label advertising and organization work. Five million five hundred thousand label stickers were distributed among the locals of the International Typographical Union and other trade unions in the United States and Canada. Two million five hundred thousand blotters were placed with local typographical unions, and their circulation aided materially in making our label campaign effective.

During the year ending May 31, 1906, there was issued from the president's department 27,357 official typewritten letters, 282,571 circulars and 2,953 miscellaneous packages containing organizing printed matter, etc. Nine hundred and twenty-eight contracts were approved and underwritten during that year.

During the year ending May 31, 1905, there was issued from the president's department 23,010 official typewritten letters. Ninety-six thousand eighthour circulars were distributed throughout the jurisdiction.

During the year ending May 31, 1904, there was issued from the president's department 11,174 official communications. This was exclusive of eight-hour circulars and circular letters.

A. F. OF L. CONVENTION.

The convention of the American Federation of Labor was held last year at Denver, Colo., and was, as is usual with these gatherings, a most successful assemblage. The report of our delegates to the American Federation of Labor convention will be found in another portion of this volume, and is worthy of careful perusal. That the American Federation of Labor is accomplishing a great work is apparent to all students of industrial affairs. The federation, as its name indicates, binds the American trade unions into a militant, aggressive organization, ever alert to protect the best interests of the wage earner. The very best recommendation that the federation can have is a list of the enemies that it has made. The American Federation of Labor is the best hope of the wage earner, accomplishing much for the organized toiler, and, indeed, a great volume of good for the unorganized worker.

The Boston convention directed "that the of ficers, delegates and visitors to the twenty-eighth annual convention of the American Federation of Labor be and are hereby invited to be the guests of the International Typographical Union at the Union Printers Home, Colorado Springs, Colo., for one day during said convention; and that such sum of money as may be necessary, not to exceed $1,000, is hereby appropriated for the purpose of carrying out the above invitation, the same to be expended under the direction and supervision of the board of trustees and the superintendent of the Union Printers Home." The invitation was extended and accepted by the convention. The American Federation of Labor day at the Union Printers Home was something of a disappointment, however, to the persons most interested-the print

imaginable swept across the plains, driving before it a fine snow, and the outdoor program had to be abandoned. A correspondent writing on the visit to the Home in the December number of the official magazine said:

"To say that the visitors were impressed is but to put it mildly; the scope of the Home, its equipment and the work it is doing so far exceeded the expectation of the hundreds who were there for the first time that they could scarcely express their astonishment. All sorts of questions were asked and answered, and much detailed information was given during the afternoon. Hundreds of souvenirs were handed out and mailed from the Home to serve in future in many cities and homes as reminders of what is by common consent denominated the greatest Home on earth. The disappointment of the visitors was forgotten when they got inside and became interested in the real objects of the Home, and only the hosts, who keenly felt the upsetting of the plans for what would have been a most memorable day, greatly regretted the fact that the weather had so distinctly marred the event."

In Resolution No. 100, offered by the committee on resolutions at the American Federation of Labor convention, the following paragraph occurred: "That we extend our thanks to the officers of the International Typographical Union and to Superintendent Charles Deacon, of the Union Printers Home, for the hospitable reception and many cour tesies shown to the delegates during their visit to the Union Printers Home at Colorado Springs, and for the opportunity which was afforded of investigating the commendable work that is being done by the union printers on behalf of their aged or distressed members."

SOUVENIR CARDS, HOME PICTURES.

The souvenir postcards of the Union Printers Home have been widely circulated. We are still in a position to supply them. There are eight of these cards, bound in an attractive jacket, the inside cover of the jacket giving a brief history and description of the Home. The cards in their order are captioned thusly:

Union Printers Home-One of the many beautiful walks and driveways,

Union Printers Home-At the main entrance and along the promenade.

Union Printers Home-Wonderful development of lawn, trees, shrubs and flowers.

Union Printers Home-A triumph in floricul tural genius.

Union Printers Home-Main approach, gateway, tents and grounds.

Union Printers Home-Its efficiency and attrac tiveness illustrated.

Union Printers Home-One of the finest dairy herds in the state of Colorado.

Union Printers Home-Birdseye view of the institution. The cards sell at 25 cents a set. Local secretaries may obtain a supply for local sales by writ

ing either the International president or secretary

treasurer.

