served for the last three years practically on one or the other of the strike and label committees, I know whereof I speak. Not very long ago a member of our organization came running up to me on the street and said: "That label committee of ours is a fizzle." The writer asked him when he was last at the regular meeting and he replied: "Oh, I can't get there; that is lodge night." Well, he was simply told to take a night off and attend a meeting before he starts to criticize. Possibly the same kind of members can be found in every jurisdiction, and then they wonder why? The saying and doing are two separate and distinct things, and it is about time all our members awaken to this fact. Don't be simply satisfied with putting your eight hours in at your work and let the other fellow take what the little fellow shot at, but get out and hustle a little for the cause and it will not be long until the other fellow will be enjoying a little prosperity and able to keep his head above water. Your merchant does not hesitate to take your money when you buy an article from him, and you should not hesitate to tell him when you buy the article that you are a union printer and would like to see him patronize union printshops so that you will be able to continue to buy from him. It only takes a few seconds and will do you good. Don't get discouraged if you are turned down once or twice. A little calling occasionally does a person good; it gives them strength to go forward until the goal is reached and all is well. It would, indeed, be a pleasure to read in the columns of THE JOUNAL ROW and then an article by some of our best writers and correspondents upon the "label"-it would do all of us good. The undersigned is willing to confess that he is not a writer, and you have found it out if you read this article; nevertheless, my heart is in the right place and I never hesitate to put in a word for the "little joker" whenever the occasion presents itself. Dayton, Ohio. CALVIN O. LERCH. STAMPING OUT TUBERCULOSIS. There was launched in Philadelphia about three months ago the Fresh Air League, and its success is being watched with intense interest by those engaged in the crusade of stamping out tuberculosis in all parts of the United States. The primary object of the formation of this league by the Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Tuberculosis was to interest the workingmen, the regular fee for membership being too high to appeal to those who may have an interest in this work, but who could not afford to become affiliated with the society-hence the formation of the Fresh Air League, the annual dues in which are 25 cents. The success so far attained is gratifying, and there is every reason to predict that by the end of the present year the membership will run into the thousands. A magazine is to be published to aid in the fight, and will have a department devoted to organized labor's share in the campaign. In this city there are thirty-six unions of fraternal members of the Pennsylvania Society, and, whenever the opportunity is offered, physicians at tend the meetings of the unions, talk upon the dangers which constantly surround us in unsanitary workshops and point out how easily tuberculosis can be passed on to another by either carelessness or ignorance. Great stress is laid upon the fact that fresh air, sunshine, nourishing food and rest are the principal factors in the abatement of this disease, and will do more to bring about a cure than all the drugs in creation. While two-thirds of the victims of tuberculosis are from among the ranks of wage earners, this ratio could be greatly reduced if more attention was paid to the conditions under which we are compelled to labor and efforts were made to remedy the defects of ventilation and insistence upon more sanitary surroundings. These salutary changes can only be brought about through organized labor, as individual effort is generally in vain. In the language of President Lynch at the Denver convention of the American Federation of Labor: "We may be conservative in our demands for more wages and fewer hours, but let us be absolutely radical in demanding sanitary conditions in the workshop." Since the advent of the typesetting machine the composing room of the present day has become. more unhealthful than heretofore, and it is necessary to have a current of fresh air in the room constantly, in order to offset the fumes from the metal pots and to renew the vitiated air caused by the gas burners. The necessity for this can be appreciated when it is considered that these burners consume approximately 100 feet of gas each hour. In commenting on the high death rate from tuberculosis among compositors, the following is taken from the report of the Department of Commerce and Labor, Bureau of Labor Bulletin No. 75, which is an extract from the twenty-fourth annual report of the New York Bureau of Labor Statistics by George A. Stevens: Scarcely any other occupation furnishes so large a quota of victims from consumption. The domestic life of printers is parallel to that of other artizans in equal financial circumstances. As wages go in these days they are fairly compensated for their labor, thus enabling them to have homes as healthful as may be procured by the best-paid workmen in any community. Neither can it be said that compositors are ill-nourished and therefore rendered more susceptible to the insidious action of tubercle bacilli. The determining cause of their susceptibility