WAGEWORKER
WILL M. MAUPIN, EDITOR
Published Weekly at 137 No. 14th
St., Lincoln, Neb. One Dollar a Year.
Entered as second-class matter April
81, 1904, at the postoffice at Lincoln,
Neb., under the Act of Congress of
March 3rd, 1879.
'Printer' Ink," the recog
nized authority on advertis
ing, after a thorough Investi
gation on this subject, says:
"A labor paper Is a far bet
ter advertising medium than
an ordinary newspaper In
comparison with circulation.
A labor paper, for example,
having 2,000 subscribers is of
more value to the business
man who advertises in it
tho an ordinary paper with
12,000 subscribers."
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country is considerably less than $500
a year.
And another thing that would be
funny were it not pathetic is the bul
letin's estimate that the average ex
penditure for rent per annum id $99.49,
or $8.50 per month. What do the
wage earners of Lincoln think about
it? Are they paying an average of
only $8.50 a month for house rent?
Is it not a ' fact that the average is
more than 50 per cent greater than
the estimate of the government sta
tisticians? Acording to the bulletin
the item of rent represents less than
13 per cent of the total expenditure.
Social economists whose knowledge is
not confined to desk investigation are
practically a unit in declaring that
the Itam of rent amounts to more than
22 per cent of the total expenditure
of the average family.
One has but to thumb the pages of
the bulletin and compare its statistics
with his own experience to demon
strate beyond a preadventure that the
bulletin's statistics are absolutely un
reliable, and that the whole thing is
the very quinessence of statistical
tommyrot.
THE QUINTESSENCE OF TOMMY-
ROT.
The Wageworker is in receipt of
Bulletin No. 71 of the Bureau of La
bor, the same coming from the Gov
ernment Printing Office at Washing
ton, D. C. The only good thing about
the bulletin is that it provided work
for a large number of printers, press
men, stereotypers and bookbinders.
It is filled with a mass of statistics
that are of no earthly account be
cause they are compiled by statisti
cians who konw nothing but figures,
and the conclusions reached are gen
erally at variance with the facts. Any
housewife who keeps an account of
her household expenditures can take
her little old book and give the lie
to three-fourths of the conclusions as
to wages and prices compiled by these
expert statisticians of the Department
of Commerce and Labor.
For instance, there is the bulletin's
claim that an hour's wages in 1892
would buy less food products than an
hour's wages in 1906. This is arrived
at 'by calculating that the wages of
forty-one industrial ocupations have
Increased 24.2 per cent per hour in
1906 over ten the years of 1890-99,
The facts are, and a little investiga
tion of wages will prove it, that wages
have made no such increase. The bul
letin claims that the wage per hour
in the building trades has increased
40.2 per cent. Is there a carpenter,
bricklayer, plumber or painter in Lin-
coin who believes It? Is there one
whose wage today is 40 per cent per
hour greater than it was in 1899?
Evidently the statisticians responsi
ble for the bulletin figured the in
crease by taking into consideration
that shortening of the working day in
most of the organized trades. This
enables them to show a healthy in
crease "per hour" without showing
any increase to amount to anything
in the wage per day and it is the
wage per day that should be taken in
to account. For instance, a man work
ing ten hours a day for $3 receives
30 cents an hour. Suppose he secures
a shorter work day eight hours
without any decrease in pay. He is
then getting 37 cents an hour, which
is an increase of 25 (per cent -per hour.
but it adds not a penny to the sum
total of the wages he earns In a month
or a year. Yet the government statis
ticians would have the wage earner
believe that his wages have increased
25 per cent. The funny part of It is
that this Juggling of the figures de
ceives a whole lot of worklngmen.
Here is another sample of the utter
absurdity of the statistical findings
as shown in Bulletin No. 71;
"Average food cost per working
man's family in 1890, $318.20. Aver
age fo3d cost per worklngman's family
in 1906, $359.43."
Acording to this the workingman is
spending only $41.23 a year more for
food now than he did In 1890. What
workingman believes it? An Increase
of only $3.50 a month in the cost of
living for the average family of five
persons! The average worklngman's
family of five finds itself paying that
much more for the single item of
meat if it has fresh meat on the table
an average of twice a day, or even
once a day.