The five-color picture of the Union Printers Home, selling at 50 cents, has met with an enthu siastic reception. A two-color picture of the Home is now on sale at 25 cents. It is much larger than the five-color picture, and more suitable for halls, lodgerooms, etc. The five-color picture is worthy a place in the homes of all union printers.

Send all orders for Union Printers Home souvenir postcards and the five-color and two-color pictures of the Union Printers Home to International headquarters.

THE REDEMPTION OF PITTSBURG.

On January 8 an agreement was entered into between the Pittsburg Publishers' Association, composed of five hitherto non-union newspapers, and Typographical Union No. 7, by which the entire composing room forces of the Gazette-Times and Post, morning papers, and the ChronicleTelegraph, Press and Sun, evening papers, with the exception of three foremen who are exempted from union membership while they hold their present positions, thereafter comprised only members of the typographical union. The agreement, which was negotiated and signed by your president, on behalf of the International Typographical Union, and by President Merz and Secretary Lafferty, of Typographical Union No. 7, was ratified by a unanimous vote at a meeting of the union held the following Sunday.

The memorable strike occurred in Pittsburg in December, 1899, and attempts have been made by various union representatives during the past to effect a settlement, which were eight years finally crowned with success. The Dispatch was the only paper saved to the union at the time of the strike, but about two years ago the Evening Leader was unionized, and since that event efforts to square the remaining papers have been especially strenuous.

For eight years the executive council has worked toward the end that has just been attained in Pittsburg. All of the council's plans have been made effective through the agency of your president and the executive officers of No. 7. While full meed of praise should be accorded President Merz, Secretary Lafferty and their coworkers for the magnificent result attained, yet former Presidents Dabney, Bradley and Leighley should also be remembered. These were the officials who worked with the executive council when the prospects were discouraging and obstacles and disappointments the most in evidence.

The contract is not all that President Merz, Secretary Lafferty and your president made effort for, but in the greater part of its provisions it is satisfactory, and at its expiration can be made more So. The great object was accomplished. Pittsburg is a union city in the newspaper field, and undivided effort has since been given the job interests. That the members of No. 7 appreciated

the importance of securing an agreement with the so-called open office newspaper establishments, and that the contract was satisfactory in its essential features is best evidenced by the unanimous vote given for the ratification of the instrument. One of the most aggravating situations that has confronted the International Typographical Union has been eliminated, and five newspapers have been added to the union fold.

CONSERVE NATURAL RESOURCES.

The conservation of our natural resources has occupied the attention of monthly and weekly periodicals, and many thoughtful citizens since former President Roosevelt brought this subject forcibly to the attention of the American people through the conservation gathering that was held in Washington some time ago. Gifford Pinchot, special representative of the commission for the conservation of natural resources, appeared before our Boston convention and addressed that gathering at some length on the work of the commission. I am submitting herewith a communication received from Thomas R. Shipp, secretary of the joint committee on conservation:

WASHINGTON, June 2, 1909. Mr. James M. Lynch, President International Typographical Union, Indianapolis, Ind.:

DEAR MR. LYNCH--Knowing of your interest in the movement for the conservation of natural resources, I venture to inquire as to the possibility of your designating a conservation committee to represent the International Typographical Union in the work now being done by the conservation committees of fifty of the great national organizations of the United States. I recall with appreciation the invitation you so kindly extended to Mr. Pinchot to speak before your International convention at Boston last summer. This committee,

which was authorized by the governors and national organizations at their conference last December, is now a sort of clearing house for the forty official state conservation commissions and the fifty organization committees, all of which are co-operating in further conservation work in their respective fields.

The reason I address you at this time is that a plan of work has been sent out to the conserva tion committees of the various organizations, and it occurred to me that it is a most excellent time for you to designate such a committee for the u ternational Typographical Unior, providing, of course, that you see fit to do so. I make this only as a suggestion, but if it be satisfactory to you. I should greatly appreciate having the assistance of your organization. We are confident that it could render most valuable aid. There is nothing ulterior behind this suggestion, the work of this committee, having, as I said, been authorized by the governors and national organizations in conference in this city last December. With kind regards, Sincerely yours, THOMAS R. SHIPP, Secretary.

