T - -
HE WAGE WORKER
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A Newspaper with a Mission and without a Muzzle that is published in the Interest of Wageworkers Everywhere. i
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VOL.. 1 LINCOLN, XJSBIIASKA, FKBIUTAliY 17, liK)5 ' ' . . XO. 45
' "'. ' . . . ' " ' ' -sag-
Central Labor
Union Elects
The Central Labor Union met Tuesday night for the first time
in five weeks and transacted a boodly amount of business, chief
of which was the decision to appoint a building committee to draft
plans for the establishment of a building- fund. The matter was
brought up by Secretary DeLong and was heartily seconded by
all members present. Mr. DeLong offered to head the subscription
with $.r0 and Delegate Mickel said he was willing to give one week's
work a year until the building was erected and paid for. The com
mittee will be announced at the next meeting, President Kelsey
asking for time in which to make the best selections possible.
jf By resolution the Central body asked the American Federation
f of Labor to admit the Woman's Label League, and the resolution
was ordered forwarded to Federation headquarters.
With the exception of the building trades work was reported
good in most lines and fair in the others. An amusing incident was
the dispute between the Typographical Union delegates when the
report of that trade was called for. Delegate Leaden reported it
dull, and Delegates Mickel and Greenley at once took issue.
"Why do you report the trade dull when every printer in town
is working?" asked Mr. Mickel.
"And working overtime if he wants to." said Mr. Greenley.
Mr. Leaden persisted, but he was overruled and the report stands
"good" on the secretary's book.
A report from the social committee revealed the fact that the
ovstcr supper and dance netted $1.8X which was transferred to the
general fund. Delegates Bush came in for some criticism because
lie had overlooked a point and had the lumber for the seats and
tables hauled by non-union teamsters. It was explained that the
use of the lumber was donated and he did not feel like sending it
back when it showed up in charge of a non-union driver. He was
warned ,to be more careful in future and promised that he would
be. The incident was the basis of a lot of good-natured badinage,
beneath which was the determination to insist on having it "union"
or not having it at all.
Delegate Mickel introduced a resolution endorsing The Wage
worker, which was unanimously adopted and ordered spread upon
the minutes, The resolution appears elsewhere in this issue.
A lot of letters from Nebraska's congressment were read, they
being in reply to the notice that the Central body had asked the
congressmen to oppose the reduction of the Philippine cigar tariff.
Congressman Norris wrote that he was in sympathy with the Central
body's position, and the rest of them said they would give the mat
ter "careful consideration." Mr. Norris will receive a letter of
' thanks for his letter and the rest of them will be carefully watched.
The semi-annual election of officers was then pulled off and
the result was as follows:
T. C. Kelsey, president; J. E. Mickel, vice president ; I. R.
DeLong. secretary; T. W. Evans, treasurer; Fred Schule, sergeant
' at-arms. Trustees,. M. T. Caster, J. M.' Leaden, George Bush.
Organization committee: Louis Hale, Robert Strain, A. L. Schier
' meyer.
, On motion the organization committee was notified that it
was expected to get busy in the matter of organizing the retail
' clerks of the city. President Kelsey will assist the union men of
Beatrice to form a Central Labor Union in that city. The label
and home industry committees will be selected at the next meeting.
, RESOLUTIONS.
Whereas, The wage earners of Lincoln have in The W'age
worker a consistent and able champion of the cause of organized
labor, and
iWhereas. To be of the best service it should have the cordial
support of all union men, both individually and collectively, there
fore be it
Resolved, That this body, representing the trades and labor
unions of Lincoln, urge upon all unions the necessity of giving full
support and encouragement to The Wageworker in order that it
may best fulfill its mission as a champion of the rights of labor. And
be it further
Resolved. That it is the opinion of this body that all union men
and women should, so far as possible, patronize the merchants
who advertise in. The Wageworker, exercising due care that the
store be otherwise fair to labor.
Resolved, That this body endorse the stand taken by The
Wae-eworkcr in recard to the Lincoln Overall and Shirt Co.
Resolved, That this body endorse the proposition that the pub
lication of fair lists in better than the publication Ot unfair lists,
and that we reciuest The Waeeworker to no longer publish said un
fair lists, but endeavor to sive union men and women information
concerning, fair goods and wares to the end that we may know
where our friends and comrades are. - '
Resolved. That these resolutions be published in The Wage
worker and commended to the consideration of all trades and labor
unions in. Lincoln and surrounding territory.
