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and there is not a kick from any one, as they understand the good cause for which the money is being used.

The March meeting was a busy one. The reports of officers showed the organization to be in the best possible condition. A couple of applications for membership went to the committee for investigation, and we are still 100 per cent strong.

The matter of the new scale of prices to be submitted to the proprietors in June was again taken up and discussed informally, and a motion was made to modify the demand for more pay so as to put the eight-hour day in force when the scale is signed, instead of waiting until January 1. Five new members were appointed to redraft the scale and to put in the clause demanding the eight hours immediately.

Delegate Candidate Fink says he will bring up the proposition of having the International put a complete printing office at the Home to print THE JOURNAL and official matter. He believes a big saving can be made, and that the boys at the Home would only be too glad to help out as much as possible. Not a bad idea at all.

Business has been a little dull for the past few months, but is expected to boom in May.

The union as a whole will be on the entertainment committee when the delegates and visitors come to quaff of the spray.

It has been suggested to hold a smoker and put on Frank Johnson and Jake Stricker for the 205. pound championship of the union.

The question is: Why should you be elected a delegate to Toronto?

Are you getting ready to visit the metropolis of Canada? GEORGE E. LOCK.

GREED FOR GOLD NOT UPPERMOST. Robert S. Maloney, of Lawrence, Mass., in the January issue of THE JOURNAL, under the heading, "Anent Socialism," says, among other things, that (although not using the same wording) "the incentive for gold is the only way progress can be made." Shakespeare, the greatest poet, did not have the greed for gold uppermost in his mind. George Washington, the greatest and most truthful American, did not look upon gold as the basis of all that was good and pure. Frederick William Herschel, the greatest modern astronomer, was a good example of what men will do for science-not gold. Charles Robert Darwin, the greatest naturalist of the past century, and author of "The Origin of Species," was a seeker of knowledge-not gold. Abraham Lincoln, next to George Washington, was probably the greatest American, and he worked for the downtrodden (not gold) until death overtook him. Babcock, the inventor of the milk-tester, gave his invention to the world. All of which goes to show that Mr. Maloney is wrong in his contention that gold is the goal for which every one is striving.

People whose principal aim in life is to amass a fortune at other people's expense lead up to such disasters as the burning of the excursion boat, General Slocum, on the East river, New York city; the Iroquois theater disaster, Chicago; fre

quent coal mine disasters, where scores of lives are snuffed out in as many seconds; railroad accidents too numerous to mention, the slaughter last year being over 50,000 killed and wounded. Such disasters under our present system should convince the most dense of its faultiness of construction.

Mr. Maloney says he will be "agin" socialism to the end (he meant "his" end). As regards his statement that he has made a study of socialism for several years, it will not be taken seriously by any one who has his communication in hand. Mr. Maloney puts emphasis on the fact that 16,000,000 people own farm wealth to the value of $11,029,293,472, whereas if they had their full wealth they would own about $16,000,000,000. The farmers are the backbone of the United States, and, therefore, should have their share of our boasted prosperity, but Mr. Maloney figures $690 per capita as a good share for the tillers of the soil.

What does Mr. Maloney think of the Georgians burning cotton on account of a bountiful crop when thousands of operatives in his state were up "agin" the fasting proposition, and thousands of poor people throughout the country in need of wearing apparel? Could such a condition exist in a country where the welfare of all was the first consideration?

Questions of "graft," "government ownership," "socialism," etc., will have to be threshed out in this country in the next generation, and the sooner the workingman gets into line for socialism (which is the only way he can possibly hope to accomplish anything for his family, himself and fellow workman) the better. Under socialism it would not be possible for one man to live in a mansion which cost the labor of one hundred men for two or three years, while thousands of other men with their families were packed in tenements like sardines in a tin. Freight rates are so high that fruits, vegetables, etc., are left on the growers' hands to rot, conditions which could not exist under socialism. It is a well-known fact that wearing apparel, foodstuffs, etc., are stored, insured and incendiarism committed, in order to get quicker returns for money invested, frequently causing loss of life, which would not exist under socialism.

Fully one-half of the labor expended in this country is wasted, and any observant person who has traveled can not help but come to this conclusion. But to discuss such questions would require more space probably than THE JOURNAL would care to allow. Persons desirous of acquiring knowledge on these points would do well to read "Merrie England" (Blatchford), which is a good stepping stone for thoughtful people. Eugene V. Debs, Gabriel Deville, Ferdinand Lassalle, Paul Lafarque, McGrady, Haggerty, Tom Mann, Prof. Isador Ladoff and Karl Marx, all prominent authors in the socialistic field of journalism, have put forth instructive and interesting "links" on the all-important subject of the hour-socialism.