It will be noted that Secretary Shipp asks as to the possibility of the International Typographical Union designating a conservation committee to represent this organization in the work now being done by national organizations of the United States. The proposition is referred to the convention for such action as the convention deems wise and appropriate.

JOINT CONFERENCE BOARD.

The Joint Conference Board, created and acting under the agreement between the five international unions, has had two meetings since our Boston convention was held. The minutes of these meetings are attached to the executive council report. The agreement continues to work satisfactorily. It is true differences arise between the international unions, but they are eventually adjusted and usually at the conference board meetings. The agree ment is making for the establishment of a better feeling all around, which can not but be of benefit to the members who earn their livelihood at the printing industry. All the international unions have not as yet agreed to our proposition under which there will be but one label-the allied trades label to be issued under an agreement wherein the International Typographical Union shall have the right to accept into membership in unorganized localities where typographical unions may be organized, and in localities in which typographical unions are now in existence, but in which local unions of the four international unions are not yet in existence; to all offices in such jurisdictions where all printed matter or other work coming under the jurisdiction of the other four international unions are the product of members of typographical unions so organized, the allied printing trades label, to be issued. This proposed agreement appears on page 48 of my report to last year's convention, and should again be given consideration by the proper committee at the forthcoming convention. It should receive anew the endorsement of the International Typographical Union. Two labels in the field-the allied label and the typographical label-lead to confusion in the general label campaign, and it is the belief that the elimination of one of these labels can not but prove beneficial to all interests represented in the Joint Conference Board. It will be especially acceptable to organized labor, and to friends of the label in all walks of life.

SUPPLEMENTAL TRADE EDUCATION.

Our movement for the better education of jour neymen and apprentices in our trade has been quite successful. The report of the commission having this subject in charge goes into detail. Movements of this character are necessarily of slow growth. That the journeyman or apprentice can be taught the art of good printing through a correspondence course at first does not appeal to the average man or boy. Gradually we are overcoming this prejudice, and our commission has demonstrated that its correspondence course meets all of the requirements. There should be a much larger number of students than we have, but notwithstanding we are doing very well, indeed, and it is hoped that as the membership of the International Typographical Union gets a better idea of the object the commission has in mind and as our graduated students demonstrate their greater

efficiency in following their trade, that the increased knowledge and ocular demonstration will prove a much more potent lesson than the circulars sent out by the commission. The secretary of the commission has addressed several local unions and with good results. There is another feature to this work that should be touched upon. Our technical education proposition has attracted attention from the press, daily, weekly and monthly publications frequently mentioning the course in laudatory terms. Its advertising value must be taken into consideration, and without question this venture has aided in raising the International Typographical Union to a high place in the esti mation of the general public. The attention of the delegates and of the entire membership is invited to the report of the commission covering its work for the fiscal year.

SUGGESTION REPEATED.

I am reproducing herewith a communication received from Home Trustee McCaffery. In this connection I would direct the attention of the delegates to the letter from Mr. McCaffery, written on May 15, 1908, and which was made a part of my report to the Boston convention. This communication appears on page 34 of the Boston proceedings. Trustee McCaffery says:

"I wish to renew the suggestion I made last year in regard to the International Typographical Union making an appropriation for a monument in the new Home plot in Evergreen cemetery. This ground is now being used for burial purposes, and the need of a monument to properly beautify the large tract owned by the Home becomes more apparent each succeeding year. As the Home provides neat markers for the individual graves, I believe the International should erect the monument, space for which was provided in laying out the grounds.

"I trust you may see your way clear to renew your recommendation of last year, believing that the delegates to St. Joe will be more favorably inclined."

THE UNITED HATTERS' LOAN.

