ence; it is a suggested defense against the most menacing, because the most insidious, attack that has ever been hurled against us.

I thank D. C. Lovett, jr., of Charleston, W. Va., for the word of commendation he wrote on the subject in the June number of THE JOURNAL (page 696). And ex-President Farrell, of No. 6, has personally expressed approbation of the plan. I hope many others will say what they think of it. The problem is before us; some solution must be found. A. J. PORTENAR.

New York, N. Y.

ARE WE STRONG?

It has been a great pleasure to read in our JOURNAL the articles on insurance and the many other subjects which have a tendency to strengthen the bonds and make us stronger, but are we really strong? Are we not losing sight of the primal object of our being as an organization? We are firstly a trade union, and it is to be a strong trade union we should aim at. I would ask the individual members to ask themselves the question: Are we strong-really strong? Are we prepared for any emergency? Apparently we are. We have a paying membership of about 45,000as many or more than we ever had. We have just come out of a hard-won and just fight. We have a fine Home. We are waging a war against our worst foe-tuberculosis. We have also a fine old age pension fund, with a large reserve fund, and I hope a larger one in the future. We have also a general fund with the magnificent sum of $98,000 in it, the same being about $2 a member. Our income monthly does not meet our expenditures. This fund has been decreasing almost since the end of the eight-hour trouble. There is nothing in THE JOURNAL to show that we have a special defense fund over and above the general fund. If this is all-$98,000 among 45,000 members are we safe, to say nothing about being strong?

Of course we do not anticipate trouble, and we do not want it. Let us be ready for it. It is pretty well admitted that it was the small amount of money we had on hand that led the employers to think they had us "sure." We are willing to pay another 10 per cent if need be. This we will do, and much more, for our rights, but why make it necessary? It is bad policy to live from hand to mouth for an organization or for an individual. Well, then, why do it? Can not we have a big reserve or a special fund with all the safeguards necessary? We can easily have a million dollars in United States bonds ready to be used at almost a moment's notice. It would not take very long for a membership such as ours to get there, and when once there we would have something-something worth while. An amount of ammunition that will look big and be a big factor in preventing trouble. This fund would be a special reserve fund in United States bonds, drawing interest, and it could be safeguarded so that it would require a referendum vote before the principal could be touched. The interest could

be assigned to the general fund and help to keep the dues down. Of course, the sun is beginning to shine again after the "eight-hour" days, and to some the future may be all summery, but there will be dark days and cloudy and stormy days. If we are ready it will not matter so much. The strain will not be so tense.

To the advocates of the insurance plan and its opponents, I would urge the consideration of some "special reserve fund" first and foremost. When we have got that we can attend to the trimmings. We are a trade union, organized for trade union purposes. If some discussion took place on this, or some official or delegate at St. Joseph would get a motion for a referendum vote on the question of a small monthly assessment to purchase government bonds till at least we hold a million dollars' worth subject to the limitation above suggestedthis would do more for us as a trade union than an insurance fund. Money talks. Think over it, gentlemen; we are members of a trade union, banded together to uphold its principles. Let us make it strong and safe. This is our first duty. St. Paul, Minn. A. RICHARDSON.

THE OVERTIME LAW.

Perhaps it is hardly necessary to explain to those who are opposed to my views as expressed in my article in the May JOURNAL on the subject of overtime, that I was not prompted by either selfishness or a desire to take work from subs for the benefit of regulars, but in several instances that impression has been very forcibly conveyed to My object was simply to make known the belief existing among the large majority of regulars, and not a few subs, that the present overtime law is unjust and unconstitutional.

me.

It is contended that when a man is allowed a day off for overtime equivalent to a day's pay he is being remunerated, so that were we to work twelve hours a day for four days a week at $31 we would be receiving the scale. This would mean sixteen hours' overtime at 97 cents an hour, equal to $15.52, plus four days at $5.16, equal to $20.64, making a total of $36.16, for which we get $31, showing that we earned $5.16 which we never get a look at. Figures will prove the same in the abstract as in the aggregate. In other words, we work overtime and receive only the minimum scale. What kind of ogganition would prevail should we be called on to submit to such a proposition? What court would uphold such a law? I am still of the opinion that were we to return to the eight-hour penalty it would ultimately redound to the benefit of the subs as well as regulars. The present five-and-one-half-hour law is but a makeshift, and when, in a few years, we will have many more unemployed than at present, we will be compelled to resort to another. If we obliterate the incentive to become operators we will have fewer applicants for admission to our already swollen ranks and less clamoring for the sugar loaf that must be divided among the many. Yet this is just what our enemies are waiting for the time when we may be compelled to make war upon ourselves.

