of March 15 I held the first conference to exchange views, and upon its adjournment I was in doubt as to whether I could form a local there or not, owing to the indifferent attitude of some of the speakers, which afterward proved as I anticipated. Nevertheless, I decided to hold a meeting to perfect an organization, if possible, and instill life to the movement, which appeared necessary, owing to the weak attitude of some of the men toward organizing and improving their unwarranted conditions.

I called a meeting for March 31 and secured an attendance of about thirty-five men, which I believe was rather a good showing, owing to the conditions existing at that time, and that the total number of printers in the town was between fifty and seventy men. After considerable wrangling and expressions of opinion, they adjourned to meet again on April 4, for the purpose of perfecting an organization in Camaguey.

In the meantime the proprietors, having been informed of the proposed organization, immediately started to spread discord among the men by threatening to discharge all employes who took any part in furthering the formation of a union in Camaguey, or even attended the meeting of April 4, which was to be held for that purpose. And the threat of the employers certainly had its effect, but ten men appearing at the meeting in defiance of their action.

I tried to perfect a local with the men present, but it was of no avail, as they also weakened when pressed upon to shoulder the responsibilities of establishing the local. No one would accept office, so under such conditions I concluded it was impossible to get them together, and gave the job up until such time as they could be made to realize that the only way to better their condition was to form a union, under the jurisdiction of the International Typographical Union, and sink all personal opinions. These men decided to keep up the propaganda and when the time is more favorable make application for a charter.

In concluding my report about Camaguey, I desire to enlighten the membership as to the intolera ble conditions these men work under. Hours, ten a day; wages, $9 to $11 per week; Sundays and holidays at single price. Surely a most disgraceful state of affairs for printers to work under, which can only be remedied by perfecting an organization under the guidance of that powerful and intelligent organization, the International Typographical Union, whose policies are so broad and liberal that the employers' associations were unable to disrupt it during the darkest periods of 1906-1908, when the eight-hour workday was firmly established and won.

This is the first town I visited in which I met a most forcible opposition in forming a local by interference of the proprietors, and if a Spanish typothetæ is to be looked for in the future, here is where it will, no doubt, receive considerable assistance toward its formation.

On April 13 I left Camaguey for Santiago de Cuba, arriving there the next morning-owing to a heavy tropical rainstorm which undermined por

tions of a railroad bridge at Las Tunas, delaying the train some five hours. On the evening of April 15 I had a conference with the printers of that town, and, as every one seemed to be in accord with our objects and views, I arranged to hold a meeting of the printers of Santiago for April 18 and perfect an organization, and I was very much impressed by the prompt manner in which these men grasped the idea of unionism. The attendance at that meeting was about thirtyfive, and they decided to join hands with the International Typographical Union and perfect a local.

Committees were appointed to draw up the constitution, by-laws and scale of prices. Officers were elected at the next subsequent meeting, which also decided to send for a charter from the International Typographical Union, and Santiago de Cuba Union was an established fact. I might say here that the printers of Santiago are about the most progressive lot of unionists I have met so far on the island, and without an organization of any kind they have secured the eight-hour workday, the only ones so far who can boast of accomplishing that fact.

A word about Mexico: I desire to state that I have been in communication with the printers of Mexico, and from all reports I am pleased to state that the banner of the International Typographical Union will shortly be firmly established in that republic, as in the City of Mexico there are over one thousand printers unorganized, who are fully in accord with our objects and aims, and who await my arrival to establish a local there, after my getting Cuba organized in its principal cities.

I am handicapped somewhat in my work, owing to the vast majority of these printers not understanding the English language, and also to their lack of knowledge of labor problems, which neces sitates the giving of more time to the organization of the locals than is required in the states. I firmly believe that the day is not far distant when the English language will be spoken with much frequency all over the island, as political and commercial events are so shaping themselves on the island that the final annexation of Cuba to the United States is a certainty within the near fu ture, which will completely change the industrial condition as it exists at the present time.

The total amount of money received up to May 26, 1909, was $1,109.45, and the expense incurred was as follows: Salary $500; hotel expenses, $400; traveling expenses, $98.90; stationery, printing, stamps, meetings, $76; miscellaneous, $34.55.