In our assets will be found an item of $5,000 as a loan to the United Hatters of North America, made in accordance with a request received by the executive council from the general executive board of that organization. The United Hatters of North America is one of the oldest international unions on the continent, and for all the time of its existence has enjoyed high reputation among its sister unions. The work of the United Hatters for the union label has been especially conspicuous, persistent and result-producing. The United Hatters of North America were engaged in a life and death struggle with the associated hat manufacturers, the prime object of the manufacturers being to eliminate the union label from the field of the hatters' industry. The United Hatters did not go into the contest unprepared, having a

treasury at the inception of the warfare of more than $250,000. Ten thousand members of the union, together with 5,000 unorganized women, were involved in the great strike, and supplying the necessaries of life for this number, which means a total dependency of nearly 50,000 persons, very quickly depleted the hatters' treasury. The union then had to depend on assistance from other trade unions and trade unionists. Only a small number of the members of the United Hatters were employed at the trade, and those employed were assessed 25 per cent of their wages. It was with pleasure that our executive council came to the relief of the United Hatters of North America with a loan of $5,000, as requested by the general executive board of that organization, and we believe that the action of the council will be endorsed by the membership generally. The money was requested as a loan, and payment was promised in ninety days.

THE LABOR PRESS.

The last convention declared it as the sentiment of the gathering that all typographical unions should show in a practical manner their belief in the power of the labor press by subscribing for labor papers as a body where these papers were in existence.

This recommendation of the convention is repeated and endorsed here. The labor press should be maintained and sustained. Only in this way can labor have an efficient mouthpiece through which to express its aspirations and its desires. In the main, the labor press is a credit to the labor movement, with the possible exception of two or three glaring examples to the contrary. Every movement has publications assuming to speak in its behalf, but which in reality do harm and injury to the cause. This is none the less true of the labor movement. The labor press, however, with the inconsequential exceptions noted, is entitled to support and commendation.

In reference to the class of publications referred to here, it may be well to quote from the committee on president's report at the Denver convention of the American Federation of Labor:

"We note what the president says in his report as to the labor press, and desire to express our thanks to the editors of the official journals of our national and international unions, as well as to the bona fide labor press. We fully realize many of the disadvantages under which the editors of bona fide labor papers have to work, but we desire to commend them for their untiring efforts and devotion to our cause. However, we realize that there are publications issued which masquerade as labor papers, but which in reality are but vultures upon the body politic, and whose columns are open to the highest bidder, particularly those bidders who are in opposition to our moveFor this class of so-called labor papers we have nothing but the utmost contempt, but would urge upon our members and friends, wherever possible, to give their support to the regular bona fide labor papers."

ment.

PUBLICITY CONTINUED.

We have continued the publicity campaign through articles that have been reprinted in the daily, weekly and labor press, and through other avenues that have suggested themselves. Exhibits at local, state and national tuberculosis expositions, the circulation of printed matter relative to the work of the International Typographical Union, the dissemination of news as to the creation and conduct of the Union Printers Home, and an active participation in the general campaign against tuberculosis, have all aided in keeping the International Typographical Union to the forefront of the struggle for recognition as a factor in the prosecution of the world's work. The publicity features will be continued if the convention does not direct otherwise. The trade unions in this country are doing a noble work, and there is no reason why they should hide their light under a bushel. Pub lic approval, public esteem and public support will be ours when our work, our aims and our aspirations are fully understood. The unorganized printers will flock to our institution when they are familiar with its principles. Let us make them familiar.

MEMBERSHIP NOT LIMITED.

Frequently, queries reach headquarters from officers of local unions asking if non-printer machine tenders and non-printer proofreaders have the right to work at other branches of the trade in composing rooms. My reply in all instances has been that the International Typographical Union did not confer limited membership, and that members of the International Typographical Union had the right to work at any branch of the trade at which they were capable, or at which the employer desired to place them, the scale, of course, apply. ing. I reproduce herewith the section of my report to the Birmingham convention, appearing on page 103, under the caption, "Can We Confer Limited Membership?"

"Since the Milwaukee convention and the referendum amended the law governing non-printer proofreaders and non-printer machine tenders the right of such members to work at any branch of the trade has been brought into question. Replying to a correspondent recently, your president thus expressed his views:

"Replying to your favor of the 31st ult., permit me to say that in my opinion the International Typographical Union can not confer limited membership. Such a course would not, I believe, be upheld by the courts, especially in view of the fact that we require equal dues from all classes on our membership rolls. However, the point which you raise is an important one, and thus far I have refrained from rendering a decision on it, preferring to allow the forthcoming convention to handle the

matter.

"Under a strict construction of the law as it stands at the present time, non-printer proofreaders

and non-printer machinists, members of subordi nate unions, are entitled to work at any branch of the trade which they are capable of filling.