While very few of us have any desire to work overtime, what would it mean were it abolished? This is a question for subs.

Mr. Cairns says the overtime in the New York Herald composing room would provide about fif teen new situations. Granted that it makes thirty situations, what will the remainder do? How many men are walking out of that office every night now? Far too many, and the law is being enforced. It is palpable that if the Herald, by creating thirty new situations, could kill the overtime, those situations would be made in a week. Then the "hog" would be in clover; he could work more than 300 days a year. Mr. Cairns also asserts there would be a saving to the office of $250 a week. Is it our aim to save the office $250 a week, or do we wish to see it in the pockets of the subs? If the office is willing and able to turn loose so much money, for heaven's sake, don't turn it down. Make it double. By all means abolish overtime if it gives employment to as many subs as at present. Then no one will walk out for a time-and each regular will have to burn up a little more vitality, as everything must be cleared up in eight hours. Now some one says, let them put on a lobster shift, which the office is unlikely to do after giving thirty men situations.

Why not prohibit regulars from working more than two hours overtime in one week, which would admit of the office bringing the whole force down at 4 P. M. Saturdays.

Recently advertisements have appeared in the newspapers telling of the wages earned by linotype operators, and stating that any one can master the business in a few months, and that there is plenty of employment. One ad appeared in the Herald stating, "The operator who sets up this ad gets $5.50 to $6 a day for six and seven hours' work." Is it any wonder that recruits are numerous? And when these so-called full-fledged operators make application for membership, shall we turn them away or shall our ranks be glutted with unemployed, compelling those already overburdened to go still deeper in their pockets? As already stated, a return to the eight-hour penalty might seem drastic and extreme, but the resultant accruing benefit would eventually be far in excess of any temporary hardship that might occur.

Typewriters and stenographers today are seeking work at from $5 to $12 per week, and many of them have college education and ability that would simply dwarf the average linotype operator. Is not this the result of the output of schools in addition to lack of organization? What a stupendous task it would be today to organize those employed at that vocation! Just think what it would mean to our opponents if such conditions existed in the printing trade. This is not a question of today or a year hence, but of five or ten years. The move is up to us now and we must checkmate.

Among job printers today there are fewer unemployed in proportion than in the newspaper branch. It is assumed that one reason for this is that they do not receive as high wages as the newspaper men, leading to an additional reason

that frequently the jobber will forsake his situation and seek employment in the better paid branch. Can you blame him? It is his right. Again, this leads to the question, Is the book and job man receiving adequate remuneration for his ability? In the writer's humble opinion, he is not. How many operators today can leave a machine and take hold of a job or large newspaper ad and lick it into shape in reasonable time? But how long will it take a good job compositor to master a keyboard? It seems to me that the jobber has the whip hand and, financially, he should be placed on an equal footing with the operator. This would make him satisfied with his position and discourage him taking a chance on the news

paper.

At the June meeting of No. 6, when an attempt was made to pass a resolution instructing the delegates to endeavor to have the five-and-one-halfhour law amended to an eight-hour penalty at the coming convention, the petition was signed by some three or four hundred members, showing that the feeling against the present law is deepseated and widespread. Had the signers of the pe tition been present the resolution would have passed.

In Mr. Cairns' article he credits me with "unwillingness" to take off my overtime. This is not fair. My main objection to the law is that it infringes on my liberty. I would much prefer to put a sub on when it suits myself. If the fiveand-one-half-hour law compels me to go off when I do not so desire, it likewise forces me to work when I'd rather not. SAM MCCANDLESS.

New York, N. Y.

LET THE PENSION ALONE.