As Mr. Maloney puts much stress on the monetary values of the farmers' holdings, it would be well to remind him that this wealth, the accumulation of years, is not based on the gold standard. The moneyed men of Wall street control the gold,

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We are having strenuous times hereabouts. There seem to be floating in the air some mild echoes of the Asiatic war. One wonders who is who and what is what-but it will probably all come out in the wash.

A couple of special meetings became necessary this month to preserve the integrity of certain International Typographical Union laws in a certain office and the end is not yet. An ineffectual attempt was made to establish a phalanx in one of the large job offices. The man it was sought to phalanx protested and was thereupon discharged. He carried his case to the executive board, which ordered his reinstatement. Upon receipt of the board's decision the foreman laid it before the chapel. The chapel adopted a motion to "sustain the foreman in any action he might see fit to take." Thereupon, fortified, as he believed, the foreman refused to comply with the executive board's decision and declined to reinstate the man discharged. This course of the toreman and the chapel brought on a special meeting, in which the foreman and chapel were rather warmly toasted. Action was deferred to an adjourned meeting to be held the following Sunday, four days after. The next night after the first special meeting the chapel and the foreman sent letters to the executive board withdrawing their former action in the matter, and desiring to settle the matter as amicably as possible. The adjourned meeting, at this writing, is yet to come. What it may bring forth is a matter of doubt, but that it will be a warm session is more than likely.

Considerable feeling was shown at the last regular meeting because the unfavorable report of the executive board, acting as a membership committee, was concurred in, carrying rejection of an applicant; but when the facts are fully understood it must be admitted the action taken was the best for all concerned. The applicant was not competent and could not get endorsement on this score from the man he worked for; but several members, fearing prospective trouble in some offices, wished to give the man a card so as to control him in event of such trouble. Fears of trouble are largely bugaboos which frighten the timid. It is not the part of wisdom to squeal before you are hurt, nor

to allow threats to intimidate members. We have had many threats to disrupt this union, but few, when it came to a pinch, ever tried to make good such threats. The tendency of late years to give a journeyman's card to every printer applicant, too often regardless of his competency, or lack of it, does not strengthen the union. Strength does not lie in mere numbers alone. Rather will numbers prove a weakness, unless of the right quality as workmen. The desire to check this pernicious tendency is to the credit of our executive board. The applicant will now try to better equip himself, and when he next makes application will probably have a better chance of becoming a mem ber because of that effort on his part.

The attempt to get a bill through the legislature to require the union label on state printing does not seem to have been made with that degree of energy necessary to secure results. The legislature is about to adjourn, and, so far as I can learn, nothing definite has been accomplished.

Citizens' alliances are springing up in this neck of the woods also. One was organized in Tacoma a week or two ago, including, as its principal backers, the smelter company, a big sawmill, and the city street car company. I know of no connection with it by those with whom we deal directly, but some of the members seem to fear the alliance was formed purposely to kill off printers' unions. This is a wet climate in winter, and one's pedal extremities are liable to acquire dampness, but there is absolutely no excuse for getting cold feet here, now, or at any other time. Reports from a nearby city are to the effect that in a certain office notices were posted declaring the place an open shop, but that as yet the proprietor has not had the nerve to make his bluff good by hiring non-union help. Well, we have not even had any notices posted for our edification yet-nor do I think there will be. If any are-well, we'll cross that bridge, like all others, when we come to it, and not before. CHARLES PERRY TAYLOR.

DULUTH, MINN.

Since the last letter, business has picked up considerably, and every member is now employed.

Two new members-John McKeague and M. Cohen-were admitted to full membership at the March meeting. Both were apprentice members.

O. F. Collier, formerly on Lake avenue, has moved his office into his new building on First street, bought a new outfit for his composing room and ordered another Miehle press. He now has the best equipped job office in town.

Louie Shenowsky, who learned the trade and for the past three years held a machine on the NewsTribune, has gone to California.

A member of No. 136 sent in a doctor's certifi cate at the last meeting, with a request attached that he be granted the 50 cents attendance rebate, as the smoke and hot air in the hall was injurious to his health. He works at a linotype with his overcoat and rubbers on, and has a physique like a lumberjack. Needless to say, his appeal was turned down, for the reason that we need his presenceor his fifty. WALTER EASTMAN,

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PROVINCIAL LEGISLATURE BUILDINGS, SITUATED IN QUEEN'S PARK, TORONTO.

One of the most picturesque landscape views in America is seen from the steps of these buildings.

ROCHESTER, N. Y.