to the harmful process of the great white plague lies in a different direction to the neglect of sanitary precautions in far too many composing rooms. The International Typographical Union will participate in the tuberculosis exhibit which opens in Philadelphia on February 15, at 919-921 Walnut street, and will continue until March 15. The same exhibit will be shown in this city that created such a favorable impression among the eminent scientists interested in the eradication of tuberculosis during the International Congress at Washington, D. C., a few months ago, and which, upon request, was made a permanent feature of the exhibit, consisting of a replica of the Union Printers Home showing the beautiful buildings and grounds and the sanatorium of twenty tents for the treatment of tuberculosis, a model of one of those tents being a part of the exhibit. It is expected that this exhibit will arouse interest in the campaign against tuberculosis, as there will be on view the methods adopted and pursued by all the civilized countries in the world to exterminate the great white plague. A visit will repay any one in the knowledge gained, as a comparison will bring forth how far behind some of the European countries is the United States in caring for the sufferers from tuberculosis. In particular, may be mentioned Germany, the government maintaining sanatoriums in the pine forests, and has also published and distributed 2,000,ooo copies of a popular pamphlet on tuberculosis. In Denmark the government tries, in all sorts of ways, to prevent the spread of this disease. Any boy or girl who desires to work in a factory or mill is examined by a physician, and if the lungs are affected such work is prohibited and the child is given treatment and cured. No factory or workshop may be overcrowded and working conditions must be made healthful under the law. If you have tuberculosis of the lungs or throat you can not fill a government position, such as postman, clerk or any other, which brings you in contact with the public. Doctors must notify the health authorities of all cases of tuberculosis, and houses are disinfected at his request. Dwelling houses must be built with provision for sunshine and air in all rooms. In Sweden a systematic warfare has been waged since 1896, when the Swedish Medical Society started the battle. King Oscar, at the celebration of the twenty-fifth year of his reign, subscribed $500,000 to the fund for educational purposes and the building of a sanatorium. A great tuberculosis museum was built, in which lectures are given and lantern slides shown bearing on cure and prevention. The National Anti-Tuberculosis Association has 22,000 members, and circulars are distributed by the thousands among the people and dispensaries are also maintained by the government. In Ireland, a country where consumption destroys so many young people, an active campaign is being carried on in the education of its people to overcome this plague, and the same may be said of England, France, Italy and Russia. But the stamping out of tuberculosis remains with the individual. If each and every one will do his or her share this dreaded disease is doomed to be wiped off the face of the earth. JOHN MEADE. Philadelphia, Pa. THE PARAMOUNT FACT ABOUT PRIORITY. Is there any man so foolish as to believe that a situation holder, with this condition staring him in the face (especially if he has a family to sup port), is going to resign and join this out-of-work contingent? No, I can hardly believe it, unless he is either insane, his grievance is of the most serious character, or he knows where he can get an other situation.-William Mounce, in December JOURNAL. This is the main and paramount fact that it has been my endeavor to establish and to have recognized by the membership at large. It is generally conceded that priority has established stagnation in this respect; we have become dull, sluggish, and will become deficient in vital ity if he with the situation must forever and under all circumstances hold it, and he without one must always remain "the martyr in the cause of unionism." Let me again quote from the first paragraph: "Is there any man so foolish as to believe that a situation holder with this condition staring him in the face is going to resign and join this out-ofwork contingent? *** he is either insane, ***" Memorize this, gentlemen; it is from the pen of a prolific writer on union matters, who understands well his subject. The condition is here; it is pure, indisputable priority. He would have you believe this is strength and tends to stability in unionism. This law practically says you must remain where you are, and should you become so "insane" as to leave I will follow you not only from office to office but from city to city, post your name, and see that you are the last man that can accept steady employment in any composing room you may enter under the jurisdiction of the International Typographical Union. Under this condition what would constitute justifiable cause for joining "the out-of-work contingent?" Mr. Ackerman, in the same issue of THE JourNAL, says: "It affords a school in which the lessons of fortitude and patience are most thoroughly learned. Often, to be sure, there are the pangs of want, sometimes, it may be, even the lack of shelter; and he who bravely meets these trials, until at last he lands a job and comes into wellearned prosperity, appreciates it all the more." It is my most fervent prayer that