tories of this city. Mrs. Ogden appointed a committee to act in conjunction with the central labor council committee. There is certainly an opportunity for some effectual work along this line in Cincinnati. Typographical Union No. 3 will give a minstrel show April 11, the proceeds to be used in refurnishing the union headquarters. The entertainment will be given entirely by printers-orchestra and all. Mrs. William Ogden, our president, will furnish a number on the program, a piano solo, as the representative of the auxiliary. We hope that those typographical unions, which are thinking of forming auxiliaries, will do so at once, so that they may be represented by delegates at Toronto. Next year may be a busy one for the typos, and as Mr. Rohr, of Minneapolis, says, it will make quite a difference in the fight for the eight hours, whether it is the printer alone, or whole families. We see in THE JOURNAL that St. Paul, Minn., has formed an auxiliary. So far, we have received no official information of the fact. MRS. ED D. DONNELL. OMAHA, NEB. Ahamo auxiliary is getting along splendidly, both socially and in a business way. We hold our meetings regularly, and have an average attendance of twenty ladies. The last meeting was held at the home of Mrs. Jack Anderson, in Council Bluffs. Although it takes extra car fare to cross the "Big Muddy," there was the usual attendance. During the month of February the auxiliary held a card party at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Bert Cox. There were fifty-four guests present, and all expressed themselves as enjoying the evening. There will be another one of these card parties at the home of Mr. and Mrs. George Barton on the evening of March 27. We do not sell tickets for these parties. We invite and charge a small admission. We have no trouble to get a crowd. I do not think our auxiliary was ever in such a flourishing condition. There is a general good feeling among the members. There are always two or three ladies ready to entertain the regular meetings, and for our last card party, as well as for the next, there were four ladies willing to open their homes for the occasion. I do not think we can find any fault with our local union, for, in a social way, the printers have always been willing to help the ladies make a success of any entertainment they have ever held. We have almost $100 in our treasury, and we have only forty-five members. Our president, Mrs. R. F. Gilder, while not enjoying the best of health, is able to work for the good of the order and preside at the meetings. I read from a good many of the correspondents to THE JOURNAL, that they object to the same person writing every month. Like "the man that lived in the country," who bought enough daily papers to last a week, "there was a sort of a sameness to them he did not like." While I agree with the ladies, I was appointed official correspondent for the year. What can I do? But, as the year is almost up, I hope you will bear with me a little longer. MRS. BERT Cox. LINCOLN, NEB. The members of Capital Auxiliary No. II to Typographical Union No. 209 gave a "colonial tea" Monday night, May 6, at the Central Labor Hall, which was heartily enjoyed by all. Most of the ladies were dressed in colonial style, with powdered hair and dresses of '76. George Washington was present in full costume. A short program was rendered, consisting of vocal and piano solos and recitations. The committee then introduced a guessing contest, which puzzled the printers for half an hour. On the walls were pinned pictures of our past presidents, from Washington to Roosevelt; each person was given pencil and paper and requested to write the names of all the pictures they knew. Mr. Will Maupin won the prize. After this the floor was cleared for dancing, when refreshments were served. The tables were decorated with flags. Our auxiliary gives a social of some form once a month, charging a small admission to cover expenses. We find them a great success, as they not only bring us new members, but create a more friendly feeling amongst the union men and families. The allied trades council gave its first annual ball February 24, which proved to be quite a success, even though there were very few printers there. Mr. and Mrs. J. G. Sayer have the sympathy of the auxiliary in the loss of their son Thomas. Several of our ladies were reported sick at our last meeting, which was held at the home of Mrs. Bustard. One new member took the obligation. After the business was transacted a social hour was enjoyed. The hostess served light refreshMRS. W. S. BUSTARD. ments. SEATTLE, WASH. The last meeting of Woman's Auxiliary No. 23 to Typographical Union No. 202 was held February 23, at the regular meeting place in I. O. O. F. Hall. The date falling upon our regular social day, only a short business meeting was held, that members might enjoy the refreshments prepared, with friends and members of No. 202, who very liberally patronized us. One candidate for membership was balloted upon and duly elected, but initiation postponed until next regular meeting. One of our members was seriously hurt in a street car accident recently, but we were gratified to find her in her accustomed place at last meeting, after a lapse of several weeks. It has been the custom of No. 23 to admit all members of the auxiliary and No. 202 and friends free at the door, charg ing 10 cents for