THE WAQEWORKER
Rochester Labor Journal entitled "Strange But True."' We have
read the article with great interest and declare it to be one of the
best we have ever read, We would reproduce it in The Wageworker
were it not for the fact that it appeared in the columns originally,
was written by the editor of The Wageworker and very evidently
re-printed in the Rochester Labor Journal without credit. The
chief satisfaction in all this is that the editor of the Journal clips
with rare discrimination.
WILL M. MAUPIN, EDITOR AND PUBLISHER
Published Weekly. One Dollar a Year. Advertising; Rates on Application
Bhitered as second-class matter April 21, 1904, at the postofflce at Lin
coln, Neb, under the Act ot Congress.
SHALL THE LABOR PRESS BE GAGGED?
Elsewhere in this issue will be found an open leter issued by
a number of editors of labor papers who attended the Toronto con
vention of the International Typographical Union. The incident
calling out this manifesto is briefly as follows :
Shelby Smith, editor of the Philadelphia Trades Union News,
and a member of the Typographical Union of that city, was charged
by the executive council of the international with having violated
section 81 of the laws. Section 81 provides that any member of
the Typographical Union who impugns the motives of any officer
or member may be disciplined to the point of expulsion, and it was
enacted as the result ot a bitter and prolonged fight against President
Donnelley when he was a candidate for re-election. In effect the
section nullifies the constitution of the United States, 'and is a de
liberate attempt to muzzle the labor press. During the progress
of the Philadelphia fight the local union and the executive council
of the international became involved in a misunderstanding to use
the most polite term possible. The local union belieVed that it had
been discriminated against, and Editor Smith went so far as to
charge that the executive council was "in league with the rats and
rat employers of Philadelphia." This language is open to two con
structions, and Mr. Smith insisted upon being considered the most
competent witness regarding the intent of his language. The execu
tive council demanded that Mr. Smith be tried by the Philadelphia
Union under section 81. Accordingly a trial committee was ap
pointed and a date set for the hearing. The executive council
refused to appear in person or by representatives, and the trial com
mittee, after hearing all possible testimony, brought in a verdict of
acquittal. This verdict was sustained by the Union by a practically
unanimous vote, only two votes being recorded against it. The
executive council appealed to the convention, and then proceeded to
appoint the committee that should hear the case and render a
verdict.
The Wageworker has no disposition to cast reflections upon
Chairman Draper of the appeals committee. He is an able man and
enjoys the confidence of the Dominion printers to a remarkable
degree. But Mr. Draper was unfortunate in being forced to become
counsel for the prosecution before the convention in order to bolster
up a verdict he helped to render in a case wherein he was appointed
ly the prosecution. The finding of the appeals committee was that
Mr. Smith be unseated as a delegate to the Toronto convention and
that he be compelled to make suitable apology to the executive coun
cil, failing which Philadelphia Union was to take up his card within
thirty days or have its charter revoked. By a vote of 241 to 34 the
convention sustained the findings of the committee.
By thus sustsaining the findings of a committee appointed by
the prosecution the International Typographical Union has gone
on record as favoring the gagging of the press, nullifying the con
stitution of the United States which guarantees the liberty of the
press and setting at defiance the established law and principle that
a man shall not be twice tried for the same offense.
Here and now, and with all the emphasis at its command, The
Wageworker wants to notify President James Lynch, Secretary
Treasurer Bramwood, Hugo Miller, all the organizers singly and
collectively, every delegate to the Toronto convention and the mem
bership at large, that it will see every one of them jammd hard and
fast against the red-hot hinges of the inner gates of Hades before
it will yield one jot or tittle of its rights as guaranteed by the con
stitution at the dictation of any man or set of men. The editor of
The Wageworker has been a union printer as long as President
Lynch, and his record as a unionist is just as good. Without boast
ing, the editor of I he Wageworker will put his record as a unionist
and as a citizen against the record of Secretary-Treasurer Bram
wood. And the editor of this paper, loval as he is to the Typo
graphical Union, would rather give up his union card than to give
up Ins rights as an American citizen to speak and write as he so
desires, subject only to the laws of his country, and not subject to
the whims or caprices ot lellow unionists.
The Wageworker has no apology to make for Shelby Smith.
It believes that he was unfortunate in his choice of language, and
that he framed his remarks in the heat of passion. But that he had
a right to say what he did can not be gainsaid. If he injured any
member of the executive council, that member had recourse to the
civil or criminal laws. But things have come to a pretty pass when
the officers of any union can deprive a member of his card or a
local of its charter because that member has exercised the right of
free speech. And every thoughtful union printer in the land must
regret that it remained for the labor organization most benefited by
the right of a free press to be the first to endorse the idea that a cen
sorship of the press should be instituted in order to prevent criti-
.cism oi puonc oinciais. it win not uo to draw, as President Lvnch
did, a distinction between liberty and license. That is not a cues
tion for conventions to decide it is a question for the courts of the
land'. The Toronto convention's action in the Shelby Smith case is
the entering wedge of a press censorship that will, when carried to
its logical conclusion, perpetuate in power anv labor olicarchv that
secures control, and will permit any unprincipled set of men to pre-
Acni uic expose oi ineir rottenness . Law abiding, thoughtful and
honest union men will consider a long while before they give their
endorsement to such a principle.