Mr. Ackerman may never experience the above privations, for I fear that if he should, his admirable disposition would receive a most deplorable jar. Mr. Mounce connects my name with "a few discontents that would like to move from one situation to another about eleven times in seven years." He has stated privately that I have actually accomplished this feat. This is indeed flattery, but my modesty compels me to acknowledge that it does not contain the slightest iota of truth. If such were the fact I would feel proud, as it would place me on a plane of liberality and freedom of action that would allow the "outsider" to "get in" occasionally, not hermetically sealing and holding as a heritage a situation when once attained. He, in common with advocates of priority, points to that weather-beaten scarecrow-the foreman. If my memory does not deceive, I read a most pathetic description from his pen of the presentation of a loving cup to the foreman by the members of the chapel of which he was and is one, in which he describes the tearful gratitude with which the gift was accepted. It is with the deepest and most profound regret that acknowledgment must be made of the inability of some men to refrain from misleading statements during the discussion of an important question. They should always bear in mind that men of intelligence, whether they agree or not, admire the man who has honest convictions and is not afraid to express them, and that they alone have not a monopoly on honesty and fair dealing. WOMAN'S INTERNATIONAL AUXILIARY. President-Mrs. Charles Hertenstein, 3653 Dodier street, St. Louis, Mo. Secretary-Mrs. Frank W. Long, 4926 Ash street, Norwood, Cincinnati, Ohio. ST. LOUIS, MO. "Two thousand members by the time of the next convention" ought to be easy. If every member of the auxiliary would make it her business to secure at least one new member, the hopes of our International officers would be realized. The Butterick patterns are not making gains in popularity among our members. Another firm has promised a committee from the auxiliary that at the expiration of their present contract they will not renew. New members during the month were Mrs. Frank A. Hill and Mrs. Lee F. Mueller. A series of picture shows advertising unionlabel goods has been given the past month by the union label committee of the central trades and labor union. The entertainments were given in different sections of the city, and were well attended. The Women's Trade Union League has had introduced in the Missouri legislature a bill which, if it becomes a law, will prohibit the employment of women before the hour of 5 A. M. and after 10 P. M., and provides that not more than nine hours shall constitute a day's work. I hope to be forgiven the repetition, but it is still hard to understand why the St. Louis Auxiliary should have but sixty members and the union more than a thousand. Perhaps it is, as Joe Jackson once said in an address to the auxiliary: "Some of them (the printers) don't want their wives to join, as they might learn too much." However, a committee was appointed at our last meeting to attend a session of No. 8, in the hope of convincing a few more that it will be to their interests to have their wives join with it. MRS. R. J. LOWTHER. SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS. The second annual ball given by Woman's Auxiliary No. 61, at Muth's Garden hall, was one of the most charming affairs of the year. The attendance was just large enough to make dancing pleasant, and the members seemed to feel it their duty to see that each one in attendance had a good time. These social affairs tend to bring the printer and his family in closer touch with his co-workers, and I hope in time each and every printer in San Antonio will feel it his duty to have his wife, mother or sister a member of the auxiliary, for in unity there is strength; and, while our little band is few in number, still we are making ourselves felt among the dealers, and the printer who has heretofore claimed the auxiliary was merely a social organization will be forced to admit that we are pushing the label, demanding label goods and doing as much or more than he is doing. Our regular business meeting was held January 7, at the home of Mrs. W. L. Hoefgen. Three applicants for membership were voted upon. Quite a number were in attendance, and, after the regu lar business had been transacted, the ladies were invited into the dining room, where a dainty luncheon was served. Arrangements have been made to give a mask ball Wednesday evening, February 10, at Harmony hall. Invitations have already been given to the printers, and we anticipate a large attendance. The ladies of No. 61 gave Mrs. H. M. Tedford a pleasant surprise on her birthday, January 14. MRS. CHARLES B. HARRIS. THE PRESIDENT'S LETTER. Attention is called to sections 2 and 3 of the by-laws, defining the qualifications of candidates for office in the Woman's International Auxiliary, nominations to be made by locals at the first regular meeting in March. Judging from the many pretty cards conveying the holiday greetings received, I judge that the membership took advantage of the opportunity to demonstrate that one of the objects of the Woman's International Auxiliary is to seek to create a closer and more fraternal feeling among the families of union printers. In all, 106 cards reached me, and acknowledgment has been made reciprocating the many kind messages therein contained. I presume that the