refreshments. This plan served every purpose, and gave satisfaction to our members and our exchequer. We give a full dress ball, the last of a series of three for the season, on March 14, Typographical Union No. 202 assisting. A splendid orchestra has been engaged, and competent floor managers will, as is usual with this organization, be at hand to insure every dancer a strenuous evening of pleas ure. No. 23 is an ardent band of label workers, each member constituting herself a committee to further its interests, the benefits in the end accruing being as bread cast upon the waters. Provisionally, we may form a "label league," and if it materializes, look out for the valiant crew of No. 23. Each member has virtually pledged herself to demand union made goods, and heg floor walkers to furnish her a union clerk. This has been done by members, and has proven satisfactory. It is not the intention of this auxiliary to be forgotten in the union label race; rather will we lead in the near future. We are in the embryo as yet, but watch us develop. MRS. ROLAND LAYTON. CHICAGO, ILL. The International president has called for expressions of opinion from the auxiliaries on subjects liable to come before the convention in Toronto. Our international secretary has also been asked what is our International Auxiliary for. The one most essential thing should be to make uniform laws. According to the constitution the auxiliary can carry out any object they wish to undertake. I have great visions for the future of the auxiliary. One is having buildings and accommodations for the wives and families of dependent printers; if not at Colorado Springs, some other place. That is for the future, though. It was a commendable thing of the Omaha auxiliary to send their Christmas box to the Home, but I think it would be wise to hunt up the needy families of those at the Home and remember them. Or are all the inmates bachelors? Every auxiliary should be represented at the convention, and if any feel they can not afford a delegate they should give entertainments, etc., to raise the means, or give credentials to some member who intends going to Toronto, anyhow. If the members would give their permission, possibly the manufacturer of the International Typographical Union emblem could be induced to make a pin suitable for the auxiliary. The question has been asked, what are the benefits of the auxiliary? Chicago auxiliary is considering an insurance feature. That would be bad policy, because we do not bar any one on account of poor health, and do not require a medical examination for admission to membership. It might be a means of locals being more prompt in forwarding per capita tax if there was a small death benefit connected with the International. It seems there is some discontent at the 20-cent assessment, after raising the per capita tax. A few more locals added to the International would bring in enough revenue to abolish the assessment. A blank application for a charter should be placed in the hands of every delegate to the typographical union convention. And he could do no less than see a local organized in his home, in consideration of the hospitality and entertainment extended by the ladies of Toronto. The president advised us that all members of the union were honorary members of the auxiliary. Some locals say the men are coming in as honorary members. Let every member give their wish on the subject, and instruct their delegate. Chicago de cided to create an honorary membership for those so closely related to our members that it seems unjust to bar them. Chicago is sorry to lose the vice-president of No. 16 and his wife, but Milwaukee will be the gainer for our loss. On April 10 a few additions to the constitution will be voted on. VENUS M. HEATH. WHAT THEY THINK OF THE JOURNAL. John E. Fancher, chairman eight-hour committee No. 218, Sioux Falls, S. D., says: "The last JOUR NAL is a hummer. We intend to have published the Rev. Macfarland's sermon in one of our local papers and circulate it broadcast." Edward J. Burgan, Baltimore, Md.-"THE JourNAL is improving, and the membership in this vicinity is appreciating it more." Jack Tracy, Jacksonville, Fla.-"THE JOURNAL is the ideal printers' paper.' F. E. Thurman, Cairo, Ill.-"THE JOURNAL is undoubtedly the best strictly trade publication is sued, and the membership should feel proud of it." Charles O. Bernheisel, Bellevue, Ky.-"THE TYPOGRAPHICAL JOURNAL justifies all our hopes for it in the days of struggle, and nothing could be asked for in its management or contributors." IN his annual message, the governor of New York state said that "the place for the children of school age is in the school, and they should not be withdrawn therefrom, or allowed to work in any way which interferes with their school attendance, before they reach the age at which primary education ordinarily ends." Thoughts Without Words You have the thoughts. The Typographical Journal It is pocket size and convenient. Just what every printer needs for reference purposes. Price 35 Cents Address all orders to J. W. BRAMWOOD Newton Claypool Building, Indianapolis, Ind. NEW ILLINOIS PRISON LABOR LAW. The present Illinois prison labor law is a modification of the New York regulation, and has been in operation about eight months. This law received the endorsement of the trade unions of the state and was heralded as a great reform, and, in fact, is such along