The Wageworker points with pride to the fact that the two
delegates from Lincoln to the Toronto convention are recorded as
voting against the outrageous decision of the appeals committee.
. u i-.ygaies rranK uottey and 11. AY . bmith it returns its thanks
for their defense of free speech and a free press, and compliments
. r vvn.in.t ui ucuil: um.uniruneci oy anv ciicue or
ring. J . 1
The editor of The Wageworker is noiero. He is not goino- to
do the martyr act. He is not going to jail if he can help it But
he is not going to carry a Typographical Union card at the sacrifice
of his rights as an American citizen, and when the time comes that
he must submit the columns of his paper to the censorship of a
convention of his union he will quit publishing the paper or remove
himself from the jurisdiction of the union. In the language of the
phi osopher of the sandhills The Wageworker will art upon this
motto : 1
him 'iLiVC aCI ay, VU can Iook eveT mn in the face and tell
him to go to thunder.
This is a slight modification of the philosophers words, but they
convey his idea. 3
To the printers of Toronto: :When we recover, please come
over and we'll try and tell you how much we enjoyed it.
"Labor editors are worse than horsethieves," declared Secretary-Treasurer
Bramwood at the Toronto convention of printers.
Perhaps, but up to date we haven't heard of any labor editors giving
checks on a sacred fund in order to pay for the beer.
As a' rule, editors of labor papers are skilled craftsmen and
capable of earning as much money at their trades as they do editing
labor papers. This being the case, it will be a long time ere labor
editors submit to the gag law promulgated by the International
Typographical Union.
"Labor editors are worse than horse thieves." declares John
Bramwood, secretary-treasurer of the International Typographical
Union and editor of the Typographical Journal. Back up, Johnnie!
We haven't wrecked any millinery stores yet.
The Typothetae is learning rapidly. It has graduated in San
Francisco and Detroit', and is preparing its valedictories in Chicago,
Boston, Philadelphia, St. Louis and other points.
The Lincoln union that sends the largest delegation in propor
tion to paid up membership to Beatrice on Labor Day, gets a sub
stantial prize from The Wageworker.
The effort of the Typothetae to bribe the union pressmen of
San Francisco was a dismal failure. The pressmen are not pikers.
Strikes and lock-outs will end when union men refuse to pur
chase any article that is not made by union labor.
Get into the Labor Day game and make the Beatrice trip one
long to be remembered.
Demanding the label is the best method of bringing the "scab"
manufacturer to time.
all.
And the printers stand pat on the eight-hour question. That's
Toronto ? Gee, what a headache ! !
SHEA RE-ELECTED BY THE TEAMSTERS.
The Philadelphia Convention Sets the Seal of Its Approval Upon
the Acts of Teamsters' President.
Cornelius P. Shea of Chicago, president of the International
Brotherhood of Teamsters, was re-elected at the Philadelphia con
vention last week after a stormy session and by the close vote of
VIS) to Vl for Daniel Furman of Chicago. The sessions of the con
vention were stormy and at times threatened to break up in a row.
Shea and his management of the Chicago strike came in for bitter
criticism, but he woii out in his contention that the strike was
iijstifiable.
Mr. Shea admitted that the Montgomery Ward strike was not
indorsed by the general executive board. The situation was such,
he said, that he could not wait for the slow process of getting in
dorsements. He said it was the most justifiable strike ever called
in America.
Some one inquired about the accuracy of some of the union's
records, to which President Shea made the following reply:
"I make this statement, realizing the full force of what I say. I
did recommend the changing of certain things on the records of the
local union of Chicago during and after the teamsters' strike, because
1 thought the alteration of the records would prevent some of our
men being indicted."
The convention decided to meet next year in Chicago. The fol
lowing were elected delegates to the convention of the American
Federation of Labor: M. J. O'Donnell. John Doody, Emmett Flood
and S. T. Thompson. President Shea is a delegate by virtue of his
office.
The Teamsters' Union of Lincoln is preparing to make a big
showing at Heatrice on Labor Day. and if possible purposes carrying
off the palm for the largest attendance in proportion to the sie of
the union. '
Mr. Loofe, a member of the local organization, had the misfor
tune tot sustain a fracture of the leg one day last week. He will be
laid up for several weeks and would like to have his fellow union
ists call on him.
Business is good in teaming circles. The business agent is
constantly answering calls for men, and while there is a lot of'work
in sight he believes that local teamsters can handle all of it.
'THE WAGEWORKER'S' , SPECIAL PRIZE.
Offered to the Local Union That Turns Out Strongest at Beatrice
on Labor Day.