Let a

Has any one ever considered how the old men may regard the pension question? It seems very pleasing to some of us older ones to see the solicitude with which you young fellows are planning, and shelling out your shekels that those incapacitated by length of years may enjoy a little more of life's comforts in their declining days. God bless you! However, do not be overzealous. Let well enough alone, for a time at least. surplus accumulate. It can be more easily disYou will find pensed than acquired, at any time. that, as time passes, the number of eligibles will increase, because there is now an incentive to continuous membership which has not heretofore existed. I recently heard a man in prime of life say: "I can not jeopardize my membership because sometime I may need the pension." There is one point, however, which I have not seen mentioned. While drawing the line arbitrarily, and the line must be so drawn somewhere, you have required the old men who are not eligible, and under existing conditions never can become eligible, to contribute to the support of those old men who are eligible. My contention is: If the pension can not be a blessing, it should not be made a burden to a large class of the aged members. The dues should be so arranged that those you can not benefit may not be injured. C. B. PARK.

Oneida, N. Y.

WOMAN'S INTERNATIONAL AUXILIARY. 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.

This month I am pleased to announce the addition of another auxiliary to our roster-Joplin Auxiliary No. 19, with a membership of ten. Mrs. C. W. Fear is president and Mrs. John L. Power, secretary. The new auxiliary expects to do its share in the label campaign.

In addition to the foregoing there are a number of auxiliaries forming, and we confidently expect that in the course of time we will have auxiliaries in nearly every jurisdiction of the International Typographical Union. It takes work and agitation to bring it about, but it will come. Typographical unions are learning that an organization of women can be of material assistance to them, and they are taking advantage of the offer of the women and encouraging them to organize auxiliaries.

As this issue of THE JOURNAL reaches the membership, the attendants on the convention will be on their way. Let us hope for a successful convention, one that will do much good and one that will go down in the history of our organization as a notable one. MRS. CHARLES HERTENSTEIN.

St. Louis, Mo.

SEATTLE, WASH.

Auxiliary No. 23 members are nearly all busy these days entertaining friends who are here from the old homes visiting our great exposition, and we would be only too pleased if any member of our International Auxiliary would drop in to visit us if they should happen to come this way.

Our local union had the pleasure of entertaining Charles Deacon recently. He came here to instal the Union Printers Home tuberculosis exhibit at the A.-Y.-P. exposition.

So

On June 23 our president, Mrs. Charles Morris, entertained the ladies of this auxiliary at her home, and whist was played during the afternoon, after which a delicious luncheon was served. far this year we have not missed a month in giving our evening card parties at the homes of the various members, and these meetings are much enjoyed by the members of No. 202.

Our membership does not increase very rapidly, but if one drops out we manage to bring in a new member once in awhile, and that serves to keep about the same number on our rolls at all times. I would like to see a genuine revival of interest in the work of all the auxiliaries in the International, and we would willingly subscribe to any plan that would serve to increase our membership. We are sure there must be some means whereby we could interest those who do not belong to our

ranks, but so far no one seems to have been able to find out just the proper idea. On September 9 we will celebrate our organization anniversary with some kind of doings. Just what it will consist of has not yet been determined. I would like to say a word in this letter in regard to our weather; so many people in the east think that it rains out here all the time, but such is not the case. The summer months are delightful-nice and warm in the day time and cool at night. And our scenery can not be surpassed. So if any of our sisters are staying at home on account of the weather, let them take courage and car fare and come out to

see us.

I wonder if the members of other auxiliaries enjoy the woman's department of THE JOURNAL as much as we do; the meeting after it arrives always brings out quite a bit of news quoted from its pages. MRS. J. O. BURDICK.

CHICAGO, ILL.

Woman's Auxiliary No. 8 met at the home of Mrs. Gritzmacher on July 6, and all report a most delightful time. Refreshments were served by the hostess and the evening was spent in social chat. We are also glad to announce that we have had with us for some time Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Thompson, of Los Angeles, the latter a member at large, and hope to have their congenial company for a few weeks longer. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson are on a tour, taking in the sights wherever they stop, and expect to go east for a brief stay in the Quaker City before returning to the coast to settle down again.

