I Patronize I
j tuc wjJ cworker
THE W AO E WORK
I Aflvprtkpr 1
A Newspaper with a Mission and without a Muzzle that is published in the Interest of Wageworkers Everywhere.
VOL. 2
LINCOLN, NEBRASKA , Al'EIL 21, 1905 .
tr ir J. ti. U. U. j
NO. 2
ER
Concerning the Label
Here's a proposition that no sane union man can deny: If every
union man and woman in the country would for twelve consecutive
months demand the union label on all that they buy, and refuse to
buy unless the label was in evidence, the battle of organized labor
would be won.
If you arc not insisting upon the label you are untrue to the
obligation you took when you joined the union. Can you explain
the difference between being a "scab" and patronizing "scab" goods?
Can you show any consistency in the idea of demanding that union
men patronize your label while you refuse to patronize the label of
another union?
Look here, Mr. Carpenter! You "holler your head off" if a union
cigarmakcr employs a "scab" carpenter. But that cigar you are
fondling between your teeth was made by the American Tobacco Co.,
the rankest "scab" outfit in America.
Look here, Mr. Printer! "You holler your head off"' if you
found a lot of printed matter from the United Hatters of North Amer
ica without the label on it. But you are one of those fellows who
"have to have a Stetson hat" because you just can't wear any other
kind." and the Stetson hat is the chief of "scab" hats.
Look here, Mr. Teamster! You "holler your head off" if you
catch a union man receipting for coal delivered by a non-union team
ster, but that suit of clothes you have on was made in a sweat shop
by women and children whose wage averages less than 3 cents an
hour.
Look here, Mr. Bricklayer! You "holler your head off" if you
see a fellow unionist giving employment to a "scalb" bricklayer, yet
the tobacco you are chewing is "scab" and the shoes you are wearing
were made in a penitentiary by convict labor.
Hell is full of just such union inen.
There was a meeting of union men in .Lincoln one night last
week, and out of twenty men present 25 per cent wore scab hats.
Probably 50 per cent or more wore "scab" clothing. Did we say a
"meeting of union men ?'.' beg pardon ; we meant to say a meeting of
men who claimed to be unionists.
Wake up and get into the union game ! If you are going to
"scab" on your fellow workman at least have the courage to do it in
the open and quit doing it under cover. 'The professional strike
breaker is no worse than the alleged union man who is a chronic
buyer of "scab" goods because he can get them cheaper or because
he has a favorite merchant who does not handle union made goods.
When you go into a store to buy a hat, or a suit of clothes, or a
pair of shoes, don't be content with just looking to see if the label
is there. When you go in some smiling and obsequious clerk will
come forward and ask :
"What can I do for you today?"
That's your chance. Take right hold of it and say:
"I want a hat. and it must have the label of the United Hatters
of North America. If you haven't got that kind of a hat. say so, and
I'll go somewhere else where they do have it."
That's the kind of union boosting that counts. Don't take
"something just as good" without the label, for if you do you buy a
gold brick there is nothing "just as good." There is nothing quite
so good as the union label.
. Look on the inside of the shoe at the arch of the instep and see
if the label of the Boot and Shoe Workers is there. If it is not, pass
it up. Demand a shoe with that label in it, and march out of the
store if you don't get it. By that time a dozen or more of you do
that Mr. Merchant gets busy, and he hustles around for shoes that
he can sell you.
Look on the inside breast pocket of the coat and see if tjie label
of the United Garment Workers is there. If it is not, pass it up and
demand something that has got that label. If you don't get it,
march out like a union man and a gentleman. By the time a dozen
or more of you have done that little trick Mr. Clothing Merchant be
gins to scratch his head and think. v
It ought to tickle any union man to be able to play that game.
Nine-tenths of .you would walk twice around the block to get your
favorite brand of chewing or smoking tobacco, wouldn't you? And
yet a. whole lot of you wouldn't walk forty feet to get a labeled suit,
shoe, hat or shirt.
If it requires any measure of skill or ingenuity 'to make any
article, that article is made somewhere by union labor. Get the union
made article or go without.
Get a little of your unionism off your card and into vour head.
Get some of the, unionism out of
peart.