certain lines. Under the old and pernicious contract system convicts were employed in producing goods for the open market. Shoemaking, coopering, reed and rattan working, stone cutting (both native and granite), iron molding, wood working, brick making, and most of the staple industries were followed in the prisons. One curious feature of the work was that, probably without exception, a contractor engaged in the production of prison made goods also had one or more plants outside, where free labor was employed, and the contractor systematically mixed and shipped his product in such manner that neither the retailer nor consumer could readily distinguish between the articles. Of course, the goods were almost exclusively of cheap make and appearance, and markets were found principally in the poorer quarters of the large cities. The new law prohibits the manufacture or sale of any article not intended for use by the state cr its political subdivisions. Under the old system it was an economical business proposition for the contractors to furnish their unfortunate charges with as high a class of machinery as their means and the nature of the work would allow. A stint was established and maintained, and woe betide the poor devil who fell below the minimum production. Punishment was swift and sure. For this privilege the prison reports show that about two-thirds of the actual cost of maintenance of the prisoners was paid by the contractors. Instead of utilizing the work of the inmates to build and maintain sanitary workshops and cell houses, their time was given to the contractor. The new law has been vilified, and determined efforts have been made for its repeal or modification, and half a dozen measures are now before the state legislature seeking changes in the method of enforcement. These changes are inspired, we believe, by the ousted contractors, or by politicians seeking to accomplish their own selfish ends. One of the amendments provide for the manufacture of school books for the state. As this scheme would necessitate the adoption of a uniform text book law and the free distribution of such books, it has probably been introduced for a purpose other than appears on the surface. No machinery is contemplated in the law other than "hand or foot power" where "practicable." In a visit to the penitentiaries and reform school it would seem that it is not "practicable" to do other than repair work by hand. Crushed stone is being turned out in large quantities at Chester penitentiary (by hand), and a ready market is found. But as for manufacturing, only the highest grade of machinery is in use at Pontiac, Joliet, and to some extent at Chester. In the allotment of lines of trade the printing department was given the Pontiac reformatory, and a report becoming current that the board of prison industries of the state contemplated increasing the plant, some uneasiness has been manifest in printing circles throughout Illinois. Rumor added that equipment had been received and was being held (boxed or crated) in the plant, and would be installed as soon as the manifest opposition had subsided. Several typographical unions felt called upon to pass resolutions and issue circulars criticizing the prison and state authorities, and drafting or circulating amendments to the present law. Other organizations and central bodies have written asking information as to the wishes of the typographical union and kindred trades regarding the present status and possible amendments to the present prison laws. With this in mind, I visited Springfield March 1, and, after conferring with the officers of the Illinois State Federation of Labor and Springfield Typographical Union in special session, decided to visit the Pontiac reformatory as one of a committee consisting of President Barney Cohen, of the state federation of labor; L. A. Gude, of Springfield Typographical Union, and myself, president of Typographical Union No. 16, of Chicago. We arrived at Pontiac Thursday morning, March 2, and at once proceeded to the reformatory, where we were courteously received by Superintendent M. M. Mallary. set in eight point, with an occasional extract or poem in six point, occupies probably two-thirds of the time of the boys assigned to the composing room. The paper is admirably edited by one of the instructors, George M. Sheetz, and contains a summary of current events and matters pertaining to the institution. The biennial report of the reformatory is also in course of preparation. This book of about 100 pages, in cloth cover, contains a wealth of information, and to one willing to devote a few hours of careful study will be found exceedingly valuable. Work was also in progress in the composing room on several report blanks for state institutions, and several galleys of type were noticed which had apparently been used for work of this character. All material was new and of good quality. Body type ranged from six to twelve point, and display type seemed confined mainly to several series of Gothics and De Vinnes, although a small job department was in charge of two of the most advanced boys. Two of the platen and the cylinder press were in operation, running at low speed, and doing reasonably good work. Two of the boys in this department had had a brief experience before incarceration. Cases for the biennial report were stacked in the bindery. The cases of different colors were of