By the present outlook, and the silent activity among our members, I believe that a goodly number will be ready to answer the call of "all aboard" for St. Joe on or about August 6.

E. A. NUGENT.

CINCINNATI, OHIO.

We always read with interest in THE JOURNAL of the doings of the other auxiliaries. Modesty leads us to wonder would other auxiliaries be in

terested in us. Considering we have an international officer, vanity leads us to think they would. So here is to let you know we are still on deck. Our doings are of a quiet order just now, owing to the fact that many of our members have hied themselves to cooler climes, greatly diminishing our circle, so much so that we have dispensed with our social meetings during the summer months, holding our monthly business meetings only.

We are greatly saddened on account of the death of our sister, Mrs. William W. Norman, who entered into rest on July 15, at her home in Dayton, Ky., of a complication of dropsy and heart trouble. Although for years an invalid, Mrs. Norman was an ever ready and cheerful worker. She was of a gentle and loving disposition. Her

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH.

On March 30 Salt Lake Typographical Union No. 115 gave an entertainment and banquet for the purpose of organizing a woman's auxiliary. The committee, A. P. Goodmansen, George Hansen and George Ensign, served the banquet and made the punch, and the ladies were requested to sit still and be waited on. The gentlemen made the sandwiches, cut the cakes, made the coffee and set the tables, and then saw that every one was supplied. After the delicious repast, Austin Davis made a speech and the ladies who were present were requested to come forward and sign the charter. There were forty-three names. The following ladies were elected to office: Mrs. Rena Thompson, president; Mrs. Oscar Ball, vice-presi

dent; Mrs. Harry J. McRoy, secretary; Mrs. K. Canine, treasurer; Mrs. Frank Starr, guide, and Mrs. W. K. Mackey, chaplain.

The auxiliary meets twice a month, one a busiWe have ness meeting and one a social meeting. already had two successful social meetings. The first was an afternoon affair, where prizes were offered for guessing, and cake and coffee were served. It was very well attended, and we gained a few new members. The second entertainment was a picnic given at Liberty park for the children and for the mothers, who seldom are able to attend the auxiliary meetings. There were about forty The children, accompanied by their parents. grown folks joined in the games and had as much fun A nice luncheon was as the youngsters. served and Mrs. Courtney took the pictures of the children in a group and then one of the older

Since the receipt of the election report, a great number will wonder why Toronto Auxiliary did not vote for president and secretary-treasurer of the Woman's International Auxiliary. Through a slight misunderstanding, our election board did not think it necessary to vote, as there was no op position, and so instructed our members to vote for the vice-presidents only, so as to get them in their respective places. No. 42 was unanimous for Mrs. Hertenstein and Mrs. Long, and but for this error they would have received every vote cast by our members.

The writer had the honor of being elected to represent No. 42, and hopes to meet many old friends in St. Joe. MRS. D. MCDOUGALL.

ST. LOUIS, MO.

Two interesting meetings were held by No. 29 the past month. At the last one, Mrs. C. J. Willetts was elected a member,

In regard to label work. 'Tis true that the months of July and August are not the most conducive to any kind of work, but they are as good a time as any to get ready for future endeavors. I would like to see in THE JOURNAL ideas and plans setting forth the efforts being made and to be made by the different auxiliaries in the line of pushing the label in all lines of work as well as our own. Getting these ideas from others would be sure to help all around, and your experience would be invaluable to us, while ours might help you. So let's have an interchange of ideas.

The label work done by No. 29 has been along all lines. We have used the stickers and written letters to users of non-label printing; committees have been active in the Butterick matter, and we have also distributed a large number of the circulars, etc., sent out by New York Union. Adver

tising matter of various kinds gotten out by the shoe workers, garment workers, glove workers and others has been distributed, and at all times the slogan of "ask for the label" is uppermost when making purchases.

Some time ago I suggested that it would do no harm, and might do a little good, if on a certain day every member of the auxiliary would write to a certain publishing company telling them why we didn't buy their patterns and publications. But as we haven't done it yet, let's go a little further. Suppose the convention at St. Joseph set aside a day for the letters to be sent, and, instead of only the auxiliary members writing, suppose we ask our friends to aid us and send a letter. It's worth trying, and a very little effort for each of us might indirectly result in a big help to the New York Union. MRS. R. J. LOWTHER.