THE MAN WHO
ft
PAYS
IT ALL.
WORDS THAT CHEER.
Hod Carriers and Building Laborers Give
The Wageworker a Boost.
The following, adopted by the Local
Union No. 141, International Hod Car
riers and Building Laborers Union ot
America, were presented to The Wage
worker last Tuesday, by Secretary
Sehlermeyer, It is needless to say
that The Wageworker appreciates the
action of the Hod Carriers and Build
ing laborers:
Lincoln. Neb., Feb. 10, 1905. To the
Editor of The Wageworker: At a reg
ular meeting of Local Union No. 141,
International Hod Carriers' and Build
ing Laborers' Union of America, held
last night, the following motions be
came a part of our minutes, and as cor
responding secretary I am instructed
to convey them to you:
First That we endorse the stand
taken by The Wageworker in regard
tr the Lincoln Overall and Shirt Co. ,
Second That very member of our
union consider It a duty to buy of The
Wageworker's advertisers i'nd make it
known that their custom was thus dl
rected by reason 1 1 the advertisement
in The Wageworker. Every member,
however, to be cautious to observe
whether the house la otherwise fair
tc union labor and to report all irregu
larities, discriminations, eta.
Third As the constant appearance
of the unfair list Is keeping our ene
mies' names and wares constantly
fresh in the memory and has the ef
fect only on a small minority, while it
is, a guide to the lukewarm and un
scrupulous (the enemies in the garb
of comradeship) therefore we would
suggest that fair lists be prepared to
substitute for the unfair lists and
thereby detract the mind3 from the un
fair goods and wares.
(Seal A. L. SCHIERMEYER,
Corresponding Secretary.
ALLIED TRADES BALL.
Will Be Held on February 24 and Prom
ises a Great success.
The first annual ball of 'the Allied
Printing Trades will be given at
Fraternity hall on February 24, and
every indication points to a successful
affair. Capital Auxiliary No. 11 has
appointed a committee to look after
the refreshment table and the guests
will be. cordially welcomed and enter
tained. Quick s orchestra, made .up
of union musicians, will furnish the
music, and the program has been) ar
ranged with a view to meeting the
terpsichorean tastes of all who nttend.
Morgan has his yachts so handsome. Schwab his private
palace car. i
Rockefeller has his "cottage" on the beach.
Astor travels like a princeling over Europe near and far,
Bradley-Martin has all luxuries in reach.
They have millions for their pleasures and they live in
royal style, , .' .
Spending fortunes on a single ."rout" or "ball,"
But this point you should remember and consider all the
while I
That the men who work for Wages pay it all.
Uncle Sam has ships a plenty riding proudly o'er the wave,
And his army is a dream of gilded lace.
He has officers bespangled who are willing, quite, to save
Their country with a waltz of charming grace.
And our Uncle may God blessf him wants more battle
ships and men, A
So for millions more of money makes a call.
But this point- you should remember let me state it once
again .
That the men who workfor wages pay it all.
Millions for a greater navy, millions more for army great,
Millions more as tribute to the greedy trusts;
Millions for the "routs" and "functions," millions for "affairs
of state."
' While the unused 'scale of Justice slowly rusts. , ;
Gold and glitter in the mansions, an the hovel hunger, cold ;
Luxury looks down untouched on famine's pall.
; And this point you should remember let it often be retold
That the men who work for wages pay it all. ,
Why should greed be left unshackled? Ask the question of
yourself ;
You can answer in a moment if you will.
Why should congress' halls be reeking with the taint of
stolen pelf ?
You've the weapon near at hand the wrong to kill.
You can scourge Greed from the temple, you can put Right
on the throne;
You're the men with power to solve the problem great.
Vote for "Molly and the babies" then you'll come into your
own. ' ' " .
, And the men who work for wage will rule the state.
The Other Side of
The Case Presented
To the thoughtful man, the query naturally occurs as to why
there is in many quarters so great a prejudice, and, in fact, almost
hatred against the labor unions. The statement is frequently heard
that the labor movement has seen its best days and deservedly so.
That labor is getting more than its due that the members of trade
unions are a vicious lot of cut-throats arid blackmailers. One- of
the principal reasons for all of this may be due to the fact that the
daily press persistently circulates the news which can by an kind
f juggling be twisted into form that will prejudice the public
against organized labor.
Trade unions are represented as made up of new arrivals from
Europe, men who do not work and who do not want to work,
of discontented elements, anarchists, socialists, .etc.
