited by reason of the fact that President Hogan wielded, in a very talented and impressive manner, a bit of blackthorn as his gavel. While it would be impossible to give each committeeman, entertainer and good fellow personal mention, it would be an insult to the craft and an injustice to the gentle

man himself were the acrobatic feats of Clyde Larson overlooked. With none of the chalk, carmine or tinsel of the traveling performer, Clyde accomplished the most difficult feats charmingly and gracefully.

Although mining has been resumed in the "richest hill on earth," Butte is not yet by any means a paradise for printers-the metal isn't quite hot enough and some of the cases are pied.

The allied printing trades council is workingdon't let some fellow forget that! When it gets everything ready, there'll be an explosion to make some people sit up and take notice.

RICHARD HATHAWAY.

MONTREAL, CANADA.

The nominations for the several offices in the gift of the local union was the principal item under consideration by the members of No. 176 during the last month. And, by the way the various nominations were handed out, there is a prospect of some excitement on the night of the election. President Hughes was nominated for a second term. Certain it is that Mr. Hughes has handled the various matters which have come before him in a very able and fair manner-and there have been some matters before the organization during the past year that might easily have been spoiled in the handling. For instance, it was during this year that the greatest victory organized labor has ever won in Canada was so successfully handled by President Hughes-with the assistance, of course, of Organizer Charles S. Brown.

Business in Montreal has been fairly good all through the past winter, especially in one or two offices, where there has been no letup at all. Even some of our good friends (?), the so-called “open shop" employers, have been put to considerable trouble in keeping their staff of "artists" up to their requirements, and ads for "compositors of two or three years' experience" have frequently been seen in the papers. H. J. W. Powers.

GLENS FALLS, N. Y.

"Little 96" is using the sticker and booming the label in great shape. So push it along. It is a good thing.

Why is it that a man will profess to be a union man and buy hats, tobacco, bread, clothing, etc., without looking for the label? That's the question. If you continue to buy non-union goods, then make up your mind you are encouraging employers who are paying low wages and closing in on you with injunctions. So if you want to encourage injunc tions, why, just keep on ignoring your safeguard, the union label.

We adore the typo union, the foremost in this land,

Where every brother should extend a welcome hand.

We know that in the future that stronger we will be,

In this great America, the land of liberty. And not forgetting our label, how happy all should be,

As it is the safeguard to all humanity.

J. F. TRACEY.

SPRINGFIELD, ILL.

Henry Doenges, an operator on the Register, and Paul Burns, assistant foreman at Phillips Brothers, have announced themselves as candidates for election as delegate. No. 177 will be well represented at Boston, as several ex-delegates will be in attendance. President Rotramel, ex-Chicago and Hot Springs, intends to go, as well as Vice-President Runshe and others.

We are glad to announce that the new building for the Evening News is now an assured fact. The structure is designed especially for a newspaper, and, of course, every convenience will be installed to make it as suitable and comfortable as possible for all concerned. The building is to be erected according to the most improved sanitary plans, and we believe that, as far as ventilation and light are concerned, the composing room will be an ideal

ness. About three years ago the Register bought

a large three-story building and remodeled it to suit its purposes. The result is that there is plenty of room, light and ventilation in the building. Phillips Brothers, the state printers, were the next to erect an office, which has a composing room that is perfect in every respect.

Work has been fairly good in Springfield since the recent financial depression, but there have also been plenty of men to do it.

Anent the discussion of the priority law, we will say there is no one here who claims it to be a bad law. Nearly all of the membership of No. 177 are protected, more or less, by its provisions, and no one can see its injustice. To a man out of a job it may seem a little hard, but the security it gives to members holding situations far overbalances any seeming defect it may have. G. A. McCUNE.

one.

Another

The walls will be covered with cement, insuring absolute cleanliness. A gymnasium for the carrier boys and all employes, and shower baths for every one, will be installed in the basement. The plumbing will be the most complete system that can be obtained. A new thrce-deck press will be installed on the first floor, and will be enclosed in a glass partition, located in the center of the front of the building, in full view. machine will be set up and the composing room will be equipped with new material of every kind. In fact, the management declares that the News will have a first-class equipment. The News is owned by Charles H. May, who also owns the Peoria Herald-Transcript. There is no doubt that the News will take on new life and will become one of the leading papers in this section. The News is the third Springfield company to see the need of a home that is made especially for its busi

BELLINGHAM, WASH.

Bellingham Union has a membership of an average of forty, among whom are six ex-delegates to the International. I doubt the ability of any union of equal numbers to show as great an array of exes.