cloth with gilt stamping. One ruling machine was in operation, doing ledger work in two colors. Two heavy report books for Chester penitentiary were on the bench, and several ledgers were in various stages of completion. To a printer, the work showed fair skill in most particulars. In one or two details of finish the work was somewhat crude. Still, all things considered, the entire printing department showed careful supervision and painstaking work, both by inmates and instructors. The instructors, I was informed, were all trade unionists-two printers, one pressman, and one binder. The shop book showed that of the work done since the installation of the new plant all was for the state institutions proper and for the prison board. Several requisitions had been made from political divisions of the state, but it had been found impossible to accept any of these orders. In all probability, we were told, no work would be done for county, school, or other minor divisions of the state, as the work specified above and for the penal and reformatory institutions would tax the capacity and ability of the available force. Probably seven-eighths of the boys attend school half-days. This is necessary because of a regulation compelling school instruction up to and including the eighth grade. The average number of inmates in the reformatory is 1,100. After visiting the various departments and shops of the institution, inspecting the cell houses, schools, kitchens, commissary and store houses, and, in fact, peering into every corner of the great reformatory, the committee, after thanking the superintendent, separated and returned to their homes, agreeably surprised and much grati fied over the working of the new law and its interpretation at Pontiac. In conclusion let me say that the printing trades have little to fear so long as the present policy of the institution is adhered to and the equipment remains as at present. While we are assured that no further increase, either in machinery or appor tionment of inmates, is contemplated, it is well to bear in mind that outside influences may override the wishes of the superintendent and prison board. and seek to extend the workings of the law to our great detriment. I believe the solution of the problem is simple: Let us earnestly and persistently oppose any change either in the present prison labor law or in the conduct of this reformatory. Let us ever be on our guard against tinkering with the law in such manner as will bring it into disrepute, and open the way for its repeal and the substitution of the iniquitous contract system, for in that we would gain nothing and lose much. If we ask that we be favored unduly we will arouse the animosity of our brother and sister unionists, and a show of favor to us may prejudice the justice of our claim to our present contention that we are bearing our full burden. We can well afford to remain satisfied and insist upon an equal distribution of the work. In another article the various features of this model institution will be compared with the antiquated and barbaric methods employed at the penal institutions. EDWIN R. Wright. Chicago, Ill. BOSTON LETTER. Considerable misunderstanding exists as to the provisions of the so-called "priority law." This law provides that where a foreman wishes to decrease the force "such decrease shall be accomplished by discharging first the person or persons last employed. Should there be an increase in the force within sixty days after a decrease, the person or persons displaced through such cause shall be reinstated in the order in which they were discharged before other help may be employed. Upon demand, the foreman shall give the reason for discharge in writing." While this law is printed plainly in our book of laws, few of our members seem to be familiar with it, which shows a gross carelessness on their part regarding matters which vitally affect their interests. Then, again, a few members have come to look upon the International Typographical Union laws as vehicles of convenience, to be enforced when desira ble and "overlooked" when otherwise. But the "priority law" is enforced on the newspapers in this town, and should be enforced in the book and job offices, and so our members would do well to keep its provisions in mind. Even more ignorance prevails as to the way this law affects "subs." The opinion prevails in many quarters that when a situation is to be given out it must go to the oldest "sub" in the office. Such is not the case. The law says: "Persons considered capable as substitutes by foremen shall be deemed competent to fill regular situations, and shall be given preference," etc. Now it will be readily seen that if a foreman were forced to give a situation to the "sub" longest in the office he would necessarily, for selfprotection, weed out the "subs" whom he did not consider competent to fill it, and tell them to "git," which would work a hardship on the particular "subs" affected, and, for that reason alone, the law is more desirable as it is. Then, again, the compelling of foremen to give out situations to the oldest "subs" might be construed as constituting a sub-list, and, as the International Typographical Union has taken a determined stand regarding sub-lists, it can not afford to even appear inconsistent. Taken as a whole, the "priority law" as it stands today is a good thing for the regular, in that it protects