The Wageworker abhors profanity, and tries to cultivate a mild
and forgiving disposition. But the more it thinks of it the madder
it gets. Damn the unionism of the union member who won't always,
at all times, and under all circumstances, demand the union label !
Regular meeting of the Central
ing. Let every affiliated union be
HATTERS-WAGE
Their Representative Meets With
Union Men
Mr. Flynn, representing the United Hatters of North America
spent several days in Lincoln last week and this, and during his
stay put in some splendid licks for his organization in particular and
unionism in general. ' Mr. Flynn is a fluent and easy speaker and
knows the union game from start to finish. Last Friday night he
appeared before the Central Labor Union at its special meeting, on
Monday night he talked to the Union Teamsters, and on Tuesday
night he addressed a splendid meeting of Union Carpenters.
Mr. Flynn confines his remarks to strictly union lines and he
preaches good union doctrine. In addition, he works a mighty
smooth game that . can not help being of service to unionism in
general. After explaining tire position of the United Hatters of
North America and the fight they are waging against unfair manu
facturers, he gave a short explanation of his union's label.
"Now. gentlemen," says he, "while I pass these cards around, if
you will show me the- label in your hat I will tell you whether it is
genuine or counterfeit. There are many counterfeit labels on the
market, and it is well that you be posted."
Of course he always finds a lot of "scab" hats, and when his
investigation in concluded he makes some remarks about union
members who patronize "scab" hat makers, and the remarks smell
of brimstone. The boys always take it good naturedly, but they
will remember it, just the same.
Mr. Flynn says his union is centering its fight on the Henry B.
Roelofs company of Philadelphia,
all-union men and hired scabs,
union haters. The Armstrong
Roelof hat, and last Saturday a
L'nion accompanied Mr. F'lynn to see Mr. Armstrong.' The confer
ence was very short. Mr. Flynn explained, and Mr. Armstrong
said :
"Gentlemen. I will quit handling that hat. I want to do the
right thing," ' ,
"Thank you, sir," said Mr. Flynn. ' '
The union men of Lincoln
mind. When union men put in
and more time boosting their friends they will be better off.
Mr. Flynn expresses himself as immensely pleased with his visit
to Lincoln, and certainly the union
of meeting him and listening to
he will come again soon.
your pocketbok and into your
Labor Union next Tuesday even
represented by full delegations..
WARM 'WARFARE.
Cordial Reception From All the
in Lincoln.
that company having discharged.
and leading tile, hght against the
Clothing Co. has been handling the
committee from the Central Labor
should bear this little incident in
less time "knocking" their enemies
men who have had the pleasure
him are glad that he came and hope
THAT UNION BAND.
No Reason Why Union Men Should Not
Have One Here.
There is ho reason why the union
men of Lincoln should not have a
brass and reed band of their own.
There is enough musical talent within
the ranks of organized labor in Lincoln
to make a band that woud be second
to none in this western country.
If these men could be brought to
gether for consultation The Wage
worker believes the result would be the
speedy organization of a band that
would be a credit to unionism and to
the city. The matter is worth consid
ering, and in order to get things start
ed The Wageworker makes the follow
ing proposition:
Let every union man Who has
been a member of a band at some time
in the past, or is now a member, seiid
his name and address to The Wage
worker, stating the instrument played
and length of experience. When
enough names have been secured to
warrant an attempt at permanent or
ganization due notice will be given
and a meeting held.
"Do It now" is a good motto in any
line of business, therefore do not post
pone action on this matter. Address
The Wageworker, 1216 G street, City.'
INFLUENCE OF TRADE UNIONS.
Helpful in Americanizing and Bettering
Industrial Conditions.
The influence of trades unions upon
immigrants is the subject upon which
Carroll D. Wright tried to secure in
formation in a recent investigation of
the Chicago stock yards. His finding
is that the unions are helpful in Amer
icanizing and bettering the conditions
of the Poles, Bohemians, Lithuanians,
and Slovaks, who form so large a per
centage of the laborers. Before the un
ions were organized, each race kept
closely to itself. It had its own church,
its own schools, its own benevolent
aesociations, its own social life. It
attempted, when the unions were start
ed, to organize these also on race
lines. The leaders, however, objected,
and, for the first time, Irishmen, Ger
mans, Poles, Bohemians, and the rest
were forced to mingle to hold common
meetings, to learn a common tongue,
and to take common action. To a
certain extent, also, the unions have
been educators in political science.