MILWAUKEE, WIS.

At our last meeting Mrs. Hugh E. Carney was initiated. Mrs. Carney will accompany her husband, who is a delegate, to St. Joe.

Our delegate, Mrs. B. W. Wedereit, says the days are longer while waiting for such a great gathering as a printers' convention.

Mrs. Emil Meyer and daughter are visiting relatives at Lancaster, Wis.

The basket picnic held at Washington park, July 14, was a social success. A similar event will be held at Lake park in the near future.

Mrs. M. Cappelle, of Chicago, is visiting relatives here.

We are pleased to chronicle the complete recovery of John Sayers, a member of No. 23, who was operated on for appendicitis recently.

Mrs. F. C. Dittmar has the sympathy of the members of No. 3 in the death of her husband, a member of No. 23. MRS. FRED SEIDL.

BOSTON, MASS.

We have been very busy of late, hustling for finances with which to send our delegate, Mrs. A. E. Jones, to St. Joe. No. 46 believes the selection of Mrs. Jones to be a very worthy one, as she is a charter member, never misses a meeting, and has been one of the hardest workers we have. No doubt many of the ladies visiting Boston last August will remember her, as she acted as guide at the convention. By this time, no doubt, she has had the pleasure of meeting her many friends made at Boston and as many more made at St. Joe.

I regret very much to learn, through THE JOUR NAL, of the serious illness of Mrs. T. F. Engelhardt, of Louisville, Ky. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. and Mrs. Engelhardt during their brief stay in Boston last August, and have always looked forward to meeting them again. I trust by this time she has fully recovered.

Whist parties have been held two or three times a month at the homes of members, and have been very well attended, the last one being at the home of our president, Mrs. H. W. Cooke.

MRS. T. P. CURTIN.

GIVE US INSURANCE.

The following figures are self-evident and corroborate the practicability of an insurance system on the same principle as the death benefit which is now being maintained. This note was published in THE JOURNAL last month:

During the last fiscal year 509 death benefits of $75 each were paid by the International Union, amounting to $38,175, costing about 85 cents for each member.

With a membership of 46,000, an assessment of 22 cents each per death would allow us to pay the beneficiaries $1,000, and give us sufficient surplus to pay expenses and accumulate an emergency fund.

A 21⁄2-cent assessment on, say, 600 deaths per year would cost you, kind brethren, the sum of $15 a year for a $1,000 protection. Cheap! Can you beat it? Are you going to turn it down and deprive many worthy members, who lost their health in contaminated printshops, from the protection they are eagerly seeking and can not purchase elsewhere? Nay, nay, brother, don't be a barrier in the path of progress. Fall in line, for we can pay $1,000 benefits with not much more hardship than the $75 benefits.

Also, look at the enormous membership the $1,000 benefit plan would bring. Why, the majority of country printers would jump at the chance to join the ranks of the union if they They are just the printers

could insure at that rate.

we need in our ranks to solve the strike problem, and, as a rule, they are a healthier lot, compared with the city printers, who haven't the advantage of sanitary shops and plenty of fresh air.

Also, you will admit, an increase of membership will reduce the assessment rate, and, of course, the death rate will be some higher, but that will make no difference, as the new members' assessments will take care of that.

Give us an insurance system on the assessment plan whereby each and every member, irrespective You of his physical condition, can share alike. wouldn't be so niggardly as to begrudge a 21⁄2cent contribution to the widow or orphan of one of your fellow craftsmen. You don't want half We of your fellow craftsmen out of the union. want them all, consequently, we must have some incentive by which we can capture every one of them. A good insurance system will do the work. Jerome, Ariz. E. A. LINDNER.

NO DUTIES are better done than those we do without thinking of duty.-Ex.

You will not be able to rest in heaven if you practice resting here.-Ex.

A MAN'S soul is to be measured by his sense of the souls of others.-Ex.

LYING lips are none the better for working in a prayer meeting.—Ex.