It being a fact too well known to admit of argument that the employers must look, and in fact do look, to organized labor to learn what can be accomplished through organization, it becomes at once apparent that the unions themselves must now take the initiative in following up in all the other cities of the country the movement started by the employing printers of New York. Not only must we have your co-operation; we must ask you to take the lead, in which we will back you up.

I urge every typographical union in the country to at once start the machinery in motion to form a branch league in each one's city, to write me the situation, giving a list of fair offices, to whom I will at once write and send a book. Once started, as we know by the experiences of Boston, Providence, Newark, San Francisco and Mobile, the employers themselves become enthusiastic, as they then realize what a branch league means. But, as I hinted above, the unions being so much quicker to realize this, they must now take the initiative. What say you? Shall we have your backing? Does the league ring true? Do you know of a better plan? D. W. GREGORY, League

Corresponding Secretary Printers'

America.

New York, N. Y.

DO WE WANT INSURANCE?

of

There are many ways of answering this question, and there have been many answers given, but so far there have been none, that, to my satisfaction, have answered it in the affirmative, and given sufficiently good reasons therefor.

In the first place, the insurance feature can only be successful if the insurance is made compulsory. The membership of the International Typographical Union is too small to allow an optional insurance plan to be worked.

The compulsory feature is one of the principal arguments against the institution of an insurance plan. An insurance company can refuse an applicant if he is a bad risk. We can not refuse an applicant if he is a bad life risk, if that applicant is a good printer.

The main objection to an assessment plan of insurance is found in the experience of every assessment and fraternal insurance company that has ever existed. That is, as the membership grows older, and the earning capacity of the individual members decreases, the assessments grow larger just the opposite of what should occur!

The advocates of this insurance feature talk a great deal about the fraternalism of it, and about the fraternal feeling it will engender. Fraternalism is all very good in its way, but I believe we should confine the fraternal spirit in the International Typographical Union to features that are backed by good, common business sense.

As an example, let me give a personal illustration: I carry at the present time (and this illustration will also apply to thousands of others), life insurance in a substantial company, and have done so for several years. The cost of this insurance is all I can afford to expend from my salary for this one thing. The policy I carry has a cer

tain cash value, increasing each year, and, in the event I stop paying for any cause, has an automatic extension feature that varies in length according to the age of the policy, protecting me in case of sickness or accident. Also, after a certain number of years, I can take out a paid-up policy, and not have to pay any premiums in my old age, or surrender it for cash.

Now, if the International Typographical Union adopts a compulsory insurance plan, I will be obliged to drop this insurance (as I can not afford both), and take an insurance that is good only so long as I pay my dues each month, and I must pay for it as long as I live, with a probability of the cost increasing as I get older when I can not earn as much as I can now. Will this be the cause of any good fraternal feeling on my part, or on the part of any of the thousands of others in the same boat?

The International Typographical Union is the greatest labor organization on earth-bar nonemade so by the intelligence and loyalty of the individual members. Whatever it undertakes to do, it can and does do successfully. But I believe the members have too much sense to go into an insurance plan that can not be successfully carried

out.

Let us increase our death benefit to any reasonable amount, in proportion to our ability to meet the payments; keep the old age pension plan going, and pay the old men all we can; but let's be slow about adopting this insurance plan.

If we are careful to keep up the standard of efficiency of our members, and look out for fair wage scales, and fair working conditions, our members can go into the life insurance market and pay for the insurance they want, each one getting just the kind and amount that will suit his individual needs.

I do not believe we want insurance.
St. Louis, Mo.

STANLEY E. CRANE.

INCREASED PENSION A NECESSITY. Some months ago a writer made a suggestion in THE JOURNAL, both wise and sensible, advocating an increase of the pension. If memory serves me right, he stated that the first six months of the pension amounted to about $38,000, and there was in reserve (over and above the amount paid for pensions) some $117,000. His idea was that $4 per week was not enough to keep an old printer, out of work, in food and tobacco, to say nothing of clothes, doctors and a dear old wife, who needs a mouthful now and then, and that $30 per month would be the proper thing.

I quite agree with the writer and hope the next International convention, which convenes in St. Joseph next August, will make the desired increase. I am sure, when the convention sees the matter in its proper light, it will need no unnecessary urging to reward the old union members for their long, patient and unflinching services. The International should consider that, in honoring them, it honors itself. CHARLES C. SCOTT.

St. Louis, Mo.

President-Mrs. Charles Hertenstein,

3813 St.

Louis avenue, St. Louis, Mo. Secretary-Mrs. Frank W. Long, 4926 Ash street, Norwood, Cincinnati, Ohio.

THE PRESIDENT'S LETTER.

We are pleased to announce that, since the last issue of THE JOURNAL, another new auxiliary has been added to the list of those formed in the past year, Salt Lake City (Utah) Auxiliary No. 16, with a membership of forty-three. We are pleased to welcome our new local into the fold and wish for it much success.