The WageworkeV wants to see the Labor Day celebration at
Beatrice successful to a great degree, and to that end offers a special
prize of $T..:5() to the Lincoln union having the largest representation
in proportion to paid-up membership on the grounds that day.
Under this plan every union is on an equal footing. The prize will
not be given to the union having the largest number of paid-up
members on the ground, but to the union having the largest per
centage of paid-up members there.
The prize is a small one measured by financial amount, but the
winning of it will mean much to the victor. Every union in the
city is eligible to try for this special prize, and The Wageworker
hopes that the rivalry will be so keen that it will take the official
count to settle the question.
A WONDERFULLY POPULAR ROAD.
The daily press gave the international convention of the Typo
graphical Union scant attention. It preferred to waste columns on
the Teamsters' convention because it gave them an opportunity to
hold organized labor up to scorn. We would far rather be a union
teamster than a lickspittle on a daily newspaper owned by a union
hater.
Ifc'i,
Non-union' men in all trades would still be working twelve and
thirteen hours a day were it not for the labor unions. Hie man
'who will take advantage of conditions that he will not help to
maintain is too infernal onery to associate with square men. That's
why union men will not work by the side of non-unionists.
Another proclamation is due from Post. The stenographer's
husband insists on being in the lime light when lie is not taking
advantage ot trie divorce laws. '
The July number of the Piano. Oraran and Musical Instrument
Workers' Official Journal re-publishf5a splendid article from the
So Busy It Had to Decline Labor Day Business Because It Could
Not Furnish the Coaches.
The popularity of the Union Pacific railroad with the traveling
public was emphasized by the fact that it couldn't furnish coaches
enough to accommodate the unions ot Lincoln on Labor Day. Jo
road in America has more or better equipment than the Union Pa
cific, but it is so rushed with business that every coach and every
engine is in use day and night. Labor Day comes in the midst of
the G. A. R. reunion at Denver and the exposition at Portland, and
the Union Pacific is compelled to strain every nerve to handle the
immense volume of business brought to it by these two great events.
And this business goes to the Union Pacific because it has the repu
tation of doing everything it undertakes in the best possible man
ner. . Its magnificent trains, its convenient schedules, its attractive
scenic advantages and its well known liberality of management
combine to make it the favorite with tourists through the great west.
The management made every effort to find a way to handle
the Labor Day excursion ,but rather than cause any inconvenience
or detract from its established reputation, it preferred to decline the
business. This of itself is proof that the management strives to
deal fairly with the traveling public. It also proves that the rail
road which does deal fairly with the people will do the big business.
ON TO BEATRICE LABOR DAY.
The Unions of That City Preparing to Show Lincoln Unionists the
Times That We Read About.
"Beatrice on Labor Day" should be the slogan of every union
ist in Lincoln, for that's where Labor Day will be celebrated this
year with all pomp and circumstance. The excursion will be run
over the Burlington, the fare is 90 cents the round trip for adults
and 45 cents the round trip for children. Take your baskets well
filled and prepare to have a glorious time. For further particulars
see the official program, further announcements or any member of
th'e committees. ' V. ,
SB
85
An
mm
TO THE PUBLIC: For three months last
past we have been using the columns of The
Wageworker in an effort to educate the people
up to the economy and convenience of gas as
a fuel. A great many Lincoln people have
been receiving The Wageworker during this
time, with our compliments, and we. assure
them that they will not be called upon to pay
any subscription bills. We have been highly
gratifed with the results obtained, for scores
of families are now using fuel gas as a result
of this method of publicity.
We have endeavored to point out the ad
vantages of fuel gas in points of economy,
convenience and general utilitypoints that
will be concurred in by upwards of 4,000 fam
Hies now using fuel gas. We are perfectly
willing te leave these points with those who
are using gas for fuel. Indeed, our best solic
itors are those who use fuel gas, for they in
variably recommend it to their friends who
are nonusers, and a satisfied customer is al
ways a good advertisement for any business.
We are prepared to submit proof that fuel
gas is far cheaper than coal or wood, and su
perior to either in convenience and comfort.
AH that we ask is that you give fuel gas a fair
trial, unbiased by prejudice. You will find it
a saving in money and in time, a saving of
labor and temper, a convenience in a score of
ways.
Fuel gas means fuel at the point of contact
without the interposition of carriage, kindling
or middlemen. It means the -utilization of all
the heat. It means an absence of smoke,
ashes and litter. There is absolutely no waste
heat about fuel gas, and the heat is confined
to cooking the food and not distributed all
over the house. We connect new gas ranges
without cost, no matter from whom you buy
them. For the convenience of users of fuel
gas we carry a lare line of the best and most
improved makes of ( gas ranges arid water
heaters and sell them on easy terms so easy
that the saving in fuel practically pays for
the range within our time limit.
We take this opportunity to extend our
thanks to the public for its increased patron
age, and assure them that it will be our con
stant effort to merit a continuance of the same.
Lincoln Gas t Electric Light
BELL 75
OOrVIPAIMY
1323 O ST., LINCOLN. AUTO 2575
OPEN EVENINGS