The business agent who goes wrong is prominently held up
to public view as representative of that calling, while the fact is)
ignored that there are probably 7,000 business agents in the United
States, and as many as two have been convicted of extortion.
Members' of trade, unions are represented as always looking for
trouble, addicted to slugging, resorting to riot, in fact, an unthink
ing, irresponsible, unreasonable mob whose vote is for sale.. Now
let us look at facts::
Mr. Business Man, you have probably at some time had a car
penter, a bricklayer, a mason, a plasterer, a plumber, an iron worker,
about your place of business or home. Think it over. What kind
of a man was he?. Was he not a quiet, modest and industrious
sort ot fellow who seemed to thoroughly understand his business,
and who was very gentlemanly and very well behaved to the mem
bers of your family? And perhaps you conversed with him as
to hdw he would vote at the coming election. Did you not finSc,'
nun well posted on the situation and his reasons sound as to why
he would vote for a certain candidate? And did ypu not find him well
versed in the news events of the day? Did he impress you as z
violent man who would dynamite a place of business or take a life
needlessly? And did you not find him to be a representative and
responsible citizen?. Take it home to yourself, Mr. Business Man,
and think it over.' Answer as to who elected Roosevelt, Douglas,
Folk, and who defeated Peabody? Was it not a class of. men who
think matters over, carefully?. And had they not reasoned out that
predatory wealth had too great control over some of our common
wealths? ' 1 '
And do you stop to think that the press is a great moulder of
public opinion? And that the members of the Associated Press,
the greatest news agency in the world, are interested financially in
many of the large industries in this country? - And that the treasurer
of the Associated Press is the president of the one of the largest
banks in this country, which is controlled by the same interests
that control Standard Oil, the "Big Three" life insurance companies
and most of the great railroad systems as well as many other great
industries and enterprises m this country?
Have the men at the head of these great interests no object
in creating hostile sentiment against trade unions? Do they not
torsee the tune when the trade union movement will have com
pelled a more equitable distribution of nature's products? And laws
enacted to prevent the acquisition ot the people s money by such
methods as are now in vogue?
Organized capital is very shrewd and far-seeing and lets ho
opportunity pass which will tighten its grip on the strongly en
trenched position which it now occupies.
Be fair, Mr. Middleman, and remember that that country is
most happy and prosperous which has the greatest number of well
paid and happy working men. Do not thrown stones at the grand
est movement which has yet been undertaken for the betterment
of the industrial classes. Labor Journal.
Strictly Confi-
dentiar-Not
The following confidential circular has been sent out to all the
various manufacturing establishments for the purpose of bringing
about concerted action among employers of labor towards the de
feat of the long pending eight-hour and anti-injunction bills of
congress. " ,
The circular was " printed on a letterhead of The National .
Association of Manufacturerers of the United States of America,
David M. Parry, president; F. H. Stillman, treasurer; M. Cushing,
Secretary; general offices 174 Broadway (Maiden Lane and Cort
land Streets), and reads as follows: ' ',v '
"STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL." '
"New York, Dec. 8. 1904. Dear Sir: You have not replied
to our recent letter. It is our fault : we didn't write vou. stronelv
enough. . 1 l
"The simple question is whether your own valued company
will not join the other manufacturers of theicountrv in nrovidinir
an absolute insurance against destructive and even revolutionary
iaDor legislation at airrerent state capitals. W e believe that you will.
"Nobody has even questioned that it was the National Associa
tion of Manufacturers that beat the eight-hour and anti-injunction
bill at Washington last winter. We have got to beat them again
this winter, for Mr. Gompers insists that both bills shall be passed,
and Senator McComas of Maryland, agrees. .'iw AO; '
"Not only is the national association your only guarantee against
the enactment of such revolutionary schemes, subsersive of the very
principles of our government, but the whole tendency towards col
lectivist and paterial legislation needs to be stopped), and it is this
immense and successful movement of manufacturers which alone,
apparently, can do it. " , - , , '
"I again ask you to join us. If we double our strength, we treble
or quadruple our power ; but we have to be right,, and you can help
us keep right. We have many friends in your industry. Will you
not join them, and us, in the good cause? You will get your money
back anyway in business advantages.! -
"Please let me hear from you. I. won't permit you to be dis-'
appointed. Yours most cordially, - ''-.
- "MARSHALL CUSHING, Secretary.".