Here the eastern immigrant first learns
the value of his vote, and .gets some
vague notion of his relation to the
state. Again, through the union he
seeks to improve his condition. Bet
ter wages, shorter hours, better homes,
better clothes, large opportunities for
himself and children these, according
to Mr. Wright, are the staple subjects
cf talk at the union meetings. Pushed
to the extreme, these ideas may have
unfortunate results; but in general the
lesson is a valuable one. Similar influ
ences, Mr. Wright would discover, ar
operating in New York, especially in
the clothing trades. --The-Jewishwerk-men
do not take naturally to the
trades-union idea. They join in large
numbers when some prominent issue,
like the open shop or a -wage Increase
is at stake; and then, after the crisis
is passed, drop out. In the . quiet sea
son the unions, with decreased mem
bership, do exist, but usually as social
organizations and debating societies.
With the temperate Hebrew they often
lake the place of the saloon as the
THE AUXILIARY SOCIAL.
Last W'ediiesd.ay evening Capital Auxiliary Xo. 11 to Typo
graphical Union .No.-. 209 gave its April social at Bohanon's hall.
Something seems to have struck the-printer man of Lincoln, for about
thirty of him turned out to the social, this being about twenty-six
more than the average. As a result of the large attendance the social
was the most-jmjoyable in the long list of enjoyable socials given by
this enterprising and womanly adjunct to the cause of unionism. The
women who have toiled earnestly to make the Auxiliary a winner,
and who have had to encounter the seeming neglect of the men, who
should have been, most interested in their success, were immensely
pleased with' the splendid attendance Wednesday night, for not less
than 100 people were present. .
In the early hour of the-evening the men gathered in a circle
anl told stirring tales of the old days when "I got 50 cents a thousand
in Butte" or "the time I lit in Denver"; and the ladies gathered in
another circle and talked about the weather and the probability of
ramon Easter Sunday and how 'to make the 'Auxiliary better than
ever.
At 8:30 Fred Ihringer assumed the position of chairman of the
evening and announced the program. Mrs. Rhone and: 'Miss Howe
with guitar and mandolin rendered two selections, and later rendered
another, much to the delight of the audience. Miss Hazel Smith,
accompanied by Miss Shaw on the piano, rendered two difficult pic
colo solos and was warmly applauded. Mrs.-Walter Leese, accom
panied by Mrs. Sheldon at the piano, favored the gathering with two
vocal solos and earned the hearty applause bestowed. Bert Wilson
gave a correct imitation of a Georgia negro in the old days before the
war and won enconimus enough to fill a hay wagon. W.-M. Maupin
read some rhymes perpetrated in honor of the Auxiliary.
Following the program- luncheon was announced and this was
a feature of the program worthy of more extended notice. The
tablets were neatly laid and the dining room took on the appearance
of a banquet hall. It might be stated here that Bohanon's hall is
the prettiest little hall in town for gatherings of this kind, and the
conveniences are unsurpassed.
After luncheon a guessing contest was engaged in and Mrs. Will
Bustard and Mrs. Will Norton won the first and second prizes. Then
dancing was indulged in until it was time to "paste up." Dance
music was rendered by Mr. Hagensick, whose ability as a pianist' is
fast becoming recognized in this
The committee having the
praiseirom the guests and the thanks of the Auxiliary for their tire
less efforts in making the occasion the most successful in the history
of the organization. This is said of every social given by this enter
prising organization, and said with
succeeding social is better and more enjoyable than its predecessor
poor man's club. In this field the ac
tivity of the unions is admittedly
wh.ilesome. The Nation.
TTTTTTTITXXTXTTTXIXTTTTTTY
WHY WE BLUSH.
(Lincoln Daily Star.)
Will M. Maupin has broken
a record, smashed all prece
dent, established a new high
water mark, cut a frsh notch
. in the stick of progress. He
has conducted a labor paper
in Lincoln for more than a
year, and is entering upon tha
second volume more lively
and promising than ever. The
Wageworker was a success,
even in living a year. The
unions of Lincoln have sup
ported no other newspaper en
terprise so well, and the re
sult is in itself piaise for
Maupin and his work.