The remarks of John M. Collins, of Scranton, in the correspondence columns of the May JOURNAL anent the woman's auxiliary, are indeed timely. If we had such advocates of our cause everywhere, Our task of organizing would be considerably lightened. Our hopes of a local in Scranton have risen since reading the declaration of the correspondent from that city.

Through the efforts of Mrs. Laura W. McGinnis, of Fort Worth, Texas, the label will, in the future, be placed on all of the printing of the Woman's Relief Corps. Mrs. McGinnis was elected secretary for the department of Texas, and one of her first official acts was to order the label on all printed matter. She expects to take up the work of organizing an auxiliary in the near future. Attention is called to the change of address of the president. All communications will be promptly answered on receipt of same.

Statistics in the printing trade in St. Louis show that there is more printing bearing the label in use than ever before, and proprietors of offices report an increasing demand for the label. This is the result of agitation. If you have not yet agitated in this direction, begin now. Remember, "every little bit helps."

Atlanta Auxiliary had the pleasure of an interesting talk by Organizer Parsons, of Washington, D. C., at a recent meeting. He expressed his intention of outlining a plan for the auxiliary to get busy on the Butterick patterns. We learned, with regret (and some degree of humiliation), that the south had made a weak showing in the suppression of these "undesirable" patterns. However, we shall from now on endeavor to let this concern realize that we are up and doing and know a good thing when we see it.

We have this year raised the money to replenish our treasury and bear the expenses of a delegate in a very successful way. Once a week, for a couple of months, the three newspaper offices have been served with 25-cent lunches by the auxil

iary, and it has proven about the most satisfactory plan of raising money which the auxiliary has as yet undertaken. The printers also seem reluctant to have it stop. Atlanta expects to be well represented at St. Joe, and we hope to win the auxiliary delegates for the 1910 convention in our beautiful, balmy city, where the summer months are always pleasant and you sleep under covers at night. So bear in mind that, though this is in the south, still we have cooler summers than Minneapolis.

MRS. FRED J. TERRY.

LOUISVILLE, KY.

Our president, Mrs. Elijah Bohon, is afraid some will understand me, in the May JOURNAL, as quoting her as saying that "the two-year election law did not pass." I thought I made myself clear. Mrs. Bohon is positive the proposition passed. The rising vote was not seven for the proposition and ten against, but it was seven to concur in the report of the laws committee on this proposition (which was unfavorable) and ten against the report of the laws committee; this action, of course, passing the proposition. The Kane family moved three days ago to 1318 Catalpa street, and I think it would behoove me to be up and doing instead of writing. MRS. JOHN D. Kane.

ST. LOUIS, MO.

Election day was very quiet this year. The International officers, of course, received the unanimous votes of the auxiliary, and the same was true of the delegate and alternate. Mrs. M. Byerly was elected delegate, and Mrs. S. Tenny alternate. Mrs. Byerly is our president and Mrs. Tenny sentinel, and both are charter members of the auxiliary.

The euchre held on the evening of May 11 was a success in every way. It was the usual semiannual gathering, and the members of the auxiliary worked hard to keep up the good record made in the past on occasions of this sort. Thanks are due Messrs. Hill, Hertenstein, Busse, Goodenough and Sandt, and Master Donald Campbell, for assistance rendered during the evening.

And again the new members. One of the reasons for the organization of the auxiliary was the idea that it could assist a little in the fight that labor will have to make to secure and hold proper recognition, and some of the leading members of No. 8 have said that we have aided them not a little on various occasions. (I honestly believe if all the trade unions would organize and encourage woman's auxiliaries, and these auxiliaries would start a systematic label campaign, the millennium' of the trade union movement would be here.) Now, if a handful of us could produce any effect at all, two handfuls-suppose we only double our membership-could reasonably be expected to help

A pie social was most certainly enjoyed at the Blanchard home, April 13, by the woman's auxiliary and invited guests. Each lady taking two pies, and each person paying 5 cents a slice, brought the ladies over $5. After music and cards the guests bid the hostess a pleasant evening.

The auxiliary gave an entertainment at Mrs. D. Booth's home in honor of St. Patrick's day. A very nice evening was spent playing progressive cards and dancing. After a program, consisting mainly of music, ice cream and cake were served. The home being beautifully decorated, contributed to the enjoyment of the evening.

MRS. ED L. BLANCHARD.

OMAHA, NEB.

The last meeting of No. 2 was held at the home of Mrs. Boyle.

On Monday evening, May 10, at the home of Mrs. Bert Cox, was given a very successful card party. First prizes were won by Mr. Kolb and Mrs. Welch; second, by Mr. Elrod and Mrs. Kennedy; boobies, by Mr. Welch and Mrs. Sancha. The proceeds go toward defraying the expenses of our delegate, Mrs. Hooper, who was unanimously elected, with Mrs. Cox as alternate.