""The Detroit convention amended the law so as to permit of this, but the amendment failed before the referendum. The Milwaukee convention struck out all prohibitive sections, both as to securing membership and working at any branch of the trade.'

"The chairman of the Milwaukee laws committee, writing me on this subject, says: "The harshness and injustice of this resolution became immediately apparent, and the Detroit convention requested the referendum to rescind it, but it failed to do so. Last year the convention did the same thing they obliterated the regulation-and this action was endorsed by the referendum.

*

*

*

It would seem the plain duty of a union to its members to leave them unrestricted in the exercise of their talents, provided there is no vital principle of unionism violated.'"

The foregoing was referred to the laws committee at the Birmingham convention, and that committee approved the views expressed by the presi dent, and the report of the committee was concurred in by the convention. The subject is covered in this report so that there may be a general understanding of the position of the International Typographical Union as to membership rights.

TIMES-INQUIRER.

The last convention directed that the contests with the Los Angeles Times and the Philadelphia Inquirer be continued, and that the executive council expend such money in the conduct of these movements as in its judgment it deemed

necessary.

The work in Los Angeles has been mainly di rected toward the reclamation of the commercial offices lost during the eight-hour strike, and with good result. This feature is covered in the report of Organizer McLernon.

In Philadelphia not much has been done in the effort to unionize the Inquirer, the main outlet for our union activity again associating itself with the commercial offices. Philadelphia has made great progress, and we have today in the Quaker City a stronger typographical union spirit and union aggressiveness than ever before.

OWNERSHIP-REPRESENTATION.

I am reproducing a part of the report of the committee on allied printing trades, at the Omaha convention of the International Printing Pressmen and Assistants' Union, held the week of June 20-26. The excerpt from the committee report fol lows:

"It is the sense of the committee on allied printing trades councils, and it recommends to this convention, that the board of directors be, and are hereby, instructed to, immediately after adjournment, proceed to seek the co-operation of all the

international unions which now compose the Joint Conference Board, in having the labels of the allied printing trades council registered in the name of the various international unions which now compose the Joint Conference Board; and in the reregistering of this label there shall be given to each member thereto an equal property right in said label.

And they be further instructed to secure the co-operation of the international unions composing the Joint Conference Board in establishing a National Allied Printing Trades Council for its purpose of controlling said label, and said international organization shall have equal representation in this National Allied Printing Trades Council.

"And the president be instructed to try and have a verbatim report of the proceedings of the Joint Conference Board to submit to the next convention.

"Delegate Rosenthal: 'I move that we concur in the recommendation of the committee.' (Seconded.)

"Delegate Galoskowsky: 'I am in accord with the resolution, but I want to go a little farther, and if the delegates will bear with me I will read what I would like to have incorporated.'

"Delegate Galoskowsky read the following amend

ment:

"Inasmuch as our representation in the Joint Board of Appeals has found the International Typographical Union persistently obstinate and refusing to co-operate on the lines stated above, this shall be the last request made by the International Printing Pressmen and Assistants' Union for equal ownership and equal representation; that the convention of 1910 consider the matter along the lines of refusing to do any printing bearing any label in which the International Printing Pressmen and Assistants' Union has not got equal rights.'

"A motion was made and seconded that the amendment be adopted.

"The question was discussed by President Berry, Delegate Galoskowsky, Delegate Faust, Delegate Geckler, Delegate Walker, Delegate Kennedy (Indianapolis), Delegate Kennedy (Philadelphia), Delegate Robinson, Delegate Cooney, Delegate Geary and Delegate Surig.

"The amendment offered by Delegate Galoskowsky was lost. The motion to adopt the report of the committee was carried."

As will be seen, a movement is on foot on the part of the International Printing Pressmen and Assistants' Union for property rights in the allied label. This movement is supported by the other internationals in their own behalf, that are affiliated with us in the Joint Conference Board, and is now under consideration by the Joint Conference Board, through instructions to its president and secretary, to obtain legal opinions as to the validity of joint registration and joint ownership. This phase of the development in label work, and our fraternal relations, is submitted to the convention without further comment.

As to a National Allied Printing Trades Council, and equal representation in this council on the part