I wish to heartily endorse the idea advanced by W. E. Shields to locate the meeting place for the International at an unmovable point, or, in other words, do away with the junketing part of the program. Chicago would be a good point to move the headquarters to, it being central and needing considerable attention from the International officers. But, Brother Shields, do not agitate the question very much until after the A.-Y.-P. exposition, which holds forth in Seattle in 1909. Seattle must have the next convention-every other national convention to be held that year having signified an intention to meet there. Every section

of the United States has been recognized by the International meetings-the north, the south, the east, the west-save this great northwest. Seattle, 1909, and then Chicago permanently.

At the last meeting of the local all the present officers of the International were endorsed unanimously as the nominees for future honors.

The Labor Journal, of this city, is published by Fred Hudson, a member of No. 355, also president of the central labor body. Mr. Hudson, by the way, is making a live paper of the Journal.

Herman Krelle, known throughout the middle west, is established in our midst with a Merg. Although classed as a proprietor, Krelle is just as active a union man as ever, and just as bellicose. Lest it be forgotten-I. T. U., Seattle, 1909. MEDILL CONNELL.

FORT WAYNE, IND.

In reading the March JOURNAL I see a lot that interests me. Take William A. Lenahan, on the priority law. I read it over carefully, and I do not agree with him; but it may need amending. Priority in New York may go, but not in Fort Wayne. Foremen are always looking for swifts, and, as Alexander Spencer said in his article on scales, "the employer believing the inferior should be paid less than the present minimum wage, while the employe holds the superior should receive more."

I see some agitation for a five-day law. It may have to come to that, but if the six-day law was enforced to the letter a lot of members who are on the hungry list would be better off.

The delegate campaign has not yet started, although there are several prospective candidates. The writer would like to go to Beantown, and incidentally follow the midnight ride of Paul Revere in the interest of liberty, but if Paul was alive today, after the hostile decisions of the supreme court, I fear he would want to take another ride in search of liberty, and perhaps take an ocean liner for England, where parliament knocked such decisions as our supreme court rendered into a cocked hat, through the pressure of a large labor party.

Many unions are figuring on permanent sick and death benefits. Fort Wayne Union will be hard to beat when it comes to such as that-thirteen weeks at $5 a week. In case of extreme destitution, the benefit may be lengthened and additional money appropriated. In order to provide against depletion of the sick fund, an assessment of $1 is levied on each member when the sick fund falls below $50. Thirty per cent of the local dues is placed in the sick fund. On the death of a member each member of the union is assessed $1, which is turned over to the beneficiary. This, with the International death benefit, makes a nice sum to bury the dead member. The union always votes the full amount of the death benefit out of the treasury, and then as it is collected from each member it is put back. No time limit on membership is required. We have taken care of and buried men who never paid a cent of dues, but just dropped in with a card, and Fort Wayne has

never been known to turn down the sick and distressed. All of which causes me to think that there should be an International sick benefit fund. In this way much of the burden that falls on liberal unions would be done away with. The stranger within our gates when sick gets just as good treatment as the oldest resident member. This is true brotherhood.

In connection with Mr. Shields' suggestion for the conventions to be held annually at Indianapolis, it would be well also to provide for the pay of delegates by the International and the devising of a scheme by which small unions can be represented as well as big ones. This would be a progressive step, and once adopted would give general satisfaction. Better still, abolish conventions altogether. The latter was done once, but it didn't last.

The newspapers raised their advertising rates the first of the year, but got the union to postpone the raise of the scale from the first of the year till July 1. The stereotypers made the same concession. Wonder what will happen July 1? Perhaps another plea for extension on account of hard times.

Seattle, 1909, looks good to me, but small unions would have to hustle to send delegates. Perhaps Jim Hill will give a special rate for the honor of having the typos ride over his lines and pay. He has carried so many in freight cars by the sidedoor route that the prospect of having a big live bunch pay to get over his lines will tickle him to death. EDWARD MILLER.

JAMESTOWN, N. Y.

There was a great deal of satisfaction evidenced when the notice was read of the discontinuance of the strike assessment. Indeed, the printers at large are to be congratulated for their fealty to the great cause which has been so victoriously won. It has been a great but determined struggle, and we hope it will not occur again for some time. But when informed of the new assessment of one-half of I per cent, some members were noticeably disappointed until told that they voted for and carried the old age pension scheme. We are in hopes the laws governing this embryo venture will mature so as to make the matter more consistent. It is popu lar, yet I aver it is unsatisfactory in many respects.

Vice-President Louis Ruden made a gallant defense, or rather a reply, in the Union Advocate, recently, to an editorial published in the Evening Journal on "Prohibiting the Boycott." Mr. Ruden set forth some strong points, one of them regarding the raising of rates by the Home Telephone Company and boycotting it by business men and others. This boycott by the citizens in general was indeed popular, but the story would seem different if it was conducted by some labor organization.

Jamestown can furnish two or three toward that 50,000 mark, Mr. Boston. We'll be there, rest assured.