No doubt much adverse criticism has been hurled at me for not producing better results, but I desire the members to be patient and reserve their criticism of the officers who honestly and conscientiously perform their duties under adverse circumstances, such as I have labored against during the past five months, owing to the depressed industrial conditions, lack of knowledge of unionism, and by the climate of the country, which at times is responsible for the length of time required to organize the locals, owing to small attendance caused by the intense heat.

I trust the membership will closely weigh the in tolerable conditions existing in the city of Havana, which is only an eight hours' sail from the shores of Florida, and decide whether, considering the money spent and the conditions existing there, some good has not been done, and whether it is advisable, after once planting our banner in that city, to withdraw our aid and allow it to become the breeding place for rats. I trust the wisdom of the membership is such that they will not shirk their duty in organizing thoroughly the printers of these countries.

Upon my arrival in Havana I found a most disgusting state of affairs for printers to be working under. The total number of printers in that city is about eight hundred men, who work nine and ten hours a day. It has close to one hundred linotype machines distributed among newspaper and job offices; men competing against one another for positions, and last, but not least, young boys from 13 years of age upwards as apprentices. One machine tender for this entire output of linotypes to repair them in case of a breakdown, every man working as an operator having to attend to his Own machine. Wages, $11, handmen; machine operators, $18 to $20. This applies to the Spanish printing offices.

A word in regard to the American printers here. In the first office I visited I was greeted with this salutation by a member of the International: "We can't see the use of any union down here." I asked why, and was told they were getting along well enough without one. And this is what I found was the real cause: Each man doing two men's work, working long hours, also seven days a week; wages averaging $40 to $50 per week; three cardholders; one in arrears for eighteen months in dues and assessments, but working all the time; two who thought they were outside of the union pale and couldn't see any benefit in becoming members; one who never knew anything about unionism or unions, but finally all were convinced of the justice of the cause in organizing a local in Havana and became members.

Do the members believe such conditions should be allowed to continue so close to our shores; and within a few years, having mastered the English language, would they not be rather dangerous to us and a valuable asset to the outfit now preaching the open shop proposition? Surely such conditions should receive the closest attention of our membership, as under the Treaty of Paris one hour each day must be devoted by the teachers of the public school to teaching the English language, so you can readily see that within a short time the English language will be commonly spoken on this island.

While conducting this campaign may be considered rather expensive, I firmly believe it is merely a drop in the bucket as to the benefits we will receive later on by increased membership and the assistance rendered in furthering our fight on unfair products, as the membership must bear in mind that 70 per cent of the imports are American goods, which is constantly on the increase.

The American Federation of Labor has had three organizers at work for a number of years past in Porto Rico, but it seems they have done little to organize the printers. And surely if the American Federation can see the wisdom of pushing forward organization work there we certainly should look after our interests by organizing the printers of these countries.

Since my arrival in Cuba in January, I have received, up to May 26, the total sum of $1,109.45. I have visited three cities and establishel locals in two, a total of 125 members. The members must bear in mind that going into strange territory and preaching unionism is not an easy task, when one considers the climate and the lack of education these people have received in this respect. Already the standard of the International Typographical Union has been unfurled, and we should not recede one step in our work, but continue the propaganda, as these men will be a credit to our organization later on when they fully grasp the idea of unionism.

The high cost of living in Cuba compared to the states is one item worth considering in my account, which, when considered by the membership, will no doubt meet their approval. The only weapon with which I had to fight fevers and other diseases one must contend against in tropical countries was by eating good, solid food and having a dry place to sleep, thereby giving me strength and encouragement to proceed with my work by not impairing my health. In fact, everything is expensive in this country, and any one who has been here will confirm my statements.

In conclusion, I desire to congratulate the membership upon the capable and trustworthy officers who now lead the destinies of our grand labor organization, and I desire to express my highest appreciation to them for the prompt and courteous manner in which all my correspondence has been answered, which has helped me considerably in the discharge of my duties as organizer. Fraternally,

To the Officers and Members of the International Typographical Union:

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN-Nothing startling has occurred in this neck of the woods during the past year.

I was sent to Everett early in November, 1908, to secure an agreement for the union with the daily papers, to go into effect at the expiration of their then existing contract, December 1. I accomplished nothing, however, and was sent again December 1. The union had asked for a raise the year before and had been refused, the whole matter going to arbitration, where it lost out completely. The failure to secure anything was due entirely to the financial panic, which was in full bloom just at that time. This result of arbitration caused the proprietors to be obstinate at this time, a year later. I was again unsuccessful and

went home, having accomplished nothing. The matter again went to arbitration, but, this time, with a different result. The boys got nearly all they were asking for and they richly deserved it.