The most encouraging meeting held in some time was that of March 6. It was an interesting one from start to finish, and entirely free from that spirit of apathy which suggests a mutual admiration society or a Quaker prayer meeting. The discussion upon all matters of importance was spirited and to the point-which proves that No. 15 is composed of wide-awake men and women. Organizer J. E. McLoughlin was present and gave a short talk on the eight-hour proposition. He told of instances where new agreements granting the eight-hour day and higher wages had been secured without any trouble in localities that have been backward for years. Success was due chiefly to the fact that better locals existed, and that they were backed in their demands by a strong international organization. In his opinion, the printers of Rochester will have no difficulty in securing the new conditions, provided they will support their officers and do everything possible to strengthen the union. A practical move in this direction was taken when, by unanimous vote, President Bates became special local organizer, and $100, added to a like amount given by the International, was placed at the disposal of the organizing committee. If the sum does not prove sufficient to accomplish the thorough consolidation of the printers within this jurisdiction, more will be forthcoming. It was also decided not to reduce the present initiation fee of $10, but to continue it until January 1, 1906, when $25 is to be the ante.

The demand for machine composition in job rooms is decidedly on the increase, and the ultimate effect of the introduction of the monotype et al. is still a matter of conjecture. The chances are that the bulk of catalogue, booklet, and of all straight composition will finally go to the machine. Viewed from this standpoint, the eight-hour day becomes not altogether a matter of improving present conditions, but an absolute necessity in preparation for the future. There are a few job printers who consider an increase in the scale to be a greater gain than shorter hours. This is a decided mistake. Of course, it is always a good thing to raise wages, but this, at the best, only affords temporary relief. Higher wages usually precede, or are immediately followed by a rise in the cost of living-placing the worker on the same economic level as before. But shorter hours, on the contrary, create a greater demand for labor, and by taking the "men off the street" make it easier to raise wages. And above all else the shorter workday gives men more time to think, and thus better equip themselves to assert their rights as producers of wealth.

There are many indications coming through the central trades council of this city and other sources, that the trades union movement is waking up all along the line. Several unions report a large increase during the past few months in reinstatements, new members and attendance at meetings. The sudden and bitter attacks of the Parryites threatened at one time to seriously cripple organized labor. The whole Parry movement, however, turned out to be only a side show of the great

capitalist menagerie, a decoy to hide from the working people their real adversary-private monopoly. The cry for the "freedom of the individual" and the "open shop" was meant to frighten away weak members and discourage collective effort. With a better understanding of the situation, the present year will find the hosts of labor better organized and more determined than ever to contest the ground step by step. Collectively, we are invincible!

The recent strike of railway employes in New York city was fruitful in one particular at least. It gave Strikebreaker Farley a chance to show the corporations the advantage of his plan of dealing with rebellious workingmen. His ability to furnish large numbers of men on short notice was certainly made good. The two most significant features of the affair were that college boys and city thugs vied with each other for an opportunity to become "American heroes," and that they were smuggled into the city, and chaperoned during their stay, by the police. Of course, one does not expect the criminal element from the lower strata of society to possess very high ideals of justice; and when we consider the source from which the money to run the universities of the country is secured, and the influence that controls them, it is quite natural that those who come from the other social extremity should have no regard for the rights and well-being of the working class. In temporarily filling the places of the striking railway men these college lads were simply defending the interests of the benevolent monopolists, who furnish the means for their education, and incidentally curbing the power of the people upon whose labor they now and after graduation expect to graft. As for the police, they only obeyed their masters-the Belmonts. The situation would have been radically different had the working people of New York control of the governmental power. The strong arm of the law would then have been used to prevent these vicious elements entering the city, and the arrogant monopolists would have quickly found "something to arbitrate." But after all, no such unfortunate condition would have existed had the people of New York retained control of their public utilities. Instead of the fake municipal ownership they now have, there should be real control by the people, under which those who use and those who labor upon these social enterprises would have equal rights and duties. T. H. INK.

A NEW KINK.

Something new has been inaugurated in a printing establishment in Baltimore. Shortly after the great fire which laid low the business houses covering nearly 150 acres of land, three compositors, a pressman, a paper cutter and a solicitor came together and consulted as to the best means to get bread and meat for their respective families. They were the employes of one of the firms burned out, and all were young and persevering. They started business in a cellar with a little press and a half dozen fonts of type, and cleared the first week (while the embers of the fire were still glowing) $66. This was their nest-egg. Within eleven