For some time the manufacturers' association of this city, together with the chamber of commerce and other public-spirited men, have been advocating trade schools, and asked Mayor Weeks

to appoint a committee to ascertain as to the advisability, etc. He, therefore, on February 28, appointed a very representative committee, composed of manufacturers, educators, bankers, editors, printers, etc. He is to be commended on his choice and also upon the chairman, Hon. Frank W. Stev ens, chairman of the public utilities committee of New York state, appointed by Governor Hughes. He set forth also the reason why some trade schools conducted under certain conditions are detrimental to the community, especially when they are controlled by manufacturers or others, using them when some altercation arises, and in place of training men they train strikebreakers who eventu ally become criminals. At the regular meeting of the central labor council, February 20, the trade schools were discussed at some length, deeming them practicable if conducted under proper conditions.

Charles G. White, brother of recording secretary Frank H. White, died at his home in Pittsburg, Pa., February 25, from pneumonia. Mr. White was born in Ellington, N. Y., October 30, 1855. He was a printer and for several years was an employe of the Journal Printing Company. At the time of his death he was foreman of the Penn Paper Box Company in Pittsburg.

Jamestown is now having its share of dull times. Nearly 1,000 men are walking the streets in search of work, and what men are fortunate enough to hang on are having their wages cut right and left. Six months ago a great cry arose from the manufacturers that men were at a premium and that schools should be created to train young men for trades in the various branches of the industry. But that is another story.

The president has appointed a committee to ascertain as to the advisability of forming an allied printing trades council in this city, to report at our next regular session.

Louis Ruden was the lucky man at the drawing last meeting, having his dues remitted. Members of No. 205, it pays to attend the meetings. Don't be guilty of procrastination.

ECHEL GEORGE LINDSTROM.

CALGARY, CANADA.

Business in Calgary is not very brisk at present, and tourists are advised that the prospects of work are very slim. Several of the shops have been running short time, as, like the majority of cities, the money stringency has been felt here. However, we expect in the near future that work will have returned to its normal state.

During February No. 449 suffered the loss of one of its members by death, this being the first since the union was organized in 1902.

How many cities can boast of having contracts signed by all the offices? Yet this is how it is in Calgary. The local executive makes it a point to see each new proprietor and point out to him the advantages of being one of the family and the inconveniences of being the odd man out. Up to the present the representations have prevailed.

The label committee is also active and doing good work in boosting the label and educating

business men, union men and members of fraternal societies to demand the "little joker" on their printing, and their own members to see that which they buy carries the label-the only sure proof that the goods have been produced under fair conditions of labor. The Dominion fair is to be held here this summer, and the label committee is contemplating having a stand to still further push the interests of union labor.

No. 449 agreed to keep on the 2 per cent for six months, and while one-half of 1 per cent goes to the International pension fund, the balance is being used for label and publicity purposes and the forming of a local sick and relief fund.

At the February meeting the union nominated James M. Lynch for president and J. W. Bramwood for secretary-treasurer.

Our local trades and labor council is very active in looking after the interests of labor. Recently a deputation was sent to the provincial government to get that body to amend their proposed compensation act, and it is expected their efforts will meet with the success they deserve.

No. 449 is composed of members hailing from the old country, the United States and different parts of Canada-energetic boys, who take not only an interest in their own craft, but in all questions affecting the interests of labor.

DAYTON, OHIO.

JOHN PEARSON.

No. 57 at its last meeting appointed a committee to investigate the sanitary conditions of the various offices, with a view to making healthier working conditions. This is a good move, as some of the offices are in a deplorable condition.

As an illustration of what can be done politically by thorough organization, take the work of the anti-saloon league in Ohio. It has made wonderful inroads in each of the older political parties, and can now get almost anything it wants. Why can't labor do likewise? It is generally ac cepted as a fact that the anti-saloon league resorts to even more questionable tactics than any other organization, political or otherwise. Still, if we, as members of a labor union, should attempt such a course, we would receive the universal censure of

the press. Too bad! We may have the faculties necessary, but lack the qualities of crookedness possessed by these sanctified (?) citizens.

A few days ago a local chairman posted a call for a chapel meeting at lunch time. The new copy boy sauntered in and spied the call. After reading every word and noting the signature, he approached our worthy father with: "Who's goin' to preach?" Wouldn't that

Cal Lerch, one of the locked-out printers of Winchester, W. Va., and former secretary of No. 57, has purchased stock in the J. C. Ely Printing Company, and is now acting foreman.

Nothing Cooked Right (when replying, use the initials) has stimulated work in the news branch. Recently it ran a 90,000, eighteen-page edition of "selections" from local papers.

W. A. OмонUNDRO.

PITTSBURG, PA.