The next matter to fall into my hands was a scale trouble at Walla Walla. I was sent there early in February. Things were considerably mixed-the boys had asked for an increased scale the year before, but were induced not to press their demands because of the panic then existing, and were promised that at a later date the raise would be granted. Besides, Senator Levi Ankeny, owner of the morning paper, had been defeated for re-election, which put him and his paper out of politics, the paper supposedly going on a business basis. The other paper was practically in the same condition. Then again, the printing office which had been printing both papers had, during the year, changed managers; thus, the verbal agreement to grant the raise in the scale was difficult to enforce. I used every effort to bring the interested parties together without result. I used special efforts to avoid trouble because of the fact that one of the heaviest stockholders was at the time in Los Angeles, the breeding ground of rats. After every effort to effect a settlement failed, a strike was unanimously ordered and all printing was completely tied up except in such offices as had granted the raise. Three-fourths of the men in town were out and everything was at a standstill. While matters were in this condition I went over to Pasco to organize a union-spent a day and night there, but there was not sufficient material to organize and I returned to Walla Walla.

By use of the wires I assured myself that no assistance could or would be secured from Los Angeles. The fight had narrowed itself down to one of endurance and I was convinced of the fact that the boys would win out in a short time and I came home. Shortly afterwards I received a long letter announcing complete victory.

On March 17 I went to Wenatchee to organize a local union. There was not sufficient material, however, and nothing could be done. All printers except one were union men with cards out of date in some manner or other and I secured a promise from each to bring his card up to date. Things printorial in the northwest are fairly good. Fraternally, Seattle, Wash. F. A. RUST.

ORGANIZER STEVENSON.

To the Officers and Members of the International Typographical Union:

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN-On December 24, 1908, Secretary Bramwood, on behalf of the executive council, notified me of my appointment as an organizer, to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of W. R. James.

On December 30 I received a telegram from President Lynch, requesting me to go to Peterboro and negotiate a new scale for that local, as the local and employers had failed to arrive at a settlement. After some three days' negotiations with the publishers, I succeeded in getting a settlement

satisfactory to the union, being an increase all round of about 7 per cent for a thirteen months' contract.

There are some six towns in the province of Ontario that might be organized, and I have no doubt that the executive council will do so as fa vorable opportunities arise.

Considering the financial depression, the state of trade in the province has been good, there being but few idle members of the International Typographical Union at any time during the past six months.

All of which is respectfully submitted.
Toronto, Canada.

R. J. STEVENSON.

ORGANIZER WARDLAW.

To the Officers and Members of the International Typographical Union:

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN-While the situation in this section of the southeastern tier of states is not by any manner of means all that could be desired, it is gratifying to know that we are "holding our own" and gradually strengthening our forces. The fact that we have had no trouble, with one exception, in this territory during the last fiscal year speaks well for the harmony existing between employer and employe, and from time to time reports reach me to the effect that another shop is added to the union column.

Organizer Parsons has been actively engaged in work in this section for the past several months, and his report will give a clear idea of the situa tion as he has found it in the southeast. The Atlanta situation will likewise be covered in his report, since he has spent considerable time here assisting No. 48 in its efforts to better the condition of the book and job trade, and anything I might say in this connection would be merely a repetition.

I have made only one trip on official business since my previous report. This was in the latter part of June, 1908, when the Daily Hot Blast, at Anniston, Ala., locked out the men in the compos ing room and put in a non-union force. I was called to Anniston and took charge of the situa tion. An active fight was begun on the paper and a campaign mapped out which proved very effec tive. The situation was placed in the hands of R. E. Gann, secretary of Anniston Union and one of the locked-out men. Mr. Gann succeeded in bringing the Hot Blast again into line, after a few days' active fight, and at the same time signed up the Norwood book and job plant, which had been out of the union since the inauguration of the eight-hour day. Anniston, Ala., from our standpoint, is now 100 per cent union, and perfect harmony prevails.