Here is a real funny thing from the
pages of the 'bulletin: It reaches the
conclusion that the average income per
family or 0.31 members is $827.19 a
year. . There are 312 working days in
a year. According to the bulletin the
average workingman makes an aver
age of $2.64 cents a day every work
ing day in the year allowing nothing
for days lost on account of Illness or
weather conditions, lack of work or
any one of a dozen causes for en
forced idleness. The fact of the mat
ter Is that the average annual income
per family of the craftsmen of this
AN OLD EXCUSE.
When a man wants to find an ex
cuse for not doing what he knows to
be his duty, he seldom has any dif
ficulty in mustering one that satisfies
him.
Every union man in Lincoln knows
the need of a Labor Temple, and every
union Iman knows, deep down in his
heart, I that he ought to have a part
in 'building one. But there are some
happily few in numbers but unfortun
ately loud of lung who want some ex
cuse for not helping, and they have
provided them.
One refuses to take hold because
he does not like some man who is
actively engaged in furthering the pro
ject.
Another refuses to take hold be
cause he just "knows somebody will
graft."
Another refuses because he does not
like the plans adopted.
Another refuses because he was not
personally consulted before definite
action was taken.
All these things are put forward as
excuses. In a majority or cases tne
excuse is not sincere and is put for
ward to hide the real reason and
the real reason is that the man mak
ing them is unwilling to make sacri
fices with his comrades, although
eager to participate in the benefits.
American workingmen are not ask
ing for marble bath rooms, cafes, rest
rooms and reading rooms in the mills
and factories where they are employ
ed. They are asking for wages that
will permit them to have bath rooms
in their homes and plenty of good
books and newspapers on their front
room tables. They are not asking for
favor3 they are simply demanding
justice.
Close upon the heels of the report
that John Mitchell is to retire from
the presidency of the United. Mine
Workers comes the report that he is
to 'be given a fat federal office by
President Roosevelt. Mitchell would
fill any one of a hundred jobs better
than the fellows who now hold them,
The Nebraska congressman who ap
points, or acquiesces in the appoint
ment of an open enemy of organized
labor, may depend upon it that he will
have to answer for It at the pools.
Workingmen are fast realizing that
they must act together politically as
well as industrially.
"DONT ALL COME AT ONCE"
but come In some time during this ueek-you can't afford
not toassttnese etr& opportunities not to be missed
The difference between those rotten
trust company banks In New York
and Pittsburg and a faro bank is sim
ply tnls when the trust companies
go broke the fellows on the inside
have the money. When a faro bank
goes broke the fellows on the outside
have the money.
It's a cinch that the managers of
those 'big stock juggling concerns
working under the names of trust
companies are of the firm belief that
trades unionists are all anarchists and
can by no means be good citizens or
patriots.
Cloakroom
When you buy a Coat you may go shopping around indiscriminately,,
still you will remain in doubt as to whether you have secured the latest
and choicest garment at the right price. You will save time by
having your pick of our handsomely styled, perfectly tailored garments,
and be assured that you will receive your money'B worth.
Plush Jackets
And Goats
$13.50 values Crushed Plush
silk braid trimmed; spec
ial $11.95
$17.50 values Black Velour;
satin lined; silk braid
trimmed; special $14.95
$27.50 and $29.50 values
Broadtail Plush; fine pull
braid trimmed; special $24.75
$35.00 values Persian Lamb
Plush; a swell garment;
special ; $29.95
$19.50 values Crushed Plush:
50-inch; full lined; special. $17.50
$27.50 values Crushed Plush;
50-inch; full Venetian '
lined; special $24.75
Fine Medium Weight Ker
sey; 50-inch; flare back;
wine velvet trimming;
special .". .$12.95
Wool Cheviot; 52 inches
long; tight fitting; low
priced at : $13.50
Coats for Littlo Tots
$1.75 Eiderdowns, special, $1.58
$3.05 Astrakhan; heavy
grade ; special $3.45
$3.95 Best Bearskins ;
special $3.45
$4.50 Best Whirlpool Bear
skins; special $3.95
Red French Flannel
$4.95 Box Jackets; J
special.' ....$3.95
We Lead in Popular Priced
Dress Goods
10 pieces of the most popular colors in 36-inch All Wool Panama;
50c value; special .."
5 pieces of 38-inch Cream White Mohair; imported; 50c value
36 and 38-inch All Wool Batiste and All Wool Albatross in the most
wanted shades; special thi3. week
51 pieces of Henvy Worsted Suitings in novelty plaids, checks and
hair line stripes; a suiting that is all wool; special this week
52-inch Twill Back Broadcloth in colors tan, brown, royal, navy,
garnet, wine and black; all wool; a regular $1.00 value; special. .