The convention city being so near, a large number are planning to go, and anticipate a great time. Our next meeting will be held at the home of Mrs. Kennedy. This will no doubt be our last meeting at this home for some time, as Mrs. Kennedy and family will soon leave us to take up their residence on the farm. It is with much regret we see them go, but trust it will only be for the time. required by Uncle Sam. MRS. HARRY INGALLS.

SEATTLE, WASH.

At a recent meeting, a member of No. 202 called to discuss the question of improving the printers' plots in local cemeteries, conforming to eastern modes of beautifying and modeling. It has not, as yet, been fully determined upon. The monument fund was discussed, with conclusions to fully decide in the near future. A special committee was appointed to decorate the graves in the printers' plot, as has become customary with us. Five dollars was contributed to the waitresses' home.

Our last progressive whist party was held at the

home of our worthy treasurer, Mrs. J. T. Gilmore. There were nine tables, a jolly time and a "great feed," as a gentleman present was heard to exclaim, and a goodly assortment of dimes and dollars. First ladies' prize was won by Mrs. O. K. Souder; second, by Mrs. Charles Segbers. First gentlemen's, by J. J. Knoff; second, by Mr. Glamberg. The next party is to be held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. J. O. Burdick. MRS. R. LAYTON.

TORONTO, CANADA.

Well, our delegate election is over, and the victor is no less a person than our worthy president, Mrs. McDougall. Mr. McDougall was elected a delegate from the typographical union, and so Toronto will furnish the unique feature of sending two delegates from one family. Schemes are now being considered to finance our delegate's trip to St. Joe. Bazars, picnics and excursions ought to furnish us a lively summer, as well as a profitable

one.

Toronto Auxiliary held a most successful card party at the home of our treasurer, Mrs. Robert Kerr, the Boston delegate, on May 8. Favors were won by Miss Brown, Mrs. Sneath and Messrs. McDougall and Hamly.

Mrs. Darsh has stepped into the vice-presidency, owing to the removal of Mrs. Woods, who now resides in Montreal.

A source of much pleasure during the past winter has been the card parties held at the members' houses twice every month in the afternoon. Ten cents per member has been found sufficient to defray expenses for prizes, as well as leaving a nice balance.

Say, who is Saint Joe? MRS. JOHN A. KELLY.

INDIANAPOLIS, IND.

Our meetings seem to be growing in strength and interest, and at almost every session we receive one or more applications for membership.

Much interest was manifested in the race for delegate, and, after a closely contested election, Mrs. Cherry was announced the winner, beating her opponent by four votes.

Mrs. John White entertained the ladies at her home in Lexington avenue on the afternoon of May 13, and Mrs. T. B. Wright entertained May

26.

A miscellaneous fair is to be given in the near future, and, as Mrs. McKee has the affair in hand, it goes without saying that it will be a success. MRS. J. A. DAallas.

NEW ORLEANS, LA.

At a well attended meeting of No. 9, on May 14, officers were elected for the ensuing year, as follows: Mrs. J. J. Leslie, president; Mrs. Clarence F. Held, first vice-president; Miss Jo Coffin, second vice-president; Mrs. H. F. Mattox, secretary; Mrs. Robert Elliot, guide, and Miss Lorena Guerra, reading clerk.

Our regular semi-monthly meeting was held May

12, and we accomplished a great deal of work. We have at last succeeded in getting our by-laws in shape and have established a relief fund, all of which was more difficult than it now sounds. We have also decided to meet once a month during the summer season or until further notice.

On May 26 we gave a May fete for the benefit of our relief fund. The vaudeville side of the entertainment consisted mostly of talent taken from the printing fraternity. Since there is plenty of it, we had a long and varied program.

April 15.
Balance regular fund.....
April 15. Balance monument fund.
April 15. Balance death benefit fund.
I, Atlanta-For death assessment.
2, Ahamo-For death assessment..
3, Milwaukee-For death assessment.
4, Cincinnati-For death assessment.
5, Indianapolis-For supplies..

For death assessment.

6, St. Joseph-For death assessment. 8, Chicago-For death assessment..

9, New Orleans-For death assessment.

10, Grand Rapids-For March..

For death assessment.

12, Louisville-For death assessment. 14, Springfield (Ohio)-For death asses'm' 16, Salt Lake City-For charter.

For supplies....

For March..

23, Seattle--For March.

29, St. Louis-For death assessment.
32, Pueblo-For death assessment.
42, Toronto-For death assessment..
For per capita arrears...

For death assessment arrears..
For monument fund...

.$287 30 288 20 39 60

43, Kalamazoo-For death assessment.. 46, Boston-For death assessment arrears. 48, Houston-For death__assessment. 49, City of Sunshine-For March.

For death assessment.

I 20 4 20 2 10 I 90

I 00

5 00

2 10

3 30

2 70

6 00

2 90

2 60.

2 40

2. 00

25

8 60

4 40

6 10

I 80

2 10

40

15

4 00 I 10

50

I 90 4 20

PROPORTION your charity to the strength of your estate.-Franklin.