Thomas J. Donnelly, ex-president of Cincinnati Union, who is assisting No. 7 in a campaign against the unfair newspapers of Pittsburg, and whose work is in the territory outside of and about Pittsburg, while at headquarters the other day, said: "No. 7, I believe, is going to be successful in restoring conditions in the printing business in Pittsburg. I find that I have but to tell organized labor what we desire to receive pledges from the unions. Publicity will accomplish much. Many believe all the Pittsburg newspapers to be union, and at many points the agents so represent them. Among the devices adopted to secure subscribers are the giving of meat choppers, clocks, etc., to those subscribing. The miners I find a noble set of fellows, and they are giving us great support in the mining districts. It is remarkable to note the display of brotherly love between the members at the meetings of their unions. I have been wondering, at times, what we could accomplish if we were a little more like the miners in some of our jurisdictions. I believe the Pittsburg newspaper field is the greatest in America. In all directions from Pittsburg I find a perfect stream of towns and cities extending for a distance of sixty-five and seventy miles, many of them having two and three dailics, but wherever you go the people take the Pittsburg papers by carrier, newsboys and news stands. Pittsburg dominates all of them. I know of no other section dominated so absolutely by one city in the newspaper line. I find a kindly feeling for the Dispatch by the older members of unions because of its continual friendship for No. 7. I find, however, that the Leader's display of the allied printing trades label, together with its labor editorials, has made thousands of warm supporters. I think if the Dispatch would place the label on the first page it would help the paper materially and make my work easier. The securing of the Hearst news service by the Leader is a distinct gain for the union, and, together with our work, will add thousands to their list of subscribers. I think our watchword should be, 'Keep at it. Persistence wins.'"

It seems as though the recent adverse decisions for organized labor by the courts of the land may turn out to be a blessing in disguise. There is no doubt that any intelligent workingman must see that the only hope for obtaining his rights lies in the proper exercise of the right of suffrage. Accordingly, contrary to an ancient custom, No. 7, at the March meeting, decided to take a hand in politics, with a view to using its political influence in such manner as will best subserve the interests of No. 7 in particular, and that of organized labor in general. A resolution was adopted instructing the president to appoint a campaign committee of fifteen members to map out a plan of action. There is no doubt that concerted action on the part of the rank and file can be of vast benefit to our organization as well as to the general labor movement.

An enthusiastic crowd of smoke eaters will attend the baseball fest in New York next September. Ex-President and ex-Delegate George

Bradley is president of this contingent. He has appointed a competent rooting committee, who will see to it that the other printers of the league are treated to great gobs of joy and ginger. As George has never been in the big town, he wishes to give notice that when Jersey City is reached he will decline to take further responsibility for his proteges, for he wishes to devote his entire attention to the "great white way" and "Coney." A. A. Cooper, who will pitch for us, is cooking up some puzzlers to spring on the heavy batsmen. Joe Whalen, a son of Frank Whalen, a well-known printer-ball player of the past generation, will be on the receiving end. The one particular object of the Pittsburg club is to bring home a New York scalp.

At a recent meeting of the Iron City Central Trades Council a request was received from Organizer Stephenson, of the American Federation of Labor, in Moose Jaw, Canada, for information regarding details of the true relation of Andrew Carnegie to the people of Pittsburg, both in a business and in a philanthropic way. Our president, Eugene Merz, was appointed chairman of a committee to compile the information desired by Mr. Stephenson. When the committee reported to the central body the other delegates were so enthusiastic over the careful and thorough manner in which Mr. Merz's committee had performed its duties that their appreciation took the form of an ovation. Those "free" libraries which were foisted in such large numbers on the people of Pittsburg were shown to be elephants on the taxpayers' hands. They are eating up their original cost in maintenance. When they were installed, the taxpayers were given to understand that the cost of maintenance would be about $40,000 a year. That figure has been jumping annually, until this year the library directors are asking for $160,000. When we enter those portals, which are inscribed, "Free to the people," we realize that even if Andy is somewhat of a four-flusher as a philanthropist, he's got it on lots of them as a master of irony. In addition to giving Mr. Stephenson true details about the burden of Carnegie's libraries, the committee sent him a complete history of the wily Scot's business life, which laid bare details that are not touched on in the after-dinner speeches at the white house. We hope Mr. Stephenson will be able to show the people of Moose Jaw that it will be to their interest to build their own library, rather than let the notoriety-hunting Carnegie goldbrick them.

A circular letter received by the label committee early in March, from Jack Harris, secretary of the Fort Smith (Ark.) label committee, asked us to communicate with Ringling Bros., Barnum & Bailey, John Robinson and the Wallace-Hagenbeck shows, which were reported as having placed orders for tickets with the unfair Weldon, Williams & Lick shop, at Fort Smith, and ask them to have the label placed on their tickets. Our committee acted promptly. B. E. Wallace, manager for the Wallace-Hagenbeck show, writes that his company has no intention of departing from its policy of five or six years' standing of having their printing done only in offices that have the label. Ringling