TTTXXXYXTTTXXXXTXXXXXXXXXY
FRANK AND SAM.
Two Gallant Servants That Deserves to
Be Liberally' Pensioned.
Frank and Sam are only horses. But
fcr eighteen years they have been
willing and faithful servants to their
employer, the city of Lincoln. For
eighteen years they have run to fires,
carried sick and maimed to hospital
and home, and carried the dead to the
morgue. For eighteen years they have
sprung under the harness at the sounfl
3? the gong and chased away with th"
ratrol wagon to bring In the festive
roysterer and the violater of the law.
Having no union, Frank and Sam have
been compelled to stand on duty
twenty-four hours a day during all
these eighteen years, and they are just
as ready and willing now as they were
the day they first responded to the
alarm.
But Frank and Sam are old. They
have worked through more than twen
ty summers and winters, and now they
ar; old and physically unable to meet
the tasks that their spirits are still
willing to undertake. They are soon
t j be let out to make: room for young
er horses., Shall- Sam and Frank be
allowed to throw their massive chests
against the collars and draw dirt wa
ge as over the steets they have so long
galloped over with the blue coats in
the wagon behind? To allow it would
be a shame and a disgrace. Such faith,
ful old servants deserve the1 very best
that can be given them. They deserve
to graze in the lush grasses of the pas
ture during the remainder of their
summers, and contentedly munch oats
and hay in warm box stalls during the
few winters that yet remain to them.
The Wageworker proposes a sum to
pension them enough of a sum so
that the interest .thereon will keep
them in comfort the remainder of their
lives. It would not take much, and The
Wageworker will give its mite. What
say you? .
George R. Bookman, advertising
manager of the union clothing manu
facturing firm of Kohn Bros., Chicago,
was in Lincoln last Saturday and made
a pleasant call upon The Wageworker.
city.
April social in charge is entitled to
equal truth each time, for each
"CLEAN HANDS."
A Newspaper That Looks Only on One
Side of the Shield.
A significant statement appears in
the last bulletin of .'the New York State
Department of Labor. It reads as fol
lows :
"On the oft-discussed subject of the
attitude of the courts on labor' legisla
tion, Chief Judge Cullen, in his opin
ion in the eight-hour case, took occa
sion to declare his apprehension that
'the- many outrages of labor organiza
tions or of some of their members have
not only excited just indignation, but at
times have frightened courts into plain
lugal inconsistencies and into the eniin
littion of doctrines which, if as assert
et! in litigations arising under any
other subject than labor legislation,
would meet scant Courtesy or consid
eration.' Whether or not workingmen
shared this opinion in the past, it is
clear that many" labor- leaders now find
themselves in agreement with the chief
judge of the Court of Appeals in respect
to the cause of the legal inconsistencies
upon which he dwells at some length
in .his recent opinion. Thus the organ
of the International Typographical Un
ion, the Buffalo branch of which, after
a five years' legal contest, has recently
established in the Court of Appeals
iis legal right to strike in order to se
cure the discharge of a workman who
refused to join the union, affirms that
the lesson learned in the prolonged
contest 'is that labor litigation will get
a square deal if it comes to the law
with clean hands.' "
The significance of this statement
lies in the two words "clean hands."
The attitude of organized labor toward
the courts has been largely that of hos
tility. The labor unions have felt that
they were not fairly treated by the
courts and they have objected strongly
to the frequent injunctions that have
been issued to prevent them from vio
lence and other unlawful acts in order
to achieve the ends sought by' their
strikes and boycotts. But at least one
great organization of labor has learned
the lesson that organized labor will get
"a square deal" from the courts if it
will come to the law with "clean
hands."
That is an important lesson to learn.
Clean hands in this case means absence
from violence and unlawful methods of
coercion. As long. as labor unions will
refrain from such violence and unlaw
ful means they should get exact and
full justice in. the courts. The courts
of the United States have recently
shown by their decisions that they in-,
tend to hold the corporations to strict
observance of law alid they will hold
organized labor to the same require
ment. Ohio State Journal.
SQUARE CIGAR DEALERS.
These
Do Not Handle Cigars on the
. Printers' Black List.