holiday season in a measure interfered with auxiliaries now forming, and in a short time the officers expect to be able to report several new locals. At this writing six new auxiliaries have reported as being in progress of formation. As indicating the spirit prompting one of the ladies interested in forming an auxiliary, I quote from her letter: Now is the time for organized labor to draft into service every available recruit-men, women and children-after such a decision as Judge Wright, in Washington, D. C., passed, sentencing our leaders to jail. They may pass jail sentences on our leaders; they may issue injunctions, restraining our men, but they can't shut the mouths of their wives, sisters and mothers. You know it has been said slurringly that there are three ways of disseminating news-"telegraph, telephone and tell-awoman." In this case the "tell-a-woman" can do a large part in righting the wrongs of organized labor. The wives can not be made to buy what they do not want, nor trade with enemies of organized labor, not even by injunctions or jail sentences. I wish every union man's wife had the same spirit I have. I would cook forever on a charcoal furnace and run around the block several times an hour to keep warm in cold weather before I'd buy a Buck's stove; and I'd sleep on the floor and eat off a dry goods box before I'd buy furniture from a firm that sells them. I am just that bullheaded when I know I'm right. We note with pleasure the accession to the auxiliary cause of John Mitchell, of the executive council of the American Federation of Labor, who is advocating the formation of auxiliaries to all unions. Mr. Mitchell's experience in the labor movement no doubt enables him to see that organized women would be a potent factor against unfair employers. The St. Louis Auxiliary has succeeded in hav ing the Butterick patterns relegated to the rear in all the large department stores, and the company has opened up a store here. Since the establishment has been in business it has twice been visited by fire-all of which would indicate that things are rather warm here for the New York firm. Persistent and energetic organization work will mean a larger and better auxiliary and greater results for the cause. MRS. CHARLES HERTENSTEIN. INDIANAPOLIS, IND. We started the new year with a card party, January 13, which proved so successful that the chairman announced another for February. One of our oldest members came to the January meeting arrayed with a new name. It is no longer Mrs. Westcott, but Schneider, if you please. Νο one wishes Mrs. Schneider more success and happiness than the members of No. 5. The annual Franklin night celebration was held as usual this year. These entertainments have always been successful, as supper is a part of the program. After the inner man is satisfied a musical program is in order, followed by a good social time. This entertainment is looked forward to with much pleasure. At each meeting our sick and label committees have good reports to make. The calendar issued by the new Marott department store, carrying the imprint of a local unfair printing firm, would make us believe that the new firm does not want the trade of union men and women. A few returned with stickers attached will make them sit up and take notice. Mrs. Lowther's suggestion that we have a Butterick day upon which we write that firm, urging it to run its plant under fair conditions, is a splendid one, but allow us to suggest not to use New York Union's printed cards, for I read in the January JOURNAL of the refusal of the New York city postmaster to allow printed postals to pass through the mails directed to this unfair firm and signed by the sympathizers of New York Union. Let us send letters, and not write as members of an organization, but as mothers and wives doing the family sewing, for the home comes before any organization, and we doubt whether it would be much of a home without the unions. waiting for the date. We are At our last business meeting the following mem bers were installed into office for the year: President, Mrs. Elijah Bohon; vice-president, Mrs. T. F. Engelhardt; secretary, Mrs. John D. Kane; treasurer, Mrs. H. A. Meckback; chaplain, Mrs. T. P. Watson; guide, Mrs. J. T. Rogers. W. H. Stanley, president of Louisville Typographical Union and delegate to the Hot Springs convention, was run down by a street car the morning of January 12, as he was on his way to the office, and dangerously injured. At this writing he is reported as resting easy, and if no complications set in, has a chance of recovery. We are praying for his complete recovery. He is a true friend to our organization. At our last meeting he was present, and in his remarks said that he was just beginning to fully appreciate the value of the Woman's International Auxiliary to the International Typographical Union, and knew the time was not far distant when those that scoff would have nothing but words of praise. He was glad that, through him, his wife had the privilege of joining Auxiliary No. 12. Mrs. Stanley has been a member for almost three years, and has the heartfelt sympathy of all. MRS. JOHN D. KANE. TULSA, OKLA. Tulsa Auxiliary held a very enjoyable watch party on New Year's eve at the home of Mrs. A. W. Bowen. The evening was spent most pleasantly, playing cards and other games. Mr. Booth received the gentleman's prize and Mrs. McKellar, the lady's. Luncheon was served at 11:30 o'clock, consisting of chili, salads, pickles, cheese, cake