We are showing some very attractive Plaid Waistings and Suitings;
;M 15c, 25c, 50c, 75c, $1.00 and ,
Fancy Broadcloths in the most wanted shades, at 75c, $1.00,
$1.25 and ...
Black Broadcloths, at 69c, 89c, $1.00, $1.25, $1.50 and...
Black and Colored Serges; 38 to 50 inches wide; at 50c, 75c,
$1.00 and
The Family Shoo Store
We cater to the winter footwear
wants of the entire family
father, mother, grandpa, grandma,
brother, sister and baby one and
all are provided for here. Nothing
that has merit or is worthy of a
place in this house of good shoes
is left out of our lines. We ask
that you make this your place to
supply your wants in footwear for
the entire family.
Ladies' Shoes; Lace and
blucher; in all the popular
leathers patent kid and
colt, vici, velour and box
calf; up-to-date styles; AA
to EE- widths; $4.00, $3.75,
$3.50, $3.00, $2.50 and $2.00
Men's Shoes
Patent colt, vici, velour and box calf; all widths, A to EE; $5.00,
$4.00, $3.50, $3.00, $2.50 and .$2.00
Shoos for Boys, Uissos & Children
$2.95, $2.50, $2.00, $1.75, $1.50, $1.39 and $1.09
,..25c
.$1.00
.39c
.39c
. .45c
.,45c
..89c
$1.50
$1.50
$2.00
$1.50
Tricot Flannels
15 pieces of Tricot Flannels in the popular colors, at 25c
10 pieces of Flaked Tricot Flannels; all the popular shades; now 30c
Lining Silks and Satins
45-inch Silk Gloria Lining in colors navy, green, gray and cardinal; '
"i special this .week v 83c
45-inch All Silk Motor Coating in colors navy and gray; regular $1.50
value; Bpecial $1.25
36-inch Lining Satin; all colors; guaranteed for two season's wear;
special 90c
Infants' Soft Soles; 1 to 4; 50c, 35c and...,
Infants' Kid Shoes; lace and button; 49c to.
We guarantee every shoe we sell, to do its duty. '
In warm lined Shoes and Slippers we carry a 'complete assortment,
for men, women and children.
Foil and Winter Underwear
We feel that from now on you will be looking for new Underwear,
for fall and winter wear, and that we have exactly what you will want,
at a saving in price to you. . Come in and get our prices andbe convinced.
Children's Underwear
Children's Cream White Light Fleeced Ribbed Underwear; worth '
to '25c; any size, 16 to 34; special this week 15c
Children's Gray Ribbed Fleeced Vests, Pants or Drawers; prices ac
cording to size
Size 16" 18 I 2b 22 24 26 28 30 32 i 84
Price .... 12jc 15c 17jc 20c 22je 25c 27jc 30c 32jc 35c
Children's and Boys' Fleeced Lined SHifts, Drawers or Pants; prices
according to size , : , ' ,
Size..'. 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 I 32 I 34
Price 15c 17jc 20c 22c 25c 27jc 30c 82jc 35o j 87jc
Children's Sanitary Australian Wool Jersey Ribbed Vests or Pants;
prices according to size ,
Size 16 18 20 22 24 26 I 28 30 32 34
Price 30c 3Sc 40c 45c 50c 66c 60c 65c 70c 75c i
Children's Sanitary Camel Hair in a Natural Color; Vests, Pants or
Drawers ' . ' .
Size 16 18 1- 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34
Price 25c 32jc 40c 42c 50c 57jc 65c 72jc 77jc 85c
Misses' Union Suits; cotton fleeced ribbed; cream white; at40c, 50c ;
and ....... j...... i , .60c
Children's Silver Gray Light Fleeced "Union Suits; any size; now, 25c
Boys' Heavy Fleeced Lined Union Suits; any size; choice ,'. .. . . ..50c
Ladies' Underwear
Ladies' Fleeced Ribbed Vests and Pants "in cream or silver; In all
1 sizes . .- ....v.. ..... ............. .25c
Ladies' Set Snug Pants or Vests; cream white; light fleece; sizes 4,
. 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9; any size.... .50c
Ladies' Extra Heavy Fleece Vests or Pants; silver gray only; all
sizes : . . . 50c
Ladies' Non-Shrinking Wool Vests or Pants; nice and soft; in regular
and extra sizes; any size garment. . .$1.00
Ladies' Heavy Camel Hair Vests or Pants; natural color; all size .'