The union printers continue their
warfare " on the Henry George and
George W. Childs cigars, and as a re
sult these two brands are rapidly dis
appearing from the city. The Wage
worker carries no cigar dealers' advertisements,-but
the following firms are
cheerfully given this measure of pub
licity because they do not handle, the
George and Childs cigars and do han
dle a full line of union made goods:
Joe R. Oppenheimer, 1425 O street,
Alex Stewart, 11& N. 14th street.
Stevens & Neville, 1330 O street.'
Ed. Fagan, 1226 O street.
Annex, 1131 O street.
Steve Carveth, 922 P street.
Oohft tBuwp, South tath street.
Heffley. 316 South 11th street.
P. Wohlenberg, 123 South 11th street.
Capital Cigar Co., 134 South 11th
street. -
Wolf, 105 South 11th street.
Royle & Walker, 1028 O street.
Herminghaus & Helwig, 122 South
10th street.
T. A. Burke, 135 North 12th street.
M .H. Hickman, 14th and P streets.
Fred Brlttel, 23d and O streets.
Wm. Seelenfreund, 926 S streets.
The above firms, while not all exclu
sive cigar and tobacco dealers, handle
full lines of these goods in addition
to the other lines they carry. They
are entitled to the patronage of all
good union men.
DOWN COUNTRY LANES.
A book of verse by Byron Williams,
editor of the Western Publisher, is
scon to be issued by the International
I'ress Association, 65 Plymouth Place,
Chicago, 111. To those familiar with
the sweet simplicity of Mr. Williams'
style, this announcement will bring
pleasant anticipation; for many read
ers, ere this, have accepted his invita
tion in "The Old Cross-Road" to
"Come with me by the old cross-road
That leads to Uncle Bill's;
Down this way through a dreamland
filled
With peace tha God Instills'
and have revelled in clouds and
country air to the joy .of hearts that
yearned for boyhood and the home
"back yonder." Dearborn Melvill, the
talented Chicago artist, has illustrated
the volume with sixty full page pic
tures of rustic life. "Down Country
Lanes" promises to be both unique and
ropular. Prettily bound in cloth $1.25,
postage 12 cents extra..
Carpenters' Big Time
Last. Tuesday night the Carpenters' Union had an open meeting
at its hall, and the meeting was thrown open to the non-unionists.
The meeting was one of the largest labor gatherings ever held in Lin
coln and is bound to be productive of results beneficial to unionism.
A large number of union men of other crafts were present, and sev
eral non-union carpenters accepted the friendly invitation extended
to them. !
Mr. Flynn of the United Hatters of North America made a short
talk and then Mr. S. J. Kent, business agent of the union, gave a talk
on the objects and aims of the Carpenters' Union. He showed how
the organization had benefitted the craft at large, and pointed out
what it hoped to do in the future. He made a direct appeal to the
non-union men to get inside the organization and help elevate the
standard of the craft, and further the social, financial and moral wel
fare of all connected with the great industry He briefly traced the
history of the organization, which has, like all other trades unions,
had its tips and downs, but which now is decidedly on the "up." . He
told of early conditions in Lincoln and contrasted the 10-hour day of
that early period with the 8-hour day of the present time, and snowed
that the improved conditions were the result of the toil and sacri
fices and efforts of the men who had made the Carpenters' Union
what it is today. . - ,
Mr. Kent's address was listened to with great interest, for he is
a pleasing speaker and always presents reasons for the union faith
that is in him. President Kelsey, of the Central Labor Union, and
the editor of The Wageworker spoke briefly on union lines. A pleas
ing feature of the open meeting was the presence of Mr. Burbank, on
of the new members of the firm operating the Lincoln Sash and Door
mills. Mr. Burbank spoke briefly- and told the carpenters to "get 'em
all in." He said he was not well posted on unionism and - then
added : "But if you are going to have a union of carpenters at all,
get every competent carpenter into it. Employers are willing to pay
high wages, even higher than they now pay, if they are assured that
their competitors in business have to nay the same." 4
Mr. Kent announced that the union had passed the 250 mark in
point of membership, and it was learned that the union will obligate
nine or more new members at the regular 'meeting next Tuesday
night. ' ' . .. -
The Carpenters' Union has met with a great many serious ob
stacles in its path, but it has met them conservatively and handled
them with good judgment. The result is that its position is growing
stronger every day. '.'"..! . . , -
Regular meeting of the Central Labor Union next Tuesday even
ing. Let every affiliated union be represented by full delegations.