months they have built up a fine trade, have a twostory office, thoroughly equipped with type, presses and a bindery, and are rapidly establishing themselves and becoming known. They have a force in all departments of about thirty employes, and the firm inaugurated a series of monthly banquets for the employes on the last Tuesday evening in December, which was duplicated on the last Tuesday in January. The first was more of a fruit and cream and cake affair; but in January it was a splendid effort, the bill of fare calling for oysters, lettuce, good old-fashioned Maryland biscuits, and all the necessary adjuncts. Speeches were indulged in by President Dan S. Derr and General Manager Al Peters. A few remarks were also made by Foreman Webber, of the composing room, which were followed by selections from a graphophone managed by Solicitor Robinson. Several of the employes responded with brief and snappy talks, and a number of the younger boys, especially of the pressroom, rendered vocal selections, while an impromptu set-to was pulled off, and exercises in tumbling and trapeze performing were given by a press feeder who spends his summer months with a circus as one of its acrobats. The firm's idea in these monthly gatherings is to bring employe and employer into closer connection, and to make the former understand that the latter is with him and is willing to befriend him when called on. The firm is a great stickler for unionism, and never omits to use the label. They call themselves "independent" printers, which, to further qualify, means that they have no connection with the typothetæ or any other combination of employers working against the interests of the men and women employed by them. The young ladies connected with the establishment always add to the banquets by their presence, and enter into the spirit of the occasion with as much seeming enjoyment as others. An experienced caterer serves with a corps of waiters.

There are many "comps" throughout this broad land who have heard of our Maryland oysters, but when you can walk into a composing room and note pure white tablecloths over huge form stones, see the crisp bunches of lettuce and the pickles, condiments, butter, bread and biscuits, and then see the waiters trip in with large platters of brownfried oysters resting on beds of lettuce leaves, and -but why continue? This is a new kink. Let other employers start it for their employes. See how the boys appreciate it! It bears good fruit in the end. Baltimore, Md. LUNCH HOUR.

"A DUTCH MACHINE, SURE." Shortly after the Atlanta Constitution's first linotypes were put in, the machines, owing probably to the lack of knowledge and inexperience of the men handling them, got into such bad shape that a call for help was sent to the foundry. This call was in such urgent terms that Mr. Mergenthaler himself came down, remaining for a week or two getting things in shape. One Saturday night the metal went wild, and squirts, sticks and freezes followed each other. One of the proprietors, Colonel Evan Howell, was sitting up with the work,

and Mr. Mergenthaler asked him if it were possible to get some beer at that time of night (the bars having closed at 10). The colonel said he could try, and sent out a messenger, who succeeded in getting a few bottles from a hotel. Every one thought Mr. M, wanted the beer as a refresher for himself, and were somewhat surprised (some of them paralyzed) to see him, instead, go around to each machine and squirt a quantity of the beer into the mold. This he said would prevent sticking and produce a better slug. And so it proved. Colonel Howell studied the situation for a moment, and exclaimed: "I know d-n well now that's a Dutch machine-it won't work without filling up on beer." E. G. Atlanta, Ga.

ORANGE, N. J.

Nothing having appeared in THE JOURNAL for some little time from Orange, it is surmised that perhaps on account of its close proximity to Newark there is nothing doing. This is a delusion. We are very much alive, a fact which can be corroborated by the Employing Printers' Association of the Oranges and Montclair, which was somewhat dilatory in signing the scale for this year (which was practically the old scale of last year), owing to a difference of opinion in regard to the overtime question. At our February meeting the claims of the employers were rejected, and they were given twenty-four hours' notice in which to sign, or else lose the label. Having failed, the labels were withdrawn. There was consternation among the employers on the loss of label work, and No. 424 was greatly surprised and enthused at the demand there was for the label. After three or four days, Organizer McLoughlin arrived on the scene and took hold of the case with his usual sagacity and brought things to an amicable settlement. That the label is being constantly kept in the front is due chiefly to the energetic work of our delegates in the trades council, namely, Edward Lannen and William W. Ogle, who is editor and business manager of the Wage Earner, the official organ of the trades council. Our label committee is also doing excellent work.

The office of F. G. Temme has been declared unfair and ordered placed on the unfair list in the Wage Earner.

The bill posters' union here refuses to put up posters or placards that do not bear the label. The stewards or chairmen in the shops of the hatting district will not allow any kind of literature minus the label to be circulated in the hat shops.

That Orange holds the palm for any city of its size in the country for thorough organization in the labor movement was demonstrated on February 24, when the hat trimmers' association, representing 500 women, quit work on the refusal of the bosses to sign their agreement. Local 17 of the United Hatters went out in sympathy, thereby closing every shop and putting several thousand men on the street. After being out two weeks the agreements were signed favorable to the trimmers.

Some two years ago the Frederick J. Quimby Company, of Cambridge, Mass., purchased in the heart of this city a plot of ground, 200x185 feet,

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