and coffee, and it was heartily enjoyed by all. At I A. M. all departed for home, wishing that all meet at some place next New Year. MRS. A. J. SHOW. OMAHA, NEB. The monument fund is growing very slowly, but every dollar helps. T. F. Ellis, of Mt. Vernon, Va., has contributed $1 to the fund, for which the committee is pleased. Now, we hope his dollar will bring more from our friends. Some of our auxiliaries do not take kindly to the fund, but we hope they are outgrowing this feeling and will get busy and help swell it, which is now up to the $183.40 mark. At the suggestion of Mrs. J. D. Kane, first vice-president of the Woman's International Auxiliary, one day will soon be named as monument fund day, and each auxiliary will be asked to give an entertainment of some kind, the proceeds to go to the monument fund. A circular has been sent out which explains the idea. Let all the auxiliaries take on new life and help to bring this monument work to a successful finish. MRS. FRANK A. KENNEDY. Since our last letter death has claimed Frank Seymour, the husband of one of our members, he having been called to the Great Beyond on Christmas eve. His funeral occurred December 27, from Sacred Heart church, the typographical union adjourning its regular meeting to attend in a body. The interment was in the printers' lot at beautiful Forest Lawn. He leaves a devoted wife and three children, besides a host of friends, to mourn his loss. The regular meeting of Ahamo Auxiliary was held at Mrs. I. J. Copenharve's home, January 18, with an unusually large attendance and much enthusiasm being manifest. Besides routine business, arrangements were partially made for a masquerade ball, to be given in the near future, the exact date being left with the committee. As a prize is to be given to the one selling the most tickets, there is no doubt but what it will arouse a great deal of interest, and, as usual, be a success. Mrs. F. A. Kennedy is making great plans for taking up her homestead claim this spring, and, if she isn't frightened to death by the cows, promises to return to our midst at the end of fourteen months a full-fledged farmer, ready to tell us all how to run a farm. Success to her. MRS. J. Y. HOOPER. BOSTON, MASS. "The potency of women as the advance agents in the promotion of the label" was the topic discussed at the last meeting of the Woman's Trade Union League, by Messrs. Lincoln Steffens, of New York, Henry Sterling and Thomas M. Nolan, of No. 13, and Henry Abrahams, of the central labor union, who dwelt at length upon the importance of organization among women, and the pow erful influence they could wield by virtue of their purchasing power as an organized body in large numbers. And by the way, these speakers also advocated equal suffrage for women, inasmuch as that it was not a question of either chivalry or of courtesy, but rather one of plain duty and responsibility, giving the women a voice in the making of the laws which deal directly with the future of their children's welfare. Our crusade against the Butterick Company is being continually waged, and is, I am glad to say, bearing good results. The personal letters of our members to department stores handling these publications have been noted, and we have received some very encouraging replies. The management of one of these stores has written us that when their present contract with the Butterick people expires they are amenable to a conference with the organizers of No. 13, with a view to handling labeled goods. It was very gratifying to us to learn that President Lynch, in a recent letter to No. 13, expressed himself as being especially well pleased at our work along this line, and complimented the women of the auxiliary accordingly. Is your St. Joe club growing? Ours is flourish. ing, and we have received several requests from outsiders to join us. On Tuesday evening, January 5, a whist party for the benefit of the club was given by Mrs. Albert E. Jones. Mrs. Jones will be remembered as the guide at the Boston convention. As she is an enthusiastic worker and an accomplished hostess, the capacity of her home is always taxed when she entertains. MRS. H. A. RODGERS. SECRETARY-TREASURER'S REPORT. The following is the financial report of the secretary-treasurer of the Woman's International Auxiliary to Typographical Union for the month ending January 15, 1909: RECEIPTS. Dec. 15. Balance regular fund. 1, Atlanta--For December.. 3, Milwaukee-For December. 4, Cincinnati-For death assessment... 11, Capitol-For death assessment... 18, San Francisco-For December. 29. St. Louis-For December. 32, Pueblo-For death assessment. For supplies.... 43, Kalamazoo-For death assessment.. 55, Los Angeles-For December. 56, Little Rock-For death assessment. 61, San Antonio-For death assessment. For death assessment. 63, Beaumont-For supplies.. For T. F. Ellis monument fund, per EXPENDITURES. Death benefit. Mrs. J. M. Hatch. Postage, secretary.... Total expenditures.... RECAPITULATION. Balance on hand December 15- Total Expenditures .$402 60 Balance on hand. 55 00 $347 60 MRS. FRANK W. LONG, Secretary-Treasurer. OFFICIAL LIST OF NEW SECRETARIES. 4, Cincinnati-Mrs. W. G. Hand, 523 Sixth ave., Dayton, Ky. 11, Lincoln-Mrs. Orval F. Young, 3226 W street. 12, Louisville-Mrs. John D. Kane, 2105 Twentyeighth street. 25, Bradford-Mrs. Frances M. Knerr, 32 Bushnell street. 28, Baltimore-Mrs. G. B. Masterson, 313 South Mount street. 42, Toronto-Mrs. Norman Williams, 15 Poncher street. |