Hoping the convention at St. Joseph will be a successful one in every way, and trusting we may have the honor of entertaining the 1910 convention in Atlanta, I am, with best wishes for all, Fraternally,

To the Officers and Members of the International Typographical Union:

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN-The twenty-eighth annual convention of the American Federation of Labor was held in Denver, Colo., November 9 to 21, 1908. One hundred and eighty-one unions were represented, 82 national and international, 29 state, 55 central, 14 trade and federal labor unions, and fraternal delegates from the following organizations: British Trade Union Congress, Canadian Trades and Labor Congress, National Women's Trade Union League, Department of Church and Labor of the Presbyterian Church, Women's International Union Label League and the Farmers' Educational and Co-operative Union.

The report of secretary Morrison showed a balance in the treasury on October 1, 1908, of $138,627.89 of this amount $105,282.09 belonged to the defense fund for the local trade and federal labor unions holding charters direct from the American Federation of Labor.

A charter was granted during the year to the Building Trades Department of the American Federation of Labor, organized and constituted in accordance with the instructions of the preceding American Federation of Labor convention held at Norfolk. A charter was also granted to the metal trades department. The local sections of these departments are in no way to conflict with the central bodies of the various localities. These bodies are to operate the same as formerly, and all local unions are to maintain their representation therein.

A railroad employes' department was organized during the progress of the convention by representatives of international organizations having members employed in railroad construction and maintenance work.

A tabulated statement furnished in the report of the secretary showed that there were 1,586,885 paid-up members in 1908 as against 264,825 in 1897.

President Gompers' report covered the various phases of the work of the federation, but was devoted mainly to the discussion of the questions which have been of particular concern to the labor movement in the recent past, namely, the abuse of

the injunction, the situation confronting labor organizations as a result of the supreme court decision in the hatters' case, declaring that labor unions come under the provisions of the Sherman anti-trust law, and that any labor organization declaring a boycott can be sued in threefold damages by the firm incurring loss thereby, and the political campaign.

In view of the agitation of these questions and the necessity for the education of the rank and file of organized labor upon the issues involved, we deem it advisable to quote in part from the report of the committee on president's report, relating to these subjects, as adopted by the convention:

INJUNCTIONS AGAINST WORKMEN.

We again urge the careful reading of this report and the statements under this head in particular. We endorse the statements therein made in full and in particular, and call attention to the fact that it is assuming that business is property, that the barest shadow of justification can be found for the acts of the judiciary on these lines.

Business consists of a location, of stock and patronage.

Location and stock are property; patronage is

not.

Patronage rests upon nothing except the good will of the patron.

There can be no business without patronage; hence, business can not be property.

Courts used to be concerned, and justly so, with the preservation of property as such; not with the profitable or unprofitable use thereof.

When courts shall have been compelled to retrace their steps back to this fundamental position, government by law and equal freedom will to this extent have been restored.

Your committee again recommends that all candidates for legislative or judicial positions be carefully investigated as to their past acts, and interrogated as to their position on this matter, before they be given any support, and "that those who from their actions or expressions are deemed unsound, be, regardless of any other question, repudiated.

SHALL INJUNCTION INVADE FREE SPEECH AND FREE PRESS?

We note and endorse the president's report upon this question. We desire again to call attention to the report upon the subject of injunctions made by this committee to the twenty-seventh annual convention of this body meeting at Norfolk, Va., and in addition we desire to quote, with our ap

proval, the following from later documents issued by the federation:

We contend that equity, power and jurisdic tion, discretionary government by the judiciary, for well defined purposes and within specific limitations, granted to the courts by the constitution, has been so extended that it is invading the field of government by law, and endangering individual liberty.

As government by equity, personal government advances; republican government, government by law, recedes.

And further: "Despotic power under the ermine is as dangerous as despotic power under the crown. They (the judges) can not divest themselves of their humanity by putting on the judicial ermine, any more than the king can divest himself of his by putting on the crown.'

We affirm that government by law and government by injunction can not exist together, and we again state that the usurpation which undertakes to deprive us, as working people, of our rights as citizens can not and will not stop until it has invaded all fields of human activity and made the judiciary the irresponsible arbiter of all relations between the employer and employe, buyer and seller, man and man.

The president well says that it is now the American Federation of Labor and the American Federationist which are enjoined from the exercise of the right of free speech and the liberty of the press, and that in the future it may be some other publication. The American people must learn these facts in order that popular government may be preserved.

BUCK'S STOVE AND RANGE COMPANY INJUNCTION.