; ,: BROTHERHOOD IF LOCOMOTIVE ENGINEERS.
Call For a Meeting For the Purpose of Organizing a Woman's
Auxiliary. . ' ,
On Sunday, April 30, at 2:30 p. m., a meeting will be held at
A. O. U. W. hall, 1005 O street, to which all members of the. Brother
hood of Locomotiye Engineers, the wives of members and the widows
of former members are cordially invited, to discuss the matter of
forming an Auxiliary to Division No.' 98,.-Brotherhood of Locomotive
Engineers. . .. - ' ' ' -' : . -
It is intended at this meeting, which it is hoped will be . well at-,
tended, to settle upon an opportune time for the inauguration of said '.
Auxiliary, and to make such plans and preparations for the. same as
will make the event a pleasureable and a memorable one. , ,:.
WOMAN'S UNION
Will Meet in Regular Session Monday Evening to Transact Some
Important Business.
The Woman's Union Label League will meet at Central Labor
Union hall Monday evening. It is to be hoped that a full attend
ance will be had, as matters of importance are billed for discussion.
Among other things to be considered is the instructions to be given
to the delegate, Mrs. Kent, who will represent the League at the in
ternational convention in Chicago next June. There are some im
portant amendments to the constitution to be considered, and every
active member should be present and participate in the discussion.
The Wageworker urges every union man and woman in the city
SPEAKING OF YOUR HAT. ,",
There are 200 union hat factories in the United States, and only
six "scab" hat factories. A union made hat is about the easiest thing
in the union line to obtain. In fact, it looks as if a man really had
to hunt for a "scab" hat in order to gef one. . Arid yet a representa
tive of the United Hatters of North America discovered that about 25
per cent of Lincoln's union men were wearing "scab" hats. Here is
a list of "scab" hat manufacturers in this country:
John B. Stetson, Philadelphia. r
Knox Hat Companv. Brooklyn. ";
Henry B. Roelofs, Philadelphia.
Waring Hat Co., Yonkers, N. Y.
Marshall Hat Co.,-Fall River, Mass.
D. E. Lowe, Danbury, Conn. ' -. ' .
Every union made hat has the label stitched under the sweatband
opposite the bow. ' Every label has its four edges perforated like a
postage stamp. If the edges are not perforated and the label not
stitched with a few stitches, it is bogus and should be passed up.
Is your hat union made or "scab"? . ::;
Regular meeting of the Central Labor Union next Tuesday even
ing. Let every affiliated union be represented by full delegations..-.
The Easter Number of the Omaha Western Laborer was without
doubt the finest issue of a labor paper ever sent out in the country.
We speak advisedly, for we have seen them all. Mrs. Frank Ken
nedy, president of the International Auxiliary to the Typographical
Union, took charge, hustled all the advertising, whipped all the copy
into shape and transacted all the business, and the result demon
strates that she possesses superior ability both as a business woman
and as an editor. The edition was printed in Inland Printer stylt: on
superior paper and had a covering in keeping with the Easter time.
When the Wageworker gets out its regular Labor Day number it
will strive to appear as well as the Easter number of ;the Western
Laborer better it could not hope to do. - . ; ;-'-:
Regular meeting of the Central Labor Union next Tuesday even
ing. Let. every affiliated union be represented by fuH delegations. ,
SUES UNION FOR DAMAGES.
James Garvin has an idea that he is going to get hold of $75,000
and have a high old time at the expense of the Bricklayers' and
Masons' International Union. He has brought suit for that amount
in the superior court of Cook county, Illinois. ' Garvin was fined for t
an infraction of the rule of , the local union and refused to pay the
fine. As a result he found himself without a job. Now he alleges
that he was "blacklisted" and wants the $75,000 as damages. Garvin
says he can not get work, and as a result his wife has to take in
washing to support the family. ,
' We feel sorry for Mrs Garvin, not only because she has to sup
port the family by taking in washing, but because she is married to
a man who would rather see her wash than to pay a fine assessed
against him by his union.") Doubtless Garvin is willing that she.
should wash until he gets the money.
LABEL LEAGUE.
HA
K4