him against removal if, after years of service, the "boss" wishes to replace him with a younger man, or a friend of his, or for any reasons other than those laid down in our law; it is a good thing for the competent "sub," in that it assures recognition of his ability in good time; and it is a good thing for the incompetent "sub," in that it gives him an opportunity to secure employment in offices where he would otherwise be unable to secure a foothold. For the law says: "The foreman shall be the judge of the competency of the 'sub'." If our members would read the book of laws carefully they would find therein many other matters of equal interest to them. The political pot has not fairly begun to boil as yet, although I hear an occasional murmur of possible developments along that line. I am told that President Coughlin will be a candidate for re-election, and I have heard a rumor that Ex-President Walter Metcalf may also be a candidate for that office. No opposition has yet developed to the reelection of Secretary Sterling. I have been told that there will be an unusually large field of candidates for delegate to the Toronto convention, but they are rather backward in coming forwardprobably waiting for the "primaries." However, I hear that my old friend W. L. Lossone, of the Post, will make the race, and if he does he will make it warm for the rest of the bunch, as he is very popular, and deservedly so. He is a consistent union man in every particular, a good worker for the cause, and a faithful attendant at union meetings. I have known him for a number of years, have always found him to be a true friend, and have never known him to be guilty of a mean action. I have also heard the names of Charles G. Wilkins, A. G. Reid, John M. Pease, Thomas Sears and Ambrose Harvey mentioned as possible candidates for delegate, all of whom are strong in their respective branches. While there is not much doing just yet, things should begin to look up from now on. The Lanston Monotype Machine Company has established in Philadelphia a free school for the instruction of operators. The period of instruction is ten weeks, and they require three months' apprenticeship in a printing office after that before an operator is entitled to "the prevailing rate of wages for expert operators." The company is offering inducements to beginners, for it contracts to loan learners up to $7 per week to defray their expenses while learning, which must be repaid in small instalments after a position is secured. Secretary Sterling can probably furnish whatever further information may be desired on the subject. The proposition looks good, in the light of the fact that there are some thirty monotype machines now in use in Boston book and job offices, and this number is likely to be increased. As none of our members are at present employed on those machines, it would seem to be up to them to devise some means of getting "next" to them. And this school might afford the means. At any rate the matter should be carefully looked into by the proper authorities, and no stone left unturned to give our members the advantage of all improved machinery that is being introduced in the printing trade. The annual May party of the book and job branch will be held at Paine Memorial Hall, Tuesday evening, May 16, and that it will be a success is assured by the well-known hustling ability of the committee in charge. I am told that the souvenir, which is to be given free to every one who attends, will be a "dream" of the printers' art, and is to contain much that will interest and amuse. Half of the proceeds will be donated to the Cummings memorial fund, which should be an added incentive to every printer to purchase a ticket. "I'm going! Are you?" The legislative committee on labor reported adversely on the picketing bill, which was drawn to allow peaceful communication between strikers and strikebreakers during labor disputes. It was noticeable that the members of the committee who hailed from large industrial centers dissented from the report, while most of those opposed to the bill were from small up-state towns. It is remarkable, when you come to consider it, how many members from the rural districts find places on the committee on labor every year. I would like to call the attention of those who have been giving the Journal Correspondents' Society a good-natured "dig" to the "first fruits" of the organization-the symposium on "The EightHour Day" in the March number. Perhaps a perusal of it may satisfy some of the doubters that we are not organized just for a "jolly," but that we are out to boost the good cause along. Get in the push, brothers. Secretary Dirks will be glad to hear from all those who are eligible to membership. Speaking of knockers, no man ever helped himself by knocking other people down. You can't climb the ladder of fame by stepping on other people's corns. They're their corns, not yours, and they are tender. Keep off the corns. There's no end of fun in minding your own business. And it makes other people like you better. Better have others stuck on you than get stuck on yourself. Nobody gets stuck on a knocker. Don't knock; just jolly! It is a good thing, of course, to talk about the eight-hour day, but talk will not win it for us next January. Hard work must be done in the next few months, and it must be done right here in Greater Boston. The president of the national |