Under this heading the president makes a clear and comprehensive report of this injunction, stating what it forbids and what action has been taken with reference thereto. He reports upon the process for contempt of court, instituted against him, Vice-President Mitchell and Secretary Morrison. He further calls attention to the fact that under the injunction he is forbidden to make a report to this convention upon this subject. We urge upon all members of the labor movement and all friends of human liberty to read and digest the report upon this subject and the subjects allied thereto.

BILL TO REGULATE INJUNCTIONS

we

The president under this heading submits for our further endorsement or such action as shall deem proper the Pearre bill. We recommend that it be endorsed. He further submits a copy of the British trades dispute act, and calls attention to the fact that by this act the joint funds of the organized workers of Great Britain have been placed in proper security. We recommend that the executive council obtain competent legal advice upon the advisability of the necessity of inserting the principles contained in the trades dispute act in either the Wilson (H. R. 20584), or the Pearre bill (H. R. 94). We further recommend that the executive council be instructed to confer with representatives of other organizations, with a view of prevailing upon them to give their full undivided support to this important legislation.

LITIGATION HARASSING LABOR.

We note what the president has to say upon this subiect. We recommend its adoption. We further recommend that it be carefully read, and, in addition, we desire to call your attention to these significant words:

"If the situation is to become so acute let us personally, as best we can, defend our rights before the courts, taking whatever consequences may ensue. For one, I can see no remedy for these outrageous proceedings, unless there shall be a quickening of the conscience of our judges or the relief which the congress of our country can and should afford."

Bearing this in mind, your committee desire to state that whenever the courts issue any injunc

tions which undertake to regulate our personal relations either with our employer or those from whom we may or may not purchase commodities, such courts are trespassing upon relations which are personal relations and with which equity power has no concern; that these injunctions are destructive of our rights as citizens, as well as of popular government, and we therefore declare that we will exercise all the rights and privileges guaranteed to us by the constitution and laws of our country, and insist it is our duty to defend ourselves at all hazards, and we recommend that such be our action, taking whatever results may come.

We further desire to warn our fellow unionists that testimony extorted under equity process may be partially used in a damage suit under the Sherman anti-trust law.

However, your committee feels constrained to say that when blanket injunctions are applied for or issued by the courts against the members of unions for no other reason except that they are members of the unions, and these injunctions are applied for or issued solely for the purpose of intimidating the members, we believe that such legal advice and protection as may be necessary should be provided for them by the organizations in interest.

BILL AMENDING SHERMAN ANTI-TRUST LAW.

Under this heading the president reports upon the bill that was introduced in ce gress to amend the Sherman anti-trust law, and the efforts that were put forth to have it enacted. Your committee recommends that the report be adopted and the bill approved, and the bill be urged in every way pos sible to its final passage.

SUPREME COURT DECISION EXTENDS SHERMAN ANTITRUST LAW TO HATTERS AND ALL LABOR ORGANIZATIONS.

We endorse all that the president has said upon this subject. We urge that it be studied; that each organization place itself, so far as it is able, in the hatters' place in order that it may realize the terrible significance of this position.

We recommend and urge upon all officers of labor organizations to study this question for themselves, with a view of bringing it in its nakedness before their members in order that each individual may fully appreciate its full meaning and the dan ger to which the organizations themselves, their individual members and their joint and individual property are exposed.

LEGISLATION AND POLITICAL ACTION.

Under this heading the president described in chronological sequence the history of the efforts of the American Federation of Labor along these lines. We recommend its careful reading, and the unqualified approval of the statements made and the action taken. We shall call attention to a few of his specific statements. We quote the following:

"The American labor movement is not partisan to a political party; it is partisan to a principle, the principle of equal rights and human freedom."

We call especial attention to this statement, in order that we may emphasize its soundness and because it has to some extent been disputed. We appeal to public opinion, we do our best to cultivate it, so that it may become on subjects which we urge sufficiently extensive and strong to be crystalized into law. One political party deals with our policies and rejects them; another deals with them and adopts them; that is, it expresses itself as being in agreement with us on these policies, and if we are to remain true to the princi ples and policies which we have urged upon the public, we necessarily must work with such party for the accomplishment of our object., If an endorsement of our contentions by a political party is to compel us to abandon those contentions, then it needs but such endorsement of our very exist ence to compel us to disband. The thought needs but to be stated in order that it may be repudi