A UNION LABEL ORDINANCE. "
At last Monday night's meeting of the city council Councilman
Stewart by request introduced a "union label ordinance," requiring
the Allied Printing 'Trades Council label on all city printing, and
that all notices be published in newspapers be . inserted , in ; news
papers employing members of the Typographical Union and allied
trades and authorized to use the allied label. Councilman Stewart
announced that the resolution was introduced by request,' and on
his motion it was referred to the city attorney for an opinion as to
its legality. ..The resolution, is as follows: , -
"Be: it ordained by the mayor and the city council of Lincoln,
Nebraska: ' :' '
"Section 1.' That all printing used and ordered by the city
of Lincoln, Nebraska, shall bear the imprint of the recognized union
label of the allied printing trades council of Lincoln, Nebraska. ;
Section 2. That all advertisements of said Lincoln, Nebraska,
required by law to be published in any newspaper in Lincoln, Lan
caster county, Nebraska, shall be published in, and contract for
publishing same shall be let to some newspaper employing mem
bers of the said. International Typographical Union and Allied Print
ing Trades and authorized by said Allied Printing Trades Council
to use the label and imprint of said Allied Printing Trades Councils
Section 3. All bids may be rejected if deemed too high by the
said city of Lincoln, Nebraska, or if bidders are deemed irrespon
sible by said city, and all printing shall be let to the lowest and
best bidder, subject to -the rules and regulations hereinbefore
specified. ' . - -
"Section 4. AH ordinances or. parts of ordinances in conflict
with this ordinance shall hereby be repealed."
ELECTRICAL WORKERS' BALL.
A Successful Affair that Reflected Credit
on the Eclectricity Boys. '
The Electrical Workers' ball on Feb
ruary 10 was the successful result of
a lot of hard work on the, part or tne
membership, and socially and finan
cially it was a triumph. The ball was
held in Fraternity hall and nearly 150
couples were present, over fifty of
whom participated in the grand march
led by Mr. and Mrs. Caster.
The hall was tastefully; decorated
with multi-colored electric lights and
during the evening the dancers were
served with punch by a committee of
hustling Electrical Workers who were
too busy to dance. Another committee
prepared the tables in the dining halls,
and at 11 : 03 a fine lunchedn was served
to the union's members and guests.
Two handsome prizes were awarded
during the course of the evening to
the holders of lucky numbers. A fine
gas range, donated by thte Lincoln Gas
and Electric company, went to San
derson's shoe shop. A ton of coal was
won by the Standard Meat Market.
The music by Quick's orchestra was all
that could be desired, and the evening
was delightfully spent by the jolly
crowd present. The committee having
THE LABEL LEAGUE.
TO TRADE UNIONISTS' WIVES.
"Ladies do you ever realize that the carpet on your floor, the
picturces on the wall, the organ or piano, and all the luxuries you -may
be enjoying, you owe to the labor unions?" This is followed
with other injunctions. This brings up . the question of the labor
leaders' wives and their duties, or their sacrifices, and the question
arises : Who makes the sacrifice nowadays in the labor movement?
One needs but to ask the wife of the average labor leaders, local or
general, and they will all cite the same story of "late hours, out
nearly every night, and rarely home with his family." It ite : not
at all pleasant for the wife of a laboring man to be alone with her
family and numerous duties all day, seeing her husband simply at
meals, and then have him out again at night, and keep this up week
in and week out. The real sacrificers are not the labor leaders, but
in realty their! wives, who are .too often left alone. Blacksmith's
Journal. ' , r-y- " f;: :
the arrangements in charge , are de
serving of the thanks of all who at
tended. ' - ''-
Cold Weather Interferes but Something .
Will Soon Be Doing. ;.
Owing to the extremely disagreeable i
weather the Label League held no
meeting last Monday ' evening.- ' The.
meeting on February 27, however, will
be a rouser, and something; will be do
ing to advance the interests of the or-
ganization. The organization, commit
tee of the Central Body is going to be
put to work; In building up interest in .
the league, and the members thenir,
selves will be aroused to renewed in-,
terest if possible. ': .
Every- union man's wife should be a
member of the Ladies' Label League,
and the union men would not lose anyJ
thing by also becoming members un
der the associate membership plan.
Properly supported the' League could
be of immense service in the cause or
unionism. - -r- s
A wise girl oeacsionally induces a 1
young man she doesn't like to act as -peacemaker
for . one she does. . ;
'A woman can change her mind a
dozen times while a man is making his
up once. . .
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