garments ' ,. $1.00
Ladies' Ribbed Fleeced Union Suits in regular and extra sizes; spec
ial . . . 45c
Ladies' Glove Fitting Jersey Ribbed Union Suits; cream white; regu
lar $1.00 value; special ... 85c
Ladies' Extra Heavy Fleeced Lined Union Suits in gray; any size $1.00
Other Union Suits for Women, at $1.50, $2.25, $3.00 and. . $4.00
SPECIAL IN BLACK SILK
32-inch Guaranteed Black Taf '.
feta; a special $1.00 value. . . .85c
Our Three Star Taffeta; 36
inches wide; special number
at $1.35; at $1.15
Our 36-in. Dependon TafTeta;
special at $1.50; at . $1.25
1
917-921 O St. OPPOSITE CITY HALL
COATS FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN
$3.95 Zibeline; neatly trim
med ; special .......... $3.45
$4.95 - Wool Melton; neatly
trimmed; special ..... .$4.45
$5.95 -Wool Beaver;.' neatly '
trimmed; special $5.35
$5.95 Plain Bearskins; special. $5.35
$7.95 Whirlpool Bearskins;
special .$6.95
The merchant who advertises with
handbills and circulars .printed in a
"rat" printing office should be shunn
ed by union men, and the aforesaid
business man should be made aware
of the reason why he is thus shunned.
By reason of working long hours
and paying low wages a Lancaster
county printer was able to grab off
the contract for printing the report
of the state bureau of labor. But
there is no money to pay for it and
the unfair shop will .have to wait.
Isn't that too bad?
Figures will not lie, but liars will
figure. There are three kinds of liars,
"liars, d d liars and government
statistics." For proof read the last
bulletin of the government bureau of
labor.
A lot of big financial institutions in
the east are going broke, not because
President Roosevelt's policy is wrong
or unfair, but because the financial in
stitutions are rotten to the core.
Another one of the Vanderbilt girls
is to marry a frazzled out scion of
English nobility. The only good fea
ture about the transaction is that it
is a lucky thing for some red-blooded
American man.
If Lincoln business men want the
patronage of Lincoln unionists they
must show it by their actions. Word
of mouth don't go any more.
Consistency is the life of trades un
ionism. You cannot be a good union
man as long as you purchase "scab"
goods when union made goods in. the
same line are offered you.
It Is illegal to boycott, but no judge
on earth can compel you to spend
your money with an industrial enemy.
Printing conditions in Lincoln de
mand the ceaseless use of the "little
sticker."
Charles W. Post talks glibly about
"free and independent industrial con
ditions." That's all right, but what
about practicing "free and indepen
dent marital relations?"
The sooner trades unions throw oft
all the secret meeting business the
better off they will 'be. Trades union
ism has nothing to hide.
If you se it In a government statis
tical table the chances are that it is
not true.
I
SERVED 'EM RIGHT
Fifteen members of the Brotherhood
of Carpenters at Newark, N. J., were
recently fined $100 each by the union
for not striking. They refused to go
out on a recent strike when ordered,
and when the firm which employed
them settled its differences with the
union they were discharged.
THE BREWERY PROPOSITION.
Promoters Meeting With Good Suc
cess in Their Stock Campaign. ,
The gentlemen who are promoting
the plan to rect a magnificent brew
ery and ice plant in Lincoln report
that they are meeting with great suc
cess in their campaign. It is a big
project and it will take some time to
put it through, but success seems al
ready assured. 'Some men of ample
financial means have, taken hold of it
and are pushing it along. Just at
present the' efforts of the men in
charge are being confined to the plac
ing of stock in small blocks, the idea
being to secure the co-operation of as
many people as possible. Enough
stock has been subesrihed already to
make the gentlemen "in charge san
guine of success in a shorter time
than they had dared to hope for when
they started.
Naturally enough some opposition
to the location of a brewery in. Lin
coln has made itself manifest, but
this : opposition' is not as great as
some might imagine. As a rule the
people are considering it from a pure
ly 'business standpoint, which is rea
sonable and just. -' ; '
The erection of a hrewery in Lin
coln would not mean the consumption
of more beer in Lincoln, but it would
mean an increase'd market- for labor
and grain, and a consequent enlarge
ment of the pay rolls' of the com
munity. That would mean more busi
ness for the merchants, more taxpay
ers and more building in Lincoln. It
looks like a good business proposition
all around. - - ;
